Table of Contents
Discovering Excellence Through Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: iken3
When sound becomes something more than background noise, when every note carries weight and clarity, you find yourself in the realm where Bang and Olufsen smart speakers have carved their legacy. The Danish brand stands as one of the most distinguished names in premium audio, and their smart speaker collection represents a century of acoustic refinement paired with contemporary connectivity. These are not devices that merely play music. They transform rooms into listening spaces where every detail matters.
The market offers countless options, but few brands command the respect that Bang and Olufsen smart speakers have earned through decades of meticulous engineering and design philosophy. From portable companions to statement pieces that anchor entire living spaces, their catalog speaks to those who understand that quality reveals itself in subtle ways.
Comparison of Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers with Competing Brands
| Smart Speaker Brands | Market Position & Key Differentiators |
|---|---|
| Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers | Premium luxury segment with Scandinavian design, True360 sound, modular repairability |
| Amazon Echo | Budget to mid-range with Alexa ecosystem and extensive smart home integration |
| Audio Pro | Mid-range Nordic brand focusing on wireless multi-room systems |
| Sonos | Premium wireless audio with TruePlay tuning and strong app experience |
| Bose | Premium mass market with balanced sound signatures and wide retail presence |
| Harman Kardon | Premium lifestyle audio with Samsung ecosystem integration |
| JBL | Budget to mid-range with rugged designs and PartyBoost pairing |
| Marshall | Mid to premium range with distinctive guitar amplifier styling |
Bang and Olufsen smart speakers serve audiophiles seeking portable excellence, interior designers viewing speakers as sculpture, film enthusiasts wanting cinematic sound, and those demanding flexibility without compromise. Here are the six Bang and Olufsen smart speakers we’ll explore: Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) with 60W power and 24-hour battery, Beosound A9 (5th Gen) Century Blue with seven drivers and 1,500W, Beosound A5 with 280W and wireless charging, Beosound 2 (3rd Gen) with Acoustic Lens Technology, Beolit 20 with True360 sound, and Beosound Premiere Soundbar with Dolby Atmos 7.1.4.
1. Beosound A1 (3rd Generation): Compact Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: Bang and Olufsen
The third generation Beosound A1 delivers 60 watts through an 82.5mm woofer and 15mm tweeter in a compact 13.3cm circular form weighing just 576 grams. Battery life extends to 24 hours with a replaceable design, earning it the world’s first Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze Bluetooth speaker distinction. The larger woofer delivers deeper bass that belies the compact size, maintaining sonic character at any volume without distortion.
Pearl-blasted aluminum forms the dome, while IP67 rating ensures dust and water protection. The third generation removes Amazon Alexa support, focusing entirely on audio quality. Three microphones enable speakerphone functionality, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive provides wireless streaming up to 20 meters.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Not publicly disclosed |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for firmware and settings |
| Audio Drivers | 1 x 82.5mm (3.25″) woofer, 1 x 15mm (0.6″) tweeter |
| Audio Output | 60W total (2 x 30W Class D amplifiers), Frequency range 54-20,000 Hz, Max SPL 92 dB at 1m |
| Microphone Array | 3 microphones for speakerphone functionality |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs, USB-C for charging and wired streaming, 20m wireless range |
| Smart Assistant Support | None (removed from 3rd generation) |
| Smart Home Support | None |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for EQ presets, firmware updates, stereo pairing |
| Voice Recognition | Not applicable |
| Privacy Features | No microphone disable button (microphones only active during calls) |
| Battery (if portable) | 3,300 mAh, up to 24 hours playtime at moderate volume, approximately 3 hours charging time, replaceable at authorized service centers |
| Dimensions | 133 x 46 x 133 mm |
| Weight | 0.576 kg |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ✅ | Impressive bass and 360-degree clarity for compact size |
| Smart Home Users | ❌ | No smart home or voice assistant integration |
| Hands-Free Users | ⚠️ | Speakerphone only, no voice assistant |
| Families | ⚠️ | Durable and simple but lacks multi-user features |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ⚠️ | Bluetooth 5.1 and aptX Adaptive but limited smart features |
| Audiobook Listeners | ✅ | Clear midrange with adjustable EQ presets |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional sound for compact portable size | ❌ No voice assistant in 3rd generation |
| ✅ 24-hour battery life with replaceable design | ❌ Premium price versus competitors |
| ✅ IP67 dust and water resistance | ❌ Aluminum shows scuffs with regular use |
| ✅ Cradle to Cradle Bronze certification | ❌ Bluetooth 5.1 rather than 5.3 |
2. Beosound A9 (5th Generation): Statement Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: Bang and Olufsen
The Beosound A9 stands as sculptural art with seven individually amplified drivers delivering 1,500 watts. Two tweeters, two midrange drivers, two full-range drivers, and one woofer create room-filling sound from a single circular point. Active Room Compensation analyzes acoustics and adjusts output whether positioned centrally, against walls, or in corners.
