Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the JBL Flip Essential 2 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #19 of 172 medium speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $399. The JBL Flip Essential 2 ranks #78, rated 3.3/5, at $85.90, $313.10 cheaper.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential 2. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip Essential 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential 2 lacks. Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
The case for the JBL Flip Essential 2: Essentially a JBL Flip 5 in a new shell: the same single 44 x 80mm racetrack driver and 20W amplifier, rated down to 65Hz. The catch: There is no tweeter, and side by side comparisons found it does not sound as good as the JBL Flip 6, with less bass; its bass stops growing above about 70% volume, so turning it up mostly adds loudness, not weight.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL Flip Essential 2 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes).
Amazon $399.00 B&H Photo Video $399.00 eBay
Essentially a JBL Flip 5 in a new shell: the same single 44 x 80mm racetrack driver and 20W amplifier, rated down to 65Hz.
Amazon $85.90 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | JBL Flip Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $85.90 |
| Ranked | #19 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #78 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 1.1 lbs (520 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (175 x 68 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 1x 44x80mm racetrack fullrange + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 20W RMS |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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