With the Beoplay EX, the Danish manufacturer offers headphones without compromise and at a high price (400 euros). A relevant elitist positioning in the face of the best, much more affordable models?
Design: a refined style, high-end finishes
Bang & Olufsen has clearly sought to make Beoplay EX worthy representatives of its luxury brand image. If we find a design with an external branch as on the AirPods ofApplethese headphones claim a style like no other. The search for purity that makes the B&O signature is present as soon as you discover the case in aluminium brushed coordinated with color headphones that are available in three finishes: Anthracite Oxygen (our test copy), Gold Tone (gold and sable) and Black Anthracite (totally black). Rectangular in shape with rounded corners, it offers a pleasant touch and exudes a feeling of quality that is rarely felt with this accessory generally made of plastic.
The attention to detail and quality is very much present on the headphones themselves, with a superb glass and aluminum finish for the touch area. The Beoplay EX almost look like fashion accessories, as beautiful to look at as they are to wear, the B&O logo that fans of the brand will surely be delighted to display for all to see.
Ergonomics and comfort: mention good
Despite their rather imposing appearance, especially for the in-ear part that takes place in the ear, the Beoplay EX are easily inserted without causing any discomfort. You can easily indulge in head banging listening to a piece of music without fear of losing them. Certified IP57 (immersion up to 1 m deep for 30 min), the headphones are promoted as resistant to rain and sweat.
Bang & Olufsen assures that they are ” designed to fit all ears “. For this, they are supplied with four pairs of tips in silicone and a set of bits mousse at shape memory, which adapt to the shape of the ear canal. While it is true that we did not encounter any particular problem with adjusting the earphones, their overall size might not be suitable for morphologies smallest ears. In addition, in prolonged use, we sometimes felt a little discomfort requiring removing and then putting back the Beoplay EX. We cannot really speak of a defect and the experience will vary according to the morphology of each one. But, for comparison, the Momentum True Wireless 3 from Sennheiser that we recently tried did not cause any fatigue during long sessions.
Goldsmiths of sound
The 9.2 mm diameter speakers that equip the Beoplay EX are the largest ever integrated by B&O in wireless headphones, according to the manufacturer. This is what explains their congestion. Is it worth it in terms of audio quality? Totally! Let’s be honest, the Beoplay EX are a delight for the ears. Demanding audiophiles will find first-class companions to enjoy their music.
Our test was carried out with a smartphone Google Pixel 6 Pro using the platforms of streaming of music Spotify et Qobuz. The latter offers the diffusion music in source quality up to Hi-Res 24-bit/192kHz.
Let’s start with the voices which are beautifully respected. Mélodie Gardot, Leonard Cohen, Prince, Gregory Porter or even Mavis Staples, the Beoplay EX have filled us with pleasure listening to these giants and many other artists.
Listening to Freddy Mercury sing We Are The Champions live at Wembley Stadium during the 1985 Live Aid concert, we felt like we were in the audience at the foot of the stage.
Whether on rock, jazz but also classical, we enjoy a separation stereo and a top-notch soundstage that deliver a powerful sense of immersion. For example, the percussions which introduce The Tide is High by Blondie twirl from left to right with a vigor that made us jump.
On It’s fineone of Dead Can Dance’s iconic titles considered a justice of the peace for true wireless headphones, the Beoplay EX transported us to the heart of the song, positioning each instrument with precision.
The remastered version of Where Is My Mind des Pixies, Lo/Hi Black Keys and One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head on Qobuz gave us the opportunity to appreciate all the precision and power of the basses that never play the intruders.
In summary, Beoplay EX make music live and vibrate with great virtuosity. Associated with a high definition streaming service on Deezer, Tidal or Qobuz, they offer the ideal combination for music lovers looking for the best possible audio quality with wireless headphones.
Active noise reduction, battery life and features
Beoplay EX have adaptive active noise reduction (RBA) which adjusts its intensity according to ambient noise. You can also opt for a manual setting at three levels. The effect ofsoundproofing is noticeable when listening to music, but the efficiency is a step below what the best headphones offer Bluetooth of the category, namely the AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser Momentum TW3. Likewise, the mode transparency which allows you to hear ambient sounds and voices without removing the headphones lacks clarity. The Beoplay EX do not offer the same versatility of use as their aforementioned competitors.
On the other hand, they do very well in terms of hands-free calls, with a sound deemed clear and natural by our interlocutors. Note that the headphones support simultaneous connection to two terminals.
The advertised battery life is six hours per charge using active noise reduction and eight hours if it is switched off. During our test, we approached this deadline without difficulty. With the case and the additional refills it provides, you can reach up to 21 hours of autonomy.
L’application Bang & Olufsen is a model of ergonomics and clarity. We particularly appreciated the equalizer which comes in the form of a four-zone circle (Clear, Dynamic, Warm and Relaxed) with a circular slider that you move with your finger to the desired effect. But it is a pity that it is not possible to customize the controls of the touch interface.
Futura’s opinion
Beoplay EX are exceptional Bluetooth headphones in more ways than one. Starting with their high price. Fortunately, their remarkable audio quality and high-end finish can pass this addition. Users ready to invest 400 € to afford a pair of headphones that they will not see in everyone’s ears and who are looking for high-end audio quality will get their money’s worth. argent.
On the other hand, for those who want real versatility of use with effective active noise reduction in all circumstances, the AirPods Pro, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and Sony WF-1000XM4 are still references.
WE love
- An elegant design
- Impeccable finishes
- Exceptional audio quality
- The well-designed mobile app
We love less
- The high price
- Lack of touch controls settings
- Active noise reduction not at the benchmarks of the category
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