Bang Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 3 is the brand’s newest take on its most portable speaker — a compact “puck” design that’s meant to sound premium without losing the easy grab-and-go vibe. If you’re here to find out what’s actually new, how it performs day to day, and whether it justifies a higher price than mainstream rivals, this breakdown is for you.
Quick takeaways you’ll care about before reading further:
- The biggest upgrade is bass and overall sound refinement, helped by a larger woofer and a stronger low-end output claim.
- Battery jumps from the previous generation’s “up to 18 hours” to “up to 24 hours” on paper, which matters for travel and desk setups.
- The 2026 relevance is real because this model leans into longevity, with repairability and battery replacement as part of the story.
Evolution of the Beosound A1
The Beosound A1 first debuted in 2016 as Bang Olufsen’s ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker, built around a distinctive circular shape and a leather strap. The second generation (2020) kept the look but improved water resistance, battery life, and sound quality, and added built-in microphones for speakerphone use.
The Beosound A1 Gen 3 builds on that legacy while keeping the same design language: a pearl-blasted aluminum body with 2,173 precision-milled holes in the grille and a slightly redesigned waterproof leather strap.
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Is the Beosound A1 Gen 3 waterproof enough for travel
Yes. It’s rated IP67, meaning it’s built to handle dust and water exposure, making it a realistic option for outdoor use and travel.
What’s New in the Third Generation?
Bang Olufsen’s headline focus is “elevated sound” and “enduring design,” and the clearest upgrade story is bass plus battery. The brand says the Gen 3 has “the largest woofer in its class” (3¼ inch) and claims deeper bass with a 64 dB bass SPL figure, which is 2 dB higher than the previous model.
Battery life is also positioned as a major improvement: Gen 3 is rated up to 24 hours versus the Gen 2’s up to 18 hours.
Beosound A1 Gen 3 uses a 3¼ inch woofer, a 0.6 inch tweeter, dual 30W Class D amplification, 360-degree sound, and is rated up to 92 dB max loudness at 1 meter.
What makes the A1 Gen 3 sound different from Gen 2
The upgrade is mainly low-end performance and overall composure. The woofer and bass capability are where the Gen 3 is pushing forward, rather than changing the entire design concept.
Design details people notice
The A1 Gen 3 stays extremely portable (about 1.3 pounds) and keeps that minimalist, premium look that’s as much “design object” as speaker. It also adds new finishes that lean into lifestyle appeal rather than loud gamer-style colors. Your original three finishes still matter for launch context, and the official range can vary by region.
Is Alexa included on the Gen 3
Not in the same way as before. One 2026-relevant shift is that smart assistant features were reconsidered, while speakerphone capability remains through the microphone setup.
Appeal for Audiophiles and Casual Listeners
The Beosound A1 Gen 3 targets two groups at once. Audiophiles get the promise of better bass depth and a more refined sound signature in a small form factor. Casual users get a premium speaker that’s easy to carry, works for day-to-day listening, and supports calls through its microphone array.
If you want “small speaker but not small sound,” the A1 Gen 3 is built for clarity and controlled bass rather than raw loudness first.
Can you use it for work calls and speakerphone
Yes. It retains speakerphone functionality with microphones, which is useful for quick calls at a desk or in a small room.
Challenges in a Competitive Market
This is where buyer intent becomes practical. At its premium price point, the A1 Gen 3 isn’t trying to beat mainstream speakers on value per euro — it’s competing on refinement, build quality, and longevity. Gear Patrol notes it launched at $349, which was already positioned above many rivals, and the official price can be higher depending on store and region.
If your priority is “maximum loudness for the money,” there are cheaper speakers that go harder outdoors. If your priority is a luxury portable that looks and feels premium and stays composed, that’s where A1 Gen 3 makes its case.
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A Critical Perspective
The conversation around this speaker often leans heavily into luxury. And yes — the design is stunning. But the smarter way to judge it is by what it does better than the last model and what it does differently than cheaper rivals. The most credible improvements are measurable: bass capability, max loudness spec, the move to 24-hour battery claims, and durability.
Here’s the 2026 angle that actually matters:
WIRED highlights repairability and upgradability as part of the Gen 3 identity, including battery replacement via Bang Olufsen service, and frames it as a meaningful step toward longer product lifespan.
The A1 Gen 3 is easier to justify if you keep speakers for years and care about repairability, not if you upgrade every season.
The Future of Portable Hi-Fi
The Beosound A1 Gen 3 reaffirms Bang Olufsen’s “portable luxury” lane: durable build, refined sound, and design that doesn’t age quickly. Whether it wins for you depends on your intent. If you’re searching for the best compact premium Bluetooth speaker for travel and home listening, it’s a serious contender. If you’re searching for the best bargain speaker, it’s not trying to be that.
