Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is a stylish portable speaker that promises high-quality sound and a range of features. Its sleek design, characterized by an anodized aluminum grill and vegetable-tanned leather strap, offers both elegance and durability, although the strap may not appeal to everyone. The speaker's sound performance is impressive, delivering rich, balanced audio with clear highs, solid mids, and deep bass, though the bass can sometimes overpower the mids.

Battery life is robust, with up to 37 hours at low volume and around 8 hours at higher volumes. The USB-C charging and built-in Qi wireless charging pad add convenience. Connectivity is versatile, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 and a 3.5mm audio jack, though the lack of aptX support might be a downside for audiophiles. The user interface is straightforward with physical buttons and an app for additional control, though the absence of a display could be a drawback.

Additional features include True360 sound technology and stereo pairing, enhancing the listening experience. While the speaker is somewhat heavy at 2.7 kg, it remains portable with a leather strap. The package includes the speaker, a USB-C charging cable, a quick start guide, and warranty information, but lacks a wall adapter.

Overall, the Beolit 20 offers excellent sound quality, a chic design, and solid build, making it a strong contender in the portable speaker market, despite a few minor limitations.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore.

Introduction

Ready to take your music on the go without compromising on sound quality? Enter the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20. This portable speaker not only looks stylish but delivers a powerful audio experience. With its sleek design and impressive features, it's tailored for music lovers who want the best wherever they are. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive in and see what this speaker has to offer.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or chilling at the beach, having a top-notch mobile speaker can elevate the entire experience. The Beolit 20 promises rich sound and a range of cool features. So, is it just eye candy or a genuine auditory powerhouse? We'll break it down for you.

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Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about this speaker is its sleek, modern design. It's got that minimalist Scandinavian charm that Bang & Olufsen is known for. The anodized aluminum grill and vegetable-tanned leather strap give it a touch of elegance, making it look more like a piece of art than just a speaker.

The build quality is superb. It feels solid and well-crafted, like it's made to last. The materials used are high-end, and you can tell that attention to detail was a priority. The aluminum body makes it not only durable but also lightweight, which is a plus for portability.

However, it's not all perfect. The leather strap, while stylish, might not be to everyone's taste. Some might find it a bit too delicate, especially if you're planning to take it outdoors often. Also, the rectangular shape may not fit easily into smaller bags or cramped spaces.

On the whole, the design and build quality of this speaker are top-notch. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making it both aesthetically pleasing and durable. If you're looking for a speaker that combines form and function, this one's a solid choice.

Sound Performance

The sound performance of the Beolit 20 is nothing short of impressive. It boasts a rich, immersive audio experience that will make you question why you ever settled for anything less. The speaker uses a combination of powerful amplifiers and finely-tuned drivers to deliver a balanced sound profile with clear highs, solid mids, and deep, punchy bass. One of the standout features is its True360 omnidirectional sound, which ensures that everyone in the room gets the same high-quality audio experience, no matter where they are situated. This makes it perfect for gatherings or parties where you want to fill the room with sound. Volume levels are another strong suit. The speaker can get quite loud without distorting the audio, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Whether you are in a cozy living room or a spacious backyard, the Beolit 20 adapts impressively. On the downside, if you are a hardcore audiophile, you might notice that the bass, while generally strong, can be a bit overwhelming at times, overshadowing the mids in very bass-heavy tracks. But for most casual listeners, this will probably be a non-issue. The speaker also handles different genres of music with ease. From acoustic to electronic, jazz to hip-hop, it consistently delivers a pleasant listening experience. If you are into podcasts or audiobooks, you will appreciate the clear, crisp vocal reproduction. All in all, the Beolit 20 offers sound performance that is well above average for its category. While it might not match a full-blown home audio system, it comes remarkably close, especially given its portable nature.

Battery Life

Battery life can make or break a mobile speaker, right? So, let’s dig into how the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 performs in this department. This beauty boasts a staggering 2400 mAh battery, promising up to 37 hours of playtime at low volume levels. That’s almost two days of non-stop chill vibes! However, if you crank up the volume, expect a more realistic playtime of around 8 hours, which is still quite respectable.

