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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 Beosound 1 2018 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,320Audio output power:60.00 WBattery life:16 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:3500 g

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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.

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▲Better than 86% of portable speakers
6.2

Value for money

Value for money
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

3.5

Price

▼Worse than 99%
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

8.1

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Controls

3%

5.9

Design

3%

9.6

Smart features

★Better than 91%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,320
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 2018

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

8.1

Battery

18%

6.2

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Controls

3%

5.9

Design

3%

9.6

Smart features

7.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 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
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

3.5

Price

6.2
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
4.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% 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
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
2 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% 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
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
3,500 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 3,500 g which is heavier than that of 83.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% 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 2018 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.
  • 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.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 4 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (5 vs 1).
    5 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • 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.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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 programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • 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 voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 2,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,500 g vs 800 g).
    3,500 g vs 800 g
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 14.67x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£1,320 vs £90).
    £1,320 vs £90
  • 14.67x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£1,320 vs £90).
    £1,320 vs £90
  • 21% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (6.24 vs 7.5).
    6.24 vs 7.55
  • 4.21x less popular
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 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 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.
  • 2,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,500 g vs 800 g).
    3,500 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

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
03/09/2018
Summary of the review
Hands on: B&O Beosound 1 & 2Go to product viewer dialog for this item. review CNET
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
L
likehifi.de
03/05/2017
Summary of the review
Review: Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 and BeoSound 2
(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
M
mon-enceinte-portable.fr
Date non spécifiée
Summary of the review
B&O BEOSOUND 1 Speaker | Review & Opinion ON-mag.fr
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
30/08/2018
Summary of the review
Beosound 1 Archives - AF Digitale
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018

  • Striking, modern, instrument-like premium aluminum aesthetic
  • True uniform 360-degree sound projection with no single sweet spot
  • Integrated Google Assistant with five voice-cancelling microphones
  • Multiroom connectivity supporting AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth
  • Innovative tactile physical controls with a rotating top volume ring

What customers don't like about Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018

  • Extremely high luxury price tag relative to sonic performance
  • Audio tends to distort or lose precision at maximum volumes
  • Soft machine-turned aluminum exterior easily picks up scratches and dings
  • Relatively heavy at 3.5kg, making transport more domestic than truly portable
  • Native app software can be buggy and slow during setup on some devices

Verdict

The 2018 Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 is a premium, conical-shaped portable wireless smart speaker engineered with high-grade aluminum and integrated with Google Assistant voice control. It features an array of 5 built-in microphones, a 1.5-inch full-range driver powered by a 40-watt Class D amplifier, and a downward-facing 4-inch woofer driven by a 20-watt Class D amplifier, achieving a wide frequency response of 35 to 24,300 Hz. Utilizing proprietary Acoustic Lens Technology, it delivers uniform 360-degree spherical audio and supports comprehensive multiroom streaming via dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast Built-in. Main pros include its striking architectural design, an intuitive top-panel volume ring with proximity sensors, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing up to 16 hours of playback at moderate volumes. However, notable cons include its substantial weight of 3.5 kg, a lack of waterproof ruggedness (no IP rating), and a high luxury price point.

Compare Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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