Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 Review

The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: A Review of the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2

In the saturated world of portable Bluetooth speakers, it takes something special to stand out. Most contenders fight over who can be the loudest or the most rugged, often sacrificing audio fidelity and design in the process. Bang & Olufsen, however, plays a different game. With the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen), the Danish audio titan isn’t just offering a speaker; it’s offering a statement piece that blends sophisticated sound with Scandinavian minimalism. It’s an evolution of an already excellent product, now smarter, tougher, and more refined. But does this pocket-sized puck of premium audio justify its considerable price tag?

Design and Build Quality

From the moment you hold it, the A1 feels substantial. Designed by the renowned Cecilie Manz, its iconic circular shape is both elegant and functional. The top half is a pearl-blasted, anodized aluminum grille, cool to the touch and meticulously crafted. The lower half is a durable polymer base that provides a stable footing. What truly elevates the design is the waterproof leather strap—a small but significant detail that screams luxury and practicality.

The second generation brings a crucial upgrade: a full IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. This transforms the A1 from a delicate piece of design into a genuinely versatile travel companion. You can take it to the beach, by the pool, or out in the rain without a second thought. While the build is impeccable, the aluminum grille, as beautiful as it is, remains susceptible to dents and scratches if not handled with some care. It’s a speaker built to last, but its beauty is not entirely impervious to the rigors of the road.

Performance and Audio Fidelity

Bang & Olufsen is synonymous with a specific sound signature: balanced, detailed, and authentic. The A1 Gen 2 delivers this in spades. For its diminutive size, the soundstage is impressively wide and immersive, thanks to its True360 omnidirectional sound design. Unlike many single-driver competitors, it houses a 3.5” mid-woofer and a 0.6” tweeter, a combination that allows for remarkable clarity.

Mids are lush and forward, making vocals and acoustic instruments shine with life-like presence. Highs are crisp and airy without ever becoming harsh. The bass is the most subjective element; it’s tight, controlled, and surprisingly deep for the speaker’s size, but it prioritizes accuracy over brute force. If you’re looking for the ground-shaking thump of a JBL or Sony speaker, you’ll be disappointed. The A1 is about nuance, not raw power. Through the B&O app, the intuitive Beosonic equalizer allows you to easily tailor the sound to your preference, from warm and relaxed to bright and energetic.

Features and Connectivity

The A1 Gen 2 is thoroughly modern under the hood. It features Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable, efficient connection and, crucially, supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec. For those with compatible Android devices, this means higher-quality audio streaming with lower latency—a noticeable step up from the standard SBC and AAC codecs.

One of the headline new features is built-in Amazon Alexa. It’s a welcome addition, but with a significant caveat: the speaker has no Wi-Fi and must be tethered to your smartphone to use the voice assistant. This makes it more of a convenient remote for the Alexa app on your phone than a true smart speaker like the Sonos Roam. A more practical and impressive feature is the three-microphone array. Call quality is outstanding, making the A1 an exceptional speakerphone for work-from-home professionals. Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours at typical listening volumes, which is solid, though pushing the volume will see that number drop considerably.

The Value Proposition

There’s no getting around it: the Beosound A1 Gen 2 is expensive. You can get louder, bassier, and more feature-rich speakers for less money. But that’s missing the point. You aren’t just paying for decibels; you’re paying for superior craftsmanship, a timeless design, and a refined audio experience. It’s a luxury good in a category dominated by utilitarian plastic boxes. When you compare its material quality and audio clarity to its direct competition, the price begins to make more sense. It occupies a niche for those who value aesthetic and acoustic excellence and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Final Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a masterclass in premium portable audio. It’s a speaker designed for the discerning listener who appreciates detailed sound and sophisticated design in equal measure. While it may not satisfy bass-heads or those seeking a fully independent smart speaker, its combination of stunning build quality, crystal-clear 360-degree sound, and true portability with its IP67 rating makes it a category leader. If you view audio gear as an extension of your personal style and demand clarity above all else, the A1 is not just a great choice—it’s one of the best you can make.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon