Compare soundcore Rave 3S 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.

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

The Soundcore app is repeatedly called stable and genuinely useful, with fast connection, firmware updates, lighting control, and rich audio/karaoke settings that are easy to navigate.

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.

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

Battery life is advertised around 12 hours, but multiple reviews call it average for the size; with lights, BassUp, and higher volume, real-world endurance is often closer to a single party session (roughly mid single-digits of hours).

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

Bluetooth audio codec support is limited (SBC is commonly cited, with AAC also mentioned), and reviewers explicitly call out the absence of higher-resolution options like LDAC/aptX.

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

Bluetooth performance is generally described as stable with low video lag; however, a few users mention occasional quirks (like multipoint handoffs or brief dropouts/behavior changes when powering mics).

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.

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

Charging is commonly described as slow for the category, with about a 6-hour full recharge cited by multiple reviewers.

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.

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

Build and styling are broadly praised as sturdy and modern, with a metal grille, textured housing, and thoughtful touches like mic holders and rubber rails for horizontal/spatial mode.

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

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

Cleanliness at high volume is mixed: some reviewers report it staying composed with BassUp, while others hear high-frequency fuzz or bass/sub-bass distortion when pushed to maximum levels, especially outside.

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

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.

EQ is a strong point: reviewers highlight multiple presets, a detailed 9-band EQ, BassUp, and vocal effects controls that make it easy to tailor both music and karaoke sound.

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

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.

Tuning favors party impact with strong bass and a forward, energetic sound; several reviewers note the deepest sub-bass and the very top end are less refined, but EQ and BassUp let you rebalance for different genres.

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 built-in handle helps, and mic storage is integrated, but multiple reviewers wish for additional handles or wheels; a few note the single-handle carry can feel awkward depending on how far you walk.

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.

Inter-speaker connectivity is a key feature: reviewers mention Auracast/Oracast for linking speakers and the ability to create a stereo setup with a second Rave 3S.

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

For video use, reviewers generally report low perceived latency over Bluetooth, and some use the speaker as a simple TV/audio source via AUX when needed.

The LED light show is frequently praised as bright and customizable, with multiple presets and app control (including dimming/off options); lights are most visible from the front and can noticeably reduce battery life.

Across reviews, the Rave 3S is described as extremely loud for its size (200W class output) and easily fills small-to-medium rooms; it is still capable outdoors, though a few testers found it less dominant in open spaces versus larger, wheeled party speakers.

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

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

It supports linking multiple speakers (Auracast/Oracast) and can form a stereo pair; direct long-term reliability reports are limited, but the feature is consistently present and straightforward to access in controls/app.

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

Multipoint is supported in several reviews, allowing two devices to stay connected; switching works most of the time, though one tester reported occasional awkward handoffs in a busy party scenario.

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.

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

The speaker does not function as a power bank; the USB-C port is for charging the speaker itself, not for charging phones or other devices.

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 is consistently described as easy: microphones auto-connect, on-speaker buttons mirror app controls, and most karaoke/light features can be used without deep configuration, aside from optional app tuning.

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/party features are the headline: AI vocal removal with adjustable strength (and in some cases an auto guide mode), vocal enhancement/reverb controls, and a spatial mode for wider playback; some reviewers note minor artifacts or level changes when the AI is active.

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.

Multiple sources note there is no speakerphone/calling feature, which is typical for this kind of party speaker.

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

Several reviews appreciate the on-speaker battery/status indicators and the clear battery percentage readout inside the app.

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

Out of the box it is primarily a mono, front-firing party speaker; laying it on its side enables a spatial mode that widens presentation, and true left/right stereo is achieved by pairing two units.

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

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 is a standout theme: the price is repeatedly justified by the included dual wireless mics, AI karaoke features, loud output, and customizable lighting, even with compromises in codecs, portability, and battery.

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 intelligibility for music is generally good, but karaoke mic output varies by reviewer: some praise the included mics, while others note a noise gate/limiter, proximity sensitivity, or low-level hiss/static.

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

Protection is splash-level only (IPX4 in multiple reviews): fine for spills or light rain, but not intended for submersion or heavy weather.

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

At roughly 23 lb, most reviewers consider it manageable for short carries but not convenient for frequent transport; the lack of wheels is a recurring complaint.

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.

Connectivity is flexible for a karaoke boombox: reviewers cite a 1/4-inch mic/guitar input with gain controls plus a 3.5mm AUX input, alongside Bluetooth and USB-C charging; there are no TV-style ports like HDMI.

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