Forget the AirPods Max! | B&O Beoplay H95 ANC Headphones Review

Reviewing the Bang & Olufsen B&O BeoPlay H95 noise cancelling headphones, a super-expensive rival to Apple's AirPods Max, and the best pair of ANC 'phones I've tested in 2021. The audio quality is superb, as you'd hope for something this expensive, while you also get Qualcomm AptX Adaptie support for movies and gaming.
I've been testing the BeoPlay H95 for almost two weeks now, enjoying the peace from B&O's noise cancellation smarts. This ANC can automatically adapt to suit your environment, but I preferred just cranking it right up. That way you can drown out most of what's going on around you.
Bang & Olufsen have put those 95 years of experience to good use here. The dual 40mm titanium drivers pump out incredible sound, for any genre of music.
The only sore point with these headphones is the B&O app. On Android it had issues staying connected with my BeoPlay H95, often throwing up errors.
That issue aside, I loved reviewing these headphones, which are definitely among the best I've ever tested. If you have the cash and are tempted by Apple's AirPods Max, I'd say grab these instead.

[@dvdv8197]

The next generation of headphones: budget cancelling headphones. 😅😭

[@lemangcoconut]

that would be nice

[@panzerfan]

who cares for budget when you can afford high-budget?

[@JedBullet]

Brilliant mate..budget canceling wish I'd thought of that

[@eleonoramendy]

Will I still have to budget for buying them or does it work retro-actively?

[@uo9zzzyxwvutsrqp0nmkjihgfe43]

Smells like broke in here.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

So good to see H95 in your hands, glad you like them! You're one of my favourite tech KZbinrs. I bought a new laptop and phone based on your reviews, both were exactly how you described. All the best, John.

[@Beanbean1313]

Hello John, You are also my favourite KZbinr as I ofter share your videos to my director as I used to work for B&O in Vietnam ;) Thanks to you, we got some budget for doing our own review!

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

@@Beanbean1313 That's great Binh, thanks for sharing my videos. John.

[@mfabruno]

Which ones?

[@shrikantramkrishanganesh9170]

Thanks 4 d information...Jhon

[@aliashimli4348]

AKG Pro K371BT still better

[@Abrikosmanden]

I bought a pair of H95 a few weeks ago, and i COULD NOT be happier about that decision! They're extremely well built and sound absolutely sublime! 700 quid is a very fair price IMHO.

[@Abrikosmanden]

@Stanley Knife Do you not understand the abbreviation "IMHO"?

[@causeyoudontneedtolookatme]

@@Abrikosmanden is it a belarusian or ukrainian word?

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@causeyoudontneedtolookatme no it’s an abbreviation like ygylb. 😂

[@causeyoudontneedtolookatme]

@@Eleventhearlofmars No shit!

[@Nick0n]

@@Abrikosmanden What is wrong with "IMHO" here?

[@atticusnah]

Had mine for 5 months now and love them. No regrets with this treat.

[@darshandhillon159]

I have the h95 and tried the airpod Max's. no competition h95 is leagues ahead.

[@DarrellC.]

Leagues ahead?? Don’t know about that lol

[@chrisdobz4468]

APM’s are pure shit in terms of design flaws. I’ve had three (3), yes 3, different pairs of APM’s that failed within the 30 day return window thank god. The build up of moisture inside the ear cups seems to be the culprit and the lack of conformal coating for any sort of moisture resistance is the major design flaw. The transparency button failed on two units and the ear cup sensor failed on the third all within 25 days of everyday working from home usage (6-7hrs/day). Anyway, now that I got my money back from B&H I just ordered these headphones. I just want something that is next gen and has low latency codex’s (which neither Bose or Sony headphones for whatever dumb reason) with excellent ANC and mic for calls. It seems like thats a high bar to ask for all that but only the APM’s had until I discovered these. Hopefully these work for me and don’t fail like the APM’s did.

