Short answer: the B&O Beoplay A2 active for better sound quality, the Soundcore Motion X500 for the lower price. The B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks #16 of 77 large speakers at $400. The Soundcore Motion X500 ranks #24 at $99.99, $300.01 cheaper.
What the B&O Beoplay A2 active gets right: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. The catch: Not stereo.
What the Soundcore Motion X500 offers: 40W stereo with 3-driver layout (two tweeters + woofer). Watch for: A little bright on top, a custom EQ can flatten things out a bit.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Motion X500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beoplay A2 active is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Motion X500.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore Motion X500 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the B&O Beoplay A2 active at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | Soundcore Motion X500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #24 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 4.6 lbs / 2.1 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| 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) | 8.7" x 8" x 3.2" (220 x 202 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators | 2x 58mm (2.3") forward-firing full-range drivers + 1x 43mm (1.7") upward-firing driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 60W | 40W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 48Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 104dB |
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- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Sonos Move 2
The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued Amazon
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.
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Select Pro
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Bose SoundLink Max
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs JBL Xtreme 3
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Motion Boom
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Motion X600
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Harman Kardon Citation 200
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Marshall Stockwell 2
- See all 16 comparisons
Soundcore Motion X500: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: 40W stereo with 3-driver layout (two tweeters + woofer). IPX7 weatherproof rating. Compact and very portable. Fine build quality at this price. Spatial Dynamic mode provides immersive sound. Gets close to 12 hour battery claim.
Cons: A little bright on top, a custom EQ can flatten things out a bit. Peaks at 250hz and dip at 1khz
Full Soundcore Motion X500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 8" x 3.2" (220 x 202 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 58mm (2.3") forward-firing full-range drivers + 1x 43mm (1.7") upward-firing driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 104dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs / 2.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Sonos Move 2
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Sonos Move
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- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Marshall Middleton II
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs Soundcore Motion X600
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs JBL Xtreme 3
- Soundcore Motion X500 vs LG Xboom Bounce
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