Short answer: the JBL Flip 6 for neutrality and size, the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for features. The Flip 6 is very neutral, almost pocket sized and a huge leap over the Flip 5, though it is not stereo and the TL version’s tweeter can sound somewhat scratchy next to the GG version. The A1 3rd gen runs around 24 hours at sensible volumes with an IP67 rating, multipoint and aptX Adaptive, but it distorts more easily than the 2nd gen.
The appeal of the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: longer battery life than the 2nd gen at around 24 hours at sensible volumes, an IP67 rating with a serviceable, replaceable battery as the first Bluetooth speaker with Cradle to Cradle certification, plus multipoint connectivity and aptX Adaptive. That’s offset by: it distorts more easily than the 2nd gen with deeper bass, has a dipped area in the upper mids, and doesn’t go quite as deep as the 2nd gen.
Buy the JBL Flip 6. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 6.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 6 | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.95 | $379.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 116ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (176 x 68 x 72 mm) | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 44mm x 80mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 30W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
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