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Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£55
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Poor

4.7

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
2.0
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.7
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
7.9
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.7
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £55

Best rankings

Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE is a premium-tier in-ear headphone featuring a robust all-metal anodised aluminium housing and powerful neodymium drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 12 Hz to 23,000 Hz. With an impedance of 47 Ohms and a sensitivity of 107 dB, these wired earphones are designed for high-quality audio reproduction and excellent passive noise isolation. Main pros include a rich, punchy bass performance, a lightweight design for long-term comfort, and a flat, tangle-free cable that simplifies daily use. However, notable cons include an underemphasised treble range that can lack detail for audiophiles, the complete absence of an in-line microphone or remote for mobile calls, and a cable length that may be considered awkwardly long for some users when utilizing the extension.

Technical Specifications of Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE

Overall score

4.7

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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

5.2

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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

3.1

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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

6.2

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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

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

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Features

2.7

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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

8.0

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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

Beyerdynamic

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

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

N/A

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Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE vs the average headphone

Why is Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE better than the average headphone?

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85.3% lower weight
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE is lighter than the average headphone (32 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE is lighter than the average headphone (32 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.32 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
6 Hz lower bass extension
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
Boom microphone included
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
3,000 Hz higher treble extension
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.23000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
15.93 dB higher max SPL
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125.9 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125.9 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.125.93 dB vs 110 dB
85.3% lower weight
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE is lighter than the average headphone (32 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
3,000 Hz higher treble extension
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
15.93 dB higher max SPL
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125.9 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Boom microphone included
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
30 mm smaller driver size
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
1 fewer microphones
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
30 mm smaller driver size
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
1 fewer microphones
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 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
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE 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.
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
6.7% worse value for money
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.31 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.
Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.31 vs 6.736).6.31 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE?

Strong, punchy bass that remains tight and fun for listeners who enjoy a low-end emphasis.
Highly comfortable fit with a generous selection of seven different silicone eartip sizes included.
Effective passive noise isolation that successfully blocks out a significant amount of ambient sound.
Sturdy build quality featuring all-metallic housings and tangle-resistant flat cables.
Excellent value for the price, frequently recommended as a top pick for in-ear headphones under $100.
Rich, detailed midrange performance that keeps vocals and instruments clear despite the heavy bass.

What customers dislike about Beyerdynamic DX 120 IE?

Recessed treble or underemphasized high frequencies, which can result in a lack of detail for audiophiles or classical music fans.
Omission of an in-line microphone and remote, making it inconvenient for taking calls or controlling playback on mobile devices.
Sound can become slightly muddled or lose impact during complex musical arrangements due to limited dynamic range.
Audio jack is designed at a 45-degree angle, which some users find awkward when keeping devices in their pockets.
Durability concerns regarding the cable thickness and speaker sleeves that may slip off over time.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

20/02/2014

Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE In-Ear Headphones (Black) - Head-Fi

The Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE features a durable, lightweight metal housing and provides a comfortable, flush fit, supported by an extensive accessory package including seven sets of silicone tips. Sound performance is characterized by punchy, well-extended, and controlled bass, alongside detailed midrange frequencies. However, the highs are noted as quite recessed, lacking the sparkle...Read more

cnet.com

22/08/2014

Beyerdynamic DX 160 IE review: A bona fide audiophile in-ear headphone for around 100 bucks

The Beyerdynamic DX 160 iE is a highly capable, budget-friendly in-ear headphone engineered in Germany that delivers a bona fide audiophile experience for around $115. A major standout feature of this model is its impressive sound quality, which highlights a meaty, tight, and excellent definition of bass that pairs beautifully with rock, jazz, electronica, and classical music...Read more

nasilemaktech.com

21/05/2014

[Review] Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE - Nasi Lemak Tech

The Nasi Lemak Tech review identifies the Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE as a durable, all-rounder earphone featuring a robust all-metallic housing and a generous, seven-pair accessory package. With a focus on a "fun" sound profile, the earphones offer a punchy, low-frequency biased audio experience and utilize a practical, flat, tangle-free cable design. However, the review notes the lack...Read more

qwertyarticles.com

01/09/2014

Small Size, Big Performance – A Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE Earbuds Review

The Qwerty Articles review highlights the Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE as a premium, high-performing wired earbud option priced at $89.00 with a two-year warranty. The reviewer praises the excellent overall audio reproduction, noting that the 47-ohm impedance and 107 dB sound pressure effortlessly deliver a rich, heavy bass response ideal for rock and roll. While the mid and high...Read more

reviewed.com

05/06/2014

Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE Headphones Review - Reviewed

The Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE in-ear headphones (MSRP $99–$109) deliver strong technical performance with notable functional design assets. A major pro highlighted in the review is the inclusion of 10 great accessories, which features seven different sizes of speaker sleeves (including a unique corkscrew-shaped pair for a secure fit), a tangle-resistant flattened cable, a shirt clip, a...Read more

whathifi.com

20/08/2015

Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE review | What Hi-Fi?

The Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE wired in-ear headphones offer a highly durable build and a balanced, textured sound signature for their £60 price tag. A major highlight is the exceptionally generous accessory package, which includes seven choices of eartips (five bowl-shaped, one double-flange, and one triple-flange), a soft carrying bag, a cable clip, a 1.2-meter cord extension, and a...Read more

maclife.de

16/12/2015

Review: These are the 8 best in-ear headphones

The reviewed article evaluates eight different in-ear headphones ranging from €30 to €180, judging them on comfort, sound quality, build, design, controls, and special features to find the most versatile everyday models. The testing team chose two distinct winners based on different consumer priorities: the Bowers & Wilkins C5 and the Urbanears Sumpan. For buyers prioritizing...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

12/11/2015

Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE review on kopfhoerer.de

The Beyerdynamic DX 120 iE review by kopfhoerer.de highlights these in-ear headphones as a powerhouse for deep bass enthusiasts, earning an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. On the positive side, the earphones feature a rugged, lightweight 32-gram metal housing with fine grooves that ensure excellent grip, alongside flat, tangle-free cables. Performance pros include a powerful,...Read more

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