The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is a standout in portable Bluetooth speakers. Known for its high-quality sound and luxurious design, this portable speaker offers excellent audio performance, advanced features, impressive battery life, and the kind of durability you would expect from a brand like Bang & Olufsen. In this article, we will delve deep into the Beolit 20’s features, its sound capabilities, design, and why it’s one of the best premium portable Bluetooth speakers available today.
Quick Specs of Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
Before we dive into the features and performance, here are the key specifications of the Beolit 20:
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 70 Watts
- Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
- Audio Output Mode: Stereo
- Battery Playtime: Up to 8 hours of music, calls, or podcasts at typical listening volumes
- Wireless Charging: Qi Wireless charging pad for compatible devices
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.5 x 13.0 cm
- Weight: 2.7 kg
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 (dust and water-resistant)
- USB Charging: USB-C charging technology for faster and more convenient charging
- Stereo Pairing: Ability to pair with another Beolit 20 or Beolit 17 for enhanced sound experience
- EQ Customization: Beosonic Tuning available through the Bang & Olufsen app
- Price: Approximately $599
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Release Date
The Beolit 20 was released in the market in 2020, following the success of its predecessor, the Beolit 17. This new iteration brings improvements in sound quality, connectivity, and battery life, alongside a more robust design. Bang & Olufsen has consistently improved the Beolit series, and the Beolit 20 carries forward that legacy with enhanced functionality for today’s tech-savvy consumers.
Unboxing the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
When you unbox the Beolit 20, the first thing you’ll notice is the premium quality of the materials used. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Beolit 20 speaker itself
- A USB-C to USB-C charging cable (1.25m)
- A plug adapter
- A quick start guide to get you set up quickly
Everything is neatly packaged, ensuring that setting up the speaker is hassle-free. The minimalistic design and high-quality finish immediately signal that you’re dealing with a premium product.
Design, Display, and Controls
The Beolit 20 is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The body is made of a durable combination of aluminum and high-quality polymer, giving the speaker a premium feel. The leather carrying strap is made of genuine leather, adding a touch of luxury to the speaker’s design, while making it easy to carry. The strap is also customizable, allowing you to create a personalized color combination.
The Beolit 20 sports a distinctive square shape with rounded corners, giving it a modern yet classic look. The speaker is available in several colors, including Black Anthracite, Grey Mist, and Beige, which can complement various interior styles.
The controls are straightforward and placed on the top of the speaker. There’s a large, tactile button to control playback, as well as volume controls and the power button. Additionally, the Bluetooth pairing button is located here, making it easy to connect the speaker to your device. The USB-C port for charging and a wireless charging pad are also part of the design, offering added convenience.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
While the Beolit 20 is the most recent model, it is important to know how it compares to its predecessor, the Beolit 17. Both models share similarities in terms of sound quality and design, but the Beolit 20 offers several key upgrades:
- Improved battery life: The Beolit 20 can play for up to 8 hours on a full charge, compared to the Beolit 17’s 5-6 hours.
- Wireless charging: The Beolit 20 features a built-in Qi wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge compatible devices like smartphones while playing music.
- More powerful sound: The Beolit 20 has a 70W output, providing a more robust and full-range sound.
- Stereo pairing: While both models allow you to pair two speakers for enhanced audio, the Beolit 20 makes this process easier and more seamless.
In terms of size, both models are portable, but the Beolit 20 is slightly more compact, making it a better choice for those who need a speaker that’s easier to carry around without compromising on sound.
Available Colors
The Beolit 20 comes in several stylish color options to suit different tastes and preferences. These include:
- Black Anthracite: A sleek and modern black finish.
- Grey Mist: A light, neutral color that blends well with most interiors.
- Beige: A soft and elegant option, offering a more understated look.
These colors ensure that the Beolit 20 can fit into various environments, whether you’re at home, outdoors, or on the go.
