B&O Beoplay Portal (PC & PS): More than a gaming headset?

Visit us for all things audio visual - www.smarthomesounds.co.uk
In this video we review the new Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Headphones Playstation and PC version. We test them out for gaming, demo the sound quality, noise cancellation and virtual boom arm and see if they're worth £450!
Check out John from B&O Manchester's video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWSwenVva9hnr6M
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Key Features
2:00 Design
4:57 Gaming Review
7:59 Sound Test
8:31 Gaming Continued
9:54 Mic Test
10:31 Gaming Continued
10:53 Lifestyle Review
12:57 Music Test
14:22 Pros/Cons
GET IN TOUCH
Got any questions or looking for more personal advice? Get in touch - we’d love to help!
✉️ Email - [e-mail]
📞 Call - 0800 677 1100
💬 Live chat - www.smarthomesounds.co.uk
FOLLOW US:
📸 Instagram - smarthomesounds
🐦 Twitter - smarthomesounds
📕 Facebook - smarthomesounds
VISIT OUR BLOG
📝 - www.smarthomesounds.co.uk/blog
WHO ARE WE?
Smart Home Sounds is one of the leading UK online audio retailers. We sell a range of wireless speakers, turntables, headphones, HIFI equipment and much more.
✅ Free Next Day Delivery
✅ 6 Year Extended Sonos Warranty
✅ 30 Day Listen Better Promise
✅ VIP Loyalty Scheme
✅ Expert help & advice

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Thanks for working with me Jonathan and the SHS team, I'm glad you all enjoyed the Beoplay Portals. Lovely review as always. -John.

[@smarthomesounds]

Cheers John, pleasure as always!

[@helipilotwannab]

Hey B&O :) is the dongle included? how would I know which version I buy? (Is there different model numbers stated)

[@SebKrogh]

I wish there was a company making other peripherals like mouse and keyboard in good esthetics. I am 35 and I am fed up with cyborg RGB crap for my gaming setup. These are awesome

[@AlcaHolicGamer]

Bruh I'm 24 and I'm totally with you. Gamers have no sense of style 99% of gamer targeted products look like shit

[@m1ndflux548]

@@AlcaHolicGamer wow let me get the reality to you bro, it's called personal preference. Its no sense of style for you fine.

[@lamentable.mp3]

I could not agree with this more, I find that Logitech can make some good stuff, and massdrop has some really nice keyboards.

[@thepanchi]

Haz un montaje de un teclado personalizado y ahí tendrás el mejor teclado y a tu gusto

[@venegas0704]

Great review. Just bought them in navy. Thanks for the information

[@felex777]

Thanks for a great review:)

[@blowenfuse]

Wonderful review, thank you.

[@t.h.9897]

Thank you very much. Just what I was searching for.

[@t.h.9897]

Just ordered mine

[@conradisaac9880]

Great review!

[@sphinx5151]

Great video review of features, sound and all testing someone needs to be aware of. Cost… we’ll I’ll be waiting for some discounts next year I think. 🤔

[@gfunk696]

Great review!! 😍

[@Ipuffyy]

I am considering these to replace my Razer Thresher and considering I also want to replace my Beoplay H9. Does the Atmos effect work with Apple Music? Atmos sounds good on the airpods max, I can only imagine how amazing it would sound on the Portal.

[@woodward_alan]

Could I connect the 2.4ghz to a PC or Mac? Thinking of using them to track guitar.

[@Jack_BT-7274]

I know the xbox portals exists but could I use the Playstation version on xbox at all via the dongle, 3.5mm? What connections would work if any with sound & mic??

[@NerdishNature]

I got send the wrong ones from a retailer (Xbox but ordered Pc) so I tried anyway without the dongle and the sound was great just the latency was like .6 seconds so I returned them now waiting on the Pc version. Great review! Looking forward to trying then properly. The only downside so far was the microphone quality but for the usual gaming experience it’s absolutely okay. Sound quality perfect

[@xLEGITVDOGGx]

This just happened to me rn 😭 ima see if they connect to Xbox still

[@nothingtoseehere6761]

Great review as always. Are these good enough to be a one set of headphones for a mainly music listener? Appreciate the comments about design, ANC, comfort etc. Keep and add a portable DAC - or would a different set entirely make more sense? Are these a great set of B&O with the bonus they've squeezed in an Xbox capability, or an Xbox set of B&O headphones with a bit of B& capability?

[@peteharris1319]

i have some and love them.

[@MR.BAT33]

I have for the PC my third set I keep getting interference when I play with the PS5 any advice on what it can be??????

[@captainswallowmcpride9607]

Hey when you set up the headphones do you use the USB Type-C or USB Type-A for the PS5? Or does it matter?Thanks

[@patjcoan]

Does the wireless static bug from the xbox version exist in this model?

[@RayTheFPSGamer]

3:30 Bro I usually wear my Rode PSA1 mic arm with Shure SM7B mic attached to it in public, boom mics are so last year

[@luckylee2127]

I wanna buy this headset for Netflix movie on my Samsung TV only Should I buy this model? If not Which model I should get? Thank you

[@rastAsia]

Would this function with Apple iphone media with Atmos use? Or only with XBOX?

[@SvenBudak]

Can i replace by my own easy every part? or is it a one way product?

[@JimIBobIJones]

The Xbox versions also work great for PC if you have a 2.4ghz Xbox dongle (the ones you can get for your xbox controllers), which is great for PC gamers as the Xbox versions have crashed in price whilst the PS versions are holding quite high.

[@hmombius2717]

Happy I bought these headphones today for 190€ :) Just one question: is Dolby Atmos included or should I buy the app to get all the benefits? Cheers and thanks for the video!

[@harrislee2284]

hey thank you for the review. In the comparison between this headset and airpods max, I would love to know your review on the sound quality. I mostly listen to R&B and rap, sometimes jazz for relaxation.

[@ragnevi]

You can find these for about €200 now since they are discontinued. For that price it's a bargain.

[@blueandwhiteeighttwo]

Anc in planes is on pair with xm4s?

[@dakduufie]

For me these are perfect Exept the mic

[@tcr_tagger3738]

Extremely good review, very thorough. I'd be interested in seeing how they stack up against the H4s, as they are what I use now for ps5 gaming. The lack of mic and having to keep them wired is leading me towards these! Thank!

[@michieldemeyer2197]

I use H4 2nd generation as well, but I'm also looking to get a Portal. I hope the offset headrest provides a more spread-out pressure point on my head, because using it for very extended time usually starts to hurt my head.

[@tcr_tagger3738]

@@michieldemeyer2197 I decided to get the portals, and I'll be honest, they blow the h4s out of the water. Had them for around a month now, never dropped signal, connects so easily, and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. The sound quality is amazing, and added noise cancelling is a godsend in my house...👍

[@michieldemeyer2197]

@@tcr_tagger3738 hey again, I got myself the portal, thank you for the advice, it truly is an awesome upgrade and all the extra features just feel very nice :D

[@lehas.]

@@michieldemeyer2197 would you say they are much better than the ps5 3d sense headset

[@michieldemeyer2197]

@@lehas. i don't know that one, I can look the specs up for you, is it the same one as the Pulse 3D?

[@gtaseed]

What are the audio test songs?

[@OrcCorp]

Thanks for the review! Just ordered these at 200€. Quite the deal, I'd say.

[@staray1282]

Hey Jonathan, amazingly detailed video. I’m pretty much sold on the headphone. One thing I would like you to check for me is does the headphone when connected via 2.4ghz have access to windows audio left right balance slider? I have slightly worse hearing in my left ear and would really benefit if this slider is still present when connected using the dongle on windows. Any help is appreciated!!!

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, I have not tried this myself but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work, as long as you were connected by cable to the PC. Cheers, Jonathan

[@staray1282]

@@smarthomesounds Hey Jonathan, thanks for your reply, really appreciate it. However, I was thinking about the 2.4ghz dongle. I know that the Xbox dongle doesn’t provide any form of balance control but most wireless gaming headphones with dongles do. So I was curious if the ps/pc version with the new dongle allows this. Sorry for the long blabbering.