[@alexsmith1207]

@@chrisdobz4468 hows the sound quality? I have dali io4 which sound good but it loses bass on car travel. I bet this sounds neutral and more seperation instruments and probably more pronounced bass? I buy this in the future or Momentum 4, pandas 2.0. i wait and see

[@babyyoda9943]

@@alexsmith1207 sound quality between these and the airpods max are actually quite close, considering the huge difference in price. I dont know what this guys talking about, my airpods max are absolutely fine, in fact, they are the best wireless headphones I’ve tried. Also, condensation in the earcups are normal for closed back headphones. People only notice it because you can remove the earcups on the AirPods.

[@user-ki1wq6pt9u]

@@babyyoda9943 the h95’s earcups can also be removed

[@newyorknewyork10011]

Great review! You helped me decide that I should be purchasing the H95s. Luckily B&O NYC offered to sell them at 720 USD instead of the retail of 899 USD. Matching the sale price at SSENSE!

[@rationalityfirst]

4:12 I noticed those at the beginning of the video and I'm satisfied to hear they're actual working dials

[@CharicaRoche]

Thanks for sharing your views on the B&O Beoplay H95. Would love to see you release a comparison video of Technics headphones, specifically the F70N vs A800.

[@jttcosmos]

One thing I'd add is that they also have very good microphones. So you can use them as your work headset as well.

[@peterwrvideo]

Thanks - very useful information! And of course if you're self-employed, they're tax-deductible... 😉

[@TheEvdiggity]

"Don't work too good" LOL excellent delivery!

[@mhortop1]

I have these H95’s and they are spectacular! They blow all competition out of the water. The Apple AirPods Max sound dull by comparison and the Sennheiser Momentum 3’s do not have the rich and detailed warmth that these B&O’s have. Very impressed with them, highly recommended. 🎧👍

[@NetvoTV]

How about surround sound, only AirPods Max can do that right?

[@jonathanphillips5514]

I really didn’t believe people when they said this but it is true. OMG they are spectacular

[@mhortop1]

@@NetvoTV Yeah AirPods are the best for that 3D or 360 audio. For regular 2 channel though H95’s are definitely better.

[@mhortop1]

@@jonathanphillips5514 They are some of the closest to a wired pair of headphones I have heard. They are really good, although very pricey!

[@jimdiet8534]

How do you like them for phone calls?

[@Sam-zz7gs]

This is exactly what ive been looking for!!!

[@dinapedersen1168]

This helps a lot..I’m planning to buy 1 in chestnut color.I’m excited!!

[@anaymakan6989]

I have the Beoplay HX and they have improved the app so much.

[@johnhaydock1577]

Lucky enough to own these... Yes they were expensive... But they are incredibly well built and sound amazing....audiophile grade noise cancellers....

[@padmakamirihagalla1551]

Being the two most expensive ANCs, I'd be really happy to see a very detailed comparison with Master and Dynamic MW75. I'm considering between the two including how well each performs wired as well. Thanks in advance :-D

[@golferadam12]

They are not great, I assure you.

[@denislemieux7294]

@@golferadam12what do you recommend for best sound wireless?

[@marcstephen]

Awesome video! I just returned my AirPods Max to purchase these. Couldn’t fathom keeping them when these were in the relatively same price range. The sound quality and craftsmanship of these headphones is sublime. Definitely a work of art!

[@david.arteaga.p]

How did you find the sound quality of the H95s compared to the AirPods Max?

[@kaysule]

Lol how are they in the same price range ? Lol don’t be ridiculous

[@RIZFERD]

Apple products are average bias. Honestly. Apple to compare to Bang & Olufsen is like Day and Night. B&O is real High-end Audio Visual limited quantity. All apple products are just McDonald's wanna be haute cuisine 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paxman0007]

​@@RIZFERDspot on

[@cathevans9859]

They look good, but all I heard was £700!

[@blackice7408]

And you will hear 700 pounds worth of crazy sound quality when u purchase these

[@burackbb]

@@blackice7408 wait for masterdynamic to blow them up

[@cool28990]

@@blackice7408 That's right.

[@Rentani]

On my iphone I found the app worked just fine however the features are certainly lacking. Didn't have the audio issues either when tweaking anything. I would have expected a proper eq in the app rather than what ever they call that useless area map seeing as increasing one thing directly decreases another. Sound quality was amazing and after using an eq in a music app to tweak it to my liking a little bit more, I don't think there's any improvement that could really be made in terms of the sound quality. Battery life has been decent and pretty on point to what they were suggesting. Really love the dials. Insanely convienient. If you have the money and are looking for top end wireless headphones, these would be my go to.

[@ronervine]

Thanks for the review Fate. I have the H9I and E8 and a few connection issues so was nervous buying them again. I do appreciate their sound is great compared to the competition. Also they feel and look incredible. :)

[@Topper_Harley68]

I have the 1 Gen H9 and the sound quality is awesome, the ANC not so much. So if these are much better when it comes to music sound I will buy these even if they cost over $1000 where I live.

[@alexanderdalca6828]

Great review. Very informative.

[@artactreact2387]

hi! Anc does actually work when using the cable . I've owned the 95s for a month and they are great. Other than a bit heavy and they must be switched on when wired. You can also used them while charging. Thanx for the review.

[@alexkhan2000]

This is good to know. I thought the ANC not working with the cable plugged in made no sense if one is going to use the H95 to watch movies during a flight. Now I know. Looking forward to making some trans-Pacific flights with this beauty. This is such a huge upgrade over the Sony WH-1000XM3 that I've used for several years and a big upgrade over the APM as well which I still own.

[@xinyaoyin2238]

I got the H95s as well but I got so embarrassed when I used it in Starbucks and people look at me weird lol

[@tk-im9gm]

@@alexkhan2000 have you found that the ANC is better with the 95 than the Sony's ?

[@alexkhan2000]

@@tk-im9gm I find the H95's ANC on par with the ANC on the Sony XM-1000WH3. I haven't tried the WH4 or the new WH5. I recently went on a business trip to Asia with the H95 and it was just fine.

[@andrewhan1]

Huh! I can’t seem to get anc to work when I plug them into in-flight entertainment systems. Did they work by default for you when you purchased them?

[@livinlifethebestican]

Looks, awesome mate! Not sure about your description of the design though! lol

[@kings7man]

that soft case looks good for putting these into a travel backpack

[@christoph_with_ch_and_ph]

Watching this review as I am wearing my H95.

[@joecantdance494]

Chris, any chance you could review some DACs with hi Res audio? It's all very confusing

[@user-ur6hl3zd2u]

Thanks, great review.

[@robinsingh655]

Thank you for your review. How many devices can H95 connect to parallel? How quickly it can auto-switch between 2-3 devices, if possible.

[@MrThrowUps]

After having my previous beo over ears for 6 years I ordered some replacement ear cuffs. I don't think the replacement cuffs were proper lambs leather.

[@mohamedahmed1023]

Does this headphone have voice prompts? Like when transitioning from ANC to transparency to nothing? Or when connected or disconnected to a device? I have the HX and there are no voice prompts. Just subtle sounds, which I find very unsatisfactory. Also, is H95 integration to the B&O app solid? I found the app to be buggy as hell on my HX and Android phone. Finally, is the wear sensor reliable? I found the HX's wear sensor worked decently on my phone but not well on my PC. I think B&O needs to work on their app and other software details that Sony, Bose, and even companies like B&O have figured out.

[@Jetpilot718]

FYI the ANC works in both wired and wireless mode. From the B&O FAQ: “Use the dial on the left earcup to control the different levels of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) while Beoplay H95 are used in wireless or wired mode. You enable/increase the ANC mode by rotating the dial in a forward direction/clockwise and disable/decrease ANC by rotating the dial in a backward direction/counterclockwise.” Had this feature not have been available I would not have been willing to purchase since I plan to use these on aircraft. What sense would it make if ANC only worked while wireless and not while connected?

[@fastertove]

Yes. This is correct

[@ethancali9301]

Thank you. Working on an airplane is critical for me so I was about to cross them off the list.

