What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Bottom line: The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a polished, genuinely portable Bluetooth speaker for clear vocals, spacious 360-degree coverage, speakerphone calls and light outdoor use. Its premium design and useful sound controls are convincing, but weak low-bass, limited maximum volume and a large gap between the advertised and independently reported battery life make it a poor choice for parties, bass-heavy music or all-day playback away from a charger.
This review covers the 2nd Gen, not the original Beoplay A1 or the newer Beosound A1 3rd Gen. RTINGS identifies the 3rd Gen as the replacement, so generation verification is essential when buying old stock or a used example.
Verdict: a refined personal speaker, not a high-output party box
The A1 2nd Gen makes sense when portability, appearance and even sound around a small space matter more than deep bass, extreme loudness or guaranteed long runtime. Its circular enclosure spreads sound in all directions, its microphones support calls and voice-assistant pickup, and its equalizer options let you tailor the presentation. The IP67 rating also gives it meaningful protection for ordinary outdoor use.
Recommended Free Tools
Those strengths come with clear boundaries. RTINGS found a balanced mid-range, clear vocals and a spacious presentation, but also weak low-bass, restrained treble, limited maximum loudness and less than five hours of continuous playback in its review. Bang & Olufsen advertises up to 18 hours at a typical listening volume, yet volume, music intensity and equalizer settings all affect the result. The two figures were obtained under different, unspecified conditions, so neither should be treated as a universal promise.
#1 Best Overall
- Never Let a Dead Battery Ruin Your Drive. The LISEN 4 in 1 Retractable Car Charger delivers reliable power for your entire journey. Compatible with standard 12V cigarette lighter sockets, it keeps phones, tablets, and devices charged during daily commutes, road trips, and long drives — the perfect practical gift for dads, truck drivers, and anyone who lives on the road.
- Daily Driver Essential: Always Ready When You Need It. Featuring two retractable cables ( USB C & Old iPhone Charging Cable ) that extend up to 31.5 inches and dual USB ports, this charger solves cable clutter while charging up to 4 devices simultaneously. Ideal for busy fathers, commuters, and families who want a tidy car and never worry about low battery again.
- Deliver full-speed PD fast charging for iPhone 18 Pro Max & iPhone 18 Pro Max & iPhone 18 Pro right inside your car. The built-in 45W PD USB-C port hits the peak charging speed for these latest iPhone models, juicing up your phone to 50% power in just 15 minutes while you drive.(Note: Maximum 45W PD output is available under 24V vehicle power supply. When used with standard 12V car sockets, the peak output is limited to 36W.)
- Standard 12V Power Solution: Designed as a dedicated USB power supply for charging devices. Note: Does NOT support CarPlay, Bluetooth, or data transfer. Compatible with most phones, tablets, and small electronics. This retractable charger is a core car organization tool, keeping your vehicle tidy. Not compatible with Micro-USB devices.
- Clutter-Free Tech Organization: Featuring dual USB ports and retractable cables, the LISEN 4 in 1 charger provides a clean car storage solution. Perfect for truck enthusiasts or as a thoughtful gift for drivers, it supports fast USB-C charging for devices like the iPhone 18Pro & iPhone 18 ProMax. Keep your vehicle organized while ensuring efficient power delivery for all your tech on the road.
Choose it for a desk, bedroom, kitchen, hotel room or small gathering where people can stand around the speaker. Choose a larger or more powerful design instead if you need club-like bass, stereo separation, outdoor volume over a crowd or a full workday of untethered playback.
Make sure the listing is really the 2nd Gen
Bang & Olufsen has sold three closely related products. The original is called Beoplay A1; the later products are Beosound A1 2nd Gen and Beosound A1 3rd Gen. Because the 2nd Gen has been replaced, marketplace listings can mix names, photographs and generations.
Bang & Olufsen’s identification guide gives two useful visual checks:
- The original Beoplay A1 has a 3.5 mm mini-jack line input and indicators positioned on the side.
- The Beosound A1 2nd and 3rd Gen models use USB-C and have a top-positioned indicator.
These checks do not distinguish the 2nd Gen from the 3rd Gen by themselves, so read the model name, product code and seller description together. Confirm whether the item is new, refurbished or used, and check that the photographs match the stated generation. A low price can reflect an older original A1 or used stock rather than a bargain on the 2nd Gen.
