We reviewed B&O’s Beosound Explore – here's our take 

We all know that browsing products online isn’t the same as taking them for a test spin, so we’re here to help. In our series of in-depth reviews, our editors pick out products you may be curious about. This time, we’re reviewing Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Explore. Read our review to learn more about the outdoor Bluetooth speaker, then head to Cathay Shop  and check it out for yourself.     

A little bit of background    

Inspired by traditional outdoor gear, the Beosound Explore is crafted to be simple and sturdy, built to last even when put through extreme conditions. Its outer shell is made of scratch-resistant anodised aluminium, with a vertical rib structure for protection against bumps. What makes it truly weatherproof is its dust- and waterproof IP67 construction, as well as its waterproof and glove-friendly buttons (ideal for winter sports). For off-the-grid camping trips, you'll appreciate its high-performance battery which ensures up to 27 hours of playtime, so you don't need to rely on a portable charger.  

The speaker also comes with additional components that are equally rugged, including a waterproof side strap and handy aluminium carabiner, plus a rubber base to keep it steady on a variety of surfaces. Bluetooth connectivity offers effortless pairing, while a 360-degree sound experience provides crystal-clear quality that reflects – and respects – the beauty and harmony of your surroundings.   

First impressions    

The speaker comes in a rich shade of emerald green that wouldn’t look out of place in the woods nor on a chic side table at home; its aluminium coating is smooth and cool to the touch. A silicone USB cable and compact carabiner round out the matching three-piece set, and the latter means you can easily clip the speaker to your backpack, belt or bike for greater convenience and mobility.   

While this speaker can be used in conjunction with the Bang & Olufsen app, it works perfectly fine on its own thanks to intuitive built-in controls. The added bonus of the app is the ability to create your own custom audio profile by moving a dial to strike the perfect balance between moods like bright, relaxed, energetic and warm, as well as low or high treble and bass. There are also preset sound modes for different scenarios, such as Party and Speech.   

Any cons?      

While the Beosound Explore’s premium aluminium construction makes it more durable for the great outdoors, its weight – heavier than other portable speakers I own – deterred me from bringing it out on long hikes, as I wanted to avoid adding extra weight to my load.   

On one occasion when I did bring the speaker along and popped it into my kayak, I found that the sound quality was slightly affected when the device came into contact with water, although it dried off quickly.   

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a long-lasting speaker to power you through action-packed journeys come wind or rain, this is it. The Beosound Explore’s impressive battery life, hands-free use and scratch- and bump-resistant design make it the perfect companion for life’s adventures.