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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£2,640
Avg. price in US: ~$3,650
Audio output power: ?
Battery life: 12 hours
IP rating: ?
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Weight: 7200 g

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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.

7.5

Very good

7.5

Very good

7.5

Very good

4.8
Outdoor durability
Score components:
40.0%
4.0
Water resistance
25.0%
?
IP rating
20.0%
2.1
Weight
15.0%
5.2
Battery life
6.7
Powerful sound
Score components:
45.0%
?
Audio output power
25.0%
5.2
Battery life
15.0%
2.1
Weight
15.0%
10
Party mode
8.4
Home listening
Score components:
35.0%
10
Multi-room support
30.0%
10
Wi-Fi connectivity
20.0%
?
Audio output power
15.0%
2.1
Weight

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#14 in Best Bang & Olufsen portable speakers
#67 in Best portable speakers for home
#82 in Best big portable speakers
#195 in Best portable speakers

Verdict

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a premium home wireless speaker—not a portable speaker—built with a seven-driver array comprising two 5.25-inch woofers, two 3-inch full-range, two 2-inch full-range drivers, and a 0.75-inch tweeter powered by 850W of Class D amplification. It features a frequency range of 26–23,000 Hz and a maximum SPL of 104 dB, with prominent pros including active room compensation, beamforming sound directivity (360-degree or focused audio), and a luxury Scandinavian aesthetic made from solid oak and aluminum. However, key cons include its very high luxury price tag, a heavy 7.2 kg weight, and a total lack of portability as it requires continuous mains power and has no internal battery.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance

Overall score

7.5

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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.

Audio

9.1

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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

?

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

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

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

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Connectivity

8.0

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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

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

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

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

A2DP

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

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Battery

6.8

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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

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

?

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

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Durability

5.0

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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

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

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Controls

8.6

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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

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

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

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

?

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Design

3.2

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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

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

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

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

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

none

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Smart features

9.9

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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

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

OTA; App

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

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

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance vs the average portable speaker

Why is Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance better than the average portable speaker?

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5 more speaker drivers
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
Acoustic drivers: 7.
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
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).7 vs 2
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
24 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (104 dB vs 80 dB).
Signal-to-noise ratio: 104.00 dB.
What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >= 80 dB
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (104 dB vs 80 dB).104.00 dB vs 80 dB
12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
Sound pressure level: 104.00 dB.
What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >= 90 dB SPL
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).104.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
Provides 360-degree sound
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
26 mm larger main driver
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).
Primary driver diameter: 76.00 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 Balance has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).76.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
3,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
Upper frequency-response endpoint: 23000 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 Balance has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).23000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Includes a subwoofer
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
5 more speaker drivers
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
24 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (104 dB vs 80 dB).
12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
Provides 360-degree sound
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
26 mm larger main driver
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).
3,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
Includes a subwoofer
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
34 Hz deeper bass extension
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (26 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
Has built-in stereo speakers
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
Has beamforming microphones
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
32 mm larger built-in subwoofer
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (133 mm vs 101 mm).
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
1 more multipoint connections
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
Supports AirPlay
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
Has a USB Type-C port
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
Has a TOSLINK optical input
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
Supports DLNA media sharing
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
Has Ethernet support
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
Wi-Fi standard detailed
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
5 more EQ presets
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
Has an equalizer
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Supports party mode
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
Has a hardware microphone mute switch
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
Has a programmable button
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
Has a sleep timer
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
Supports multi-room audio
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
Supports Spotify Connect
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
Supports automatic room calibration
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports automatic room calibration, while the average portable speaker does not support automatic room calibration.
Supports voice assistants
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
Supports firmware updates
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
Supports Tidal Connect
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.

Why is Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance worse than the average portable speaker?

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Does not include a passive radiator
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Is not water resistant
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
Is not rated as dust resistant
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
Does not provide voice prompts
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
6,400 g heavier
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,200 g vs 800 g).
25.6 cm taller
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is taller than the average portable speaker (38 cm vs 12.4 cm).
11.7 cm deeper
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is deeper than the average portable speaker (20 cm vs 8.3 cm).
Is not water resistant
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
Is not rated as dust resistant
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
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
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
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
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
6,400 g heavier
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,200 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 Balance is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,200 g vs 800 g).7200 g vs 800 g
Does not include a passive radiator
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance 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 Balance has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).10 °C vs 0 °C
25.6 cm taller
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is taller than the average portable speaker (38 cm vs 12.4 cm).
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
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is taller than the average portable speaker (38 cm vs 12.4 cm).38 cm vs 12.4 cm
29.33x more expensive
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£2,640 vs £90).
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£2,640 vs £90).£2,640 vs £90

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

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance?

