A Legendary Hi-Fi Brand Just Breathed New Life Into Its Most Modern Speaker

The Scandinavian audio manufacturer has released a new-and-improved version of one of its most affordable speakers.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 3 portable Bluetooth speaker

Published May 6, 2025

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Initially released in 2016, the Beosound A1 is Bang & Olufsen’s ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker with a standout circular design and integrated leather strap.

In 2020, the Danish hi-fi manufacturer released a second-generation version, which looked identical but had a more water-resistant design, longer battery life, improved sound and some modern features (including built-in mics so it can be used as a speakerphone).

Now, Bang & Olufsen has introduced a third-generation model, the Besound A1 (3rd Gen), that elevates the ultra-portable speaker even further.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen)

Aluminum and leather

Bang & Olufsen hasn’t strayed too far away from the original design of the Beosound A1. In fact, this third-generation model is virtually identical to its predecessors.

It has the same stylish pearl-blasted aluminum design, featuring a grill with 2,173 precision-milled holes. It also has a waterproof leather strap (which has been slightly redesigned) so you can easily hold the speaker or hang it from something.

It has the same IP67 water-resistance rating, too, making it perfectly suitable for use in the shower or taking to the beach.

Big woof

The biggest difference between the new Beosound A1 over its predecessor (the 2nd Gen model) is with sound quality — but particularly with the bass.

According to the brand, the Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) has “the largest woofer in its class” and delivers deeper bass (64dB SPL), which is 2dB more than the second-generation model.

Longer lasting

The other big improvement is with battery life. While the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) had a battery rated for up to 18 hours, the third-generation model promises up to 24 hours.

The Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) comes with an extended 10-year warranty. It also has a modular design that allows you (or rather B&O professionals) to replace its battery should the original one fail.

More modern features

Additionally, the Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) has a number of modern features that make it more useful than other portable Bluetooth speakers.

The included USB-C to USB-C cable can work as an audio cable, so you plug the Beosound A1 directly into your laptop or smartphone. Like before, its three-mic array allows it to be used as a speakerphone for calls.

And it can be stereo paired with another Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) or Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) speaker, which is pretty cool if you already have the older model.

Price and availability

The Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) comes in three new finishes: Natural Aluminium, Honey Tone and Eucalyptus Green.

The speaker costs $349 — $50 more than its predecessor — and is available now from the company’s website.

For those looking for a deal, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is available on Amazon right now for less than $200, depending on the color.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen)

$349 at Bang & Olufsen

About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.