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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

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%

5.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.3

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%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

5.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.9

Connectivity

6.0%

6.0

Battery

4.0%

7.0

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.2
    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%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 3.5
    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%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    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

  • 7.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    6.7

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Beoplay H3 is a premium wired in-ear headphone crafted from a single block of high-grade aluminum, designed by Jakob Wagner for a lightweight and robust build weighing only 16 grams. It features custom-designed 10.8mm dynamic drivers with a 20Hz–16kHz frequency range, 18-ohm impedance, and 100dB sensitivity, supplemented by 26 precision-drilled air vents and a miniature bass port to deliver a natural, balanced soundstage. Main pros include its ergonomic, comfortable fit, exceptional build quality, and clear, inoffensive audio performance suitable for long listening sessions. However, noted cons include poor external noise isolation due to the open-vent design, a thin non-detachable cable that can be prone to kinking, and a lack of sub-bass precision compared to competitors in its price bracket.

Technical Specifications of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.3
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a technical score of 5.32 points, which is higher than that of 62.7% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

6.5
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% 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 Beoplay H3 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

10.8 mm
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 uses a driver size of 10.8 mm, smaller driver size than 87.4% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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 H3 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 H3 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 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

1
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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 H3 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

?
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 Beoplay H3 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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

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

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

16 g
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 weighs 16 g, lighter than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

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
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 vs the average headphone

  • 92.7% lower weight
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 is lighter than the average headphone (16 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 H3 is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.16 g vs 218 g
  • Clear call microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 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 H3 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 H3 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Play while charging
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Better IP rating
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IP54 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    What it is: Level of dust and water protection rating
    When it matters: When sweat, rain, or dust exposure is part of how you use the headphones.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IP54 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.IP54 vs none
  • 92.7% lower weight
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 is lighter than the average headphone (16 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Better IP rating
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a better IP rating than the average headphone (IP54 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
  • Play while charging
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 29.2 mm smaller driver size
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 4 older release date
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2013
  • 29.2 mm smaller driver size
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 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 H3 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10.8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 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
  • 4.65x less popular
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 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 H3 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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 H3 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
  • 3.1% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 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 Beoplay H3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.53 vs 6.736).6.53 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3?

  • Premium, lightweight machined aluminum construction
  • Extremely comfortable, ergonomic fit for long listening sessions
  • Open and realistic soundstage due to back ventilation holes
  • Clear, natural midrange and crisp vocal reproduction
  • Balanced, distortion-free audio that is easy to listen to without fatigue

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3?

  • Bass can occasionally lack tightness, punch, or strict control
  • Noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes due to the open-back vents
  • Thin cable design feels fragile and cheap to some users
  • Prone to mid-high sharpness or vocal sibilance on certain tracks
  • In-line remote and buttons feel plasticky and flimsy
  • Considered slightly overpriced relative to competing in-ear monitors

Video reviews

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