Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Bluetooth Speaker Review: Elevating Your Picnic Experience

Imagine a perfect picnic: the warmth of the sun, the gentle rustle of leaves, and a soundtrack that perfectly complements the moment. When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, few evoke such a sense of refined outdoor enjoyment as the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20. This isn’t just a speaker; it’s a statement, a luxurious companion designed to infuse your al fresco gatherings with powerful, pristine sound and sophisticated style. But beyond its stunning aesthetics, does the Beolit 20 truly offer “picnic perfection” for the discerning audiophile? Let’s delve into what makes this premium Bluetooth speaker a unique choice for your outdoor adventures.

The Beolit 20: A Design Statement for Your Outdoor Gatherings

The Beolit 20 immediately stands out with its distinctive, retro-modern design, often likened to a chic picnic hamper. Crafted from premium materials like anodized aluminum and a vegetable-tanned leather handle, it exudes an undeniable sense of luxury. This thoughtful combination of textures and finishes ensures the Beolit 20 looks at home on any elegant picnic blanket or garden table. Its robust build, weighing approximately 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg) and measuring 5.3 x 9.1 x 7.5 inches, strikes a balance between portability and a substantial presence, making it easy to carry with its sturdy strap without feeling flimsy.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 with its retro-modern design on an elegant picnic blanket outdoors.

While its design is undeniably eye-catching and built to last in terms of material quality, it’s crucial to note a significant aspect for outdoor use: the Beolit 20 does not boast an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. This means while it can certainly accompany you outdoors, it requires mindful placement away from unexpected drizzles or dusty environments. It’s a speaker for the carefully curated picnic, where elegance takes precedence over extreme ruggedness, distinguishing it from more adventure-focused alternatives.

Immersive Audio for Al Fresco Enjoyment

For many, the primary appeal of a Bang & Olufsen product lies in its sound, and the Beolit 20 does not disappoint. It delivers an impressively rich and full-bodied audio experience, characterized by powerful bass and crisp, detailed highs. This is achieved through a sophisticated acoustic setup, including a 5.5-inch long-stroke wideband woofer, three 1.5-inch full-range drivers, and two 4-inch passive bass radiators, all powered by dual 35-watt Class-D amplifiers. The result is a frequency range spanning 37Hz to 20kHz, ensuring both deep lows and sparkling highs are reproduced with clarity.

One of the Beolit 20’s standout features for outdoor settings is its True360 omnidirectional sound. This design ensures that sound is dispersed evenly in all directions, making it perfect for filling an open picnic area without needing to constantly reposition the speaker. Whether your guests are lounging nearby or wandering further afield, everyone can enjoy a consistent and immersive listening experience. While some audiophiles might perceive a slightly less pronounced midrange or a treble that could have more sparkle, the overall sound signature is warm, engaging, and exceptionally well-suited for a variety of music genres, from electronic pop to classical pieces. The Bang & Olufsen app also offers customizable EQ presets, allowing you to fine-tune the sound profile to your personal preferences or the specific outdoor environment.

Powering Your Day Out: Extended Battery Life and Wireless Charging Convenience

A long-lasting battery is paramount for any portable speaker intended for outdoor use, and the Beolit 20 delivers a solid performance. Equipped with a 3200 mAh battery, it offers up to 8 hours of playtime at typical listening volumes—a respectable duration for most picnics or backyard gatherings. For those who prefer background ambiance, the speaker can stretch its playtime to an impressive 37 hours at lower volumes. Recharging the Beolit 20 is also straightforward, with a full charge taking approximately 3 hours via its USB-C port.

Beyond simply playing music, the Beolit 20 incorporates a truly innovative feature that enhances its picnic readiness: an integrated Qi wireless charging pad on its top surface. This 5-watt charging area allows you to conveniently top up your smartphone or wireless earbuds without needing extra cables or power banks. It’s an invaluable addition when you’re off-grid, ensuring your devices stay powered up while you enjoy your music, transforming the speaker into a functional hub for your outdoor technology needs.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 speaker charging a smartphone wirelessly on its top surface.

Seamless Connectivity for Your Outdoor Soundtrack

Connecting your devices to the Beolit 20 is a hassle-free experience thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. It supports standard AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring reliable audio streaming from most smartphones and tablets. While it lacks support for higher-fidelity codecs like AptX, the sound quality remains excellent for typical Bluetooth streaming. For those who prefer a wired connection or wish to connect older audio sources like a portable turntable, a 3.5mm AUX input is also available.

The Beolit 20 features intuitive on-device controls for power, Bluetooth pairing, playback, and volume, nestled discreetly on its top panel. For a grander soundstage, you can stereo pair two Beolit 20 units or connect it in “party mode” with an older Beolit 17, expanding your sound coverage for larger outdoor events. However, it’s worth noting the absence of certain advanced features often found in other modern portable speakers, such as Wi-Fi connectivity for casting, built-in voice assistants, or speakerphone functionality. The Beolit 20 focuses on delivering a pure, high-quality Bluetooth audio experience with elegant simplicity.

Is the Beolit 20 Truly Picnic Perfection? A Balanced Perspective

The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 positions itself as a premium portable Bluetooth speaker, and for the right kind of outdoor enthusiast, it genuinely approaches picnic perfection. Its exquisite design, powerful 360-degree sound, and convenient Qi wireless charging are undeniable assets for sophisticated al fresco dining or relaxed garden parties. The sound quality, with its impressive bass and clarity, easily fills open spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. The ability to wirelessly charge your phone on its top surface is a thoughtful touch that truly enhances its utility in an outdoor setting.

However, its lack of official waterproofing means it’s not the speaker you’d toss casually by the pool or take camping in unpredictable weather. It demands a level of care that rugged, IP-rated speakers don’t. While its 8-hour battery life at typical volumes is good for many occasions, it might fall short for all-day events without a recharge. Ultimately, the Beolit 20 shines as a luxury item for those who prioritize aesthetics and high-fidelity sound in a controlled outdoor environment, rather than a go-anywhere, ultra-durable device.

Comparing the Beolit 20 to Portable Bluetooth Speaker Rivals

To fully appreciate the Beolit 20, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular portable Bluetooth speakers on the market.

Feature	Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20	JBL Charge 6	Marshall Middleton	Bose SoundLink Max
Price Range	Premium (e.g., $500-$750)	Mid-range (e.g., $150-$200)	Premium (e.g., $300-$400)	Premium (e.g., $400-$500)
Sound	Powerful 360°, rich bass, clear highs	Balanced, strong bass, good volume	Signature Marshall, loud, direct	Powerful, deep bass, excellent clarity
Portability	Good, leather strap, 2.7 kg	Excellent, compact, 1.0 kg	Good, durable strap, 1.8 kg	Excellent, handle, 2.1 kg
Battery Life	8 hrs (typical), 37 hrs (low)	Up to 28 hrs	20+ hrs	Up to 20 hrs
Water/Dust Res.	None (weather-resistant base)	IP68	IP67	IP67
Unique Feature	Qi Wireless Charging, Luxury Design	Built-in Power Bank, PartyBoost	Stack Mode, Guitar Amp Aesthetic	Intuitive App, Rugged Design

The Beolit 20 truly distinguishes itself with its unparalleled design and convenient Qi charging, appealing to those who value form and function. For ultimate ruggedness and longer battery life at a more accessible price, the JBL Charge series remains a strong contender. The Marshall Middleton offers a different aesthetic and robust build with excellent sound. The Bose SoundLink Max brings premium sound and great ruggedness.

Elevating Your Picnic: Tips for Using and Caring for Your Beolit 20

To get the most out of your Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 during your outdoor escapades, consider these tips:

• Optimal Placement: For the best True360 sound, place the Beolit 20 on a flat, stable surface at roughly ear level in the center of your gathering. Avoid placing it directly on the ground, as this can muffle the bass and make the sound seem “woolly.”
• Leverage the Qi Charger: Don’t forget the built-in wireless charging pad! It’s incredibly handy for keeping your phone charged while streaming music. Just place your Qi-compatible device on the top surface, ensuring it’s centered for efficient charging. You can also turn off the Qi charging in the app to preserve speaker battery if not needed.
• Mind the Weather: Given its lack of official waterproofing, always be mindful of the weather forecast. If there’s a chance of rain or excessive dust, bring a protective cover or move the speaker indoors. A little caution goes a long way in preserving its pristine condition.
• Customise Your Sound: Utilize the Bang & Olufsen app to fine-tune the EQ. Outdoors, where there are fewer reflective surfaces, you might prefer a slightly different sound profile than indoors. Experiment with the “Optimal” or custom settings to enhance clarity or bass response for your environment.
• Gentle Cleaning: Its premium materials deserve gentle care. Wipe the aluminum grille and leather strap with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. For tougher spots, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but avoid harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 Bluetooth speaker is a testament to the idea that portable audio can be both powerful and exquisitely designed. With its elegant aesthetic, robust 360-degree sound, and the clever inclusion of a Qi wireless charging pad, it offers a distinct advantage for those seeking a premium outdoor listening experience. While it may not be built for the most extreme adventures due to its lack of waterproofing, for sophisticated picnics, garden parties, or simply adding a touch of luxury to your patio, the Beolit 20 is an exceptional choice. It’s a speaker that not only plays music but also elevates the entire ambiance of your outdoor gatherings. So, are you ready to transform your next picnic into an unforgettable sonic and stylistic affair?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 battery last?

The Beolit 20 offers up to 8 hours of playtime at typical listening volumes and can last up to 37 hours at lower background music levels. A full recharge takes approximately 3 hours via USB-C.

Is the Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 waterproof?

No, the Beolit 20 does not have an official IP rating for waterproofing. While it has a somewhat ruggedized base, it’s safest to assume it is not waterproof and should be protected from rain and excessive moisture when used outdoors.

Can I charge my phone with the Beolit 20?

Yes, the Beolit 20 features a built-in Qi wireless charging pad on its top surface, allowing you to wirelessly charge compatible smartphones and earbuds. This is particularly convenient when power outlets are not available.

Does the Beolit 20 have a 360-degree sound?

Absolutely. The Beolit 20 is engineered with True360 omnidirectional sound, meaning it disperses audio evenly in all directions. This makes it ideal for outdoor environments where sound needs to fill a wider area.

What is the sound quality like on the Beolit 20?

The Beolit 20 delivers a rich, powerful, and clear sound with impressive bass depth and detailed highs. It uses a 5.5-inch woofer, three full-range drivers, and two passive bass radiators, powered by dual 35-watt amplifiers, to create a premium audio experience.

Can I connect two Beolit 20 speakers together?

Yes, you can stereo pair two Beolit 20 speakers for an even more immersive and expansive soundstage. It can also be connected in “party mode” with an older Beolit 17 model.

Does the Beolit 20 have Wi-Fi connectivity or a voice assistant?

No, the Beolit 20 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2 and does not include Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming or a built-in voice assistant. It focuses on a streamlined, high-quality Bluetooth audio experience.