Price Tracker
Amazon UK • Updated 08/11/2025
Quick Specs
Our Verdict
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen sets a new standard for sustainable portable audio with its Cradle to Cradle certification, replaceable battery, and 24-hour battery life. Whilst Bluetooth 5.1 is dated and app registration is mandatory, the exceptional build quality, sound performance, and environmental credentials make it a compelling premium speaker.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium build quality with sustainable materials
- Cradle to Cradle Bronze certified—first Bluetooth speaker
- Outstanding 24-hour battery life
- Replaceable battery extends product lifespan
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 360-degree sound with improved bass
- Compact and portable design
- Multipoint connectivity
- Stereo pairing capability
- Four sophisticated colour options
- USB-C charging with fast charge
- Elegant design suitable for home display
Cons
- Bluetooth 5.1 is outdated
- Mandatory app registration required
- No voice assistant integration
- Premium pricing
- aptX Adaptive has limited device support
- No Bluetooth 5.3/5.4 features
Full Specifications
Key Features
Premium build quality with sustainable materials
Cradle to Cradle Bronze certified—first Bluetooth speaker
Outstanding 24-hour battery life
Replaceable battery extends product lifespan
IP67 waterproof rating
360-degree sound with improved bass
Introduction
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) is a premium portable Bluetooth speaker that combines exceptional build quality with sustainable design principles. As the world's first Cradle to Cradle certified Bluetooth speaker, it represents a significant step forward in environmentally conscious audio products.
With an extended battery life of up to 24 hours, replaceable battery, and IP67 waterproof rating, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is designed for both everyday use and outdoor adventures. Its compact, elegant design features pearl-blasted aluminium and a refined leather strap, making it as much a design object as a functional speaker.
Design and Build Quality
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen showcases Bang & Olufsen's commitment to premium materials and sustainable manufacturing. The speaker's body is crafted from pearl-blasted aluminium with a precision-milled grille featuring 2,173 holes to optimise 360-degree sound dispersion.
The soft leather strap has been improved from the second generation, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical portability. At just 576g (1.3 lbs) with dimensions of 13.31 x 13.31 x 4.6 cm, the speaker is remarkably compact and easy to carry.
Available in four sophisticated colourways—Natural Aluminium, Warm Granite, Eucalyptus Green, and Honey Tone—the Beosound A1 fits seamlessly into any environment, whether at home or outdoors.
Cradle to Cradle Certification
Related Reviews
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen holds Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification, the first Bluetooth speaker to achieve this distinction. This certification evaluates products across five categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
The speaker's sustainable credentials are enhanced by its replaceable battery, ensuring years of continued use rather than becoming obsolete when the battery degrades.
Sound Performance
Despite its compact size, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen delivers impressive audio quality with 60W total power output—30W for the tweeter and 30W for the woofer. The speaker features Bang & Olufsen's signature 360-degree omnidirectional sound, ensuring consistent audio quality regardless of listening position.
The improved bass response compared to the second generation provides depth to music across various genres. The precision-engineered grille optimises sound dispersion, creating a spacious soundstage that belies the speaker's compact dimensions.
For enhanced stereo imaging, two compatible Beosound A1 speakers can be paired together, creating a true stereo setup ideal for larger spaces or more critical listening sessions.
Connectivity and Features
Related Reviews
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen utilises Bluetooth 5.1 technology with support for AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs, ensuring high-quality wireless audio transmission. However, Bluetooth 5.1 is slightly dated compared to newer Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 standards available in competing products.
Multipoint functionality allows two devices to remain connected simultaneously, making it effortless to share music between users without repeated pairing. For those preferring wired connections, a 3.5mm auxiliary input is provided.
Three integrated microphones enable clear hands-free calling, though there's no support for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant found in some competing products.
Bang & Olufsen App
To unlock full functionality, users must register through the Bang & Olufsen app. This mandatory registration has drawn criticism, as it creates an unnecessary barrier to using the speaker. Once set up, the app provides access to firmware updates, EQ customisation, and speaker management features.
Battery Life
The standout feature of the 3rd generation is its extended battery life. Bang & Olufsen claims up to 24 hours of continuous playback—a 33% improvement over the second generation. In real-world testing, the speaker comfortably achieved over 20 hours at moderate volume levels.
The replaceable battery design is particularly noteworthy. As battery performance naturally degrades over time, the ability to replace the battery extends the speaker's useful life by years, reducing electronic waste and offering better long-term value.
Charging via USB-C takes approximately three hours for a full charge, and the speaker supports fast charging for quicker top-ups.
Durability and Waterproofing
With an IP67 rating, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen can withstand submersion in up to one metre of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for poolside use, beach trips, or use in bathrooms without concern.
The robust aluminium construction and sealed design ensure the speaker can handle the rigours of daily use and outdoor adventures. The improved leather strap attaches securely, reducing the risk of accidental drops.
Use Cases
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen excels in various scenarios:
- Home Use: Elegant enough to display in living spaces whilst delivering room-filling sound
- Outdoor Activities: IP67 rating and extended battery life make it ideal for camping, picnics, and beach outings
- Travel: Compact size and robust build quality ensure it's a reliable travel companion
- Workplace: Professional appearance and multipoint connectivity suit office environments
- Bathroom Audio: Waterproof rating allows safe use in humid environments
Comparison to Previous Generation
Compared to the Beosound A1 2nd Gen, the third generation offers:
- 33% longer battery life (24 hours vs 18 hours)
- Improved, deeper bass response
- Refined leather strap design
- Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification
- Replaceable battery for extended product lifespan
However, it retains the same Bluetooth 5.1 standard rather than upgrading to newer versions, and the app registration requirement remains contentious.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Premium build quality with sustainable materials
- Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification (first in category)
- Exceptional 24-hour battery life
- Replaceable battery for long-term sustainability
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 360-degree sound with improved bass
- Compact and portable design
- Multipoint connectivity
- Stereo pairing capability
- Four sophisticated colour options
- USB-C charging with fast charge support
What Could Be Better
- Bluetooth 5.1 is outdated compared to competitors
- Mandatory app registration to use speaker
- No voice assistant integration
- Premium pricing may limit accessibility
- aptX Adaptive not as widely supported as standard aptX or LDAC
Verdict
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) represents a significant achievement in sustainable audio design without compromising on performance or aesthetics. Its Cradle to Cradle certification, replaceable battery, and premium build quality demonstrate that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist.
With exceptional battery life, genuine waterproofing, and Bang & Olufsen's renowned sound quality, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen justifies its premium positioning. The compact form factor and elegant design make it equally at home in sophisticated living spaces or rugged outdoor environments.
Whilst the dated Bluetooth 5.1 standard and mandatory app registration are notable shortcomings, they don't fundamentally detract from what is otherwise an excellent portable speaker. For those who value sustainable design, build quality, and long-term product value, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen is a compelling choice.
At £299/$399, it commands a premium over competitors, but the combination of exceptional battery life, replaceable battery, sustainable credentials, and Bang & Olufsen's audio expertise makes it a worthwhile investment for discerning listeners.
Ready to Purchase?
Check current prices and availability on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Truthful Reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Amazon EU Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. This means if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our independent testing and honest reviews. Our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships.