Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen for better sound quality, the JBL Charge 4 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #10 of 135 medium speakers at $200. The JBL Charge 4 ranks #50 at $119.95, $80.05 cheaper.
What the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen offers: More neutral than the first A1 Watch for: Not stereo.
What the JBL Charge 4 offers: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. Watch for: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | JBL Charge 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $119.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #50 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 90ms | 330ms |
| Max Volume | 93dB | 99dB |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 558 g | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Drivers | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter | 1x 51x89mm fullrange |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | - | 8.7" x 3.7" x 3.7" (220 x 95 x 93 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 30W RMS |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen: $200 Amazon
Pros: More neutral than the first A1
Cons: Not stereo. Not as deep bass as the A1. Pumping sound artifacts above 60% volume, only good for lower listening levels.
Full B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Latency | 90ms |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Drivers | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 558 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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JBL Charge 4: $119.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. IPX7 rated and floats. ~20 hour battery life; wirelessly links with 100+ JBL Connect+ speakers.
Cons: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver. Boosted bass, top a little rolled off, warm sound. Not as loud as a Charge 3. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 4 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.7" x 3.7" (220 x 95 x 93 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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