Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 ranks #9 of 136 medium speakers at $200. The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 ranks #13 at $60, $140 cheaper.
What the B&O Beosound A1 gets right: Deeper bass than the A1 2nd gen. The catch: Not stereo.
What the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 offers: A great sounding neutral speaker. Watch for: This old version has micro-usb charging.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound A1 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A1 | Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $60 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #13 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 589 g | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Drivers | 15mm tweeter + 83mm mid/bass driver | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| Output Power | 60W total (30W each driver) | 20W (10W × 2) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Charge Essential 2
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- JBL Charge 6 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound A1: $200 Discontinued
Pros: Deeper bass than the A1 2nd gen.
Cons: Not stereo. Not quite as neutral as the A1 2nd gen. Pumping sound artifacts above 60% volume, only good for lower listening levels. Discontinued.
Full B&O Beosound A1 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 15mm tweeter + 83mm mid/bass driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 60W total (30W each driver) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 589 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beoplay/Beosound A1 - all 3 generations compared
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Soundlink Flex or Beosound A1 (1st gen) - ultimate compact speaker 😇
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Beoplay A1 outdoors with a bit of Anker Soundcore Motion+ too
- techkiste.net: B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) vs Bose Revolve 2 vs Bose Revolve+ 2 sound-comparison
- techkiste.net: B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) vs Bose Revolve 2 vs Bose Revolve+ 2 sound-comparison
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL, Bose, B&O, Sonos, Earfun, SoundCore… which portable speaker sounds best?
- Reddit Search for B&O Beosound A1 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued
Pros: A great sounding neutral speaker.
Cons: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons