Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen Review: Premium Sound Meets Sustainability
When it comes to high-end audio, few brands command the same respect as Bang & Olufsen. The Danish luxury audio manufacturer has just unveiled the third generation of its Beosound A1 Bluetooth speaker, refining an already impressive portable speaker with meaningful upgrades in sound, battery life, and sustainability. Priced at $349, the latest iteration retains the sleek, minimalist design that made its predecessors iconic while packing in key improvements that audiophiles and eco-conscious consumers will appreciate.
Design and Build: A Familiar Yet Refined Aesthetic
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen maintains the same compact, puck-shaped form factor that has become synonymous with the series. Its pearl-blasted aluminum shell exudes premium craftsmanship, ensuring it stands out in a market flooded with plastic-bodied competitors. The speaker is available in three finishes: Natural Aluminium (carried over from previous models) and two new nature-inspired options—Honey Tone and Eucalyptus Green.
Durability is a strong suit, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means the speaker can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, making it ideal for poolside gatherings or beach trips. Unlike many competitors, Bang & Olufsen has also adopted a modular design, allowing users to replace or upgrade components rather than discarding the entire unit—a nod to sustainability that we’ll explore in detail later.
Sound Performance: Big Bass in a Small Package
One of the most significant upgrades in the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is its enhanced bass response. The speaker now delivers 64dB of bass, a 2dB improvement over the second-generation model. While this may seem incremental, Bang & Olufsen assures users that the difference is noticeable, particularly in larger spaces. The speaker’s 3.5-inch woofer and 0.75-inch tweeter work in harmony to produce a balanced soundstage with crisp highs and deep, resonant lows.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the A1 3rd Gen supports stereo pairing with older A1 models. This feature allows users to create a wider sound field, perfect for home theater setups or outdoor gatherings. The speaker also benefits from Bang & Olufsen’s proprietary DSP tuning, ensuring optimal audio performance regardless of volume level.
Battery Life and Connectivity: All-Day Playback
Battery life has seen a substantial upgrade, jumping from 18 hours in the previous model to 24 hours in the A1 3rd Gen. This makes it one of the longest-lasting premium Bluetooth speakers on the market, ideal for extended listening sessions without frequent recharging.
On the connectivity front, the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1 (not the latest 5.3 standard, but still highly capable). It supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair, streamlining the pairing process for Windows and Android users. The three-microphone array from the previous model returns, enabling clear hands-free calls and voice assistant compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Sustainability: A Step Toward Greener Audio
Bang & Olufsen has taken a bold step forward in sustainability with the A1 3rd Gen, earning a Bronze certification from Cradle to Cradle (C2C). This globally recognized standard evaluates products across five categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness. While Bronze is the lowest tier in C2C’s certification system, it’s a significant achievement for a Bluetooth speaker, reflecting Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
The modular design plays a crucial role here, allowing components like the battery, drivers, and circuitry to be replaced or upgraded independently. This extends the product’s lifespan and reduces e-waste—a growing concern in the electronics industry. Additionally, the company has made strides in sourcing sustainable materials and minimizing hazardous substances in production.
Pricing and Availability
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen is available now for $349, placing it firmly in the premium segment of the Bluetooth speaker market. While this price point may seem steep compared to mass-market options from brands like JBL or Ultimate Ears, the A1 justifies its cost with superior build quality, sound performance, and sustainability credentials.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
To put the A1 3rd Gen in context, let’s compare it to three leading competitors:
1. Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II ($329) – Offers 360-degree sound and 17-hour battery life but lacks the modular design and sustainability focus of the A1.
2. Sonos Roam ($179) – More affordable and supports Wi-Fi streaming, but falls short in battery life (10 hours) and bass response.
3. JBL Charge 5 ($179) – A budget-friendly option with 20-hour playback and robust bass, though it lacks the premium materials and nuanced sound tuning of the A1.
For audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and design, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a compelling choice. Its combination of extended battery life, improved bass, and eco-conscious engineering sets it apart in a crowded market.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Beosound A1 3rd Gen?
This speaker is ideal for:
– Discerning listeners who demand premium audio quality in a portable package.
– Eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable electronics.
– Design enthusiasts who appreciate minimalist, high-end aesthetics.
While the $349 price tag may deter casual buyers, those willing to invest will be rewarded with a speaker that delivers exceptional sound, durability, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Where to Buy and Exclusive Deals
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is available directly from the brand’s official website and authorized retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. For a limited time, some retailers may offer bundle deals with accessories like carrying cases or extended warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Beosound A1 3rd Gen support multi-room audio?
A: No, it doesn’t support Wi-Fi-based multi-room setups like Sonos speakers. However, you can pair two A1 units for stereo sound.
Q: Is the speaker compatible with iOS devices?
A: Yes, it works seamlessly with iPhones and iPads via Bluetooth, though it doesn’t support Apple’s proprietary AirPlay.
Q: Can the battery be replaced by the user?
A: While the modular design allows for component replacement, battery swaps should ideally be handled by Bang & Olufsen’s service centers to maintain warranty coverage.
Q: How does the A1 3rd Gen compare to the Beosound Explore?
A: The Explore is more rugged and slightly cheaper ($199) but lacks the A1’s refined sound profile and sustainability features.
For those ready to elevate their audio experience, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a standout choice. Explore the latest deals and color options today to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Looking for more expert speaker recommendations? Check out our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers of 2024 for top-tier alternatives at every price point.