Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen Review — Pure Sound Excellence

Experience the refined sound and smart features of the Beosound A1 2nd Gen, a Bluetooth speaker that blends style, power, and Alexa support.

Where to Buy and Pricing Overview

If you’re hunting for the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, it’s available through various specialized audio retailers and major electronics chains. While availability may vary by region, you can find this stylish portable speaker in stores like Dr.Head, Pult.ru, DNS, and re:Store, as well as on popular marketplaces.

As of January 2025, the price typically ranges between approximately $410 to $485, depending on the color and retailer. Keep in mind that warranty conditions can differ due to parallel import policies, so it’s wise to confirm warranty terms directly with the seller before making a purchase.

First Impressions: A Compact Powerhouse with Alexa Twist

Bang & Olufsen’s reputation precedes itself — even casual audio fans know this brand means quality. Back in 2016, B&O introduced the original Beosound A1, their most compact Bluetooth speaker to date. Now, the second generation arrives, bringing subtle design tweaks but major internal upgrades.

At first glance, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen might seem like just a facelift, but inside lies a significant leap forward. The standout addition? Alexa voice assistant support — a rarity for a purely Bluetooth-connected speaker. How B&O managed this without direct Wi-Fi connection is a clever twist we’ll unpack soon.

Design-wise, this speaker continues to impress. It looks stunning and fits effortlessly into any living space. Plus, it’s crafted to be portable, inviting you to carry it from room to room or outdoors with ease.

Pricing and Launch Details

• Price: $250 (about $250 based on historical rates)
• Release Date: May 14, 2020
• Available Colors: Black Anthracite and Grey Mist

The second generation hit the market in mid-2020 with a premium price tag. Given its high-end positioning, hefty discounts are unlikely anytime soon. Important to note: be sure you’re getting the second-gen model since first-gen units still linger at lower prices but miss several key features.

Both color options offer a sophisticated look that blends seamlessly into modern interiors.

Design: Elegant and Portable with Minor Button Woes

• Stylish appearance
• Water resistance
• Button design challenges

Bang & Olufsen excels at marrying aesthetics with function, and the Beosound A1 2nd Gen proves no exception. It takes the form of a sleek round disc housed in a metal casing, now slimmer and lighter compared to its predecessor.

A leather strap with B&O’s signature adjustable slider attaches on one side, making it incredibly handy to hold or hang during travel.

The look is so polished, you almost don’t want to risk scratches. Despite an IP67 rating ensuring full water and dust resistance, this speaker feels more like a poolside companion than a rugged outdoor warrior.

Controls sit around the speaker’s edge, including power, Bluetooth, mic buttons, volume rocker, and USB-C charging port. Unfortunately, these buttons have no tactile bumps or feedback, which makes fumbling for them in the dark a common frustration.

Sound Quality: Clear, Crisp, and Room-Friendly

• Crystal-clear sound
• Relatively compact soundstage
• Supports stereo pairing

Inside, the Beosound A1 2nd Gen packs a 3.5-inch woofer and a 0.6-inch tweeter, powered by two Class D amplifiers delivering 30 watts each. The speaker grille pattern also has been subtly updated, although this likely doesn’t impact audio performance.

Support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec promises higher quality Bluetooth streaming — if your phone supports it, that is.

B&O suggests this speaker shines at small gatherings, offices, or medium-sized rooms. It certainly creates an immersive 360-degree sound vibe in cozy environments, but venture outdoors or into large rooms, and you’ll quickly crave a second unit for stereo bliss.

Inside your living room, though, the Beosound A1 sounds fantastic — every note rings out cleanly and crisply. It’s like rediscovering your favorite tracks all over again. The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” bursts with energy, while Childish Gambino’s “Feels Like Summer” flows smooth and detailed.

Oldies like The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” reveal distinct instrument layers, and Yaeji's “Raingurl” brings impressive bass that gets your foot tapping — powerful yet refined.

While the soundstage could be wider in open spaces, it excels in bathrooms, bedrooms, or standard living rooms. Pairing two Beosound A1s for stereo sound would likely remedy any spatial shortcomings.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Up to 18 hours playback
• Bluetooth 5.1
• USB-C charging

Bluetooth 5.1 extends the connection range and boosts energy efficiency, a welcome upgrade for portable use. B&O promises 18 hours of playtime at moderate volumes, which aligns with real-world testing. Louder sessions will naturally shorten battery life, but this endurance remains impressive.

Charging is via USB-C, keeping the design sleek but lacking legacy ports like 3.5mm AUX, which some users might miss for wired options.

Alexa Integration and App Experience

• Alexa uses smartphone’s Wi-Fi
• Smart home control capabilities
• B&O app with built-in equalizer

The headline feature here is Alexa support, remarkable because the Beosound A1 connects solely via Bluetooth without its own Wi-Fi module. Instead, it taps the smartphone’s internet connection — a clever workaround.

Setup is straightforward but not flawless. The speaker needs to stay within Bluetooth range of your phone, and Alexa’s responsiveness can lag compared to devices with direct Wi-Fi. The three-mic array, while impressive, occasionally misses the wake word “Alexa.”

If Alexa is a dealbreaker for you, this speaker might not satisfy; however, as a bonus smart speaker for home automation and voice commands, it’s a nifty addition.

The B&O app complements the experience nicely, letting you adjust volume, toggle Alexa, and switch between sound presets like “Ambient,” “Party,” and “Speaker.” You can even customize these presets and link two Beosound A1s into a stereo pair—though pairing only works between second-gen units.

Important Usage Notes for Local Buyers

For those considering the Beosound A1 2nd Gen in local markets, here’s what you should know:

App Availability:

The official Bang & Olufsen app is fully functional with firmware updates, equalizer settings, and stereo pairing options. The interface is localized and user-friendly.

Alexa Limitations:

Alexa currently doesn’t support the local language and operates only in English, German, or other supported languages. Local skills and services may be restricted unless you have accounts registered in supported countries and possibly use VPN services.

Warranty and Service:

Official manufacturer warranties might be limited or void under parallel import conditions. Warranty coverage relies on the retailer, so always check service terms before buying.

Beosound A1 remains a prime example of why Bang & Olufsen’s sterling reputation is well deserved.

Final Thoughts

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is more than just a pretty face with a premium price tag. It delivers rich, clear sound that breathes new life into your music, all wrapped in a stylish, portable package. Alexa support adds a modern twist, even if it’s not perfect.

If you want a speaker that looks as good as it sounds, and you’re intrigued by smart features without sacrificing audio quality, this could be your next favorite gadget. Just remember to mind the button layout and Alexa’s quirks, and you’ll have a little powerhouse ready to brighten your days.

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Beosound A1 2nd Gen?
  It offers up to 18 hours of playback at typical volume levels, with faster battery drain at higher volumes.
• Does the speaker support stereo pairing?
  Yes, you can pair two second-generation Beosound A1 speakers for stereo sound through the B&O app.
• Can I use Alexa without Wi-Fi?
  The speaker uses your smartphone’s Wi-Fi connection to run Alexa since it lacks built-in Wi-Fi.
• Is the Beosound A1 waterproof?
  It has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully dustproof and waterproof, suitable for poolside use but less ideal for rugged outdoor adventures.
• Are there multiple color options?
  Yes, the speaker comes in Black Anthracite and Grey Mist, both designed to complement modern interiors.

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