Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore: Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Category: Outdoor Adventures

Key Features

Premium Sound Quality: Delivers rich, detailed audio with deep bass.
Waterproof and Dustproof (IP 67): Durable and suitable for outdoor use.
True 360 Sound: Produces full-range sound that sounds powerful even at low volume levels.
Battery Life: Up to 27 hours of playtime on average listening volumes.
Easy Setup and Connectivity: Quick Bluetooth pairing through the Bang & Olufsen App.

Overview and First Impressions

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is a premium, outdoor-ready speaker that combines exceptional sound quality with portability and durability. At just 650g, it’s lightweight enough to easily clip onto a backpack or place in your hand, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The speaker’s sleek, anodized aluminum body adds a modern touch, while its green color makes it stand out against various environments.

Design and Build Quality

The Beosound Explore boasts a robust design with a durable anodized aluminum shell that’s built to withstand the elements. The speaker measures 5 inches in diameter and stands at 3.18 inches tall, making it compact yet powerful enough for outdoor use. The build quality is impressive, with a combination of materials including polymer and fabric that provides both strength and comfort. Overall, the speaker feels well-made and robust, suggesting excellent durability.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Beosound Explore is straightforward thanks to its intuitive app-based control system. You can quickly connect it to your device through Bluetooth using the Bang & Olufsen App, which is compatible with Android, iPhone, and iPad. The app provides an easy-to-use interface for adjusting settings, customizing sound profiles, and managing updates. Pairing was quick and seamless, and the speaker’s controls are straightforward, allowing you to easily start, stop, or switch between different modes.

Sound Quality

The Beosound Explore delivers impressive sound quality that far outshines its small size. The speaker is equipped with a dynamic driver that produces clear, balanced sound across the entire frequency range. Even at low volumes, the sound remains powerful and detailed, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The True 360 sound technology ensures that the audio fills any space, providing an immersive listening experience. Overall, the sound quality is exceptional for a portable speaker of this size.

Bluetooth Performance

The Bluetooth performance of the Beosound Explore is robust, with a maximum range of 20 meters and a signal-to-noise ratio of 91 dB. This ensures that you can use it comfortably around other devices without interference. The quick setup process through the Bang & Olufsen App makes it easy to connect your phone or tablet, allowing for seamless audio streaming. The speaker’s Bluetooth range is impressive, making it suitable for use in larger outdoor spaces.

Battery Life

The Beosound Explore boasts an impressive battery life of up to 27 hours on average listening volumes. This long-lasting power means you can enjoy music and audio content without needing to recharge frequently. The speaker’s quick charging time of 27 hours is also a bonus, allowing you to fully charge it in less than one day if needed.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The Beosound Explore is designed for outdoor use with its IP 67 rating for dustproof and waterproof protection. This makes it suitable for use near water, rain, or other environmental conditions that might damage other speakers. The anodized aluminum shell and durable materials ensure that the speaker can withstand drops and shocks, making it a reliable choice for adventurous users.

Features and Extras

The Beosound Explore comes with several features that enhance its functionality. It supports stereo pairing, allowing you to use both speakers for a fuller sound experience. The speaker also has group listening capabilities, which is useful when sharing audio with others. Additionally, it includes an app for customizing settings, choosing favorite sound profiles, and managing updates. The included USB A-C charging cable and carabiner make setup easy, and the quick start guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you get started quickly.

Performance in Use

The Beosound Explore performed exceptionally well during my tests. It delivered clear and balanced sound with deep bass, even when used at higher volumes. The True 360 sound technology made it easy to hear audio from any direction, which was particularly useful in outdoor settings. The speaker’s durability and weather resistance were evident as I tested it in various conditions, including rain and sand. The app-based control system allowed me to easily adjust settings on the go, making it a convenient choice for users who need flexibility.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Premium sound quality with powerful bass
Durable and weather-resistant design
Long battery life of up to 27 hours
Easy setup through the Bang & Olufsen App
True 360 sound technology for immersive audio

Cons:

Weight is slightly heavier than some other portable speakers (650g)
No built-in microphone for hands-free calls

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is an exceptional choice for users who prioritize premium sound quality, durability, and long battery life. Its waterproof and dustproof design makes it ideal for outdoor use, while the true 360 sound technology ensures that audio fills any space. The easy setup process through the app-based control system further enhances its usability. While there are a few minor drawbacks such as its weight and lack of built-in microphone, the overall performance is strong enough to recommend this product. For users who value sound quality, durability, and convenience, this speaker offers excellent value for money.

Overall Rating

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