OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Audio output power:60.00 WBattery life:24 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.0Weight:1100 g

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

80%

7.7

Technical score

20%

7.7

User score

★Better than 94% of portable speakers
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 82%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

8.2

Battery

18%

8.7

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

7.3

Controls

3%

8.5

Design

3%

4.9

Smart features

★Better than 96%
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 76%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

8.2

Battery

18%

8.7

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

7.3

Controls

3%

8.5

Design

3%

4.9

Smart features

7.7
User score
User score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 has a popularity score of 8.3 points, which is higher than 80.6% of products in this category.
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

8.0
Audio output power
60 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 60 W which is higher than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
76 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 76 mm which is larger than that of 76.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
55 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 55 Hz which is lower than that of 55.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.2% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4 which is older than that of 76.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.7% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
24 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 24 hours which is longer than that of 88.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
2,600 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 2,600 mAh which is larger than that of 49% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
45 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 45 W which is higher than that of 94.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.8% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
1,100 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 1,100 g which is heavier than that of 58.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% of portable speakers.
Height
14.2 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 14.2 cm which is taller than that of 56.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
?
Depth
4.4 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 4.4 cm which is shallower than that of 89.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
Bang & Olufsen
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 40 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20 W).
    60 W vs 20 W
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 mm vs 50 mm
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 35 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (45 W vs 10 W).
    45 W vs 10 W
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 96.3% more popular
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 is more popular than the average portable speaker (8.26 vs 4.21).
    8.26 vs 4.21
  • 6.6% better value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.04 vs 7.5).
    8.04 vs 7.55
  • 40 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20 W).
    60 W vs 20 W
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 mm vs 50 mm
  • 5 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (55 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    55 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 35 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (45 W vs 10 W).
    45 W vs 10 W
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 3.9 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (4.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    4.4 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 1 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 5 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2014 vs 2019).
    2014 vs 2019
  • 3.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.72 vs 8).
    7.72 vs 8
  • 300 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,100 g vs 800 g).
    1,100 g vs 800 g
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 3.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.72 vs 8).
    7.72 vs 8
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 1 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 300 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,100 g vs 800 g).
    1,100 g vs 800 g
  • 5 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2014 vs 2019).
    2014 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
05/11/2014
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Review - PCMag
W
whathifi.com
06/02/2015
Summary of the review
B&O BeoPlay A2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review - What Hi-Fi?
T
techguide.com.au
04/12/2014
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 Bluetooth speaker review
2
248am.com
24/02/2015
Summary of the review
My love and hate relationship with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2
W
witchdoctor.co.nz
13/03/2017
Summary of the review
Beoplay A2 Bluetooth Speaker REVIEW - Witchdoctor
B
brisbanetimes.com.au
11/02/2015
Summary of the review
Hands-on review: Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 portable speaker
T
techgadgetscanada.com
26/04/2023
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen B&O Beoplay A2 review - TechGadgetsCanada.com PCMag
S
smh.com.au
11/02/2015
Summary of the review
Hands-on review: Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 portable speaker
C
computerbild.de
04/12/2014
Summary of the review
Mobile speaker test - COMPUTER BILD
(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.com
20/09/2016
Summary of the review
Comparison test: B&O Play A2, Bose SoundLink III, and Teufel Boomster
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
10/02/2015
Summary of the review
Testing the elegant BeoPlay A2 portable speaker
(Translated)Show original
E
enceintesbluetooth.fr
26/01/2015
Summary of the review
BeoPlay A2 | TEST | The high-class portable speaker!
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
25/07/2015
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 Review: The luxury Bluetooth audio pouch
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
10/02/2015
Summary of the review
B&O Play BeoPlay A2: best price
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F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
10/02/2015
Summary of the review
Comprehensive Review: Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 Portable Speaker
(Translated)Show original
A
applesfera.com
25/11/2014
Summary of the review
B&O's BeoPlay A2: Where design and sound quality meet
(Translated)Show original
X
xatakahome.com
01/12/2014
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 Bluetooth Speaker: Applesfera Review
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
23/02/2015
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 Review: Make way, the king of portable speakers is here!
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
23/02/2015
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A2 Review
(Translated)Show original
M
manuelagostini.com
20/12/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 Review - It's the best!
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2

  • Excellent, well-balanced sound quality with clear mid-range and crisp treble
  • True360 omnidirectional sound delivery that effectively fills a room without dead spots
  • Sleek, attractive, and premium aesthetic design featuring a handy leather carrying strap
  • Highly portable, lightweight form factor that is easy to transport
  • Impressive maximum volume output without experiencing significant audio distortion
  • Useful power bank feature allowing users to charge external devices via USB
  • Smooth and quick Bluetooth pairing process that can remember multiple device connections

What customers don't like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2

  • High, premium price point making it an expensive option compared to competitors
  • Real-world battery life frequently falls far short of the advertised 24 hours, especially at higher volumes
  • Speaker grilles are constructed from plastic rather than expected premium aluminum
  • Bass response may feel lacking or thin for users who prefer heavy, deep low-end thump
  • Lacks a built-in microphone, preventing hands-free calling functionality
  • The included charging adapter and power cord feel cheap and generic relative to the brand's reputation
  • Physical instability on uneven surfaces due to its narrow, flat design

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 is a premium, 1.1 kg portable Bluetooth 4.0 speaker powered by a 180-watt peak Class D digital amplifier that drives an extensive array of two 3-inch woofers, two 3/4-inch tweeters, and two 3-inch passive bass radiators across a frequency response of 55 Hz to 24 kHz. Its standout characteristics and pros include an immersive, room-filling True360 omnidirectional sound profile, a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic utilizing a solid aluminum core with a signature leather carrying strap, and an integrated power bank functionality via its USB-A port alongside an Adaptive Power Management system rated for up to 24 hours of playback. However, notable cons include its steep premium price point, lack of any official weather-resistant or waterproof IP rating, and a significant real-world battery drop-off when streaming at higher volume levels.

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