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 Beosound 1 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,670Audio output power:60.00 WBattery life:16 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:6500 g

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 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 Beosound 1
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

5.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 51% of portable speakers
5.2

Value for money

Value for money
5.2/ 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 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

1.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

32%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.5

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Controls

3%

4.1

Design

3%

7.9

Smart features

â–²Better than 70%
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 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 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 97%
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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 Beosound 1

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

32%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.5

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

6.7

Controls

3%

4.1

Design

3%

7.9

Smart features

6.9
User score
User score
5.9/ 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 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.9
Popularity
Popularity
3.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 has a popularity score of 3.7 points, which is lower than 52.1% of products in this category.
3.7
Value for money
Value for money
5.2/ 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 99% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

1.7

Price

5.2
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
101 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 101 mm which is larger than that of 88.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
35 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 35 Hz which is lower than that of 80.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% 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
A2DP; AVRCP
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
16 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 16 hours which is longer than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.1% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
6 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 6 hours which is longer than that of 95.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.4% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
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
rear
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
6,500 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 6,500 g which is heavier than that of 92.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Height
32.7 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 32.7 cm which is taller than that of 92.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
16.2 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 16.2 cm which is narrower than that of 56.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
16.2 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 16.2 cm which is deeper than that of 82.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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
OTA; App
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
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 51 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (101 mm vs 50 mm).
    101 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 20 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (100 dB vs 80 dB).
    100 dB vs 80 dB
  • 4,300 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 51 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (101 mm vs 50 mm).
    101 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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
  • 20 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (100 dB vs 80 dB).
    100 dB vs 80 dB
  • 4,300 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • 25 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    35 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 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)
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
    16 hours vs 12 hours
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 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 an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • 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 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.
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 3 hours).
    6 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,500 g vs 800 g).
    6,500 g vs 800 g
  • 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 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.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 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
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 18.56x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£1,670 vs £90).
    £1,670 vs £90
  • 45.6% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (5.18 vs 7.5).
    5.18 vs 7.55
  • 36.5% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (5.86 vs 8).
    5.86 vs 8
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (91 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    91 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 3 hours).
    6 hours vs 3 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water 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 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.
  • 5,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,500 g vs 800 g).
    6,500 g vs 800 g
  • 20.3 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (32.7 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    32.7 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 7.9 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (16.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    16.2 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 18 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2001 vs 2019).
    2001 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
trustedreviews.com
23/12/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 Review - Trusted Reviews
S
stuff.tv
28/12/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 review - Stuff
T
techradar.com
03/09/2018
Summary of the review
Hands on: B&O Beosound 1 & 2 review - TechRadar What Hi-Fi?
E
expertreviews.co.uk
31/08/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 review - hands-on
W
wired.com
03/11/2016
Summary of the review
Review: Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1
C
computerbild.de
31/08/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 Review
(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
18/10/2016
Summary of the review
B&O Beosound 1 Review: The Sound Rocket
(Translated)Show original
W
welt.de
13/09/2016
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1: 360-degree speaker review
(Translated)Show original
F
futurezone.at
08/12/2017
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1: Beauty doesn't have to sound good
(Translated)Show original
L
likehifi.de
03/05/2017
Summary of the review
Review: Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 and BeoSound 2
(Translated)Show original
B
bergbold.de
19/01/2018
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1: 360-Degree Sound at Its Finest
(Translated)Show original
M
macwelt.de
19/01/2018
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1: 360-degree sound at its finest
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
26/04/2017
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Review: A compact luxury wireless speaker that knows how to let loose
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
13/12/2016
Summary of the review
B&O Beosound 1: Beautiful but Flawed
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.it
08/05/2017
Summary of the review
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 review
(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 Beosound 1

  • Stunning, unique, and timeless premium aluminum visual design
  • Excellent 360-degree uniform sound distribution with no 'sweet spot'
  • Immersive detail, soundstage, and clarity at low to moderate volumes
  • Highly versatile connectivity including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast
  • Convenient built-in battery for moving it easily from room to room
  • Intuitive physical controls such as the twisting volume wheel on top

What customers don't like about Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1

  • Extremely high retail price compared to competitors with similar performance
  • Noticeable sound softness or audio distortion when pushed to high volume levels
  • Lacks water resistance and ruggedness, making it unsuitable for outdoor or beach use
  • The delicate aluminum exterior is prone to visible scratches and scuffs
  • Relatively heavy at 3.5kg, making it less travel-friendly than other portables
  • Occasional software connectivity bugs and app setup instabilities reported by users

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 is a premium, conic-shaped portable wireless speaker crafted from high-grade aluminum that features Acoustic Lens Technology to deliver immersive, omnidirectional 360-degree sound. Powering its expansive 35 Hz to 24.3 kHz frequency range are a 1.5-inch full-range driver backed by a 40-watt Class D amplifier and a 4-inch downward-firing woofer paired with a 20-watt Class D amplifier. Its main advantages include robust connectivity options via dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Beolink multiroom support, alongside an integrated proximity sensor for intuitive top-panel touch gestures and up to 16 hours of battery life at moderate volumes. However, its primary downsides are a hefty weight of 3.5 kg that restricts easy transit, an absence of physical audio inputs except for an Ethernet port, a lack of any waterproof or dustproof ruggedness for outdoor safety, and a significantly shortened playback time of just 4 hours when pushed to maximum volume.

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