Bang & Olufsen, the iconic Danish audio brand known for its stunning design and premium pricing, has unveiled its latest masterpiece: the Beoplay H100 wireless headphones. These headphones are a testament to luxury and innovation, boasting a sleek combination of leather, aluminum, and scratch-resistant hardened glass. Each earcup features a rotating “haptic” dial, providing intuitive control over volume and noise cancellation.
However, this indulgence comes at a steep price: $1,549, significantly higher than the company’s previous flagship, the Beoplay H95, which already carried a hefty $800 price tag. Despite the cost, Bang & Olufsen promises a truly exceptional audio experience.
The Beoplay H100 is equipped with 40mm titanium drivers, capable of reproducing frequencies from 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz, making them compatible with hi-res audio sources (up to 24/96). Right out of the box, you can connect the headphones to a smartphone or computer via a USB-C cable for a wired hi-res audio experience. However, Bang & Olufsen plans to release a software update that will enable hi-res Bluetooth codecs for a similar wireless experience. The specific codecs and release date are yet to be announced.
The H100 also boasts enhanced noise cancellation, which Bang & Olufsen claims is twice as effective as the H95. This is powered by a six-mic array, while a separate four-mic array ensures crystal-clear voice pickup, even in noisy environments. Spatial audio with head tracking, optimized for Dolby Atmos, is also available.
Beyond the innovative dials, the headphones offer physical buttons and touch controls on the glass outer surfaces, including a quick-listen feature that activates when you cover the earcups with your hand. These controls can be customized through the B&O companion app.
In terms of battery life, the H100 offers 32 hours of playback with ANC enabled, compared to 38 hours on the H95. This drops slightly to 30 hours when spatial audio and head tracking are activated.
To complete this luxurious experience, the Beoplay H100 comes packaged in a leather carrying case, a fitting complement to the headphones’ premium design.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 headphones offer a truly premium audio experience, designed for discerning listeners who appreciate exceptional sound quality, innovative features, and a luxurious aesthetic. However, their hefty price tag makes them a luxury purchase that may be out of reach for the average consumer.
