Beoplay EX from Bang & Olufsen - wireless ANC earbuds with luxe build and multipoint

By Julian Reed, ad hoc news Accessories & Components Desk. Reviewed July 01, 2026, 10:25 AM ET. Details in the imprint.

Beoplay EX from Bang & Olufsen is one of those earbuds you notice before you even hit play: the glassy stem catches the light like a tiny mirror when you open the compact charging case, and the brushed aluminum feels cool against your fingertips. Slip them in and you're met with a soft seal from the silicone tips and a surprisingly airy soundstage that makes a hi-hat shimmer rather than hiss.

Design, build and comfort

Bang & Olufsen pitches the Beoplay EX as its premium true wireless ANC earbud, sitting above the more minimalist E8 line in both price and feature set. Official Beoplay EX product page The most striking design detail is the polished glass touch surface on each stem, framed by an aluminum ring and paired with a matte body that nestles into the ear without creating pressure points.

On the desk of Bang & Olufsen's Copenhagen headquarters, product manager Jakob Thyr looks at EX as a wearable piece of industrial design as much as an audio device, and that philosophy shows up in the IP57 dust and water resistance rating, which covers splashes and sweat for gym use. Beoplay EX launch press release The earbuds are relatively light at around 6 grams each, making them feel secure but not heavy during longer listening sessions.

Drivers, tuning and ANC performance

Inside each Beoplay EX sits a 6 mm dynamic driver, a size that Bang & Olufsen calls out as an upgrade over earlier in-ear models, with the goal of improving bass extension without sacrificing midrange clarity. TechRadar review of Beoplay EX In practice, reviewers describe a sound that is slightly warm-leaning, with a noticeable low-end presence but still enough detail to pick out individual instruments in a busy mix.

Active noise cancellation on EX is adaptive, using feedforward and feedback microphones to adjust to ambient sound levels; commuting testers noted that low-frequency rumble from subway cars is significantly reduced, while voices in a coffee shop remain faintly audible but softened at typical listening volumes. RTINGS Beoplay EX measurements There is also a transparency mode that pipes in outside sound, so you can hear a barista call your name without pulling the earbuds out.

Battery life, connectivity and controls

On paper, Bang & Olufsen rates Beoplay EX for up to 6 hours of playback with ANC turned on, extending to around 8 hours with ANC off; the case adds three additional charges for a total of up to 20 hours. Beoplay EX specification sheet In real-world use, testers generally land slightly below those numbers at moderate volumes, which is typical across premium ANC earbuds.

The case supports both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging, a combination that fits the lifestyle of travelers who may want to drop it on the same pad they use for a smartphone at night. The Verge on Beoplay EX Bluetooth 5.2 support, including multipoint connectivity, allows EX to stay paired to two devices at once, such as a laptop and phone, and switch automatically when a call comes in.

Codecs, app features and call quality

Beoplay EX supports common Bluetooth audio codecs including SBC and AAC, with additional support for aptX Adaptive on compatible Android devices, providing higher bit rates and lower latency for gaming or video. What Hi-Fi review On iOS, EX leans on AAC, and in testing that combination still delivers a spacious, controlled sound.

Bang & Olufsen’s app for iOS and Android gives access to adjustable sound modes and an EQ curve, letting listeners tilt the response toward more bass or a slightly brighter top end. Inside the app, you can also tweak ANC levels and touch controls, mapping single, double and triple taps to functions like play, skip and voice assistant. Bang & Olufsen app listing Call quality is boosted by beamforming microphones in each earbud; callers hear a slightly compressed but clear voice even in breezy outdoor conditions.

US pricing, positioning and competition

For US buyers, Bang & Olufsen lists Beoplay EX at around $399, putting it above mass-market ANC earbuds like Apple’s AirPods Pro but slightly below some ultra-high-end in-ear monitors. US Beoplay EX buy page That price reflects a brand that has historically targeted design-conscious consumers who treat audio gear as part of their home aesthetic.

Analyst Søren Jakobsen, who covers Nordic consumer electronics, notes that EX fills a strategic niche for Bang & Olufsen as it translates its heritage in sculptural speakers into the far more crowded true wireless market. In retail channels, EX is often merchandised alongside the company’s portable speakers such as Beosound A1, reinforcing the idea of a visual and sonic ecosystem rather than a single standalone purchase. Reuters on Bang & Olufsen strategy

Company context and stock angle

Bang & Olufsen, founded in Struer, Denmark in 1925, has long built its brand on visually distinctive audio systems and televisions, and in the past decade it has leaned more heavily into portable and personal audio as households adopt streaming-first habits. Company background Beoplay EX sits within that portfolio as a higher-margin accessory product that can accompany a living room setup or serve as an entry point to the brand.

Shares of Bang & Olufsen (NASDAQ: BNGOF, ISIN DK0010218429) trade in the US over the counter via an ADR, giving US retail investors indirect exposure to the company’s premium headphone and speaker lines, including Beoplay EX.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Securities trading carries risks up to total loss.