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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£140
Avg. price in US: ~$200
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Poor

4.1

Poor

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
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%
9.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £140

Best rankings

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3i is an ultra-lightweight, 22g wired earphone featuring an iconic ergonomic hook design with telescopic bars and adjustable brackets for a customised fit. Constructed from premium brushed aluminium and soft-touch rubber, it houses electro-dynamic speakers with a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz and an impedance of 19 ohms, complemented by an inline three-button remote and microphone optimized for Apple devices. Its main advantages include exceptional stability for sports and an open-acoustic design that maintains situational awareness, though it suffers from poor noise isolation in loud environments and a distinct lack of deep bass response.

Technical Specifications of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I

Overall score

4.1

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?

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.

Sound

2.4

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

5.1

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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

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

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

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

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

6.4

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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

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

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

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Features

6.4

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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

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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

8.2

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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

in-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

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

semi-open

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

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I vs the average headphone

Why is Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I better than the average headphone?

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EQ customization
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Earset 3I supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
89.4% lower weight
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I is lighter than the average headphone (23 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 Beoplay Earset 3I is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.23 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Open-back design
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Boom microphone included
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
89.4% lower weight
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I is lighter than the average headphone (23 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Open-back design
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
EQ customization
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
24.2 mm smaller driver size
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I has smaller driver size than the average headphone (15.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
32 Hz weaker bass extension
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (50 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
No voice assistant support
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 older release date
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2011
No passive noise reduction
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
24.2 mm smaller driver size
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I has smaller driver size than the average headphone (15.8 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 Beoplay Earset 3I has smaller driver size than the average headphone (15.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.15.8 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Beoplay Earset 3I 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
4.65x less popular
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
16% worse value for money
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.81 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 Beoplay Earset 3I has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.81 vs 6.736).5.81 vs 6.74
Tangle-prone cable
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I 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 Earset 3I uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I?

Unique, iconic design with high-quality aluminum build
Secure over-ear hook fit, making them highly stable for running and outdoor sports
Open-back design allows helpful ambient situational awareness during outdoor use
Detailed, airy, and crisp sound performance in the mid and high registers
Clear inline microphone placement with an integrated click-controller
Lightweight and comfortable alternative for users who dislike standard in-ear canal tips

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Earset 3I?

Noticeable lack of deep bass response due to the open-ear design
Minimal to zero passive noise isolation, making them perform poorly in loud commutes or offices
Awkward and uncomfortable fit for users who wear spectacles or glasses
The connected audio cable feels thin, fragile, and highly prone to wire memory
High premium price tag relative to the average overall sound performance
Integrated control buttons can be difficult to distinguish by touch alone

Video reviews

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