Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen Review

Released: July 16, 2025
Updated: 1 week ago
4.3
Consolidated expert score
187
Review insights
44
Scored features
15
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose the Beosound A1 3rd Gen if you want a compact luxury Bluetooth speaker with polished sound, long battery life, and premium build. Skip it if value, maximum volume, AirPlay/Wi-Fi, or rough-and-tumble durability matter more.

Best for

Best for listeners who want a stylish, compact, premium portable speaker with rich detail, strong battery life, good calls, and a refined companion app. It also suits buyers who value repairability and a replaceable battery.

Not for

Not for buyers prioritizing maximum volume, party-scale bass, the lowest price, or rough handling. It is also a poor fit for users who specifically need AirPlay, Wi-Fi streaming, Auracast, or Alexa.

Verdict

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen earns its premium reputation through a rare mix of refined sound, elegant construction, strong battery life, and repair-minded design. Reviewers repeatedly praised its rich midrange, controlled bass, high detail retrieval, responsive controls, and excellent app, while the compact body remains easy to carry. The main tradeoff is value versus desire: several reviews loved the perceived luxury and sound quality, yet also noted that cheaper JBL, Bose, or other rivals can play louder, sound bigger, or offer better sound-per-pound. Missing AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Auracast, and Alexa support also limits its smart-speaker appeal, but as a premium portable Bluetooth speaker, the consensus is broadly positive.

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

JBL Charge 6

  • Alternative: price alternatives The YouTube reviewer notes buyers could get a Charge 6 instead but frames B&O as quality over quantity.
  • Cheaper: performance value What Hi-Fi says the Charge 6 is similar in performance but much cheaper.
  • Worse: overall preference TechRadar’s follow-up explicitly recommends the A1 over the Charge 6 for looks, audio, and app quality.

JBL Flip 7

  • Better: ruggedness rating Expert Reviews says the A1’s IP67 protection is not quite as high as the Flip 7’s IP68 rating.
  • Cheaper: price The A1 costs far more than WIRED’s favorite JBL alternative.

JBL Xtreme 4

  • Better: size and outright performance The Xtreme 4 is described as superior and much larger while costing less.
  • Better: output and scale The larger, cheaper Xtreme 4 is said to outperform the A1 on outright wireless performance.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

44 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0 55% 24 features
  • Positive 3.5-4.4 30% 13 features
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4 11% 5 features
  • Negative 1.5-2.4 5% 2 features
  • Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features

Pros

  • 5.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Cohesive presentation: 5.0, based on 2 reviews
    Cohesion was praised, with reviewers describing the presentation as unified, whole, and remarkably cohesive.
  • 5.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Everyday usability: 5.0, based on 2 reviews
    Everyday usability was praised for simple operation and controls that were easy to use without friction.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    Handle or strap quality: 5.0, based on 1 review
    The leather strap drew praise as expertly crafted and part of the speaker’s premium look.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    Multi-speaker pairing reliability: 5.0, based on 1 review
    One reviewer tested pairing across generations and found the stereo-pairing experience impressive and reliable.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    On-device controls: 5.0, based on 1 review
    On-device controls were praised as nice and clicky in direct use.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    USB-C charging: 5.0, based on 1 review
    USB-C charging was praised when paired with simultaneous laptop playback, making the port more useful than simple charging.
  • 4.9
    based on 7 reviews
    Cabinet construction / bracing: 4.9, based on 7 reviews
    Construction quality was repeatedly praised for premium materials, flawless finishing, and a substantial feel.
  • 4.9
    based on 9 reviews
    Water resistance rating: 4.9, based on 9 reviews
    Water resistance was strongly supported by outdoor-use praise and hands-on dunk or sink tests that reported no damage.
  • 4.9
    based on 12 reviews
    Design and aesthetics: 4.9, based on 12 reviews
    Design and aesthetics were one of the strongest consensus points, with nearly every reviewer praising the premium, elegant, luxurious look and feel.
  • 4.9
    based on 4 reviews
    Wired input: 4.9, based on 4 reviews
    USB-C wired audio was praised as a meaningful bonus, especially because reviewers heard clearer, punchier performance through a cable.
  • 4.8
    based on 3 reviews
    Bluetooth connection stability: 4.8, based on 3 reviews
    Connection stability was consistently positive, with reviewers reporting no pairing or dropout issues in normal testing.
  • 4.8
    based on 3 reviews
    Control button responsiveness: 4.8, based on 3 reviews
    Physical controls were praised for positive, responsive, clicky action.
  • 4.8
    based on 5 reviews
    Sustainability: 4.8, based on 5 reviews
    Sustainability stood out through repairability, replaceable battery comments, and praise for longevity-focused design.
  • 4.8
    based on 4 reviews
    Distortion at high volume: 4.8, based on 4 reviews
    High-volume behavior was praised for staying controlled, with reviewers reporting little distortion even when the speaker was pushed.
  • 4.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Inter-speaker connectivity: 4.8, based on 2 reviews
    Inter-speaker connectivity was praised where tested, especially for quick stereo setup and pairing with another A1.
  • 4.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Multipoint connectivity: 4.8, based on 2 reviews
    Multipoint was positively received, especially in hands-on switching tests where it worked easily and flawlessly.
  • 4.7
    based on 9 reviews
    Battery life (if portable): 4.7, based on 9 reviews
    Battery life was a consistent strength, with reviewers calling the 24-hour figure credible, impressive, and in some tests conservative.
  • 4.7
    based on 6 reviews
    Voice clarity: 4.7, based on 6 reviews
    Vocal reproduction was a consistent strength, with reviewers praising intelligibility, definition, and natural-sounding voices in music.
  • 4.7
    based on 6 reviews
    Weight convenience: 4.7, based on 6 reviews
    Portability was strong overall: reviewers liked the bag-friendly size and balanced heft, though it is not the lightest compact speaker.
  • 4.6
    based on 5 reviews
    App reliability: 4.6, based on 5 reviews
    The B&O app was repeatedly praised as responsive, simple, flexible, and among the best companion apps in the category.
  • 4.6
    based on 5 reviews
    Backwards compatibility: 4.6, based on 5 reviews
    Backwards compatibility was a clear plus because multiple reviewers valued pairing the 3rd Gen with the older A1 2nd Gen.
  • 4.6
    based on 5 reviews
    EQ customization: 4.6, based on 5 reviews
    EQ customization was a standout, with reviewers praising the visual sound control as helpful, easy, and unusually gratifying.
  • 4.6
    based on 9 reviews
    Detail retrieval: 4.6, based on 9 reviews
    Detail retrieval was a major strength across reviews, with repeated praise for high detail, clarity, and track-level separation.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Setup simplicity: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Setup was described as quick and issue-free in one review’s pairing experience.
  • 4.4
    based on 5 reviews
    Bluetooth codec support: 4.4, based on 5 reviews
    Codec support was considered solid, with aptX Adaptive repeatedly framed as a welcome or high-quality advantage.
  • 4.4
    based on 5 reviews
    Stereo imaging accuracy: 4.4, based on 5 reviews
    Imaging and spatial organization were praised for openness and instrument separation, though one review noted limited scale compared with larger rivals.
  • 4.4
    based on 4 reviews
    Omnidirectional sound: 4.4, based on 4 reviews
    Omnidirectional sound was generally positive, though one reviewer disputed true 360-degree behavior while still finding placement easy.
  • 4.4
    based on 4 reviews
    Speakerphone quality: 4.4, based on 4 reviews
    Speakerphone performance was praised, with reviewers describing calls as clear, successful, and even a ten-out-of-ten hands-free experience.
  • 4.3
    based on 13 reviews
    Frequency response balance: 4.3, based on 13 reviews
    The tonal balance was widely praised for rich, controlled bass, clear mids, and refined highs, with a few caveats around ultimate bass depth and one first-impression review finding it flat.
  • 4.3
    based on 2 reviews
    Smart features: 4.3, based on 2 reviews
    Smart features were mixed: the app content and radio features impressed one reviewer, while another found the overall package simple rather than feature-packed.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Microphone: 4.0, based on 1 review
    The microphone system was tied to clearer, more transparent voice calls in review evidence.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Privacy and data: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Privacy/data sentiment was lightly positive because the removal of Alexa also means Amazon’s assistant is not always listening.
  • 3.8
    based on 7 reviews
    Loudness / maximum volume: 3.8, based on 7 reviews
    Reviewers generally found the small speaker louder than expected for its size, but several cautioned that it is not built to fill bigger rooms or outmuscle larger rivals.
  • 3.8
    based on 4 reviews
    Dynamic headroom: 3.8, based on 4 reviews
    Dynamic headroom was good but not class-leading: some reviews praised dynamism, while others wanted stronger quiet-to-loud swings.
  • 3.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Bluetooth connectivity: 3.8, based on 2 reviews
    General Bluetooth connectivity was mostly positive for quick pairing, but one reviewer criticized the lack of Auracast as a missed futureproofing opportunity.
  • 3.7
    based on 13 reviews
    Price / value for money: 3.7, based on 13 reviews
    Price opinion was split: many reviewers saw the speaker as expensive, but several argued its build, sound, and longevity justified the premium.
  • 3.7
    based on 2 reviews
    Bluetooth range: 3.7, based on 2 reviews
    Bluetooth range was workable but not exceptional, with one review keeping it near the same room and another noting dropouts only near the end of a garden test.

