Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the JBL Grip for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #19 of 177 medium speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $399. The JBL Grip ranks #98, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95, $329.05 cheaper.
The JBL Grip is the lighter option. A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs noticeably less than the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen at 1.2 lbs (558 g). Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Grip lacks. Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
Buy the JBL Grip if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen if sound quality matters more than the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #98 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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