Can-Do Attitude

If you want music on the move but don’t fancy earbuds, these portable on-ears will rise to the challenge.

B&O Play H6 Generation 2

The B&O name is associated with luxurious opulence as much as sound quality. In this arena that can be a drawback, because using high-grade materials can be a sure-fire way to end up with uninspired sound per pound. But the Play H6 Generation 2s are a solid choice, particularly if you want relaxing headphones.

The pads are made of lambskin leather rather than synthetic leather, and the padding uses memory foam. It’s disappointing to see a ring of plastic (‘polymer’) around the earcup caps, but the mission to appear luxurious is largely a success. Our test samples are in tan/silver, but an all-black finish is also available. 

These are full-size headphones with a clever design that seems able to enclose most ears even though the cups are not terribly deep. It’s a rare set of portable headphones that becomes more comfortable as you wear them, but these are suitable for all-day use and the fit is surprisingly secure.

The B&O Play H6 Generation 2s’ sound is best described as breezy. These are smooth-sounding headphones, with an open and light character. Velvet-like upper-mid range detail is perhaps the strongest element.

Easy-going approach

The soundstage is fairly wide and the stereo field precise. The treble is smooth yet detailed, rather than challenging and brimming with high-frequency sizzle, but this fits with the pair’s character. They are easy on the eye and on the ear. Like almost all headphones in this class, there’s a slight emphasis on the bass, but the B&Os are anything but bass-led.

We could do with a bit more rhythmic snap though, as hard-hitting music sounds a little less energetic than we’d like. Still, the combination of style, comfort and fine sound make these among the better premium portable headphones around.