Optoma BE Free8

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Key features and specs

• Cable Free True Wireless Headphones
• Bluetooth and NFMI technology
• Superior sound quality with deep explosive bass
• 4 hour battery life with three additional full charges using the charging case
• Rain and sweat resistant – IPX5 rated
• Revolutionary SpinFit TwinBlade® ear tips

Type	True wireless
Driver	5.8mm
Impedance (Ohm)	32
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity	92dB +/-3dB at 1KHz
Weight	11g
Colour	Black

Introduction

I’ve been using the Optoma BE Free8 Premium true wireless Bluetooth in-ear headphones for the past couple of months.  It has been my first experience of using true wireless headphones, and I’ve really enjoyed using them.  Read on for my Rapid Review of these headphones.

Build and comfort

At first glance, the Optoma BE Free8 headphones look really nice.  I liked the charging case that the headphones came in, and the little lights on the case that light up when charging.

Upon closer inspection, they do feel a bit plasticky and a lot cheaper than their £149 price tag would suggest.  I did notice that they seemed to click a little when held and the buttons were pressed.  However, I have to say that they are very comfortable to wear.  You get different sets of earbuds which will ensure that you get a secure and comfortable fit.

Sound quality

Compatible with both AAC and aptX® LL technologies to provide high fidelity audio to any device including iPhone®, Android™ and Windows® phones, as well as PCs and Macs. Feature dynamic drivers with NuForce proprietary sonic coating (a razor thin and strong coating of several refractory metals for close-to-perfect piston movement) ensures lightning-fast transient response and ultra-low distortion.

https://www.optoma.co.uk/audioproduct/be-free8#buynow

Whilst I’m sure, like me, most people reading the above won’t really understand what it means.  However, what I do know is that these headphones do sound really great.  I listen to podcasts and live radio mostly and the sound quality has been very good.  They provide a strong bass and crystal clear audio.  Although not an advertised feature, I did find these headphones good at blocking out external sounds.

Connectivity

The headphones connect to your devices using advanced Bluetooth® and NFMI (Near-Field Magnetic Induction) technology.  My only gripe with the connectivity was that the left and right earbuds had to be very close together to work.

Features

These headphones have a built-in noise-cancelling microphone for calls, and a button on top of the earpiece to play, pause and skip songs.  You are also able to activate Siri and Google Assistant.  The BE Free8 headphones have a rating of IPX5, making them weather resistant, ensuring protection from rain and sweat.  I can vouch for this as I walk a lot and have been caught in many showers without any damage caused to the headphones.  The headphones also give vocal feedback, telling you when the headphones are on or off, as well as the volume and battery levels.

Battery Life

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Optoma claims that the BE Free8s offer 4 four hours of continuous uninterrupted audio and up to 16 hours with three additional full charges using the portable charging case.  I would have to say that I agree with this.  Primarily, I use the headphones to listen to podcasts on my way to work.  After charging the headphones on a Sunday evening, I was able to get through a whole week.  The charging case was really handy and did provide three extra charges.

Conclusion

The biggest selling point of these headphones is definitely the true wireless connectivity.  Being able to listen to music on the go, without leads getting in the way, is a very rewarding experience.  Now that I’ve used wireless, I can’t see me going back to wired. 

Rapid Reviews UK Rating