Charging is easy-peasy with the included USB-C port. It takes roughly 3 hours to get a full charge, which isn’t bad for such a robust battery. Plus, the Beolit 20 has a nifty trick up its sleeve: a built-in Qi wireless charging pad on top. This means you can charge your smartphone while jamming out to your favorite tunes – pretty sweet, huh?

But, let’s keep it real. While the battery life is generally impressive, it does depend heavily on your usage. High volumes and strong bass can drain the battery faster. So, if you’re planning an all-night party, you might want to keep that charger nearby just in case.

In summary, the battery life of the Beolit 20 is solid, offering flexibility and convenience with its USB-C charging and wireless charging pad. Just remember, the louder you go, the quicker the juice runs out. But overall, it’s a reliable companion for extended listening sessions and spontaneous dance parties alike.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Let's talk about connectivity and compatibility because, hey, who wants a mobile speaker that can't connect to half your devices, right? The Beolit 20 doesn't disappoint here. It's equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, which might not be the latest version, but it's pretty reliable for most casual and even some demanding uses.

Pairing the speaker with your devices is straightforward, almost intuitive. Just turn on the Bluetooth on your phone or tablet, and the Beolit 20 should pop up in the available devices list. Tap, connect, and you're good to go. No need to dig through complicated manuals or perform some tech wizardry.

Speaking of which, the Beolit 20 supports a decent range of devices. Whether you're on iOS or Android, or even using a laptop, you're covered. But what if you're into wired connections? The speaker includes a 3.5mm audio jack for your old-school devices. It's a nice touch, especially if you have an eclectic mix of gadgets.

However, there's a minor hiccup. The absence of aptX or aptX HD support might be a letdown for audiophiles looking for that extra bit of audio clarity. It's something to think about if you're picky about sound quality over wireless connections.

Another cool feature is its ability to charge your devices. Yep, the USB-C port on the speaker can double as a power bank. Running low on juice on your phone during a picnic? No worries, the Beolit 20 has got your back.

Overall, the connectivity and compatibility aspects of the Beolit 20 are robust, versatile, and user-friendly, making it a solid choice for most users. It's not perfect, but it does a pretty good job at keeping you connected without any fuss.

User Interface and Controls

The user interface and controls on the Beolit 20 are pretty intuitive and straightforward, which is a big plus. You get a set of physical control buttons placed on the top which are easy to locate and use, even without looking.

The buttons cover all the basics: power, Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustments, and playback controls. There’s also a neat little button for activating your favorite voice assistant, which is super handy if you’re into that sort of thing.

Feel like tapping and swiping instead of pressing buttons? You might be a bit disappointed. There’s no touchscreen or fancy gestures here, just good old-fashioned buttons. But let’s be honest, sometimes simplicity is just what you need, right?

One of the standout features is the Bluetooth pairing. It's a breeze. Just press the Bluetooth button, and it quickly connects to your device. No fussing around with long setup processes.

If you love the idea of controlling everything from your phone, the Bang & Olufsen app has got you covered. The app lets you fine-tune the sound settings and even control multiple speakers if you’ve got more than one lying around. It's a nice touch, but keep in mind that you might not always want to fiddle with an additional app.

On the downside, the lack of a display might leave some users wanting more. You won’t get any visual feedback on what track is playing or the battery level, which could be a bit annoying if you’re someone who likes that kind of info at a glance.

Overall, the user interface and controls are easy to use, even if they don't come with all the bells and whistles. If you value simplicity and straightforward operation, this speaker’s got you covered.

Additional Features

Alright, let's chat about some of the cool additional features packed into the Beolit 20. One standout feature is the Qi wireless charging pad on top of the speaker. Ever been annoyed by running out of phone battery while jamming to tunes? Just plop your phone on top, and voila, it starts charging. Pretty nifty, right?

