Short answer: the discontinued B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks higher for sound, while the Bose SoundLink Plus is the lower-cost, weatherproof choice that is easier to buy new. The B&O ranks #16 of 77 large portable speakers at $400. The Bose ranks #22 at $199, a $201 saving, and adds IP67 protection plus stereo pairing.
On the B&O Beoplay A2 active side: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Set against that: Not stereo.
What the Bose SoundLink Plus gets right: IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. The catch: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active only if its True360 two-sided sound is the feature you want and you are comfortable shopping discontinued stock, without stereo playback or water resistance.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus if you want a currently available IP67 speaker with stereo pairing, party mode, and a 20-hour rated battery, while accepting boosted bass that is not especially deep.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Bose SoundLink Plus at IP67 (brief submersion) against the B&O Beoplay A2 active, which has no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | Bose SoundLink Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) | 9.1" x 3.9" x 3.4" (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators | 1x 2.5" (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78" (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 60W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Motion X600
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Bose SoundLink Plus: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. Close to 20 hour battery life. Vibrant sound with booming bass, clean mids. Bluetooth 5.4 with good range. Premium tactile grille, smooth silicone. Quality build at $269.
Cons: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Full Bose SoundLink Plus review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1" x 3.9" x 3.4" (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5" (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78" (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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