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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:35 PM

True Score

79
81
6

Experts

85
115

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Though you get incredible sound quality, minimal latency, an ultra-wide soundstage, and a companion app for watching dialogue-heavy shows and action sequences, there’s no denying the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre is very expensive.

Moreover, for its high asking price, the Dolby Atmos isn’t immersive enough.

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Featuring a unique Scandinavian design, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre is a premium 7.1.4-channel soundbar that debuted in 2022. This 18 kg bar consists of twelve speaker drivers that transmit audio to every side of your screen.

Like the best speakers, its glass touch panel lets you control music, sound modes, and Bluetooth pairing. Some of its advanced sound features include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1.

You can choose from three HDMI inputs or eARC for wired connectivity, while wireless alternatives include dual-band WiFi, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.1, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.

For more options featuring multiple connectivity, we’ve compiled our list of best soundbars. The sound bar reaches a maximum SPL of 112 dB, and since it doesn’t have a remote, you’ll need to download the Bang & Olufsen App for control.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Bang Olufsen Beosound Theatre boasts versatile connectivity with four HDMI inputs (including eARC), four ethernet sockets, dual-band WiFi, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.1, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. You get impeccably clear audio, and the minimal latency translates to lag-free video streaming.

While the soundstage is spacious and its immersive surround performance surpasses most competitors, this standalone bar lacks rear speakers for 360-degree Dolby Atmos immersion.

The treble offers rich detail, the mid-range excels in reproducing dialogues precisely, and the bass packs a punch for action scenes, even without a dedicated subwoofer.

Although there’s no included remote, the soundbar’s built strong, and input commands are responsive. There are five customizable EQ modes, and tweaking additional settings is straightforward through the user-friendly companion app.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Extensive connection options
  • Minimal latency
  • Spacious soundstage
  • Durable build
  • Companion app

Reason to Avoid

  • Dolby Atmos immersion is lacking

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth5.7"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certifiedn/a
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight7.7"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
Voice AssistantVoice Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight39.6 lbs
WidthWidth48.11"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wireless
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer Connectivityna
Works WithWorks With

All Specs

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    Product Comparison

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre Review

    True Score

    79
    76
    84
    NR

    Ranking

    #

    56

    /

    149

    #

    89

    /

    149

    #

    7

    /

    149

    #

    /

    Market Context

    Featuring a unique Scandinavian design, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre is a premium 7.1.4-channel soundbar that debuted in 2022. This 18 kg bar consists…

    Featuring a unique Scandinavian design, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre is a premium 7.1.4-channel soundbar that debuted in 2022. This 18 kg bar consists of twelve speaker drivers that transmit audio to every side of your screen.

    Like the best speakers, its glass touch panel lets you control music, sound modes, and Bluetooth pairing. Some of its advanced sound features include Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1.

    You can choose from three HDMI inputs or eARC for wired connectivity, while wireless alternatives include dual-band WiFi, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.1, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect.

    For more options featuring multiple connectivity, we’ve compiled our list of best soundbars. The sound bar reaches a maximum SPL of 112 dB, and since it doesn’t have a remote, you’ll need to download the Bang & Olufsen App for control.

    The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage is a 3.0 sound system, while the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre has a 7.1.4 setup. You can position…

    The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage is a 3.0 sound system, while the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre has a 7.1.4 setup. You can position the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage upright, but you can’t do the same with the bulky Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre. Conversely, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre offers a more expansive soundstage than the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage. If you want a compact soundbar with powerful sound, read our Polk Magnifi Mini AX review.

    While the Sonos Arc has a built-in voice assistant, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre doesn’t. The latter is also incompatible with DTS:X for hearing…

    While the Sonos Arc has a built-in voice assistant, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre doesn’t. The latter is also incompatible with DTS:X for hearing lifelike sound, but the Sonos Arc supports this feature. However, the Sonos Arc doesn’t have an extended low bass, unlike the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre, which boasts a satisfying amount of thump. For another option with a built-in voice assistant (Alexa), check out our Yamaha ATS 2090 review.

    The JBL Bar 1300X sound system comes with two wireless satellites and a subwoofer, unlike the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre, which is a one-box…

    The JBL Bar 1300X sound system comes with two wireless satellites and a subwoofer, unlike the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre, which is a one-box soundbar. The JBL Bar 1300X includes a remote control, whereas the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre does not, requiring you to use the app. Additionally, the JBL Bar 1300X boasts an 11.1.4-channel system, while the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre only has a 7.1.4 setup. For more information on the JBL model, read our JBL Bar 1300X review. For another option with separate wireless satellites and a subwoofer, read our Platin Monaco 5.1 review.

    Bluetooth Enabled

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Depth

    5.7"

    6.7"

    4.56"

    Dialogue Enhancement Feature

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Energy Star Certified

    n/a

    No

    No

    HDMI ARC

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Height

    7.7"

    3"

    3.43"

    Number of Audio Channels

    3

    5.0.2

    Subwoofer

    Included

    Optional (sold separately)

    Optional (sold separately)

    Dig Deeper

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage Review →

    Sonos Arc Review →

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    81

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    85

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    79

    Any product with a True Score above 90 is a Cosmic Wonder

    Expert Scores

    • Trusted Reviews
      57.5

      Category Trust Rating

      100
      The Beosound Theatre is a premium soundbar, with an iconic design and uncompromising performance. It… Read More

      By:

    • Techradar
      39

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre is a stunning high-end, all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar. It… Read More

      By:

    • Pocket Lint
      49.1

      Category Trust Rating

      NR
      In all, Bang & Olufsen has created a desirable product – a space saver that… Read More

      By:

    • Techhive
      27.5

      Category Trust Rating

      90
      The Beosound Theater’s sound is all B&O. It’s big, bold, clean, and plays far larger… Read More

      By:

    • Stuff.tv
      33.95

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Put your ‘hard-headed pragmatist’ hat on and it’s hard to make a case for the… Read More

      By:

    • T3
      31

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      It’s easy (and tempting) to dismiss the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre as an overpriced… Read More

      By:

    Customer Scores