Recently, we reviewed the Optoma NuForce HEM Dynamic IEM and found that although it sounded good, its narrow sound channels didn’t hold its ear tips well enough, making it all too possible to end up with ear tips left deep inside your ear canals. This week, we’re trying a new headphone from Optoma’s NuForce line — the BE2 Wireless. We find that the BE2 is very affordable, sounds good, and keeps its ear tips where they’re supposed to be.
The BE2 is, in many ways, a typical Bluetooth IEM. A simple flat cable connects two plastic driver housings. The BE2 is not MFi certified, but its controls work perfectly with iOS and it supports the AAC codec. Included in the box is a cable shortner, micro USB charging cable, three sizes of SpinFit dome-shaped ear tips, and a single set of double-flange tips. The BE2 is IPX5 water resistant and generally well-built.
As an added bonus, the rear of the BE2’s driver housings are magnetic, allowing them to stick together when they hang from the neck, reducing the risk of accidentally losing them when not in use. They’re light and comfortable, though some users might find that they stick out relatively far from the ear.
We have almost no complaints about the BE2. Not only do the ear tips stay in place around the BE2’s large sound channels, the tips also offer excellent isolation, even on our noisy NYC subway commute. Pairing and operation is simple enough, though the power on / power off process required us to hold the center button for an oddly long time. We got around the 10 hours of battery life claimed by Optoma, which is impressive considering the relatively small size of the BE2’s battery housing.
The BE2’s sound is just slightly on the soft side of neutral, which we think makes them a good choice for all but those looking for very boosted bass. We have just one nitpick — the BE2 seems to have a relatively low volume limit. Even with its highly-isolating ear tips, we found ourselves often near the top of the volume range. Still, the overall quality build and sound in this affordable headphone makes the BE2 easy to recommend.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Optoma
Model: NuForce BE2
Price: $49
