Short answer: the discontinued B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks slightly higher for sound, but the Bose SoundLink Max is the practical current model with serious weather protection. The B&O ranks #16 of 77 large portable speakers at $400; the Bose ranks #17 at $329.99, $70.01 less. The B&O’s True360 presentation is appealing, but its lack of water resistance and current availability change the buying decision.
What the B&O Beoplay A2 active gets right: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. The catch: Not stereo.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Max: IP67 rated, dustproof and waterproof to 1m. The tradeoff: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active only if you specifically want its two-sided True360 sound and can find one in good condition, knowing it is discontinued, not stereo, and has no water-resistance rating.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if you want the lower-priced current option with IP67 dust and water protection, and can accept a pronounced upper-bass peak, recessed mids, and uneven response above them.
Water resistance is not close: the Bose SoundLink Max is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the B&O Beoplay A2 active at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | Bose SoundLink Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $329.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #17 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 tweeter) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1" (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 60W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 48Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 116ms |
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- Tribit Stormbox Lava vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
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- Marshall Stockwell 2 vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued eBay
Pros: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Customizable sound via Beoplay app. 22 hour battery (improved from original A2). Stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. Splash/dustproof, USB-C charging. ~1.1 kg with carry strap.
Cons: Not stereo. Discontinued and no longer sold new. Discontinued.
Full B&O Beoplay A2 active review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Bose SoundLink Max: $329.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated - dustproof and waterproof to 1m. Up to 20 hour battery; real-world testing found 43+ hours. Deep, rich bass with neutral tuning, app EQ. USB-C doubles as device charger. Sturdy carry handle.
Cons: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange. Bass not as deep as a Boom 2. Gets distorted above 80%. Self drains the battery about 20% a week.
Full Bose SoundLink Max review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1" (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5" (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79" (20mm) tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 tweeter) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - indoor soundtest More from Oluv’Sone →
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor soundtest
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Max, the worlds most overpriced speaker? its a shocker! More from alanrossreviews →
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- Scott’s Reviews: Bose SoundLink Max First Impressions, Unboxing, and Sound Test. More from ScottsReviews →
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- Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL Xtreme 3
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