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Yes, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is built for outdoor use. Bang & Olufsen Support says, “Yes, Beosound Explore can be used outdoors and is IP67 certified.” That makes it a sensible compact speaker for hiking, camping and general outdoor carry, provided you understand what IP67 does—and does not—cover.
The central trade-off is sound. Published reviews describe a detailed, widely dispersed presentation, but not the heavy, deep bass some listeners want. The Explore is therefore a better fit for buyers prioritizing ruggedness, portability and all-around coverage than for bass-first listening or broad connection options. The specifications and price below are manufacturer claims or time-specific listings; they are not measurements made for this article.
Quick verdict
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can it be used outdoors? | Yes. It carries an IP67 rating, with the freshwater and appearance limitations explained below. |
| What is its strongest advantage? | Compact, carry-friendly construction combined with 360-degree sound coverage and substantial claimed battery life. |
| What is the main compromise? | Independent reviews describe less bass weight than larger or more bass-balanced alternatives. |
| Who should consider it? | People who need a durable portable speaker for varied outdoor settings and value even coverage over maximum low-end impact. |
| Who should look elsewhere? | Listeners who prioritize deep bass, richer codec support or a lower current purchase price. |
This is a product-specific assessment based on Bang & Olufsen’s specifications and support information, plus published observations from TechRadar and RTINGS. It does not substitute for a personal listening test in your own room, garden or campsite, so claims about sound and endurance are identified by source.
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The Beosound Explore is a compact Bluetooth speaker designed around outdoor portability. Its cylindrical form, protective construction and integrated carry orientation are intended to make it easy to take away from a desk or living room. Bang & Olufsen lists four finishes for the US listing checked: Black Anthracite, Green, Bonfire Orange and Grey Mist.
#1 Best Overall
- 8 Hours of Playtime: A full working day of music, calls or podcasts on a single charge, at typical listening volume with easy USB-C charging for extended use
- Qi-Wireless Charging Technology: Power compatible phones and devices by laying them on top of Beolit 20, thanks to built-in wireless charging technology to keep your devices charged
- Portable Design with Leather Strap: Robust, light and with a soft and strong leather carrying strap, Beolit 20 is built to fit into your travel plans
- Quick and Easy Setup: Minimal setup and stable streaming, so you can start uninterrupted listening right away without complications
- Stereo Pairing Capability: Connect to another Beolit 20 or Beolit 17 for an even more immersive sound experience with seamless stereo pairing
The product is small enough to carry without the bulk of a home-oriented speaker, yet it is not an ultra-light pocket device. Bang & Olufsen lists a weight of 637 grams and dimensions of 81 × 124 × 81 millimeters. That is substantial enough to feel planted on a table while remaining practical in a backpack or day bag. A buyer comparing it with a truly pocket-sized speaker should account for those 637 grams, especially when every item in a hiking pack matters.
The size also explains the Explore’s middle-ground appeal. It is more serious than a tiny travel speaker but less home-bound than a large tabletop model. You can use it at a picnic table, campsite or patio without dedicating the space required by a bigger indoor speaker. Conversely, its compact footprint does not guarantee the room-filling low-end that a larger enclosure can provide.
Specifications that matter in daily use
| Specification | Bang & Olufsen’s listed value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Two 1.8-inch full-range drivers | A compact stereo-driver arrangement intended to cover the full audible range from a small cabinet. |
| Amplification | 2 × 30 W Class D | The manufacturer’s amplifier rating; it is not an independently measured continuous-power result. |
| Sound direction | 360-degree | Listeners around the speaker should receive a more consistent presentation than with a strongly front-facing design. |
| Cabinet | Closed box | A sealed enclosure rather than a ported design. |
| Frequency range | 56–22,700 Hz at -10 dB | Bang & Olufsen’s specification, not an independent laboratory measurement. |
| Maximum loudness | 91 dB SPL at 1 meter | The manufacturer’s stated maximum sound-pressure level at the specified distance. |
| Bass capability | 59 dB SPL at 1 meter | Another manufacturer-listed figure; it should not be treated as a third-party bass-extension test. |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 5.2 | Current Bluetooth hardware for direct playback from a phone, tablet or computer. |
| Codec listed | SBC | The specification page identifies SBC; it does not establish support for additional codecs. |
| Charging | USB-C | Charging uses the now-common USB-C connector. |
| Multi-device use | Multipoint for up to two devices | Two paired devices can remain connected for switching between them. |
| Speaker pairing | Stereo pairing with another Beosound Explore | Two Explore units can be configured as a stereo pair. |
| Weight | 637 g | Portable, but heavier than a true pocket speaker. |
| Dimensions | 81 × 124 × 81 mm | A compact footprint suited to shelves, picnic tables and bags. |
The numbers need context. A 56–22,700 Hz range at -10 dB is a published specification, not proof that bass at the lower end will have the same impact as midrange detail. Likewise, 2 × 30 W describes the stated Class D amplification, not how loudly the speaker will play in every environment or how clean it will remain at its limit. The 91 dB maximum-loudness figure is specified at one meter, so distance, placement and outdoor noise still affect what listeners perceive.
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The closed-box cabinet is another design detail rather than a guarantee of a particular tonal character. It tells you the enclosure is sealed instead of ported. The independent listening descriptions remain the more useful guide to the central question: the Explore emphasizes clarity and spread, while bass weight is not its defining strength.
Outdoor durability: what IP67 actually covers
IP67 is the reason the Explore can credibly be called an outdoor speaker. Bang & Olufsen Support explains that the rating covers submersion in fresh water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. That is protection against rain, wet grass, damp campsites and an accidental freshwater drop—not a license to leave the speaker underwater indefinitely.
The same support guidance specifically excludes salty or ionized water and warns that the rating does not guarantee the speaker’s appearance will remain unaffected. Seawater, salt spray and other chemically different water can therefore create risks that the IP67 label alone does not resolve. A beach trip is not equivalent to a freshwater picnic: the rating’s test conditions matter.
- Suitable use: rain, wet grass, damp campsites and accidental freshwater splashes within the rating’s limits.
- Use caution: placing it where it can be knocked into a lake or sink, because the immersion limit is time- and depth-specific.
- Avoid assuming protection: seawater and ionized water are not covered by the support statement.
- After exposure: let the exterior dry before storing or charging, and inspect the USB-C port for moisture.
IP67 also concerns ingress protection, not immunity from scratches, discoloration or every form of outdoor wear. Bang & Olufsen’s warning about appearance means a speaker can remain functionally protected while its finish is affected by the environment. Buyers wanting a speaker for frequent coastal use should treat that limitation as a genuine selection factor rather than a footnote.
Battery and charging expectations
Bang & Olufsen lists up to 27 hours of battery playtime and approximately two hours for charging. “Up to” is important: the figure is a manufacturer claim from an undated specification page accessed in 2026, not a standardized independent runtime result. Volume, wireless conditions and listening content can all change actual endurance.
That makes the Explore attractive for day trips where carrying a charger is inconvenient, but buyers should not plan a multi-day outing around the maximum number without a backup charging plan. Playing louder in an open area, maintaining a Bluetooth connection and using the speaker continuously can all produce a result below the headline figure. The published specification does not provide a test volume, music selection, distance or environmental condition that would let you reproduce 27 hours exactly.
USB-C simplifies charging because the connector is widely available, although the specification does not establish that a special cable or accessory is required. The approximately two-hour charging figure is also a manufacturer value, not a measurement under a separately documented charging setup. Check the current box contents and local retailer terms if included accessories matter to your purchase.
Rank #2
- 8 Hours of Playtime: A full working day of music, calls or podcasts on a single charge, at typical listening volume with easy USB-C charging for parties
- Qi-Wireless Charging Technology: Power compatible phones and devices by laying them on top of Beolit 20, thanks to built-in wireless charging technology to keep the music flowing
- Portable Travel Design: Robust, light and with a soft and strong leather carrying strap, Beolit 20 is built to fit into your travel plans
- Quick Setup and Stable Streaming: Minimal setup and stable streaming, so you can start uninterrupted listening right away
- Stereo Pairing Capability: Designed with seamless stereo pairing in mind, connect to another Beolit 20 or Beolit 17 for an even more immersive sound
RTINGS notes that it updated its battery scoring and text on September 4, 2024. That date is useful context when reading its battery assessment, but it does not turn Bang & Olufsen’s published runtime into an independently measured result. Treat any test-based score as belonging to RTINGS’s methodology and date, not as a universal number for every listener.
