Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen for better sound quality, the Sonos Roam 2 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen ranks #18 of 135 medium speakers at $399. The Sonos Roam 2 ranks #71 at $177, $222 cheaper.
The case for the Sonos Roam 2: it’s very neutral and has a dedicated pairing button instead of sharing one with power. The catch: the sound quality is exactly the same as the original Roam, bass extension isn’t very good, it’s not stereo, and it distorts as you turn up the bass.
What the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen gets right: 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. Set against that: 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 Sonos Roam 2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Sonos Roam 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Roam 2 | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $177.00 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #71 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g | 1.2 lbs / 558 g |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) | 5.2" x 1.8" x 5.2" (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| App | Sonos S2 App | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Output Power | - | 60W |
The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Roam 2: $177.00 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Additional button for pairing instead of being shared with power button
Cons: Exact same sound quality as the original Roam. Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted as you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam 2 review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g |
| Wifi | Yes |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $399.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | 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 |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 558 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
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor sound test
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs 2nd gen - worth the premium?
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - soundcheck
- Oluv Patreon: B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen - outdoor test
- Reddit Search for B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons