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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Audio output power: 75.00 W
  • Battery life: 7 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 1250 g

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 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.

6.6

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

6.3

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Good
6.3

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

7.1

Audio

20.0%

5.5

Battery

18.0%

6.9

Durability

16.0%

5.4

Connectivity

8.0%

5.4

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

Good
7.4

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(33)
amazon
4.1
(9)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(33)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Very good
  • 5.7
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

  • 7.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.9
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.9

    Weight

  • bang-olufsen-beoplay-a3
bang-olufsen-beoplay-a3

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is a premium, wedge-shaped portable speaker dock designed specifically for early-generation iPads (1, 2, and 3), featuring a 2.1-channel audio setup with three 0.5-inch tweeters, one 2-inch woofer, and Class D amplifiers delivering 25W for bass and 25W for midrange/treble across a 60–17,000 Hz frequency range. Its primary pros include an innovative 'Adaptive Stereo Orientation' system that uses an internal accelerometer to switch active corner speakers based on portrait or landscape positioning, an asymmetric design allowing multiple convenient viewing angles, and a built-in rechargeable battery providing 5 to 7 hours of cordless playback while simultaneously charging the docked iPad. However, its major cons include a restrictive form factor that completely locks out newer lightning-based tablets like the iPad Air or Retina models, an absence of wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the lack of a remote control, and a heavy 1.5 kg build that reduces handheld comfort.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

7.1

Audio

20.0%

5.5

Battery

18.0%

6.9

Durability

16.0%

5.4

Connectivity

8.0%

5.4

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

6.3
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a technical score of 6.35 points, which is lower than 76.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(33)
amazon
4.1
(9)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(33)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

7.4
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a user score of 7.43 points, which is lower than 85.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
5.2
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a popularity of 5.2 points, which is higher than 54.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.6
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is lower than 59.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

75.00 W
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has an audio output power of 75.00 W which is higher than that of 85.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 75.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

50.00 mm
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a driver unit size of 50.00 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 50.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

4
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 4.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

60.00 Hz
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a lowest frequency of 60.00 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 60.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

7 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a battery life of 7 hours which is shorter than that of 80.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

2,600 mAh
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 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
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

5 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

36 W
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a maximum charging input power of 36 W which is higher than that of 92.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

1,250 g
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 weighs 1,250 g which is heavier than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

?
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

?
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

7 cm
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a depth of 7 cm which is shallower than that of 63.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

handle
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Bang & Olufsen
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

App
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 vs the average portable speaker

  • 55 W more audio output power
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (75 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 75.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (75 W vs 20.00 W).75.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 4.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).4 vs 2
  • 26 W higher charging input power
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (36 W vs 10 W).
    What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
    When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (36 W vs 10 W).36 W vs 10 W
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Has a power bank function
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed from the speaker by the user.
    When it matters: When replacing a worn battery or carrying a spare matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 eq presets.
    What it is: The number of preset sound tuning profiles that can be selected.
    When it matters: When you want more ready-made sound profiles for different content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 4 presets

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).2 vs 0
  • 55 W more audio output power
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (75 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 26 W higher charging input power
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (36 W vs 10 W).
  • Has a power bank function
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an equalizer
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
  • Includes a travel bag
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Audio
Battery
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 3,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 17000 Hz.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (7 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
  • Is not water resistant
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 450 g heavier
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,250 g vs 800 g).
  • 7 older
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2012.
  • Is not water resistant
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (7 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (7 hours vs 12 hours).7 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
    When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 4 h

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).5 hours vs 3 hours
  • 3,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 17000 Hz.
    What it is: The highest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When upper-treble extension and high-frequency detail matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 20000 Hz

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).17000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
33 Reviews
amazon
4.1
9 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
33 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3?

  • Delivers rich, deep audio with impressive clarity and solid bass extension for its size.
  • Features a very unique, stylish, and premium wedge-shaped aesthetic with high build quality.
  • Innovative Adaptive Stereo Orientation automatically activates the correct speakers when flipped between portrait and landscape modes.
  • Significantly enhances the media, TV viewing, and Skype experiences on an iPad.
  • Includes a built-in rechargeable battery that offers around 5 hours of portable playback.
  • Acts as a convenient dock and charging station for the iPad when connected to main power.

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3?

  • Extremely expensive compared to other portable audio solutions.
  • Strictly limited and locked to old-generation Apple iPads utilizing the legacy 30-pin connector.
  • Physical connection issues reported with certain models (like the 3G iPad) requiring excessive force to dock.
  • Device is quite heavy (1.5 kg without the tablet), making it bulky to hold with one hand.
  • Lacks a remote control, requiring users to manually press the physical buttons on the side to adjust the volume.
  • The wedge shape tilts easily when trying to use the iPad touchscreen in portrait mode.

Expert reviews

S
soundandvision.com
14/06/2012
Summary of the review
Review: BeoPlay A3 iPad Dock - Sound & Vision
T
theregister.com
29/06/2012
Summary of the review
B&O Beoplay A3 - The Register
T
t3.com
02/05/2012
Summary of the review
B&O BeoPlay A3Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review: Hands-on
T
theregister.com
29/06/2012
Summary of the review
B&O Beoplay A3 - The Register
U
ubergizmo.com
05/05/2012
Summary of the review
B&O PLAY launches BeoPlay A3, iPad Sound System – Hands On EFTM
I
ifun.de
14/08/2012
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3: iPad sound system review
(Translated)Show original
D
diisign.com
31/07/2012
Summary of the review
Beoplay A3: an audio monolith for your iPad
(Translated)Show original
A
alpha-audio.net
09/03/2013
Summary of the review
Review: B&O BeoPlay A3 iPad Dock
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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