Bang & Olufsen has officially announced its latest wireless earbuds, the Beoplay Eleven, which promises to deliver improved active noise cancellation (ANC) and a unique feature – replaceable batteries. The new earbuds will be available in two color options, natural aluminum and copper tone, and come with a hefty price tag of $499.

The Beoplay Eleven's design is reminiscent of Apple's AirPods, with a stem design that was first introduced in Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay EX model. However, what sets these earbuds apart is their compliance with EU sustainability regulations coming into effect in 2027, which requires devices to have replaceable batteries. While this feature is a step in the right direction, it's worth noting that the battery replacement process will need to be done by a service center, rather than by the user themselves, which may not be as convenient as some users might hope.

In terms of audio performance, the Beoplay Eleven earbuds feature six updated microphones with a "slightly larger-than-usual microphone inlet" to improve voice call performance, ANC, and transparency modes. Additionally, the new earbuds offer double the noise reduction at low frequencies, which should provide better sound quality across different ear shapes and sizes. The 9.2mm drivers from the EX model have been carried over to the Beoplay Eleven.

The Beoplay Eleven earbuds are available now through Bang & Olufsen's retail stores and website in a natural aluminum finish, with the copper tone finish set to become available on December 17th. In terms of battery life, the earbuds deliver up to six hours of listening with ANC turned on or up to eight hours with ANC off. When paired with a case that can be charged over USB-C or with a wireless Qi charger, battery life jumps to 20 hours with ANC or 28 hours without.

While the Beoplay Eleven earbuds certainly offer some impressive features, the steep price of $499 may be a barrier for many consumers. However, for those who value high-quality audio and are willing to invest in a premium product, these earbuds may be worth considering. It will be interesting to see how the Beoplay Eleven compares to other high-end wireless earbuds on the market, and whether the unique feature of replaceable batteries will be enough to set it apart from the competition.

The launch of the Beoplay Eleven earbuds highlights the growing trend towards sustainability in the tech industry, with many companies now focusing on designing products that are more environmentally friendly. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, it's likely that we'll see more products like the Beoplay Eleven that prioritize sustainability without sacrificing performance.