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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

/

151

#

89

/

151

#

7

/

151

#

/

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