The Century Blue edition features Kvadrat’s Centennial Cadence checkered fabric with magnetic attachment, allowing cover changes without tools. The Mozart platform supports Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth 5.3. Proximity sensors activate touch controls, while the Bang and Olufsen app provides EQ adjustments and room calibration.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Mozart audio processing platform |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware with Mozart platform |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for settings, presets, and firmware |
| Audio Drivers | 1 x 8″ woofer, 2 x 3″ midrange, 2 x 1.5″ full-range, 2 x 0.75″ tweeters |
| Audio Output | 1,500W total (1 x 400W Class D for woofer, 2 x 200W Class D for midrange, 2 x 200W Class D for full-range, 2 x 150W Class D for tweeters), Frequency range 33-23,000 Hz |
| Microphone Array | Built-in microphones for Active Room Compensation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz & 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB-C for line-in audio with included adapter |
| Smart Assistant Support | None |
| Smart Home Support | Beolink Multiroom for multi-room audio integration |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for setup, EQ customization, room calibration, multi-room control, firmware updates |
| Voice Recognition | None |
| Privacy Features | Not applicable |
| Battery (if portable) | Not applicable (AC powered) |
| Dimensions | Approximately 90 cm diameter (wall mounted or on floor stand) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed (substantial due to drivers and materials) |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ✅ | Seven drivers with room compensation for optimal placement |
| Smart Home Users | ⚠️ | Multi-room audio but no hub functionality |
| Hands-Free Users | ❌ | No voice assistant support |
| Families | ⚠️ | Impressive sound but high price and no user profiles |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ✅ | Mozart platform and Active Room Compensation |
| Audiobook Listeners | ✅ | Exceptional vocal clarity and room-filling sound |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Iconic design as furniture and art piece | ❌ Extremely high price point |
| ✅ Active Room Compensation for any placement | ❌ Requires significant floor or wall space |
| ✅ 1,500W power with seven drivers | ❌ No voice assistant integration |
| ✅ Customizable fabric covers and wooden legs | ❌ AC-powered only, no portability |
3. Beosound A5: Versatile Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: Bang and Olufsen
The Beosound A5 bridges portable and stationary categories with 280 watts peak power from four individually amplified drivers. A 130mm bass driver, two 50mm full-range drivers, and one 20mm tweeter create True360 sound dispersion. Beamforming technology adjusts directional characteristics through the app, with Wide mode creating 360-degree coverage and Narrow mode focusing sound forward.
Real oak forms the handle on the 3.8kg aluminum frame. IP65 dust and water resistance enables outdoor use. Battery delivers 12 hours at moderate volumes with USB-C charging taking three hours. The top surface incorporates a Qi wireless charging pad for smartphones. Mozart 2.0 platform provides Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Mozart 2.0 audio processing platform |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware with Mozart 2.0 |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for firmware and settings |
| Audio Drivers | 1 x 130mm (5.25″) woofer, 2 x 50mm (2″) full-range drivers, 1 x 20mm (0.8″) tweeter |
| Audio Output | 280W peak power (4 x 70W Class D amplifiers), Frequency range covers full spectrum, Max SPL 101 dB at 1m |
| Microphone Array | Built-in microphones for Active Room Compensation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Beolink Multiroom |
| Smart Assistant Support | None |
| Smart Home Support | Beolink Multiroom for multi-room audio, no smart home hub functionality |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for Beosonic EQ, beamforming control, room compensation, stereo pairing, firmware updates |
| Voice Recognition | None |
| Privacy Features | Not applicable |
| Battery (if portable) | 7,200 mAh lithium-ion, up to 12 hours at moderate volume, approximately 3 hours charging time via USB-C, built-in Qi wireless charging pad for devices |
| Dimensions | 285 x 187 x 130 mm |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ✅ | 280W power with adjustable beamforming |
| Smart Home Users | ⚠️ | Beolink Multiroom but no hub capabilities |
| Hands-Free Users | ❌ | No voice assistant support |
| Families | ✅ | Portable design, IP65 construction, Qi charging |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ✅ | Mozart 2.0, beamforming, modular repairability |
| Audiobook Listeners | ✅ | Narrow beamforming creates focused listening |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 280W output rivals AC-powered speakers | ❌ 3.8kg weight limits portability |
| ✅ Qi wireless charging pad functionality | ❌ 12-hour battery trails smaller speakers |
| ✅ Beamforming adjusts sound dispersion | ❌ Premium pricing exceeds portable options |
| ✅ IP65 dust and water resistance | ❌ No voice assistant |
4. Beosound 2 (3rd Generation): Elegant Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: Bang and Olufsen
The Beosound 2’s conical aluminum form houses five Class D amplifiers driving one 0.75-inch tweeter, two 2-inch midrange domes, and one 5.25-inch woofer totaling 90 watts. Acoustic Lens Technology fires the tweeter upward through a dispersion lens creating 360-degree high-frequency coverage, while midrange drivers operate in stereo and the downward-firing woofer provides omnidirectional bass.
Active Room Compensation adjusts frequency response for placement effects. The Mozart platform brings Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3. Proximity sensors illuminate touch controls with four programmable favorite buttons and a rotating volume wheel. The third generation removes Google Assistant from the previous version.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Mozart audio processing platform |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware with Mozart platform |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for firmware and favorite presets |
| Audio Drivers | 1 x 0.75″ tweeter, 2 x 2″ midrange domes, 1 x 5.25″ woofer |
| Audio Output | Total 90W (1 x 15W Class D for tweeter, 2 x 15W Class D for midrange, 2 x 30W Class D for woofer), Frequency range 33-23,400 Hz, Max SPL 94 dB at 1m |
| Microphone Array | Built-in microphones for Active Room Compensation |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, 3.5mm aux input via USB-C adapter |
| Smart Assistant Support | None (removed from 3rd generation) |
| Smart Home Support | Beolink Multiroom for multi-room audio integration |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for Beosonic Tuning, room compensation, favorites programming, firmware updates |
| Voice Recognition | None |
| Privacy Features | Not applicable |
| Battery (if portable) | Not applicable (AC powered) |
| Dimensions | 431 x 200 x 200 mm (height x width x depth) |
| Weight | 4.1 kg |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ✅ | Acoustic Lens Technology with Room Compensation |
| Smart Home Users | ⚠️ | Multi-room audio but no hub features |
| Hands-Free Users | ❌ | Touch controls only, no voice assistant |
| Families | ⚠️ | Four favorite buttons but no user profiles |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ✅ | Mozart platform, Wi-Fi 6, Room Compensation |
| Audiobook Listeners | ✅ | Clear midrange for spoken word |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Distinctive conical design as architectural element | ❌ 50% price increase over previous generation |
| ✅ Active Room Compensation for any placement | ❌ No voice assistant after removal |
| ✅ 360-degree Acoustic Lens Technology | ❌ Mono bass and limited stereo separation |
| ✅ Proximity sensor and physical controls | ❌ Smaller recommended room size |
5. Beolit 20: Classic Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers Portable Design
The Beolit 20 continues the classic portable legacy with one 5.5-inch woofer, three 1.5-inch tweeters, and two 4-inch passive radiators delivering 240 watts peak power. True360 sound dispersion ensures consistent tonal balance from any position. The aluminum grille features 45 percent air permeability while angled lines create visual interest. A vegetable-tanned leather strap provides carrying convenience.
Battery reaches 8 hours at typical volumes or 37 hours at background levels from a 3,200 mAh capacity. USB-C charging takes three hours. The top surface incorporates a Qi wireless charging pad delivering 5 watts to compatible devices. Stereo pairing allows two Beolit 20 speakers to connect wirelessly, and it pairs with the earlier Beolit 17.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Not publicly disclosed |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for firmware and settings |
| Audio Drivers | 1 x 5.5″ long-stroke wideband woofer, 3 x 1.5″ full-range tweeters, 2 x 4″ passive bass radiators |
| Audio Output | 240W peak power (2 x 35W Class D amplifiers for woofer and tweeters), Frequency range 37-20,000 Hz, Bass SPL 77 dB, Midrange SPL 93 dB |
| Microphone Array | Not applicable |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm aux input |
| Smart Assistant Support | None |
| Smart Home Support | None |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for Beosonic EQ customization, stereo pairing |
| Voice Recognition | None |
| Privacy Features | Not applicable |
| Battery (if portable) | 3,200 mAh, up to 8 hours at normal volume or 37 hours at background volume, approximately 3 hours charging via USB-C, 5W Qi wireless charging pad for devices |
| Dimensions | Recommended for 10-50 m² rooms |
| Weight | Approximately 3.8-3.9 kg depending on model variant |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ✅ | True360 sound with customizable EQ |
| Smart Home Users | ❌ | No smart home or multi-room capabilities |
| Hands-Free Users | ⚠️ | Physical controls but no voice assistant |
| Families | ✅ | Durable construction with Qi charging utility |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ⚠️ | Bluetooth 4.2 feels dated |
| Audiobook Listeners | ✅ | Clear midrange for spoken word |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Classic design with premium materials | ❌ Bluetooth 4.2 outdated |
| ✅ Qi wireless charging pad | ❌ 8-hour battery trails competitors |
| ✅ True360 sound dispersion | ❌ No Wi-Fi or smart features |
| ✅ Stereo pairing capability | ❌ 3.8kg limits portability |
6. Beosound Premiere Soundbar: Cinematic Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: Bang and Olufsen
The Beosound Premiere represents a home theater soundbar rather than a traditional smart speaker, focusing on Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 surround sound reproduction. Ten custom drivers include four 4×3-inch racetrack woofers, four 2-inch full-range drivers firing forward and sideways, one 0.6-inch tweeter angled upward for center channel, and one 0.4-inch micro tweeter for height effects.
Wide Stage Technology uses psychoacoustic processing to create sound beyond physical boundaries. Active Room Compensation calibrates to room characteristics. Total power reaches 580 watts across all channels. HDMI eARC provides high-bandwidth television connection while Wi-Fi enables AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect for music streaming. Beolink Multiroom allows integration with other Bang and Olufsen speakers as wireless surrounds.
Major Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor / Chipset | Not publicly disclosed, dedicated audio processing |
| Operating System | Proprietary Bang & Olufsen firmware |
| RAM | Not publicly disclosed |
| Storage | Internal storage for firmware and settings |
| Audio Drivers | 4 x 4×3″ racetrack woofer/midrange drivers, 4 x 2″ full-range drivers (front and side-firing), 1 x 0.6″ tweeter (center up-firing), 1 x 0.4″ micro tweeter (height channel) |
| Audio Output | 580W total peak power across dedicated Class D amplifiers for each driver, Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 surround sound, Wide Stage Technology for expanded soundstage |
| Microphone Array | Built-in microphones for Active Room Compensation calibration |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Optical input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet, USB-C for service and updates |
| Smart Assistant Support | None |
| Smart Home Support | Beolink Multiroom for multi-room audio, can incorporate other B&O speakers as wireless surrounds |
| App Support | Bang & Olufsen app for room calibration, EQ customization, speaker configuration, multi-room control |
| Voice Recognition | None |
| Privacy Features | Not applicable |
| Battery (if portable) | Not applicable (AC powered, designed for permanent installation) |
| Dimensions | 1160 x 70 x 148 mm (width x height x depth) |
| Weight | Approximately 10 kg |
User Type Recommendation: Who Should Buy It?
| User Type | Fit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Music Lovers | ⚠️ | Capable music playback but optimized for cinema |
| Smart Home Users | ⚠️ | Beolink Multiroom but no hub functionality |
| Hands-Free Users | ❌ | No voice assistant support |
| Families | ✅ | Immersive Dolby Atmos for movies |
| Tech Enthusiasts | ✅ | Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 and Wide Stage Technology |
| Audiobook Listeners | ❌ | Overqualified for spoken word content |
Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 without separate speakers | ❌ Premium pricing exceeds most soundbars |
| ✅ Sculptural aluminum design | ❌ 116cm width requires large TV |
| ✅ Active Room Compensation | ❌ No voice assistant |
| ✅ Wide Stage Technology | ❌ Requires eARC for optimal functionality |
Comparison of Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers Features
Feature Comparison for Six Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
| Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers | Audio Setup | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) | 60W, 2 drivers, True360, 92 dB SPL | Bluetooth 5.1 aptX Adaptive, USB-C |
| Beosound A9 (5th Gen) | 1,500W, 7 drivers, Room Compensation | Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, BT 5.3, Multiroom |
| Beosound A5 | 280W, 4 drivers, Beamforming, 101 dB SPL | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, BT 5.3, Qi charging |
| Beosound 2 (3rd Gen) | 90W, 5 drivers, Acoustic Lens, 360-degree | Wi-Fi 6, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, BT 5.3, Multiroom |
| Beolit 20 | 240W, 6 drivers, True360 | Bluetooth 4.2, aux input, Qi charging |
| Beosound Premiere | 580W, 10 drivers, Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, BT 5.0 |
Finding Your Place Among Bang and Olufsen Smart Speakers
Credit: iken3
The common thread running through Bang and Olufsen smart speakers reveals itself not in specifications, but in philosophy. It is about what audio equipment should represent. These products refuse disposable mindsets, offering replaceable batteries, modular components, and timeless aesthetics that age gracefully. Sound quality remains the foundation, with each product demonstrating engineering depth where driver selection and acoustic tuning receive obsessive attention.
Choosing among these options means understanding what matters most. Portability demands the A1 or Beolit 20. Architectural presence points toward the A9. Versatility suggests the A5. Refined omnidirectional filling indicates the Beosound 2. Cinematic immersion requires the Premiere. Each serves specific needs while maintaining sonic signature and build quality.
The investment extends beyond the initial purchase. These speakers have become familiar companions, and their mesmerizing sounds have become the backdrop to countless moments. They represent choices about how we shape the acoustic character of personal spaces, and what standards we apply to objects we invite into daily life. The music continues long after lesser speakers fall silent.
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