Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 164 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $299.99 and is still sold new; the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 ranks #71 (rated 3.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 10 for the Bose Soundlink Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 has no water resistance. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Mini 2: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. ~10 hour battery life; can pair to two devices at once and remembers up to 8. It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | Bose Soundlink Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $184.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #71 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 2x 33mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Proprietary connector |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
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How B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen compares with other leading options:
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- Minirig 4 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Minirig 3 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $299.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the B&O Beosound A1 (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 60W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, 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 |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beoplay/Beosound A1 - all 3 generations compared More from Oluv’Sone →
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor sound test
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs 2nd gen - worth the premium?
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - soundcheck
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor test
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Bose Soundlink Mini 2: $184.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. ~10 hour battery life; can pair to two devices at once and remembers up to 8. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass is 2db less boosted than the Mini. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 33mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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