[@leadfootnick4x4]

Good video and keep up the good videos

[@egj1975]

I have been using these for over 3 years and I love them so much. They have never failed to connect, all mechanics are still like new and the sound is just so nice and well balanced. The battery life is still really nice and I only charge them once or twice a month (use them daily for around 2 hours). They only downside (if there is any) is that new earpads are pretty expensive at around 100 dollars. And the app has gotten MUCH better... but is still a bit slow to connect.

[@jdogg9696]

You mentioned around 3:33 that the anc doesn't work while cabled, this may be incorrect as mine seem to work well wired.

[@pauljackson112]

As a pauper, I could only afford the H9i... but damn, I bloody love them.

[@DigitalImageWorksVFX]

"Only" 😅

[@brian576]

$800 and the anc doesnt even work when using it wired? They had enough foresight to include an airplane adapter but not to let you use the ANC when using the airplane adapter?

[@Tiger24kicks]

Just ordered the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 im thinking of getting these as s 2nd headphone. Really like this headphone my onlu question can it work with out noise cancelling.

[@ola_bode]

The issues you are experiencing with the app could be due to pairing on two devices and installing the app on both devices. If you have paired with two devices and you have the app installed on both devices, you will have to close the app on one device to ensure smooth connection on the other. (Close not uninstall) The app works fine on my E8 and H95s. You are right about the individual instruments. I don’t understand how they are all so clear and distinct.

[@benzina31ify]

Im considering buying these, but ive got the 3rd gen beoplays and are they worth the upgrade?

[@nikolai1714]

Is there a problem with beeing from the noise cancellation still? Had that problem with H9i

[@rogerpriestwell6379]

Liked this video at the smell test.

[@allanrainey6564]

Can I connect these wirelessly to the beosound stage while watching tv?

[@HypeCheese]

3:34 you're saying the ANC doesn't work with the cable on? That can't be right as it means it wouldn't work on planes?

[@fastertove]

ANC works fine with cable.

[@blackice7408]

I intend on buying these soon or around blk friday

[@neosmith166]

I heard it as banging and awesome headphones 🎧.

[@gregmartyn1873]

I've been wanting a pair of these for months but they're just to god damn expensive.. For £700 I'd buy the Mi 11 lol

[@GMT2019]

Can these H95 sound quality comparable to wired Headphones like B&W p9 ?

[@jason81949]

i find my B&O H6 wire from like 8 years ago sounds more direct and clear than the H95. Anyone know why? Much Appreciated!

[@dennysmith2291]

thanks for the video 📹. are they like the sennheiser momentum 3. or much better. thanks again for the video 📹

[@VynZography]

OMG finally someone talks about that gore-dang app!!! It needs location access and data to even start so that rules out making any adjustment on the tube. OMG.

[@Squishmallows24]

Stupid question but why doesn’t the ANC work on any headphones when you use them wired?

[@karolykrausz5534]

I've bought the H95 and the Focal Bathys. After extensive testing I sent back the H95 and kept the Bathys. Main reason was that I used the headphone for professional calls as well and the H95 gave an unpleasant hissss sound during calls with transparency mode on. I called up bang and olufsen in the UK and they confirmed it!! I checked the internet for other entries and found quite a few similar reports. Although it's a fantastic, fantastic headphone the Focal Bathys wins this battle.

[@acboone7]

Which one has better bass? And my issue with all the prior B&O headphone/earphones I’ve owned is they just don’t get loud enough! No matter the source I’m using I’m constantly pressing to raise the volume and they are already maxed out!

[@GEFELICITEERD45]

The focal bathys looks like a toy headphone

[@SilveryFoxster]

What a beautiful piece of tech. What’s your opinion on how they compare to the B&W Px8’s.

[@dcsmit]

Is there no option to make phone calls with the headphones?

[@askorczewski]

how about the "comfort" and "fit" while you're in horizontal position, enjoying the length of your sofa...? my H9i are falling backwhen I try to lay down - has the H95 same problem...?

[@fastertove]

Yes - probably. They are somewhat "back-heavy". Like all high-end products, I would try them out before buying.

