Short answer: the Soundcore Boost original for neutral sound at a fraction of the price. At $60 it is a great sounding neutral speaker, though this old version uses micro-USB charging and is only IPX5 rated. The Beosound A1 3rd gen costs $381.68, runs about 24 hours at sensible volumes and is IP67 rated with a replaceable battery, but it distorts easier than the 2nd gen and has a dipped area in the upper mids.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen new; the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $381.68 |
| Ranked | #13 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5 (also discontinued).
Pros: At 590 g, Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. A great sounding, neutral speaker.
Cons: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass. This old version charges over micro-USB. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
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- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- See all 74 comparisons
B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $381.68 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the B&O Beosound A1 (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 60W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, 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 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: B&O Beoplay/Beosound A1 - all 3 generations compared More from Oluv’Sone →
- 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs Tribit Maxsound Plus
- B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs JBL Flip 7
- B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen vs JBL Flip 6
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