Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Bang & Olufsen Form 2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bang & Olufsen Form 2 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

7.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 88% of headphones
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

52%

4.4

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

8.3

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 94% of headphones
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on 66 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 68% of headphones
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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bang & Olufsen Form 2

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

52%

4.4

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

8.3

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on 66 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
4.6/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Form 2 has a popularity score of 4.6 points, which is lower than that of 61.9% of products in this category.
4.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Driver size
30 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
40 Hz
Lowest frequency
40 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 40 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 99.4% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Number of microphones
0
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Bang & Olufsen
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
68 g
Weight
68 g
This pair of headphones weighs 68 g, lighter than 80.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
semi-open
Clamp force
?
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Form 2 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • 68.8% lower weight
    Weight
    68 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (68 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    68 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Open-back design
    Has an open-back design
    yes
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 68.8% lower weight
    Weight
    68 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (68 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    68 g vs 218 g
  • Open-back design
    Has an open-back design
    yes
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Has passive noise reduction
    no
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    94 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    40 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Not headset-ready
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 6.7% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Form 2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 7.3).
    6.81 vs 7.27
  • 4.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bang & Olufsen Form 2
    the average pair of headphones
    Bang & Olufsen Form 2 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.68 vs 8.000).
    7.68 vs 8
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Travel bag included
    no
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Has passive noise reduction
    no
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    94 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    40 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 16 dB lower max SPL
    Max SPL
    94 dB
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (94 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    94 dB vs 110 dB
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    94 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    Can be used as a headset
    no
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 31 older release date
    Release date
    1985
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (1985 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    1985 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

L
letstalk-tech.com
18/06/2014
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
02/08/2014
Summary of the review
S
soundandvision.com
04/10/2016
Summary of the review
H
head-fi.org
23/01/2006
Summary of the review
H
hometheaterreview.com
09/05/2009
Summary of the review
A
audiophilestyle.com
17/08/2013
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
19/10/2014
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
27/03/2014
Summary of the review
O
on-mag.fr
10/04/2015
Summary of the review
V
visualescrita.wordpress.com
11/04/2014
Summary of the review
F
fwdmagazine.be
18/04/2012
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 66 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Bang & Olufsen Form 2

  • Iconic, minimalist design that is featured in MoMA's permanent collection.
  • Extremely lightweight (approx. 68-90g), making them barely noticeable when worn.
  • Delivers clear and detailed midrange performance, particularly good for vocals and acoustic music.
  • Surprising bass reproduction and 'slam' for an old-school, semi-open design.
  • Good soundstage and stereo separation that provides an open, airy listening experience.
  • Reliable and long-lasting build; some users report using them daily for over 10 years.

What we don't like about Bang & Olufsen Form 2

  • Can become uncomfortable or 'clampy' during prolonged use, typically after 1-2 hours.
  • Lacks sub-bass and deep low-end power due to the early frequency roll-off.
  • Poor noise isolation and significant sound leakage because of the semi-open configuration.
  • The foam ear pads are fragile and prone to flattening or falling off, requiring frequent replacement.
  • Fragile plastic headband that lacks padding and does not fold for easier storage or travel.
  • Excessively long and thin cable (on original models) can be prone to tangling and twisting.

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Form 2 (and updated Form 2i) is an iconic, ultra-lightweight on-ear headphone weighing between 86g and 90g, featuring a minimalist semi-open dynamic design that has earned a place in MoMA's permanent collection. Technically, it offers a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 21,000 Hz, an impedance of 30 Ohms, and 30mm drivers that deliver a transparent, neutral soundstage with a focus on clear mid-range and crisp highs. Main pros include its timeless aesthetic, extreme portability, and an 'honest' stereo performance that avoids over-emphasized bass, while the 2i version adds a modern 1.2m tangle-resistant cable with an inline microphone and remote. However, notable cons include a lack of deep sub-bass, a plastic headband that can feel fragile, and physical discomfort or 'clamping' fatigue during listening sessions exceeding two hours.

Compare Bang & Olufsen Form 2 with other products in the Headphones category

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