[@charliefm826]

If ANC doesn’t work when it’s plugged in, does that mean that it doesn’t work on flights?

[@GMT2019]

Can these B&O h95 sound better by using a dac amp ?

[@sebid_8999]

how are they compared to bose 700? I'm considering an upgrade

[@professionalidiots101]

I'll share this video to my brother, he has B&O everything!!! 😂🤣😂

[@alexsmith1207]

Let me guess does he have H95's

[@professionalidiots101]

@@alexsmith1207 I'm buggered if I know mate... He has a flat multi CD system, 5ft wide ish motorized televisions where the speakers descend from the bottom on call, in at least 2-3rooms, along with art deco pyramid style speakers and some that look like big round disc's on on artist easel's, along with hidden speaker behind art. Your guess is better than mine 🤔

[@VicharB]

I heard them against my Sennheisers (M3 Wireless and PXC 550-II) and gotta say they do sound good, much better than Apple stuff, but don't like the design, particularly the headband. But, not as good as my Sennheiser HD 58x/6xx when wired. I'd rather go Bluetooth + Wired, two separately for the same quids. :) 400+ is overkill for Bluetooth, until we get true CD/Hi-Res capability one day.

[@golferadam12]

They are very uncomfortable and lackluster in many metrics. The app is atrocious - buy another brand.

[@kingtutinorden1]

I guess I dont need to tell you how good you are, but here you are had been said 😆 Cheers mate keep up the great work. 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@LSEAlfie]

Bangin’ review

[@DuranInternational]

I have the h95 but the volume while using it with iPhone is very low

[@erik0954]

Go to settings in the iPhone, choose music. There you can switch off the sound limiter

[@LebaneseNostalgia]

If only I could buy the earpads as a replacement for the B&O BeoPlay HX and somehow make the HX even foldable like the H95 :P

[@Revon-Feuer]

if you want headphones under 200$ that sound good. The roccat elo x stereo are 50$ and regularly go on sale. 50mm drivers. Technically made by turtle beach with the roccat brand name on them.

[@ptingz9307]

I love the look of these but I wouldn't say "forget airpods max" when the price of these new are around $800 usd

[@VTREXify]

Thank heavens the earcups are removable.

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

How do they stack up against Sony 1000mx3 s?

[@yanzodadon]

Will they slide off if I gentle nod my head?

[@boduholm8463]

I want them. But no one reviews the microphone in an office setting. If that is perfect, I will buy it today.

[@jyexe525]

Hello ! And against the Focal Bathys, Celestee ?

[@nativetiger1]

I got the Beoplay H9 3rd Generation free with my Oppo Find X2 Pro and I have never heard my music sound like it does through these. £700 quid though is astronomical. The build quality is amazing but they are a 'I have so much money what shall I spend it on' purchase 💰

[@jayday4795]

lol the b&o h9 sound terrible for a £450 headphones but if you got yours for free then that's truly awesome 👌 I regret buying mine becuse they really are trash for the price

[@deepflake9214]

@@jayday4795 what a troll you are, bashing the 3rd gen under every comment

[@amossutandi]

you got a free 400 eur headphone with a 600eur phone?

[@nativetiger1]

@@amossutandi it was a £1000 phone at the time 😁

[@GiancarloCarccamo]

Great video

[@kanz7329]

How do these compare to the Drop Pandas?

[@Kazeant]

Everything is exactly as you say but you forget to mention that even if you have it in the max volume, the sound is tooooo low! And I'm using the lg g8x phone.

[@evcanada1451]

what about the B&O HX ?

[@erik0954]

You can switch off the sound limiter op the iPhone

[@Kazeant]

@@erik0954 the think is that i have android

[@robbie36melb]

Would like a pair, but here in Aus, they retail for $1399. Never seem to be offered at a lower price during sales.

[@alexsmith1207]

That's a knock off

[@petrichor259]

Problem of living on a large island

[@bazwillrun]

B & O..Bangin' Out !

[@sanmiguel8433]

Does anyone knows when will they release a new version for this year or next year ?

[@Lizzybirds40]

I asked the agent today when we bought these. He said I highly doubt anything coming soon

[@jlingo8977]

it sounds 3Dimensional, very wide soundstage and separation, and Fat deep Satisfying bass. Great Decay and musicality. from H95 it's hard to go back to H9 which sounds flatly dead in comparison. requires about 50hrs burn in from the first time you buy to my ears.

[@hotpotgang]

How is the mid range on the H95? I am looking for something with warm forward mid range.

[@jlingo8977]

@@hotpotgang IT is more holographic and distant. Not Forward midrange. I would say midrange is not greatest strength. Try H9 instead. More midrange heavy. I haven’t listened to HX so can’t comment

[@simonduncan8327]

I got H95 excellent headphones Funnily enough I’ve had no issues at all with the app ???

[@samusl]

Sorry..my English not so good. What does "SPOOGE-WORTHY" design mean?

[@sirlofty]

got my pair of these bad boys. and they are fucking amazing. even mundian to bach ke sounds amazing

[@SkyDaLimit925]

Can you answer calls with them

[@user-pj5ju9sm5r]

ANC and sound compared to Sony XM4???

[@Froldan71]

Can these headphones be played with Xbox series x

[@keithmckelvey8170]

B&O beoplay h95 or Mark levinson 5909?

[@jamestaylor833]

I guess the H95 are the best APM alternative for Android users.

[@jaredweiman2987]

Proper British guy reviewing $1,000 headphones. * shows AoT wallpaper on his phone * Truly a man of culture. Just picked up a pair in the Chocolate colorway.

[@fedepede04]

Hi where is tech spurt weekly, I miss my weekly dose of Motorola news and viewers comments 😁.

[@Dylan-cr5ub]

Are they really worth the money tho isn't the Airpod Max, Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM5 not better for price/quality ratio?

[@Ratseeker]

Any chance you will get a Montblanc MB01 to compare these H95 to? I got the MB01 and am wondering if I should upgrade. One thing to note, the MB01 maintains ANC in wired-mode. Also can be used while charging (though that rarely happens to be needed)

[@deepflake9214]

The H95 can be used while charging and can have ANC with a wire. I own one so I can tell. Just switch them on when a wire is in.

[@pegas2929]

How is comparing them to BW px8?

[@bencowie3141]

where did you get them for £700? new

[@naheem]

Twice the price of the Sony mark 4's, but are they twice as good?

[@Ipuffyy]

yes, my H9 3rd alone sounds almost twice as good. Imagine the H95...

[@armdrk3233]

I wonder how their sound quality compares to Sennheiser Momentum 3 (the best sounding wireless headphones available) I tried every highly rated wireless headphones,except the new Bang & Olufsen H95.

[@Balls-Deep-Inside-Your-Mom]

I have the M3s myself I found them pretty good as I would've expected but overall too much midrange for my taste the build is good and they look nice but overall i care more about the sound I much prefer the sound from the Sony MX4 more crisp natural and detailed than the M3s although they don't look as stylish and are just plastic it would be interesting to compare the Sony with the H95

[@RazvanSuioganTiberiu]

We can’t call Airpods Max over priced anymore then 😂

[@aaroncenter6384]

The Airpods Max can charge while being used. Doe the B&O Beoplay N95 turn off when you are charging them, or do they work while you are charging them? You said that the ANC is disabled when hardwired, which is less than appealing.

[@bearaesthetixfitness]

Got any answer to that?

[@georgebee3090]

Can you turn off the ANC completely? Xxx

[@MarnixUwU]

Everyone commenting on how expensive these are probably have never looked at audiophile headphone prices 🥴🥴 Yeah, B&O doesn't do cheap. They do premium, in every sense of the word.

[@thomasschafer7268]

Alles klar.Nicht Günstig . Und was bitte sind 815€? Ein pappenstiel.

[@alexanderfrohlich142]

@@thomasschafer7268 ich habe die sony wh-1000xm4

[@tarquin0005]

It is hard to describe how much this means to her.

[@madsolsen9591]

I am a big fan of the heart carrying case because I have not met a brand new mate any better care in case