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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ earbuds offer a midrange price and convenience for users who prioritize portability and features like wireless design, active noise canceling, and exercise suitability. With their closed, in-ear form, they provide a decent overall sound quality, effective noise isolation, and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, supporting features like aptX Adaptive codec for better audio quality over Bluetooth. On the other hand, the HifiMan Arya Stealth headphones come at a higher price and cater to audiophiles seeking superb sound quality and an expansive soundstage with their open-back, over-ear design. While they lack modern conveniences like wireless connectivity and built-in controls, they excel in natural sound reproduction and comfort for extended listening sessions. However, they are less suitable for use during exercise, travel, or in noisy environments due to their size, weight, and open design that does not isolate sound. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Gaming
8.4
7.1
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Phone Calls
7.2
5.1
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
8.1
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.8
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
Noise Reduction
7.0
2.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
N/A
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$176
$649
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $176 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HifiMan Arya Stealth to have excellent build quality, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has very good build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$176 | $649 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.2/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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