Bose SoundLink Flex vs. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd. generation. Audio quality sound test.

I created these series of videos to share and compare the sound quality of a variety of speakers. Out of the box, update if necessary and with no EQ.
I personally picked this four songs in order to appreciate different genres for those of you who really want to hear the quality of the speakers.
Some comparisons might not be on the same category (size, price, plugged smart speakers vs. portable bluetooth speakers, etc…), so don’t start complaining! It’s all about the sound!
To record the sound I used the Sennheiser Ambeo Headset which captures 3D Audio.
Please wear headphones for an optimal/much better result.
I'll try to keep adding new comparisons to the "Battle of the Speakers" Playlist regularly, so stay tuned (get it?).
The digital peak meter represents which speaker is actually sounding - it is not meant as a real representation of the sound levels. Also, when a speaker is silent its name is greyed out.
Let me know if there is a particular pair or brand you would like me to test and I’ll do my best.
Enjoy!
Timestamps
0:01 Rock Pop
2:42 Electronic
5:56 Piano
7:44 Jazz
#boseflex #bangolufsen #soundlinkflex

[@marnskee875]

Love this comparison. Can't wait to buy a1.😍 More power to your channel.💪🌟

[@PatricioBenadon]

Thank you 🙌

[@Haihuao]

Thank you i can choose a speaker between them finally!

[@ericmartinez4897]

They both sound great. I have the flex and love it. But very interested in buying the A1

[@kingkobra1956]

I have the Flex and the A1 gen 2. Both are identical in sound but the A1 has a slightly smaller signature. I wouldn't pay full price for the A1 Gen2 because even though it is an excellent speaker it's not worth it's lofty full asking price. I purchased mine on Amazon for $181.00 and its the silver. I wanted the black but it was more expensive.

[@ericmartinez4897]

@@kingkobra1956 yes I love the A1. I got it bout a few weeks ago. I got it on sale from Verizon online for 150$. It was absolutely worth it. The clarity is amazing. I love this speaker

[@eclecticgentleman]

Just bought the flex off Amazon for $149. It freaking rocks!!!!

[@FourgonLeGrand]

Nice Comparison! Bose hits hard, but B&O is just so clear. Ordered my A1 and hoping it lives up to my expectations!

[@PatricioBenadon]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@prouddaddyofdos]

It will!👍🏽👍🏽

[@kajobecha]

same reaction

[@anthony82s71]

In an old car, placed on the rear shelf, which one do you recommend? Thanks in advance.. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@PetrKrenzelok]

Flex seems to have a wider sound stage, even if put in the upfiring position as A1. Great test, thanks! Selecting between the Flex, A1 and Dali Katch 2 🙂

[@PatricioBenadon]

Your welcome! Glad to help :)

[@robinmartinsson3032]

Flex sounds LIVE, A1 sounds STUDIO

[@joelf5565]

I own the Flex and find it has a wider sound stage on its back than upright. There appears to be a treble boost on its back and you can hear the snare drum and cymbals much clearer.

[@basnoordermeer4249]

Bought a A1 2ND gen last year and immediately returned it after it started to act strange and needed a reset (within a few days). I don't want to have to reset, no matter what the sound is like... apart from this I really hated that there is no way to feel which button you push... so you even have to look at the device in order to know where to turn it on and off. Equalization through the app is cumbersome too, but you will probably have to use it in order to get the best out of it. The Beosound sounds pretty nice, but the Soundflex is around 100 euro cheaper, I can control it eyes closed and I didn't feel the need for equalization at all. I think it is more durable too, actually it is the first device I ever bought from Bose and I think it gives much better value for money then the Beosound.

[@joelf5565]

Flex was the first Bose product I ever bought too and I love it. I never cared much for Bose products when listening at store demo, but this Flex is a first. I must add I much prefer the EQ setting on its back or hanging vertical. Upright sounds a little muddy, but on its back it sounds brighter and more open.

[@MiiPaintings]

I’ve got beo and also bose. To be honest, I think bose plays better. And I don’t like the switches on Beo. When it’s dark, I can’t see which switch I am touching.

[@K.K.YadavKanwi]

Are you still using it. Please 🙏 reply....

[@RylandBingham]

The fun thing about the A1 is that it beggars belief that such big sound is coming out of such a small speaker. Friends and family couldn’t believe the sound coming from that tiny puck. Unfortunately mine was stolen during a long hospital stay I had.

[@davismbembo6607]

Oh sorry, at least you got better

[@kingkobra1956]

I have both. The blue Flex and the silver A1 gen2. Both are extraordinary speakers, totally excellent in quality sound. The A1 gen2 has a slightly smaller sound signature than the Flex but in my opinion an nth more refined than the Flex. I purchased the A1 on sale just to see if it was all that and it really is. I am pleased with it totally but it is definitely not worth the full asking price. I just purchased the carmine red Flex because you can't have too much of a good thing. I also have the JBL Flip 5 which is the GG model, bummer, but it stick rocks to no end. I also have the Bose Soundlink Mini II, the Bose Portable Speaker, and I've just purchased the JBL Charge 5 also.

