“Another Bluetooth speaker?” Elana asked when the package arrived? (Okay she actually didn’t say that but she COULD have said it, considering just how many Bluetooth speakers we have reviewed in recent months.) Yes, the Scosche boomBOTTLE is yet another Bluetooth speaker that has made its way into the marketplace. This one, however, is an award winner, having been recognized at CES 2013 this past January.
Why does this Bluetooth speaker stand out? Does it deserve the recognition? Let’s take a look so you can decide for yourself.
The first thing you will notice about the Scosche boomBOTTLE is its shape. The cylindrical design, which measures 2.85″ in diameter and 8.125″ in length, isn’t simply for aesthetics. No, the boomBOTTLE is designed so you can stash it in pretty much anything designed to hold a standard water bottle. For example, it first nicely in my car cupholder, and it slipped into the water bottle pocket on my backpack. It also fits perfectly in a bike water bottle cage.
That’s a pretty neat trick!
And there’s more. The boomBOTTLE is rugged, weatherproof, and designed to be durable. IPX4 splash proof construction, a dust and debris protective screen, shock absorbing speaker grill covers and a shock absorbing non-slip exterior all come together to make this particular Bluetooth speaker ready to meet the world whenever and wherever you take it. The rechargeable lithium polymer battery gets up to ten hours of playback and drives the two 3W 40mm speakers. Combined with the passive subwoofer, the omnidirectional speakers do a nice job of sending decent sound in all directions.
The boomBOTTLE comes with all the standard fare one expects in a quality Bluetooth speaker in 2013. It has Bluetooth 4.0, it has A2DP audio streaming, it has the standard 33 feet of range, it has a built-in aux input for those times when you don’t want to use the Bluetooth connectivity to stream your music, and it includes an integrated microphone so you can use it as a speakerphone. The controls are kept to a minimum, and they are simple to use — great for those times when you need to control the music on the fly. Best of all, the Scosche boomBOTTLE sounds good. I used it in the house, and Elana and I were both impressed. I took it outside and turned it on, and the sound was still impressive.
Here’s look at it on camera.
I’m impressed by the boomBOTTLE, and I see it as one of the more unusual offerings in the ever-expanding Bluetooth speaker market. No, this is not the speaker for you if you are looking for amazing sound in an understated speaker that will fit nicely in your office. If, however, you want a speaker you can take on the go, then it should join the Jabra Solemate (read the review) on your shortlist of options. You can learn more and order yours here.
MSRP: $149.95
What I Like: Good sound; Unusual design; Standard feature set; Rugged, waterproof design; Overall an impressive package
What Needs Improvement: Nothing
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
Hi Dan, could you compare the sound of the BoomBottle to the Solemate?
Best regards, Halldór.