Elegant Scandinavian design that blends seamlessly into home decor like a piece of furniture
Impeccable premium build quality utilizing solid oak wood, knitted textile, and precision-crafted aluminum
Powerful, room-filling sound with a complex seven-driver array delivering crisp highs and clear vocals
Innovative beam-forming technology allows users to switch between 360-degree ambient and focused directional sound
Effective Active Room Compensation that automatically calibrates the audio output based on the surrounding environment
Excellent connectivity options including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, and analog line-in/optical inputs
Intuitive touch-sensitive controls with integrated proximity sensors that light up upon approach

What customers dislike about Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance?

Extremely high luxury price tag makes it a significant investment
The speaker requires a mains power cable and lacks a built-in rechargeable battery for true portability
Companion app configuration can occasionally be glitchy, non-intuitive, or challenging during the initial setup
Bass, while rich and controlled, lacks heavy impact and low-end depth for very large rooms or bass-heavy genres
Lacks traditional precise stereo imaging or ultra-wide soundstage performance on its own
Audio quality can suffer from compression and minor distortion when pushed to its maximum volume levels

Expert reviews

lbtechreviews.com

17/03/2020

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance – Tech Reviews

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a premium, visually striking smart speaker featuring luxurious materials and powerful, 880W, seven-driver audio performance, optimized via active room compensation. It offers versatile sound modes, including 360-degree and directional audio, yet its high price point and inability to fully replicate a traditional stereo pair are notable drawbacks.

trustedreviews.com

16/06/2020

Summary of the review

Bang and Olufsen Beosound Balance - Trusted Reviews

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a premium smart speaker featuring a seven-driver setup, beamforming technology for automatic room compensation, and a user-friendly app. Pros include powerful audio that fills large spaces, excellent aesthetics, and simple setup, though cons include a limited soundstage, gentle bass output, and a high price point competing with more affordable alternatives.

t3.com

15/07/2020

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance review: a Google Assistant smart speaker with serious hi-fi chops

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is described by T3 as a top-tier, high-end smart speaker featuring a premium aesthetic with an oak base and impressive, customizable sound quality. Its strengths include expansive sound directivity, active room compensation, and smart connectivity options. However, the speaker faces significant drawbacks in its very high price point and a relative lack of low-frequency bass impact in its standalone settings.

dxomark.com

24/06/2021

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Speaker review - DxOMark

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance earned a high score of 145 from DXOMARK for its elite, clean, and 360-degree immersive sound performance, particularly excelling in dynamics. However, the review highlights notable cons, including an uneven tonal balance with weak low-midrange, limited extension at the frequency extremes, and issues with realistic distance rendering and heavy compression, particularly for audio-visual content.

soundstagesimplifi.com

15/01/2024

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Active Loudspeaker

The SoundStage! Simplifi review highlights the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance as a premium, seven-driver wireless speaker that delivers a deep, omnidirectional soundscape with minimal cabinet vibration. Key advantages include robust connectivity, including dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, alongside active room compensation that tailors bass to placement. A notable drawback is that configuring the speakers as a stereo pair restricts output to a forward-facing direction, sacrificing the rich, immersive sound achieved in mono mode. Simplifi.

audiosciencereview.com

13/09/2024

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review For an in-depth technical analysis of the speaker, visit Audio Science Review.