[@mukharroy1775]

Super confused between Charge 5 and bose flex, which one do you suggest for lower volumes (40-70) ? thanks anyway mate

[@PatricioBenadon]

Charge 5? What do you mean by that?

[@mukharroy1775]

@@PatricioBenadon you mentioned you have both Bose Flex and JBL charge 5

[@mukharroy1775]

@@PatricioBenadon so which one do you think is better jbl charge 5 or bose flex? For lower volume.

[@kingkobra1956]

@@mukharroy1775 The Charge 5 is the next larger JBL speaker which has a larger speaker volume.

[@amarc86]

Can you use both of these as permanently connected to power and as desktop/laptop speaker ? Meaning: if on power will they stay on 24/7 ?

[@thewolfofgod3908]

Yes my cure setup two in stereo A1 second Gen.

[@rianf3302]

Hi all, this is a good and suitable comparison, I'm considering to buy the BO A1, however I've a concern on how deep is the bass when it's tuned for the custom eq, let say more on the warm/energetic, can it be at least similar to Bose's bass? Pls help me give ur comment, thankss

[@PatricioBenadon]

If you eq more bass it sounds very good too.

[@rianf3302]

@@PatricioBenadon Thanks for ur response, really appreciate it 👍👍

[@robinmartinsson3032]

Flex sounds LIVE, A1 sounds STUDIO

[@rawpow1]

Nice comparison! The Bose seems louder and more punchy/boomy but the B&O sounds cleaner / tighter and overall more refined and balanced to me I think - especially noticeable on some of the instrumental sections (piano, particularly). Interestingly, I think the B&O can hit lower frequencies 'on paper' so I expect a lot of that is deliberate choice of a more neutral sound signature rather than the bass-heavy Bose. How much more 'bassy' does the B&O get if you adjust the in-app EQ? Does it compare more closely to the Bose at that point?

[@PatricioBenadon]

I haven’t played that much with the app at all. But for what I shortly did, it does feel closer to the “Bose bass”….

[@kingkobra1956]

The B and O and Flex are identical in sound but the A1 is an nth more refined. The bass is about identical in both. There are four preset eq settings in the A1 app and three of them sound like crap so there is really just one setting to use and it makes the Flex and A1 sound identical.

[@Paulinagomezgym]

Bose 😎😎

[@williamhsu5582]

What would u recommend for outdoor usage ?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Flex for sure.

[@jfry3276]

A1 sounds clearer and more balanced but, goddamn, I love bass...

[@BamexCA]

Great video, thanks! Which one would be more suited to bass-heavy music such as hip-hop and edm in your opinion?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Bose, out of the box is great. B&O has less bass but you can use the in-app eq to adjust it.

[@kennyargentogremory1943]

@@PatricioBenadon where can i download the app?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Any AppStore I guess… I don’t remember how exactly I did it.

[@eugenegrant3257]

Get the first gen A1. Way more bass, but less battery time.

[@user-mt9fy2ow3u]

I have both, compared them for an hour and B&O (1st gen) definitely has deeper bass, more complex sound. Bose is just louder, but Beoplay A1 feels like sound is coming from a bigger system. But I dont know how the second gen B&O (beosound A1) performs.

[@robinmartinsson3032]

Does A1 really have deeper bass than the flex? Would be hard to believe. And do you mean more dynamic bass?

[@joelf5565]

I’ve heard the 1st generation has significantly more bass than the 2nd generation but much less battery life. Makes me think they increased the battery size and decreased the woofer.

[@user-ps3vd1bn3z]

両方、個人で所有してますがBoseFLEXは音圧と低音が圧倒的( ˙▿˙　) Ａ1はクリアさと高音でFLEXに勝るので観てる方は好みで選ぶといいと思います。 FLEXはBluetoothスピーカーを10数台所有している自分の持ち物の中でも個体の大きさを考えると驚異的な低音です。 Ａ1はリアルな音感が素晴らしいです。原音再生を重視されているメーカーなので個人的には自分所有の中では1番好きな音です。 持ち運びはどちらも若干かさばりますが、無理では無いサイズ 重さも殆ど変わらなかったかな？気にする差ではないです 迫力のある音のいい方はBose リアルでクリアな音がいい方はB＆Oをオススメします(´∀｀) コスパはともかく音の面では最強系の2台だと思われます(´∀｀)参考までに

[@experiencelifelittleone]

What do you think about A1 for watching movies and shows? Do you think it’s a good fit?

[@LuisRodriguez-sp6bt]

​@whitelilacplanel el bose es ganador para ver pelicular se complementa con sus bajos

[@flugmodus9214]

Which one has longer battery life? The b&o specs say more but ppl in comments say no….?

[@PatricioBenadon]

I don’t test battery life… only sound. Sorry.

