Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the Walla Sound for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #19 of 175 medium speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $299.99. The Walla Sound ranks #162, rated 2.2/5, at $49.99, $250 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 8 for the Walla Sound. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Walla Sound lacks. The catch: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
The Walla Sound is the lighter choice. IPX5 water resistant, 8-hour battery life, shockproof construction, Bluetooth 5.0, MicroSD card support, AUX input, built-in HD microphone, voice assistant compatible, lightweight 0.7 lbs (300 g). At 0.7 lbs (300 g) it weighs much less than the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen at 1.2 lbs (558 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen lacks. Watch for: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Walla Sound if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | Walla Sound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #19 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #162 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~90Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 15, 2026 at 5:41 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 $299.99 Lowest B&H Photo Video $399.00 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). See every B&O Beosound A1 generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor sound test More from Oluv’Sone →
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs 2nd gen - worth the premium?
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beoplay/Beosound A1 - all 3 generations compared
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - soundcheck
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor test
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Walla Sound: $49.99 Walla Sound $49.99 eBay
Pros: IPX5 water resistant, 8-hour battery life, shockproof construction, Bluetooth 5.0, MicroSD card support, AUX input, built-in HD microphone, voice assistant compatible, lightweight 300g. Measured bass extension of ~90Hz (-10dB).
Cons: No bass, gets distorted when turned up. Harsh upper mids.
Full Walla Sound review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~90Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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