Beosound 2 vs Beosound Balance – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Beosound Balance & Beosound 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Beosound Balance rather than the Beosound 2.

Why Do I Recommend The Beosound Balance?

  • The Beosound Balance features 7 drivers for wider frequency coverage and more controlled sound layering across bass, mids, and highs, while the Beosound 2 uses a 3-driver configuration.
  • Beosound Balance comes with 850 W total amplifier power for higher sustained output and reduced distortion at high volumes, whereas the Beosound 2 uses 105 W amplification.
  • It includes dual 5.25-inch woofers for stronger low-frequency extension and more consistent bass response in larger rooms, while the Beosound 2 uses a single 5.25-inch woofer.
  • The Beosound Balance supports beamforming technology to direct sound toward specific listening positions and minimize reflections from walls, whereas the Beosound 2 uses fixed 360-degree dispersion.
  • Beosound Balance features Active Room Compensation for automatic acoustic calibration based on room layout and placement, while the Beosound 2 uses Adaptive Bass Linearisation without full room measurement.
  • It includes a 7-microphone array for voice commands and far-field voice pickup across the room, whereas the Beosound 2 has no microphones.
  • The Beosound Balance comes with Google Assistant integration for hands-free control of playback, volume, and smart home devices, while the Beosound 2 does not support voice assistants.
  • Beosound Balance includes a 3.5 mm and optical combo input for direct wired audio connections with external devices, whereas the Beosound 2 does not include a physical audio input.

Maybe the Beosound 2 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Beosound Balance. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureBeosound BalanceBeosound 2
Driver Configuration7 drivers3 drivers
Full-Range Drivers2 × 2″ + 2 × 3″2 × 2″
Amplifier Channels7 class D amplifiers3 class D amplifiers
Total Amplifier Power850 W105 W
Tweeter Amplifier1 × 50 W1 × 15 W
Full-Range Amplifier4 × 100 W1 × 30 W
Woofer Amplifier2 × 200 W2 × 30 W
Frequency Range26–23,000 Hz33–23,400 Hz
Max SPL @1m104 dB94 dB
Bass Capability88 dB84 dB
Sound DispersionBeamforming360° acoustic lens
Beam Width ControlYesNo
Beam Direction Control3 directionsNo
Acoustic TechnologyActive Room CompensationAcoustic Lens Technology
Microphones7 microphonesNo microphones
Voice AssistantGoogle AssistantNot supported
Ethernet Ports2 × RJ451 × RJ45
MaterialsOak wood + fabric + aluminumAluminum
PriceCheck Beosound Balance PriceCheck Beosound 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wireless Streaming: Both speakers support wireless audio streaming, allowing playback without physical cables. This enables flexible placement and seamless music access from smartphones and cloud services.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Each model supports dual-band Wi-Fi with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This ensures stable streaming performance and compatibility with modern home networks.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Both devices include Bluetooth connectivity for direct pairing with mobile devices. This allows quick playback without requiring a Wi-Fi network.
  • AirPlay 2 Support: Both speakers support Apple AirPlay 2 for multi-device streaming within the Apple ecosystem. This enables synchronized playback across multiple AirPlay-compatible speakers.
  • Chromecast Built-in: Each speaker includes Chromecast for direct streaming from supported apps. This allows users to cast audio from Android devices and compatible services.
  • Bang & Olufsen App Control: Both models integrate with the Bang & Olufsen app for control and configuration. This centralizes settings such as EQ tuning and multiroom grouping.
  • Multiroom Audio: Both speakers support multiroom functionality within the B&O ecosystem. This enables synchronized playback across different rooms.
  • Stereo Pairing: Each speaker supports stereo pairing with another unit of the same model. This creates a left-right channel setup for wider sound staging.
  • Touch Controls: Both devices feature touch-sensitive controls for playback and volume adjustment. This allows quick access without needing a mobile device.
  • Top Control Interface: Each model uses a capacitive touch interface located on the top surface. This design provides intuitive interaction and visual feedback.
  • EQ Customization: Both speakers allow sound tuning through adjustable EQ settings. This enables users to tailor audio output to room conditions or preferences.
  • Firmware Updates: Each device supports over-the-air updates for software improvements. This ensures ongoing feature enhancements and bug fixes.
  • Digital Signal Processing: Both models include DSP for audio optimization. This enhances clarity, balance, and overall sound reproduction.
  • Class D Amplification: Each speaker uses Class D amplifiers for efficient power delivery. This supports high output with controlled heat and energy usage.
  • Power Input: Both devices operate on standard 100–240 V AC input. This allows usage across different regions without voltage conversion.
  • Wireless Setup: Both speakers support app-based wireless setup. This simplifies installation and network configuration.
  • LED Indicators: Each model includes LED indicators for status feedback. This provides visual confirmation of power, connectivity, and interaction.
  • Streaming Services Integration: Both speakers integrate with major streaming platforms. This enables direct playback from supported services without additional hardware.
  • Aluminum Components: Both designs incorporate aluminum elements in their construction. This contributes to durability and a premium finish.
  • Indoor Usage: Both speakers are designed specifically for indoor environments. This aligns with their acoustic tuning and material choices.

Common Features

FeatureBeosound BalanceBeosound 2
Wireless StreamingYesYes
Wi-Fi Connectivity2.4 GHz + 5 GHz2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
AirPlay 2 SupportYesYes
Chromecast Built-inYesYes
Bang & Olufsen App ControlYesYes
Multiroom AudioYesYes
Stereo PairingYesYes
Touch ControlsYesYes
Top Control InterfaceCapacitive touchCapacitive touch
EQ CustomizationYesYes
Firmware UpdatesYesYes
Digital Signal ProcessingYesYes
Class D AmplificationYesYes
Power Input100–240 V AC100–240 V AC
Wireless SetupYesYes
LED IndicatorsYesYes
Streaming Services IntegrationYesYes
Aluminum ComponentsYesYes
Indoor UsageYesYes
Price Check Beosound Balance Price
Check Beosound 2 Price

FAQ

Is Beosound Balance louder than Beosound 2?
Beosound Balance delivers higher maximum sound output due to its multi-driver setup and higher total amplifier power, while Beosound 2 produces lower peak loudness with a simpler acoustic configuration.

Do both speakers support multiroom audio?
Both Beosound Balance and Beosound 2 support multiroom audio through Bang & Olufsen systems as well as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, allowing synchronized playback across multiple speakers.

Which speaker is better for room corners or wall placement?
Beosound Balance is designed for wall proximity and shelf placement with directional sound control, whereas Beosound 2 is optimized for open placement with 360-degree sound dispersion.

Do both speakers have voice assistant support?
Beosound Balance includes built-in Google Assistant with microphones for voice control, while Beosound 2 does not include any voice assistant or microphone system.

Is there a difference in sound dispersion between the two?
Beosound Balance uses beamforming with adjustable sound direction, while Beosound 2 uses an acoustic lens to distribute sound evenly in all directions.

Can both speakers be used as a stereo pair?
Both models support stereo pairing with another unit of the same model, allowing left and right channel separation for improved soundstage.

Do both speakers support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity?
Both Beosound Balance and Beosound 2 support Bluetooth and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless streaming and network integration.

Which speaker has deeper bass performance?
Beosound Balance reaches lower frequency levels and includes dual woofers, while Beosound 2 has a higher low-frequency limit with a single woofer.

Are both speakers compatible with Apple AirPlay 2?
Both speakers support Apple AirPlay 2, enabling seamless streaming from Apple devices and integration into multiroom setups.

Do both models support Chromecast built-in?
Beosound Balance and Beosound 2 both include Chromecast built-in, allowing direct streaming from compatible apps and Android devices.

Which speaker has more physical inputs?
Beosound Balance includes a 3.5 mm and optical combo input, while Beosound 2 does not provide a wired audio input option.

Is there a difference in build materials?
Beosound Balance combines wood, fabric, and aluminum materials, whereas Beosound 2 uses a fully anodized aluminum construction.

Which speaker is heavier?
Beosound Balance weighs approximately 7.2 kg, while Beosound 2 is lighter at around 4.1 kg.

Do both speakers receive software updates?
Both devices support over-the-air firmware updates, ensuring continued performance improvements and feature updates.

Which speaker is better for central room placement?
Beosound 2 is designed for central placement with its 360-degree sound output, while Beosound Balance is tuned for directional listening and placement near walls or surfaces.