Beosound A1 vs Sonos roam – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Beosound A1 3rd Gen & Sonos Roam share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Beosound A1 3rd Gen rather than the Sonos Roam.

Why Do I Recommend The Beosound A1?

  • The Beosound A1 3rd Gen features a 2-driver system with a dedicated woofer and tweeter for fuller sound separation and more accurate bass and treble reproduction, while the Sonos Roam uses a single full-range driver with a tweeter.
  • Beosound A1 3rd Gen supports aptX Adaptive audio codec for higher bitrate Bluetooth streaming and reduced compression artifacts, while the Sonos Roam supports SBC and AAC only.
  • It comes with 360-degree omnidirectional sound dispersion for consistent audio coverage in all directions without repositioning, whereas the Sonos Roam uses directional audio with adaptive orientation.
  • The Beosound A1 3rd Gen includes Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for switching between two devices such as a phone and laptop without reconnecting, while the Sonos Roam does not support multipoint connections.
  • Beosound A1 3rd Gen features 2 × 30W Class D amplifiers for higher output power and stronger volume headroom in open spaces, while the Sonos Roam uses dual Class-H digital amplifiers without specified wattage.
  • It supports USB-C digital audio input for direct wired playback from compatible devices without Bluetooth compression, whereas the Sonos Roam does not support wired audio input.
  • The Beosound A1 3rd Gen uses an anodized aluminum body with a leather strap for improved structural durability and resistance to surface wear during transport, while the Sonos Roam uses a polycarbonate and silicone enclosure.
  • Beosound A1 3rd Gen offers 24-hour battery life for extended all-day playback without interruptions, whereas the Sonos Roam has a 10-hour battery life.

Maybe the Sonos Roam can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Beosound A1 3rd Gen. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBeosound A1 3rd GenSonos Roam
Audio CodecSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC, AAC
Battery Capacity Runtime24 hours10 hours
Driver Configuration1 × 3.25″ woofer + 1 × 0.6″ tweeter1 × full-range driver + 1 × tweeter
Amplification2 × 30W Class DDual Class-H digital amps
Total Output Power60WNot specified
Frequency Range54 Hz – 20,000 HzNot specified
Sound Dispersion360° omnidirectional0° / 90° adaptive orientation
Max Sound Pressure Level~92 dB SPLNot specified
Bluetooth MultipointYesNo
Microphone System3-mic arrayFar-field voice mic array
Stereo PairingBluetooth stereo pairWi-Fi stereo pairing
App ControlBang & Olufsen appSonos app
Wired Audio InputUSB-C digital audio supportedNo wired input
MaterialAnodized aluminum + leather strapPolycarbonate + silicone
PriceCheck Beosound A1 3rd Gen PriceCheck Sonos Roam Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming: Both speakers support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing wireless audio playback from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This ensures compatibility across a wide range of devices without requiring cables or network setup.
  • Portable Speaker Design: Each model is designed as a compact portable speaker, making them suitable for travel, outdoor activities, and casual use. Their size and form factor allow easy placement in bags or on small surfaces.
  • Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Both speakers include an internal rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for constant wired power. This enables use in environments where power outlets are not available.
  • USB-C Charging Port: Each device uses a USB-C port for charging, which supports modern cable standards and faster charging compatibility. This also allows users to use widely available charging accessories.
  • IP67 Water & Dust Resistance: Both models are rated IP67, meaning they are protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in water. This makes them suitable for outdoor environments such as beaches or pools.
  • Outdoor Usage Support: Both speakers are engineered for outdoor use, with durable construction and environmental resistance. This allows reliable performance in varying weather conditions.
  • Speakerphone Functionality: Each device supports hands-free calling through built-in microphones. This allows users to take calls directly from the speaker without switching devices.
  • Integrated Microphones: Both speakers include multiple microphones for voice pickup. These microphones are used for calls and system interactions, ensuring clear voice transmission.
  • Companion Mobile App: Each speaker is supported by a dedicated mobile app for configuration and control. These apps allow users to manage settings and customize audio behavior.
  • Equalizer (EQ) Adjustment: Both models provide EQ controls through their apps, enabling users to adjust bass, treble, and sound profiles. This allows customization based on listening preferences or content type.
  • Stereo Pairing Capability: Each speaker can be paired with another unit of the same model for stereo sound. This expands the audio experience by separating left and right channels.
  • Firmware Updates via App: Both devices support firmware updates delivered through their respective apps. This ensures ongoing improvements, bug fixes, and feature enhancements.
  • Compact Size Category: Both speakers fall within the compact portable category, allowing easy handling and placement. Their size supports mobility without sacrificing core functionality.
  • Wireless Operation: Each model operates wirelessly without requiring a constant wired connection. This enhances convenience and flexibility in various usage scenarios.
  • Lithium-ion Battery Type: Both speakers use lithium-ion battery technology, which provides stable energy density and recharge cycles. This contributes to consistent performance over time.
  • Portable Carry Design: Each device includes design elements that support portability, such as straps or compact shapes. This makes it easier to carry or attach during travel.
  • Mono Playback Support: Both speakers support mono audio playback as a single unit. This ensures consistent sound output when only one speaker is in use.
  • Bluetooth Pairing Button: Each model includes a dedicated pairing mechanism for connecting devices via Bluetooth. This simplifies the connection process for users.

Common Features

FeatureBeosound A1 3rd GenSonos Roam
Bluetooth Audio StreamingYesYes
Portable Speaker DesignYesYes
Built-in Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
IP67 Water & Dust ResistanceYesYes
Outdoor Usage SupportYesYes
Speakerphone FunctionalityYesYes
Integrated MicrophonesYesYes
Companion Mobile AppYesYes
Equalizer (EQ) AdjustmentYesYes
Stereo Pairing CapabilityYesYes
Firmware Updates via AppYesYes
Compact Size CategoryYesYes
Wireless OperationYesYes
Lithium-ion Battery TypeYesYes
Portable Carry DesignYesYes
Mono Playback SupportYesYes
Bluetooth Pairing ButtonYesYes
Price Check Beosound A1 3rd Gen Price
Check Sonos Roam Price

FAQ

Is Beosound A1 3rd Gen better than Sonos Roam for sound quality?
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen uses a dedicated woofer and tweeter with 360° dispersion, which results in more balanced audio output across bass, mids, and highs, while the Sonos Roam uses a compact driver system with directional tuning.

Does Sonos Roam support Wi-Fi while Beosound A1 3rd Gen does not?
The Sonos Roam includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing direct streaming and multi-room usage, whereas the Beosound A1 3rd Gen relies solely on Bluetooth connections.

Which speaker has longer battery life between Beosound A1 3rd Gen and Sonos Roam?
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen is rated for up to 24 hours of playback, while the Sonos Roam is rated for around 10 hours under typical usage conditions.

Can both Beosound A1 3rd Gen and Sonos Roam be used for outdoor environments?
Both speakers have an IP67 rating, which means they are protected against dust and can withstand water exposure, making them suitable for outdoor use.

Does Sonos Roam support voice assistants compared to Beosound A1 3rd Gen?
The Sonos Roam includes built-in support for Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, whereas the Beosound A1 3rd Gen does not include any voice assistant functionality.

Do both speakers support stereo pairing?
Both the Beosound A1 3rd Gen and Sonos Roam can be paired with another unit of the same model to create a stereo audio setup.

Is wireless charging available on both speakers?
The Sonos Roam supports Qi wireless charging in addition to USB-C charging, while the Beosound A1 3rd Gen supports USB-C wired charging only.

Which speaker is more portable in terms of weight?
The Sonos Roam weighs approximately 430 g, making it lighter for carrying, while the Beosound A1 3rd Gen weighs about 576 g.

Do both speakers support app-based control and EQ adjustments?
Both speakers have companion apps that allow users to adjust EQ settings and manage device features through their smartphones.

Can Beosound A1 3rd Gen and Sonos Roam be used as speakerphones?
Both models include built-in microphones and support hands-free calling, enabling them to function as speakerphones.

Does Sonos Roam support multi-room audio while Beosound A1 3rd Gen does not?
The Sonos Roam integrates into the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room playback over Wi-Fi, whereas the Beosound A1 3rd Gen does not support multi-room audio.

What type of materials are used in Beosound A1 3rd Gen vs Sonos Roam?
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen uses anodized aluminum with a leather strap, while the Sonos Roam is constructed from polycarbonate and silicone materials.

Do both speakers support firmware updates?
Both devices receive firmware updates through their respective mobile apps, allowing improvements and new features over time.

Is there a difference in audio codec support between the two speakers?
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs, whereas the Sonos Roam supports SBC and AAC only.

Can both speakers connect to multiple devices at the same time?
The Beosound A1 3rd Gen supports Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously, while the Sonos Roam does not support multipoint connections.