Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) Review: Luxury Sound, Ultra-Portable Design

Introduction

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) from Bang & Olufsen combines Scandinavian minimalism, premium craftsmanship, and rich, immersive audio in a portable waterproof speaker. Ideal for audiophiles on the go, it’s as much a style statement as it is a sonic powerhouse.

Design & Build: Sleek, Durable, Premium

The A1 2nd Gen boasts a gorgeous aluminum dome paired with a leather carrying strap, exuding luxury. It’s IP67-rated, making it dustproof and waterproof—suitable for poolside chilling or beach days. At just 1.2 lbs, it fits easily in a bag without sacrificing quality or durability.

Key Features

360-Degree Sound with Rich Bass and Clarity 🔊
Alexa Voice Assistant Built-In 🎙️
Up to 18 Hours Battery Life (at typical volume) 🔋
IP67 Water & Dust Resistance 💧
Bluetooth 5.1 for Fast, Stable Connectivity 📶
Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing 👥
USB-C Fast Charging ⚡
Bang & Olufsen App with EQ Customization 📲

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

High-fidelity audio with rich lows and crisp highs ✅
Beautiful, minimalist design ✅
Long battery life with fast charging ✅
Alexa integration and great call quality ✅

❌ Cons:

Premium price point ❌
No AUX input ❌
Alexa only works with a connected smartphone ❌

Should You Buy It?

✅ Buy it if:

You want a luxury portable speaker with superior sound.
You value beautiful design and premium materials.
You’re looking for smart features in a compact form.

❌ Skip it if:

You’re on a budget or want louder party-oriented sound.
You prefer built-in smart speaker functionality without needing a phone.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is the Bang & Olufsen A1 waterproof?

Yes, it’s IP67 certified, meaning it’s fully waterproof and dustproof.

How long does the battery last?

Up to 18 hours at moderate listening levels; around 6–8 hours at max volume.

Does it support voice assistants?

Yes, Amazon Alexa is built-in, but requires a smartphone connection.

Can it be used for phone calls?

Yes, with great microphone clarity for conference calls or voice commands.

Does it support stereo pairing?

Yes, it can be paired with another A1 2nd Gen for stereo sound.

User Reviews: What Listeners Say

⭐ 4.8/5 – Amazon Review: "I never thought a speaker this small could sound this good. It's stunning in every way."

⭐ 4.7/5 – Reddit User: "Perfect balance of style and performance. Use it daily for work calls and relaxing music."

⭐ 4.9/5 – YouTube Comment: "Crystal-clear vocals, punchy bass, and so elegant. A travel essential for me."

⭐ 4.6/5 – Tech Forum: "Alexa support is great, but what really impresses is the soundstage. Easily top-tier."

⭐ 4.8/5 – Facebook User: "Design is minimalist perfection. Great for my office and weekend getaways."

Full Specs

Feature	Details
Dimensions	5.2" x 1.8"
Weight	1.2 lbs (558g)
Battery Life	Up to 18 Hours
Waterproof Rating	IP67
Wireless Range	~100 ft (30 m)
Bluetooth Version	5.1
App Support	Bang & Olufsen App
Microphone	Yes (3-mic array)
Voice Assistant	Alexa (via phone)

Alternatives to Consider

Device	Key Features	Price Range
Bose SoundLink Flex	Rugged, rich audio	💸💸💸
Marshall Emberton II	Retro look, strong mids	💸💸💸
Sonos Roam	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, smart features	💸💸💸💸

Verdict: Premium Sound Meets Iconic Design

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) blends audiophile-grade sound, premium materials, and smart functionality in a compact, beautiful form. It’s the speaker for those who care about aesthetics and acoustic quality in equal measure.

👉 Final Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE DAILY PULSE