Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Name: Bang & Olufsen — Beoplay HX, noise-cancelling wireless headphones (Black Anthracite)
Brand: Bang & Olufsen
SKU: B08TZRP19J

Noise-cancelling wireless headphones (Black Anthracite)

Ideal for: Music and calls at the desk and on the go.

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Live price and availability on amazon.com.be

The Beoplay HX is Bang & Olufsen's wireless headphone with adaptive noise cancelling: lambskin ear cushions, recycled aluminium arms and up to 35 hours of playback with ANC, according to the brand.

Battery (according to Bang & Olufsen)Up to 35 h with ANC, 40 h on Bluetooth only
Drivers2 × 40 mm, neodymium magnets
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1 multipoint, aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs
Charging and wiredUSB-C with fast charging, 3.5 mm cable included
MaterialsLambskin and memory foam ear cushions, anodised recycled aluminium

Avoid ifIf you want the latest features such as head-tracked spatial audio or LDAC: this model, launched in 2021, doesn't list them. And if your budget is tight, this is a luxury headphone.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX wireless headphones in Black Anthracite, perspective view

Why this model

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is an over-ear wireless headphone with adaptive active noise cancelling, designed for people who want to stay comfortable through long office or work-from-home days, with premium materials you'll want to leave on display. In Black Anthracite, it goes for a calm, Scandinavian look rather than flashy tech.

In this Beoplay HX review, we go through what Bang & Olufsen actually claims: up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC according to the brand, Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint, aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs. You'll also see who this premium headphone makes sense for, and when you're better off skipping it. You'll find it on Amazon.

Design: a Bang & Olufsen headphone made to be seen

The Beoplay HX follows the brand's Scandinavian design language: clean lines, matte finishes, no frills. According to Bang & Olufsen, the sliding arms are anodised, pearl-blasted recycled aluminium, the upper headband is smooth-grain cowhide and the underside is knitted fabric.

The ear cushions are lambskin filled with memory foam, and the headband has a centre relief zone to reduce pressure points. Black Anthracite is the most understated finish: set next to your monitor, it looks more like a design object than a computer accessory.

Day to day: office, remote work and commuting

The adaptive active noise cancelling adjusts to your surroundings, and the Bang & Olufsen app lets you pick ANC presets and change the sound profile. Touch controls on the earcup mean you don't need to reach for your phone to skip a track or change the volume.

For video calls, Bang & Olufsen lists MEMS microphones with beamforming to pick up your voice. Multipoint keeps you connected to your computer and your smartphone at the same time, and the headphone remembers the last 8 paired devices, according to the brand.

Beoplay HX key specs

On the audio side, the Beoplay HX uses two custom-designed 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports. It connects over Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs, and supports Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair and Made for iPhone.

According to Bang & Olufsen, battery life reaches up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 40 hours on Bluetooth only. It charges over USB-C with fast charging; a 3.5 mm cable is included for wired listening, along with a fabric carrying case.

Who it's for (and who it isn't)

The Beoplay HX is for people who spend hours with headphones on (remote work, open-plan offices, trains) and care as much about materials and comfort as about the spec sheet. It also makes a great gift for a design lover.

On the other hand, it launched in 2021: if you want head-tracked spatial audio or the LDAC codec, look at newer headphones instead. And if you simply want to block out noise without caring about the finish, a mid-range headphone will do the job.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX worth it?

Yes, if you want a noise-cancelling headphone with premium design and materials: lambskin, recycled aluminium, cowhide. Its claimed 35 hours of battery life with ANC suits long office days. If only the newest features matter to you, a more recent model will suit you better.

What is the Beoplay HX battery life?

According to Bang & Olufsen, the Beoplay HX lasts up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 40 hours on Bluetooth only. It charges over USB-C with fast charging. That's enough to cover a working week without plugging it in.

Can the Beoplay HX connect to two devices at once?

Yes, the Beoplay HX supports Bluetooth multipoint, so it stays connected to your computer and your smartphone at the same time. According to Bang & Olufsen, it remembers the last 8 paired devices. That's handy for switching from a video call to a phone call.

Is the Beoplay HX a good AirPods Max alternative?

It's a solid alternative if you want a premium headphone that works as well with an iPhone (Made for iPhone) as with Android (Google Fast Pair, aptX Adaptive). It can also be used wired with the included 3.5 mm cable. The choice will mostly come down to your ecosystem and the design you prefer.

Can you use the Beoplay HX wired?

Yes, Bang & Olufsen includes a 3.5 mm cable with the Beoplay HX for wired listening, for example on a plane. A USB-A to USB-C cable is also included for charging. Everything fits in the supplied fabric carrying case.