Which is better for outdoor parties?

The PartyBox 110. Its 160 W output and deeper bass carry across a yard or patio, and the light show suits a crowd. The A1 is fine for a small group close by.

Which is easier to carry around?

The Beosound A1. It fits in a bag and weighs a fraction of the PartyBox, which is a 20 lb box you carry by a handle.

Which has better battery life?

The Beosound A1, rated up to 18 hours against 12 hours for the PartyBox 110. Real-world figures drop at high volume on both.

Can I plug in a microphone or guitar?

Only on the PartyBox 110, which has mic and guitar inputs. The A1 has no audio input, just USB-C charging.

Is the Beosound A1 worth stepping up to over the PartyBox?

If you value build, portability and balanced sound over raw volume, yes. If you need loud group sound and instrument inputs, the PartyBox is the stronger choice.

Which handles water better?

The A1 is clearly rated IP67 for dust and immersion. The PartyBox 110 is listed as IP67 in its specs, but JBL's own description calls it IPX4 splashproof, so treat it as splash-resistant.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 vs JBL PartyBox 110

The Beosound A1 is the better pick for one person carrying a speaker in a bag: it is small, aluminium-bodied, IP67, and tuned for balanced 360-degree sound. The PartyBox 110 is the better pick for a backyard, garage or party where volume and bass matter more than portability. Owners praise the A1's build and clarity; the PartyBox wins on loudness, light show and mic/guitar inputs, but it is heavy at 20 lb and its 12-hour battery is shorter.

Choose the Beosound A1 if you want a pocketable, premium-built speaker for personal listening, travel and calls.
Choose the JBL PartyBox 110 if you need loud, bass-heavy sound for groups, with mic and guitar inputs and a light show.

Prices

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1: $249.95 at eBay (checked today)
JBL PartyBox 110: $237.00 at vipoutlet.com (checked today)
Difference: the JBL PartyBox 110 is $12.95 cheaper than the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 today