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TechRadar’s review characterizes the Explore as a tough Bluetooth speaker with detailed sound. Its listening comments praise detail and panache while identifying a lack of “grippy” bass weight. In practical terms, the speaker should suit vocals, acoustic material, podcasts and arrangements where clarity matters more than a forceful low-end thump.
That description is not a claim that the Explore sounds thin with every recording. It identifies a priority: intelligible, lively detail rather than the physical bass emphasis associated with larger or more bass-focused designs. Listeners who mainly play speech, singer-songwriter tracks or mixed playlists may prefer that balance. Listeners choosing the speaker specifically for electronic kick drums, hip-hop sub-bass or cinematic impact should compare it directly with a model known to reproduce deeper bass.
The 360-degree design is an important part of the experience. Instead of requiring everyone to sit in front of one grille, it is intended to spread sound around the enclosure. RTINGS likewise describes the Explore’s directivity as useful outdoors because listeners can hear it clearly from most angles. This is particularly helpful at a picnic table or campsite where people move around rather than face one fixed position.
Dispersion does not mean identical sound at every distance or angle, and it is not the same as a wide stereo image from two separated speakers. The Explore can be stereo-paired with another unit, but a single speaker remains a compact all-around source. If your priority is a defined left-right stage, two units and their added cost may be more appropriate than expecting one 360-degree enclosure to create conventional stereo separation.
Neither the manufacturer’s frequency figures nor the published impressions establish that the Explore produces deep, room-filling bass. RTINGS says the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 has a more balanced out-of-box profile and can reproduce deeper bass. That does not make the Onyx Studio 6 universally better: it is a different design priority, and the larger, less adventure-focused format may matter more to a buyer than low-frequency extension.
Bluetooth features and connection limits
The Explore uses Bluetooth 5.2 and lists SBC as its codec. For ordinary phone and tablet playback, that covers the basic wireless requirement. The specification does not list Wi-Fi streaming, a wired audio input or higher-bandwidth codecs, so buyers needing those features should verify another model’s connection list before purchasing. Do not assume that Bluetooth 5.2 by itself implies every newer codec or network-streaming function.
Multipoint for two devices
Multipoint support allows up to two devices to remain connected. This is useful when two people share control—for example, when one phone is used for music and another for calls or queue changes. The source confirms the two-device capability but does not define every switching behavior, so the exact handoff experience can depend on the phones and operating systems involved.
Two-device multipoint is also a limit. It is not a promise that a whole group can connect simultaneously or that three phones will remain ready. If a campsite group regularly rotates among more than two sources, plan on disconnecting and reconnecting devices or choose a product whose connection workflow better matches that routine.
Stereo pairing
Bang & Olufsen lists stereo pairing between two Beosound Explore speakers. A second unit can therefore be considered if you want left-right separation rather than the single speaker’s broadly distributed presentation. Buying two obviously changes the cost and carrying equation, so it is a feature rather than a reason to assume the single unit behaves like a full stereo system.
Rank #3
- Elevated sound: Feel every beat, bass drop, and whisper with 360-degree studio-quality audio that delivers more decibels, more depth and more soul.
- Waterproof speaker: Take your music anywhere. From spontaneous road trips to relaxed pool days or cozy moments at home thanks to IP67 dust and waterproof certification.
- All-day battery life: Improved battery that lasts 33% more than 2nd generation to give you up to 24 hours of music on a single charge. Fast USB-C charging that takes approximately 3 hours for full power.
- Portable Powerhouse: Compact dimensions of 5.2 x 1.8 x 5.2 inches and weighing just 1.3 lbs, with stereo pairing capability between compatible Beosound A1 speakers.
- Sleek design refresh: Improved design with a minimalistic strap lock and recycled aluminium and plastic, wrapped in a new luxury packaging.
Stereo pairing can make sense for a fixed patio or campsite setup, while a single Explore is simpler for hiking and day trips. The specification confirms the capability but does not describe every pairing step, range condition or behavior when one unit is moved. Verify those details in the current manual if a two-speaker arrangement is central to your plan.
