Compare Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen vs Kanto REN Speakers

Finish and color options are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews highlighting matte black, white, gray, blue, and orange choices.

Review evidence says the A1 does not support AirPlay, so Apple users still rely on Bluetooth or wired USB-C rather than Wi-Fi/AirPlay streaming.

Multiple reviews cite the dual 30W Class D amplification or 60W total output, supporting unusually strong output for the compact chassis.

Amplifier power is consistently documented around 100W RMS or 50W per channel, with enough power for the intended compact speaker role.

The B&O app is repeatedly described as helpful, responsive, and one of the best of its kind, though one reviewer could not get built-in radio working.

Audio format support centers on SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, and USB-C wired audio rather than Wi-Fi-based formats.

Audio format support is mainly documented through USB-C or optical digital playback up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Backwards compatibility is a strength for stereo pairing because the third-generation speaker can pair with a second-generation A1.

Backwards compatibility is partial, helped by optical and analog inputs but limited by the lack of a built-in phono preamp.

Battery life is consistently positive, with most third-generation reviews citing 24 hours and several testers finding that figure believable or conservative.

Bluetooth codec support is strong for the class thanks to AAC and aptX Adaptive alongside basic SBC support.

Bluetooth codec support is limited but documented, mainly AAC and SBC depending on the review; one review noted the lack of hi-res Bluetooth codecs.

Connection stability is generally praised, with reviewers reporting no dropouts or solid pairing, though one garden-range test eventually cut out at distance.

Bluetooth stability evidence is limited but favorable where discussed, including strong Bluetooth and no dropouts.

Range evidence is moderate, with one review citing about 10 meters outdoors and another suggesting real-world limits near the end of a garden.

Construction is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers praising premium aluminum, polymer, finish quality, and overall craftsmanship.

Cabinet construction is mostly positive, with MDF or premium-feeling build noted, though one review wished for more bracing or thicker panels.

Charging time is functional but not fast; several reviews cite roughly three hours and describe it as long or leisurely.

The A1 is repeatedly described as cohesive, unified, controlled, and spacious rather than scattered or disjointed.

Cohesive presentation is supported by comments about togetherness, separation, clarity, and non-DSP-fabricated stereo imaging.

Physical buttons are generally praised as responsive, tactile, clicky, and easier to use.

Control responsiveness is mixed, with some reports of slower remote or volume responses and wake-up delay.

Design and aesthetics are a standout consensus strength, with reviewers repeatedly emphasizing the premium, stylish, minimalist look.

Design and aesthetics are consistently praised for clean, modern, refined, or premium-looking cabinets.

Detail retrieval is strong across reviews, especially through the midrange, vocals, and small instrumental textures.

Detail retrieval is praised in music and movie listening, with reviews highlighting high detail, minor recording cues, and articulate vocals.

TV dialogue and narration were consistently described as clear or helped by the vocal-boost processing.

Distortion control is mostly strong at higher volumes, though one review notes distortion or strain on demanding bass-heavy tracks.

High-volume behavior is mixed: some reviewers heard clean output, while others flagged port chuffing, boomy bass, or improved distortion control with a subwoofer.

Durability is mixed: IP protection and prior-generation bump resistance help, but several reviewers warn the aluminum can scuff or may not survive rough drops like rugged JBL rivals.

Dust resistance is strongly supported by repeated IP67 references and explicit dustproof or dust-resistant descriptions.

Dynamic performance is capable for the size but not class-leading; some reviews praise dynamism while others say rivals offer larger dynamic swings.

Dynamic headroom is generally strong for size and improves further with subwoofer support.

Energy efficiency evidence is limited but positive, tied to Class D amplification and efficient design language.

EQ customization is a clear app strength, with preset modes and a visual sound control repeatedly described as useful and approachable.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with bass and treble controls plus vocal, night, loudness, and DSP mode options mentioned repeatedly.

Everyday usability is strong because reviewers find the speaker simple to operate, portable, and easy to live with in travel, desk, shower, and small-room use.

Frequency balance is generally warm, rich, and controlled rather than strictly neutral, with impressive bass for size and some caveats around bass depth or treble impact.

Most reviews describe the tuning as balanced, neutral, smooth, or full, with bass character as the main area of variation.

Google-related support appears through Google Fast Pair, making Android pairing easier alongside Microsoft Swift Pair and Apple-focused support.

The strap is usually praised as elegant or useful for carrying, though one review notes there is no carrying case and another notes leather may not suit every buyer.

HDMI ARC is one of the most consistently praised features, especially for TV use and soundbar replacement.

Home-theater integration is a core strength, with reviewers repeatedly positioning the REN as a TV or soundbar alternative.

Inter-speaker connectivity is strong because multiple reviews confirm stereo pairing, including pairing across second- and third-generation A1 units.

