OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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 M5 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£530Audio output power:130.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.0Weight:2540 g

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 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 M5
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

7.7

User score

â–²Better than 87% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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 60% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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 91% of models
Score components

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

6.9

Design

3%

8.9

Smart features

★Better than 91%
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 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 78%
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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 M5

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

6.9

Design

3%

8.9

Smart features

7.4
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 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 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 65% of models
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is higher than 65.3% of products in this category.
6.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

7.7

Price

7.5
Audio output power
130 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 130 W which is higher than that of 93.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
127 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 127 mm which is larger than that of 92.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
5
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 5 drivers, which is more than 93.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 3.1% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
37 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 37 Hz which is lower than that of 80% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
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
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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
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
?
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
2,540 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 2,540 g which is heavier than that of 76.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
18.5 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18.5 cm which is taller than that of 71.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Width
16.5 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 16.5 cm which is narrower than that of 55.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
16.5 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 16.5 cm which is deeper than that of 83.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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
OTA; App
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 110 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (130 W vs 20 W).
    130 W vs 20 W
  • 77 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (127 mm vs 50 mm).
    127 mm vs 50 mm
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    5 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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.
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 110 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (130 W vs 20 W).
    130 W vs 20 W
  • 77 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (127 mm vs 50 mm).
    127 mm vs 50 mm
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    5 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.
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 23 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (37 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    37 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 4 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (96 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    96 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    This portable speaker has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
    Has a physical TOSLINK optical audio input.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports automatic room calibration
    This portable speaker supports automatic room calibration, while the average portable speaker does not support automatic room calibration.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • 1 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 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.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
    10 °C vs 0 °C
  • 1,740 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,540 g vs 800 g).
    2,540 g vs 800 g
  • 5.89x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£530 vs £90).
    £530 vs £90
  • 4.3% 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 M5
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.67 vs 8).
    7.67 vs 8
  • 1 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
    10 °C vs 0 °C
  • 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.
  • 1,740 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,540 g vs 800 g).
    2,540 g vs 800 g
  • 8.2 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (16.5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    16.5 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 6.1 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.5 cm vs 12.4 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
techradar.com
07/01/2017
Summary of the review
Hands on: BeoPlay M5Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - TechRadar
W
wired.com
13/02/2017
Summary of the review
B&O Play Bluetooth speaker: M5 hands on review - WIRED
U
unwiredforsound.com
16/11/2020
Summary of the review
B&O Play Beoplay M5 Review: A Minimalist Mini Speaker
L
lesnumeriques.com
02/02/2017
Summary of the review
B&O Play Beoplay M5 Review: When App and Setup Lead to Frustration
(Translated)Show original
F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
02/02/2017
Summary of the review
Review: B&O Play Beoplay M5 Music Streamer and Multiroom Speaker - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
R
revista-gadget.es
11/01/2017
Summary of the review
Beoplay M5: An attractive standalone speaker with multiroom capability
(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
19/07/2020
Summary of the review
The best AirPlay 2 speakers and tips to make...
(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 M5

  • Excellent, rich sound quality that sounds much larger than the speaker's actual footprint
  • Deep, powerful bass performance from a small unit
  • Elegant and premium design featuring a crafted aluminum top and Kvadrat wool blend covers
  • Immersive True360 omnidirectional sound that fills the room uniformly from all angles
  • Versatile wireless connectivity options including AirPlay, built-in Chromecast, and Spotify Connect
  • Intuitive physical touch controls on the aluminum top for volume and playback adjusting
  • Inconspicuous, minimalist aesthetic that blends easily into home decor

What customers don't like about Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5

  • High, expensive premium price point compared to similar multiroom options
  • Bass output can occasionally feel overly dominant, boomy, or slightly muddy out of the box
  • Lacks portability due to being strictly mains-powered with no built-in rechargeable battery
  • Noticeable audio delay or input lag when watching videos or movies over Bluetooth or Chromecast wireless setups
  • Initial software setup and firmware update processes through the app can sometimes be buggy or fail on the first attempt
  • Lacks native support for wireless stereo pairing with another identical M5 unit
  • Occasional Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection drops requiring a device reset or re-pairing

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 is a premium home wireless speaker featuring True360 omnidirectional sound driven by a robust five-driver configuration, including a 5-inch woofer, a 1.5-inch midrange driver, and three 0.75-inch tweeters pushing 130W of total RMS power (460W peak) across a 37 Hz to 22 kHz frequency range. Its main pros include versatile connectivity options like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Apple AirPlay, and built-in Chromecast for seamless multiroom integration, alongside an elegant Nordic design sporting an exchangeable Kvadrat wool-blend cover and a tactile, rotating aluminum top control plate. However, despite being frequently mislabeled as a portable device, it lacks an internal rechargeable battery and requires a constant mains power connection, while users also note a premium price tag, a lacks of native aptX support, and an EQ sound profile that can lean heavily into an overemphasized bass response.

Compare Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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