I was recently able to get my hands on the new on-ear, noise cancelling headphones from Bang and Olufsen. The Beoplay H8i headphones go for $399.00. Are they worth the price? Today I’ll try to find out with this Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i noise cancelling headphones review.
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i Noise Cancelling Headphones Review
In the Box
-Beoplay H8i
-1.2 m audio cord with 3.5 mm jack
-1.25 m USB A to USB C cable
-flight adapter
-carrying pouch
-documentation
Specifications
-frequency response: 20 Hz-22 kHz
-driver: electro-dynamic; 40 mm
-style: on-ear, closed back, noise cancelling, wireless
-Bluetooth codec: 4.2, AAC
-battery life: 30 hours with ANC and BT on; 45 hours with only BT on; 42 hours with ANC on
-charging time: 3.5 hours
Design
Headband
The headband of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i is made of aluminum. As a result, it is light and durable. It is also super comfortable. On the underside of the headband is a soft cushion coated in fabric. Along the top of the headband is a strip of leather, giving these headphones a sleek and stylish look.
Earcups
Like the headband, the earcups of the Beoplay H8i have a stylish, modern, and minimalist look. They are compact and lightweight. Additionally, they turn 90 degrees inward so they can easily slide into a back.
The left earcup has a 3 way toggle switch for power, ANC, and transparency mode. On the other hand, the right earcup has 3 buttons for volume up/down, and Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, etc. Additionally, the right earcup has an audio cable port and charging USB port.
Earpads
The earpads of the Beoplay H8i rock and swivel on top of the earcups. The cushions are very soft and extremely comfortable memory foam. They’re coated in lusciously soft leather. They’re definitely some of the most comfy on-ear headphones I’ve tried!
Feature
Active Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation of the Beoplay H8i is nice and strong. It uses four electret microphones. If you are the type of person who wants a strong and obvious noise cancellation, you’ll really enjoy the H8i!
Bluetooth
The Beoplay H8i connected to my phone very easily. Its connection strength was pretty standard. It stayed connected to my phone for about 30 feet with line of sight and then began to break up. The H8i has a really wonderful battery life of 30 hours if you’re using both ANC and Bluetooth–longer if you’re using neither or just one.
Other Notable Features
–Transparency mode: amplifies the signal to the outside world but still cuts out consistent low noise (so voices, for example are easier to hear)
–Proximity sensor: headphones automatically pause and play when you take them off and put them on
–Microphone: very clear for calls!
Sound
Low Frequencies
While there isn’t a lot of low frequency extension on the Beoplay H8i, the lows are round and have weight. There is not great separation between the lows and low mids so bass guitars and bass synths sometimes run into kick drums, for example. However, the headphones sound most natural and beefy with synthesized instruments such as those in pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Mid Frequencies
The Beoplay H8i has some dips in the midrange that make vocals feel a little thinner than normal. However, because of replenished highs, the vocals still sit forward in the mix. Additionally, the high mids are a little bit scooped. As a result, the energy of electric guitars, pianos, horns, synths, and bass comes from the low mids rather than any attack in the high mids.
High Frequencies
Like the midrange, the high frequencies of the Beoplay H8i headphones have a few dips which help prevent sibilance and harshness. However, while vocals, cymbals, and strings still have a good sense of air, they’re a bit less natural sounding than they might be otherwise.
The headphones so no signs of harshness anywhere, and as a result, I actually found them quite pleasant to listen to bright jazz music in order to tame it.
Overview
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i noise cancelling headphones have a nice, strong noise cancellation and are some of the most comfortable on-ear headphones I’ve ever worn. They sound the best with pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
The Beoplay H8i noise cancelling headphones are available for the best price here:
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