Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Review
By Ben Carter
9
Consumer's Best Score
Consumers Best Verdict: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Highlights
As of 2026, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) stands out for premium materials, IP67 dust/water protection, confident 360° sound, clear calls, and a slick companion app. Battery life is strong for its size, not class‑leading, and Alexa depends on your phone’s connection. Taken together, you’re paying for craftsmanship plus consistently great sound on the go—and in my experience, you can hear (and feel) where the money goes.
If you want a tiny speaker that feels like a luxe object and sounds way bigger than it looks, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) just nails it. It’s beautifully built, properly portable, and the tuning is rich and clean—like, “how is that coming from this puck?” clean. It isn’t cheap and it skips Wi‑Fi, sure, but for everyday carry audio in 2026 that actually feels special, this is the one I keep reaching for.
In-Depth Look: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
I’ve tossed the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) into bags, cooked with it humming on the counter, and even used it for Zoom calls. Here’s what actually matters day to day.
Premium, room-filling tuning for the size
True 360° dispersion and a balanced, refined sound signature—crisp vocals, tight bass, and zero harshness at sensible volumes.
IP67 durability and classy build
Aluminum top, polymer base, and that signature leather strap—beach, shower, or backpack, it shrugs off dust and a dunk.
All‑day battery confidence
Rated up to around 18 hours at moderate volumes; real‑world I see a comfortable day of mixed use and quick top‑ups via USB‑C.
Clear calls and handy voice control
A solid mic array makes you sound like a pro on calls; Alexa is built in (works through your phone’s connection) for quick timers and tracks.
Easy pairing, thoughtful app
Multipoint means two devices at once, stereo link two A1s for wider sound, and the B&O app gives you EQ presets and painless updates.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Premium price tag
You’re paying for design and tuning—strong value if you want both, but plenty of cheaper Bluetooth speakers get loud and rugged.
- Bluetooth only (no Wi‑Fi/AirPlay)
Alexa relies on your phone’s data, and there’s no seamless multiroom—this is a travel/desk companion, not a whole‑home hub.
- Not a backyard-rager
It’s impressively full for its footprint, but if you’re chasing chest‑thump outdoors, you’ll want something larger.
- No aux‑in or power bank
There’s no 3.5 mm input, and it won’t top up your phone—just good to know before you pack it for a weekend.
Who Is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Best For?
Design‑first listeners
You want a speaker that sounds premium and looks it—something you’re proud to leave on the table.
Travelers and commuters
Compact, rugged, and light—ideal for hotel rooms, carry‑ons, and, yes, spontaneous picnics.
Work‑from‑anywhere callers
Clear mics and reliable Bluetooth make quick calls surprisingly professional, even in a café.
Apartment and bedroom listeners
Balanced sound at moderate volumes with no boomy spillover into the next room.
Gifting and brand loyalists
If you value Bang & Olufsen’s craftsmanship, this is a safe, smile‑inducing pick.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Party hosts and bass chasers
Consider a larger outdoor speaker if you want bigger, deeper output for open spaces.
- Whole‑home or Wi‑Fi users
If multiroom or AirPlay is a must, look at Wi‑Fi‑enabled portables like Sonos Roam‑style options.
- Tight budgets
Solid value picks from JBL or Soundcore deliver strong punch for less—without the luxury finish.
- Wired input fans
Need a 3.5 mm aux? You’ll have better luck with speakers that still include analog inputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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