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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Audio output power:75.00 WBattery life:7 hoursIP 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.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

7.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 74% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

5.5

Battery

18%

6.4

Durability

16%

5.1

Connectivity

8%

5.3

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

4.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 79%
7.4

User score

User score
7.4/ 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 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

4.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 85%
  • bang-olufsen-beoplay-a3
bang-olufsen-beoplay-a3
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 A3

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

5.5

Battery

18%

6.4

Durability

16%

5.1

Connectivity

8%

5.3

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

4.9

Smart features

6.1
User score
User score
7.4/ 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 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

4.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.4
Popularity
Popularity
4.9/ 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 54% of models
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a popularity score of 4.9 points, which is higher than 53.9% of products in this category.
4.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Audio output power
75 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 75 W which is higher than that of 85.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
50 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 50 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% 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
60 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 60 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
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
7 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker 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
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
5 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker 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
36 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker 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
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
?
Show more
Weight
1,250 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker 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
?
Width
?
Depth
7 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
handle
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
App
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 55 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (75 W vs 20 W).
    75 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
  • 26 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • 55 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (75 W vs 20 W).
    75 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
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 26 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (36 W vs 10 W).
    36 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.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 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.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker 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 Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 8.8% lower user score
    User score
    7.4/ 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 A3
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.36 vs 8).
    7.36 vs 8
  • 1.6% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.43 vs 7.5).
    7.43 vs 7.55
  • 3,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,250 g vs 800 g).
    1,250 g vs 800 g
  • 7 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    2012 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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

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 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 don't like 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.

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.

Compare Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A3 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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