Key specifications and what they mean in practice
The following are Bang & Olufsen specifications unless otherwise identified. They describe the design; they are not independent laboratory measurements.
Rank #2
- High Quality Material: The coaster is made of environmentally friendly silicone, safe, non-toxic and odorless. Soft with toughness, easily embedded in the cup holder. Very durable, wear-resistant, long service life. High temperature resistance, can withstand 100 ℃ high temperature water cups.
- Wide Compatibility: The coaster has a diameter of 3.15 inches and a height of 1.18 inches, which is widely used in most vehicles, such as SUV, sedan, MPV, etc., as long as the size fits your car cup holder.
- Protection Function: Our car cup holder coaster has a carry handle design and a stand-up ring edge on its edge to effectively prevent food crumbs, drinks and water from leaking out and preventing the car cup holder from getting dirty.Meanwhile,Thickened design effectively prevents the cup holder from being scratched by the cup when driving on bumpy roads and eliminates the annoying thumping sound, making your journey more enjoyable.
- Easy to Use and Clean: With embedded installation, you just need to put it flat on the car cupholder. It is also very quick to remove, there is a small bump on the coaster, pinch it and you can easily remove the coaster. It is very easy to clean, rinse with water or wipe with a wet towel (be careful not to clean with sharp tools).
- 100% Satisfaction: Our products have quality assurance, if you have questions or are not satisfied after receiving the product, don't worry, please contact us as soon as possible, we provide after-sales service.
| Specification | Beosound A1 2nd Gen | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 5.1; no Wi-Fi | Playback comes from a paired device. It is not a standalone Wi-Fi speaker. |
| Sound direction | 360-degree | Useful when listeners are around a table or moving through a room. |
| Drivers | One 3.5-inch woofer and one 3/5-inch tweeter | Compact drivers favor clarity and portability over very deep bass. |
| Amplification | Two 30 W Class D amplifiers | Dedicated amplification for the two drivers, within the limits of the small cabinet. |
| Frequency range | 55–20,000 Hz (-10 dB) | The rated response starts above the sub-bass region; the -10 dB qualification matters. |
| Maximum loudness | 92 dB at 1 m | A manufacturer figure, not a guarantee of distortion-free volume in every recording. |
| Bass capability | 62 dB at 1 m | A manufacturer specification, not an independent bass-extension test. |
| Recommended room size | 5–30 m² (50–300 ft²) | Best suited to a small room, office or modest outdoor gathering. |
| Battery claim | Up to 18 hours at typical listening volume | Actual runtime changes with volume, music intensity and equalizer settings. |
| Independent runtime observation | Less than five hours of continuous playback in RTINGS’ review | A test result from that review, not a universal guarantee. |
| Water and dust protection | IP67 | Bang & Olufsen specifies freshwater submersion to 1 m for up to 30 minutes, with important exclusions. |
| Microphones | Three | Designed to improve call clarity and voice pickup. |
Sound quality: clear, wide and deliberately compact
What it does well
RTINGS describes the A1 2nd Gen’s mid-range as balanced and vocals as clear. Spoken content, acoustic instruments and most everyday playlists should remain intelligible without forcing the listener to sit directly in front of the cabinet. The 360-degree output creates a wider, more room-filling impression than a small forward-facing speaker, particularly when people are seated on different sides of a table.
The closed-box cabinet and two-driver layout keep the enclosure compact. Bang & Olufsen rates the response from 55 Hz to 20 kHz at -10 dB, which signals that the lowest octave is not reproduced at the same level as the mid-range. That specification aligns with RTINGS’ observation of weak low-bass: kick drums and sub-bass effects have less weight than they do on a larger speaker or a model designed around a dedicated bass radiator.
Where the limitations become obvious
RTINGS also reports restrained treble and limited maximum loudness. At moderate listening levels, the presentation can sound smooth; as the room gets larger or the listener raises the volume, the speaker has less headroom than a full-size portable model. It is better at filling a small room than at competing with conversation outdoors.
Stereo recordings are downmixed to mono. That is normal for a single compact speaker, but it means left-right separation in a recording will not survive as a two-channel image. The 360-degree design improves coverage, not stereo width.
Equalizer and Beosonic controls
RTINGS notes that the speaker provides EQ presets and Beosonic customization. Use those controls to compensate for a bright room, emphasize speech or add perceived warmth, but remember that equalization cannot turn a 3.5-inch woofer into a deep-bass system. Heavy bass boosts can also consume more battery and reduce usable headroom.
Rank #3
- ✅【Designed for Magsafe】 - The most fashionable iphone car mount in 2026 Magsafe is designed for iPhone 18 Pro Max/17/16/15/14/13/12 Pro Max Mini and official Magsafe cases and other magnetic phone cases and can be fixed directly to these phones without the need to affix metal plates. All Android Phones Will Work: Metal rings are provided; they fit cases and other phones without magsafe. Based on Unique Grandmaster Design (Protected by US Design Patent No. US D1,112,194 S)
- ✅【STRONG MAGNETIC MagSafe Car Mount】 - This powerful magnetic phone holder can create a powerful attraction that firmly supports your device while allowing you to drive without distraction. it easily and securely holds your phone through bumps, sharp turns or even sudden stops, no worrying of dropping your phone.
- ✅【SUPER STICK FORCE】 - VHB Dash Mounted Holders adhesive provides strong stick force between the dashboard and the car phone holder, which can firmly stick to any plane in the car, fix your device, adapt to a variety of road conditions such as sudden braking, speed bump, and rugged mountain road.
- ✅【SAFE DRIVING VIEW】 - Mini-size, not taking up space, it is placed in the dashboard without blocking the view at all, and does not need to look down at the device to ensure your safe driving. Cell Phone Car Mount is suitable for most cars, pickups, SUV, taxi; It is the best assistant for Uber and Lyft drivers
- ✅【360° FREE ROTATION】 - With an adjustable swivel ball joint, you can rotate your smartphone or device at your own will, providing the best viewing angle. Quickly pick and place with one hand, free your hands and make calls and GPS navigation more convenient
Battery life: understand the two very different numbers
Bang & Olufsen states: “At a typical listening volume, battery life will be up to 18 hours.” The company qualifies that claim by noting that volume, music intensity and equalizer settings affect runtime. “Up to” describes a best-case ceiling under the company’s stated typical-use definition, not a guaranteed duration at maximum volume.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →RTINGS reports less than five hours of continuous playback in its review. The review result and the manufacturer claim do not include enough shared test conditions to calculate a conversion between them. They may differ in volume level, content, wireless behavior, battery condition or test methodology. Treat the RTINGS figure as a warning that demanding continuous playback can be far shorter than the headline claim, and treat 18 hours as a conditional maximum rather than a planning guarantee.
For a desk or bedside speaker that is recharged regularly, this uncertainty may not matter. For camping, travel days or an event without power, plan around your own listening level and carry a charging option instead of assuming 18 hours.
Bluetooth-only connectivity changes how you use it
Bang & Olufsen states that the Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a Bluetooth speaker only and cannot connect to Wi-Fi. It therefore does not operate as a standalone network speaker, and it cannot stream from a home network when your phone is absent. Music, podcasts and calls originate from a paired Bluetooth device.
The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1. Bang & Olufsen says computer pairing generally requires Bluetooth 4.0 and the A2DP profile, while warning that compatibility can vary with computer hardware and drivers. A recent computer is not automatically guaranteed to work: if its Bluetooth driver does not expose the expected audio profile, the speaker may pair without appearing as a usable output.
Rank #4
- Buyer's Guide: The seat guard for car seat between seat & console measures 15.75*2.7*1.53", suitable for gaps of 1.43-1.53" in width, please double-check carefully the distance between your seat and the center console before placing an order
- Storage and Filling in One: Differ from traditional single-function gap fillers, gap filler for car incorporates storage function, offers you the convenience of storing phones and various other items, so that you can access them at any time while driving
- Avoid Items Slipping: With the bumps and vibrations of the car, phones, keys may fall into the seat crevices, which is difficult to pick up, and distracts the driver's attention. Car gap seat filler fills gaps seamlessly to create an effective barrier
- Easy to Install: Car side seat gap filler is easy to install, simply insert it into the gap between the seat and the center console, gap seat filler for car can fit tightly without affecting the normal adjustment of the seat and the use of the seat belt
- Premium Material: Crafted from premium EVA material, our car seat side gap filler boasts a combination of wear-resistant, softness&durability. Maintenance is effortless, simply rinse and wipe to quickly clean the dust and debris in corners and crevices
RTINGS describes built-in Alexa support, but the assistant relies on the paired phone’s Wi-Fi connection. That is different from a Wi-Fi smart speaker with its own network connection. If the phone leaves the network, loses Bluetooth range or has its wireless radios disabled, assistant functions may be affected.
