I’m a different kind of audiophile, prioritizing a speaker’s aesthetic appeal over its sound quality. Bang & Olufsen, the Dutch luxury lifestyle brand, shares my passion for the same. The products coming from the foundry of Bang & Olufsen are stunning, never compromising on visual appeal while still delivering on audio technology. Case in point, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1, which many experts hail as a true work of art.
This Bluetooth speaker isn’t just functional; it’s sleek, stylish, and so striking that one couldn’t help but flaunt it amongst family or friends. For their 2025 update, Bang & Olufsen has loaded the A1 3rd Gen with richer sound and a longer-lasting battery. Though these additions come at the cost of Amazon Alexa, which is not compatible with the latest model. Nevertheless, the speaker still has support for Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and has a Made for iPhone certification.
Akin to its predecessors, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen continues to boast a sleek, circular design. Its pearl-blasted aluminum body, perforated with 2,173 precision-milled holes, gives it a premium, almost futuristic vibe. To accentuate the overall look of the portable speaker, Bang & Olufsen has added a waterproof leather strap, complete with a metal lock, that adds a touch of class while making it easy to carry or hang.
On the aesthetic front, the speaker comes in three finishes: Natural aluminium, Honey Tube and Eucalyptus Green, the latter two are inspired by nature’s palette. The color options alongside the strap (as aforementioned) make the speaker look fresh and modern. The speaker measures 13.3 W x 4.6 H x 13.3 D cm (Width, Height, and Depth) and weighs 1.2 lbs, but don’t let the compact size fool you. Despite measuring and weighing this small, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen delivers audio that’s big, bold, and beautifully balanced.
According to Bang & Olufsen, the 3rd Gen boasts the “largest woofer in its class,” which translates to deeper, richer bass with a sound pressure level of 64 decibels. That’s impressive for a speaker you can hold in one hand. As noted by Engadget, the speaker delivers a bass of 64dB, a 2dB improvement on the second-generation model.
Another noticeable change is a better battery life, which has jumped from 18 hours in the 2nd Gen to an impressive 24 hours at typical listening volumes, so it can keep up with your day (and night) without needing a recharge. When it’s time to plug in, USB-C makes it quick and easy. As is the case with the Beosound range, the speaker uses B&O’s True360 technology, ensuring omnidirectional sound that fills the room (or the park) no matter where you place it.
One of the standout features of the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is its commitment to longevity, both in durability and sustainability. With an IP67 rating, it’s dust- and waterproof, able to withstand a dip in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. If you are not impressed with that, Beosound A1 3rd Gen also boasts an eco-conscious design. As per the makers, “It’s the first Bluetooth speaker to earn Cradle to Cradle Certified (Bronze) status”, meaning it’s built to be serviceable, upgradeable, and repairable.
Also Read: Beosound Balance Natura Speaker is Made from Antolini’s Precious Stone
At $349, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen isn’t cheap, especially compared to its 2nd Gen predecessor, which launched at a lower price point. But as TechRadar noted, the price bump reflects the upgraded features, enhanced audio, and sustainable design. It’s a premium product for those who value quality over cutting corners. If you’re comparing it to rivals like JBL, Bose, or Dali, the Beosound A1 stands out for its blend of unique style, crisp sound, and unbeatable longevity.
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