About four months ago, I replaced my go-to Bluetooth speaker with an alternative from premium audio brand Bang & Olufsen. And the quality of my listening sessions has improved exponentially.
The speaker I’ve been using is the Bang & OIufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen, a compact yet mighty model that we presented with our elusive and esteemed five-star rating. Since getting my hands on this beauty, I’ve barely had it switched off, using it while doing chores, showering, or preparing for a night out.
I like this speaker so much that I’d even recommend it over the JBL Charge 6 – a rival from a household name that we also gave five stars here at TechRadar. And yes, it also features in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers around. But what makes B&O’s small speaker so special? And how does it stand tall over a titan like the JBL Charge 6? I’ll reveal all below.
1. Luxurious looks
So, the main reason I’d pick the A1 3rd Gen over a speaker like the JBL Charge 6 is because it’s arguably the best-looking Bluetooth speaker on the market.
No, really, this thing is an absolute beauty. It’s got an enticing circular design, with gorgeous curves, an expertly crafted leather strap, and a perfect finish. It also comes in a wonderful set of color options, including Natural Aluminium, Eucalyptus Green, and my personal favorite, Honey Tone. All of these phenomenally complement the luxurious aura of the A1 3rd Gen, and make it a real stand-out pick in a heavily convoluted market.
On top of this, this speaker is constructed from some truly premium materials, which helps to make it worth the seemingly high list price. The lower part of the A1 3rd Gen is made from hard-wearing polymer, while the upper segment is built from textured pearl-blasted anodized aluminum.
The Charge 6 isn’t a bad-looking speaker by any means, and I’m a fan of its excellent durability and waterproofing. However, its fabric-like textured exterior isn’t so classy or sleek when compared to the A1 3rd Gen.
2. Truly impeccable audio
You probably saw this one coming, right? Yes, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a truly excellent-sounding Bluetooth speaker, especially when you consider its limited confines.
Under the hood, you’ll find a single 0.6-inch tweeter, as well as a 3.25-inch woofer. Each of these pack 30W Class D amplification, meaning this speaker is a lot more powerful than it may look. It can also handle frequencies as low as 54Hz, which ensures it has mighty yet well-regimented low-end performance.
Away from the tech specs, you’re getting a special listen from this speaker. As I alluded to, bass extension and clarity is top drawer, and the low-end impact on offer is mesmerizing. Meanwhile, mids are expansive and detailed, with snappy yet controlled highs wrapping up a stellar full-range performance.
Thanks to aptX Adaptive codec support, you can also stream your music over Bluetooth at a higher resolution than the Charge 6 can manage. However, both speakers do offer USB-C audio passthrough, which enables 24-bit/96kHz playback.
But the A1 3rd Gen is just that bit better for unveiling details in your favorite tracks you may never have heard. Its instrument separation is great too, and helps the speaker to craft a spacious, nuanced presentation.
3. A class-leading companion app
To cap things off, let’s discuss the excellence of Bang & Olufsen’s companion software. In our review, we described B&O’s app as “the best of its kind”, praising its exhaustive functionality.
All of the usual stuff is here – stereo pair setup, multi-point connectivity management, EQ controls, and a battery life visual. However, there are some really stand-out options that you wouldn’t get on the Charge 6’s JBL Portable companion.
For instance, the B&O app has a section in which you can integrate your favorite music streaming apps, including Deezer, Spotify, and Tidal. But it also provides internet radio access through the B&O Radio section – a segment that is laid out simply and is bursting with content.
Don’t get me wrong, I think JBL offers fantastic features through its companion app, and the inclusion of Auracast is definitely a win over the A1 3rd Gen. But the stylish, content-filled nature of the B&O app – compared with the speaker’s supreme audio and build quality – just give it that edge over the still-fantastic Charge 6.
The best Bluetooth speakers for all budgets
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harry.padoan@futurenet.com (Harry Padoan)
