Bang & Olufsen has been pampering portable sound for years, and with the Beoplay EX it has created one of its most ambitious in-ear headphones. These are completely wireless headphones that feature a "stick" design, active noise cancellation, and a premium approach to materials and finishes. For everyday use, they combine elegance, comfort, and advanced features for work, leisure, and sports. a set that seeks quality without sacrificing versatility.
The leap from previous generations is immediately noticeable: goodbye to the round button-like format and hello to a more stylized, stable, and discreet silhouette. Inside, 9,2 mm drivers tuned by B&O, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, and a six-microphone array with beamforming technology for clear calls. It sounds like a lot, and it is: IP57 water and dust resistant, Qi wireless charging case, and up to 21 hours of combined use. complete a most appetizing file.
Design and materials: careful aesthetics that are also functional
The Beoplay EX moves away from the circular button found on other B&O headphones to adopt a stem design that improves grip and tactile control. The outer surface of each earbud features tempered glass and anodized aluminum, materials that enhance the feel in the hand and withstand daily use. It's not just for show: The combination of rigidity, lightness and premium feel makes the difference when you put them on and forget they're there.
Their compact shape is designed to adapt to the anatomy of the ear, maintaining stability without excessive pressure. Weighing just 6 grams per unit, they fit quickly and stay put while walking or exercising. They're also IP57 certified, so they can withstand dust, sweat, and splashes without breaking a sweat—an added peace of mind if you want them for the gym or running in a drizzle. This sporty feel fits in with their overall design: They are good for “everything”, from calls to intense music sessions.
The ergonomics leverage the boom to improve voice capture and simplify touch gestures. The result is a product with its own personality, where attention to detail is everywhere, from the fit of the ear cushions to the finish of the charging case, which maintains the same elegant understatement. Bang & Olufsen's hand is evident in every edge and curve..
Sound quality: large drivers, B&O signature and wide soundstage
At the heart of the Beoplay EX is a 9,2mm neodymium driver, the largest the brand uses in TWS headphones. Size isn't everything, but it helps: it provides greater air displacement and, when properly tuned, delivers authoritative bass and a clear midrange that enhances vocals and instruments. The highs, meanwhile, strive for brilliance without harshness, maintaining detail and airiness. All of this translates into a balanced presentation, with a wide soundstage and good separation, just as you'd expect from the Danish brand. They are in-ear headphones that focus on musicality, clarity and control..
Audio connectivity is supported by Bluetooth 5.2 and high-quality codecs, including aptX Adaptive on supported devices, which adjusts bitrate to preserve fidelity and stability with low latency. In practice, this means smooth and stable playback on the go and, if your phone supports it, a noticeable improvement over the basic SBC. Additionally, through the mobile app, you can adjust the equalizer and profiles to tailor the sound to your tastes or the current genre. Personalization and a good codec go hand in hand here..
If you're into high-quality streaming, these are reliable companions. Not just because of the circuitry, but also because the B&O label encourages nuanced listening, with well-placed instruments and a sonic signature that doesn't tire you out. Whether it's intimate jazz, mainstream pop, or a podcast, you'll notice that touch of refinement that explains why these EXs aspire to be a benchmark. They don't just "sound loud": their goal is to sound good..
Noise cancellation and transparency mode: silence when you want, environment when it's time
The Beoplay EX's hybrid, adaptive active noise cancellation relies on a six-microphone array to measure the surrounding environment and effectively counteract external noise. Whether you're commuting in an urban commute, in an open-plan office, or in a coffee shop, the reduction is noticeable, allowing you to focus on your music or a call. It is an ANC designed for everyday use, less "bunker" and more balanced and natural..
When you need to hear what's going on around you, Transparency mode comes into play with a tap. It lets the surroundings in without having to remove your headphones—ideal for talking to someone at the reception desk, answering calls on public transport, or simply staying informed while crossing the street. The app lets you adjust the level of the effect and quickly switch between profiles. That quick switch between isolating yourself and “opening up” is so convenient..
During calls, the six microphones work with beamforming technology to focus your voice and mitigate ambient noise. The result is clearer conversations even on busy streets or in rooms with moderate echo. Additionally, the booms help position the microphones closer to your mouth, improving intelligibility. If you make meetings or calls often, these EXs play in your league..
Connectivity and control: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint and express pairing
The Bluetooth 5.2 standard guarantees a robust and efficient connection, with improved power management and lower latency compared to previous generations. Added to this is multipoint support, which allows you to pair two devices at once (e.g., laptop and mobile) and jump between them without constantly changing settings. An essential feature if you alternate between work and personal use..
Another advantage is the fast synchronization in popular ecosystems: agile pairing with Google, Apple and Microsoft to have them ready in seconds in compatible mobile phones, tablets or laptopsThat "take them out of the case and plug them in" thing is real, and it helps you use your earbuds more without wasting time. Less friction, more listening: that's how it should be.
