Introduction
In the realm of portable audio, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore speaker stands out as a premium option, offering a blend of ruggedness and high-quality sound. This review aims to delve into the various aspects of this speaker, from its design and build quality to its audio performance and usability. With features like Bluetooth 5.2, customizable sound settings, and impressive battery life, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore promises to be a reliable companion for outdoor adventures and casual indoor use alike.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal and Portability
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic typical of Bang & Olufsen’s product lineup. The speaker’s anodized aluminum shell not only adds to its visual appeal but also enhances its durability. Weighing in at just 650 grams, it is lightweight and easy to carry. The built-in carrying strap and removable carabiner hook further add to its portability, making it convenient to attach to a backpack or carry by hand.
Durability
One of the standout features of the Beosound Explore is its rugged design. It is both dustproof and waterproof, with an IP67 rating, ensuring that it can withstand the elements during outdoor excursions. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable speaker for hiking, camping, or beach outings. The robust build quality ensures that it can endure drops and bumps, typical in adventurous settings.
Audio Performance
Sound Profile
The audio performance of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is characterized by its boomy sound profile. This profile emphasizes the bass, providing a richer sound experience that can be particularly enjoyable for genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop. However, this bass-heavy sound can sometimes overshadow vocals and lead instruments, making them sound a bit muddied.
Customization Options
To address the varying sound preferences of users, the Beosound Explore comes with the Bang & Olufsen app, which offers customizable EQ presets and the ‘Beosonic’ sound customization feature. This allows users to fine-tune the audio output to their liking by adjusting the sound circle within the app. Whether you prefer a more balanced sound or want to accentuate certain frequencies, these customization options provide flexibility.
Directivity and Soundstage
Another notable aspect of the Beosound Explore’s audio performance is its great directivity. The speaker produces a 360-degree sound that ensures consistent audio quality regardless of where you are positioned relative to the speaker. This omnidirectional soundstage creates an open and spacious audio experience, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery Performance
Battery life is a critical factor for portable speakers, and the Beosound Explore excels in this department. With up to 27 hours of playtime at average listening volumes, it offers an impressive battery performance that can last through multiple outings or extended listening sessions. This longevity makes it a dependable choice for those who don’t want to worry about frequent recharging.
Connectivity Options
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore features Bluetooth 5.2, which ensures a stable and efficient connection with compatible devices. This latest Bluetooth version enhances the connection range and reduces power consumption, contributing to the speaker’s overall battery efficiency. The speaker also supports fast pairing with devices, including Made for iPhone (MFi), Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, making the setup process quick and straightforward.
On-Device Controls
The speaker is equipped with intuitive on-device controls, including a power button, Bluetooth connect button, play/pause button, and volume controls. These buttons are easy to access and responsive, allowing users to control their music without needing to reach for their connected device. This feature is particularly useful during activities where quick adjustments are needed.
Usability and Features
User Interface
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore boasts a minimalist and user-friendly interface. The simplicity of the design means that users can easily navigate through the controls and settings without any steep learning curve. The accompanying Bang & Olufsen app further enhances usability by providing a platform for advanced customization and updates.
Stereo Pairing
For those looking to amplify their audio experience, the Beosound Explore supports stereo pairing. This feature allows you to connect two Beosound Explore speakers, creating a more immersive and powerful sound experience. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply want to enhance your listening experience, stereo pairing adds significant value.
Performance in Various Scenarios
Outdoor Use
Given its rugged design and waterproof capabilities, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is particularly well-suited for outdoor use. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or spending a day at the beach, this speaker can handle the challenges of outdoor environments. Its durable build ensures it can withstand drops and exposure to dust and water, making it a reliable companion for adventures.
Indoor Use
While the Beosound Explore shines in outdoor settings, it is equally competent indoors. The 360-degree sound coverage ensures that it fills the room with balanced audio, making it ideal for small gatherings, casual listening, or as a portable speaker around the house. Its compact size also means it doesn’t take up much space, fitting seamlessly into various indoor environments.
Music and Media
The Beosound Explore performs admirably across different types of media. For music, its customizable EQ settings allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences, whether they prefer bass-heavy tracks or more balanced audio. When it comes to podcasts or audiobooks, the clarity of vocals is essential, and the Beosound Explore manages to deliver clear speech, despite its boomy sound profile.
Comparison with Competitors
Price and Value
In the competitive market of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore positions itself as a premium option. Its price point reflects the high-quality materials, advanced features, and brand reputation. While there are cheaper alternatives available, the value proposition of the Beosound Explore lies in its superior build quality, sound customization options, and impressive battery life.
Feature Set
Compared to other speakers in its category, the Beosound Explore offers a robust set of features. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.2, IP67 rating, customizable sound settings, and stereo pairing capabilities gives it an edge over many competitors. However, it lacks some modern features like voice assistant integration and Wi-Fi connectivity, which might be a consideration for some users.
Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Beosound Explore?
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize portability, durability, and sound quality in their portable speaker. Outdoor enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate its rugged design and long battery life. It’s also suitable for users who enjoy customizable sound settings and value the aesthetic appeal of their audio devices.
Areas for Improvement
While the Beosound Explore excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. Adding voice assistant integration would enhance its functionality, allowing users to control their music and access information hands-free. Additionally, incorporating Wi-Fi connectivity could expand its use cases, such as enabling multi-room audio setups.
Conclusion
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is a standout portable Bluetooth speaker that combines high-quality sound, durability, and portability. Its rugged design and impressive battery life make it an ideal choice for outdoor adventures, while its sleek aesthetic and customizable sound settings ensure it performs well in indoor environments too. Although it lacks some modern features like voice assistant support and Wi-Fi connectivity, its overall performance and feature set make it a worthy investment for those seeking a premium portable speaker.
In summary, this Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore speaker review highlights the speaker’s strengths in design, audio performance, and usability, while also noting areas where it could further improve. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who values high-quality audio on the go, the Beosound Explore is a reliable and stylish choice that delivers on its promises.