B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Sony SRS-XB30

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen on measured sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB30 on price. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #10 of 142 medium speakers at $395. The Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #107 at $199, $196 cheaper.

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Sony SRS-XB30

What the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen offers: 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. Watch for: Bass is limited by its 58Hz specification.

What the Sony SRS-XB30 offers: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Watch for: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality.

Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XB30 if the price matters more than sound quality.

Skip the Sony SRS-XB30 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 142 medium speakers.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen Sony SRS-XB30
Price$395.00$199
Ranked#10 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#107 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes (Sony Music Center)
Aux InputNoYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)58Hz55Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneYesYes
EQYes-
IP RatingIP67IPX5
Bluetooth Latency90ms-
Maximum SPL93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)95dB (Manufacturer specified)
Power BankNo-
StereoNoYes
OmnidirectionalPointing upNo
TWSYesYes
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)No
Weight1.2 lbs (558 g)2.2 lbs (1000 g)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC, AAC, LDAC
Power InputUSB-CMicro USB
Drivers3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators
Party Mode-Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers)
Bluetooth Version-4.2
Dimensions-9" x 3.2" x 3.4" (228 x 82 x 86 mm)
Amplifier Power-20W

How B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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 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. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).

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
Maximum SPL93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalPointing up
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs (558 g)

Sony SRS-XB30: $199 eBay

Sony SRS-XB30 ranking card

Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality.

Amplifier Power20W
AppYes (Sony Music Center)
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)55Hz
Battery Life24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions9" x 3.2" x 3.4" (228 x 82 x 86 mm)
Drivers2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators
IP RatingIPX5
Maximum SPL95dB (Manufacturer specified)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Partychain up to 100 speakers)
Power InputMicro USB
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight2.2 lbs (1000 g)