Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $299.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Charge 3 ranks #88 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Charge 3’s replacement, the JBL Charge 6, is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 3 at 1.8 lbs (800 g). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. The tradeoff: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
What the JBL Charge 3 does well: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life. 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 tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Charge 3 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes).
Amazon $299.99 Lowest B&H Photo Video $399.00 eBay
Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life.
eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #88 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 20W RMS |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen compares with other leading options: