Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #18 of 136 medium speakers at $399. The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranks #33 at $129.99, $269.01 cheaper.
On the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen side: Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
What the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen gets right: Pretty much identical sounding to the 1st gen. The tradeoff: Not stereo. Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 band) |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 558 g | 1.3 lbs / 586 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 1.8" x 5.2" (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 7.9" x 3.5" x 2" (201 x 90 x 52 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Output Power | 60W | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $399.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). IP67 rated with a serviceable, replaceable battery - the first Bluetooth speaker with Cradle to Cradle certification. Multipoint connectivity and aptX Adaptive.
Cons: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass. Dipped area in the upper mids. Not as deep of bass as the 2nd gen
Full B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 1.8" x 5.2" (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| 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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Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen: $129.99 Amazon
Pros: Pretty much identical sounding to the 1st gen
Cons: Not stereo. Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail. Self drains the battery about 10% a week.
Full Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3.5" x 2" (201 x 90 x 52 mm) |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 586 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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