Razer is one of the most popular solutions to all your PC and console gaming needs, with accessories, peripherals, and devices in almost every category you can imagine. That alone has sold millions, but Razer also regularly does collaborations with other companies and brands to appeal to the mega-fans that want something a little more unique.

I recently went hands-on with a new exclusive "Hello Kitty Edition" of one of Razer's best-selling gaming headsets, but that collaboration didn't personally speak to me. Now, Razer has dropped a new collection centered around the greatest character from the Hello Kitty universe. The arrival of everyone's favorite gothic rabbit girl, Kuromi, has led to some of the best-designed special edition products I've ever seen from Razer.

There's some really cool stuff here for fans and collectors... But none of this gear is anything I actually want to add to my setup. I'm reminded yet again that Razer's best rarely receives the special edition treatment.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. Razer had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Breaking down the entire Razer Kuromi collection

The Razer Kuromi collection comprises six products, of which two are part of one bundle (so five things you can purchase). Each product boasts a unique black-and-purple design, complete with Kuromi herself and a healthy amount of Kuromi-related iconography (such as her iconic skull). Unfortunately, each Kuromi Edition does come with a premium up charge compared to the standard variants.

Here's everything in the Razer Kuromi collection:

• Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition Chair for $549.99 at Razer (instead of $399.99 for the standard black-and-green model)
• Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition Headset for $129.99 at Razer (instead of $99.99 for the standard model or $139.99 for the Hello Kitty special edition)
• Razer Oranta V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition Keyboard for $119.99 at Razer (instead of $69.99 for the standard model)
• Razer DeathAdder Essential Mouse & Goliathus Mousepad Bundle for $69.99 at Razer (instead of $29.99 for the standard bundle)
• Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition Soundbar for $129.99 at Razer (instead of $99.99 for the standard model)
• Bonus: Razer Skins Kuromi Edition for...
  • Nintendo Switch OLED for $19.99 at Target
  • Nintendo Switch for $19.99 at Target
  • Nintendo Switch Lite for $14.99 at Target

All in all, you'd be paying an additional $300 for the complete bundle compared to what you'd pay if you bought this exact setup but without the Kuromi additions. That's a pretty steep increase, especially considering all of these products firmly belong in the "budget" category of Razer's catalog. There's no way to buy everything as a set, but you can learn more about the Razer Kuromi collection at Razer.com.

Everything but the gaming chair is also available to purchase from Target. You can find those links below (and the links for the Nintendo Switch skins above).

A brief hands-on with each Razer Kuromi accessory

Razer was kind enough to send me the entire Kuromi collection, so I was able to go hands-on with it all. Enjoy some pictures and my quick impressions on each product, followed by my conclusion detailing exactly who should buy these special editions... and who should not.

Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition

First off, we have what I think is the best-looking product in the entire Razer Kuromi collection. This is a Razer Enki X gaming chair (which we reviewed), one of Razer's most affordable chairs in its growing lineup. Of course, this Enki X boasts a special livery, and it's actually pretty thorough. The predominantly black design has been replaced by broad swathes of cross-hatched purple fabric, purple stitching, and a ton of cool details.

You have the Razer logo emblazoned in matching purple, Kuromi's iconic skulls below the headrest, and Kuromi herself striking a pose on the back of the chair. This isn't a cheap reskin, nor did Razer haphazardly slap a million tiny Kuromi's onto the existing Enki X and call it a day. I really like how this chair looks, and it is a decent gaming chair beyond the epic aesthetics. Well, the Razer Enki X is, at its normal pricing, but the Kuromi Edition is a lot more expensive, and you're still confined to static lumbar support and relatively limited adjustability.

Usually retailing for $400, the Razer Enki X Kuromi Edition is $549.99 at Razer. Yeah, that's a $150 up charge for nothing more than an alternative design. That design may be awesome and the quality may be there, but you're entering Secretlab territory with that pricing... and the Razer Enki X just isn't as nice as the Secretlab TITAN Evo.

Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition

If you already owned the white-and-pink Hello Kitty variant of this headset, now you can add its black-and-purple counterpart to your collection. When I first saw the former, I thought that Razer probably could've done better — and I was right! This headset looks great, and it's also easier to recommend than the Enki X chair... As long as you're looking for a budget wireless headset to fulfil your needs.

The matte black plastic and purple cushions are obvious, but Razer also attuned the built-in Chroma lighting to Kuromi's iconic color scheme and added some other details. The Kraken Kitty V2's cat ears have also been replaced with... Well, they're not ears. I guess the points on Kuromi's hat thing? Whatever you call it, it certainly gives this headset a unique profile. On the inside, it's the same Kraken Kitty V2 with Razer's familiar sound tuning, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for PC gaming, and Bluetooth connectivity for everything else.

Build quality isn't exceptional, but that's a characteristic of the headset. The Kuromi Edition alterations are not casual, and there's no danger of your special edition become less "special" over time. If you're interested, you can get the Razer Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition for $129.99 at Razer, which is $30 more than the standard version (that's a fair — if still unwelcome — premium, in my opinion).

Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition

Next, we have the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless, Razer's cost-effective low-profile wired gaming keyboard. This is a solid keyboard for those who don't need anything fancy, as you're getting solid key action, good software support, and Razer Chroma RGB lighting for some added customization. Of course, this version defaults to Kuromi's purple, because it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

As far as special editions are concerned, this one may be the most modest (if only because there's so much Razer could've done). Yes, all the keycaps are purple, and you get some cute Kuromis and other icons scattered around the keyboard, but most of the cool factor comes from the magnetically attached wrist rest in the box. Razer could've done more with a unique font, maybe Kuromi-fied icons for special keys, and even a custom "Escape" key (which seems to be the first key to get its own personality).

I love how this keyboard looks and the Ornata V3 Tenkeyless is a really solid low-profile keyboard, but it's hard to look past what could've been when the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition costs $119.99 at Razer, which is a full $50 more than the normal version. To call that a major price increase would be an understatement, as you can start thinking about building your own custom Kuromi keyboard at that point.

Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle Kuromi Edition

This is the least interesting item in the Razer Kuromi collection, but it's for a different reason than the Ornata V3 Tenkeyless keyboard. Razer honestly did a commendable job transforming the budget-tier DeathAdder Essential wired gaming mouse, with grippy pink sides and scroll wheel, a patterned top that blends seamlessly into the buttons, and a glowing purple skull to replace the Razer logo the Kuromi fans don't want.

The Goliathus mousepad is a great option for those that simply need a reliable soft mat for their mouse, and the Kuromi Edition is the same. There's purple stitching along the edges and a randomized Kuromi-themed pattern (with Kuromi herself in the center), and that's it... But what more could you ask for? No, I have no issue with how Razer designed these products, but I do take issue with how this bundle is priced. You see, the Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle only costs $30 — for lack of better words, it's Razer's cheapest entry in its mouse lineup, for those who really don't want to spend a lot for a dependable gaming mouse.

The Razer DeathAdder Essential & Goliathus Bundle Kuromi Edition, on the other hand, is $69.99 at Razer. That's a ridiculous mark-up, seeing as you can get a dramatically better mouse (and still get an equivalent mouse pad) at that point. Don't get this unless you're a collector or mega Kuromi fan.

Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition

Finally, we have what's probably my second favorite entry in the Razer Kuromi collection. The Razer Leviathan V2 X is the company's most affordable PC soundbar, so it's not the fanciest around, but it boasts an attractive and compact design alongside solid sound quality and just enough features to make it interesting. The Kuromi Edition has all of that, but it looks much better than the boring standard version.

You're looking at wired USB Type-C audio for your PC, Bluetooth 5.0 for all your wireless devices, Razer's tuned dynamic drivers, and a series of built-in controls so you don't need any additional software. Of course, you can always install Razer Synapse if you want to customize the 10-band equalizer or the 14 Razer Chroma RGB lighting zones. The Kuromi Edition swaps out the front-facing black fabric for purple, does the same to the buttons, and wraps the entire soundbar in randomized Kuromi-themed icons. Look closely, and you'll find Kuromi on the top and her iconic skulls on either side.

I really appreciate the simple design of this soundbar, and it's a solid option for those who don't need a luxury or hi-fi audio setup. You're not going to impress the guests, but it's good enough for casual music listening and gaming. The Razer Leviathan V2 X Kuromi Edition is $129.99 at Razer, so $30 more than the standard version... Which also feels reasonable, no matter how much I wish we didn't have to pay extra.

Awesome collectibles, but not for my personal use

Purely from a design perspective, I do believe that the Razer Kuromi collection is one of the company's finest collaborations. The consistency, attention to detail, and awesome color scheme make these some of the striking products in Razer's catalog. Sadly, they're also not the products I want to use, and most people probably won't want to pony up the premium just for special editions of these products.

That's because Razer only gave its most affordable accessories (and chair) the Kuromi Edition treatment, which leaves a lot of gamers out of the fun. It makes sense from a business perspective — Razer doesn't want to make a niche special edition of a niche premium product that already sells low volume. Any premium for the Kuromi branding on a product that's already meant to be as cheap as possible immediately makes that product a lot less desirable.

I can't seriously recommend anyone but hardcore gaming collectors and the biggest Kuromi fans spend over twice as much for a budget mouse and simple mousepad just because it has Kuromi on it; or spend an additional $150 on a gaming chair when there are better options at that price; or drop an additional $50 on a keyboard when it has never been easier to build your own, custom dream keyboard. The headset and soundbar are still approachable enough to be forgiven, but I do feel like a lot of people are going to be turned off to some epic special editions because they either cost too much or they aren't the products they want to use.

If one of the Razer Kuromi collection products did catch your eye, you can go back to its section to find the links you need. I'm going to go back to using the Razer gear I know and love... Maybe I'll buy some Kuromi stickers so I can pretend.

It can be extremely convenient to have a soundbar or capable set of speakers on your desk, and the soundbar sitting in front of me also happens to be incredibly easy to set up and use, and boasts Bluetooth connectivity in addition to its wired options. Helps when that soundbar is loud enough to fill your whole room with noise, too, and the BlueAnt Soundblade ticks all of those boxes.

I did criticize this sleek and slim soundbar for its pricing in my review, though, a flaw that has been wholly rectified by an aggressive Black Friday discount that has, at least for now, outlived Black Friday. For a little while, the BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar is only $119.99 $129.99 at Amazon, a 40% discount on any of its five colors. That's a great price, enough that I'd actually consider getting another one of these soundbars.

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A loud and capable soundbar with some serious style

Unlike most of the soundbars with which you're probably familiar, the BlueAnt Soundblade I reviewed isn't designed for living room televisions. Instead, this soundbar is made to be the perfect audio companion for your laptop or desktop PC, complimenting your desk and filling your office with loud, confident sound. To this end, BlueAnt did away with the classic "candy bar" design of most soundbars in favor of something sleeker and unique.

As the name suggests, the BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar is meant to sit directly under your monitor, with its design accommodating most monitor stands and allowing you to reclaim that precious desk space otherwise lost. The Soundblade can still take up a lot of desk space thanks to its deep design, but it is an admittedly slim and attractive soundbar that also comes in five different colors. I have the standard black, but that blue looks incredibly fun.

When you need to connect, the Soundblade supports USB audio (the preferred method for your computer), standard 3.5mm audio for, well, basically anything, and even Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to your smartphone and other wireless device. All of this works well, and there are helpful touch controls and a reliable remote to let you quickly control the Soundblade, including adjusting volume, changing inputs, swapping between audio EQs, and more. The Soundblade does very well at all the basics.

"But what about sound?" you may be asking. The BlueAnt Soundblade is a 2.1-channel surround sound system with dual drivers and a massive 80mm subwoofer nestled between them. That downward firing woofer is an impressive unit, pushing out a shocking amount of bass and helping support this soundbar's frankly ridiculous maximum volume levels. Yes, the Soundblade gets loud, to the point where I almost never go above 25% volume in my two-bedroom apartment.

For the most part, the BlueAnt Soundblade also sounds good. As I mentioned before, there's a ton of confident low-end that transfers through your desk surface, and the main tweeters also sound clean and detailed... For the most part. At higher volumes and with music especially, the Soundblade can begin to lose clarity and sound muddy, dipping below the standard I'd expect from a $200 soundbar. Fortunately, that criticism is far less of a concern with this deal.

BlueAnt is discounting the Soundblade by a massive 40% for a limited time, shooting past the attractive $150 sales price we've seen for this soundbar before. Right now, you can get the BlueAnt Soundblade in any of its five colors for just $119.99 $129.99 at Amazon, a price good enough that I'd happily pick up another (and get a more exciting color).

Building your audio setup can quickly get complicated in the office, especially with the majority of monitors not featuring built-in speakers. For those that don't want to have to reach for the headset every time sound comes into play, soundbars like the BlueAnt Soundblade answer the call.

This soundbar is designed to occupy the space below your monitor, which is typically eaten up by your monitor stand regardless. To this end, BlueAnt has designed a very attractive soundbar with considerably more fun color options than I expected. There's a lot to love about this soundbar (especially if you need something to fill, well, a whole house with noise), but its pricing underscores the handful of weaknesses it has a little too much.

If you're in the market for a soundbar or speaker setup on the desk, the BlueAnt Soundblade could be the perfect solution. You can skip the preamble and go straight to checking out the BlueAnt Soundblade for $199.99 at Best Buy, or keep reading to see why I'd personally recommend waiting for the deals I've already seen for this soundbar.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by BlueAnt. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

BlueAnt Soundblade review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar retails for $199.99, and you can choose from five different colors.
• Considering the audio experience of this soundbar, though, that price point feels a little steep.
• The BlueAnt Soundblade has been seen to go on sale for as little as $150, though, and that point feels like a much better purchase.

The BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar is positioning itself as a more premium product in the space, retailing for $199.99 at Best Buy where you can find other decent soundbars for less than $100. BlueAnt is justifying this pricing largely based on the Soundblade's design, which admittedly does stand out in the sea of black bars we're accustomed to.

It does help that you can get the BlueAnt Soundblade in five different colors, including fun options like blue, green, and pink, for $199.99 at Amazon. BlueAnt sadly sent me the tried-and-true grey, but it's nice to see a company embrace "fun" in an era where everything seems to be black, grey, or white.

In the box, you'll find the BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar, an included remote control with 2x AAA batteries, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a USB Type-C to Type-A cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable. You'll also find eight extenders for the Soundblade's rubber feet, which elevate the soundbar more for taller monitor stands or legs. The BlueAnt Soundblade is also covered by a 1-year full warranty with a 7-day resolution guarantee.

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BlueAnt Soundblade review: The good

The pros highlights

• The BlueAnt Soundblade does have a sleek and quality design, and I love that there are multiple color options.
• This soundbar is dead simple to set up, too, with various connectivity options, integrated touch controls, and an included remote.
• The Soundblade also offers a solid audio experience with good low end and an absurdly high max volume.

The BlueAnt Soundblade clearly stands out from the get-go thanks to its iconic design, and I have to admit this is one of the more attractive soundbars I've seen. All of the speaker components are tastefully hidden underneath a swooping plastic top with a brushed finish, giving the soundbar a much sleeker look than your average black bar (I would've love to have seen some of the more colorful options in person). The construction feels quality, too, with sturdy plastic, snug ports, and quality fabric covering the forward-facing speakers.

On the right side you'll find a handful of touch controls for power and volume, which work but can be finicky. I suppose form won over function in this case, since capacitive buttons are undoubtedly sleeker than the physical alternative. All your connecting ports are aligned on the back of the soundbar, and it's obvious what goes where. Finally, the remote control included in the box (with batteries) also feels soundly constructed with a simple, easy-to-use layout and simple controls.

It's with this remote that you'll change audio inputs and EQs, but you also get volume and track controls, too. It all works great and — most importantly — works immediately. There's no need to install drivers or additional software; the moment you plug in the BlueAnt Soundblade and turn it on, it just works. The same goes for Bluetooth with your mobile devices, too. The Soundblade is always ready for me the moment I turn my computer on, and I've never had to wait for it to connect to my phone when I needed it to.

You won't find any digital voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa here, though, and there are no mics anyways. This is just meant to be a soundbar, and it does accomplish that job. The dual drivers and internal subwoofer inside the Soundblade provide warm sound with deep low end bass, and it sounds great for video conferences, media consumption like movie, and even cinematic games. You have three different EQs on the remote (Game, Music, and Movie) and they do change the audio profile to a noticeable degree, but I tended to leave it on the more neutral "Music" profile.

By far, the most impressive part of the BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar is just how loud it gets. Keeping the soundbar at 10/100 is more than comfortable when I'm sitting on my desk, and at max volume the Soundblade easily fills my entire two-bedroom apartment with noise. I'll get into the downside of this ear-shattering volume in the next section, but those who are deliberately looking for an incredibly boisterous soundbar will meet their match in the BlueAnt Soundblade.

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BlueAnt Soundblade review: The bad

The cons highlights

• The Soundblade's premium design also comes with some downsides, including its extra deep shape.
• This soundbar also doesn't perform the best when it comes to music, quickly becoming muddied and losing separation (especially at higher volumes).
• These compromises wouldn't be so bad, if you weren't also paying $200 for a 2.1-channel soundbar.

The BlueAnt Soundblade is indeed an "under-monitor soundbar" in that it's designed to comfortably sit on your monitor stand, space that's already occupied. It's immediately much better than most normal soundbars that demand a completely flat, long surface to rest on because of that design, but there are some downsides, too. Well, one, actually.

Where most soundbars are long and narrow, the wide Soundblade squats on your desk. Reclaiming the space your monitor stand claims doesn't mean much if your soundbar claims all of it and more, and the Soundblade does indeed. I actually keep the Soundblade off to the left of my monitor, just so my keyboard (and its wrist rest) would have a little room to breathe. BlueAnt could've done with making this soundbar a little longer and a little narrower.

Another positive with this design? The rubber feet on the bottom. By default, they give you enough leeway to set the Soundblade on top of a flat monitor stand, but if you need more headroom you can elevate the Soundblade with included extenders. That being said... the extendable rubber feet feel like they were a stroke of genius during the design process, but the execution feels more like an afterthought.

I was pleasantly surprised to find them in the box and, indeed, the BlueAnt Soundblade wouldn't work nearly as well with my setup without them. However, they're all too easy to knock loose and don't feel sturdy in the slightest. They're simply rubber, and installing them gives the Soundblade a concerning amount of lateral movement. On the other hand, it gives the subwoofer a little more room to spread those low end notes out, which sounds lovely.

Speaking of sound quality, that's also an area where the BlueAnt Soundblade leans too far in one direction. Sure, this soundbar can get ridiculously loud (louder than I'll ever need), but the cost of that is a muddier audio profile that stands out most with music. It's not bad, but the Soundblade clearly struggles to maintain clarity and separate with complex music, and it only gets worse as the volume increases. I would happily trade some of that max volume for clearer sound, but you're not even given a way to tweak the Soundblade's EQ yourself to try and find a good middle ground.

That all brings me to my final point. The BlueAnt Soundblade retails for $200, which is easily among the more expensive 2.1-channel soundbars, firmly in the territory of 4.1-channel soundbars, and beginning to intrude on the dominion of the most affordable 5.1-channel soundbars. A unique design and a solid foundation of basic features isn't quite enough to justify that price tag when you can get more dynamic or outright better sounding speaker setups for the same price.

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BlueAnt Soundblade review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅A soundbar perfectly designed to slot under your monitor is what you've been looking for

This design isn't perfect and the Soundblade can still take up a lot of space, but its design is nonetheless rather unique and can be the perfect missing piece for a lot of desk setups dealing with a space-eating monitor stand or arm mount.

✅Volume matters more than pure audio quality

The Soundblade sounds quite good as far as the average 2.1ch soundbar is concerned, but its sheer ability to fill any available space with absurd amounts of noise is hands-down this soundbar's defining characteristic. If you're willing to sacrifice a little audio quality for that benefit, this is the way.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You listen to a lot of music at louder volumes

I overall enjoy how the Soundblade sounds, especially with its surprisingly present low end and warm tones, but I can't overlook that this soundbar struggles the most with complex music tracks. If you plan to primarily listen to music (especially at higher volumes) you can find better-sounding speaker setups for around the same price.

The BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar is a fascinating product that I can easily see slotting right into a lot of people's office or gaming setups, and it's clear this was not a product hastily thrown together to make a quick buck. It's a quality soundbar with great fundamentals and good (sometimes great) audio quality for a wide variety of content and tasks. On top of that, it's unbelievably easy to set up and just as simple to control, too.

If you highly value a loud sound system, then that's just the icing on the cake. I doubt I will ever use the Soundblade at max volume beyond the testing I did for this review, especially since I don't believe my neighbors would at all appreciate the ruckus. There are just enough compromises here to really make that $200 price point stand out, though.

The Soundblade still manages to take up a lot of valuable desk space because of how much deeper it is than your average soundbar, and the brilliant extendable feet feel less brilliant when they keep falling off. At this price, I also expect great audio quality across the board, and the Soundblade both struggles most with complex music and struggles more as the volume increases. When you can find solid soundbars with more speakers and audio options at this price, the Soundblade looks a little less appealing despite its unique design.

Don't get me wrong, I still really like this soundbar overall, and it'll keep its home on my desk until something undeniably better comes along. I also know that you can regularly get the BlueAnt Soundblade for $149.99 at Amazon, which feels like the perfect price for this monitor. If it's on sale, I absolutely recommend it.

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In recent years, sound bars have become a popular audio device that many prefer over traditional speakers, as they can produce high-quality sounds while taking less space on desks or tables. One example of these vaunted sound bars is the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar, which just had its steep MSRP of $199.99 reduced to $36.99 thanks to Walmart's astronomical huge 82% Anti-Prime Day discount deal.

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Why should you buy this sound bar?

VEATOOL has a reputable track record for producing high-quality audio devices like earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, speakers, and more at affordable prices compared to premium devices made by its competitors like Razer or Turtle Beach, and the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar is no exception.

This sound bar comes packed with a myriad of features and technological components that help it stand out among the best speakers on the market. For starters, the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar comes equipped with 50W output power and two full-range drivers. These allow it to produce immersive, bassy, HiFi audio with expansive stereo effects when paired with your TV's speakers.

The VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar also has built-in DSP technology to ensure that the sounds it produces are stable and accurate, and it has three Equalizer modes. These Equalizer modes (Music, Movie, and News) will automatically alter the sound quality of your TV depending on what media you're experiencing. Movie Mode will enhance the sound effects of movies, Music Mode will add audio clarity to songs, and News Mode will make conversations during newscasts and movies clearer so you can more easily understand what the people are saying.

It also features Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, so you can pair it with compatible TVs with fast and stable connections with mighty anti-interference. You can even pair it with compatible mobile phones, so you can transmit your phone's song playlist to it and listen to your favorite songs in higher quality than your phone.

To top it off, the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar is relatively simple to set up, and it supports 3.5mm (AUX&RCA) and optical wired audio inputs, mobile phones, tablets, TVs, computers, projectors, and set-top boxes. Do note that you will need to make sure your TV's audio settings are set to PCM for ARC/optical input before using the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar, otherwise, it won't work.

However, the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar has some caveats you need to be aware of before deciding if this sound bar is right for you. It lacks surround sound and Atmos content, it doesn't feature a center channel (which can affect the audio clarity of dialogue in movies, TV shows, and games for better or worse), and it doesn't have voice control or smart home integration.

If you can look past those flaws, then the VEATOOL 2.1ch Sound Bar will satisfy your auditory needs greatly, especially now its MSRP of $199.99 has been reduced to an amazing discounted price tag of $36.99 at Walmart. 

More Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals

We at Windows Central are scouring the internet for the best Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals, but there are plenty more discounts going on now. Here's where to find more savings:

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Edifier never lets me down when it comes to audio gear. The brand has been around for eons and has been unquestioningly trusted by fellow audio tech enthusiasts for decades. As the old blends in with the new, Edifier, like many other audio brands, has started playing around with its products.

I've seen true wireless earbuds, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, bookshelf speakers, and RGB-laden gaming speakers in my HECATE G5000 review. Entering this versatile portfolio is the recently released Edifier QD35 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker.

This intriguing speaker is transparent and has RGB lights embedded within its design. On top of that, the Edifier QD35 also has a 35W GaN charger built-in, an RGB clock, and loads of ways to connect to it. Factor in support for hi-res audio and you've got yourself a neat tabletop plaything.

Is this $200 accessory worthy of your PC setup? Let's find out.

Edifier QD35: Price and availability

The Edifier QD35 was released earlier this year in February 2023. The tabletop Bluetooth speaker retails at $200 and comes in two shades, black and white. You can purchase the QD35 speaker dock from Edifier's own website or popular retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Edifier QD35: What you'll like

Before anything else, the Edifier QD35's striking transparent design caught my eye immediately. The cool RGB lighting and pipe-like bits and bobs inside look phenomenal, especially when lit up. This transparent tabletop Bluetooth speaker's design is unlike anything I've ever seen.

Since the speaker is meant to be used as a dock, it has an RGB clock that syncs with your phone when paired over Bluetooth. The Edifier QD35 has plenty of ports, but not all of them are meant to be used for the same purpose.

On the back, you find a power switch, a DC power port, a 3.5mm AUX jack, and a USB-A port. All of these support audio playback, except for the power port, of course. On top of that, we also get the latest Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. If you think that defeats the purpose of having hi-res audio support, think again because you also get hi-res wireless audio, which is brilliant.

The left side of the speaker sports a USB-C port and another USB-A port. Both of them can tap into the tabletop speaker's 35W fast charging to deliver power speedily. For the max 35W speed, you'll need to use the Type-C port, as the Type-A port is limited to 18W wired charging speeds. Thanks to the magic of Gallium Nitride, a.k.a. GaN, the Edifier QD35 doesn't heat up when charging something.

Other physical attributes that add functionality include the volume knob, power button, and brightness knob. All these buttons and knobs have dual functions, letting you change connectivity modes, audio modes, and RGB light modes too.

So, there are plenty of ways to connect to the Edifier QD35, both for PC and mobile users. Whether you want to opt for wired or wireless means of connection, the tabletop speaker still supports hi-res audio.

The large 25W 3-inch woofer and 15W 1-inch tweeter work together to produce phenomenal sound quality. You get superb clarity, with incredible loudness levels and zero cracking issues, even at their highest. There's no Bluetooth delay, either. To get the best-sounding results, you do need to use a hi-res audio file, of course.

You can switch the sound mode to gaming, music, cinema modes, or use the equalizer from the companion app to create your own custom audio preset. Its versatile range makes the Edifier QD35 a very good tabletop audio accessory. The fun doesn't stop there because the Edifier Connect app also lets you synchronize the clock automatically or manually, customize your own EQs, and share your EQs with friends by generating a QR code from within the app.

Those lovely RGB lights have a wide assortment of fully customizable presets. Everything from the colors and the static/dynamic nature of the lights can be altered. You can even access a light presets library from within the mobile app to download more light presets.

The Edifier QD35 tabletop Bluetooth speaker also displays the time, audio connectivity mode, and audio preset. You could always glance at your computer's clock, but it's just nice to have this feature.

For $200, Edifier makes a compelling offer with the QD35 speaker dock. You'll be hard-pressed to find something like this, especially in this price range, to go on top of your computer table. To add value, Edifier throws in an AUX cable, a USB A-to-A cable, and, of course, a power cord in the box, along with a helpful setup manual and some stickers.

Edifier QD35: What you'll wish was better

Since this is a tabletop speaker, I find it odd that Edifier did not make a desktop app for the QD35. This chunky device is supposed to go on top of a workstation, so it is pretty annoying to have to reach out for your phone every time you want to change or edit something on the speaker, such as syncing the time or choosing a new color for the lights.

On another note, the Edifier QD35 is on the bulkier side of desktop accessories. You're going to need a lot of free space on your setup if you want to plop this thing on top. Plus, it's extremely heavy, so your table needs to be prepared for that excess load. Folks who already have two to three monitors and a bunch of gadgets will find it hard to accommodate the QD35.

It's also hard to give Edifier cookie points for 35W fast charging. Sure, GaN technology is excellent for heat management, but that power output is several years too late to be considered cutting-edge. You can't charge a larger mobile device like a Chromebook or laptop that charges via USB-C, as those need around 60W or higher. Even the cheapest phones these days support at least 30W, with most mid-rangers and high-end phones charging at anywhere between 45W and even 140W.

UGREEN and Baseus offer much better charging stations for desktops, although those don't have RGB lighting and don't double as top-notch Bluetooth speakers.

Edifier QD35: The competition

True-blue alternatives are hard to come by as there aren't many devices that combine all the functions the Edifier QD35 does. Fans of see-through tech can check out the Transparent Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon, bearing in mind that it costs three times as much as the QD35 and has no RGB or charger elements. The Transparent Bluetooth Speaker produces stunning sound and is made of premium materials like aluminum and tempered glass, but it costs a whopping $600.

RGB fanatics would enjoy curiosities like the Divoom Tivoo, a pixel art Bluetooth speaker. The Divoom Tivoo only costs $100 at Amazon and comes with 256 fully RGB programmable LEDs. Its sound quality, however, doesn't come anywhere near the greatness of the Edifier QD35.

Edifier QD35: Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

• You want a single tabletop accessory for charging and audio playback
• You want customizable, dynamic RGB lighting
• You want a transparent speaker
• You want a speaker dock with fast-charging ports
• You want versatile audio inputs

You shouldn't buy it if...

• You want a desktop app to manage your tabletop speaker
• Your desktop is really cramped and small
• You need a ton of power to charge at faster speeds

With accessories like the Edifier QD35 tabletop Bluetooth speaker, you're probably already sure whether you want it or not at first glance. It's big, it's bright, and it's bold. The speaker's massive stature is matched by its massive, booming audio quality.

The speaker dock from Edifier might be large and hefty, but it helps declutter by combining several functions into one zazzy accessory. Too bad there's no desktop app for computers. But let's be honest, most of us have our phones at hand 99% of the time anyway, so it's not that big of an inconvenience to discourage recommending it as one of the best computer speakers.

If you want a tabletop dock that can charge your phone, add some aesthetic lighting, and also play hi-res music or audio that sounds premium, the Edifier QD35 gives great bang for your buck. The price is really sweet, so the meager 35W charging speed doesn't hurt as much. Besides, you can always grab a fast charging dock or station for your desktop separately. We highly recommend this speaker for its overall value.

I've really learned my lesson this year, during Amazon Prime Day, I discovered that my favorite JBL earbuds were on sale. What do you mean they are $110 now, while I just coughed up $200 a few months back? 

And if you think this is bad, you haven't seen anything yet. It's obvious I like my music, there's no way I'd compromise on quality. I recently decided to spruce up my audio setup in the living room with the JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar. At the time, the purchase set me back $980, only for me to stumble upon the same entry on Black Friday with 380 bucks knocked off the price. This means that for a limited time, you can grab this soundbar for only $599.99 at Walmart.

More great early Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Early Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• More individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.86 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489.99 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo

Trust me, it's worth every dollar!

While I have regrets about making a premature purchase, they are only limited to the price point and the fact that I would have saved quite a bit. Elsewhere, I'm very impressed by the power and sound quality of this entry. It's hands down everything I've been looking for in a sound system and more. 

Right off the bat, the 3D surround sound on this soundbar is a force to reckon with (especially if you like watching a lot of movies and films and would like to bring the cinematic flavor to your living room). This experience is complimented with two detachable surround speakers, which ship with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound.

For all the music heads out there, the soundbar packs 820 watts of power under the hood to ensure that you're able to get jiggy on every kick and snare (without compromising on the clarity and quality of the sound). Lest I forget the immersive listening experience it creates while gaming. In fact, I dare say it's second to none when compared to some of the best Xbox headsets.

And if you're looking for a hint of sophistication that will pump up your listening experience, the soundbar also features Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision.

What is Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision?

A soundbar with the 4K (Ultra HD) Pass Through feature essentially means that it has the capability to transfer this resolution video signal to the display it's connected to. 

However, you'll need to connect both a Blu-ray player and TV that support 4K content using an HDMI cable to the soundbar.

What you need to know

• Razer just announced a lineup of speakers featuring THX Spatial Audio.
• The Nommo V2 Pro features a wireless subwoofer while the Nommo V2 uses a wired connection.
• The Nommo V2 X is the most affordable of the bunch, but it does not have a subwoofer or Chroma lighting.
• The Nommo V2 Pro is available for preorder for $450 while the Nommo V2 ($300) and Nommo V2 X ($150) can be purchased today.

Razer just unveiled three new sets of speakers to enhance your PC setup. The Nommo V2 lineup includes the Nommo V2 Pro, Nommo V2, and Nommo V2 X.

While the names of the products are similar, Razer did a good job distinguishing them from each other. The Nommo V2 Pro is the flagship set of speakers from the family. It includes a pair of 3-inch full-range drivers and a down-firing subwoofer that connects wirelessly. It also has rear projection Chroma lighting and comes with a wireless control pod. The Nommo V2 Pro costs $450 and can be preordered now. It will start shipping on June 2, 2023.

The Nommo V2 has a pair of 3-inch full-range speakers, rear projection Chroma lighting, and a down-firing subwoofer. The key difference is that the subwoofer of the Nommo V2 uses a wired connection. Additionally, the Nommo V2 does not include a wireless control pod, though it supports the accessory which you can add on later. The Nommo V2 is available now for $300.

The Nommo V2 X has the two 3-inch full-range drivers like its higher-end siblings, but it does not come with a subwoofer. It also lacks chroma lighting. Some other specs are lower on the Nommo V2 X as well, including Bluetooth 5 rather than Bluetooth 5.3.

We have a full Razer Nommo V2 Pro review coming soon. The original Razer Nommo speakers launched in 2018 and earned praise from our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino. Razer has improved the specs of its speakers in several key areas, so they should score well.

Much like Creative, Yamaha, and Pioneer, Edifier is an audio brand that needs no introduction. The company has been around for ages, providing home and computer speaker systems since the nineties. Naturally, anyone looking to upgrade their PC's sound system will likely consider Edifier's offerings.

The HECATE by Edifier G5000 speakers sits at the very top of the company's product portfolio. These are top-of-the-line peripherals meant to be used for gaming, but they also come with cinematic and music modes. Clearly, Edifier was aiming for a jack-of-all-trades type of audio solution.

On paper, the Edifier G5000 computer speakers sound awesome. They've got plenty of input ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and RGB lighting to spice things up visually. It is, however, very hard to ignore the $500 price tag. How can you justify spending so much cash on these gigantic speakers? If you want to find out, that's exactly what this review is for. Here's what I have to say after using these big boys for three months.

Price and availability

The HECATE by Edifier G5000 Bluetooth speakers were released back in April 2021. You can grab a pair of these speakers from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. They cost the same everywhere, so you need to have $500 in your pocket if you're looking to buy them.

The good bits

The HECATE by Edifier G5000 speakers feel super premium and have great build quality. The internal frames are wooden, whereas the side panels are made of aluminum. Everything has a solid feel, including the buttons, RGB lights, and ports. You get exactly what you pay for.

There are various sound and light modes, all of which can be accessed from one place. You can choose between gaming, music, and cinematic modes for audio and 11 different multi-colored and monochrome modes for the RGB lights. The volume controls and the button that controls the audio input mode are also situated in the same place, on top of the left-hand speaker. This is convenient and makes it easy to access everything.

If you want to connect the HECATE by Edifier G5000 computer speakers to an amplifier or a receiver, you don't need a DAC converter. There are plenty of ports on the back to help you, including a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, a USB Type-B port, a TOSLINK (also known as optical) connector, and a coaxial port. As a bonus, Edifier includes power, optical, AUX, and USB Type-B cables in the box.

Each of the two speakers is equipped with a 3/4-inch titanium dome tweeter and a 4-inch mid-bass driver. The fearsome duo pushes out an 88W total peak power output and Hi-Res Audio with a digital sampling rate of up to 24bits/192kHz. If you want to learn more about Hi-Res Audio, you can read this excellent explainer by What Hi-Fi.

The 88W power output sounds loud and unapologetic. When the HECATE by Edifier G5000 speakers are at work, you feel the thundering bass in your bones. Listening to anything on these speakers is a ton of fun and a treat for the ears. The gaming experience is phenomenal, as is the cinematic and music sound quality. Whether it's the clopping of horse hooves in Red Dead Redemption or the roar of dragons in Skyrim, Edifier sets just the right soundstage and brings the virtual world of gaming to life.

The Edifier HECATE G5000 computer speakers will ruin your everyday soundbar or portable Bluetooth speaker for you. I was so impressed with the audio quality that I rewatched the entire The Lord of the Rings trilogy just to relive the experience. Thanks to Edifier, it felt incredible. There is a fantastic level of detail in the sound, and the tuning is sublime.

When you aren't gaming on your PC, you can always connect your favorite video game console to these speakers. The powerful HECATE by Edifier G5000 speakers are compatible with the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5. You can also use Bluetooth to connect virtually any device to them.

The best part is you don't need to connect any extra wires or cables. Once the power cord is plugged in, all you have to do is hook up both speakers to each other and use them with your PC by your preferred means of connectivity, be it via Bluetooth or USB. In terms of the audio quality and setup experience alone, these are easily some of the best computer speakers I have ever used.

The bad bits

Edifier's G5000 speaker units are two absolute units. These chunky lads are incredibly heavy and weigh a whopping 18 pounds. They are also massive, so minimalists won't be happy with their size. If you've got limited space, it will be hard to accommodate the HECATE by Edifier G5000 speakers along with your PC rig.

Considering how expensive these things are, you could get something much smaller and smarter for that amount of money. If you want to alter the bass and treble or change the audio balance, you will need to invest in an audio receiver as well, which makes matters worse. The one advantage here is that the G5000 speakers have the right ports on the back, so you don't need to get a digital-to-analog converter — commonly known as a DAC — for the receiver.

Competition

It is impossible to discuss PC speakers without mentioning, nay, starting the conversation with the mighty Razer Leviathan V2 Pro. The soundbar and subwoofer duo costs $400, a whole benjamin less than the pricey HECATE by Edifier G500 setup. Even though the Razer speaker does not have as many ports for connectivity, it is still superior to Edifier's offering.

Mid-range alternatives include the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2, which also comes with a soundbar and a separate subwoofer unit. It costs less than $300 and delivers 250W of peak output power. Although getting the position right is tricky, you get decent-sounding audio and RGB lighting from Creative's speaker.

For less than half the price of the G500 speakers, you can also opt for the Bose Companion 2 (Series III) PC speakers. These budget-friendly computer speakers only cost $150, but they sound very good for the price. They don't come close to the Edifier HECATE G5000 in terms of audio quality, though that is to be expected, given the price range.

Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

• You want a plug-and-play experience
• You'd like to have diverse connectivity ports
• You need a versatile setup that can be used with multiple devices
• You want Hi-Res Audio and fantastic sound quality

You shouldn't buy it if...

• Your budget is constrained
• You want to connect a subwoofer to your speakers
• You want something compact and lightweight

Edifier got so much right with the spectacular HECATE G5000 computer speakers. While the RGB and hard-to-miss size could be polarizing, the sound quality is superb. You won't regret spending so much on these speakers once you've heard what they are capable of. These speakers are punchy, dynamic, and well-balanced. They truly sound premium.

Of course, it's hard to justify the price tag when something like the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro exists. Recommending the Edifier G5000 PC speakers would have been a no-brainer if it weren't for Razer's stellar $400 sound system. There's no denying that you get more value for your money from the Leviathan V2 Pro and its fancy
Razer Chroma lighting.

If for whatever reason, you do not or cannot buy the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, I would suggest the HECATE by Edifier G5000 for your PC's auditory needs. Unlike the Leviathan V2 Pro, the Edifier G5000 speakers have 3.5mm and optical ports. But other than that, they are second to Razer.

Soundbars might not seem like a very exciting category these days. They've been around for over a decade now, starting as a helpful replacement for weak speakers in skinny televisions or as a simple way to bolster a home cinema setup. For desktop computers, the appeal is broader since constantly using headphones all day isn't exactly recommended for gaming, even if I'm guilty of that.

A decent set of surround-sound speakers often appeals to PC gamers to enhance immersion and offer a relaxing break from headsets. Still, it's usually a pain to set up if you don't have suitable space for satellite speakers and trailing cables. Anything capable of replicating the effect should attract some intrigue. Razer offers all that and more with an extra-special head-tracking feature in its Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar, but does it live up to the hype?

Leviathan V2 Pro: Price, availability, and specs

Razer sells the Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar through its official website for $400 MSRP with shipping starting from February 3, 2023. The soundbar and subwoofer are packaged with 2x AC cables per region, 1x power brick, a 3.5 mm jack-to-jack audio cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, and a quick start guide.

Leviathan V2 Pro: First impressions and setup

This wasn't my first rodeo with a Razer soundbar; I tested the original Leviathan V2 around a year ago, which suitably impressed me with its thumping bass and vibrant RGB. Besides the touted beamforming 3D audio, a slew of speaker enhancements would undoubtedly increase the size of another new model, but it was still a surprise to see just how chunky the V2 Pro is.

During the unboxing process, which is always a delight with Razer since they put real effort into their presentation, it was clear that although the soundbar and subwoofer have grown in size, some of the cardboard inside is just careful padding for extra protection. Overall, the aesthetics resemble the standard Leviathan soundbar range, with a sleek combo volume and power knob added to the top.

Build quality seems identical to its predecessor; top-notch and doesn't exhibit any signs of rattling from loose parts. The icons and logos, fortunately, aren't low-effort stickers, instead using semi-transparent sections to glow up with internal LEDs. The rotating volume knob spins with a smooth, strong resistance instead of the tactile notches I expected, similar to a premium hi-fi amp. Everything looked great out of the box as I cleared space on my floor for this behemoth subwoofer.

Unpacking the boxed cables does bring a huge relief in that the subwoofer no longer uses a proprietary connection to the Leviathan soundbar like the original V2, opting for a standard 3.5 mm jack connection this time. Phew. Still, some good news often comes with a downside, and noticing that the soundbar has a dedicated AC adapter means I need two available sockets to power everything now. My poor cable management was further exposed in the grim adventure behind desks.

Given the sheer power on offer from the 5.25-inch down-firing sub, it's understandable that a backup AC adapter is needed to provide enough juice. Double-check you have enough sockets before setting up the V2 Pro, and you'll be fine. The included USB-C to USB-A cable measures around 6 inches, enough to reach from my desktop PC at the far end of the desk to the soundbar in front of my monitors.

I avoided placing the original V2 subwoofer on my floor to prevent upsetting the neighbors, and it was slightly smaller anyway. The Pro sub is a little too chunky to sit on the desk this time, and honestly, I wouldn't recommend placing it next to your monitors, as I'll explain soon. You will ultimately benefit from putting the sub on the ground, and feeling the undulating bass tones rippling underfoot provides that pseudo-cinema experience. Appropriate, considering the THX logo printed upfront. Cue the classic deep note.

The soundbar measures roughly 23.5 inches across, still fitting pretty snugly onto my undersized desk. If you're using a 24-inch monitor or larger, the Leviathan V2 Pro looks great when seated directly in front of your primary screen, offering a clear line of sight for the head tracking camera. Be aware that your monitor stand might affect placement since any panels with gigantic oval feet might hinder your plans to push the soundbar back.

You might notice in the unboxing photos that the V2 Pro lacks the adjustable feet found on the original V2. The interchangeable rubber stands offered a straight-on or upwards-facing setup, altering the dynamics of the front-facing tweeters and expanding a little extra room for the Chroma RGB.

Razer is putting more effort into the pseudo-surround sound effects than ever, and bouncing soundwaves around the room in a convincing manner likely explains the strict positioning this time. I assure you that upgrades to the underside RGB lighting and upcoming audio tests confirmed that cutting out the adjustable rubber feet was no significant loss.

Leviathan V2 Pro: Speaker quality

Straight out of the gate, the Leviathan V2 Pro sounds incredible. I opted to test the Bluetooth connection first since it requires the shortest setup path, and the mobile apps offer plenty of audio EQ options. Playing a variety of genres from Spotify and Apple Music at maximum quality with the default settings had the soundbar and subwoofer shaking my room with crisp highs and booming bass. Tough luck, neighbors.

Make no mistake, the low-end coming out of this sub is tremendous. If you're living above a family who doesn't appreciate too much noise, they'll soon assume you've had a full-size theatre installed into your office when you fire up the V2 Pro. Moving from carpeted floors to wood or laminate alternatives didn't seem to affect the bass, but some loose flooring from a previous rush job buzzed a little too much when switching through the THX audio modes. My fault.

Settling down for some gaming meant testing games with some of the hardest-hitting soundtracks, including DOOM Eternal and its ferocious industrial guitars composed by Mick Gordon. While there are pre-made EQ profiles for games, movies, and music, I had a better overall experience with custom slider adjustments. Video games aren't known for enthusiast-level audio tests, usually pushing for cinematic soundscapes over perfect balance, but it didn't take long to find a comfortable, well-rounded sound.

Pushing for a downward slope towards the 40Hz range remedied some of the relentless, gut-punching low-end without affecting the crisp sounds pointed directly at me. It's fun for a while, but the hilarity of a vibrating desk during gameplay does become somewhat unwelcome in the late evenings. You can quickly switch between the pre-set and custom equalizer settings by pressing the leftmost button on top of the soundbar, saving bass-heavy modes for the daytime.

In fairness to Razer, this revision carries the 'Pro' moniker, so it's not aimed at your average household. The humongous sounds from the combined soundbar and subwoofer are ideally suited to a purpose-made home office used by content creators or dedicated gamers more than someone looking for a simple set of speakers. It can still appeal to everyone, but the Leviathan V2 Pro carries its name for a reason. It would be better for people who use those foam eggshells lining their walls for sound suppression rather than my thin wallpaper and paint; to each their own.

Testing the soundbar without connecting the subwoofer presents a significantly weaker bass response than the original V2, presumably due to changes to the overall design and pushing for a larger subwoofer rather than open-back speakers. Thankfully, Razer covers this angle with the Leviathan V2 X, a USB-C-powered variant with a more reserved max volume backed up with built-in subwoofers just like the original model.

If you have an appropriate setup to use all the features on offer, the V2 Pro is an absolute beast for speaker quality. Splitting its soundbar into three distinct avenues means consumers can match their room to the perfect Leviathan model. Anyone with enough space for the subwoofer will love the cinema-grade low-end from this THX-certified beauty, and the mobile apps avoid total reliance on USB for EQ adjustments.

Leviathan V2 Pro: Head tracking

There was plenty of praise for the beamforming surround-sound tech when it was demonstrated at the CES 2023 technology convention, and there's a good reason it won a best of CES award from Windows Central. It isn't easy to describe precisely how spectacular it sounds in person. I'll admit that even after hearing confirmation from our editor-in-chief Daniel Rubino who heard it live, I had to know for myself, and boy was he right on the money.

The Razer companion app has a small icon showing whether the IR camera built into the Leviathan V2 Pro's soundbar successfully detects you. It works for a reasonable distance in a well-lit room, but there is a limit, about the same range as far back as I might sit with a joypad. Fortunately, if you're right on the edge of detection, it doesn't flicker between on and off, instead leaving a sort of buffer until you're close enough for re-activation.

Outside of trying to force the camera to break the connection, I never experienced any drop in head-tracking performance, so it seems Razer found the sweet spot through camera testing. The advertisements have always been explicit that the beamforming tech was designed for a single person, as this is a soundbar made for PC gamers. Still, the V2 Pro can switch to 'room fill' mode if multiple people are detected, and it provides a broader sound as you would expect in any other high-end soundbar to suit a movie night for couples and groups.

There are two audio modes designed for the face tracking feature: 'virtual headset' and 'virtual surround,' which both simulate types of 3D audio. Listen to the THX spatial audio demo above while wearing a pair of decent headphones. You'll hear the kinds of binaural effects that imitate full surround-sound environments, just like the virtual headset mode on the V2 Pro.

While providing a similar effect, virtual surround does a more convincing job of beaming sounds 'behind' you with a series of clever multi-channel trickery paired up with the directional speakers. It's baffling how well it works, especially in a small-to-medium-sized square room as my home office, where the audio can bounce off the walls and create an immersive sound space. Even in larger areas, you can hear an eerily credible pseudo-surround effect from appropriate multi-channel files; it's a truly fascinating experience.

The real magic comes when you move around, as you might expect. The IR camera doesn't store any images, merely analyzing the depth of your space to approximate where your ears are at any given time, and adjusts the sounds after a tiny pause. There does seem to be a minimum movement threshold, which presumably avoids unpleasant effects from constantly shifting speakers, but the maximum angle is impressive.

Setting the Leviathan V2 Pro up on our hobby bench, much wider than my work desk, it became clear who this tech was aimed at. Again, this is the 'pro' model, so it's for creators with dedicated spaces for this kind of thing. If you have a desk big enough for multiple monitors or even two computers, as live streamers often have, you can roll around at your station, given the camera can still see you, and the speakers will stay trained on your ears.

It's an effect I often forget about after about an hour before wheeling over to the other side of the bench to work on something and hearing the speakers shift. The whole thing has me reconsidering plans for my office, wondering if I should build an entirely new desk around the V2 Pro so I don't have to give up this incredible feature.

If you live close to one of the brick-and-mortar Razer stores, do yourself a favor and see if they're demonstrating this soundbar so you can experience the head tracking. I can't express how bizarre and fantastic it is to hear it in person. Anyone with the appropriate space can benefit from this monstrous audio package, loaded with cinema-grade bass.

Leviathan V2 Pro: Software

Compared to the original Leviathan V2, Razer has dramatically improved its software suite and user experience. Although some features are kept separate, including THX Spatial Audio, the mobile Razer Audio app can finally control the audio equalizer and Chroma RGB in one place. You'll unlikely need to access the Synapse desktop app too frequently, especially when satisfied with your personalized EQ settings, but these improvements are welcome.

The Razer Cortex desktop app is still recommended during installation, but getting the best experience out of the V2 Pro never relies on it. Having the soundbar under my monitor means that the physical controls were never out of reach, but the mobile app quickly became my favorite backup when I wanted to tweak the lighting effects or adjust the bass. Still, only the Razer Synapse app is essential to install driver updates on your PC, so I'm thankful for the reduced bloat from previously forcing multiple apps.

Leviathan V2 Pro: The competition

Since Razer keeps expanding its range of Leviathan soundbars, I'll always compare them to the fantastic original model, which set the tone of leaning heavily into low-end bass frequencies. Where the Leviathan V1 shined best was its connectivity options, featuring optical audio-in alongside a standard 3.5 mm jack input. Bluetooth was always available, but I lamented the loss of analog input options in my Razer Leviathan V2 review when the first revision hit.

You can still buy the Leviathan V1 on various third-party storefronts for around $200, but it simply cannot compete in the same league as the V2 Pro for sheer output power. Ramping up the subwoofer alongside across-the-board improvements to the Leviathan's tweeters brings it more in line with its long-term rival, the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2, which impressed us in the past.

Realistically, the Leviathan V2 Pro has no legitimate competition when you consider its complete feature set. The 3D beamforming effects delivered by its built-in head-tracking camera currently have no equal, and it's proven to be seriously impressive in a range of environments, including substantial open spaces like the Razer booth where it was first demonstrated.

Leviathan V2 Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• If you have a large creative space with room to move around.
• You want surround-sound audio without speaker clutter.
• You need powerful speakers with cinema-grade bass.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• Your neighbors disapprove of loud music.
• You rarely move from a single seated position.
• You have a small desk without room for a subwoofer.

The experience of head-tracked surround sound is fascinating and genuinely feels like the first truly futuristic technology released in years. Razer has packed everything possible into this high-end revision to its flagship soundbar. The Leviathan V2 Pro is utterly unmatched in its category, meaning it will undoubtedly join the ranks of the best computer speakers. If you have the space to place the monstrous subwoofer, the low-end response should satisfy any bass-loving gamer.

On the flip side, if you can't fit many trinkets between your keyboard and monitor, the V2 Pro will be a tight squeeze. Equally, the subwoofer is far better suited to floor placement than on a desk due to its tremendous bass response, so you'll need a space with enough room to enjoy this high-tech soundbar properly. If you have a wide setup and regularly move across the room, the IR camera will directly lock in the spectacular 3D effects to your ears, even at some extreme angles.

The LG RK7 XBoom Bluetooth speaker system is on sale for $249.99 at Best Buy. This deal is part of Best Buy's deals of the day, which means it is a temporary price drop that won't be around tomorrow. The XBoom system normally sells for around $350 or more, and it has been more than a year since we have seen it on sale. You can actually find it price matched at Amazon right now, too, although it looks like the quantity is limited over there. 

The RK7 is a beast of a sound system. This is not your typical portable speaker. This one isn't going anywhere. But it is ready to deliver some audio in a way no tiny speaker can since it's a 550W system with an amplifier, digital player, radio, and Bluetooth audio receiver all built into it. You can also choose where and how you want to place the XBoom system as it can go either horizontal or vertical.

The XBoom already supports both WMA and MP3 formats so you can listen to your favorite songs right away, even ones you have downloaded on your computer or phone. The digital FM tuner includes 50 presets so you can set your favorite channels and access them easily with a single touch.

Transform the party with some late-night karaoke, too, using the XBoom's karaoke creator that can suppress the voices in any song. Be the song's new lead singer and even change the key of the song to better suit your voice.

Remember this deal price expires at the end of the day, so get ready for summer parties and grab one while you can.

Planning a trip to the beach? Need something to blast your Beach Vibes playlist? Maybe you just want to rock out in your backyard while grilling some burgers this summer? Sonos' summer sale has what you want because you can get the Sonos Roam portable Bluetooth speaker on sale for $143.20 through the Sonos website. This speaker normally sells for $170. It has sold for as much as $220 in the past, but it has never dropped below $170 before outside of special sales like this. You can find it going for this price at a couple of other retailers, too, like Best Buy.

You can also get the original portable speaker from Sonos, the Sonos Move, on sale right now as well. You can get it for $319.20 instead of its usual price of $400, and this deal is also only available through the Sonos website.

Sonos is a company that's more known for it's amazing home audio systems that let you sync your music from room to room and blast tunes wherever you happen to go. The Roam is its first foray into a truly portable speaker as the Move, while also portable, wasn't really meant for the beach life. And it's pretty awesome to get that Sonos quality with you even when you're out and about.

As a wireless speaker, you can use either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to the Roam. It will automatically reconnect to your Wi-Fi when it comes into range and easily pairs with your phone when Bluetooth is necessary. Plus, while connected to Wi-Fi you can use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. Turn up the volume, check the news and weather, or even control your smart home with this speaker.

You'll get up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge thanks to the long-lasting battery. It has the intelligence to save power when it's not in use, too, so it can last a while. It powers back up in less than a second. Recharging is easy, too, since you can use the included USB-C cable for a fast charge or the Sonos Wireless Charger so you don't even have to plug in.

As far as sound, Sonos uses Automatic Trueplay to optimize your audio based on your location and the content you're playing. It sounds great no matter what, and since it is IP67 rated to resist water and dust, you can take it anywhere and listen to whatever. 

There's no mistaking the triple-headed snake logo of Razer, the gaming hardware manufacturer synonymous with high-end gaming products and usually a lot of RGB lights. The second-generation revision of their gamer-focused soundbar, the Razer Leviathan V2, fits suitably well into their catalog of peripherals and accessories. Since Razer owns THX, it makes sense to push for a speaker with high fidelity audio, with this set aimed at desktop PC environments.

This upgrade to the Razer Leviathan promises a smooth experience with PC via USB and mobile over low-latency Bluetooth, but what's the deal with connecting other devices? The newly added RGB lights look pretty and are customizable with the Razer Chroma software, alongside Razer Synapse for audio. Do these apps help or hinder the experience? How does it compare to its predecessor and the competition? I spent a week testing the Leviathan V2 to answer these questions.

Razer Leviathan V2: Price and availability

The Razer Leviathan V2 is available now through the official Razer store and third-party retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. It comes solely in black with a customizable RGB light bar.

Released in April 2022 with an MSRP of $250, it intends to replace the Razer Leviathan V1, which is still available for purchase.

Razer Leviathan V2: What you'll like

Setting up the Leviathan V2 was a breeze since its primary connection is with its USB cable to the PC. The soundbar itself is reasonably sized for most desks, sitting comfortably between my keyboard and monitor without causing any obstructions. It stretches a width just shy of 500mm and a depth of around 110mm, so even with my modest setup, it sat pretty in front of my 23-inch screen. Razer also includes replaceable feet for the soundbar, allowing it to angle upwards to better display its RGB lighting and direct audio higher up.

The included instructions advise placing the subwoofer on the floor, but I can't recommend you do if you have any downstairs neighbors because this thing is a beast. The bass kicked out by the Leviathan V2 sub is monstrous, and I barely raised the volume over 30% for most of my use, so it remained on my desk. It's about the size you expect, standing at a boxy 220mm, or about 80% as tall as an Xbox Series S. Adjusting the equalizer to my preferred settings with high bass and treble meant that everything I played back sounded tremendously intense.

The Razer Chroma software allows you to customize the RGB lights on the soundbar, choosing from pre-made options or creating your own. My personal favorite was setting a single pulsing color that matches the rest of my peripherals, my desk now soaked in neon suitably matching the pulsing music. In this V2 revision of the soundbar, Razer has added two extra passive radiator speakers to the rear, which does a decent job of rounding out the audio even without the subwoofer, which connects with a lengthy cable to reach about as far as you would need.

It almost feels overkill to have such immense sounds at your disposal since pushing the volume anywhere close to maximum means you reach insane levels that I can't imagine anyone would use for long. The Leviathan V2 supports Bluetooth 5.2 with a low 60ms latency and can connect to mobile devices to play music, so better to save that for bigger house parties rather than sitting at your desk for a quick drive in Forza Horizon 5. Overall, the sound quality is fantastic and makes for a welcome break from wearing headphones all the time. Adjusting the equalizer means the bass doesn't have to be so loud that nearby pets run for cover unless you're looking for a cinema-like experience when watching movies, as its THX logo suggests.

The Razer Synapse app has a useful little feature for quickly switching between audio sources via the left-most button of the soundbar. Selecting your headphones here means that holding the source button will change from the soundbar, so it's a neat little time-saver. With the equalizer set just the way you like, the Leviathan V2 is an attractive audio setup for the desktop PC, with games feeling like action movies. If you have the space and some time for cable management, it can be neatly tucked into your desk to provide some roaring sounds and flashy RGB lights.

It's an improvement over the previous Leviathan model in almost every way, with extra speakers and improved versions of the standard drivers. For the price, you're certainly getting a high-quality soundbar with beautifully crisp highs and thunderous lows, and it would be well suited to any PC gamer looking to improve their audio setup. For anyone else wanting a soundbar with more connection options, there are troubling downgrades from the Leviathan V1 that feel seriously disappointing and need addressing.

Razer Leviathan V2: What you won't like

As I mentioned above, the Leviathan V2 features its primary USB connection for PC and low-latency Bluetooth 5.2 for mobile devices. That's it. There's no 3.5mm jack or optical port for connecting a TV or any other audio source. The Leviathan V1 might not have featured HDMI-in, but it managed the 3.5mm and optical audio ports just fine, so I was baffled when I saw the Leviathan V2 had cut these options out. For connecting your computer, your options are USB or Bluetooth, and that's all. It's incredibly disappointing to have such capable speakers restricted to a desktop for games or your phone for parties.

The Razer FAQ page mentions that the Leviathan V2 Bluetooth is compatible with a Nintendo Switch, the only console listed. Anyone who has ever connected Bluetooth audio to a Nintendo Switch likely knows about the frustrating de-sync, and another 60ms of delay with the Leviathan V2 certainly doesn't help. Playing Switch Sports felt like the audio was coming through a dial-up modem, much later than the actions on-screen. Better stick to PC gaming on Windows with the Leviathan V2 because the compatibility for consoles is long gone.

Frustrations don't stop at lackluster connectivity options because there's more on the software side. Most simple tasks like controlling the RGB light colors, enabling the THX spatial audio mode, or adjusting the equalizer all need the use of an app, but not just one. If you install the Razer Audio app on your smartphone, you can power the Leviathan V2 off remotely, which is handy, but unless you set the soundbar to Bluetooth mode, you can't do much else. The equalizer is unavailable when using USB mode, controlled instead by the desktop Razer Synapse app. As for the RGB controls, you need to install an entirely separate mobile app, Chroma RGB.

So now you have two apps on your phone, and you can't use them to the fullest unless under specific circumstances. There's no reason everything couldn't be available on one Razer app, another typical frustration with modern mobile companion apps that I'm disappointed to see here. When you connect the Leviathan V2 to your PC, you'll need to install several more programs. Razer Synapse for the equalizer and audio profiles, Razer Chroma to control the RGB and create custom patterns, and finally, the THX audio app if you want to enable it inside Synapse. These could have been consolidated into a single app and saved many headaches.

Each app requires you to log in with a Razer ID, which means agreeing to a collection of terms and conditions to use a soundbar. It's an obtuse and irritating set of steps to change some lights from green to blue or turn the bass up a touch. An overhaul of the Razer app ecosystem could help remedy this, so I don't want to hold it against the Leviathan V2 forever. For now, though, it's a bit of a pain to use and is losing some points for removing connection options and relying on fractured software.

Razer Leviathan V2: Competition

I might have recommended the Razer Nommo Chroma speakers if we weren't comparing soundbars since they're cheaper despite less dynamic range but still have RGB lights. It might not be fair since other soundbars like the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 are a closer match, only with a much higher MSRP. Comparing the specs of the Leviathan V1 and V2 is more relevant to see whether this second-generation revision was worth it just for some RGB.

There's more low-end on the Leviathan V2 thanks to an improved subwoofer and additional passive radiator drivers on the soundbar, but the high-end tweeters hit the same 20KHz limit. It depends on how much bass you want to pump out and whether the extra money is worth it since you can often find the Leviathan V1 for sale for under $200. I feel the lacking connectivity of the V2 isn't worth the trade-off for rainbow lights unless you're determined to keep it connected to your PC.

Razer Leviathan V2: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for high-quality PC speakers
• You have the desk space for a soundbar and subwoofer

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want to connect consoles or televisions
• You're not prepared to use multiple apps to customize it

Anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar and subwoofer setup for their desktop PC will find the Leviathan V2 produces an incredible sound, customizable with a software-based audio equalizer and RGB suite. Compared to its V1 predecessor, connectivity options are seriously lacking since consoles are out of the question, and too many apps are needed to access every feature.

The Razer Leviathan V2 is a beautiful soundbar, compact enough to fit snug behind a keyboard, and produces incredible audio with its wired subwoofer. The issues lie in its lacking features compared to the former V1 model, with no connectivity options for 3.5mm or optical audio this time around. Paired with a frustrating app experience fractured across multiple programs, all requiring a Razer account as a log in, the V2 revision feels pretty shallow.

If you can find the Leviathan V2 going cheap, it'll blow your socks off with cinema-grade THX sound. It can compete with some of the best computer speakers, but if you're planning to connect anything else, better stick with the Leviathan V1. It's a shame because the V2 speakers sound superb, but it has to lose points on its nerfed feature set and messy Razer app ecosystem.

Amazon has a huge sale on Tribit earbuds, speakers, and other devices going on today as part of its daily deals selection. You can save up to 22% off the regular price of all this gear. For example, the Tribit XSound Go portable Bluetooth speaker is down to just $26.72 through Amazon. That's about $10 off its regular price and the best direct price drop we've seen in over six months (although it has dropped a couple bucks lower through on-page coupon deals in the past).

The XSound Go is a great little speaker you can take with you anywhere, and it has been updated for a more powerful sound. You get two 8W high-performance drivers with a premium passive bass radiator that ends up providing you with amazing highs, mids, and a rich bass.

Listen all day thanks to the rechargeable battery that can last for up to 24 hours even when used non-stop. It's actually two 2200mAh batteries in one, which is why it lasts so long. It only weighs 13 ounces and has a compact design, too, so you can take it with you anywhere. Clip it onto your bag or use the carrying strap so it's always with you.

Thanks to its IPX7 rating you don't have to worry about water, either. Use it by the pool, in the shower, or get caught in the rain without worrying about it.

Use the Bluetooth 5.0 tech to connect all your mobile devices and jam to tunes played from any device. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack so you can connect that way as well. The speaker includes built-in support for a Siri or Google Now voice assistant so you can easily control it with your voice.

Don't forget to check out all the other Tribit devices on sale at Amazon today only.

Clip the 10% off coupon on this Amazon page to get the Tribit StormBox Micro portable Bluetooth speaker for a low price of $38.24. Barring other coupon codes, that's close to one of the lowest prices we've ever seen. This super small speaker normally sells for around $50, and it just happens to be down in price today so that coupon just adds to the value. We actually haven't seen this speaker go on sale this year, so today's a good chance to grab one if you need a speaker you can carry with you anywhere.

The Tribit StormBox Micro is one of the best tiny Bluetooth speakers you can buy. It might only weigh about nine ounces, but it can still produce a super powerful sound. You'll get full mids, clear highs, and chest-thumping lows. Tribit's exclusive built-in Xbass tuning DSP technology helps with those lows, too, by giving you even better bass. This allows the speaker to handle a wide variety of musical genres despite its size.

Take this speaker with you anywhere. It has an IP67 rating, which means it is resistant to outdoor weather. That includes protection from both dust and water. The fabric-covered exterior helps keep the speaker safe even if it falls in the water. Whether you need a speaker at the gym or want to attach this to your bike's handlebar, the speaker can travel with you anywhere. It even has a tear-resistant silicone strap that makes it easy to attach to backpacks, bikes, and more. It will hold tight even when you're moving fast.

You could easily buy more than one at this affordable price, and the speakers are designed to work together if you have two of them. Turn mono sound into stereo sound with an extra speaker. Get bigger and better audio effects that way.

The speaker recharges via USB-C, and its rechargeable battery will last you up to eight hours. It also uses Bluetooth 5.0 tech, which not only helps preserve that battery but gives you a working range of up to 100 feet. It is covered by an 18-month replacement warranty.

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 portable Bluetooth speaker has dropped down to $129.99 at Amazon. This is one of Amazon's daily deals and won't be around tomorrow. You can pick from four different colors at this price, too. Some of these colors don't go on sale as much as the others, and none of them have dropped below this price in a long time (since 2020). It's a great deal that won't last long, so grab one while you can.

The Boom 3 speakers are some of Ultimate Ears' best, and they have room-filling sound along with the ability to boost low frequencies that produce powerful bass. Because of the cylindrical design of the speaker, you can actually blast music to every corner of the room. You get full 360-degree coverage, so place the speaker in the middle of the party and keep everyone dancing.

You'll also get a long battery life with up to 15 hours on a single charge. Take it with you, whether you're inside or outdoors. The speaker is impact resistant, so a small drop here or there won't damage it. The IP67 rating makes it resistant to both dust and water, so you can use it by the pool or when getting caught in the rain. Take it on a hike or to a pickup soccer game while you're at it. The Boom 3 won't mind. The one-touch button on the speaker gives you easy control, so you can choose the music you want to hear.

You can pair multiple speakers together, too, using the UE app. In fact, you can pair up to 150 speakers together if you really want to. Good thing they're on sale!

Picking a Bluetooth speaker isn't always easy because, in 2021, they're all good. But this Black Friday, it's a much easier decision. You buy this speaker — and you buy it now.

This Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker would be a great buy at its original price, but with 27% taken off and a nice, understated black finish, this is one speaker that you can buy and throw around without too much care or concern. That's backed up by its IPX5 water resistance rating, making it the perfect companion for sitting around the water, listening to your songs. Or podcasts, if you prefer. You can pick what you listen to!

This deal is one that you can't afford to miss out on — you'll just kick yourself if you do!

This speaker deal is as good as it sounds

In terms of features beyond its water resistance, this speaker has it all. There's a 24-hour battery life that will make sure your music is playing long after you've dropped. Then there's a massive 66ft Bluetooth range that allows you to keep your phone somewhere safe and just take the speaker with you. No more dropping your phone around the pool because your old speaker's range wasn't good enough!

This little speaker also packs BassUp technology, something that means "an in-house tuned digital signal processor analyzes the low frequencies to intensify the song's bass in real-time." That sounds good, right?

This deal isn't going to be one that hangs around for too long so make sure to make hay now before it's too late!

What you need to know

• Harman Kardon updated its support page for the Invoke speakers with details about the end of Cortana support.
• The update to convert the Invoke into a Bluetooth speaker will not be available after June 30, 2021.
• Cortana will stop working on the Invoke even if you don't update your device.

Last July, Microsoft announced the end of Cortana support on several platforms and devices. Among those cut is the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker. Now, Harman Kardon has updated the support page for the Invoke speaker with more details about transitioning the device into a Bluetooth speaker.

While the Invoke speaker will no longer support Cortana, there is an update rolling out soon that will convert the device into a Bluetooth speaker.

The update appears to be either rolling out now or will be soon. The support page states that the release date is March 10, 2010, which we assume is a typo as the device came out in 2017. Whether that typo applies to just the year or the date as a whole is unclear. If it is just a typo of the year, the update could start rolling out this week.

What is confirmed is that the update to transition the speaker will not be available after June 30, 2021. The support document states (emphasis added):

This statement suggests that if you don't perform the update on your Invoke, that it will be significantly less useful, if not useless, after the cutoff date. A Q&A on the support page states, "The Wi-Fi will disable automatically on July 31st, 2021, so please keep your device connected until the Wi-Fi is automatically disabled."

If you have a Harman Kardon Invoke, you could be eligible for a $50 Microsoft gift card. Microsoft has a page on the offer, including eligibility details. You cannot just go grab an Invoke speaker now and try to earn the gift card. You have to have made a voice request on the device before the announcement of the end of Cortana support.

The Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth portable speaker is down to $39.99 when you clip the $10 off on-page coupon at Amazon. The speaker was selling for as much as $57 at the beginning of August and has been selling for around $50 more recently. The drop to $40 matches the lowest price we've ever seen. This is even cheaper than refurbished units from the Amazon Warehouse.

The Tribit StormBox Micro is one of the best tiny Bluetooth speakers you can buy. It might only weigh about nine ounces, but it can still produce a super powerful sound. You'll get full mids, clear highs, and chest-thumping lows. Tribit's exclusive built-in Xbass tuning DSP technology helps with those lows, too, by giving you even better bass. This allows the speaker to handle a wide variety of musical genres despite its size.

Take this speaker with you anywhere. It has an IP67 rating, which means it is resistant to outdoor weather. That includes protection from both dust and water. The fabric-covered exterior helps keep the speaker safe even if it falls in the water. Whether you need a speaker at the gym or want to attach this to your bike's handlebar, the speaker can travel with you anywhere. It even has a tear-resistant silicone strap that makes it easy to attach to backpacks, bikes, and more. It will hold tight even when you're moving fast.

You could easily buy more than one at this affordable price, and the speakers are designed to work together if you have two of them. Turn mono sound into stereo sound with an extra speaker. Get bigger and better audio effects that way.

The speaker recharges via USB-C, and its rechargeable battery will last you up to eight hours. It also uses Bluetooth 5.0 tech, which not only helps preserve that battery but gives you a working range of up to 100 feet. It is covered by an 18-month replacement warranty.

Anyone looking to bring Hi-Res audio on-the-go owes some attention to Anker's Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth Speaker. This premium Bluetooth speaker is designed for lossless music reproduction and helped along by Qualcomm aptX when streaming via Bluetooth, perfect for those who listen to FLAC or other lossless file types and those who are interested in HD music streaming services like Amazon's recently-announced Amazon Music HD.

The highly-reviewed Soundcore Motion+ speaker is on sale at Amazon for just $79.99 today, saving you $20 off its regular cost. Today's discount matches the lowest price we've ever seen this speaker reach, and with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on close to 450 customer reviews there, this deal isn't one you want to miss.

This fully-waterproof speaker is IPX7-rated and can be thrown in the pool or brought into the shower, giving you near limitless options on where to listen with it. It's packed with dual ultra high-frequency tweeters, neodymium woofers, and passive radiators for 30W of powerful sound, while Anker's BassUp technology works to enhance low frequencies in real-time. Its frequency range reaches from 50Hz to 40kHz for stunning depth and clarity from such a portable speaker. It even connects to the Soundcore app so you can customize its EQ settings and more.

With its built-in 6700mAh rechargeable battery, this speaker can last for up to 12 hours on a single charge so you can listen all day long without issue. If you plan on bringing this speaker on a camping trip or vacation where you won't have access to power for a longer duration, bringing a portable battery charger from this list of best power banks in 2020 would be a wise idea.

A Bluetooth speaker always makes a great gift for the holiday season — especially if your giftee is a music lover. Right now, you can pick up Sony's XB01 Bluetooth Compact Portable Speaker on sale for only $18, and this item is even available to be shipped today. That means it could arrive just in time to give as a gift on December 24 if you have a Prime membership or pay for a faster shipping speed than the standard option. Today's deal is one of the best prices it's ever reached, too. You can choose between Black, Blue, Red, and Gray models of this speaker while supplies last.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Sony X900H 75-inch 4K HDR smart TV

$1598.00 $2000.00 Save $402 1618751671

Has a 4K HDR Processor that can upscale content. It has a triluminos display, full array LED local dimming, and more that helps enhance the contrast and show you images the way the creator intended. Includes Android TV and works with Alexa.

PlayStation Plus 1-Year Membership

$31.99 $59.99 Save $28 1618516727

Unlock online multiplayer, free game downloads every month, and daily discounts on the PlayStation Store with a year's subscription to PlayStation Plus. Today's deal saves you nearly 50% off with the following promo code at checkout.

Sony WH-1000XM3 active noise-cancelling Bluetooth over-ear headphones black

$191.38 $228.00 Save $37 1617884423

Have since been replaced by the $350 XM4. Powered by Sony's HD QN1 processor for amazing noise-cancelling. Have built-in amplifier with powerful drivers for great sound. Access Google Assistant and control your music with ear cup controls.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$278.00 $349.99 Save $72 1615901659

Pick up a pair of Sony's WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones at nearly $75 off their regular price for a limited time! Today's deal is available on all three colorways of the headphones, including Black, Blue, and Silver.

Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear Bluetooth headphones with ANC

$199.99 $250.00 Save $50 1615398164

Have since been replaced by the $350 XM4. Powered by Sony's HD QN1 processor for amazing noise-cancelling. Have built-in amplifier with powerful drivers for great sound. Access Google Assistant and control your music with ear cup controls.

The Sony XB01 speaker features a splash-proof design that makes it a good pick to bring outdoors or use in the shower. Its rechargeable built-in battery can last for up to six hours of playback on a single charge. There's also an integrated microphone so you can take calls hands-free while your phone is elsewhere.

With this speaker's built-in carrying strap, you can tie it to a bag or hang it easily. There are controls on the top that allow you to adjust its volume, power it on and off, and answer calls. A microUSB cable is included with its purchase to keep it charged up, though to really make sure you can listen to it whenever you want, it'd be wise to keep a portable power bank around as well. You can find one worth picking up in this guide to the best power banks under $30. Then again, if you have more devices that need charged as well, this guide to the best portable high-capacity power banks is filled with more suitable options.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum, along with access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

There may be a few days until Black Friday hits, but the fantastic deals have already begun! Right now Best Buy has the Vizio SmartCast Crave 360 wireless speaker on sale for only $49.99 for one day only. That's $200 off its usual price and the best deal we've ever seen for it, though there's not much time left to snag this offer. We likely won't see it return for Black Friday either, so you don't want to miss this opportunity if you're interested. Shipping is free, or you can select free in-store pickup where available to receive this item faster.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Vizio OLED55-H1 55-inch OLED 4K SmartCast TV Best Buy

$999.99 $1300.00 Save $300 1616326487

The OLED TV features a bezel-less design, 120Hz refresh rate for gaming with unique features that make the TV more responsive in VR, and a powerful chip for 4K upscaling. Supports HDR, the SmartCast platform for apps, and voice control.

