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Asus ROG Kithara vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Asus ROG Kithara comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Asus ROG Kithara - Outstanding overall at around $300.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Asus ROG Kithara leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Asus ROG Kithara
  • Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal
HearWiki score
83
61
Sound
9.2
7.8
Noise cancelling
-
6.2
Battery
-
6.3
Calls
8.7
6.2
Value
8.4
4.2
Price (USD)
$300
$500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Asus ROG Kithara (2026) against Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal (2021). The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • ROG Kithara20265 yr newer
  • Beoplay Portal2021
What differsROG KitharaBeoplay Portal

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Specifications

ROG KitharaBeoplay Portal
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$300
$500
HearWiki score
83
61
Released
2026
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
100 mm planar magnetic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
100 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 55 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
16 Ω
24 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
95 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.1
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
42 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
24 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
none
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
420 g
282 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
-
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
1
4
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-36 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
No
Yes
Call NR technology
-
beamforming

What reviewers said

Asus ROG Kithara

The Asus ROG Kithara is a wired over-ear gaming headset built around a large 100mm planar magnetic driver, delivering a wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 55 kHz. It includes a noise-canceling MEMS microphone and RGB lighting, with broad compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Its low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive, though it lacks active noise cancellation and onboard controls.

  • Pro:Large 100mm planar magnetic driver for detailed sound
  • Pro:Very low 16-ohm impedance, easy to power with most devices
  • Pro:Wide frequency response up to 55 kHz
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No onboard controls for volume or mute
  • Con:Non-foldable design may limit portability

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal is a premium wireless gaming headset that pairs adaptive noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery, offering up to 24 hours of use with ANC active. It supports aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.1, and its 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a detailed sound signature. The lightweight 282g design, touch controls, and custom EQ via app support make it a versatile choice for both gaming and everyday listening.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC effectively reduces ambient noise
  • Pro:Long battery life of up to 24 hours with ANC on
  • Pro:Supports high-quality aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth connection
  • Con:Touch controls may be less intuitive for some users
  • Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonAsus ROG KitharaBang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal