Bang & Olufsen has rolled out the third generation of its Beosound A1 Bluetooth speaker, bringing a handful of thoughtful upgrades that focus on better sound, longer usability, and more sustainable design. At a glance, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen looks a lot like the model that came before it—but underneath the familiar aluminum shell, there are some important changes that reflect where portable audio is headed.

If you’ve seen a Beosound A1 2nd Gen before, the new version will feel instantly familiar. It’s still shaped like a sleek, metal puck, with a clean aluminum finish and a leather strap that makes it easy to carry or hang. It’s compact, stylish, and built to handle the elements thanks to an IP67 rating—so it’s safe around water and dust, whether you're heading to the beach or just out in the backyard.

This time around, it comes in three finishes: the standard Natural Aluminum, a warmer Honey Tone, and a soft green shade called Eucalyptus. While those are purely cosmetic changes, they also reflect a shift in how the speaker is built. B&O says the A1 3rd Gen is the first Bluetooth speaker to be certified at the Bronze Level by Cradle to Cradle, which essentially means it’s made with a focus on sustainability—think repairability, recyclable materials, and fewer parts going to waste.

“Beosound A1 3rd Gen represents everything we stand for at Bang & Olufsen – beautiful sound, enduring design, and a commitment to doing things better. It’s a speaker that not only elevates everyday listening but also reflects our vision for more thoughtful, lasting products. We’re proud to offer something that combines aesthetic integrity with meaningful innovation,” says B&O CEO Kristian Teär.

The design might not scream “new,” but the speaker’s insides have been given a boost. According to B&O, this version includes the biggest woofer in its class, which gives the bass a little extra punch—up to 64dB of bass SPL, which is about 2 decibels more than the previous version. That may not sound like much on paper, but it’s the kind of bump that could give music a bit more presence, especially in the low end.

The speaker still runs on a pair of 30-watt Class D amplifiers—one for the woofer and one for the tweeter—which deliver 360-degree sound. So no matter where you are in the room (or outside), it should sound fairly even.

Battery life has also gotten a bump, now offering up to 24 hours of use at normal listening volumes. That’s a solid jump from the 18 hours on the previous model, and more than many similar-sized Bluetooth speakers can offer.

If you want a stereo setup, you can wirelessly pair two A1s together. And here’s a nice touch: the 3rd Gen model works not only with another 3rd Gen speaker, but also with the 2nd Gen. So if you already own one, there’s no need to start from scratch.

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen connects over Bluetooth 5.1. It’s not the newest version, and it doesn’t support features like Auracast (which allows audio to stream to multiple devices). Still, it does include multipoint pairing, so you can connect two devices—like your phone and laptop—at the same time.

Setup is quick thanks to support for Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair. And while the Alexa voice assistant has been dropped from this model, the built-in mic is still there, so you can use it for speakerphone calls. The microphone uses FarField tech to help isolate your voice more clearly.

Another small but useful detail: the USB-C port isn’t just for charging. You can use it to play audio directly from a connected device, like a laptop—something not every Bluetooth speaker allows anymore.

One of the best features of this speaker isn’t flashy at all: it’s the focus on making it last. The A1 3rd Gen has a modular design meant to stay usable for up to a decade. The battery can be replaced if needed, and repairs can be done through Bang & Olufsen’s service centers. There’s also a five-year warranty available through the company’s Beocare program.

This attention to longevity and serviceability is part of a bigger shift in how tech products are being built. Instead of encouraging people to toss old gear for something new every couple of years, this approach aims to keep products working—and in users’ hands—for longer.

That said, the A1 3rd Gen doesn’t include everything you might expect at this price. There’s no voice assistant, no app-based EQ customization, and no support for some newer Bluetooth audio features. And at $349 / £299 / €349, it’s priced well above many of its competitors. For context, JBL’s Flip 7 and Bose Soundlink Flex—which are also waterproof and portable—cost about half as much.

So what you’re paying for here isn’t necessarily cutting-edge features. It’s more about design, build quality, and a product that tries to offer some long-term value.

The Beosound A1 3rd Gen keeps most of what made the previous version a popular pick, and adds a few smart upgrades along the way. It’s still compact and stylish, sounds a bit bigger than it looks, and now comes with a longer battery and a more sustainable design approach. It won’t be the best fit for everyone, especially at this price, but for those who care about design, durability, and simplicity, it might be just right.