Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen for better sound quality, the Bose Soundlink Flex for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #11 of 177 medium speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $395. The Bose Soundlink Flex ranks #38, rated 3.8/5, at $79.99, $315.01 cheaper.
The Bose Soundlink Flex is the louder option. A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 96dB at full volume, against 93dB for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Bose Soundlink Flex lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Flex lacks.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #38 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | 90ms |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (589 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
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