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Bang & Olufsen A8 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • Form factor: open-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bang & Olufsen A8 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.0

Technical Score

20.0%

6.4

User score

Poor
3.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

2.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(10)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 6.9
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • bang-olufsen-a8
  • bang-olufsen-a8
  • bang-olufsen-a8
bang-olufsen-a8
bang-olufsen-a8
bang-olufsen-a8

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen A8 is a premium wired, intra-concha earphone crafted from anodised aluminium and hard rubber, featuring a distinctive three-way adjustable over-ear hook system for a personalised fit. It utilises electro-dynamic speakers with a 1.2-metre cord and a standard 3.5mm jack, delivering a balanced and clear frequency response of 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz at an impedance of 19 ohms. Main characteristics include its lightweight 22g design and exceptionally sturdy build quality, with pros highlighted by its secure fit for active users and detailed high-mid performance ideal for classical or vocal-focused music. However, notable cons include a lack of deep bass for contemporary genres, significant sound leakage due to the open-ear principle, and a high premium price point compared to similar technical alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Bang & Olufsen A8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

2.0

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

3.0
Bang & Olufsen A8 has a technical score of 3 points, which is lower than that of 99.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(10)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.4
Bang & Olufsen A8 has a user score of 6.42 points, which is lower than that of 87.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.8
Bang & Olufsen A8 has a popularity of 1.8 points, which is lower than 68.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

5.5
Bang & Olufsen A8 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 92.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

14.2 mm
Bang & Olufsen A8 uses a driver size of 14.2 mm, smaller driver size than 84% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bang & Olufsen A8 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

50 Hz
Bang & Olufsen A8 reaches a lowest frequency of 50 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 99.6% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

No
Bang & Olufsen A8 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Bang & Olufsen A8 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Bang & Olufsen A8 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bang & Olufsen
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

open-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

22 g
Bang & Olufsen A8 weighs 22 g, lighter than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Bang & Olufsen A8 vs the average headphone

  • 89.9% lower weight
    Bang & Olufsen A8 is lighter than the average headphone (22 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bang & Olufsen A8 is lighter than the average headphone (22 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.22 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bang & Olufsen A8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen A8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 89.9% lower weight
    Bang & Olufsen A8 is lighter than the average headphone (22 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bang & Olufsen A8 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 25.8 mm smaller driver size
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 32 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (50 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    Bang & Olufsen A8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 17 years older release date
    Bang & Olufsen A8 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,000 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 25.8 mm smaller driver size
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen A8 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (14.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.14.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Bang & Olufsen A8 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Fixed cable
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 32 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (50 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bang & Olufsen A8 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (50 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.50 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Not headset-ready
    Bang & Olufsen A8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen A8 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.No vs yes
  • 21.7% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.53 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Bang & Olufsen A8 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.53 vs 6.736).5.53 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen A8 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
10 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
10 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen A8?

  • Premium build quality using anodised aluminium and hard rubber for a robust feel
  • Iconic and stylish semi-matte aesthetic often described as a work of art
  • Highly adjustable design with three points of movement to ensure a secure fit for active use like running
  • Detailed and analytical sound signature that excels with classical and jazz music
  • Clear, crisp high frequencies and articulate mid-range performance
  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear once the correct fit is achieved
  • Open and airy soundstage that provides a sense of dimensionality

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen A8?

  • Severely lacking in sub-bass and low-end impact, which may disappoint fans of hip-hop or electronic music
  • High retail price relative to the audio performance of modern alternatives
  • Inconsistent sound quality if a proper seal is not maintained in the ear
  • Proprietary fixed cable design that can be difficult or impossible to replace if damaged
  • Flimsy, thin wire quality compared to the premium build of the earphone bodies
  • Significant noise leakage and poor isolation due to the open-earbud design
  • Prevalence of counterfeit units in the second-hand market makes purchasing risky

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
22/07/2009
Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphones review - CNET

The Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphones are premium, stylish earphones constructed from anodised aluminium, plastic, and hard rubber, featuring a folding hook design that sits over the ear. Originally released only in black, they are also available in white, green, yellow, and orange. On the positive side, they offer an uncharacteristically balanced, smooth, and detailed sound profile that...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013
Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphones - Pocket-lint

The Bang & Olufsen A8 earphones offer a premium, highly adjustable design crafted from robust anodised aluminium and hard rubber, weighing just 22g overall. Designed to match the natural contours of the ear, they feature several flexible elements: a hinged over-ear bar, a sliding ear unit to accommodate different ear sizes, and a 360-degree rotating earpiece to properly direct...Read more

T
the-gadgeteer.com
21/01/2010
Bang & Olufsen A8 Headphones Review

The Bang & Olufsen A8 Headphones, priced around $160, are high-end, mid-range earphones engineered for active users like runners. Designed by Anders Hermansen, they feature a high-tech aluminum and rubber/plastic look with a 4-foot, tangle-resistant cord. The key selling point is their unique hook-over-the-ear design with three points of physical adjustability, which ensures they...Read more

T
totalguidetowiltshire.com
31/08/2012
Bang & Olufsen A8 Earphone Review - Total Wiltshire

The Total Guide to Wiltshire review praises the Bang & Olufsen A8 earphones for their durable anodized aluminum construction, exceptional comfort, and a highly adjustable ear-hook design that offers a tailored fit. Users can expect superior audio performance that rivals large loudspeakers, with the review emphasizing high-quality sound and great value for the price. Total...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010
Bang & Olufsen A8 EarphonesGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi reviews for the Bang & Olufsen A8 EarphonesGo highlight exceptional, "work of art" craftsmanship featuring brushed aluminum, along with extreme comfort and a lightweight design. Acoustic pros include accurate, balanced mids and detailed highs, paired with high sensitivity that makes them easy to drive. Conversely, the reviews heavily criticize the thin, distortion-prone...Read more

I
ign.com
24/09/2001
B&O A8Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Headphones Review - IGN

The B&O A8 headphones are a highly portable, over-engineered audio option constructed primarily from lightweight aluminium and rubber, weighing just eight grams per earbud. A major strength of these headphones is their innovative, customizable design featuring rotating ear hooks and bud posts that deliver a remarkably secure and snug fit, making them ideal for physical activities...Read more

M
maclife.de
13/03/2012
Quick Review: Bang & Olufsen A8

The Mac Life review awards the Bang & Olufsen A8 earphones a top rating of "1 very gut" (very good), highlighting their exceptional sound quality and mechanical craftsmanship. Priced at €165, these wired earbuds feature an adjustable design built from premium materials including silver anodized aluminum, hard rubber, and plastic. Acoustic performance stands out as the core strength;...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
01/03/2006
B&O Beomedia 1 - Hi-Fi.nl

The HIFI.nl review highlights the Bang & Olufsen Beomedia 1 as a central media server designed to bring modern digital capabilities to an existing BeoLink audio-visual setup. The reviewer commends the Danish manufacturer for its exceptional design, advanced multi-room system integration, and sheer product refinement. Operating as a hidden "black box," the device functions seamlessly...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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