JUN 2022MAXIMU MPC 47
BANG & OLUFSEN IS ACCUSTOMED to making premium
headphones, so it’s no surprise that the Beoplay Portals
are another high quality offering. However, with these
headphones, B&O is aiming to conquer two markets—
offering a high-end, rich-sounding peripheral that doubles
as a gaming headset with a built-in microphone. With plenty
of connectivity, features, and compatibility, this is the only
headset you’ll need for music, streaming, and gaming.
The Portals offer a rich, warm, and detailed soundscape
that oozes quality. As a gaming headset, you get 3D audio
with pinpoint directional audio but, thankfully, instead of
opting for a more gaming-focused aesthetic, B&O has kept
the same design as the rest of its range.
The Portals come in three colorways—we’d say that the
grey mist option of our review pair (pictured) is the pick
of the bunch, though the black anthracite and navy blue
alternatives are hardly eyesores. It’s safe to say that this
headset ticks all the boxes for music consumption, gaming
performance, and looks. While the dual-use means you
get the best of both worlds, this premium experience does
come with a premium price tag, which is $499. –SAM LEWISBang & Olufsen
Beoplay Portal
2
MATERIALISTIC
To match the high-end
design, you’d expect a similar
quality of materials and that’s
certainly the case with the
Portals. The earpads are made
of soft lambskin leather, while
a bamboo knit headband
cushions the top of your head.
The main construction is
aluminum and even the plastic
parts are soft to the touch,
matching the craftsmanship
B&O has put into these cans.
3
EFFORTLESS
COMFORT
Weighing just under 0.7lbs,
you can wear this headset for a
long time before comfort or
overheating become an issue.
There’s a balancing act when
creating a comfortable,
lightweight headset—it can
potentially feel cheap, but that’s
not the case here. The
company’s choice of materials
makes these cans feel great,
even in warm conditions.