Outdoor speakers often force a choice: go with something tough enough to survive the elements, or opt for a model that actually sounds good.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is B&O’s attempt to merge both worlds. It’s a compact Bluetooth speaker wrapped in twice-anodized aluminum, designed to survive dust, rain, and the occasional drop—all while delivering a refined sound profile.
It’s positioned as the ultimate adventure companion for people who care about both durability and design. But does it really live up to that promise? Let’s dig in.
Built for the Elements, Styled for Everyday
The first thing you notice about the Explore is its weight—637 grams of aluminum that feels reassuringly solid without being burdensome.
This isn’t the kind of speaker you’ll worry about tossing into a backpack. Its IP67 rating makes it both dustproof and waterproof, capable of surviving a 30-minute dip in a meter of water. In short, it’s ready for real-world conditions, not just the marketing pitch.
Portable by Design
Bang & Olufsen clearly thought about usability in the wild. At just 8cm in diameter and 12cm tall, the Explore is compact enough to slip into a bag’s side pocket.
The included carabiner is more than an afterthought—it makes clipping the speaker to a backpack strap or tent pole effortless. Even the rubberized base adds a practical touch, keeping it stable on uneven ground.
A Palette of Personality
True to B&O’s Scandinavian aesthetic, the speaker comes in a range of muted yet sophisticated finishes: Black Anthracite, Green, Grey Mist, Navy, and Chestnut. Each option leans away from the neon plastic look of many outdoor speakers, instead offering something that blends equally well at a campsite or on a coffee table.
The Sound: Balanced, Not Bombastic
Of course, a speaker is only as good as its sound. The Beosound Explore is not out to rattle windows—it’s built to deliver clarity and balance.
360° Sound Architecture
Dual 1.8-inch full-range drivers, each powered by a 30W Class-D amplifier, provide a peak output of 60W. Thanks to its closed-box design, the Explore projects sound evenly in all directions, creating a genuine 360° listening experience. No need to “aim” the speaker—everyone nearby gets the same quality.
A Sonic Profile with Character
Its frequency range of 56Hz to 22,700Hz ensures a wide enough spectrum to handle most genres. Vocals and acoustic instruments feel rich and well-defined, while highs remain crisp without drifting into harshness. Bass is present and textured but never overblown—ideal for listeners who dislike artificially “boomy” sound.
At higher volumes, especially with bass-heavy tracks, you may notice some compression. Still, within small to medium-sized gatherings, the Explore strikes a natural balance that many competitors lack.
Battery and Connectivity: Built to Keep Up
If sound is the heart of the Explore, battery life is its backbone.
Lasts Longer Than the Adventure
Bang & Olufsen promises up to 27 hours of playback at moderate volumes, and real-world testing lives up to the claim. That’s more than enough for a weekend trip without hunting for a power outlet.
Quick Recharge, Modern Features
Charging via USB-C takes about 2 hours, and LED lights provide a quick glance at battery levels. The B&O app goes further by showing precise percentages and playback time estimates.
Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a rock-solid connection with extended range. Support for Google Fast Pair, Apple MFI, and Microsoft Swift Pair makes setup seamless across platforms. Multipoint pairing is another plus, allowing you to switch easily between two devices.
What’s Missing
In staying true to its “pure speaker” philosophy, the Explore skips extras like a built-in microphone, aux input, Wi-Fi, or voice assistants. For some, this may feel like a limitation—but for others, it’s a refreshing focus on just the essentials.
Smarts in the App
The Bang & Olufsen app adds personality and polish to the Explore.
- EQ Presets: Quick options for Music, Party, Speech, and Optimal.
- Beosonic Interface: A unique circular EQ that makes adjustments as simple as dragging your finger across a wheel.
- Updates: Easy firmware upgrades to keep performance current.
This streamlined control panel ensures even non-technical users can personalize their listening experience.
Real-World Performance
Specs and features matter, but how does it actually perform outside?
The Explore shines in small outdoor spaces—campsites, picnics, balconies. Its sound bubble comfortably covers areas of about 5–30 m². The IP67 durability isn’t just theoretical: it handled sandy beaches, dusty trails, and light rain without skipping a beat.
Of course, limitations exist. In crowded, noisy environments like festivals or windy ridges, its relatively modest maximum volume becomes clear. But in settings where you actually want to hear music with detail, it thrives.
Premium Positioning, Thoughtful Trade-Offs
The Beosound Explore competes with the likes of the Sonos Roam and JBL Charge 5. Yet its appeal lies less in loudness or booming bass, and more in balance, design, and endurance.
- Strengths: Rugged aluminum build, sleek design, marathon battery life, 360° clarity.
- Trade-offs: No smart features, moderate bass, not built for large parties.
This makes it a very particular kind of product: not for everyone, but perfect for those who appreciate its priorities.
Why It’s Worth a Spot in Your Pack
After weeks of use, it’s clear the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore isn’t the loudest or flashiest speaker in its class—but it may be the most refined.
It’s designed for people who want sound that feels natural, build quality that inspires confidence, and battery life that lasts longer than their adventures. If that sounds like you, the Explore is worth serious consideration. You can find it on Amazon, and while you’re browsing, it’s worth checking out other outdoor speakers in the same category to see how they compare.
