Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Review: Luxury Noise-Cancelling Headphones Tested

When Bang & Olufsen announced their Beoplay H100 headphones with a staggering £1,450 price tag in the UK (and $2,200 in the US), the tech world collectively raised an eyebrow. In a market dominated by Sony, Bose, and Apple’s AirPods Max, could these premium Danish headphones possibly justify their luxury positioning? We’ve spent several weeks living with the H100s to find out whether they’re a triumph of audio engineering or simply an exercise in conspicuous consumption.

The answer, as you’ll discover in this comprehensive review, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While these headphones won’t appeal to everyone-their pricing alone ensures that-they deliver an experience that goes beyond mere specifications. From the moment you unbox them to the first notes of your favorite track, the H100s make a statement about what premium audio can be when no compromises are made.

Sound Quality: Where Luxury Meets Performance

Let’s address the most critical aspect first: how do the Beoplay H100 headphones actually sound? In a word: exceptional. After testing numerous high-end noise-cancelling headphones over the years, we can confidently say the H100s deliver some of the most refined audio we’ve experienced in this category.

Midrange Magic and Balanced Audio

The standout feature is undoubtedly the midrange performance. Vocals sound incredibly natural and present, with a richness and detail that’s often lost in consumer headphones. Whether you’re listening to Adele’s powerful vocals or the intricate harmonies of a classical piece, the H100s render every nuance with precision.

What’s particularly impressive is how little equalization these headphones require. Unlike many competitors that need significant tweaking to sound their best, the H100s come out of the box with a beautifully balanced sound signature. The bass is present and detailed without being overwhelming, while the highs sparkle without becoming harsh or fatiguing.

This balanced approach makes the headphones remarkably versatile across genres. From electronic music to jazz, classical to podcasts, everything sounds excellent. The soundstage-how instruments are positioned in space-is also impressive for closed-back noise-cancelling headphones, creating a sense of width and depth that enhances the listening experience.

Noise Cancellation: Top-Tier Performance with Minor Quibbles

Active noise cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature for premium headphones, and Bang & Olufsen hasn’t cut corners here. The H100s feature some of the most effective ANC we’ve tested, placing them firmly in the top tier alongside Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max.

Effective Noise Blocking Without Hiss

What sets the H100s apart is how they achieve noise cancellation. Many ANC headphones introduce a subtle hiss or pressure sensation that some users find uncomfortable. The H100s manage to dampen ambient noise effectively without these common drawbacks. Office chatter, airplane engines, and street noise all fade into the background, allowing you to focus on your audio.

The transparency mode-which lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones-is very good, though it doesn’t quite match Apple’s industry-leading implementation on the AirPods Max. Voices come through clearly, and environmental awareness is maintained, but there’s a slight artificial quality to the sound that’s noticeable when directly compared to Apple’s offering.

For most users, this won’t be a deal-breaker, especially since the transparency mode works perfectly well for quick conversations or situational awareness. But if you regularly switch between ANC and transparency modes throughout the day, you might notice the difference.

Design and Comfort: Premium Materials Meet Practical Engineering

Bang & Olufsen has always excelled at design, and the H100s continue this tradition. At first glance, they’re undeniably large headphones, but their weight distribution and materials make them surprisingly comfortable for extended wear.

Materials That Matter

The H100s feature an impressive materials list that explains much of their premium positioning:

• Aluminium and titanium construction for the headband and sliders
• Premium leather on the headband and memory foam earpads
• Fabric-covered cables and internal components
• User-replaceable parts including headbands and earpads

This last point is particularly important for longevity. Unlike many headphones that become disposable when parts wear out, the H100s are designed to last. The earpads and headband can be replaced relatively easily, extending the life of your investment significantly.

Intuitive Controls and Daily Use

Bang & Olufsen has opted for physical dial controls rather than touch-sensitive surfaces, and this proves to be an excellent choice. Volume adjustment happens via a rotating dial on the right earcup, while ANC levels are controlled with a similar dial on the left. Both offer satisfying tactile feedback and precise control.

The headphones are comfortable enough for all-day wear, with memory foam earpads that distribute pressure evenly. The clamping force is sufficient to create a good seal for noise cancellation without becoming uncomfortable after several hours.

Our only design complaint is the included case. While beautifully made, it’s notably bulky-more like a small briefcase than a headphone case. This makes the H100s less travel-friendly than some competitors, though the protection offered is undoubtedly excellent.

Features and Battery Life: Modern Conveniences

Beyond sound and design, the H100s pack modern features that justify their premium positioning in today’s market.

Connectivity and Codec Support

The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.3 with support for high-resolution codecs including aptX Adaptive and AAC. This ensures excellent wireless audio quality whether you’re using Android or iOS devices. The connection has been rock-solid in our testing, with minimal dropouts even in crowded wireless environments.

Multi-point connectivity allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously-perfect for switching between your phone and laptop without manual re-pairing. The companion app offers basic customization options, though it’s less feature-rich than some competitors’ offerings.

Impressive Battery Performance

Battery life is a strong point, with Bang & Olufsen claiming up to 32 hours with ANC enabled. In our real-world testing, we consistently achieved 28-30 hours of mixed use, which is more than enough for most users. Even heavy users should only need to charge every few days.

Charging happens via USB-C, and a 15-minute quick charge provides around 3 hours of playback. There’s no wireless charging, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point, but the wired charging is reasonably fast.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the Beoplay H100?

After weeks of testing, we’ve reached a clear conclusion about the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 headphones. They’re not for everyone-their price alone ensures that-but for the right user, they represent something special.

The Luxury Audio Experience

If you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality in a noise-cancelling headphone and money is no object, the H100s are a compelling choice. Their midrange performance is genuinely exceptional, and the overall audio quality stands above most competitors.

The premium materials and build quality also justify much of the price. These feel like headphones that will last for years, especially with the user-replaceable components. For frequent travelers or professionals who wear headphones all day, the comfort and durability are significant advantages.

Considerations Before Buying

Before splurging on the H100s, consider these factors:

1. Budget alternatives exist: The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers 80% of the performance at less than 30% of the price
2. Ecosystem matters: iPhone users might prefer AirPods Max for seamless integration
3. Travel limitations: The bulky case makes these less ideal as travel companions
4. Feature trade-offs: No wireless charging and a less advanced transparency mode

Ultimately, the Beoplay H100 headphones deliver exactly what Bang & Olufsen promises: luxury. From the unboxing experience to the daily use, everything feels premium and considered. They’re not just headphones; they’re a statement about valuing audio quality and craftsmanship above all else.

For most people, the price will be prohibitive. But for those with the budget and appreciation for B&O’s brand ethos, the H100s offer an audio experience that’s difficult to match elsewhere. They’re a niche product, but within that niche, they excel.