Features of the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
The Beolit 20 offers an array of features that make it stand out in the crowded portable Bluetooth speaker market:
Powerful Sound Quality
The Beolit 20 delivers exceptional sound quality, making it one of the most powerful portable Bluetooth speakers in its class. It features a combination of a wideband woofer, two passive bass radiators, and powerful amplifiers that provide clear mids, crisp highs, and deep, rumbling lows. This impressive 70W output allows the speaker to fill large rooms or outdoor spaces with rich sound. The speaker also supports 360-degree sound dispersion, ensuring that everyone around it enjoys the same high-quality listening experience from any angle. Whether you’re at home or outdoors, the Beolit 20 ensures that music sounds dynamic, vibrant, and immersive.
Wireless Charging Pad
One of the standout features of the Beolit 20 is its built-in Qi wireless charging pad. Positioned on top of the speaker, it allows you to charge compatible devices like smartphones or wireless headphones without the need for additional cables. This feature adds a level of convenience, particularly when you’re on the go. You can continue listening to music while charging your devices, ensuring that your entertainment doesn’t stop. The wireless charging pad is perfect for those who are looking for a solution to keep their devices powered up during extended listening sessions, making the Beolit 20 a multifunctional device beyond just a speaker.
Long Battery Life
The Beolit 20 is equipped with a high-performance 3200mAh battery, offering up to 8 hours of continuous music play at typical listening volumes. This extended battery life is perfect for long outdoor activities, picnics, or parties where you don’t have immediate access to a power source. The battery is also designed to be energy-efficient, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sound without worrying about frequent recharges. If you plan to use it for multiple hours throughout the day, the Beolit 20 will keep the music playing, providing a reliable companion for your adventures.
Bluetooth 5.1 Connectivity
The Beolit 20 utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 technology, ensuring a stable and seamless connection with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices. This latest Bluetooth version offers enhanced range and faster data transfer speeds compared to previous versions, ensuring minimal interruptions and lag during music streaming. Whether you’re connecting a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the Beolit 20 provides a smooth and reliable pairing process. With easy and quick Bluetooth pairing, you can immediately start playing your favorite tracks without any hassle. Bluetooth 5.1 also means that you can enjoy a higher quality of audio transmission, ensuring a pristine listening experience.
Customizable Sound with Beosonic Tuning
The Bang & Olufsen app provides an excellent way to personalize your listening experience on the Beolit 20. The Beosonic Tuning feature allows you to adjust the sound profile according to your preferences. You can fine-tune bass, treble, and mid-range frequencies, creating a balanced sound that fits your taste. This customization option is great for audiophiles or anyone who wants more control over the audio output. Whether you prefer deep bass or clearer vocals, the app ensures that you can dial in the sound to suit your environment and musical tastes.
IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating
The Beolit 20 is built for both indoor and outdoor use with its IP67 rating, making it resistant to both water and dust. This high level of protection means that the speaker can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, making it ideal for use at the beach, by the pool, or in the rain. Additionally, its dustproof design ensures that it can handle outdoor environments without damage. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue in the backyard, hiking, or camping, the Beolit 20 is tough enough to handle various weather conditions, ensuring it keeps playing no matter the environment.
Stereo Pairing for Enhanced Sound
For an even richer and more immersive listening experience, the Beolit 20 supports stereo pairing. This allows you to connect two Beolit 20 speakers for a fuller, more dynamic soundstage. The process of pairing the speakers is seamless, and you can connect either two Beolit 20 units or mix a Beolit 20 with a Beolit 17 speaker. This is especially beneficial when hosting large gatherings or outdoor events, where enhanced sound coverage is required. Stereo pairing allows you to create a surround-sound effect, delivering high-fidelity audio that surrounds you, making the music feel more lifelike and engaging.
Portable and Durable Design
Designed for portability, the Beolit 20 features a lightweight yet durable construction that makes it easy to take on the go. The speaker weighs only 2.7 kg, making it easy to carry in a bag or transport using its genuine leather strap. The strap not only adds convenience but also gives the speaker a premium, luxurious touch. The Beolit 20 is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with sturdy materials like aluminum and polymer ensuring durability. Whether you’re traveling, going to the beach, or taking it to a friend’s house, the Beolit 20’s portable and robust design ensures that it’s always ready for action.