How it compares with alternatives named in reviews
| Model | What the available reviews establish | Best comparison question |
|---|---|---|
| Beosound Explore | Outdoor-oriented construction, 360-degree coverage, detailed presentation and less bass weight than some alternatives. | Do compactness, resilience and even coverage matter more than maximum low-end impact? |
| Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) | TechRadar compares it with the Explore, but the cited information does not establish a complete current specification or price comparison. | Which design better matches your carrying needs and preferred tonal balance? |
| Sonos Roam | Named as an alternative in the reviewed material; no complete comparative measurements are established here. | Do you need its particular ecosystem or connection features? Verify current specifications separately. |
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 | RTINGS describes a more balanced out-of-box sound and deeper bass reproduction. | Would stronger bass justify choosing a less adventure-focused form factor? |
These comparisons should be made on several axes rather than on brand reputation alone:
- Water and dust resistance: confirm the exact rating and whether its conditions cover freshwater only.
- Endurance: separate an “up to” manufacturer claim from an independently tested result and check the test date.
- Portability: compare the Explore’s 637-gram weight and 81 × 124 × 81 mm dimensions with the alternative you will actually carry.
- Tonal balance: decide whether detail and dispersion or deeper, more physical bass matter more.
- Presentation: determine whether one broadly radiating speaker is enough or whether you need a conventional stereo pair.
- Connections: check codec, Wi-Fi, wired-input and multipoint requirements instead of assuming they are included.
- Price and support: compare the current local price, return window and warranty rather than an old deal or forum post.
These are decision axes, not a universal ranking. Water resistance, independently tested endurance, carrying size, bass depth, dispersion, codec support and local price can point to different winners for different listeners.
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The Bang & Olufsen US product page displayed $299 when checked in 2026. The same listing showed a 30-day trial and a two-year warranty, along with the four colors noted above. Those terms are region- and time-specific. Prices, stock, colors, return windows and warranty conditions can change, so confirm them on the seller’s current page before treating the Explore as good value.
At that displayed price, the value case rests on the combination of build intent, portability, 360-degree coverage and the long stated battery figure—not on a promise of class-leading bass or a long list of inputs. A buyer who will use the speaker mainly indoors may be paying for outdoor resilience that goes unused. A buyer who carries it through changing weather may reasonably assign more value to the IP67 rating and compact form.
A low number seen in a forum, resale listing or old promotion should not be used as the current benchmark. The right value question is whether the Explore’s rugged construction, claimed endurance and 360-degree coverage justify the price available in your market compared with a speaker that offers stronger bass or broader connectivity. Check whether the seller is authorized and read the exact trial and warranty language, especially if buying outside the United States.
Practical outdoor-use checklist
- Confirm the environment. Rain and freshwater exposure fit the stated IP67 use case; saltwater and ionized water do not.
- Respect the immersion limit. Freshwater protection is described as up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, not unlimited submersion.
- Protect the charging port. Check that the USB-C area is dry before connecting power after wet use.
- Place it for coverage. Use the speaker’s 360-degree output where people will circulate around it instead of pointing it at one seat.
- Set expectations for bass. Outdoors, distance and ambient noise can make low frequencies feel lighter; choose a larger or more bass-oriented model if that is your priority.
- Plan for real battery conditions. Treat 27 hours as an upper claim, not a guaranteed runtime at high volume.
- Carry the right charging plan. USB-C is convenient, but the stated runtime and approximately two-hour charge time do not remove the need to plan for longer trips.
- Use multipoint deliberately. Keep no more than two source devices connected when sharing playback control.
- Consider a second unit only for a clear reason. Stereo pairing adds left-right separation but also doubles the hardware purchase.
- Check the finish after harsh exposure. IP67 does not guarantee that the speaker’s appearance will remain unaffected.
Who should buy the Beosound Explore?
It is a strong fit when you value
- Outdoor resilience in a compact speaker.
- Freshwater protection with a clearly stated IP67 rating.
- Sound that remains intelligible from different listening angles.
- A manufacturer-claimed long runtime and USB-C charging.
- Multipoint convenience for two devices.
- The option to stereo-pair two units later.
- A speaker that can move between a backpack, picnic table and patio without the bulk of a larger home model.
Choose something else when you need
- Deep, physical bass as the defining part of the listening experience.
- A more balanced low-end presentation out of the box.
- Connection options or codecs beyond the listed Bluetooth 5.2, SBC and USB-C arrangement.
