Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX tries to bring a bit of class to earbuds

When the Apple AirPods first came out, they were ridiculed for looking like EarPods whose wires were simply cut off. As with any Apple product, the stem-shaped design was quickly adopted as the new trend in True Wireless Stereo or TWS headphones. To the extent that other brands’ earbuds that look similar were seized and sold as fakes. Considering how much has been changed over the past six years, that doesn’t mean that this design is impossible to refine. That’s the breath of fresh air that good old B&O is bringing to the table with the Beoplay EX, turning earbuds into fashion accessories as much as they are tech gadgets.

Designer: Thomas Bentzen

There is admittedly something odd about the stem-shaped design popularized by the AirPods. The form is unique and can be uncomfortable for some. Of course, our eyes and minds have gradually adjusted over time to see it as normal, which also makes it an opportune moment to refine the design with some luxurious embellishments.

The Beoplay EX brings Bang & Olufsen’s signature touch to the stem design, wresting the crown from Apple in order to make earbuds more attractive as fashionable pieces rather than just geeky accessories. B&O’s signature design language includes a layer of glass covering the sensitive surface of the buds. This is followed by an aluminum brush ring that highlights the contrasts and provides protection for fragile materials.

It isn’t all just looks either. The Beoplay EX is not straight like the AirPods and even the AirPods Pro. Instead, it bends slightly to one side before tapering off at the end. This shape, along with a smaller earpiece that goes inside the ear canal, promises a more stable and comfortable fit that won’t wear down your ear or fall off on a run. It’s also IP57 rated, so it won’t shrink away from a slight shower, and neither should you.

Bang & Olufsen didn’t make a name for itself just by looking great, of course. It has been two years since the first generation of wireless earbuds with no stems. Three mics on each bud ensure crystal clear voice calls on both ends by separating your voice from other sounds. And with 9. 2mm drivers, you are guaranteed a listening experience that seems too big for earbuds of this size. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX is a wireless earbud that promises to deliver a listening experience like no other. It comes wrapped in high-quality clothing you won’t mind wearing all day.