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Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,750
  • Audio output power: 60.00 W
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 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.

7.7

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%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.7

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%

8.0

Audio

20.0%

8.3

Battery

18.0%

6.8

Durability

16.0%

6.4

Connectivity

8.0%

8.8

Controls

3.0%

5.9

Design

3.0%

9.7

Smart features

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.0
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

  • 8.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    6.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 9.1
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    6.3

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    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.

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.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018

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%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.7
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a technical score of 7.65 points, which is higher than 91.2% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% 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%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

3.5

Price

6.4
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 98.6% 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

60.00 W
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has an audio output power of 60.00 W which is higher than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 60.00 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

101.00 mm
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a driver unit size of 101.00 mm which is larger than that of 88.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.9% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 101.00 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

2
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
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

35.00 Hz
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a lowest frequency of 35.00 Hz which is lower than that of 80.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 35.00 Hz.
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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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% 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

4.2
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
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

10.00 m
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 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 Beosound 1 2018 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

16 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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

?
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

2 hours
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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

?
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 Beosound 1 2018 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 Beosound 1 2018 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 Beosound 1 2018 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

top
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 Beosound 1 2018 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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 Beosound 1 2018 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

no
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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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

3,500 g
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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

32.7 cm
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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

16.2 cm
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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

16.2 cm
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
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 Beosound 1 2018 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

?
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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct 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

yes
Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
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Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 vs the average portable speaker

  • 51 mm larger main driver
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (101 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 101.00 mm.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (101 mm vs 50.00 mm).101.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 60.00 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 Beosound 1 2018 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).60.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 4,300 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 24300 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 Beosound 1 2018 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).24300 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
    What it is: Indicates whether sound is spread evenly in all directions.
    When it matters: When even sound coverage around the speaker matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 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 Beosound 1 2018 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).5 vs 0
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphones can reduce surrounding noise during capture.
    When it matters: When calls or voice commands must remain clear around background noise.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • 25 Hz deeper bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 35.00 Hz.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).35.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 51 mm larger main driver
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (101 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 4,300 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (24,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • 25 Hz deeper bass extension
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 4 more microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has more microphones than the average portable speaker (5 vs 1).
  • Has beamforming microphones
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
  • Supports playback mute
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a programmable button
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Smart features
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (91 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 91.00 dB.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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 Beosound 1 2018 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • Is not water resistant
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,500 g vs 800 g).
  • 20.3 cm taller
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is taller than the average portable speaker (32.7 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 7.9 cm deeper
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is deeper than the average portable speaker (16.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • Is not water resistant
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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 Beosound 1 2018 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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 Beosound 1 2018 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether a standard 3.5 mm analog audio socket is present.
    When it matters: When you need a reliable wired analog audio connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 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
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,500 g vs 800 g).
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,500 g vs 800 g).3500 g vs 800 g
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
    What it is: The number of USB ports available on the speaker.
    When it matters: When several wired accessories or storage devices need USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    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

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
  • 14.67x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£1,320 vs £90).
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£1,320 vs £90).£1,320 vs £90
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Durability
Controls
Design

Graphic comparison of Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 2018 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

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

Video reviews

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