Practical pairing checklist
- Charge the speaker and place it close to the phone or computer you want to use.
- Open the source device’s Bluetooth settings and select the Beosound A1 2nd Gen when it appears.
- For a computer, confirm that Bluetooth 4.0 or newer and the A2DP audio profile are available; update the computer’s Bluetooth driver if the speaker pairs but no audio output is offered.
- Choose the speaker as the active audio output in the source device. Because there is no Wi-Fi connection, do not look for it in a network-speaker or cast-device list.
- If another device is connected, disconnect it before attempting a new pairing, then repeat the Bluetooth selection process.
Calls and voice pickup
The 2nd Gen contains three microphones, which Bang & Olufsen says are intended to improve call clarity. RTINGS reports good voice-assistant pickup and a physical microphone-mute control. That combination makes the A1 more useful for a phone call or quick voice command than a speaker with no microphones.
Microphone performance still depends on placement, room noise and the phone or computer handling the call. Keep the speaker within the same practical Bluetooth range as the source device, and use the physical mute control when you do not want the microphones active. The microphones do not change the Bluetooth-only architecture: calls still depend on the paired device.
Outdoor use and the limits of IP67
Bang & Olufsen says, “Yes, your Beosound A1 2nd Generation can be used outdoors and is the first Bang & Olufsen product to be IP67 certified.” The company defines that protection as freshwater submersion up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →That rating is useful for rain, splashes and an accidental drop into fresh water when the ports and controls are in proper condition. It is not permission to use the speaker in seawater, a saltwater pool or other chemically treated water. Bang & Olufsen specifically says saltwater and ionized-water testing are not covered, and it does not guarantee that the exterior will remain unaffected. Rinse-and-dry assumptions are therefore unsafe for marine or pool use.
Best Value
- 🔰 UPGRADED SIDE STORAGE DESIGN - Our console cover is thinner than the old one, universal for all seasons. There is an 8.66*5.12 inch storage pocket design on each left and right side, expanding the storage space, convenient and practical. Meet the storage needs of the main passenger seat, you can store your cell phone, keys, tissues, ID and some other small daily items.
- 🔰 PREMIUM MICROFIBER LEATHER MATERIAL - This car center console cover is made of quality microfiber leather material, soft and skin-friendly touch. Exquisite and fashionable diamond shaped stitching, every detail is in place. Inside the car center console cover is made of thickened memory foam, even after squeezing, it can slowly recover to its original shape.
- 🔰 RELIEVE DRIVING FATIGUE - The arm rest cover for car adopts ergonomic design, giving just the right amount of arm support, effectively dispersing elbow pressure and relieving driving fatigue. Protect your car's center console from getting dirty or scratched. Especially suitable for long time driving or long distance traveling, bringing you a new experience of relaxation and comfort!
- 🔰 NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSTALLATION - This car console cover is designed with an elastic band for a firm fit and not easy to shake. And the back side is full of protruding dots, which can effectively avoid the armrest cover from slipping and shifting. All you need to do is to open the center console cover, put the elastic band directly into the cover and then close it.
- 🔰 BUYER'S GUIDE - You will receive a car armrest storage box with the size of 12.13*7.80 inch, please measure the size of your car's armrest storage box before you buy. We have prepared five simple and beautiful colors for you, you can choose according to your own preferences. Suitable for most of the vehicles on the market, such as car, truck, SUV, RV, van, etc.
Outdoor protection does not solve the speaker’s acoustic limits. In an open area, sound disperses quickly, and RTINGS’ finding of limited maximum loudness becomes more important. The A1 is a good companion for a small picnic, balcony or quiet patio; it is not the right tool for projecting music across a large gathering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Portability and room placement
The compact, round form is easy to move from room to room and does not require a dedicated stand. Its 360-degree radiation lets you place it centrally rather than aiming a front panel at one listening position. Bang & Olufsen lists a recommended room range of 5–30 square metres (50–300 square feet), which is a useful reality check for buyers imagining it as a whole-home or large-party speaker.
Place it on a stable surface with the top controls and indicator visible. A central position can make the coverage more even, while a corner may increase perceived bass but can also make the response less balanced. Because stereo content is downmixed to mono, buying a second unit would be a separate system decision; this review does not establish pairing behavior or stereo-link specifications for the 2nd Gen.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWho should buy the A1 2nd Gen?