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4 home theater sound system with Dolby Atmos

$599.99 $800.00 Save $200 1615300614

Comes with the 46-inch sound bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two surround sound speakers. There's also a remote and wall mounting hardware. Has a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue. Includes Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

Vizio SB2020n-G6M 20-inch 2.0-channel home theater Bluetooth sound bar

$69.99 $90.00 Save $20 1611844558

Supports DTS Virtual:X so you get audio that's enhanced to provide multi-dimensional sound and a wider soundstage. It's a 20-inch sound bar so it can fit just about anywhere and enhance audio for TV watching, music listening, and more.

Vizio M65Q8-H1 Quantum 65-inch 4K Smartcast TV

$648.00 $778.00 Save $130 1611672499

Includes active full-array backlighting with Vizio's Quantum Color, 90 local dimming zones, and 800 nits of brightness for cinematic images. Supports Dolby Vision HDR and has the IQ Active Processor for superior processing and 4K upscaling.

Vizio M65Q8-H1 M Series Quantum 65-inch 4K Smart TV

$698.00 $778.00 Save $80 1611239125

Includes active full-array backlighting with Vizio's Quantum Color, 90 local dimming zones, and 800 nits of brightness for cinematic images. Supports Dolby Vision HDR and has the IQ Active Processor for superior processing and 4K upscaling.

Vizio's SmartCast speakers are awesome because they can all be paired together wirelessly so you can have a multi-room speaker setup at home without hassle and without a huge cost either. It's a great speaker to use on its own as well. With the Vizio SmartCast app, you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote and easily search and find content for the speaker to play. It can stream music from services like Spotify and Apple Music, and it also has Google Cast connectivity so you can transfer and play local music files on your device as well.

The Crave 360 2.1-Channel speaker is built to send sound out in every direction, so no corner of the room is left in silence. It's powered by the Google Assistant too, so you can even control it using just your voice by asking Google for help. It includes DTS Studio Sound technology, along with a built-in subwoofer and 4 full-ranges, and takes just a few minutes to get setup.

This is just one of many early Black Friday deals that are live right now in the lead-up to Black Friday. There's just a little over a week left before the big day hits!

Is your TV in desperate need of an audio upgrade? You're in lucky today as the Yamaha YAS-207BL Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer is on sale at Amazon for a price the likes of which has never been seen before. It's been selling for around $230 in recent months, which was already a notable discount from its reegular $300 retail price, but today you can snag one for only $160.44 while supplies last.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Yamaha Bluetooth Soundbar with Dual Built-in Subwoofers, Black, 35inch (Renewed)

$99.00 $149.95 Save $51 1550552400

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.99 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha's YAS-207BL is a 2.1-Channel soundbar that comes with a wireless subwoofer. Named as one of the best sound bars in 2019, it's the first soundbar in the world to feature DTS Virtual: x Virtual 3D surround sound, and also includes powerful bass, Bluetooth music streaming, and more.

It has a slim design that will complement your TV and the subwoofer being wireless means you have flexibility over where it is placed in the room. It's really easy to get set up with an HDMI, optical or analog connection. And if you misplace the remote, you can even use the Home Theater Controller App to control input, sound modes, and more.

Existing owners give it 4 stars out of 5 stars based on over 700 reviews at Amazon. Yamaha has since released its updated YAS-209 Sound Bar and Subwoofer which adds built-in Alexa functionality for easy music playback, though it's currently going for $340. If you don't need the Alexa smarts, you may be better off going with today's deal on the YAS-207BL.

Amazon offers free shipping on this item, though you'd receive your order faster with Amazon Prime. If you're not already a member, starting a free 30-day trial will score you free two-day shipping on this and thousands of other items there, as well as access to the Prime Video streaming service and more.

You don't have to buy a brand name speaker to score great sounding audio. The Tribit XSound Go portable Bluetooth speaker is on sale at Amazon today for just $22.39 when you first clip the coupon on its product page and then use promo code KBPYCM7E during checkout. That saves you nearly $11 off its usual price there, though only the black version of this speaker is available for today's discount.

This portable Bluetooth speaker packs in surprisingly loud sound with crystal clear highs, crisp mids, and a rich bass to keep you jamming anywhere you bring it. It's equipped with bass radiators and dual 6W drivers, though a more exciting feature is its waterproof design. You can use this speaker by the pool or even in the shower without worry. It's pretty sleek too with curved edges and a matte finish. There's a built-in carrying strap as well.

Any portable Bluetooth speaker you buy should be able to last at least half a day if not longer. Luckily, the rechargeable battery inside the XSound Go keeps it powered for up to 24 hours on a single charge. The speaker uses Bluetooth 4.2 to wirelessly connect with devices and has a range of up to 66 feet.

Using this speaker's integrated multi-function button, you can even access your phone's smart assistant such as Siri or Google Assistant. You can take calls with its built-in microphone too, without even needing your phone around to make it happen.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a Prime member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum, access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, but you might have a bit more trouble finding one that can last for more than 10 to 15 hours on a single charge. The Vtin 20W Portable Bluetooth Speaker is capable of staying powered up for as long as 30 hours when played at half volume, and since it's packed with 20W drivers, it's so loud you won't even have to turn it up that loud to hear it clearly. It normally sells for $36 at Amazon, but today you can pick one up for only $21.99 when you enter promo code SE49QLWW during checkout. That near-40% discount is one of the best deals to ever reach this speaker, and it likely won't last for long.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Vtin R4 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

$12.59 $19.99 Save $7 1582051340

The R4 wireless speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 and a range of 33 feet, along with dual 5W speakers, a passive bass radiator, and a rechargeable battery which lasts for up to 24 hours on a single charge. Clip its on-page coupon to save.

Vtin Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$17.99 $28.99 Save $11 1571145260

This lightweight Bluetooth speaker is IPX6 water-resistant, plus its battery can last nearly a full day. The 14W drivers and optional Bass Boost mode keep your music sounding great, and the speaker is portable as well.

Vtin Bluetooth Shower Speaker

$10.99 $21.49 Save $10 1543941120

Your showers are about to get a whole lot more entertaining.

This portable Bluetooth speaker offers impressive sound with its 20W drivers, helped along by enhanced bass to give your music some extra oomph. There's also a built-in 4400mAh rechargeable battery that can keep this speaker playing for much longer than many of its competitors. It's constructed with a rugged metal shell that's impact-resistant and slightly water-resistant. You can splash it or let it get rained on lightly, but you shouldn't submerge it even a little bit.

With Bluetooth 5.0, this speaker can pair with devices wirelessly from up to 33 feet away. It's also able to connect to the last paired device automatically when turned on so you can start listening almost instantly. Two of these speakers can even be paired to the same device simultaneously for even bigger sound. There's a detachable carabiner included as well which lets you hang the speaker with ease.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you're not a member and don't want to start a free 30-day trial, you should add something worth a few dollars to your cart so you're not simply spending that same cash on shipping instead. Maybe one of these portable chargers under $10. You'd find an even better option with Android Central's guide to the best power banks under $30 in 2019.

If you're like me and can't go anywhere without a pair of headphones, you might want to take a look at this ZoeeTree S1 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Today it's down to just $9.59 at Amazon when you enter promo code WFZQH7QD during checkout, so you can give your earlobes a rest without having to turn off your music. It normally sells for around $15 on average and hasn't ever dropped this low without a code before.

This wireless Bluetooth speaker connects using Bluetooth 4.2 so you can wirelessly stream music from a myriad of devices, from smartphones and tablets to computers and more. Anything that isn't Bluetooth-enabled can be plugged in using the included 3.5mm audio cable, so you're never restricted to just wireless streaming.

Inside the speaker are dual 40mm drivers, helping to fill any room of your home with music, along with a passive bass radiator design for enhanced bass and a built-in microphone so you can take calls hands-free while your phone is elsewhere. Controls on the top of the speaker allow you to answer or hang up calls, switch tracks, play or pause your music, and more.

With its built-in rechargeable battery, this speaker can last for up to 10 hours of playtime and even has an SD card reader so you can play tracks off an SD card. ZoeeTree includes a one-year warranty with its purchase, as well as a USB cable for charging.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. Adding a power bank to your cart would be a smart way to reach the $25 minimum and ensure you always have some extra juice for your new speaker. Android Central's guide to the best power banks under $30 has a bunch to choose from, or you could start a free 30-day Prime trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum and keep today's total at $9.59 (before tax).

Bring some tunes along with the Anker Soundcore Icon Bluetooth Speaker. This portable Bluetooth speaker comes with a detachable strap that makes it easy to hang just about anywhere, and today you can snag one at 25% off via Amazon when you enter promo code SPKICON88 during checkout. That'll drop its price to just $37.49, a savings of more than $12.

The Soundcore Icon Bluetooth speaker packs in an oversized elliptical driver which, coupled with BassUp technology, offers stunningly loud and powerful sound from an otherwise small speaker. Thanks to its IP67 protection, you'll be able to bring this speaker to the beach, to the pool, or even in the shower. It can stand up to rain, sand, snow, mud, and it even floats on water.

With its detachable strap, you can easily hang this speaker from your bike, backpack, a railing, a tree branch, and so much more. Two Soundcore Icon speakers can be paired together for double the sound, and best of all, they're each capable of lasting for up to 12 hours on a single charge, so you can listen all day long. On the other hand, you could keep this Bluetooth speaker powered up for longer while on-the-go with a portable power bank, and this guide to the best power banks under $30 will help you find one worth spending your cash on.

The Soundcore Icon ships for free at Amazon, though you'd receive your order even faster with Amazon Prime. If you're not a member already, consider signing up for a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Climbing out of a comfy bed to get your day started can be pretty hard. If you're looking for an easier way to wake up, consider grabbing this Victsing Mini Bluetooth Shower Speaker at Amazon. A hot morning shower can't be beat, but it can be improved with a speaker like this. Using promo code U4H2ILPZ during checkout drops its price to just $9.99 currently. That's a savings of $7 and the best price it's reached in years, though the code is only valid on the Green version of this speaker.

Victsing's portable Bluetooth speaker isn't just a great fit for your shower; you can use it anywhere around your home or bring it on-the-go. This 5W speaker can last for over six hours on a single charge and resists water sprays and splashes to make it suitable to bring to the beach, by the pool, or in the shower. It can't stand up to being submerged however.

There are multiple ways to set up this speaker. Clip its aluminum alloy metal hook wherever you see fit, press its detachable suction cup against your shower wall, or just set it down on a table or a ledge as you would any other speaker. The included metal hook makes it easy to clip onto your backpack or belt buckle, too. With Bluetooth 4.2, you'll be able to connect devices wirelessly to this speaker from up to 33 feet away.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you're not a member already, consider signing up for a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Marshall's top-of-the-line amplifiers and music accessories are inimitable by most standards. To score Marshall's signature sound and look, you'll have to pay a premium, though today's sale on the Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth speaker at Amazon can snag you one of Marshall's stellar, more recent additions to its product line at $100 off its regular cost. Today's price of $199 on the Grey model marks the lowest we've seen this speaker ever reach, though it's set to last for just one day only.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Marshall Stanmore II Alexa-enabled Bluetooth smart speaker

$249.99 $400.00 Save $150 1623584504

Use the Marshall app to control the music and customize the sound. With Alexa built in, it can connect to other Alexa devices. Has LEDs on the front for Alexa and a voice mute button. Plays from two Bluetooth devices at once.

Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth wireless Alexa smart speaker

$249.99 $400.00 Save $150 1619357489

Very easy set up. The Marshall app controls the music and customizes sound. Connect to other Alexa devices. Use the LEDs on the front for Alexa with a voice mute button if you're not feeling talkative. Play from up to two Bluetooth devices at once.

Marshall Action II Bluetooth speaker black

$179.99 $250.00 Save $70 1611244221

Includes dual tweeters and a subwoofer for exceptional sound quality. Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.0 and the Marshall app, which offers unique customization. Has 60W power handling and a 2-way speaker system with a bass reflex enclosure.

Marshall Action II multi-room Bluetooth speaker

$149.99 $250.00 Save $100 1608739259

Includes dual tweeters and a subwoofer for exceptional sound quality. Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.0 and the Marshall app, which offers unique customization. Has 60W power handling and a 2-way speaker system with a bass reflex enclosure.

Marshall Stanmore II wireless Alexa smart speaker

$199.99 $400.00 Save $200 1606047939

Get it with or without Alexa built in at this price. $50 better than Prime Day's deal. Easy to set up. Use an app to control music and customize your sound. Connect two Bluetooth devices at once. Can mute Alexa if you don't want her listening.

The Kilburn II speaker is perfect for the traveling musician, music lovers, camping enthusiasts, and so many others. It utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 to connect wirelessly to devices like your phone, tablet, or computer from up to 30 feet away. Bluefin stereo sound offers multi-directional audio while the multi-host functionality allows this speaker to connect and switch between two Bluetooth devices so you don't have to keep the party going all by yourself.

This model has a more durable design than the original Kilburn Bluetooth speaker with a new grill and corner caps, as well as a rechargeable battery that's capable of lasting for more than 20 hours on a single charge. A battery indicator on the top panel of the speaker will keep you in the know on how soon you'll have to recharge, though thankfully, this speaker can be powered up for two hours of playtime within just 20 minutes of being plugged in.

With its IPX2 rating, this speaker could even get caught out in the rain for a moment and operate without any issues, though it's not recommended to keep it out there for very long. It's built for portability and as such weighs just six pounds while remaining the loudest speaker in its class. Whether you bring it outdoors or stay inside, this speaker is sure to rock your world.

Not every Bluetooth speaker is built to bring in the shower or sit by the side of a pool, but this discounted mini speaker by Ldex is! Using coupon code Q3L5VCN9 during checkout will drop the Ldex Waterproof Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker down to just $18.14 at Amazon and save you $15 in the process. This Bluetooth speaker was selling for as much as $46 just last month.

This portable Bluetooth speaker is packed with two 5W speakers which offer 3D full-range stereo surround sound along with deep bass and a 4400mAh Li-ion battery which will keep it playing your favorite tunes for up to 24 hours on a single charge. It features a Bluetooth range of about 30 feet and also lets you play music on microSD cards. Its IPX4 rating means it's not only water-resistant but dustproof and shockproof, too.

Ldex's mini speaker even has an integrated microphone so you can take calls hands-free. Though it's still new, early reviews at Amazon have been positive.

The House of Marley Get Together mini portable Bluetooth speaker is down to $79.99 on Amazon in Signature Black. Amazon is price matching Best Buy's Deal of the Day where you can find this speaker through the Best Buy eBay store or the main site. No matter which retailer you go through, this is the lowest price ever on this speaker. The Signature Black speaker regularly sells for around $120 and other versions sell for as much as $150.

The Get Together speaker can pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device, and you can pair two speakers together for stereo sound. Since it is portable, it comes with a rechargeable battery that will last for up to 10 hours on a single charge. There's also a built-in mic for hands free calling and an auxiliary audio input for wired connectivity. The distinction of The House of Marley is the company regularly uses eco-friendly designs, and this speaker uses a bamboo face with a fabric that uses hemp, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles.

The limited Steel Edition of Marshall's Kilburn Portable Bluetooth Speaker is down to $149.99 at Best Buy for just one day only. This Deal of the Day matches a price we've seen once before during Best Buy's 3rd Anniversary Sale earlier this year, saving you $100 off the regular cost of this speaker. The standard edition of this speaker can be found on Amazon for around $180 on average, and there's also a Kilburn 2 Bluetooth Speaker that released late last year and is currently on sale for $236.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Marshall Stanmore II Alexa-enabled Bluetooth smart speaker

$249.99 $400.00 Save $150 1623584504

Use the Marshall app to control the music and customize the sound. With Alexa built in, it can connect to other Alexa devices. Has LEDs on the front for Alexa and a voice mute button. Plays from two Bluetooth devices at once.

Marshall Stanmore II Bluetooth wireless Alexa smart speaker

$249.99 $400.00 Save $150 1619357489

Very easy set up. The Marshall app controls the music and customizes sound. Connect to other Alexa devices. Use the LEDs on the front for Alexa with a voice mute button if you're not feeling talkative. Play from up to two Bluetooth devices at once.

Marshall Action II Bluetooth speaker black

$179.99 $250.00 Save $70 1611244221

Includes dual tweeters and a subwoofer for exceptional sound quality. Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.0 and the Marshall app, which offers unique customization. Has 60W power handling and a 2-way speaker system with a bass reflex enclosure.

Marshall Action II multi-room Bluetooth speaker

$149.99 $250.00 Save $100 1608739259

Includes dual tweeters and a subwoofer for exceptional sound quality. Stay connected with Bluetooth 5.0 and the Marshall app, which offers unique customization. Has 60W power handling and a 2-way speaker system with a bass reflex enclosure.

Marshall Stanmore II wireless Alexa smart speaker

$199.99 $400.00 Save $200 1606047939

Get it with or without Alexa built in at this price. $50 better than Prime Day's deal. Easy to set up. Use an app to control music and customize your sound. Connect two Bluetooth devices at once. Can mute Alexa if you don't want her listening.

This stout speaker produces loud, balanced and clear sound with its 15W Class D amplifier for the woofer and two 5W Class D amplifiers for the tweeters. You can also control the bass, treble and volume manually with guitar amplifier-style knobs along the speaker's top. Connect to the Kilburn wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included 3.5mm stereo cable to play music from your phone and other devices. Its built-in battery provides up to 20 hours of playtime on the go.

At Best Buy, over 400 customers have left reviews for this portable Bluetooth speaker resulting in a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Sonos speakers offer a new way to enjoy your favorite music at home, and thanks to a sale at eBay today, you can save on the purchase of two Sonos Play:1 speakers bundled with Flexson Illuminated Charging Stands. At checkout, the bundle's price falls to $299.95, saving you $58 off the regular cost of everything when purchased separately.

The stands not only elevate the speakers but also include a soft, dimmable light that doubles as a night light, and while they normally sell for $30 apiece, today's bundle practically scores you each one for just $1. There are also two integrated USB ports to charge other devices on each stand as well. Each Sonos Play:1 speaker is normally priced at $149 via retailers such as Amazon. This deal is offered via Top-Rated seller Worldwide Stereo on eBay which has garnered 99.8% positive feedback based on over 44,000 customer reviews.

If you've never owned a Sonos product before, think of it all as a modular home audio system. Each Sonos speaker can connect with the others even over multiple rooms to surround you in music no matter where you go. The Play:1 is the entry-level speaker, but it's still loaded with tons of capabilities and is the perfect start to what will surely be your best audio experience ever.

You can control these speakers using the Sonos app on your iOS or Android device; that gives you the ability to sign into your music streaming accounts, at sites like Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify, and then stream whatever you'd like directly to them. They're loud, and perfect if you have multiple people with several phones who want to add to the playlist.

For just one day only, select Edifier Powered Bookshelf Speakers are on sale at Amazon with prices discounted by up to 30% off their regular cost. These highly-reviewed speakers are already affordable picks to keep in your home office, next to a turntable, or beside your gaming PC, and today's sale just brings them even lower in price. There's even a Bluetooth set of speakers that's at an all-time low, but only through the end of the night.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Edifier R980T 4-inch active bookshelf speakers

$55.99 $70.00 Save $14 1602727236

These active bookshelf speakers have 24W total power output. They look great with a classic wood finish and come with both RCA and 3.5mm cables. There are two aux inputs so you can connect multiple sources at once. Comes with 2-year warranty.

Edifier R1850DB bookshelf speakers with subwoofer out

$134.99 $200.00 Save $65 1597918223

These are active speakers built inside a wooden enclosure that minimizes acoustic resonance. Positioned at a 10-degree angle for directional sound. Already has booming, vibrating bass but can accept a subwoofer if you want your chest to thump.

Edifier R2000DB powered Bluetooth bookshelf speakers

$233.50 $249.99 Save $16 1456376400

Edifier R1850DB active Bluetooth bookshelf speakers

$144.16 $199.99 Save $56 1512882000

Edifier USA e25HD Luna Eclipse HD 2.0 Bluetooth Speakers with Digital Optical Input (Black)

$165.58 $191.65 Save $26 1433044800

Edifier's R1280DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers might be the priciest option in the sale, but now that they're down to the lowest they've ever been at $103.99, it's time to give the pair some serious consideration. These Bluetooth speakers are designed just like Edifier's popular classic bookshelf speakers, except for the fact that you can stream music wirelessly to them from Bluetooth-enabled devices like your phone or computer. There are optical and coaxial inputs to allow for a lossless connection as well.

On the other hand, Edifier's R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are very similar, albeit in wood grain rather than black, though this pair doesn't include Bluetooth functionality. At $69.99, this set of speakers is at one of its best prices ever and $30 off its regular cost. You'll even receive a two-year warranty with purchase of either set.

These speakers have the potential of selling out early, so don't delay heading to Amazon for a look at your options. The speakers feature a rating on Amazon of 4.5 out of 5 stars or higher, which means you really can't go wrong with either one.

Ultimate Ears' WONDERBOOM is a Bluetooth speaker that was designed to be brought just about anywhere. It's super compact, very durable, and even waterproof. While it originally sold for $99.99, you can pick up the Acid colorway for just $44.99 at Dell right now. We have seen regular price drops on a bunch of colors with $70 being the average sale price, and some models are even $50 right now at Best Buy. But the black and green model is available for less than we've ever seen before in this Dell sale.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Ultimate Ears Megablast portable Bluetooth speaker

$143.00 $180.00 Save $37 1610559904

Has a 360-degree intensely rich sound and a 12 hour battery so it'll last through the day. It even has Amazon Alexa built in so you can control your music with your voice and find new songs from a distance. IP67 rated for outdoor use.

Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Deep Radiance Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker (Waterproof & Shockproof) - Limited Edition

$109.99 $109.99 Save $0 1529294400

UE MEGABOOM Charcoal Black Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Charcoal Black, Renewed)

$66.92 $72.00 Save $5 1547010000

Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Deep Radiance Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker (Waterproof & Shockproof) - Limited Edition

$103.01 $109.99 Save $7 1529294400

UE MEGABOOM Charcoal Black Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Charcoal Black, Renewed)

$68.56 $69.95 Save $1 1547010000

This USB-rechargeable Bluetooth speaker sends out sound in all directions with its 360-degree design, while offering 10 hours of battery life per charge. The 'Boom' in capital letters within its name is no joke either, this speaker is loud, and the best part is that you can bring it just about anywhere, whether that's to the beach, to a party, on vacation, or even in the shower. It can float, too, and can be paired with another WONDERBOOM if you need to kick the tunes up a few levels.

While the WONDERBOOM 2 is now on the market, it's still going for the full $100 right now. There are a few improvements that might interest you like its ability to provide stereo audio when paired with another WONDERBOOM 2, as opposed to the original model which only allows for mono audio when paired. However, it's debuting at $99.99 as the first version did, making it twice as pricey as today's sale on the original.

What you need to know

• Nixplay Seed Wave digital photo frame can now stream Spotify music.
• The digital picture frame has surprisingly good speakers.
• Spotify works through Spotify Connect and Wi-Fi rather than relying on Bluetooth audio.

The Nixplay Seed Wave digital picture frame can now stream music using Spotify Connect. The digital picture frame already supported streaming audio using a Bluetooth connection, but now users can stream music directly through the speakers on the frame using its Wi-Fi connection.

The digital picture frame has a dual-speaker setup on the back of the frame. The speakers are 5W and are surprisingly loud. In our review of the Nixplay Seed Wave we found the speakers to be impressive, delivering full audio. Although the speakers are on the back of the frame, the audio was not distorted or muffled.

Spotify Connect works with the Nixplay Seed Wave similarly to any other device that supports the feature. Once the frame connects to a Wi-Fi network, you can select it as a device to play music using any other device connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

If you think it's hard to get excited about Bluetooth speakers unless they're shiny, shimmery colors or have big name brands behind them, think again. The Tronsmart Force may not be the flashiest on the market, but I guarantee you, this is the Bluetooth speaker that will fit into your life and your tech better than speakers twice its price. From the latest charging and pairing technology to top-notch waterproofing and sound, the Force is strong with this one!

The Good

• IPX7 Water-resistant
• USB-C charging
• Great sound and connectivity
• Excellent price

The Bad

• 15-hour battery life seems short
• Buttons can be hard to recognize by feel

WE THREW IT FOUR STORIES INTO A POOL

Tronsmart Force Bluetooth speaker What I love

Good gods of music, I have been looking for more Bluetooth speakers that charge over USB-C, and the Tronsmart Force checks that box and just about every other one a girl could want in one excellently-priced waterproof package. Its crisp, full sound belies its affordable pricing and it has more than enough punch to pump up a bedroom or an apartment party all by its lonesome, even with 30 semi-drunk tech writers talking games and glitches around it, but it can also get intimately quiet for listening to music before bed at church mouse volumes.

The controls don't stick out against the speaker's top, and the three ports around back — USB-C, microSD/TF card reader, and 3.5mm aux in — are securely protected by a deep-seated silicone flap. NFC pairing meant no waiting around for minutes on end for my phone to find the Tronsmart in a hotel full of Bluetooth IDs, and every time I turned the speaker on and off, I never had to wait more than 5 seconds for the Tronsmart Force to find my phone and get the music blasting again.

Look beyond the black, boxy exterior and you'll find a diamond shining in the rough. Or at least shining in the shower spray — I've been using this puppy during my bathtime singalongs for weeks because the sturdy square ring built into the Force's side is perfect for looping over shower hooks and towel racks. I had my doubts about the Force's waterproofing at first — doubts that were absolutely shattered during its MoNaCon pool dive — but it really does stand up to shower jets bathtubs, and being used as a pool toy by grade-school boys.

Yeah, you heard me: pool toy. After surviving that pool-seeking missile of a throw by Russell Holly four stories into the water, the Tronsmart Force spent the better part of 15 minutes being literally thrown around the pool by two children before it was fished out and dried off. It turned back on immediately and kept playing Staying Alive — because what else do you play when you're hurling a speaker off a balcony to its watery doom — like an absolute champ.

And thank goodness for that, because I didn't want to lose this black brick of awesome to water damage or a sidewalk shattering. This speaker is easy to control, easy to pair, and easy to charge since I just plug it into the same charger my phone or Chromebook are using and let it top up once the dreaded low battery chime sounded at 20%.

Tronsmart Force Bluetooth speaker What could be stronger

If this speaker has any flaws, I do wish the 15-hour battery life could be longer, but for a speaker this size and this price, it's more than enough to get you through a long day of chores, prep-work and partying. USB-C charging at 15W also ensures you'll be able to recharge the battery pretty quickly, which helps forgive the shorter battery life.

I already mentioned the sound coming out of this speaker is great, and it really is, but every now and again it gets a tiny bit tinny, though that could often be attributed to where I was hanging the speaker as I went about my morning routine. While the plus minus, and play buttons were easy to feel out in the steamy shower or the dark bedroom, the Mode and EQ buttons feel almost identical, meaning you'll have to remember which direction the speaker is facing when you use them.

Tronsmart Force Bluetooth speaker

To borrow from the best villain of all time, Don't underestimate the power of the Force. Tronsmart's speaker is a powerful ally, whether you need to blast The Imperial March at full volume to announce your evil overlord's arrival or serenade your lover with an intimate playing of Across the Stars, and I'm grateful that I don't need to dig out an old micro-USB cable whenever it needs charging.

For an NFC-pairing, great-sounding Bluetooth speaker that charges over USB-C, $60 is an absolute steal. In fact, I might grab myself a second Force so that I can dual wield with True Wireless Stereo and take my in-bed binges of Galaxy of Adventure to the next level.

Tronsmart offered us a promo code to give to readers for the Tronsmart Force. This promo code and review unit in no way influenced our review, but it can get you 20 percent off the Force for a limited time. The Amazon coupon code is DR7FI4E3 and will drop the Tronsmart Force down to $48.

The quintessential tools of any desktop workspace typically include laptops, monitors, and of course, a good desk, but what about extras? I realized recently that when I'm working from home, I miss quite a few of the smaller gadgets and quality-of-life tools that are within reach of my desk at home. I thought I'd share a few of the products I'm using to enhance my desktop life for both work and play, to see if they might help you out.

If I had to recommend just one product on this list it might actually be the EcoMoist screen cleaner, simply for how impressive it is at cleaning without any harmful chemicals. I also frequently use the USB ports on my power strip for charging my cell phone, without having to use the main adapter that came with the phone. You can never have enough gadgets (maybe).

One of the most fundamental problems with phone-based voice assistants is how awkward it can be to use them in public. As much as I use my Harman/Kardon Invoke at home to control smart lights, get calendar info, and create Cortana reminders, I pretty much never use her on my Android phone for one pretty simple reason, it's just a bit ... weird, to do so in public at least. Apparently, Microsoft agrees, as the company has patented a module that can detect "silent" voice commands.

As described by the company's patent filing, the "silent" input method can detect whispers and extrapolate voice commands from the airflow created while mouthing words. The module can be placed in a range of devices, including smart watches, phones, a smart "ring," regular headset microphones, and even a TV remote.

As usual, note that patents don't necessarily translate into products, but there have been a few rumors floating around recently that Microsoft isn't done thinking about Cortana-focused hardware. We'll just have to wait and see.

Marshall has been well-known for decades due to its stellar audio equipment, and the various speakers it has available today are no exception to the quality products we've come to expect from the brand. Earlier today, the company unveiled three new additions to its line-up of Bluetooth speakers which are sure to make music lovers turn their heads and start pulling out their wallets: the Acton II Bluetooth, Stanmore II Bluetooth, and Woburn II Bluetooth.

The three new options have a lot of variety in what they offer. If you're looking for a portable speaker, the Acton II Bluetooth is the one for you. However, if you're looking for a speaker which will sit in a permanent spot in your home entertainment setup, the Woburn II Bluetooth is a much better fit for that scenario. On the other hand, the Stanmore II Bluetooth offers a ton of versatility; it isn't too large to carry around yet it will also do a great job of rocking your socks off while at home too.

