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Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)

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Sound quality
Battery life
Portability
Durability
Connectivity
Additional features
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27 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [27]

91
Total expert reviews: 27
  • with a score: 17
  • without a score: 10
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 27 reviews
91
Lowest score by Stereo Guide
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
100
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) wireless speaker is a premium and innovative Bluetooth speaker that stands out with its unique design and features. It boasts a stunning pearl-blasted aluminum chassis, water and dust-proofing, and the world's first Bluetooth-only Alexa smart speaker.
+ pros
  • Premium and innovative design with a pearl-blasted aluminum chassis and tactile rubber USB-C charging cable.
  • Water and dust-proof to IP67 with a reasonable battery life of up to 18 hours at normal listening volume.
  • Built-in Alexa voice control and support for Qualcomm's latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec.
  • Far-field microphone technology allows Alexa to be activated from up to five meters away.
  • Maintains Bang & Olufsen's trademark sound profile with a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance.
- cons
  • No Wi-Fi or Chromecast onboard, limiting the ability to link streaming services.
  • Cannot stereo pair a second-gen model with a first-gen model.
  • Customizable listening EQ presets may not add to the listening experience for some users.
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Expert consensus

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) Bluetooth speaker is a highly portable and durable speaker with exceptional battery life, clear and rich sound, and unique features such as Alexa voice control and multi-device pairing.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) Bluetooth speaker is a highly portable and durable speaker that is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or picnics, as well as for travel or commuting. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it resistant to dust, rain, and splashes, and it can withstand being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

The speaker has exceptional battery life, playing music for up to 18 hours at increased volume, and even longer on lower settings. It has a sleek and portable design, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The Beosound A1 delivers clear, rich sound with a peak power of 2x140 watts and has an equalizer feature that allows users to customize the sound profile to their liking.

The speaker has a remarkable Bluetooth range and supports multi-device pairing with up to two devices, making it easy to switch between them. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and Alexa voice control, allowing users to control music playback and access information with voice commands.

However, it may not be very suitable for use in large, crowded rooms due to its maximum volume output and compression present at max volume. Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is an excellent choice for those looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker with exceptional audio quality and unique features.

Sound quality

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) Bluetooth speaker has a well-balanced mid-range, customizable sound profile, sturdy build, and 360-degree design, making it suitable for personal audio and outdoor use.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) Bluetooth speaker has a well-balanced mid-range that accurately produces vocals and lead instruments, but struggles to produce low-bass and has an underemphasized treble range. However, the 'Beosonic' sound customization feature and five EQ presets in its companion app allow for customization of the sound profile.

The speaker is suitable for personal audio and outdoor use, with a sturdy build and IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It has amazing directivity and a 360-degree design that provides an open and spacious soundstage. However, it may not be very suitable for use in large, crowded rooms due to its maximum volume output and compression present at max volume.

Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a stylish and portable speaker with exceptional audio quality, suitable for personal audio and outdoor use.

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Battery life

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) has a battery life of up to 18 hours at normal playback volume, but can last up to 24-48 hours at lower volume levels and only 3 hours at maximum volume.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) has a battery life of up to 18 hours at normal playback volume, but this can vary based on usage and volume levels. At medium volume, it can provide around 18 hours of playback time, while at lower volume levels, it can last up to 24-48 hours. However, if used at maximum volume, the battery life is only 3 hours.

The speaker has power-saving features that allow it to automatically turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity, which can help extend battery life. It takes up to 2 hours to charge completely and can be used while charging. Overall, the battery life of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is suitable for casual use and can last for a full day or more depending on the volume level and usage.

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Portability

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a compact and lightweight portable speaker with a waterproof leather carrying strap, making it perfect for outdoor activities and travel.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a highly portable speaker that is perfect for taking on the go. With its compact size and lightweight design, it can easily be carried in one hand or attached to a bag using the built-in leather carrying strap. The carrying strap is also waterproof, making it suitable for use in any weather condition.

This speaker is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or picnics, as well as for travel or commuting. Its small size also makes it a great option for use in small spaces such as apartments or dorm rooms. Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a highly portable and versatile speaker that can be used in a variety of settings.

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Durability

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a durable and waterproof speaker made mostly of aluminum, with a rubber base and a waterproof carrying strap, making it a great option for outdoor activities.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a durable speaker that is mostly made of aluminum, which feels solid and contributes to its durability. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it resistant to dust, rain, and splashes, and it sits on a rubber base that prevents it from sliding around too much.

Its carrying strap is also advertised as waterproof, which adds to its durability. However, the speaker is not advertised to be impact-resistant, so it's recommended not to drop it. The circular base of the speaker, made from polymer, gives it practical resilience against scratches, while its aluminum mesh top has sound-dispersing qualities.

This speaker is a great option for outdoor activities and can withstand being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. To ensure its longevity and durability, it's recommended to avoid dropping it, keep it away from extreme temperatures, clean it with a soft, dry cloth, and charge it regularly.

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Connectivity

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) has a strong Bluetooth range and supports multi-device pairing, but lacks built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and relies on a paired smartphone for Alexa and voice assistant support.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) has a remarkable Bluetooth range and supports multi-device pairing with up to two devices, making it easy to switch between them. It does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and relies on the Wi-Fi connection of your paired smartphone to work. The speaker comes with Alexa built-in, but it relies on the Wi-Fi connection from your paired smartphone to work.

Bluetooth pairing is exceptionally easy and smooth, making it a great option for those who want a portable speaker that is easy to connect to their devices. However, if you require Wi-Fi connectivity or voice assistant support in Scandinavian languages, this may not be the best option for you.

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Additional features

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a portable Bluetooth speaker with waterproof and dust-resistant features, built-in microphone for hands-free calling and Alexa voice control, exceptional battery life, sleek design, and customizable sound profile.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a portable Bluetooth speaker with several unique features that make it stand out from other speakers in the market. It has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dust-resistant, making it ideal for use around the pool, at the beach, or on a canoe trip.

It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and Alexa voice control, allowing users to control music playback and access information with voice commands. The speaker has exceptional battery life, playing music for up to 18 hours at increased volume, and even longer on lower settings.

It has a sleek and portable design, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. The Beosound A1 delivers clear, rich sound with a peak power of 2x140 watts and has an equalizer feature that allows users to customize the sound profile to their liking.

Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is an excellent choice for those looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker with exceptional audio quality and unique features.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all portable bluetooth speakers.

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) ranks #10 out of 22 in this month's ranking:
Elegant Accessory
21 Oct 2024 (2 months ago)
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Sleek Design
2 Dec 2022 (2 years ago)
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One of the weightiest and most refined little speakers we’ve ever heard.
2 Dec 2024 (1 month ago)
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