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Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen specifications and in-depth review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

Manufacturer: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a portable speaker built around a compact cylindrical form factor, measuring 133 mm in both height and width with a 46 mm depth and weighing 576 g. It carries a IP67 ingress protection rating, meaning it is fully dustproof and can withstand submersion in water, making it a practical choice for outdoor and travel use. The speaker is controlled directly via an on-device panel, and its 5-year warranty reflects the manufacturer's long-term commitment to the product.

On the audio side, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen delivers 2 x 30W of output power across a frequency range of 54 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a sound pressure level rated at 92 dB/mW. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.1 with a maximum range of 10 m, and the speaker supports aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs alongside fast pairing. A single USB Type-C port with a 1.25 m cable manages charging, which takes approximately 3 hours to complete a full cycle and provides up to 24 hours of playback. Additional features include a sleep timer, voice prompts, battery level indication, and stereo pairing support for linking two units together.

Pros
  • IP67 rating means the speaker is fully dustproof and can withstand water submersion, making it well-suited for outdoor use
  • 24 hours of battery life on a single charge reduces how often the speaker needs to be plugged in
  • A 5-year warranty provides long-term coverage that is notably extended for a portable speaker
  • Supports aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs, enabling higher-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth
  • Stereo pairing allows two units to be linked for a wider soundstage
  • Fast pairing speeds up the Bluetooth connection process, and smartphone remote control adds playback flexibility
Cons
  • No wireless charging support means the speaker must always be charged via cable
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, which restricts usability across larger spaces
  • No 3.5 mm audio jack or AUX input means wired audio playback is not an option
  • Does not include a travel bag, so users must source their own carrying solution
  • The battery is not removable, making in-field battery swaps impossible
Who is this for?

This speaker is a strong fit for users who frequently take it outdoors or into demanding environments, as the IP67 waterproof rating means exposure to rain, splashes, or dust is not a concern. The 24-hour battery life makes it practical for extended trips, camping, or full-day events where access to a power source is limited. Users who value effortless device switching will also appreciate the fast pairing and aptX Adaptive codec support, while those who own a second unit can take advantage of stereo pairing for a broader listening setup.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on wired audio connections will find this speaker limiting, as there is no 3.5 mm jack or AUX input available. Those who need wide-area wireless coverage may also be frustrated by the 10 m Bluetooth range, which is not well suited to large rooms or open spaces. Additionally, listeners who prioritize high-resolution audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX Lossless will not find support for those formats here, making this a less suitable option for audiophiles with strict wireless audio quality requirements.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP67
volume 813.694 cm³
has a neodymium magnet ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
water resistance Waterproof
travel bag is included ✕
has a touch screen ✕
warranty period 5 years
has RGB lighting ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
is a neckband speaker ✕
has a remote control ✕
weight 576 g
height 133 mm
width 133 mm
thickness 46 mm

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen has a compact physical footprint, measuring 133 mm in both height and width with a thickness of 46 mm, and comes in at 576 g with a total volume of 813.694 cm³. Its IP67 ingress protection rating confirms full dustproofing and waterproof resistance, allowing submersion without damage. Controls are placed directly on the device itself, and the speaker includes a detachable cable for convenience. It does not feature a touch screen, RGB lighting, a remote control, or a neckband form factor, and no travel bag is included in the box. The product is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers ✕
has a subwoofer ✕
highest frequency 20000 Hz
lowest frequency 54 Hz
audio output power 2 x 30W
Has a passive radiator ✕
has a noise-canceling microphone ✕
sound pressure level 92 dB/mW
has a magnetic shielding ✕

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen delivers 2 x 30W of audio output power and covers a frequency range from 54 Hz up to 20,000 Hz, with a sound pressure level of 92 dB/mW. The speaker does not use a stereo driver configuration, a subwoofer, or a passive radiator, and it lacks both a noise-canceling microphone and magnetic shielding.

Power:

Battery life 24 hours
charge time 3 hours
has a battery level indicator ✓
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a removable battery ✕
has wireless charging ✕

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery offering up to 24 hours of battery life, with a full charge taking approximately 3 hours. A battery level indicator is included so the remaining charge is easy to monitor at a glance. The battery is not removable, and the speaker does not support wireless charging.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.1
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
has an AUX input ✕
has aptX Lossless ✕
has LDAC ✕
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has aptX HD ✕
has aptX ✕
has aptX Low Latency ✕
has AAC ✓
has AirPlay ✕
has Chromecast built-in ✕
has Auracast ✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio ✕
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Wi-Fi ✕
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a 3.5mm male connector ✕
has an external memory slot ✕
is DLNA-certified ✕
supports Ethernet ✕
has a microphone input ✕

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 with a maximum range of 10 m, and supports the aptX Adaptive and AAC audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio transmission. It does not support NFC pairing, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, LDAC, Bluetooth LE Audio, or Auracast. On the wired side, a single USB Type-C port is available, while there is no 3.5 mm audio jack socket, AUX input, 3.5 mm male connector, or external memory slot. The speaker does not support Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, DLNA, or Ethernet, and no microphone input is present.

Features:

Can be used wirelessly ✓
supports a remote smartphone ✓
has fast pairing ✓
has voice commands ✕
Has a radio ✕
Has voice prompts ✓
works as a power bank ✕
has a sleep timer ✓

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen can be used wirelessly and supports fast pairing for quick Bluetooth connections, along with smartphone remote control for managing playback from a connected device. Voice prompts are present to provide audio feedback, and a sleep timer is available for scheduled shutoff. The speaker does not offer voice commands, built-in radio, or power bank functionality.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound ✓
cable length 1.25 m

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen supports stereo pairing, allowing two units to be linked together for stereo sound playback. The included cable measures 1.25 m in length.

Final Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen presents itself as a well-specified portable speaker built around durability and endurance, with its IP67 waterproof rating and 24-hour battery life standing out as the most practically compelling attributes for users who need a reliable outdoor companion. The addition of aptX Adaptive, fast pairing, stereo pairing support, and a generous 5-year warranty round out a feature set that reflects thoughtful engineering for real-world use. Where it falls short — notably the absence of wired audio inputs, a modest Bluetooth range, and no high-resolution codec support beyond aptX Adaptive — these limitations are unlikely to affect the core audience this speaker is designed for. For users who prioritize rugged portability and long-lasting playback over studio-grade wireless audio or wide-area coverage, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a focused and coherent choice.

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