Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 review Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Powerful Sound

Description

Unboxing the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Experience

Testing the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 felt like unwrapping a piece of modern art. Its Grey Mist finish combined with the vegetable-tanned leather strap immediately stood out as both stylish and functional. The design is minimalist yet robust, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. At nearly six pounds, it’s heavier than most portable speakers, but the weight gives it a reassuringly premium feel. The rounded corners and redesigned grille exude a contemporary vibe, while the compact tabletop mount makes it blend seamlessly into any room.

While the build quality is top-tier, the absence of waterproofing caught my attention. Taking this speaker poolside or to the beach might not be the best idea unless you’re extra cautious. Despite that, for someone who values aesthetic appeal and durability, it’s hard to fault this beauty.

Sound Performance That Commands Attention

The sound performance was the first thing I tested, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The True360 Sound Technology ensures that audio fills the room evenly, and the Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound delivers a rich and immersive experience. The 37-20,000Hz frequency range means you get deep bass without sacrificing clarity in the highs. Whether you’re listening to classical, pop, or EDM, the sound adapts beautifully.

Pairing the speaker with its adjustable EQ settings in the Bang & Olufsen app made a noticeable difference. Customizing the audio profile to match my mood or activity was incredibly satisfying. Testing stereo pairing with another Beolit 20 brought an entirely new dimension to the setup—perfect for larger gatherings or movie nights at home. However, I found the 93 dB signal-to-noise ratio is excellent for most settings, but at maximum volume, there’s a slight loss in clarity.

Key Benefits

• True360 Sound Technology fills any space with immersive audio.
• Long-lasting battery life of up to 37 hours at low volume levels.
• Wireless Qi charging lets you charge compatible devices like smartphones.
• Customizable EQ settings enhance audio versatility.

Caveats

• Lack of waterproofing makes it unsuitable for wet environments.
• The heavier build may not suit everyone’s portability needs.
• The price point might feel steep compared to simpler Bluetooth speakers.

Battery Life and Charging Convenience

One of the standout features of this product is its battery performance. Testing the speaker at normal listening volumes, I easily got 8 hours of playtime. The USB-C charging port is a lifesaver, especially for someone like me who’s always juggling multiple devices. But it’s the Qi wireless charging capability that stole the show. Placing my smartphone on the speaker to charge while playing music felt both futuristic and practical.

That said, the 8-hour charging time was a bit of a letdown. If you forget to charge it overnight, you’ll need to plan ahead. For a speaker of this caliber, a faster charging feature would have been a nice addition.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

Setting up this speaker was refreshingly simple. Pairing it with my phone was seamless thanks to quick Bluetooth connectivity, and the Bang & Olufsen app is intuitive. The app lets you adjust sound profiles, check for software updates, and even manage stereo pairing. Testing it across multiple devices, I was impressed by its compatibility with both Android and iOS platforms.

However, the lack of water resistance or rugged features limits its usability in outdoor scenarios. Still, for home use or more controlled environments, the user experience is nearly flawless.

Product Rivals

When comparing this speaker to competitors like the Sonos Move or the Bose SoundLink Revolve+, a few things stand out. The Beolit 20 excels in aesthetic design and sound customization. The Sonos Move, while offering weather resistance, doesn’t have the same luxurious build or Qi charging capability. On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is slightly more portable but can’t match the Beolit 20’s audio depth or battery life.

For those who prioritize design and sound quality, this product is a clear winner. However, if you need a more rugged, waterproof option, the alternatives might be better suited to your needs.

True Value

Is the Beolit 20 worth its price tag? For me, the answer is tied to its premium materials, sound innovation, and multi-functionality. While it may seem pricey compared to basic Bluetooth speakers, the quality for price is evident in every detail. The ability to use it as a wireless power bank adds another layer of value that many competitors simply don’t offer.

If you’re someone who appreciates high-end audio and doesn’t mind spending a little extra for top-notch design and features, this speaker offers incredible bang for the buck. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you might find the cost prohibitive.

In testing the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20, I found it to be an impressive mix of style, performance, and innovation. It might not be perfect for every scenario, but in the right setting, it’s undoubtedly a showstopper.

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