The Art of Audio: A Review of the B&O Beoplay Eleven Earbuds

In a market saturated with competent-to-excellent wireless earbuds, standing out is an monumental task. Most brands compete on features, noise cancellation prowess, or aggressive pricing. Bang & Olufsen, however, plays a different game. With the new Beoplay Eleven, the Danish audio house isn’t just selling a pair of earbuds; it’s offering an experience—a piece of meticulously crafted technology that prioritizes artistry as much as audio. But in a world of spec-sheet champions, can this appeal to luxury justify its premium standing?
Design and Build: An Exercise in Scandinavian Minimalism
From the moment you handle the anodized aluminum charging case, the Beoplay Eleven make their intentions clear. The cool, weighty feel and the satisfying magnetic snap of the lid are a world away from the plastic shells dominating the market. The earbuds themselves are compact and gem-like, blending textured polymer with polished aluminum accents that catch the light beautifully. B&O has refined its ergonomic formula, resulting in a secure and surprisingly comfortable fit that remains stable without feeling intrusive, aided by a generous selection of both silicone and Comply foam tips. This isn’t just good build quality; it’s a statement of intent, treating an everyday gadget with the reverence of a luxury watch.

Audio Performance: The B&O Signature Sound

At their core, the Beoplay Eleven are engineered for audio purists. They eschew the artificially boosted bass common today for the “B&O Signature Sound,” which is characterized by its remarkable clarity, balance, and a surprisingly spacious soundstage. Vocals and mid-range instruments are rendered with an articulate, lifelike presence, while the treble is crisp and detailed without ever becoming harsh. The bass is present, tight, and controlled, providing a solid foundation to the music rather than overpowering it. For those who want more punch, the companion B&O app features the intuitive Beosonic equalizer, allowing for easy and effective sound customization. Paired with Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive support, the connection is rock-solid, delivering a high-fidelity stream that does justice to the impressive 9.2mm drivers within.
Features and Functionality: Polished, If Not Groundbreaking
The Beoplay Eleven are equipped with a robust adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system. In busy cafes or on public transport, it does an admirable job of hushing the low-frequency drone of the outside world, creating a serene listening bubble. However, it doesn’t quite reach the uncanny silence provided by class leaders from Sony or Bose, letting more variable, high-frequency sounds through. Call quality is a definite strength, with a six-microphone array effectively isolating your voice from background noise. Battery life is respectable, offering around 6 hours of playback with ANC on, with the case providing another three full charges. While it has all the necessary modern conveniences like wireless charging and multipoint connectivity, it doesn’t introduce any revolutionary new features. The focus here is on executing the fundamentals to an exceptionally high standard.

The Verdict: For the Design-Conscious Audiophile
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven are not for everyone, and they don’t pretend to be. If your sole priority is the strongest noise cancellation or the most features per dollar, there are more pragmatic choices available. Instead, these earbuds are for the listener who values craftsmanship, aesthetic elegance, and a truly refined, natural sound profile. They represent a luxury choice in the tech world—a product you buy not just for what it does, but for how it makes you feel. For those who appreciate the intersection of high-fidelity audio and impeccable design, and are willing to pay the associated premium, the Beoplay Eleven are an unapologetically superb pair of wireless earbuds.
Where to Buy:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven Premium Wireless in-Ear Earbuds with Bluetooth 5.2 and Active Noise Cancellatio Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 84%
- Design: 90%
- Performance: 93%
- Quality: 92%
- Popularity: 97%
Top Pros
- ✅ Premium materials and meticulous build quality are simply outstanding.
- ✅ The signature sound profile offers incredible clarity and detail.
- ✅ Elegant Scandinavian design stands out from the competition.
- …
Key Cons
- ❌ Active noise cancellation is good but trails top market leaders.
- ❌ The premium price point places it in a niche category.
- ❌ Battery life is merely adequate rather than class-leading for its price.