It is a strong fit if you need:
- A compact speaker that sounds clear from several listening angles.
- Good vocal intelligibility for podcasts, radio, video calls and mixed playlists.
- Bluetooth playback without a permanent Wi-Fi setup.
- Three microphones, voice-assistant pickup and a physical microphone mute.
- Freshwater splash and immersion protection within the IP67 limits.
- Adjustable EQ presets and Beosonic sound customization.
Look elsewhere if you need:
- Deep, physically forceful sub-bass for electronic, hip-hop or movie effects.
- High output for a crowded room or large outdoor space.
- A network-connected smart speaker that works without a phone.
- A dependable full-day runtime under demanding continuous playback.
- True stereo imaging from a single enclosure.
- Saltwater or ionized-water exposure with an explicit manufacturer guarantee.
How it compares on the decisions that matter
RTINGS places the A1 2nd Gen alongside several other compact portable speakers, including the Bose SoundLink Flex, Bose SoundLink Revolve II, Bose SoundLink Revolve and the Beosound A1 3rd Gen. The available evidence does not establish current prices or a complete, like-for-like test table for those products, so a responsible buying decision should use the following axes rather than assume one universal winner.
| Decision | What the A1 2nd Gen offers | Question to ask before choosing it |
|---|---|---|
| Sound balance | Clear mid-range, clear vocals and spacious 360-degree coverage according to RTINGS | Is clarity around a room more important than deep bass? |
| Loudness | 92 dB at 1 m as a manufacturer specification; RTINGS describes limited maximum loudness | Will it compete with conversation or outdoor noise? |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours claimed by Bang & Olufsen; under five hours reported by RTINGS in continuous playback | Can you recharge it during the day? |
| Portability | Compact design and 360-degree output | Do you need easy room-to-room movement rather than room-filling power? |
| Smart features | Bluetooth-only operation; Alexa support relies on the paired phone’s Wi-Fi | Do you expect independent Wi-Fi streaming? |
| Generation and availability | 2nd Gen has been superseded by the 3rd Gen | Does the listing clearly identify the exact generation and condition? |
Buying checklist for old or used stock
- Read the full model name. It should say Beosound A1 2nd Gen, not only A1 or Beoplay A1.
- Check the connector and indicator position. USB-C and a top indicator rule out the original mini-jack version, but do not alone prove 2nd Gen over 3rd Gen.
- Ask for the product code or a clear photograph. This is safer than relying on a generic marketplace title.
- Confirm condition. Battery performance in a used unit can be lower than either the manufacturer claim or the RTINGS result.
- Check the return policy. It gives you a way to verify Bluetooth pairing, microphone operation, charging and physical water-seal condition.
- Plan for charging. The model uses USB-C, but the supplied evidence does not establish a specific charger wattage or cable requirement.
Known limitations and sensible expectations
The A1 2nd Gen is not a miniature version of a large hi-fi system. Its 55 Hz lower frequency specification, compact woofer and RTINGS’ weak-low-bass finding explain why bass-heavy tracks sound lighter. Its 360-degree design improves consistency around the speaker, but it does not create stereo separation. Its microphones help with calls and assistant pickup, but they do not make the unit an independent smart-home hub. And IP67 protects against defined freshwater exposure, not every liquid or environment.
The most important practical uncertainty is battery life. The manufacturer’s “up to 18 hours” and RTINGS’ “less than five hours” are both worth reporting because they answer different questions: a conditional endurance claim versus a continuous-playback review result. Until you have tested your own listening pattern, avoid scheduling an uninterrupted day around the larger number.
Final assessment
The Beosound A1 2nd Gen remains appealing as a small premium speaker whose best qualities are easy to understand: attractive portability, even 360-degree coverage, clear mid-range, useful EQ controls, call microphones and meaningful freshwater protection. Those qualities suit personal listening and small spaces better than they suit loud social events.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Its purchase case weakens if your priorities are bass impact, maximum volume, Wi-Fi independence or predictable all-day battery life. Verify the generation before paying, distinguish the original Beoplay A1 from the 2nd Gen, and remember that the 3rd Gen has replaced it. With those caveats, the 2nd Gen is a capable compact companion—not a one-speaker replacement for a larger audio system.
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.
