Short answer: the Charge 6 for most people, the Beosound A1 2nd gen if design and portability matter more than price. They rank #11 and #12 out of 179 medium speakers, essentially a tie, but $245.05 separates them.
Both speakers are pitched as more neutral than their predecessors, with real caveats. The Beosound A1 2nd gen’s pros call out that it is more neutral than the original A1, though its cons note it is not stereo, has less bass depth than the A1, and can show pumping artifacts above 60% volume, limiting it to lower listening levels. The Charge 6’s pros describe a flatter response through the mids and treble than the noticeably rolled-off Charge 5, and it responds well to a custom EQ preset on its own page. Its cons are still a boosted-bass, somewhat V-shaped signature with recessed mids and some brightness above 2kHz.
The Charge 6 is the more versatile speaker outside pure sound quality. It reaches a louder 102dB max volume against 93dB for the Beosound A1 2nd gen, extends bass slightly deeper at 53Hz versus 58Hz, runs 24 hours on a charge versus 18, doubles as a USB-C power bank, and adds Auracast party mode. The Beosound A1 2nd gen counters with a built-in microphone, aptX Adaptive codec support, and a noticeably smaller and lighter body at 1.2 lbs (558 g) versus 2.2 lbs (990 g) for the Charge 6.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 if you want the better all-around value, longer battery life, and the ability to link with other speakers.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen if you prioritize its compact, premium design and don’t mind paying more or giving up stereo and some bass depth.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | JBL Charge 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $395.00 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #11 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 90ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 2.2 lbs (990 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Drivers | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) | 45W |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Auracast) |
| Frequency Response | - | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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