B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs JBL Charge 5

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen on measured sound quality, the JBL Charge 5 on price. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #10 of 142 medium speakers at $395. The JBL Charge 5 ranks #28 at $134.95, $260.05 cheaper.

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs JBL Charge 5

What the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen offers: More neutral than the first A1. Set against that: Not stereo. Not as deep bass as the A1.

The case for the JBL Charge 5: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. The catch: Not stereo. Warm sound.

Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Specifications Side By Side

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen JBL Charge 5
Price$395.00$134.95
Ranked#10 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#28 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)58Hz53Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built in MicrophoneYesYes (dual microphones)
EQYesYes (3 band)
IP RatingIP67IP67
Bluetooth Latency90ms125ms
Max Volume93dB99dB
Power BankNoYes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
StereoNoNo
OmnidirectionalPointing upNo
TWSYesYes
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)No
Weight1.2 lbs / 558 g2.1 lbs / 960 g
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveAAC, SBC
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
Drivers3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
Party Mode-Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Bluetooth Version-5.1
Dimensions-8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Frequency Response-60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power-40W

More top alternatives to B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen:

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.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

The Two Speakers In Full

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen: $395.00 Amazon eBay

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranking card

Pros: B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen uses 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter. Its 558 g, claimed 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 93dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.

Cons: Bass is limited by its 58Hz specification.

AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)58Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Latency90ms
Built in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)
Drivers3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter
EQYes
IP RatingIP67
Max Volume93dB
OmnidirectionalPointing up
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs / 558 g

JBL Charge 5: $134.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay

JBL Charge 5 ranking card

Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. ~20 hour battery life.

Cons: Not stereo. Warm sound. Shouty upper mids. Boosted bass. Slightly rolled off treble. Overly expensive.

AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)53Hz
Battery Life20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency125ms
Bluetooth Version5.1
Built in MicrophoneYes (dual microphones)
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Drivers53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
EQYes (3 band)
Frequency Response60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIP67
Max Volume99dB
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power40W
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
TWSYes
Weight2.1 lbs / 960 g