[@joelf5565]

I think people commenting on the A1 battery life being much less is because they may have personal experience with the 1st generation A1. That does have much less, but I don’t believe it to be the case with the 2nd generation. But I’ve also heard people say the 1st generation sounds better.

[@songokuo5131]

Which is louder???

[@igorz.3972]

Bose

[@Mystic_Edge]

the bose got loud bass while the B&O have clear sound

[@soberanisfam1323]

Thanks for this...I want clarity

[@jimathy1988]

I have both, B&O is superior for music but Bose is Superior for vocals/speech. If you listen to lots of audiobooks or podcasts the Bose will be better for you.

[@eugenevillagracia8869]

Beat soundstage and sound profile ill go on to B&O, for bass punchy for bose flex

[@DavidBridgeTechnology]

I cannot decide too, even after watching this so I have bought both. One will go back

[@PatricioBenadon]

So which one you sent back? I would love to know. Thanks!

[@DavidBridgeTechnology]

@@PatricioBenadon I sent the Beosound A1 back. The A1 gen2 seriously lacked bass and on some tracks, it was a little too top-heavy, painfully so. The Bose has oodles of bass and is a little less bright in the high tones but the sound is warmer and fuller with more impact. It's louder too. The A1 felt like it had a hole in the lower middle of the sound and it only directs sound upwards, whereas the Bose lets you choose up or sideways. I think the reason for the lack of bass in the A1 is that the A1 is in a slightly smaller box and lacks a reflex woofer and the main speaker is smaller to make room for a tweeter. The Bose has a front reflex bass but no tweeter, and a bass vent at the rear too. It drives seriously strong bass for its size. The A1 is more attractive on a shelf due to its size and orientation and though I didn't try it, I liked the idea of built-in Alexa but I have this in other speakers so it wasn't a deal breaker/maker. The buttons on the A1 are hard to use. You have to pick the device up everytime you use it to see where the buttons are but the Bose has nicely spaced large buttons on top with a rubbery feel that means you can use them even without looking at them. They are sensibly arranged too, all in a line, with the main controller (pause/next/previous) smack in the middle and the volume on either side. This is perfect, as it should be. I didn't keep the A1 long enough to know about its battery life benefit but I am perfectly happy with the Bose 12 hours. I would prefer to listen to better quality for less time than poor quality for a long time. I have been living with the Bose now for a month and I am very happy with my choice.

[@adi_1706]

Which one sounds more powerful? And which one is louder?

[@PatricioBenadon]

@adi_1706 Flex, IMO

[@incognito_user]

does the a1 have too much trebble and highs?

[@PatricioBenadon]

A bit, in my opinion as well.

[@nicholaschanvn]

Bose for bass , a1 2nd for audio quality at small volume

[@johnbrotata391]

A1 best

[@TheMrgregorio]

I go bose.

[@nicholaschanvn]

Bose for bass , a1 2nd for audio quality at small volume

[@Turtle55000]

So what u prefer?bose flex or beo a1 2nd gen?i hv plan to buy but still confused whice one 🥺

[@PatricioBenadon]

that's up to you to decide... I prefer the Flex, but A1 surprised me. Over all I guess how you use them (travel, outdoors, etc) also influences your decision.

[@tadascobotas3774]

Track name?

[@PatricioBenadon]

You should be able to see it. The web browser shows it below the video's description.

[@blueflash9897]

I have both and bose play louder and the battery life last twice as long. B&O doesn't stand a chance...

[@soberanisfam1323]

But which one has the better wound quality?

[@blueflash9897]

@@soberanisfam1323bose

[@NuanDaa]

You don’t have them either.

[@buzzymedia1860]

Buy Other Sound Equipment. That's what BOSE means. Bs. Sound quality as always

[@thainz881]

I won both .A1 win over Bose in terms of sound quality 100%. The definition and clarity are amazing. The bass is low and punchy. A1 won over the Bose in the sub bass frequency . The bose can't display the lower bass note at all. The Bose is louder and only stronger in the Mid bass. The treble and mid are cloudy. Lots of background hissing noise If you listen to a lot of music with lower frequency bass , you will be very disappointed with Bose Flex sound I will sell the Bose. I find myself dont listen to it as the sound at all as the sound is very disappointing

[@i3DRaven]

Bang & Olufsen is garbadge, I bought it and returned to the shop. Applications from manufacturer do not work, firmware updater do not works. Mono sound and few basses. Crap.

[@saardean4481]

Almost any portable bluetooth speaker is mono. Having two drivers next to each other does not create stereo imaging by default. You need a minimum distance between drivers in order for it to work and most if not all portable speakers are simply too narrow to achieve real stereo reproduction.

[@aktunav]

Flex is certainly better...More true and fuller...

[@alexprince2469]

Beoplay more better App more bass ha ha 😁

[@buzzymedia1860]

Buy Other Sound Equipment. That's what BOSE means. Sh*tty sound quality as always