Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen on measured sound quality, the JBL Pulse 5 on price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #18 of 142 medium speakers at $381.52. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #44 at $239.99, $141.53 cheaper.
What the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen offers: 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. Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass. Dipped area in the upper mids. Not as deep of bass as the 2nd gen
What the JBL Pulse 5 offers: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Watch for: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the JBL Pulse 5 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Battery life favors the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: rated for 24 hours against 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $381.52 | $239.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 1.8" x 5.2" (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 40W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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: $381.52 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
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 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 |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
- Links
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- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs 2nd gen - worth the premium?
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JBL Pulse 5: $239.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Techder Audios: JBL PULSE 5 VS JBL CHARGE 5 "LIGHTS VS BASS?!" More from techderaudios →
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