Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal vs. Xbox Wireless Headset (2021) - Which One Should You Buy?

Today, we’ll be comparing the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal and Xbox Wireless Headset to see how they stack up. What's the difference between both models? Does one headset outperform the other? And is the price difference really worth it?
Full Review:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
www.rtings.com/headphones/rev...
Xbox Wireless Headset
www.rtings.com/headphones/rev...
Affiliate Links:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
www.rtings.com/headphones/rev...
Xbox Wireless Headset
www.rtings.com/headphones/rev...
Also check out our review of the Xbox Wireless Headset:
• Xbox Wireless Headset ...
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00:00 Introduction
00:42 Design
02:10 Overview
03:59 Sound Quality
05:38 Isolation
06:31 Microphone
07:57 Active Features
10:03 Verdict
11:22 #AskRTINGS
...
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#RTINGSdotcom #Headphones #XboxWirelessHeadset #BangandOlufsenBeoplayPortal

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey everyone! We've received a few comments about Multi-Device Pairing. For our purposes we define multi-device pairing as: "A Bluetooth profile that allows some headphones to be simultaneously connected to multiple Bluetooth sources and have full call and media support on both/all devices they are connected to." As we note in the video, the Beoplay Portal can do this. However, the Xbox Headset cannot connect to two Bluetooth devices at once, but it can connect to the console and one Bluetooth device at the same time. After discussing this internally, we're going to add another option instead of a binary "Yes/No" so it will read "Bluetooth + Console/Non-BT Wireless". We will update the written review with this as soon as possible. Basically though, you CAN connect the Xbox Headset to your console and phone at the same time. You can't do this with the Beoplay Portal, but you can connect two different Bluetooth devices at the same time to the Beoplay Portal.

[@AsianTaeHyun]

Can we get a comparison between the Beoplay Portal, HX, and H9 3rd Gen now that these are all available as the Sub-$600 options from Bang & Olufsen? Thank you.

[@GVJan10]

Really awesome video, it‘s the best test I ever saw on KZbin. Everything was tested! It‘s very interesting that many tester think the Xbox microphone is better but in the test it get‘s more „yellow“ than the Beoplay Portal „without“ microphone (without microphone arm).

[@BAMozzy69]

I am in the market right now for a new headset but I have a Series X and PS5 so looking at Headsets that work on BOTH - like the Arctis Steel Series 7X. What I want to know is whether its better to buy this or whether I should consider 2 'cheaper' but limited to one console - like MS or Sony's own wireless headsets. Ideally, I would rather not have 'pleather' earcups and not bothered about 'wireless' - as long as the only cable is to my controller and still offers the full 3D audio too. I have watched numerous reviews but yet to find all the answers I am looking for. I know the Steel Series works on PS5, but if I have to keep unplugging the Dongle to swap between consoles, its going to get tedious - but maybe I could get another dongle? Maybe there is a Wired headset (like my old TB XO7's that plugged into either my XB1 or DS4 controller and worked perfectly on BOTH) that would be a 'better' option than Wireless with annoying interference/drop outs (like my TB Stealth 800's that I basically couldn't use without issues). It would be great to see a comparison of all 'headsets' that work on both Series X and PS5, wired and wireless options - and answer the question - what is the 'best' option(s) for owners of BOTH consoles. Is it to buy 2 headsets - each built specifically for one of the consoles OR is there a one for ALL solution - including what is required to switch between the two (like having to switch over dongles or maybe buy a second dongle to eliminate that need)

[@D3athW1ng]

When are you guys doing the SONY WF .... M4 buds ?

[@nyhamid83]

Great review, although I believe the Xbox wireless headset can do multi device pairing. I can hear phone and game audio at the same time

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey! We just pinned a comment about this but we wanted to reply to you too! We consider multi-device pairing to be when you can connect two different Bluetooth devices at the same time, which you can't do with the Xbox Headset. However, you can connect to the console and one Bluetooth device at the same time. We're going to update our written review to make this more clear! Thanks for commenting about this!

[@Medzo2]

The reviens just confirmed my thoughts. 500 USD while I can get a good headset for a 100 USD? Nop. Going with the Xbox headset

[@jd5507]

My microphone on the beoplay portal are ultra sensitive and people hear my clicks and trigger presses on the controller for in game chat ONLY. Party chat is perfectly fine. Any ideas?

[@JP-qf4ds]

I currently have the microsoft surface 2 headphones and use them for gaming and everyday use... id imagine their the best of both worlds... any input on stepping up to the BnO portals???

[@ilovelol2642]

i wanted to buy the Microsoft S 2 for my girlfriend, but i returned them asap. The sound is ok, but the ear cups are depressingly bad

[@Noob_mit_Skill]

What monitor are you using there in the background? Does the monitor support 120Fps on the Series X

[@RTINGSdotcom]

We haven't tested any HDMI 2.1 monitors yet as they're just starting to release (which is what you will need for 4k @ 120Hz gaming with a Series X)! Stay tuned though, we will start testing some soon :)

[@VaracolacidVesci]

I saw that the new portal for ps and pc are much improved version over this xbox one. Any chance for you to make a review for those? I found your review to be the best Ive seen/ Thank you for the factual info not just subjective opinions.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Unfortunately, we don’t have any current plans to, but if there’s enough user interest, we’ll consider it!

[@xXxCHUBBxXx]

What headphone stands are you using?

[@Lumireii]

Hi! I wanted to ask if you’ve experienced any audio interferences or drops when the Beoplay Portal was connected to the console? As well as if the quality of the audio lessens when connected to both BT & Xbox wireless simultaneously?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Any issues we ran into would be highlighted in our reviews on our website! Otherwise, it might be worth posting your question in our forums for this product, to see if it’s something other users may have encountered! www.rtings.com

[@MakiPavlidis]

I think lower battery life on the b&o is because they have chosen that for the very lightweight design.

[@anthonyp291]

You should test the LucidSound LS35X yo the Bang n olsen

[@user-fg4qn8sw7o]

that bluetooth latency looks scary for pc gaming i had a pair of Beoplay H4 they worked fine, can you tell me how i find the latency on them to compare?

[@janioarrowsmith1823]

It should be mentioned that when paired with Xbox the Microsoft Wireless Headphones turn on the Xbox whenever they are turned on, this is a feature that may be convenient to some but to others that may want to use the headphones for just watching TV or listening to music it can be annoying that it turns the Xbox on anytime is turned on, not sure if the B&O headphones do the same when turned on

[@j.echevarria8630]

The B&Os turn the Xbox on if you press the source change button from Bluetooth to Wireless.

[@janioarrowsmith1823]

@@j.echevarria8630 thanks, it sucks, I hope Microsoft fixes that someday, but at least in the B&O's if I understand correctly you can be in Bluetooth and it wont turn the console on

[@s.z.x.01]

Can APTX-HD codec supported on iOS devices as well?

[@timmturner]

You never received an answer but that is a no.

[@alexanderulv3886]

That’s it! I’m saving up for the B&O! Nothing beats Scandinavian quality design.

[@WarMachinne]

I think the graphic at 3:11 is misleading. The Official Xbox Headset DOES let you connect to your phone and Xbox at the same time, wouldn’t that be multi-device pairing?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hello! So, we consider multi-device pairing to be when you can connect two different Bluetooth devices at the same time, which you can't do with the Xbox Headset. However, you can connect to the console and one Bluetooth device at the same time as you mention. We're going to update our written review to make this more clear. Thanks for pointing this out!

[@WarMachinne]

@@RTINGSdotcom thanks for the reply!

[@Idthadon]

I have both and I use my beoplay for cod and xbox wireless for single player game so I can talk on phone.

[@cryalowicki]

Why bother comparing $500 headphones to $100 headphones?

[@glenturnbull5858]

Everything is amazing, comfort, sound quality, look etc except the mic is terrible! I have $100 headsets with better mic quality..Probably going to return mine as I expected better for an xBox specific headset and for $500

[@djowdjowgames3432]

What about listen music? Wich headset has the best quality?

[@bzdtemp]

Look at the curves about frequency, the B&O is much more neutral which is really what you - there is way to much bass with the XBOX ones. It shows that B&O is a company that also makes super high end stuff, as in for example $100K speakers.

[@naddieization]

b&0 by far... but thats why the price is much higher, the audio quality will be much better

[@SagarSekh]

As someone who was looking to purchase one of these two headsets, thank you. As a Leafs fan though, I hate you for throwing extra salt in the wound.

[@VaughnJogVlog]

I am NOT pronouncing this as “ratings”.

[@giubin]

You never wear the b&o in the video????

[@DrRazkov]

Links in description don’t work.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey! Sorry about that. They're fixed now :)

[@robertgist4698]

Sound quality is great but I have encountered many issues. I would like to include the issues because I have watched a lot of reviews and these issues have either not been brought up or experienced. - [ ] Audio cuts in and out on Xbox and P.C. (Worst on pc) - [ ] Sound cuts out of pushed to max on headset (not if adjusted on app) - [ ] No noise gate setting - [ ] Tested mic and voice sounds far away - [ ] Tested mic and background noise is very noticeable. Button presses can be heard from controller. - [ ] Voice/game volume mixer does not mix on P.C. - [ ] Settings do not save when headset is turned on and off or switching modes. - [ ] Audio cues need to be louder voice/game mixer is maxed or in the middle. - [ ] Volume cues would be nice at 1/2 and max volume. - [ ] No command to end call. - [ ] No command for next/previous song. - [ ] Dong for wireless PS5 connection (sold separately) - [ ] Option to connect to Xbox automatically when turned on instead on Bluetooth. - [ ] Better side tone (own voice could be louder) - [ ] Make Bluetooth eq the same for Bluetooth land Xbox mode. (Full eq is great) - [ ] Bluetooth and Xbox connection simultaneously. - [ ] Optional boom arm mic.