Quick and Easy Setup
Bang & Olufsen has designed the Beolit 20 with ease of use in mind. Setting up the speaker is incredibly simple, with minimal setup required. Just turn it on, pair it with your device via Bluetooth, and start playing music right away. The B&O app further simplifies the setup process, allowing you to quickly connect and manage your speaker. You don’t need any technical expertise to get started. This hassle-free setup ensures that even those new to Bluetooth speakers can enjoy high-quality sound without any difficulty.
Price and Availability
The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is priced at approximately $599. While it is certainly a premium option, the price reflects its high-quality construction, impressive sound performance, and additional features like wireless charging and EQ customization. The speaker is available directly from Bang & Olufsen’s official website, as well as other high-end electronics retailers.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 vs. Competitors
When compared to other premium portable Bluetooth speakers, the Beolit 20 holds its ground with its unique combination of sound quality, design, and features. Here’s how it compares to some of its closest competitors:
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 vs. Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
While the WONDERBOOM 2 is a great compact speaker with excellent sound for its size, it lacks the powerful bass and stereo pairing capabilities of the Beolit 20. The Beolit 20 also offers wireless charging, a higher-quality build, and a more sophisticated sound experience.
JBL Xtreme 4 vs. Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
The JBL Xtreme 4 is another popular choice for outdoor music. While it delivers a loud sound and has great bass, the Beolit 20 offers better design aesthetics, premium materials, and a more customizable EQ. Additionally, the JBL Xtreme 4 is bulkier, making it less portable than the Beolit 20.
Sonos Move 2 vs. Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
The Sonos Move 2 is known for its deep bass and multi-room capabilities. However, it is not as compact or as portable as the Beolit 20. The Beolit 20 is a better option for those who prioritize portability, sleek design, and wireless charging.
Is it Worth Buying the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20?
If you’re looking for a premium portable Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound quality, a stylish design, and advanced features like wireless charging and EQ customization, the Beolit 20 is an excellent choice. It offers a lot of value for the price, especially if you’re a fan of Bang & Olufsen products.
The Beolit 20 stands out for its 70W output power, long battery life, and IP67 waterproof rating, making it a versatile speaker for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also great for music lovers who want a high-quality listening experience on the go, without the need to sacrifice portability or style.
Conclusion
The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is undoubtedly one of the best portable speakers in its class. Whether you’re looking for high-quality sound, long battery life, or premium design, this speaker delivers it all. Its ability to charge your devices, paired with seamless Bluetooth connectivity and customizable audio, makes it a standout option for anyone in search of a luxury portable speaker. While it comes at a premium price, the Beolit 20 justifies its cost through performance, features, and its iconic Bang & Olufsen design.
FAQs: Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20: Best Bluetooth Speaker for Outdoors
Can I charge my phone using the Beolit 20?
Yes, the Beolit 20 comes with a built-in Qi wireless charging pad. You can charge compatible devices, such as smartphones, by simply placing them on top of the speaker. This feature allows you to charge while you enjoy your music.
Is the Beolit 20 waterproof?
Yes, the Beolit 20 has an IP67 rating, meaning it is both waterproof and dustproof. You can submerge it in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it suitable for outdoor use in wet conditions, such as at the beach or poolside.
How do I pair the Beolit 20 with my devices?
Pairing the Beolit 20 is easy and quick. It uses Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a stable connection with your Android, iPhone, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Simply turn on the speaker, find it in the Bluetooth settings of your device, and connect. The Bang & Olufsen app also simplifies this process.
Can I use multiple Beolit 20 speakers together?
Yes, the Beolit 20 supports stereo pairing. You can connect two Beolit 20 speakers for an enhanced sound experience, or you can even pair a Beolit 20 with a Beolit 17 for a more immersive audio setup. The process is simple, and the app guides you through the pairing.
Does the Beolit 20 support customizable sound profiles?
Yes, the Bang & Olufsen app allows you to customize your sound profile using the Beosonic Tuning feature. You can adjust the bass, treble, and mids, allowing you to tailor the sound to your liking for different types of music and environments.
Does the Beolit 20 support voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?
The Beolit 20 does not have built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. However, it works seamlessly with your smartphone or tablet, so you can still use your voice assistant via your device when connected to the speaker.