The responsive touch controls allow you to manage playback, volume, calls, ANC/Transparency, and voice assistants. You can remap gestures and adjust sensitivity via the mobile app, and you can also update the firmware to improve performance over time. The app is the nerve center for fine-tuning your experience.
Battery and charging: all-day autonomy and Qi-enabled case
Battery life is impressive: each earbud has 70 mAh and provides up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled, or approximately 8 hours without the noise canceling feature. Adding the charging case, you can get around 21 hours of total listening time, enough for a long day of listening to music and making calls. These are realistic figures that are met in real use..
The case (380 mAh) adds two full recharges and charges in about 1,5 hours via cable. It's also compatible with Qi wireless charging, a premium touch that simplifies everyday use: just place it on the base on your nightstand and you're ready to go. If you're in a hurry, fast charging gives you about 20 minutes to recover around 1,75 hours of playback—a lifesaver more than once. Small gestures that add up a lot to mobility.
The combination of Bluetooth 5.2 efficiency and well-calibrated ANC helps sustain those numbers without surprises. You don't need to squeeze out the brightness or bass to make the battery plummet: the EX are tuned to perform well and consistently. No charger anxiety or sound sacrifices.
Sports resistance and use: IP57 to sweat without fear
With IP57 certification, the Beoplay EX can easily withstand tough gym sessions, sweaty runs, or unexpected splashes. Not quite waterproof for swimming, but serious protection for everyday sports use. The stable grip helps: Less adjustments, more focus on your training.
That same robustness also comes in handy for trips and busy days. Between the case, materials, and sealing, they withstand the wear and tear of carrying them everywhere. And because they're so lightweight, they don't tire your ears out over time. They are headphones that accompany without being noticed..
Voice assistants and ecosystem: truly hands-free
With full compatibility with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, you can manage music, calls, and reminders without taking out your phone. The boom improves voice detection, and noise cancellation helps the assistant understand you immediately in moderately noisy environments. A productivity boost, especially at work.
Integration with the Google, Apple, and Microsoft ecosystems also means instant pairing and seamless switching, something you'll appreciate if you move between Android phones, iPads, and Windows PCs. And if you work remotely, the EX is just as capable with music as it is with video calls, elevating the clarity of your voice. A true all-in-one for connected living.
Availability, colors and price
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX are available in several finishes, including an attractive “oxygen anthracite” blue hue and gold and black options. The official price is €399, in line with the brand's premium offerings. At launch, the blue hue began shipping in late April, with the gold and black versions arriving throughout May and June. A top proposal, also in presentation.
In some stores, you'll see forms to report if you've found a lower price, as a way to maintain competitive rates. They don't always match it, but it helps adjust market prices. And if you're wondering about opinions, don't be surprised if certain stores don't have reviews yet; this is normal shortly after a product launch. In any case, interest in these EX is high due to their specifications..
Comparison and focus: rivals in sight and target audience
At the high end of TWS, the EX headphones compete with heavyweights like the Sony WF-1000XM4, among others. B&O focuses on luxurious aesthetics and materials, a refined sound signature, and a well-rounded user experience, while Sony goes all in with aggressive ANC and its own ecosystem. Which should you choose? If you value design, comfort, an open soundstage, and an overall premium experience, the Beoplay EX packs a punch. They are “headphones to enjoy” as much as they are for daily use..
Who are they best for? Users who want a single device for music, calls, and workouts, with high-quality audio, polished aesthetics, and extras like multipoint, Qi, and good app control. If you're coming from B&O's circular models, the upgrade to the stem format will give you more stability and better voice quality during calls. And if you work remotely, the sound + microphone pair will make your life easier..
Essential technical sheet
- Design and materials: In-ear with boom; tempered glass and anodized aluminum; 6g per earbud; compact case.
- Resistance: IP57 certified against dust, sweat and water (not for swimming).
- Sound: 9,2mm neodymium drivers; Bang & Olufsen tuning; in-app EQ and profiles.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint; fast pairing with Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
- Codecs: High quality with aptX Adaptive on compatible devices; improved low latency.
- Microphones and calls: 6 beamforming microphones; ambient noise reduction; clear voice.
- ANC and transparency: Hybrid and adaptive active noise cancellation; configurable Transparency mode.
- Battery: Up to 6h with ANC / 8h without ANC per charge; 380mAh case for ~21h total; fast charging (20 min ≈ 1,75h).
- Load: : 1,5h for full charge; compatible with Qi wireless charging.
- Controls and app: Customizable touch gestures; OTA updates; ANC/Transparency fine-tuning.
- Attendees: Compatibility with Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa.
- Colors and price: “Anthracite Oxygen” blue, gold, and black; RRP €399.
If you're looking for TWS that combines immersive sound, good isolation, long-lasting comfort, and a touch of luxury, the Beoplay EX are a perfect fit: Large drivers and careful tuning, adaptive ANC, six microphones, multipoint, Qi, and a reliable battery life. in a format that looks good in any setting, from work to the gym and even the couch.