[@sukruyildizel422]

@@staray1282 In pc, windows 11 allows you to set separate vol levels for the headphone but not sure about PS5 or Xbox

[@jouhanon]

Is it possible to listen to PS5 and phone via BT at the same time?

[@HurricaneTBag]

How do they compare to the commercial headphones for normal music listening?

[@JimIBobIJones]

Tuning isn't as good out of the box but B&O has an app where you can change the EQ and the hardware is pretty much identical to the B&O HX.

[@K0rvax]

Hi ! Thank you for the review ! I'm really considering buying them, however I have 2 questions and I'm struggling to find the answers. Are the settings saved in the headset ? Can you use them plugged in jack without turning them on ? Thank you !

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, good questions - the settings are saved in the app itself which in turn applies to the headphones. You do need to power them on if you would like to use them wired with a jack. I hope this helps!

[@K0rvax]

@@smarthomesounds Thank you very much for the answers. I would have liked if it was the case, but at least I have my answers :)

[@RobertKowalew]

Does the Dongle works with Steam Deck/Linux? And with the Nintendo Switch? One headset for PC, Steam Deck, Switch and smartphone, that would be the reason for purchase for me. Just a pity that the dongle is not flat. Actually only because of the Switch. With the Steam Deck, the USB-C port is fortunately on top.

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

you can get an usb-c small extension

[@juanramosb.4029]

Is there a switch between in-game and voip, like the PS5 native headset or Astro A40? The only reason I still did not purchased it is that.

[@doctorsubtone8098]

Good question doesn't look like it

[@quietgameplays8246]

They are $185 right now

[@IThinkItIsTimeToPlay]

how are they with glasses

[@rossmarranca7900]

I just hooked these up and they don’t seem loud enough. Does anyone have any suggestions to get these louder? They aren’t even close to my steel series or penrose.

[@EnglishInterpreter]

That's exactly what I experienced when I tried them (connected via Bluetooth to an Android phone) at a B&O store in London. I don't listen to loud/very loud music, but I had to crank them up to MAX to get some decent sound out of them, so I didn't purchase them.Have you found a solution to this problem?

[@rossmarranca7900]

@@EnglishInterpreter I returned them. Found no solution at all. It was surprising that headphones that expensive weren’t able to get loud. I ended up picking up the master and dynamic mg20’s. Much better sound for me.

[@poltergeist7621]

What is the difference between this 2022 model and the 2021 Xbox modelo apart from the fact that, obviously, it will no longer be able to connect/synchronize with the Xbox via wireless (2.5hz frequency)? I'm wondering which one to get. It would be to use it on the PC for videos and music, and for the Series X, PS5 and Switch. I think I had read that the new model for Playstation has twice the battery, but I'm not sure. If I connect it by cable to the Xbox controller, does it lose quality or would it sound exactly the same as in Wireless/Bluetooth with Dolby Atmos, etc? Also Dolby Atmos is not supported on Playstation, so I wonder if this model supports it on Xbox via cable.

[@blackdaniels81]

Just bought these... For (y)our usecase definitely the PC/PS5 Version! They're worth about 50€/$ more, I'd say.. #1 - way better battery #2 - 2,4 GHz dongle included (usb-c / -a adapter) #3 - Dolby Atmos-License included for PC (via Dolby Access App)

[@notyetdead8804]

Hi Jonathan great review! I asked John this as well but thought I'd ask here in case you know... Is it possible to use audio from two sources at once specifically, either wireless and Bluetooth or cable and Bluetooth? I frequently listen to podcasts or music whilst gaming so its kinda essential!! Many thanks!

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, great question - unfortunately, you can only listen to one audio source at a time and I do wish it had that functionality as that would be the icing on the cake!

[@notyetdead8804]

Thanks for the quick response. Indeed it would It'd be a no brained if it had that but sadly without makes it a non-runner and basically can't replace my TurtleBeach 800s with a single headphone that will give all their functionality so I'm looking at 2 lots. Thanks so much for the info though it helps limit my search!!

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

in this review kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJSVdGanpsxkkJI it says that it can receive signal and provide sound from 2 sources in the same time: the dongle and Bluetooth. This reviewer was surprised when he heard it and didn't know what he was hearing in the beginning. But then realized why and how.

[@salvation412]

@@smarthomesounds so it cannot play two sound sources simultaneously, eg. music while playing a game?

[@sukruyildizel422]

as far as I know, Xbox version cannot do that but PS version can do. This is what I read in a review yesterday. I have ordered PS version yesterday and it will be delivered on Wed. I can try if it can do it if you like but why dont u use the same source to listen podcast already? In pc it is easy of course but with PS5, maybe you cannot do it I am not sure.

[@ajaykundlas7461]

Are these compatible with the xbox at all? Would like these over the dedicated Xbox version, but I need one that can handle both.

[@eddieevangelista6014]

It's literally on the box and he mentions it in this video.

[@user-jy9vl7wh3x]

Hi! I have an X Box, and a computer. Q: If I buy the PS version, will I be able to connect them to my X Box? Or would it be better to buy the X version?

[@Juniscrazy]

U can connect it to the controller if you have the pc version but if you want wireless for Xbox u need the Xbox one

[@danielholt7327]

If I can just listen to my PS5 and PC simultaneously I will pay what ever you ask!! Can they do that? :') Will keep watching, hopefully it's mentioned. Great video production though!

[@Goryglory0209]

Yes you can with the PC/PS5 version. Xbox version does not support this

[@xerogue]

​@@Goryglory0209it does im buying the xbox version for the ps5

[@tiagoamorim4368]

This is the Cisco 980 Headset with a modified firmware and dongle :)

[@raymondbillups2002]

I got them for $100.00. Can’t wait to try them.

[@helipilotwannab]

what are your thoughts?

[@ashenjoseph4114]

What are the best EQ settings for this headphone while playing multiplayer?

[@SparksyKai]

these or arctic nova pros?

[@HurricaneTBag]

Looking for a bad ass gaming headset. Price isnt exactly no option, but I’m willing to spend on a good set. Willing to spend more for the best set. Also want a good pair of headphones that doesn’t make me look and feel like a giant nerd.

[@SirChiefUK]

How loud is it on PS5? Are there no crackling sound?

[@Jord_45]

Did you ever find an answer to your question? I’m Looking to get a pair of these for ps5.

[@SirChiefUK]

@@Jord_45 unfortunately not, I ended up returning the headset.

[@PaulXPZ]

Ok I have to ask, does B&O have some sort of deal with Call of Duty? Every review I've ever seen of the portals, old and new, ALL of them feature CoD. WHY???

[@SANDMAN32191]

Can you use these while charging? Sorry if I missed it.

[@herraz2084]

Yes I just bought them a few days ago and needed th charge but wanted to use them at the same time and it does allow charging whilst using. U can also use the usb c slot for wired music input form a n android phone and it will allow audio and charge from the wire at the same time 👍

[@SANDMAN32191]

@@herraz2084 Thanks for the info! How are you liking it so far?

[@herraz2084]

Being totally honest sadly I'm returning them. They sound very good but unfortunately I can't manage to get a comfortable fit but I think that's just me. My left ear must be slightly bigger at the bottom and catches the earcup which causes discomfort after about an hour. Also not very impressed with the mic.. I prefer having mic monitor which this does have in a fashion but it's not very loud and also to get it to work you have to have the OWN VOICE set to max which then picks up everything. So not only do I hear my own voice but I can also hear the kids,wife,dog etc. Plus my friend said without me even telling him I had a new headset he could hear my controller clicking and it was very loud even with the mic volume turned down to minimum on the ps5. For the money I just don't think they are worth it. I exchanged my steelseries nova pro on Amazon to try these but today I have re ordered them again and sending these back.

[@mitzudashinobi3548]

Can I do atmos over Bluetooth?

[@tomed9044]

Atmos is not supported over BT but should work via the included usbc and usbA dongles

[@AK47xRaPiDzZ]

Dolby Atmos works ONLY on Xbox! Playstation doesn’t support Dolby atmos🤦🏻‍♂️

[@egj1975]

Alot of people complain over VERY bad mic quality... is there anybody that has these and can comfirm or are they not that bad??

[@eddieevangelista6014]

Wish I could. I've been wanting to get these but the mic and volume are concerning to me

[@franziskalippuner7378]

Is it possible to use the Beoplay Portal PS/PC or the Xbox version for Microsoft Video Calls on my HP laptop, when they are connectet to the laptop via bluetooth or pluged in via cable??? So I want to use it as a video call headset. Would that work? Because i like the B&O sound and I like the ANC in a crowdy office. Thanks for giving me your advice! All the best from Switzerland.

[@Goryglory0209]

Via USB C cable yes it ould and also Via 3.5mm. If you pick the PS5 version it anyways with dongle would work and 3.5mm with Xbox controller.

[@peempiotrek7149]

Better than nova pro for ps5? I play warzone

[@Jord_45]

Ever find out the answer to this? I’m looking at upgrading from the 7ps. What do you think?

[@peempiotrek7149]

@@Jord_45 i bought nova pro

[@SHMlKE]

Not sure how the mic is rated so high. Sounds terrible as far as quality

[@antigravityfrequencies7416]

I got my PC set for $200

[@sanakhvi]

500€ for such a mic

[@chix1]

I’ve had these for 2 months now and the Bluetooth connection on these is incredibly AWFUL. If you slightly block either side of them the sound will start to crackle. I’m so fucking annoyed with this

[@lehas.]

Hi would you say they worth getting for a ps5? I'm looking for a high end gaming headset with amazing sound. There on sale for £270 atm?

[@steviegbcool]

Problem is they $500 headphones that are average at everything. For the same price you can get a pair of gaming headphones and a pair of Bose\sonys that gonna be way better. The whole point of 2 in 1 products is that they suppose to cost less not more !

[@quietgameplays8246]

They are $185 rn on amazon

[@oprime9361]

Im looking for unbiased reviews and Im real concerned seeing B&O have a comment on this video. It's a good video- but Im just one of those "picky audio" types when it comes to headphones, and $4-500 is no joke

[@ephektz]

Oh my god, that mic is absolute garbage. 😂 It’s so compressed and full of artifacts. I would legit pay double what these cost for a good headset with a good mic. I’ve gone through over ten sets of high end headsets and have yet to find an actually decent mic.

[@Beefy-Tech]

Im suspecting that he used COD ingame microphone audio. Discord for example wouldnt compress audio as much though, id recommend checking some other mic tests to double check it was not just COD compressing the audio.

[@ephektz]

@@Beefy-Tech I went a checked out a couple other reviews and the mic sounds just as bad. It’s cute that they went boom less, but they should have just included a detachable mic. It’s legitimately the worst I’ve heard.

[@Beefy-Tech]

@@ephektz I checked out the Playstation edition and it seemed fine in that specific video. Maybe it was through wired connection though. Regardless yes they still aren't the greatest quality, but not to the extent of this videos example xD

[@Swerg20]

Well usually anything branding itself as gaming is trash. These at least tick off my boxes of sound quality, wireless, and design for me. If you don't mind wires then maybe look into getting a v moda boom mic and a set of cans with a 4mm aux input like the Phillips x2hr. Great sound and a good mic. Sadly when it comes to wireless your options are limited. It seems you either have to sacrifice audio or microphone. Maybe look into getting a standalone mic? A little inconvenient if you're console gaming but if you want that mic quality they will outperform any type of headset option.

[@WhiteHartMart]

Sent my set back - the Mic on PS5 really was absolutely garbage - wasn't that keen on the audio quality in games either, despite these being ok for music. Loved the design, build and quality of materials though but that wasn't enough on its own to justify the price.

[@camshaft74]

The greatest gamer of all time, Dr Disrespect rocks boom mic headsets as street wear.