B&O Beoplay Eleven: headphones with replaceable battery, painful for the wallet
Although the Danish manufacturer Bang & Olufsen has been operating on the nomadic headset market for more than 10 years, it is still little known for its headphones. true wireless. After the traditional in-ear model Beoplay EQ released in 2021, B&O decided to launch the Beoplay EXstem headphones directly inspired by AirPods Pro 2 from Apple. This iteration is now the subject of a subtle update called Beoplay Eleven, equipped with replaceable batteries. A property that is still very rare on the wireless earphone market.
Replaceable batteries and more effective noise reduction
The Beoplay Eleven are the brand's first headphones to be equipped with replaceable batteries. If B&O is used to emphasizing the repairable aspect of its audio products, this time it intends to anticipate the sustainability regulations which will come into force in 2027. In addition, this iteration stands out from its Beoplay predecessors. EX by improving its insulation methods. Indeed, for its Beoplay Eleven, the brand announces active noise reduction that is twice as effective and a transparency mode that is 1.8 times more effective. Wind noise reduction technology is also said to have been introduced.
Shy improvements, despite a significant price increase
For the rest, the Beoplay Eleven are absolutely identical to the Beoplay EX. Their weight and dimensions are the same, both for the headphones and the case side. We also don't expect any changes in terms of sound performance, since the Beoplay Eleven uses the 9.2 mm transducers of their predecessors. In addition, we still count on 6 MEMS microphones dedicated to calls, an aptX Adaptive Bluetooth receiver and IP57 certification allowing them to be immersed in water at a depth of one meter. The autonomy for a single charge also remains unchanged with lifespans announced at 6 hours with ANC activated, and 8 hours without.
The B&O Beoplay Eleven headphones are already available at a price of €499, in exclusive aluminum and copper finishes. We therefore note a price increase of €100 compared to Beoplay EX at the time of their launch. Would better noise reduction and more durability be enough to justify it? Not sure.
