Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven

I've been using the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven earbuds in the Natural Aluminium finish for a couple of weeks now, and overall, they're a solid choice for anyone seeking premium wireless earbuds with a touch of luxury. These in-ear buds come in at around $499, which positions them firmly in the high-end market, and while they deliver on style and sound, there are a few areas where they don't quite live up to the hype for the price.

First off, the design is where these earbuds truly shine. The Natural Aluminium colorway gives them a sleek, jewelry-like appearance with polished aluminum stems and a pearl-blasted charging case that feels incredibly premium in hand. It's lightweight yet durable, with an IP57 rating that makes them sweat- and splash-resistant—perfect for workouts or rainy commutes. The fit is comfortable for extended wear, thanks to the soft silicone tips (multiple sizes included, plus a foam option), and the angled stem ensures they stay secure without feeling intrusive. I appreciate the touch controls on the glass surface; they're responsive and customizable via the B&O app.

Sound quality is another strong suit. The audio is precise and spacious, with a neutral midrange that makes vocals sound natural and detailed. Highs are lively without being piercing on well-mixed tracks, and the customizable EQ in the app lets you tweak things to your liking—whether you want a bass boost or a more balanced profile. With support for high-res audio and multipoint Bluetooth, switching between devices is seamless, and the overall listening experience feels immersive, especially for podcasts or classical music.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode are improved over previous models like the Beoplay EX, blocking out low-frequency rumble effectively during flights or office noise. Calls come through clear in quiet settings, with the six upgraded microphones doing a decent job of reducing background hiss. Battery life is respectable too—up to 8 hours with ANC on, and the case provides a few extra charges. Plus, the option for battery replacement is a nice sustainability touch that extends their lifespan beyond most competitors.

That said, it's not all perfect. At this price point, the ANC doesn't quite match top rivals like Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, especially in windy conditions where some noise creeps in. The transparency mode, while natural-sounding, can feel a bit muffled compared to what I've heard from Sony's WF-1000XM5. Bluetooth connectivity has been mostly stable, but I experienced a couple of dropouts in crowded areas, which was frustrating. And honestly, while the sound is great, it doesn't feel like a massive leap forward from the older EX model—some users on forums have pointed out it's more of an iterative update, which makes the premium cost harder to justify if you're upgrading from within the B&O ecosystem.

In summary, the Beoplay Eleven in Natural Aluminium are elegant, well-built earbuds with enjoyable sound and thoughtful features that make daily use a pleasure. They're ideal if you value aesthetics and app integration above all else. However, if you're chasing the absolute best ANC or value for money, you might want to look elsewhere. I'd give them a 4 out of 5—recommended with some reservations.