Another great add-on is the True360 sound technology. This ensures that no matter where you are in the room, the music sounds equally awesome. It's like the speaker is sharing the love with everyone around. You don’t have to fight for the sweet spot anymore.

Plus, if you’re one of those who love to tweak their music settings, the Beolit 20 syncs with the Bang & Olufsen app. With this app, you can customize your sound profile according to your taste. Want more bass or clearer vocals? Just slide those virtual dials till it sounds perfect.

On the downside, some might find the app a bit finicky. Occasionally, it might take a couple of tries to get connected properly. Annoying? Yes. Dealbreaker? Probably not.

And let’s not forget the Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. While it’s reliable and works fine, it’s not the latest version out there. Some might argue that newer versions offer better connectivity range and stability. However, unless you're a hardcore tech enthusiast, this probably won’t bother you too much.

Lastly, there's also the stereo pairing feature. If you own two Beolit 20s, you can pair them together for an even richer sound experience. Think of it as a dynamic duo for your music needs, doubling the fun.

In a nutshell, the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is stuffed with neat features that make your listening experience more enjoyable, though it has a hiccup or two that you might need to overlook.

Portability and Durability

Let's talk about how easy it is to lug this speaker around and how well it stands up to the test of time. The Beolit 20 has a decent weight to it. At around 2.7 kg (about 6 pounds), it's not exactly featherlight, but it's manageable. You can definitely toss it in the back seat for a weekend getaway or move it from the living room to the patio without breaking a sweat. The built-in leather strap is a nice touch, making it more convenient to carry. Think of it like carrying a small bag – not too much of a hassle, right? But if you're looking for something you can just shove in your backpack, this might be a little bulky for that.

As for durability, the Beolit 20 is solidly built. The anodized aluminum body and polymer base mean it can handle a few bumps and scrapes. However, it's not indestructible. Be cautious around water and extreme weather; it’s not rated for serious outdoor adventures like some rugged speakers out there. In terms of overall design and build, it feels premium and looks stylish, but remember, this isn’t your hiking buddy – it’s more of a high-end home speaker that's occasionally portable. So, if you need a blend of portability and durability with a touch of luxury, this speaker fits the bill quite nicely.

Video by: Ezekielo

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20, here's what you'll find inside:

• The Speaker Itself: The main attraction, of course. It comes securely packed to prevent any damage during transit.
• USB-C Charging Cable: A standard but essential accessory. It's decently long, so you won't have to sit right next to an outlet while charging.
• Quick Start Guide: This handy little booklet will help you get started quickly. It covers the basics like powering on, connecting via Bluetooth, and using the main features.
• Warranty Information: Nobody likes to think about their new gadget failing, but it's good to know you're covered if something goes wrong.

One thing you might find lacking is an actual wall adapter for the charger. You’ll have to use one you already own or purchase separately. This might be a bit inconvenient for some, but it’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise solid package.

Conclusion

Conclusion The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 brings a lot to the table with its impressive sound quality, stylish design, and solid build. This speaker is not just about looks; it delivers an audio performance that's hard to beat in the portable speaker category.

Sound quality is its shining star, offering deep bass and clear treble, making it perfect for all types of music lovers. Whether you’re into classical or rock, this speaker has got you covered.

The design is another highlight. With its sleek and modern aesthetic, it fits well in any setting, from a posh living room to a casual backyard barbecue. Battery life is solid, giving you plenty of playtime, though it might not always meet the high expectations for extended outdoor use. The charging capabilities are a neat touch, adding more value to the overall package.

Connectivity options are versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of devices easily. However, some users might find the lack of advanced features like voice assistant integration a bit of a bummer. The user interface is straightforward, but a bit more customization could make it even better.

When it comes to portability, this speaker is relatively easy to carry around despite its sturdy build. Yet, it's not the lightest on the market, which might be a drawback for those who prioritize ultra-light travel gear. To sum it up, if you’re looking for a mobile speaker that combines excellent sound with a chic design, the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is a solid choice. Just keep in mind its few minor limitations, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fantastic audio experience.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications