The Beosound A1 3rd Gen combines a small travel speaker with features that are unusually useful at a desk. It supports USB-C music, a three-microphone speakerphone and connection to two source devices. Its aluminum body and leather strap give it a more considered finish than many rugged portables.
Those qualities justify considering it for personal listening and work calls. They are less persuasive if the goal is maximum outdoor volume for the money. The A1 remains a small speaker, and its appeal rests on sound quality, finish and versatility together.
Sound
- 3.25-inch woofer and 0.6-inch tweeter
- Customizable app EQ
TechRadar described the third-generation A1 as detailed and dynamic, with an open presentation, while acknowledging its limited ultimate scale. That supports a use case centered on listening nearby, where texture and clarity matter more than projecting across a busy outdoor space. 1
The app provides presets and a custom equalizer. Use those controls to accommodate placement and preference, but do not choose the A1 on amplifier wattage alone. Its two amplifier ratings describe the internal system, and do not tell you how it compares in loudness with a much larger speaker.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive
- Two-source multipoint
- USB-C audio and calls
USB-C carries music and speakerphone audio as well as charging. For a laptop setup, one wired connection can therefore provide a direct path for both entertainment and meetings. The three-microphone array is an actual calling feature, which matters because several competing portable speakers have removed microphones.
Bluetooth multipoint lets two devices remain connected. Codec support includes AAC and aptX Adaptive, with the available connection depending on the source device. TechRadar notes that this Bluetooth implementation does not support Auracast. 1
Stereo pairing has a useful compatibility exception. A third-generation A1 can pair with another third-generation unit or with a second-generation model. Owners of the previous A1 can therefore expand their system without retiring it immediately.
Battery & charging
- Up to 24 hours at typical listening volume
- About 3 hours at 5 V/3 A
The 24-hour figure applies at typical listening volume. It leaves promising room for intermittent desk use and travel, but should not be read as a guarantee at maximum output. Charging takes about three hours with the specified supply, so an overnight refill is simpler than relying on a short stop.
A USB-C cable is included. The power-source requirement is worth checking against an existing charger, especially if an older low-output adapter is the one normally kept in a travel bag.
Design
- 576 g
- IP67
- 133 × 46 × 133 mm
The shallow circular body fits easily into a bag, while the leather strap gives a convenient handhold. IP67 protection adds confidence around dust and accidental water exposure, although the finish is still part of what you are paying for. A protected pocket makes sense if it will travel beside keys or other hard objects.
The warranty can extend from two to five years through registration in the Bang & Olufsen app. Completing that step is a worthwhile part of setup for a product intended to stay in use across several phone upgrades.
Alternatives
The Edifier ES20 also offers a microphone and two-device connectivity in a lighter body, but it lacks the A1’s documented USB audio. The JBL Charge 6 is better aligned with long outdoor sessions and charging a phone, while the A1’s calling and desk connections are more versatile.
Verdict
The A1 3rd Gen is a strong choice for someone who will use its speakerphone and USB connection as well as its portable music playback. Its finish and compact sound quality are the attraction. For a large gathering, directing the budget toward a bigger speaker is more practical.