Inter-speaker connectivity uses a speaker cable between powered and passive speakers, with channel-swap flexibility for placement.

Maximum volume is good for the size and small spaces but not ideal for big outdoor parties or competing with larger JBL-style speakers.

Review evidence says the REN can play loudly for its size, but maximum output is context-dependent and some reviewers wanted more SPL or subwoofer support.

Low-volume usability is supported by night mode, compression, and comments about retaining detail or smaller harmonic variations at quieter levels.

Microphone support is well covered, with reviews describing built-in mics, mute controls, FarField technology, and speakerphone use.

Multi-speaker pairing is a strength in the included reviews, especially because the app supports stereo setup and cross-generation pairing works.

Multipoint connectivity is consistently supported, with multiple reviews describing two-device pairing and one YouTube reviewer calling it flawless.

Omnidirectional sound is mixed: some reviews call it 360-degree or all-directional, while others say it is not truly 360-degree and depends on positioning.

Omnidirectional sound is not a strength; the relevant evidence describes the speaker as directional rather than 360-degree.

On-device controls are well implemented, with power, pairing, volume, playback, and mic controls placed around the speaker body.

On-device controls are basic but useful, centered on a front knob for volume, power, input cycling, and LED/status visibility.

Optical/Toslink input is repeatedly listed as part of the wired input suite, including use with older TVs or digital sources.

The REN can power or charge external devices through its USB-A power output, though this is not a portable battery-bank feature.

Price impressions are positive overall, with reviewers framing the REN as strong value around the $599-$700 range despite some cost caveats.

Price/value is the most repeated caveat: reviewers like the product but frequently call it expensive or weaker value than JBL alternatives.

Privacy evidence is limited but positive in one review because the removal of built-in Alexa means the speaker is not always listening for Amazon voice commands.

Remote usability is generally positive because it controls sources, EQ, subwoofer options, channels, and modes, though some reviews called it chunky or slow.

Setup is generally simple, helped by Fast Pair, Swift Pair, quick Bluetooth discovery, and straightforward operation.

Setup is widely described as simple or plug-and-play, with minor caveats around placement, channel swapping, or documentation.

Smart assistant integration is weak for the third generation because several reviews say Alexa has been dropped or is not built in.

Smart features are mixed: the app adds streaming, radio, EQ, and settings, but reviewers note no Auracast, no Wi-Fi, and no Alexa on the third-generation model.

Smart convenience features include auto-wake, TV-triggered power/input behavior, and quick switching when a TV signal is detected.

Speakerphone quality is a useful strength, with several reviews saying calls are clear or successful and one caller rating it highly.

Status indicators are functional but mixed, with LEDs present for status and charging while one review wished the indicator were larger.

Status indicators are supported by front LEDs, input-color indicators, brightness adjustment, and LED disable options.

Stereo imaging and separation are generally good for a compact Bluetooth speaker, with reviewers praising organized soundstage and instrument separation, though scale is limited.

Reviewers repeatedly praised real stereo separation, imaging, and wide soundstage benefits compared with typical soundbars.

Subwoofer integration is a major strength, with automatic crossover/high-pass behavior and several reviewers saying a subwoofer improves bass and dynamics.

The REN is a stereo system, and the evidence indicates it does not extend into a surround-sound setup.

Sustainability is a standout feature because reviews repeatedly cite Cradle to Cradle certification, modularity, repairability, and replaceable battery support.

USB-C charging is well supported and also doubles as a wired audio/data path in several reviews.

Value for money is mixed: some reviewers say the premium is justified by build and sound, while others say cheaper JBL or other rivals are better buys.

Value for money is strong in the evidence because reviewers link the price to sound quality, connectivity, design, and soundbar-beating performance.

Voice assistant responsiveness is only supported in the older included A1 review, where Alexa setup is described as working equally well once configured.

Voice clarity is a recurring strength, with reviewers praising vocal intelligibility, natural vocals, and clear speech reproduction.

Voice and vocal clarity are supported by vocal boost modes and reviewer comments about centered, intelligible dialogue.

Water resistance is strongly supported by repeated IP67 descriptions and sink, beach, pool, shower, and shallow-submersion references.

Weight convenience is good but not perfect; reviewers find it easy to bag or carry, while noting it is not the lightest option at its size.

Reviewers found the speakers compact or manageable, though one noted the optional stands are heavy.

Wi-Fi streaming reliability scores low because reviews repeatedly say there is no Wi-Fi on board, so Wi-Fi streaming is not available to evaluate.

Reviews noted the lack of Wi-Fi as a limitation rather than reporting stable Wi-Fi streaming performance.

Wired input is a strength on the third-generation model because USB-C can handle wired audio as well as charging.

The REN is strongly supported for wired connectivity, with HDMI ARC, optical, USB-C, RCA, 3.5mm, and related physical inputs mentioned across reviews.