Tuesday, March 30, 2021
A new high-end option for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC gaming.
Bang & Olufsen has announced the Beoplay Portal, its first wireless gaming headset, designed in partnership with Microsoft for its Xbox consoles. The high-end cans double down on high-end audio, featuring full-fledged active noise cancellation (ANC) and a sophisticated metallic design. They're not cheap, clocking in at a $499 U.S. launch price, but look poised to deliver a new premium option in console gaming audio.
The defining trait of the Beoplay Portal, separating it from other high-end ANC headphones, comes with integrated Xbox Wireless connectivity. That plays with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One out of the box, with seamless pairing on the consoles. It also has integrated Bluetooth, like the newly launched Xbox Wireless Headset, and a 3.5mm jack, allowing for use with PCs and mobiles.
Bang & Olufsen first teased an upcoming Xbox product back in 2020, described as a "new audio proposition catered for the high-end segment in [gaming]," now materializing as the Beoplay Portal. From aluminum earcups to lambskin leather pads, high-end construction looks to justify its steep asking price, targeting an oft-overlooked tier in the growing gaming audio space.
You can expect 40mm drivers with onboard ANC, and when factoring in customary Dolby Atmos support, expectations are set high. Other defining specifications include up to 12 hours of battery life with each charge over Xbox Wireless or doubled to 24 hours when exclusively hooked up through Bluetooth.
| Category | Beoplay Portal |
|---|---|
| Speaker size | 40mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hour battery life over Bluetooth Up to 12 hour battery life over Xbox Wireless |
| Connection | Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm |
| Microphone | "Virtual boom-arm" |
| Compatibility | Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, mobile devices |
| Weight | 246g |
| Price | $499 |
| Colors | Black Anthracite, Navy, Grey Mist |
| In the box | Beoplay Portal, USB-C charging cable |
The Beoplay Portal headphones launch in three colorways, Black Anthracite, Navy, and Grey Mist, coupled with a three-year warranty from the Danish manufacturer. Preorders are expected to open imminently for April 28 availability, with store pages steadily emerging across the globe.
Gaming audio continues to grow, with many of the best Xbox Series X|S headsets delivering impressive audio and increasingly affordable prices. Bang & Olufsen takes a fresh approach with a new high-end tier, somewhat untouched by top players in gaming headsets.
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