B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs Bose Soundlink Flex

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the Bose Soundlink Flex for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #18 of 136 medium speakers at $399. The Bose Soundlink Flex ranks #34 at $89, $310 cheaper.

The case for the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). The catch: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.

On the Bose Soundlink Flex side: IP67 rated; rugged enough to survive drops from several feet and floats. Watch for: 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 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.

Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen at Amazon ($399.00) →Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex at Amazon ($89.00) →

B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs Bose Soundlink Flex

Specifications Side By Side

B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen Bose Soundlink Flex
Price$399.00$89.00
Ranked#18 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#34 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNo-
Battery Life24 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built in MicrophoneYesYes
EQYesNo
Power BankNo-
StereoNoNo
OmnidirectionalPointing upNo
TWSYesYes
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)No
Weight1.2 lbs / 558 g1.3 lbs / 589 g
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX Adaptive-
Bluetooth Version5.14.2
Dimensions5.2" 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)
Drivers82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators
IP RatingIP67IP67
Output Power60W-
Bass Extension (-10dB)-56Hz
Bluetooth Latency-33ms
Max Volume-96dB
Party Mode-Yes (Bose Party mode)
Power Input-USB-C
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen at Amazon ($399.00) →Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex at Amazon ($89.00) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $399.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo

B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranking card

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 →

AppYes
Aux InputNo
Battery Life24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Version5.1
Built in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)
Dimensions5.2" x 1.8" x 5.2" (133 x 46 x 133 mm)
Drivers82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter
EQYes
IP RatingIP67
OmnidirectionalPointing up
Output Power60W
Power BankNo
StereoNo
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs / 558 g
Check current price at Amazon ($399.00) →Check current price at Bhphotovideo →Search eBay for B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen →

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Bose Soundlink Flex ranking card

Pros: IP67 rated; rugged enough to survive drops from several feet and floats. Around 12 hours of battery at moderate volume.

Cons: Not stereo. Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail

Full Bose Soundlink Flex review and specifications →

AppYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth Latency33ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.9" x 3.5" x 2" (201 x 90 x 52 mm)
Drivers1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators
EQNo
IP RatingIP67
Max Volume96dB
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Bose Party mode)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs / 589 g
Check current price at Amazon ($89.00) →Search eBay for Bose Soundlink Flex →

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