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 A9 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£3,260Audio output power:1500.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:5.3Weight:?

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 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 A9
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

7.3

Technical score

20%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 84% of portable speakers
5.4

Value for money

Value for money
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 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
Score components

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

7.8

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Controls

3%

6.7

Design

3%

10

Smart features

â–²Better than 88%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 79%
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Where to buy
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 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
Score components:

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

7.8

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Controls

3%

6.7

Design

3%

10

Smart features

7.3
User score
User score
7.6/ 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
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 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
Popularity:
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than 64% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.4
Audio output power
1,500 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 1,500 W which is higher than that of 99.9% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
38 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 38 mm which is smaller than that of 89.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Uses a 38 mm primary driver.
Number of drivers
7
This portable speaker has 7 drivers, which is more than 98.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 1.2% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
33 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 33 Hz which is lower than that of 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5.3 which is newer than that of 78.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 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
?
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.
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
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
?
Height
?
Width
70.1 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 70.1 cm which is wider than that of 99.8% of portable speakers.
Depth
?
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
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 A9 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1,480 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (1,500 W vs 20 W).
    1,500 W vs 20 W
  • 5 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
    7 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.
  • 3,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 27 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (33 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    33 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 1,480 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (1,500 W vs 20 W).
    1,500 W vs 20 W
  • 5 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
    7 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.
  • 3,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 27 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (33 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    33 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 8 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (100 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    100 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.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 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.
  • 0.3 Bluetooth levels newer
    This portable speaker has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50 mm).
    Uses a 38 mm primary driver.
    38 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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 have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 52 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (70.1 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    70.1 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 36.22x more expensive
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£3,260 vs £90).
    £3,260 vs £90
  • 39% worse value for money
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (5.43 vs 7.5).
    5.43 vs 7.55
  • 5.3% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 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 Beosound A9
    the average portable speaker
    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.6 vs 8).
    7.6 vs 8
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50 mm).
    Uses a 38 mm primary driver.
    38 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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 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.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 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
  • 52 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (70.1 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    70.1 cm vs 18.1 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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08/10/2012
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01/05/2025
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U
uk.pcmag.com
28/02/2013
Summary of the review
2
248am.com
15/05/2013
Summary of the review
M
myrealworldreviews.wordpress.com
14/05/2016
Summary of the review
H
hifi.de
26/05/2024
Summary of the review
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/03/2024
Summary of the review
O
on-mag.fr
02/07/2015
Summary of the review
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letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/03/2024
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
26/01/2020
Summary of the review
A
alpha-audio.net
04/02/2013
Summary of the review

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 A9

  • Iconic, minimalist circular design that doubles as luxury home furniture or a decorative centerpiece.
  • Exceptional, room-filling sound quality with crystal-clear highs, warm mid-ranges, and powerful, deep bass without distortion.
  • Advanced Active Room Compensation technology that automatically scans and calibrates the audio curve to fit any room acoustics.
  • Seamless wireless connectivity supporting modern streaming protocols like Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.
  • Intuitive swipe-and-tap touch controls integrated cleanly into the top rim of the speaker.
  • Future-proof modular software and hardware architecture (on newer generations) allowing for easy serviceability and upgrades.

What customers don't like about Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9

  • Extremely high, prohibitive premium price tag that makes it a massive financial investment.
  • Despite having a built-in recessed handle, its large dimensions and heavy weight (around 15 kg) make it bulky and not truly portable outside the home.
  • Light-colored fabric covers are highly susceptible to dirt, stains, and pet hair, and replacement covers add to the expense.
  • Lacks a physical dedicated remote control, making users heavily reliant on a mobile app or direct device interaction.
  • Limited physical input options, with modern generations omitting standard 3.5mm auxiliary ports in favor of line-in RCA or strictly wireless playback.

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Generation) is an iconic, luxury wireless home speaker masquerading as a modern art piece, packing a massive 1,500-watt total output across seven individually amplified drivers: one 8-inch woofer, two 3-inch mid-range drivers, two 1.5-inch full-range units, and two 0.75-inch tweeters. Operating across a wide 33 Hz to 23 kHz frequency range with a maximum SPL of 100 dB, its standout advantages include powerful room-filling sound, seamless Active Room Compensation to tune acoustics based on physical placement, and future-proof wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. However, despite being a masterful centerpiece, it suffers from a lack of true portability due to its substantial weight of 33 pounds and reliance on a standard mains power cable, coupled with a highly restrictive luxury price tag and an interface that lacks a physical remote control.

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