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. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 ranks #108, rated 2.9/5, at $80, $219.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 12 for the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 lacks. The catch: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is the lighter pick. A compact 0.9 lbs (420 g) speaker with IP67 waterproofing that floats and a 12 hour rated battery. At 0.9 lbs (420 g) it weighs noticeably less than the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen at 1.2 lbs (558 g). Watch for: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $219.99 with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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
A compact 420 g speaker with IP67 waterproofing that floats and a 12 hour rated battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $80 |
| Ranked | #19 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #108 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 0.9 lbs (420 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) | 4.1” x 3.8” (104 x 95.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 2x 40mm active drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 82Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | No |
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