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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£350
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.6

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%

7.3

Technical Score

20.0%

8.6

User score

Very good
7.3

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%

7.8

Sound

20.0%

7.3

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

Very good
8.6

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

9.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(562)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(562)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

  • 7.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 9.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 4.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i is a premium wireless on-ear headphone featuring 40mm electro-dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–22kHz, and an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with both Bluetooth 4.2 and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. Its lightweight 215g frame is crafted from anodized aluminium and authentic leather, housing advanced features like a transparency mode for environmental awareness, a proximity sensor for automatic play/pause, and dual-device connectivity. While it excels in portability and luxurious build quality, some users find the on-ear pressure uncomfortable for long sessions, and it lacks aptX support and high-volume 'oomph' compared to larger over-ear models.

Technical Specifications of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i

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%

7.8

Sound

20.0%

7.3

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

5.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

7.3
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a technical score of 7.31 points, which is higher than that of 87.1% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

9.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(562)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(562)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.6
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a user score of 8.59 points, which is higher than that of 73.5% 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.
9.5
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 70.5% 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%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

7.9
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 83.2% 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

40 mm
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 Beoplay H8i 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

20 Hz
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

6
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 2.4% 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

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
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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

wireless
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.2
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.6% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
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

10 m
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

?
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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

30 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46% of headphones and equal to 10.5% of headphones.
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

30 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers battery life with ANC of 30 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 43.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
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

3.5 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i needs 3.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 87.6% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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

1,110 mAh
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a battery capacity of 1110 mAh, higher battery capacity than 94.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
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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

on-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

225 g
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i weighs 225 g, heavier than 52.2% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

closed-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

?
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • EQ customization
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.6 vs 1
  • 85% higher battery capacity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,110 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,110 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.1110 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 85% higher battery capacity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (1,110 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • USB-C charging
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Removable battery
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has more microphones than the average headphone (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
Features
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 Beoplay H8i has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 Beoplay H8i has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).£350 vs £90
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.98 dB vs 110 dB
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
562 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
562 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i?

  • Exceptional battery life, often cited at 30 to 45+ hours depending on ANC usage.
  • Premium build quality featuring authentic leather and anodized aluminum.
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) for an on-ear design.
  • Lightweight and portable construction (approx. 215g).
  • Transparency mode allows for quick hearing of surroundings without removing headphones.
  • USB-C charging and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity to two devices.
  • Physical button controls are often preferred over unreliable touch pads from previous models.

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i?

  • Comfort issues: Being on-ear, the clamping force can cause ear soreness after extended use.
  • Wonky proximity sensor: The auto-pause/play feature can be overly sensitive or glitchy.
  • Lack of high-end codecs: Unlike its predecessor, it lacks aptX support, relying only on AAC and SBC.
  • High price point compared to competitors from Sony and Bose.
  • Maximum volume may feel limited for users who prefer very loud audio.
  • Includes only a soft carry pouch instead of a protective hard case.
  • No voice prompts: Status and battery levels are indicated by tones rather than a voice.

Expert reviews

I
itwire.com
25/02/2018
Review – Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i wireless noise cancelling headphones

The iTWire review praises the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i for its comfortable, lightweight design and effective active noise cancellation, which silences background noise for a high-quality audio experience. The headphones are also highlighted for their robust build quality and seamless dual-pairing functionality between devices. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks...Read more

E
engadget.com
28/04/2018
B&O Beoplay H8i and H9i headphones review

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i ($399) and H9i ($499) headphones retain the brand's signature luxury aesthetic of leather and aluminum while introducing key upgrades like USB-C charging ports, automated play/pause proximity sensors, and vastly improved battery life. Both models deliver B&O's trademark crisp, clear sound signature paired with carefully balanced bass that never...Read more

M
medium.com
17/06/2020
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i On-Ear Headphones Review Would you like me to find a comparison between the H8i and its successor to see if the upgrades ar...

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i on-ear headphonesGo offer a premium, stylish aesthetic with exceptional, long-lasting battery life and a well-balanced, natural audio signature. Reviewer Andre Salvatierra praises the all-day comfort, provided the headband is properly adjusted, and highlights the effective active noise cancellation. Medium· However, the review points out that the high...Read more

H
headphonecheck.com
24/04/2019
B&O Play Beoplay H8i Review

The B&O Play Beoplay H8i premium on-ear headphones deliver a highly precise and balanced audio profile that excels across genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music. Weighing just 215 grams, the lightweight aluminium and soft leather design offers premium comfort alongside exceptional battery endurance, reaching up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
14/06/2018
B&O Beoplay H8i Review: Wireless, noise-cancelling luxury

The Trusted Reviews assessment of the Beoplay H8i highlights these wireless on-ear headphones as a luxurious option featuring a premium build and a 30-hour battery life. Key pros include an "awesome" sound profile with deep bass and the inclusion of physical controls, which are more reliable than touch pads. However, cons include potential discomfort from minimal headband padding...Read more

I
itwire.com
25/02/2018
Review – Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i wireless noise-cancelling headphones

The iTWire review praises the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i for its luxurious design, effective active noise cancellation, and convenient features like the proximity sensor and transparency mode. Pros highlighted include superior build quality, clear microphone performance for calls, and an intuitive control scheme. Conversely, the review notes a significant, though isolated, technical...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
13/03/2018
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H8i on-ear wireless headphones offer premium design, durable aluminum construction, and exceptional comfort thanks to memory foam earpads wrapped in soft leather. They excel in functionality with powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), a highly effective proximity sensor for auto-pause/play, clear microphone performance, and an impressive battery life...Read more

P
pcmag.com
08/03/2018
B&O Play Beoplay H8i Review

The $399 B&O Play Beoplay H8i on-ear wireless headphones offer a design-forward alternative with a powerful audio signature, delivering deep bass and crisp highs. PCMag highlights the effective active noise cancellation (ANC), a useful Transparency Mode, and a companion app with an adjustable EQ for sound customization. Conversely, the review notes the high price point, with ANC...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
23/02/2018
B&O Play Beoplay H8i review on kopfhoerer.de

The B&O Play Beoplay H8i is a premium, lightweight (215 grams) wireless on-ear headphone that delivers a highly balanced, high-fidelity sound profile suitable for all musical genres, from classical to bass-heavy charts. It features an elegant design crafted from aluminum, polymer, and soft leather, backed by an exceptional battery life that reaches up to 30 hours with both Bluetooth...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
saggiamente.com
09/02/2018
B&O BeoPlay H8i Review: More Simplicity at a Lower Price

The Beoplay H8iGo review on SaggiaMente highlights the on-ear wireless headphones as a refined, slightly more affordable iteration in the Bang & Olufsen lineup, featuring premium materials and active noise cancellation. Key improvements include the addition of USB-C charging, a transparent mode, and proximity sensors for automatic pausing. Despite a lower price point than...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
recordere.dk
16/02/2018
REVIEW: BeoPlay H8i Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancellation

The BeoPlay H8i is a lightweight, 215-gram wireless on-ear headphone featuring high-quality aluminum construction, a natural kernel leather headband, and memory foam ear cushions. It provides a balanced sound profile with both good top and bottom ranges, though it may require adjustments via the ToneTouch feature in the companion BeoPlay app to boost the treble for a brighter tone....Read more

(Translated)Show original

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