Beoplay EQ: Bang & Olufsen releases first premium in-ears

Bang & Olufsen has introduced its first premium in-ear headphones. The Beoplay EQ come with high-end features including IP54 certification, but also tear a big hole in the wallet.

The features of the Beoplay EQ

Technically, Bang & Olufsen wants to inspire users of the Beoplay EQ with a hybrid active noise cancellation. A whole six microphones are used, which actively dampen ambient noise and at the same time provide a convincing voice reproduction during phone calls and a clear transparency mode.

Built in are 6.88mm electro-dynamic drivers, which should deliver a similarly convincing sound as you’re used to from the company’s larger headphones. Impedance is 17 ohms, while maximum sound pressure level is rated at 107 dB. Frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Each Bluetooth 5.2 earphone weighs 8 grams, which is significantly more than comparable premium in-ear headphones. In return, there is an IP54 certification, thanks to which the Beoplay EQ are protected against dust penetration and against splash water. The EarBuds are also versatile in terms of audio codecs: AAC and aptX Adaptive are supported in addition to SBC.

The various functions and music playback are controlled via touch surfaces on the earbuds. A double tap on the right earbud starts or pauses playback, while on the left it can be used to switch between ANC, Transparency and Neutral modes.

However, skipping tracks is apparently not possible. With the help of the companion app, the sound can be fine-tuned using various presets or with the help of an extensive equalizer.

Scope of delivery and battery life

In addition to the earphones, the charging case, the USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a quick-start guide, Bang & Olufsen supplies silicone ear inserts in four different sizes. A Comply attachment in size M is also included with the Beoplay EQ.

The aluminum charging case with rubberized underside measures 77 × 40 × 26 mm and can be charged via USB-C or wireless charging according to the Qi standard. However, the battery life in combination with the charging case is below average at around 20 hours of music playback.

A similar picture is also emerging for the in-ears. Here, according to Bang & Olufsen, 6.5 hours are possible in ANC mode with SBC or AAC codec. With aptX, the Beoplay EQ can last 5.5 hours. If you deactivate the active noise cancellation, the battery life extends up to 7.5 hours. Significantly less than the Sony WF-1000XM4, for example.

Price and availability

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ are available from August 19 at an MSRP of € 399 on the homepage of the manufacturer. They appear in black and gold (called “Sand”) colorways.