Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal

Looks, performance, and the sound to back it up?

- SAM LEWIS

IT’S FAIR TO SAY there are levels to a good pair of headphones—you can have some that deliver a wide and detailed soundstage, yet feel like they were put together in a shed. Essentially, what you need is a good balance between sound, style, comfort, and features.

Bang & Olufsen is a brand that seems to strike the right balance across its whole lineup. The Beoplay Portal headphones are aimed at two markets, tackling gaming as well as traditional headphone usage. At just under $500, is this the all-in-one pair of cans you need?

First impressions matter and it’s often the initial thoughts that can set the tone for the device. Fortunately, this works in the Beoplay Portals’ favor, as they are a nice-looking pair of headphones. Our review sample, which comes in the ‘grey mist’ colorway, certainly offers the premium quality that the brand is known for. Paired with the shiny grooved ear cups, this color choice is our favorite of the bunch, just ahead of the navy and black options in terms of style.

Design-wise, B&O has opted to maintain the traditional premium headphone style that the company has become known for. That it hasn’t chosen to go down a route of appealing to the gamer aesthetic and has opted for a more neutral design helps make the device more attractive to wear on the go.