B&O Play Beoplay H3 (2nd Generation)

Puristic All-In-One Headphones with Convincing Sound Capabilities

In a nutshell

The B&O Play Beoplay H3 has exactly what you’d want from an in-ear headphone model. They’re inconspicuous and comfortable to wear, while delivering when it comes to sound. The balanced, harmonious sound character is very convincing, while functionality hits all the right notes thanks to a user-friendly interface. If you’re willing to dig a little deeper into your pockets for a listening solution that makes everyday enjoyment that much easier to attain, the Beoplay H3 is well worth a look.

The Danes have mastered the art of the headphone, with the Beoplay H3 yet another fine offering from B&O Play’s expanding range of premier listeners.

The slick exterior of these B&O Play in-ear headphones make a neat first impression. In fact, their elegant packaging is worth a mention, inviting you in to enjoy that unbeatable unpacking experience. The headphones themselves are loving wrapped in paper, with accessories including four different sizes of earbuds, a hands-free kit and a simple transport case arranged in an orderly fashion. There’s also a remote control integrated into the cable, along with a flight adapter for listening on the go during much longer journeys. The enclosed instructions provide clear guidance on how to replace various attachments, as well as outlining key functions that can be controlled via the integrated remote.

Sound

Above all else, the balanced sound capabilities of these headphones impress. B&O Play manage to create a sound from these in-ears that many manufacturers would struggle to match with over-ear headphones. It’s not too bass-heavy, with a sound that’s, all in all, a beautifully balanced affair. Also, the treble impresses, being neither shrill nor subtle.

However, there’s one small drawback: the lack of noise cancellation. Outside noise only penetrates slightly, with a muffled noise occasionally noticeable, although I can’t help but think a little focus on noise cancellation would have drastically improved the appeal of these headphones.

Comfort & Function

These headphones are a dream to wear, with a lightweight design that makes them pretty inconspicuous. Despite that, they’re a firm fit, surviving even a rigorous morning jog or workout without slipping. The slightly stiff cable tends to make muffling, rumbling noises when moving, but those looking to reduce this effect can use a cable clip to overcome the problem. Unfortunately, I can’t comment as to whether the strain protection of the cable and headphone components will withstand in the long-term due to the short period of testing.

The remote control works adequately. A light touch will adjust the volume, a double click skips a track forwards, while backward skipping is achieved with a triple click. Call functionality is available, with an integrated hands-free system that delivers. Speech intelligibility proved to be first-rate on both ends. However, since the integrated microphone is a little sensitive, loud ambient noises tend to be transmitted as well.