Beosound Lautsprecher: Is Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A1 the Only Bluetooth Speaker You Actually Want to Hear?
02.01.2026 - 05:21:25
You know that moment when you hit play and immediately regret it? The song is right, the mood is right, but the sound coming out of your portable speaker is thin, harsh, and weirdly flat. Vocals feel like they're hiding in the next room, bass is more suggestion than presence, and suddenly the playlist you spent hours curating sounds like background noise in a supermarket aisle.
That's the quiet frustration a lot of us live with. We accept that portable means "good enough." We buy chunky Bluetooth bricks with overhyped bass, or tiny fashion speakers that look great on Instagram and disappoint the moment you turn the volume up. You want something beautiful enough to live on your coffee table, tough enough to throw in a bag, and rich enough to make you actually stop and listen.
This is the problem Bang & Olufsen is trying to solve.
Enter the Beosound Lautsprecher: The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1
The Beosound Lautsprecher at the heart of this story is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd generation) – a compact, disc-shaped Bluetooth speaker that aims to be both design object and serious audio gear. It's the kind of device you buy not just to fill silence, but to turn a room, a balcony, or a beach blanket into a small, private concert.
On paper, the Beosound A1 doesn't scream for attention. There are no RGB lights, no monstrous subwoofers hanging off the sides. Instead, it quietly flexes in the ways that matter: 360° sound, IP67 water-and-dust resistance, up to 18 hours of playtime at typical listening levels, refined tuning by B&O's acoustic engineers, and support for AAC and aptX Adaptive (on compatible devices). It also doubles as a seriously good speakerphone thanks to its built-in 3-mic array.
In other words, this is a portable speaker built for people who are tired of compromising. It's about listening, not just playing.
Why this specific model?
There's no shortage of portable Bluetooth speakers. JBL, Sony, Bose, Ultimate Ears – everyone has a cylinder or brick promising "big sound" in a small body. So why do tech reviewers, audiophiles, and design nerds keep circling back to the Beosound A1 when the conversation turns to high-end portable audio?
After combing through recent reviews, spec sheets, and user discussions on Reddit and audio forums, a pattern appears: the Beosound A1 isn't just about being loud. It's about being right.
- Sound that feels bigger than it looks: The A1 uses a 3.5-inch woofer and 0.6-inch dome tweeter, powered by separate Class D amps, to deliver a soundstage that reviewers consistently call "shockingly full" for its size. Users on Reddit repeatedly point out that the tonal balance is more refined than typical bass-heavy party speakers.
- 360° dispersion, not a narrow sweet spot: The circular design isn't just for looks. The Beosound A1 radiates sound evenly in all directions, which means you can drop it in the center of a table and everyone gets essentially the same experience. Great for small gatherings and social listening.
- Design you actually want on display: Machined aluminum top, subtly perforated grille, and that now-iconic leather strap – visually, it's miles away from rubberized, utilitarian speakers. It looks intentional anywhere: beside your laptop, on your nightstand, or next to a glass of wine on a terrace.
- IP67: Poolside, beach, shower – no drama: The Beosound A1 2nd gen is fully dust-tight and can handle immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Users casually mention taking it into the shower, to sandy beaches, and onto boats without fear – it's built for real life, not just coffee table aesthetics.
- Battery honesty: Bang & Olufsen claims up to 18 hours at “typical” volume. User reports generally back this up: people see around 10–12 hours at medium-high volume and around 15–18 hours at more relaxed levels. The key is consistency, not inflated numbers.
- Better calls, not just better music: A 3-microphone array and Alexa integration (depending on region & firmware) turn the A1 into a surprisingly capable conference tool. Remote workers on Reddit highlight that voice clarity is significantly better than average Bluetooth speakers.
Underneath all that, of course, sits Bang & Olufsen's heritage. This is a brand – Bang & Olufsen A/S, listed under ISIN: DK0010218429 – with a long history of turning everyday audio gear into design objects. The Beosound A1 is that philosophy distilled into something you can literally hold in one hand.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| Compact, disc-shaped aluminum design with leather strap | Easy to carry or hang anywhere, looks premium on your desk, nightstand, or outdoors without screaming "tech gadget." |
| 3.5" woofer + 0.6" tweeter with dedicated Class D amps | Rich, detailed sound with real bass presence and clear highs, far beyond what most small speakers can manage. |
| 360° omnidirectional sound | Everyone around the speaker hears the same balanced audio – perfect for sharing music in groups. |
| IP67 water and dust resistance | Take it to the beach, pool, shower, or park without worrying about splashes, sand, or an unexpected rain shower. |
| Up to ~18 hours of playtime (moderate volume) | All-day listening on a single charge; no constant anxiety about finding a charger mid-playlist. |
| Bluetooth 5.1 with AAC and aptX Adaptive support | Stable wireless connection and high-quality streaming from compatible smartphones and laptops. |
| Built-in 3-mic array for calls and voice assistants | Clear conference calls and hands-free control, turning the speaker into a hybrid work-and-play device. |
What Users Are Saying
Dig into Reddit threads and owner reviews and you'll see a consistent sentiment: the Beosound A1 2nd gen is for people who care about sound and aesthetics, and are willing to pay a premium to avoid compromise.
The praise:
- Sound quality: Users repeatedly call it one of the best-sounding speakers in its size class. The bass is described as "surprisingly deep but controlled," while mids and highs are often labeled "natural" and "non-fatiguing." Many note it sounds less boomy and more hi-fi than mainstream rivals.
- Volume without distortion: Even near max volume, the A1 tends to keep its composure. People note that, while it won't replace a full home system, it will easily fill a medium-sized room or a patio with quality sound.
- Build and feel: "Solid," "hefty in a good way," and "premium" are common descriptors. The aluminum top and tight fit and finish make cheap plastic speakers feel like toys in comparison.
- Portability: Owners love the combination of flat form factor and leather strap. It slides into bags, hangs from hooks, or mounts on bike baskets and tent poles with ease.
- Battery life: Real-world feedback suggests the official numbers are believable, which isn't always a given in this category.
The criticisms:
- Price: This is easily the biggest sticking point. The Beosound A1 sits firmly at the "luxury portable" end of the spectrum. Some users feel the jump in quality is worth it; others see diminishing returns compared to cheaper brands.
- App and software: A few users report occasional quirks with the Bang & Olufsen app or firmware updates. Not deal-breaking, but not as polished as some would like.
- Stereo pairing expectations: You can pair two A1 units in stereo, but that obviously doubles the investment. Some buyers wish a single unit created a wider stereo image.
- No 3.5 mm aux-in: This is a fully wireless speaker. If you rely on analog inputs, you'll need a Bluetooth transmitter or a different product.
Overall, general sentiment runs clearly positive: for people who prioritize sound, design, and build over spec-sheet gimmicks, the Beosound A1 is considered one of the strongest choices in the premium portable segment.
Alternatives vs. Beosound Lautsprecher (Beosound A1)
To understand where the Beosound A1 fits, it helps to frame it against the usual suspects.
- Bose SoundLink Flex / Revolve+
Bose is the default choice for many, with smooth, consumer-friendly tuning and solid build quality. However, the Beosound A1 generally wins on design sophistication, material quality, and – according to many listeners – overall detail and refinement in the sound. Bose often pushes a bit more mid-bass for warmth, while B&O leans more balanced and airy. - JBL Charge / Flip series
JBL's popular speakers are louder and more "party" tuned, with an energetic, bass-forward signature and rugged, sporty designs. They're great for festivals and rowdy gatherings. The A1, by contrast, is more about fidelity than raw punch. It feels more at home in a living room, café, or stylish Airbnb than a muddy field. - UE Boom / Megaboom
Ultimate Ears comes closer in concept: cylindrical, 360° sound, waterproof. But while UE speakers excel at durability and fun factor, the Beosound A1 tends to be favored for tonal accuracy, low-volume performance, and sheer tactile pleasure. It's the "grown-up" alternative. - Sonos Roam
Sonos offers Wi-Fi integration and multi-room capabilities, which the A1 doesn't. If you live in the Sonos ecosystem, that alone might swing you their way. But in pure Bluetooth sound quality and materials, many listeners still lean toward the B&O – especially if you don't need Wi-Fi smarts.
In short, if you're chasing maximum loudness-per-dollar or multi-room smart integration, there are other contenders. If you want a speaker that feels like a piece of industrial art and sounds like it belongs in the "premium audio" conversation, the Beosound Lautsprecher – specifically the Beosound A1 – lands in a much smaller, more refined club.
Final Verdict
The best products don't just solve a problem; they quietly rewrite your expectations. After living with, reading about, and listening to opinions on the Beosound A1, that's the lasting impression: once you get used to this blend of sound, design, and durability, it becomes very hard to go back.
If you want:
- A portable speaker that doesn't look like camping gear;
- Sound quality that respects your music instead of smothering it in muddy bass;
- Premium build that feels like a long-term investment rather than a seasonal gadget;
- And real-world toughness for beach days, balconies, and bathrooms alike,
then the Beosound Lautsprecher in the form of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is absolutely worth a spot at the top of your shortlist.
It's not the cheapest Bluetooth speaker you can buy. It is, however, one of the few that feels like it was designed for adults who care about audio and aesthetics in equal measure. If that sounds like you, this is more than a speaker. It's the soundtrack to your everyday life – finally delivered with the clarity, warmth, and presence your music deserves.
