Compare Dali Katch G2 Portable Speaker vs Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen

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.

Power output is presented as substantial for the category, including 50W for one unit and 100W when stereo paired.

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

There is no companion app to rely on, so the app experience is effectively absent rather than merely unreliable.

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 support includes higher-quality Bluetooth formats, with aptX HD, aptX and AAC cited.

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

Backwards or legacy use is helped by AUX input, but old and new Katch units cannot be paired together.

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

Battery life is a standout, with both written reviews emphasizing the 30-hour playtime.

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

Codec support is above basic Bluetooth, with aptX HD, aptX and AAC support mentioned across reviews.

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

Bluetooth performance gets positive treatment in one review that calls the Bluetooth very good.

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

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

Build quality is a major strength, with premium grilles, metal accents and superb construction quality highlighted.

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

Charging time is reasonable rather than standout, with one review saying a full charge takes a couple of hours.

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

Musical cohesion is praised, with reviewers describing an effortless presentation and a genuine sense of the music.

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

Physical controls are positive: one review says the buttons are clicky and predictable, and another notes the EQ button on the speaker.

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

Design and aesthetics draw strong praise, with reviewers calling it distinctive, classy and unusually attractive.

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

Detail retrieval is one of the strongest areas, with reviewers praising clarity, nuance, insight, resolution and sparkle.

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

High-volume control is mixed to weak: one reviewer hears woolly bass at ridiculous levels, and another reports pumping near maximum volume.

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

Durability impressions are strong from build feel, with one reviewer describing it as built like a tank.

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 also absent, with one review explicitly stating there is no dust or water resistance.

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

Dynamics are mixed: one review calls it dynamic with tremendous resolution, while another finds little headroom change versus the prior model.

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

EQ flexibility is limited to built-in modes, with reviewers noting the lack of customizable app-based EQ.

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

Everyday use is helped by the handle and stable feet, making it easy to move around the house and place securely.

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.

Tonality divides reviewers: two praise balanced bass and clarity, while one finds the speaker thin and brittle above moderate levels.

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.

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

The pull-out handle is useful and well liked, though one reviewer says their unit's handle felt stiff.

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.

Stereo pairing is repeatedly confirmed, with several reviews saying two Katch G2 units can be paired.

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

Measured Bluetooth latency is described as very low, with one reviewer calling it as good as it gets in their testing.

Two reviews support strong loudness: one says it plays incredibly loudly and fills rooms, while another finds the G2 about as loud as the original.

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

Low-volume performance is where the critical reviewer is most forgiving, saying it can work well below 50 percent volume.

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.

The speaker is treated as broadly room-filling or multi-directional, with drivers on both sides and a 360-degree description.

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.

On-device controls are clear and minimal, covering power, volume, Bluetooth and EQ without extra control layers.

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

Power bank functionality is present, with one review saying it can charge other devices.

Price/value is region-dependent: UK deal pricing is praised, but US pricing and one critical review sharply hurt the value case.

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.

Setup and basic use are simple, with reviewers emphasizing straightforward operation and few control layers.

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

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 sparse because there is no app or extra controller, keeping the speaker intentionally simple.

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.

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.

Stereo presentation is generally positive, with stable soundstage and separation in one review and a basic left-right sense in another.

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

Repairability gets one positive note because the battery is described as easy to replace.

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

USB-C charging is a miss, with reviews pointing out barrel charging instead of USB-C.

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

Value for money is highly price-sensitive, with strong praise at £299 but severe criticism when judged at higher pricing.

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.

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

Vocal and midrange clarity is a strength, with smooth recognizable vocals and one reviewer rating the midrange above other wireless speakers tried.

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

Water resistance is a clear weakness, with multiple reviews noting no waterproof, IP, or IPX rating.

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

Portability is limited by weight: reviews call it heavy and cite a slightly higher weight for the G2.

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.

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.

Wired input is consistently supported through AUX or 3.5mm input, including use with older or legacy sources.

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