Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0

The Beoplay E8 2.0 now comes in four different colours and with a new case that supports wireless loading in compliance with Qi-Standard. In addition, the new case also offers more power for recharging than the previous version, although there did used to be a small carrying strap, which is now missing. In addition to the hardware update, a new app has been released, which unites all B&O products under one software roof, including the E8 version 2.

Early 2.0

The packaging is elegantly designed and holds a pair of in-ears, silicone earpieces in sizes XS, S, M, L, a pair of Comply Foam earpieces in M, the charging case and charging cable in USB-C format, as well as a short instruction manual. You’ll only need to check the latter briefly to find out the pairing procedure with the device (press both in-ears simultaneously for 5 seconds), then you can install the app and you’re ready to go.

Sound 2.0

True to their predecessors, the Beoplay In-Ears offer good sound and a nice fit with high wearing comfort – although you will have to select the most appropriate earpiece first. The Beoplay E8 2.0 is full and juicy with a broad appearance and beautiful depth, leading you into the music just like its predecessor did. A comparison of the specs lists of version 1 and 2 shows quite quickly that nothing has changed technically: Identical drivers, same spectrum, same impedance, and same Bluetooth 4.2. No wonder you immediately feel at home. Also, the control works identically to version 1 via the sensitive tap zones on the backs of the In-Ears.

New 2.0

The leather charging case now works wirelessly but requires a Qi-standard compliant loading mat. This can either be sourced from another supplier or picked up from B&O as a very reasonably priced accessory. Put the case on the mat and current flows through the air into the batteries, the capacity of which has been increased to allow the in-ears to be recharged three times (previously two times) before needing to be recharged itself. This gives you a total playing time of 16 hours instead of 12. If you don’t have a charging mat, you can also charge the case traditionally via USB-C cable.

The app’s functionality has also been improved. There are now some EQ presets, which should make it easier to find the desired sound setting, as well as maintaining the wonderful matrix, on which you can simply move a point to make the sound brighter, add more bass, or make other adjustments to allow for a more personalised listening experience.

Regarding the transparency mode, i.e. switching on the microphones to hear external sounds more clearly, it has a useful four-step adjustment capability. As soon as you switch it on, you can choose to hear everything, hear more, hear less, or hear nothing at all from the outside. This works very well and the fine noise, which is often caused by the microphones in transparency mode with competitive brands, is missing with the E8 2.0. Speaking of microphones, talking over the microphones works very well in still environments, and I get good intelligibility and a pleasant sound from the caller. However, this clarity disappears as soon as you stand in the wind or ride a bicycle because then there is a lot of noise at the other end.