- Wi-Fi or a documented wired audio input.
- A price that is substantially below the current local listing.
- A speaker whose battery life has been independently measured under conditions matching your use.
- Guaranteed protection for seawater, salt spray or ionized water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Beosound Explore outdoors?
Yes. Bang & Olufsen Support explicitly says it can be used outdoors and is IP67 certified. The stated protection covers fresh-water submersion up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It does not cover salty or ionized water, and it does not guarantee that the exterior will remain cosmetically unaffected.
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Is the Beosound Explore waterproof?
It is IP67-rated, which is more precise than calling it simply waterproof. The rating describes specific freshwater ingress conditions. It should not be interpreted as permission for unlimited underwater use or as protection against seawater.
How long does the battery last?
Bang & Olufsen lists up to 27 hours of playtime and approximately two hours to charge. The 27-hour figure is a manufacturer claim, not an independently established result in this review. Volume, content and wireless conditions affect actual runtime.
Does it support USB-C charging?
Yes. USB-C is listed in the official specification. The cited information does not establish that a special cable is required, so check the current package contents if you need a replacement or spare.
Rank #4
- Ultra-portable grab-and-go speaker: Weighing in at less at 650g, Beosound Explore is a light and rugged speaker as comfortable in your hand as it is clipped to a backpack
- Power in your palm: True 360 sound and bass that far outweighs its size, Beosound Explore makes itself known in any space indoors or out
- Rugged design ready for adventure: Waterproof and dust resistant. Take Beosound Explore anywhere you're ready to go the anodised aluminium shell is built for adventure
- Impressive battery: Power your adventures. Up to 27 hours of playtime at average listening volumes, means this is a portable speaker that goes the distance
- Easy controls: Start, stop or Stereo Pair your sound quickly and easily. An intuitive and minimalist user interface means adjusting the volume and finding your beat takes no time
Can two phones connect at once?
Yes. Bang & Olufsen lists multipoint for up to two devices. The exact switching behavior can vary with the connected phones and their operating systems.
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Can two Beosound Explore speakers be paired?
Yes. The specification lists stereo pairing between two Beosound Explore units. That adds left-right separation but also means buying and carrying a second speaker.
Does the Explore have strong bass?
Published listening impressions emphasize detail and panache but describe less “grippy” bass weight. RTINGS says the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 has deeper bass and a more balanced out-of-box profile. Choose the Explore for its outdoor design and spread if those matter more than low-end impact.
Is $299 a current guaranteed price?
No. The US page displayed $299 when checked in 2026, along with a 30-day trial and two-year warranty. Price, availability and terms are volatile, so verify the current local listing before buying.
Final assessment
The Beosound Explore makes the most sense as a durable, easy-to-carry outdoor speaker with broad sound coverage. Its compromises are equally clear: the 27-hour figure is an “up to” manufacturer claim, the connection list is focused, and independent reviewers find less bass weight than larger or more bass-balanced designs. Buy it when resilience, compactness and all-around audibility come first; compare the A1, Sonos Roam and Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 when bass depth, ecosystem features, form factor or today’s local price matters more.
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Can I use the Beosound Explore outdoors?
Yes. Bang & Olufsen Support says the speaker can be used outdoors and is IP67 certified. The rating covers fresh water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes, not unlimited immersion or seawater use.
Is the 27-hour battery life independently tested?
No. Up to 27 hours is Bang & Olufsen’s published claim. Actual endurance varies with volume, content and wireless conditions.
Does it support multipoint and stereo pairing?
Yes. The specification lists multipoint for up to two devices and stereo pairing between two Beosound Explore speakers.
Does the Explore suit bass-heavy music?
It can play bass, but TechRadar describes less grippy bass weight, while RTINGS identifies deeper bass from the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6. Bass-first buyers should compare alternatives.
What price and warranty should I expect?
The US listing showed $299, a 30-day trial and a two-year warranty when checked in 2026. Confirm current regional terms before purchase.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Beosound Explore is a credible outdoor-first Bluetooth speaker for buyers who value IP67-rated freshwater protection, compact carry, 360-degree coverage and a long claimed runtime. Its trade-offs are lighter deep-bass impact, SBC-focused connectivity and a price that must be checked locally. Choose it for resilience and portability; choose an alternative when bass depth or broader features lead your decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