The Audio Science Review of the $3,299 Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance yielded a mostly negative reception, with users citing significant flaws despite high-quality aesthetics. Pros include luxury design, solid connectivity, and surprising bass, yet cons are substantial, featuring poor factory tuning, an uneven tonal balance, and a risk of DSP-induced driver damage, alongside a buggy control app.

pocket-lint.com

10/04/2020

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance - Pocket-lint

The Pocket-lint review of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance highlights a stunning, high-end wireless speaker that pairs top-tier audio engineering with exceptional design, featuring a seven-driver layout for both 360-degree and focused, beam-formed sound. Key pros include its exquisite craftsmanship with a solid oak pedestal, an intuitive proximity-activated interface, and broad connectivity via AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, while the primary con is its high luxury-tier pricing ($2,250 / £1,750 at launch).

computerbild.de

20/06/2020

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review

Computer Bild praises the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance as a high-end luxury wireless speaker featuring a premium Scandinavian design, integrated proximity-sensitive touch controls, and an innovative Active Room Compensation system that adapts sound to its surroundings. While offering versatile connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the review notes significant cons, including the unit's substantial 7.2-kilogram weight, limited placement options, and an extremely high price tag that positions it solely in the luxury audio segment.

hifi.de

19/01/2024

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review - HIFI.DE

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is lauded for its sculptural design and advanced seven-driver acoustic engine, delivering powerful, room-filling sound with deep bass and effective Active Room Compensation. While offering strong connectivity via AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, the review notes cons including a high price, occasionally non-intuitive app navigation, and slightly uneven tonality at high volumes.

imtest.de

25/04/2024

Summary of the review

5 Smart Speakers Tested: All-Rounders for the Home - IMTEST

The IMTEST comparison review names the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance the test winner among five smart speakers, awarding it a "good" (1.8) score for its outstanding, strong bass performance and premium build quality. While the speaker offers powerful, room-filling sound, the review notes a high price tag, potentially unnatural sound tuning, and an, at times, optional or complicated, smart assistant integration as primary drawbacks.

smartzone.de

02/07/2021

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Review: Multiroom Speaker with Google Assistant on IMTEST

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a premium multiroom speaker featuring exceptional build quality, elegant design, and an expansive 360-degree soundscape enhanced by active room-compensation technology. According to Smartzone.de, the speaker supports broad connectivity options, including AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, though it is hindered by a high €2,000 price point and an unintuitive mobile app.

on-mag.fr

02/07/2020

Summary of the review

B&O Beosound Balance Review: 360-Degree Sound in High Fidelity

The ON-mag review highlights the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance as a premium smart home speaker that successfully marries a high-end luxury design with impressive 360-degree sonic performance. Key pros include its striking aesthetic—crafted with a solid oak base and knitted fabric—along with a unique seven-driver acoustic architecture (including a 13.3 cm woofer) that delivers powerful, room-filling bass and precise, high-fidelity sound. On the downside, the cons focus heavily on its steep luxury price tag and the inherent acoustic limitations of relying on a single-box enclosure to recreate a truly wide, authentic physical stereo soundstage.

on-mag.fr

02/07/2020

Summary of the review

B&O Beosound Balance Smart Speaker Review

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is described as a high-end, luxury wireless speaker designed to resemble a premium lamp, featuring a seven-driver array with a solid oak base and textile top. The review highlights its powerful, 360-degree room-filling sound, alongside effective, precise automatic room calibration. Key drawbacks, however, include a very high, restrictive price point and a large physical footprint.

mensup.fr

03/08/2020

Summary of the review

Beosound Balance Review: Luxury Sound Seeks an Extraordinary Speaker

The MensUp review characterizes the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance as a high-end, luxurious speaker featuring minimalist Scandinavian design, solid oak and aluminum materials, and remarkably precise, powerful audio that fills large spaces. While the device boasts intuitive proximity-activated controls, drawbacks include a premium price point, limited portability, and the necessity of app-driven room compensation for optimal performance.

dxomark.fr

24/06/2021

Summary of the review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance ON-mag.fr review

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance earned an overall score of 145 in DXOMARK testing, praised for its impressive maximum volume, excellent 360-degree spatial performance, and clean audio with strong dynamics. While featuring precise attack and solid bass, the speaker is held back by an uneven tonal balance lacking low-midrange frequencies, a lack of audio wideness, and severe compression on video content, alongside distortion at maximum volume.

fwd.nl

16/05/2020

Summary of the review

Review: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance wireless speaker FWD Benelux

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance is a premium wireless speaker blending high-end design with impressive audio, featuring effective active room compensation for optimal sound regardless of placement, comprehensive streaming options, and an intuitive app. While delivering a polished, non-fatiguing performance, the speaker is hindered by a high price tag and a large, heavy footprint.

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