18.5.2017

I have Sonos around my house, but like to have a good quality Bluetooth speaker for travel. So when I was offered this through the Vine programme, I jumped at the chance to check it out.It comes in a neat and quality-feeling box, surrounded by some fitted foam padding, befitting of a speaker of this price. There appeared to be no instructions, nor any obvious buttons on the speaker, so it took me a little while to work out what I was supposed to do with it. The instructions, what there are of them, are tucked into a little compartment in the lid of the box. One of those cases where it's terribly neat and clever, but not much use if you don't know where to look!Anyway,you might just as well throw the instructions away because they only give some fairly cryptic clues as to what to do next... Basically, there is only one button on the speaker, which is concealed behind the little B&O logo on its back. Press that to switch it on, or hold it down for 2-3 seconds to put it into Bluetooth pairing mode.It's worthwhile also downloading the Beoplay app, which helps to choose a couple of simple options (mainly the tone settings, which are a slightly odd quadrant design that basically lets you choose between warm and bright sound), and also to act as a player app for play/pause/skip. It seems only to work for items stored locally on your phone, though. I think so, at least. But when it's paired to my phone, I can go to Deezer or Spotify and stream whatever I like.So far so good, but when you DO play something, does it actually sound any good...? Mercifully, the answer is 'Oh, yes!'. This really is a cracking little speaker, and arguably a match for my Sonos Play 1s in terms of quality. This is pretty astounding when you see the size of it - about 6 inches long, a little over 4 inches wide and about an inch and a half thick (or about 17 x 9 x 4cm in new money). There's no reflex port, and remarkably little space for a decent sized driver, never mind any decent travel.It goes really loud - easily enough to fill a 16ft x 12ft room for a party. Not deafening, but certainly easily loud enough to focus on the music, and again, astonishingly loud for its size. The sound is rich, open and has a great neutral tone unless you play around with the controls. It has a bass that, while is doesn't go particularly deep, is full and rounded. The midrange and treble are clear and there's very little distortion at all until you go very loud indeed.It's very portable, the 10 hour battery life seems reasonable if you don't go crazy with the volume, and it's reputedly dust and splash resistant too.Drawbacks? Not many. If I was being really picky, it might have been nice to be able to have two and create a stereo pair, but maybe that's being too ambitious.All in all, if you're in the market for a small portable, high quality Bluetooth speaker in this price bracket, I'm highly impressed with this little fella and would recommend it.

15.5.2017

Being Bang & Olufsen, the sound on this is very good. It's loud, and presents with dimension that belies the speaker's mono appearance - fills the room, and is deep and weighty. In fact, I'd say the sound on this is better than some units I own that are four times the size. Moreover, with 10 hours playback, voice control (which also allows for this to be used as a phone application) and a wake-up alarm, this is more than just a pretty noise maker.Back in the Sixties, when guys wanted to sell their guitar amp, they'd put a brick in the bottom - because people assumed that the heavier an amp, the better its quality. Well, in this case, the Beoplay P2 is nicely weighted, reflecting its metal (not plastic)construction. It looks gorgeous too, and certainly carries the vibe of something that means business.In terms of functions: this is most definitely a post-iPod device, given it's been designed to have zero external tech. The on/off button is hidden away on the underside (marked only by the B&O logo), otherwise - and apart from a USB-C socket on one side - it's smooth like a pebble. Cleverly, the unit works via a series of taps and shakes - and, as you'd expect, there's a phone app to download via the product's website. Which is likewise gorgeous. Absolutely fits with the whole B&O aesthetic, and is a pleasure to use. (It even has the option to set colour themes, which I thought was a nice touch.) There is the facility to change the 3D sound dynamic, volume, etc - but no equaliser, which, given the unit leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum, would have been nice.For all of the above, I should say I'm still finding the P2 a tad mysterious (bordering on confusing) given there's no instructions included. Again, this is something the tech world seems to have borrowed from Apple: taking the item out of its chic, minimalist box is akin to unpacking a piece of jewellery - beyond which, the sense of retail satisfaction is prolonged by making the buyer discover what their purchase does by going online and hunting down the instructions; learning short-cuts, etc. All of which is great... but does make for a device which, even now, after a week, confuses me.Likewise, it's a shame that B&O didn't include a carry bag, because a few extra quid on the price wouldn't have made much difference - given the last thing I want to do is throw something so gorgeous in my bag. Okay, I could go and spend more money on an optional accessory, but surely the whole point is to encourage folks to use this thing - to WANT to immediately take it out with them; show it off to their friends, and get the most use out of it, at every opportunity. Me? I'd be too worried about it getting scratched (which, given I have the black model, would be a crime).Other than that, this is a beautiful piece of kit, which is most definitely one for adults (in other words, don't be wasting it on your kids. It's too good!)

10.5.2017

This Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P2 is a neat little piece of kit. It is beautifully and ruggedly built, withstanding dust and water splashes, although not fully waterproof. It is approximately the same size as my phone (7in x 4.5in x 2in), and has a handy carry strap, which makes it extremely portable. It is so easy to use, simply charge the speaker (approx 2 hours), then switch on and pair your chosen device. Sound quality for something so small is nothing short of amazing. It has very good treble and bass, and doesn't distort at higher volumes.A short press of the on/off button switches on, and a two second press on the button activates Bluetooth pairing. A flashing indicator on the P2 will activate,

9.5.2017

I have a few of this genre of portable active speakers in our home and my office, all of which have their place, but they vary in quality and value for money. I expected very little from this Bang & Olufsen model, but I was wrong, because this is an excellent product. The key to this product's brilliance is it's size, it is very compact indeed, and the impression that you get by its size is that the sound will be 'thin' - but nothing old be further from the truth.The bass performance of this speaker relative to its size is the best I have experienced! The reality is that this tiny speaker that can be hung around your neck or hung on a hook on the wall can deliver a very satisfactory sound

10.5.2017

Over the years I have had a few portable speakers, but this is the smallest that I think I have used. In size, it is about the size of my phone, although it is slightly heavier (but the difference is negligible and this is very portable). It comes with a wrist strap and also a USB charger, which plugs into my PC.Now all of my music is on an iPod, which is not a bluetooth device, although I can access Prime music on my kindle fire and my old fire phone and the same goes for my audiobooks. All of my audible books are on my kindle fire/fire phone and I could pair these both easily with this device. All you do is charge the speaker, then press the 'on' button,

10.5.2017

This minimalist designed portable speaker is well constructed and beautifully finished. For its size, the sound it produces is absolutely sublime. It is controlled by the Beoplay app which, once downloaded, pairs readily with your smart phone or tablet using Bluetooth technology. While Bang and Olufsen have been at the forefront of quality sound and design innovation for decades, their products do not come cheap. And this is no exception. Probably this is the main reason that all my personal sound gear to date has been provided by other up-market competitors. This is actually the first time I have listened to any of their products. I have to say I am very pleasantly surprised and suitably impressed.

11.5.2017

I have been reviewing personal portable speakers for quite a few years now, with my personal favourite being a Braven which has served me faithfully for about 4 years. As you might imagine this Bang and Olufsen entry to the market sets a new standard in design and portability, so I might have a new favourite. Packaging is classy black and white, with instructions booklets graphics kept to an absolute minimum, which is a very pleasant change. The B & O play is activated by a tiny logo button on the base and switches on with a melodious chime. Set up and management is via an app available on Google play for you android users; there are quite a few apps for this brand so make sure you get the right one.

19.5.2017

This is a beautiful little device in more ways than one.Well made and attractive it produces a rich, warm sound quality that is the best that I have ever heard from one of these speakers with a volume range to match. For something of this size, it is simply tremendous. It just feels and looks right and has the sounds to match.Easy to use and set-up, via the downloaded app, it has a 10 hour play capacity and is quickly re-charged via a USB lead. The lead is a little on the short side which is the only fault that I can find with it.Outstanding value for money.

20.11.2018

I have had Bluetooth speakers in the past but this speaker absolutely smashes all the competitors. The quality of the sound is breathtaking as you would expect from B&O. Even at 100% volume the sound is crisp with outstanding bass and treble. Light weight and small it is easy to pack away, ideal for taking on holiday etc. It charges quickly and holds its charge well. Incredibly well designed it's little features to skip songs etc are easy to use. Took minutes to set up. Would recommend 100%!

1.12.2018

I use this for work, the amount of clear bassy notes that come out of this is outrageous!! I work as a multitrade tradesman, it’s loud enough to be heard through the houses I maintain. You download the beo play app and it connects automatically, with lots of graphic equaliser options. Works perfectly with my iPhone XS. Easy controls on the actual speaker as well, shake to change song and double tap to stop it, links up well with my Fitbit versa. Cons- no bag or case.Overall b&o quality!

9.4.2019

I decided it was time to treat myself to a quality speaker and for me this B&O speaker was a good choice. It works great with the B&O app and the different amounts of eq you can create are ideal. I've had no problems with connecting to devices (mp3 player, phone, tv) and the charge lasts for ages plus the app shows you the charge level percentage.The leather strap is a bonus because you can also hang it as well as place it. Very pleased.

13.11.2018

I’ve had many wireless speakers in the past and have experienced tinny sounds with most.This Beoplay P2 is just amazing. It sounds great and you can alter the sound easy on the app for different types of music and depending what size room or even if your outside. So simple to connect - unlike most and it still has over 75% off its first charge after hours and hours of listening!!I would highly recommend this product!

13.5.2017

I am not a techy person and cannot type reams about the technicality of this type of product.What I do know is what I hear and I hear clear sound, fabulous volume.For the size the quality of sound is impressive, so easy to set up (even for me) which is a sign that Bang & Olufsen have got another quality product "bang" on.My grand children will have to arm wrestle me to get hold of this little beauty

29.11.2018

This is a lovely looking speaker, very sleek and tactile to hold. It connected really easily using the app on my phone. The sound is fantastic much better than my other speaker, no distortion even with the sound up loud. Very easy to use, you can shake the speaker to skip to the next song or you can tap it to pause the music. I’m really pleased with it and I would definitely recommend this speaker

29.11.2018

Beautifully packaged and very compact in size. Bluetooth a bit fiddly to set up and I feel that there could do with a better setup guide with the product but it’s well worth persisting with as the sound quality is outstanding, extremely clear and although small in size, this speaker could provide music for any family party.highly recommend

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay P2 - Reviews

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