The sub $100 Bluetooth speaker market has grown in a seemingly exponential way in the past few years, arriving at the point where a speaker needs to have something special if it is going to distinguish itself. The Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker actually has that “something special”, and it makes this $69.99 speaker worth a second look.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet rugged Bluetooth speaker, the Altec Lansing Life Jacket should be at the top of your list. The Life Jacket is waterproof, shock-resistant, and it is built to withstand dirt and dust. This portable speaker can pump out the jams at a tailgate or on a rafting trip. The Life Jacket’s MSRP is $149.99.
If you’re doing some last-minute back-to-school shopping, then you might want to check out the iLuv TimeShaker Micro. This small alarm clock features Bluetooth audio, an FM radio, USB charger, iLuv’s jAura audio, and a vibrating alarm that will make sure you don’t miss class without waking up your roommates; best of all, this clock radio is under $50.
The Boombot REX by Boombotix is an ultra-portable ruggedized Bluetooth speaker that can be your partner in crime, no matter what the adventure. This tiny speaker pumps out the jams with dual drivers and a bass woofer, all while being just a tad bigger than a deck of playing cards. The Boombot REX retails for $99.99.
Bem’s Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Band isn’t quite the Dick Tracy Watch, but it’s close! The Speaker Band is a small Bluetooth speaker in the form factor of a watch that you wear on your wrist. Inside the speaker is a microphone, so you can take voice calls without ever picking up your phone. The Bem Speaker Band retails for $49.99.
We have reviewed quite a few portable speakers that offer excellent audio and multiple ways to stream or connect, but with few exceptions it seems like most could be described as more utilitarian and less refined. The $299.99 Bayan Audio soundbook X3 is one portable speaker that not only sounds fantastic, it also looks terrific. Bayan Audio, a UK company founded in 2011, focusses on creating “outstanding products to help you enjoy sound wherever you are”, and with whatever device your music happens to be stored on, whether it be “Audio Systems, Smartphones, Tablets or Notebooks.” They focus on making quality products that use wood, aluminum, and…
The quirky, collapsible Bluetooth speaker known as the SSSSSpeaker has been designed by aiia, a Ukrainian design firm and is looking for funding on Kickstarter right at this very moment. It is designed to fit in your pocket and is easy to take along everywhere you go. Check out the Kickstarter campaign to pledge your support today!
The new Korus M20 Mobile wireless speaker may look like yet another entry into the overly-crowded Bluetooth speaker market, but looks only tell part of the story. Sure, the carabiner clip is a nice touch, but that’s only the beginning. You see, this isn’t just a speaker; it is a small part of a much larger system.
We mentioned last month that Bayan Audio, a UK audio company, was entering the US market. Among their initial US offerings were the $199 Soundbook and the powerful $299 Soundbook X3. Last night they revealed their newsiest product- the Bayan Audio Soundbook GO. The $134.99 Bluetooth speaker has great style and promises equally impressive audio. Here’s a closer look.
The biggest challenge with televisions these days, at least in most cases, is the lousy sound they offer. A huge television with a beautiful big screen and smart functionality may be great, but if the speakers stink watching it won’t be enjoyable. The ZVOX SOUNDBASE.420 fixes that for surprisingly little money, and it’s simple to set up.
If you are always on the go and love your music, the JBL Clip is the “ultra-portable rechargeable speaker” for you. At under $50 and sporting an integrated carabiner, it is an affordable way to enjoy your music anywhere you go. Whether connecting via Bluetooth or the integrated 3.5mm cable, you’ll be ready to rock on the go.
Over the past few years I have come to appreciate the fact that great industrial design and quality audio are not mutually exclusive. One of the companies that consistently proves it possible to have speakers (or headphones) that look gorgeous and sound great is Harman Kardon. The Harman Kardon Esquire Bluetooth Speaker is the perfect example.
I’m a huge fan of JBL products . The speakers and headphones from them that we have reviewed have consistently impressed. I’m working on a review of the JBL Flip 2, and I’m blown away by the small speaker. If, however, you want something even smaller than the Flip 2, you’ll want to check out the JBL Clip.
The iFrogz Tadpole Bluetooth mini speaker does not put out big, bold, quality sound. It doesn’t get great battery life, it’s not waterproof, and it doesn’t double as a speakerphone. It doesn’t have Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC. So the tadpole isn’t worth your time or money, right? Actually no, in the right situation it’s a rather compelling device. Here’s why.
Are you ready for spring? The new Scosche BoomBOTTLE H2O is here, and it can deal with just about anything your summer fun can throw at it. At under $100 the bright, colorful speaker is bound to be your trusted partner this summer and beyond. It will let your tunes go where you do.
Bayan Audio, a British audio brand “dedicated to fusing unparalleled acoustic performance with superb design” is coming to North America. The company, first launched in 2011, has already been available in the UK, Germany and eight other markets. Now the British are coming as they arrive in the US and Canada with availability through Amazon and then independent retailers.
The Nyne Bass Bluetooth Speaker is a wireless, 20-Watt portable that’s designed for outdoor use. It’s powered by Bluetooth 4.0, has NFC pairing capabilities, and it has a built-in 10-hour rechargeable battery which can serve as a power bank for smaller devices; the Nyne Bass can also be used as a speakerphone. You can purchase yours for $149.95.
Outdoor Technology, makers of the Turtle Shell 2.0 rugged Bluetooth speaker, which I gave a glowing review, have gone to Kickstarter to fund their next big product, the BIG Turtle Shell. This new speaker is a much larger version of their original, with a very similar design; it also includes a built-in power bank.
We recently took a first look at the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth speaker system with rechargeable battery. The power, the audio quality, and its sharp looks immediately impressed me. I’ve been using the speaker almost full-time at home since receiving it, and I wanted to do a more complete review. Short version: I love it!
We reviewed the Supertooth Disco and were blown away by the unique look and amazing sound. (Read the review.) We reviewed its update a year later, as well as the Disco Twin that offers left and right speakers. Now the company is back with the SuperTooth Disco4. It offers NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, a unique design, and a mind-blowing price.
It is increasingly difficult to stand out in the world of portable audio. So many companies offer small Bluetooth speakers and a variety of headphones; to say the market is crowded is an understatement. Grain Audio accomplishes something very few upstart companies are able to do – they stand out, and they make impressive products.