STEREO GUIDE verdict
The third generation of the Beosound A1 remains true to its iconic shape, but now offers a longer battery life and a sustainability certificate. In the sound test, it impresses with its exceptionally neutral sound, detailed highs and amazing low-frequency precision - premium remains premium.
Advantages
- Neutral and high-resolution sound image
- Long running time
- Service-friendly battery
Disadvantages
- No more Alexa
- Relatively high price
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Tonal balance / transparency8.5
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Bass / Dynamic7
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Usability / Connectivity8.6
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Price/Performance8.2
Premium remains premium: The third generation of the compact design speaker Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 remains true to the iconic aluminum “puck” shape with leather straps for hanging. Now the Dane is scoring with more staying power and a much greater focus on sustainability. The official Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze (v4.1) certificate attests to the A1 Gen. 3’s verified circularity and serviceability (including battery replacement, use of recycled materials), but there is still room for improvement in terms of material health and social responsibility. Valid until April 29, 2028, the new generation not only offers sustainability, but also endurance: B&O officially claims up to 24 hours of battery life. This corresponds to an increase of 30 percent compared to its predecessor. Versatility also counts. The color palette includes Natural Aluminum, Honey Tone (the color of our test device), Eucalyptus Green or Warm Granite – depending on the region.
Design & processing
Round, flat, bead-blasted aluminum with leather strap: The Beosound A3 has remained virtually unchanged visually compared to the 2nd generation A1 we reviewed a few years ago and is still protected against dust and water in accordance with protection class IP67. The housing looks elegant, but is not completely immune to outdoor wear and tear. However, during a visit to the headquarters in Struer, Denmark, Bang & Olufsen used a series of pictures to demonstrate that the company had already thought about the issue of ageing during the design phase. The metal parts are not only robust, but also designed in such a way that they acquire a kind of patina over time through small scratches and dents, just like high-quality leather. The weight has increased to 576 grams (Gen 2: 558 grams). However, the dimensions of the 3rd generation are the same as its predecessors.
Technology & features – what the 3rd generation really adds
At its core, the 3rd generation of the Beosound A1 remains a genuine small 2-way hi-fi loudspeaker. Instead of a compromise full-range driver, a 2-way configuration consisting of a 3.25-inch woofer and 0.6-inch tweeter is used inside. The tandem is powered by two 30-watt Class D amplifiers. It is not for nothing that the manufacturer emphasizes the diameter of the bass-midrange driver as the highlight of its class. According to its own technical data, however, the diameter has shrunk slightly from 3.5 to 3.25 inches, which corresponds to 8.25 centimeters compared to the previous 8.89 centimeters.
On paper, the new tuning brings noticeably more low-frequency authority: the bass SPL increases to 64 dB @1 m (Gen 2: 62 dB), the lower cut-off frequency moves up to 54 Hz (-10 dB) (Gen 2: 55 Hz). The maximum sound pressure level remains unchanged at 92 dB – enough reserves to produce a surprisingly mature sound for its size.
Increased connectivity
The energy storage capacity has also been increased. The battery now has a capacity of 3,300 mAh (previously 3,000 mAh) and should last up to 24 hours at “typical” volume. Charging is convenient via USB-C with 5 V/3 A, the charging time is around 3 hours – practical for a change of day.
In terms of connectivity, B&O continues to rely on Bluetooth 5.1 including AAC and aptX Adaptive as well as multipoint connections for two simultaneous players. However, version 5.1 still means no Auracast for a party mode. However, this is rarely an issue in practice. The digital USB-C audio function is a new addition: the A1 can now also be used directly as a USB speaker on a laptop. For a larger stage, two of these small Bluetooth speakers can also be paired for stereo playback – and not just Gen 3 with Gen 3, but also cross-gen with a 2nd generation A1.
A 3-microphone array with far-field detection is located under the aluminum grille for telephony and voice recording. Important for those switching: Alexa is no longer integrated in the 3rd generation (Gen 2 still had the assistant on board) – hands-free calling is still available.
Committed to sustainability
Finally, an exciting look at sustainability and service: the A1 Gen 3 bears the Cradle to Cradle Certified (Bronze) seal and has a more repair-friendly design. The battery can be replaced as part of a service. If you register the speaker in the app, you can also extend the warranty to up to 5 years (BeoCare), depending on the region. That really is a strong signal in this device class. However, it was already possible to replace the battery – and even do it yourself for experienced users, see B&O’s video instructions – and extend the warranty with the last generation in times without the highlighted environmental seal.
Operation & app
The basic operation remains minimalistic via side buttons, which have had a reasonable pressure point since the 2nd generation, but are still very small and not clearly marked. In the Bang & Olufsen app for iOS and Android, EQ presets/custom EQ, pairing and stereo mode are available after the mandatory registration with email address; Fast Pair standards (Apple/Google/Microsoft) are supported. Cross-gen stereo with a Beosound A1 of the previous generation can be activated app-guided or manually.
There are also useful functions such as a switch for the audio mode between a particularly interference-resistant wireless connection and the highest possible audio quality. As usual, Bang & Olufsen’s equalizer does not rely on individual frequency bands that are difficult to classify for laymen. Instead, the Danes use a circle with specific sound priorities (see illustration).
Sound test: This is what the Beosound A1 (3rd gen.) sounds like
The fact that Bang & Olufsen allows stereo pairing between the last two generations basically says everything about the tuning philosophy of the new Bluetooth speaker. After all, this only makes sense if both speakers are largely tuned in the same way. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a representative of the latest generation to hand, only an A1 from the first generation. It sounded a little fuller, but not as precise, with a clearly contoured kick in the bass. There was also a lack of transparency and resolution in the mid-high range, but this was only really noticeable in direct comparison.
The third generation of the small, round Beosound A1 also shows its strengths in the sound test. Its balance, finesse and resolution are unparalleled among mobile Bluetooth speakers. If you pair two of them, you almost have a small mobile hi-fi system in your backpack, which then also delivers a correspondingly wide and spatial sound image. A single one of these Bluetooth loudspeakers sounds rather punctual. The bass is powerful and precise by the standards of small Bluetooth speakers. The B&O lacks the otherwise common emphasis in the upper bass around 80 Hz, which gives beats a somewhat more concise punch, but at the cost of precision and obscuring lower frequencies.
Need a little boost? With this trick you can
For particularly rich bass with a little boost, I recommend hanging the Beosound A1 as shown in the photo below. This creates a small corner between the door and the frame, which has a similar effect to placing a speaker in the corner of a room. However, bass-heavy tracks at higher volumes can cause the speaker to move, which can lead to noise. In this case, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
What is particularly nice, however, is the extremely remarkable neutrality in the mid-range for this class. Women’s and men’s voices are not usually heard so uncolored and natural in this environment. The Danes don’t sacrifice the fine high-frequency resolution for sharpness or sibilance either. This really is an exceptional sound level – hi-fi for your handbag, so to speak. The fact that the price has risen again compared to its predecessor, which was not known as a special offer anyway, while maintaining the same level of sound, must be counted under the important point of sustainability. After all, organic vegetables and especially organic meat are not only bought for their natural taste. You also do it because of your responsibility for the environment.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd generation: Conclusion and alternatives
The Beosound A1 from Bang & Olufsen has been an icon among compact Bluetooth speakers for years. In the third generation, the endurance increases to up to 24 hours and the design becomes more sustainable – including cradle-to-cradle certification. In terms of sound, the Danish Beau remains an exception. It plays neutrally, rich in detail, with finely resolved highs and powerful, precise bass – and in the stereo double pack it almost offers hi-fi on the go.
Those who find the extra charge for a good environmental conscience too high can at least enjoy a possible warranty extension to 5 years – quite unique in this environment – and the operating time with battery extended from up to 18 to 24 hours. The best-selling JBL Flip 7 doesn’t have much to offer in comparison, apart from its comparatively low price and the Auracast party mode for connecting countless Bluetooth speakers for more volume. However, the Beosound A1 is now so expensive that you could make the leap into the mid-range with the JBL Charge 6.
Technical specifications: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd generation
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 350 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 13.3 x 4.6 x 13.3 cm
- Weight: 576 g
- Battery life up to 24 hours
- Special features: waterproof according to protection class IP67, stereo pairing, microphone, 1.2 m long USB-C cable with textile sheathing in the color of the speaker included.
- More at: www.bang-olufsen.com