Cons

  • 3.3
    based on 2 reviews
    Status indicators: 3.3, based on 2 reviews
    Status indicators worked but drew mild criticism for size and viewing angle.
  • 3.2
    based on 5 reviews
    Drop resistance durability: 3.2, based on 5 reviews
    Durability was mixed: reviewers liked the tough build and survival in bags, but several warned the metal finish can scuff and the speaker should not be thrown around like rugged JBL models.
  • 3.1
    based on 4 reviews
    Value for money: 3.1, based on 4 reviews
    Value-for-money sentiment was more divided than price alone, ranging from strong praise in one A1 review to doubts from What Hi-Fi and Expert Reviews at the current price.
  • 2.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Charging time: 2.8, based on 2 reviews
    Charging time was a weak spot because reviewers described the roughly three-hour charge as leisurely or on the long side.
  • 2.6
    based on 4 reviews
    Smart assistant integration (Alexa: 2.6, based on 4 reviews
    Alexa and voice-assistant support were mixed-to-negative: some reviewers did not miss it, while others treated its removal as a lost useful feature.
  • 2.0
    based on 1 review
    AirPlay compatibility: 2.0, based on 1 review
    AirPlay compatibility was a clear omission in the Macworld review, which said the lack of Wi-Fi or AirPlay kept it from being perfect for Apple users.
  • 2.0
    based on 1 review
    Wi-Fi streaming reliability: 2.0, based on 1 review
    Wi-Fi streaming was a drawback for Apple-focused users because the speaker lacks Wi-Fi and AirPlay support.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Portable Bluetooth Speakers, this product is above average in Backwards compatibility, Wired input, Speakerphone quality, below average in Wi-Fi streaming reliability.

Summary

8 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher 88% 7 features
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower 13% 1 feature
Attribute This product Category average Difference
Backwards compatibility 4.6 2.4 +2.2
Wired input 4.9 3.0 +1.9
Wi-Fi streaming reliability 2.0 3.8 -1.8
Speakerphone quality 4.4 2.7 +1.7
Bluetooth codec support 4.4 3.1 +1.3
Microphone 4.0 2.6 +1.4
Distortion at high volume 4.8 3.5 +1.3
Multi-speaker pairing reliability 5.0 3.7 +1.3

FAQ

Does the Beosound A1 3rd Gen sound big for its size?

Yes, reviewers repeatedly praised its rich bass, clear mids, and detail for a compact speaker. Several still noted that it cannot match the scale or maximum output of larger rivals.

Is the Beosound A1 3rd Gen worth the price?

It depends on what you value. Reviews praised the premium build, sound, app, and longevity, but several also said cheaper JBL or Bose alternatives can offer better value or bigger sound.

How good is the battery life?

Battery life was one of the stronger consensus points. Multiple reviews found the 24-hour claim credible, and one older A1 review reported meeting or exceeding the rated life.

Does it support AirPlay or Wi-Fi streaming?

No. Review evidence specifically called out the lack of Wi-Fi and AirPlay as a limitation, especially for Apple users.

Can it be used for calls?

Yes. Reviews describe the speakerphone and microphone performance positively, with clear voice calls and a strong hands-free experience.

Is it rugged enough for outdoors?

It is waterproof and dust-rated, and reviewers praised outdoor use, sink tests, and beach or pool suitability. The caution is cosmetic durability: several reviews warned the aluminum can scuff or mark.

Consider This Instead

If you want better Price / value for money

Choose Soundcore Boom 3i. It scores 4.9 vs 3.7 for Price / value for money, with a 4.3 overall score.

Compare

If you want better Status indicators

Choose Marshall Willen II. It scores 5.0 vs 3.3 for Status indicators, with a 3.9 overall score.

Compare

Overall Top Portable Bluetooth Speakers Alternatives

#1 Soundcore Boom 3i
4.3
20 reviews

Good if you want a rugged, floating outdoor speaker with loud, bassy sound, useful app extras, and strong value. Skip it if you need refined stereo audio, wired input, reverse...

Pros: Price / value for money, On-device controls

Cons: Power bank function, Wired input

#2 Tribit StormBox Micro 3
4.3
14 reviews

Choose the StormBox Micro 3 for rugged travel, magnetic mounting, long battery life, strong value, and surprisingly full sound. Skip it if you need premium codecs, aux input, refined detail,...

Pros: Stereo imaging accuracy, Setup simplicity

Cons: Wired input, Backwards compatibility

#3 Current product Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Speaker 3rd Gen
4.3
15 reviews

Choose the Beosound A1 3rd Gen if you want a compact luxury Bluetooth speaker with polished sound, long battery life, and premium build. Skip it if value, maximum volume, AirPlay/Wi-Fi,...

Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Handle or strap quality

Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, AirPlay compatibility

#4 Tribit XSound Plus 2 Portable Wireless Speaker
4.1
19 reviews

Choose the Tribit XSound Plus 2 for loud, customizable sound, strong battery life and bargain value. Skip it if you need dustproof ruggedness, neutral set-and-forget tuning, or larger multi-speaker party...

Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Price / value for money

Cons: Dust resistance rating, Bluetooth codec support