[@Talibart]

have the same issue with audio loss ( playing on pc ), every 5 sec for 1 sec.. dissapointing. gonna have to return it.

[@robertgist4698]

@@Talibart I have noticed something weird. If you walk away from your console/ windows wireless adapter till the connection drops when reconnecting connection is more stable.

[@Talibart]

@@robertgist4698 i gave it back at my local store.too much trouble for me. I tried out the virtuoso but the driver seemed to be buggy ans it wasnt as comfortable as the xbox headset. Very sad cause i liked the comfort of the x-headset. Gonna try out the logitech pro x wireless.

[@robertgist4698]

@@Talibart I would recommend the Penrose X

[@PB1up]

Lol dong

[@playboimac3059]

I only listen to Carey Price in jersey format

[@wololo10]

63ms delay on the B&O is not acceptable :(

[@hutopdehei]

Compare the Price 500 VS 100. Xbox wireless headset for the win 🔥🔥🔥

[@phaedrussocrates7636]

Do they support Tempest engine sound spacing from ps5? I guess they do "work" on ps5, but PLEASE for any future gaming headsets could you simply inform us how well do they support that Tempest (compared to ps5 headset that just is not ergonomicaly great for me, so that is why I'm looking around).

[@alexanderulv3886]

This is Xbox gaming headsets, I think If you want that feature you should buy the Sony PS5 pulse headset, which should be compatible with all the lastest from Sony in spatial audio. I am not aware of any other headsets with that feature atm. You can also buy head support to make the Sony Pulse a more comfortable fit on Amazon.

[@phaedrussocrates7636]

@@alexanderulv3886 you are right, but also, Pulse fully works on xbox and pc as well - appart from tempest engine support that xbox and pc lack. My ACTUAL point is that they should (for any gaming headset review) add info if they support tempest or not! They do this for a lot of other features on tv, monitors and headsets, so imo they should add this bit of info as well.

[@andreadirosa8516]

@@phaedrussocrates7636 tempest engine works with any headset because is processed by the console not the headphone.

[@phaedrussocrates7636]

@@andreadirosa8516 I asked "how well"? Same as with any any other feature, different headphones produce different quality.

[@jawadbakhshi31]

@@phaedrussocrates7636 I agree with what you said but like All thing in life. We as consumers do not get everything. If you buy something for Ps5 it won’t work on Xbox. But since you are on Ps5 you might be lucky because PlayStation isn’t as stingy as Xbox when it comes to the Bluetooth devices

[@joshuacanny4858]

I'm subbing he did a great fucking job . I think I'm gonna get the bang. But I wonder if they sound better than the Sony wh-1000xm4. I heard they were great with music . But I'd use both headphones for gaming as well

[@Licensedbeast]

LET'S GO HAAABBBSSSSS

[@hypot]

thats a lotta headphones

[@brenttitus2134]

$499 vs $99 GTFO. It’s not even a fair comparison. Complete waste of time and resources making this video.

[@Zay408er]

For the price of the BNO they should be perfect

[@Zay408er]

Not somewhat better than a $100.00 headset

[@alexanderulv3886]

Sadly there are no perfect gaming headsets. B&O clearly had to compromise to make it both great for gaming and for music.

[@TheHumbleRoots]

Comparing these two headsets is hilarious. B And O is literally the best headphone you can buy at $500 dollars or less.

[@jd5507]

I’ve loved mine. But recently I’ve had a super sensitive mic issue and I can’t seem to figure out how to fix it.

[@TheHumbleRoots]

@@jd5507 Band and Olufsen has great customer support. I've had no issues after 200 hours personally.

[@canayaknlakin1264]

Pahalı maximum 300 dolar ederi var!

Please. Don’t talk like a robot. The analysis is really good but is lost in this robotic delivery. Is it good for music? Compare it with the AirPods Max. That is what every other review compares the headphones to.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey Francisco, It’s worth mentioning that this is an older video, so our team has definitely gotten more comfortable in front of the camera. We also couldn’t compare it to the airpods max at time (since they weren’t out yet), but feel free to use our comparison tool to do that! www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/beats-studio3-wireless-vs-beats-solo3-2019-wireless/533/19724?usage=19&threshold=0.10

@@RTINGSdotcom solid reply, you guys are serious. I honestly just want your advice since you are a reputable source, do they sound better than the airpods max? that's it.

[@mockband]

Please no Canadiens jersey.

[@SophondaCox]

It’s a fake one too

[@alexanderulv3886]

These comments…

[@Licensedbeast]

LET'S GO HABS