Each of these speakers is fitted with Class D amplifiers, a bass reflex cabinet system, an upgraded DSP for improved dynamic range compression, Marshall's iconic logo on the front, and more. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 which allows them to connect to devices wirelessly up to 33 feet away, along with Qualcomm's aptX technology. Plus with multi-host functionality, two devices can be connected wirelessly at the same time. With the Marshall Bluetooth app, you can switch up EQ presets, set up stereo or ambient mode, wake up your speaker, and more right from your phone.

The Acton II Bluetooth, Stanmore II Bluetooth, and Woburn II Bluetooth speakers are now available at $249, $349, and $499 respectively via Marshall's website in black and white models, though they've already gone out of stock. Entering in your email will send a notification to you when stock is available again. If you don't want to wait to order, the Stanmore II Bluetooth speaker is available to purchase at Amazon for $349.99, though it is temporarily out of stock as well. Placing your order now will ensure it's shipped when stock is next available.

• See at Amazon
• See at Marshall

UE's Boom speaker line is one of the most popular in all of Bluetooth speakerdom, and for good reason. They have awesome sound, are well-made, and have been reasonably priced, often going on sale on Amazon.

Now, Ultimate Ears has announced the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3, which continue the tradition of portable, water-resistant Bluetooth speakers with a long range (now 150 feet, up from 100), long battery life, and a brand new smart feature called the "Magic Button."

The Magic Button instantly controls Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad and Deezer Premium on Android, and is limited to those services for now. The physical redesign comes in the form of two-tone fabric, which UE says is made for motorcycle jackets and fire equipment.

UE is also promising deeper bass on the Megaboom 3, as well as "improved clarity." The company is also completely skipping the "2" moniker for Megaboom and aligning both Booms under the "3" name.

Both speakers now feature an IP67 rating, which means they're dustproof and can survive submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, so they're perfect for all environments. Even better is that they're both now designed to float, so you can enjoy some tunes by the pool or right in the pool.

You can pre-order the Boom 3 in five colors for $149.99 and the Megaboom 3 for $199.99 in three colors. Both speakers should hit the U.S. and select countries in Europe and Asia on September 18.

I don't like to gush in reviews; it comes off a bit tacky, and this is supposed to be an objective look at a piece of technology, but heed this warning: I'm going to gush (#phrasing). Like the lovechild of a vegan and a CrossFit enthusiast, I'm telling everyone about this thing no one asked. The Fluance Fi70 is an all-in-one sound system that's big, full-featured, and it sounds amazing. Also, the fact that Fluance is a Canadian company makes me super proud of the quality we produce here in the Great White North.

I've been using the Fi70 for around two weeks after being sent the review unit by Fluance. Without further ado, this is the Fluance Fi70 Bluetooth sound system.

See at Fluance

Get the look

Let's start this off by talking about the elephant in the room, and I do mean that somewhat literally. The Fi70 is HUGE. It's about 30 inches wide by about a foot deep, and if you attach the included stand and pedestal, it's about 18 inches at the base and around 3 feet tall (knock just over a foot off in height if you don't use the stand). It's 81 pounds. Yeah. 81. As far as I know, it's the biggest Bluetooth speaker in the world, and it's certainly the loudest.

This is by no means a system you put in the corner and hope it blends into your existing setup; it's a conversation piece unto itself and a fashion statement. It comes with three wrap options: black, walnut, and "lucky bamboo" (I have the bamboo version). Though it's a faux-wood wrap, it doesn't look it. In fact, I legitimately thought it was a real wood cabinet, and the center hole is wrapped as well, giving the Fi70 an all-over retro look with a very modern feel.

When I first took it out of the box, I imagined myself telling everyone "I have many leather-bound books, and my house smells of rich mahogany, and I have a Fluance Fi70." It's a perfect blend of old, new, and sophistication.

The front speaker cover is magnetic, featuring the smallest of Fluance logos on the bottom, giving this large sound system a minimalist feel. The display is perfectly positioned and big enough that you can see it from across the room, and the addition of a clock is a little bit of icing on this scrumtrulescent cake.

You can take the cover off to reveal the six-speaker setup: two 1-inch tweeters, two 5-inch midrange drivers, and two 8-inch woofers, and watch the woofers vibrate along with your tunes. The black and walnut versions have a black face, while the bamboo flavor has a white face, just adding a little bit to that retro 60s/70s feel.

Given its size and weight, you'll want to have room for this beast, and it'll definitely stand out in your setup, but being self-contained, it's an awesome one-stop shop for all of your audio needs.

It also comes with a lovely remote that controls power, volume, and can even control Bluetooth playback, as well as treble and bass. The only thing it's missing is a mute button, which would be quite handy.

What's under the hood

There is a 280-watt amp in the Fi70. It's a three-way speaker with two 1-inch tweeters, two 5-inch midrange drivers, and two 8-inch woofers, with a frequency response of 30Hz-20KHz. I'll get to how that sounds in a bit because that's where the money is.

In terms of input, you have Bluetooth that supports Qualcomm's aptX codec, which offers high-resolution audio wirelessly. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack, 2.1A USB charging port, an Optical port, and FM/AM radio tuners built in. The only thing it lacks to make it complete, in my opinion, is RCA input for a turntable. The touch playback controls on top are elegant and effective, and there's a satisfying click of the amp when you turn it on and off.

The Bluetooth range is excellent. I have a pretty small house, but I can walk around the whole thing with my phone in my pocket and audio doesn't cut out. I even went down into my basement the other day, forgetting I had my phone on me, and the audio only stuttered once (granted, my basement is unfinished).

This unit just plugs into a conventional 120V outlet, and you get a two-year parts and labor warranty, as well as lifetime customer support.

The sound: Like being kissed by thunder

I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that this is the best speaker I've ever heard. I put it together, waited for it for it to warm up in the house for a couple hours, and then fired it up, put on one of my favorite songs (via Bluetooth on my Galaxy S8), cranked it, and was blown away. No joke, I got chills. I have a fairly small house (about 780 square feet), and when the bass kicked in, the whole thing rumbled. I actually had to turn the bass down to -4 and turn the treble up just a bit, and then what I heard was perfect. Every aspect of every tune shines through, and I actually heard vocal harmonies in one of my favorite songs that I've never heard before.

I was always skeptical of Bluetooth speaker sound quality until I started testing out some great ones, and the Fluance Fi70 sounds better than wired speakers I've owned throughout my life. The best part is that you hear the full sound spectrum no matter what the volume is, and there is absolutely no distortion at its highest volume. I don't usually just sit and simply listen to music; I have it on while I'm cleaning or cooking or whatever, but when I first started using the Fi70, I actually sat on my couch for over an hour, just listening. I have it on right now while I write this review.

Just to make sure it wasn't a one-trick pony, I went out to Best Buy and grabbed a digital optical cable and hooked the Fi70 up to my TV. I have an LG smart TV from 2015, and when I plugged it into the Fi70, it became complete. My wife has been playing Horizon: Zero Dawn since she got it for Christmas, and day one we cranked up the Fi70 and were floored. The stomping, roaring, and rumbling of the robotic animals and the delicacy of terse dialogue were both captured and presented beautifully. Even regular cable TV audio sounds amazing on this speaker; the big board hits in hockey games actually rumble, and the balance between the announcers and on-ice audio comes through perfectly.

You probably wouldn't normally use this as a home theater audio solution, since it has to sit beside your TV instead of right in front, but after a few minutes, you stop noticing that the sound is somewhat directional, especially if you have the volume up a bit.

My wife surreptitiously snapped the picture below. One of my favorite bands covered my all-time favorite band for a re-release of an album, and every single note sings and touches your soul when it comes out of the Fi70. Basically, everything you hear through the Fi70 is how everything should sound.

Should you buy it?

Being a complete sound system of this quality, the Fluance Fi70 doesn't come cheap. It's $500 ($650 CAD), so it won't be for everyone, but believe me when I tell you that this is not just a Bluetooth speaker. It's a complete sound system that replaces your multi-piece setup; you don't need a separate amp, subwoofer, and tower speakers -- you only need the Fi70.

If you're not looking for something that stands out so much, then this certainly isn't for you. But it's perfect if you're in a smaller space where a full audio setup might not work, and it's even better if you want something stylish. And if you want something that sounds absolutely fantastic, then it's definitely for you.

This is hands-down my favorite piece of tech of 2017 and unless something astounding comes my way in 2018, it might just be my favorite for a long time to come.

See at Fluance

The Tronsmart Element T6 is a 25-Watt Bluetooth speaker that delivers room-filling surround sound. The portable speaker is portable enough to take poolside or on camping trips and stylish enough to use around the house or office. On top of delivering decent sound quality, the Element T6 also supports hands-free calling features.

If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that stands out from the pack with its appearance and holds its own with respect to sound quality, the Tronsmart Element T6 is worth considering. It is priced at $45.99 and available at Amazon.

See at Amazon

Design

When I first unboxed the Tronsmart Elements T6, first impressions were good. While the speaker reminded me of a drink tumbler or thermos, the style is sharp looking. The Bluetooth speaker is just shy of 7.75 inches tall and 2.75 inches in diameter. It weighs a meager 19 ounces.

The body of the Element T6 is wrapped in woven mesh fabric that offers a feel a ruggedness and durability. The bottom of the speaker has a rubber pad to add to the solid build quality and a rubber spine runs the length of the speaker to add grip to the Element.

At the top of the Bluetooth speaker is a button panel that includes controls for power, playback, and hands-free calling. There is a multicolored ring light ring surrounding the button pad, which confirms actions and alerts you to a low battery. Volume control is handled through a rotating ring at the top of the speaker. Charging and auxiliary ports are positioned about a third of the way up the rubber spine.

Under the hood, the Element T6 sports two 12.5-watt audio drivers and a 5200mAh battery. The battery is rated for 10-15 hours of playback time and in testing the Element T6, that rating isn't far from the mark. I was able to get just over 12 hours of playback time on a single charge.

The overall feel and appearance of the Tronsmart Element T6 Bluetooth speaker are good. The speaker has a little heft to it, but nothing overbearing. The mesh fabric (comes in red or black) helps the speaker stand out while on the shelf or on the picnic table. It is a very portable speaker that easily fits in a water bottle pouch on a backpack or side pocket of a beach bag.

The Tronsmart Element T6 comes packaged with a micro-USB charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and instruction manual.

Performance

While the Tronsmart Element T6 is an eye-appealing Bluetooth speaker, audio performance offers its own level of appeal. The top controls are responsive and I like how the volume and track movement controls do not share the same buttons. The volume ring at the top of the speaker is a nice touch.

Sound quality is respectable and easily fills the room with music or video audio. I liked the surround sound style of the Element T6 and the bass/treble levels were just right. Outdoors, the speaker performed well making it a good choice for back porch gatherings, poolside entertainment or any other adventures you have in mind.

Just keep in mind that while durable, the Element T6 is not water or dust resistant. It's a good choice for an outdoor speaker but you need to be careful not to drop it in the pool, lake or ocean.

The Element T6 can be connected via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable. When you connect the cable, the speaker automatically disables Bluetooth connectivity and the led light turns green and you receive an audible confirmation you are in aux mode. While connected using the auxiliary cable the buttons on the speaker are disabled, as is the hands-free calling features. To return to Bluetooth mode, disconnect the 3.5mm cable and short press the power button.

Hands-free calling features are on the basic side and include answering, ending and the last number redial components. Call quality was decent, on par with your average Bluetooth hands-free device. While not overly impressive, the hands-free features work and offer a level of convenience when you are too relaxed to get up and find your Windows phone.

Sharp looking Bluetooth speaker with toe-tapping sound

I was impressed with the Tronsmart Element T6. The design of the Bluetooth speaker is eye appealing, the build quality feels solid and the sound performance solid.

I like having the ability to connect the Element T6 using the audio cable and battery life isn't shabby. I don't mind the speaker being limited to the basics of hands-free calling and appreciate having an independent volume control feature.

If I had to call Tronsmart out on anything with the Element T6 speaker it would have to be with its owner's manual. It covers the basic operations nicely but needs to be printed larger. As is, you'll need a magnifying glass to read it or visit Tronsmart's product page for all the details on the speaker's operation.

The Tronsmart Element T6 is currently available in red or black color patterns and is running $45.99. It's a solid Bluetooth speaker that is very portable without sacrificing audio quality.

See at Amazon

There's a lot of competition in the portable Bluetooth speaker segment, with plenty of options to choose from no matter your budget. If you're looking for one under $100, it's hard to find something that checks all the boxes: high-end sound, long-lasting battery life, and rugged, water-resistant design.

Enter the Anker SoundCore 2, an updated speaker for 2017 that claims hit all of those desired specs. Anker sent me one to test out and review, and I did my absolute best to put it through the wringer.

Anker has delivered pretty good value via its line of SoundCore speakers, with the original SoundCore proving itself to be a reliable Bluetooth speaker, albeit with a few nagging design issues. With the SoundCore 2, Anker has offered improvements across the board, including two 6W drivers that pump out some serious jams and a battery that Anker says offers up to 24 hours of music playback — a bold claim. Then again, Anker is best known for its outstanding portable battery packs so it does make sense.

To put this speaker through its paces I've been using it in every conceivable situation around the house, and it holds up quite well. I also challenged that IPX5 water resistance with a stormy weekend of camping, with the SoundCore 2 outlasting the rain and wind without skipping a beat.

Overall design

At first glance, Anker hasn't seemed to change too much in terms of design from the original SoundCore, but it becomes apparent quite apparent upon closer inspection. The SoundCore 2 is slightly smaller and feels quite dense weighing in at about a pound, with a soft touch finish that feels nice, but also is a magnet for fingerprints and dirt.

You'll either love or hate the basic, black brick design — it's fairly utilitarian with subtle curves. The controls on top are large and accessible with raised buttons that are easy to find even in low-light situations. I even found it to be slim enough to fit in my pocket, which allowed me to play some tunes while biking around the city.

In terms of the IPX5 water resistance, it's perfect to use as a bathroom speaker when taking steamy showers and can also withstand a rainstorm. When the rain started to fall on my camping trip, I decided to put the SoundCore 2 at the edge of our tarp. Things got rather messy, but the SoundCore 2 never faltered and passed the test with flying colors.

Sound quality

You can instantly tell the improvements in sound quality between the SoundCore 2 and it's predecessor. The SoundCore 2 delivers a deeper bass and manages to get way loud without distorting.

I connected via Bluetooth and went to town listening to Spotify, watching YouTube, and playing games and the SoundCore handled it all perfectly to my ear. No stutters or distortion, it worked exactly the way you'd expect it. It's quick to pair with your phone or computer and I've had no issues with the Bluetooth connectivity unless I walked far away from it.

For those looking for a booming bass, Anker has the SoundCore Boost which packs in twin subwoofers to some extra oomph of room-filling sound. But the Boost falls short on battery life, which is where the SoundCore 2 really shines.

Battery life

Anker is perhaps best known for its portable chargers and other charging accessories for mobile phones, so I wouldn't be surprised if its designers sat down and tried to build a speaker around a massive lithium-ion battery pack. Anker qualifies its 24-hour battery life claim by saying results will vary based on what you're listening to, the volume, and etc., and while I never tried to just run the battery down for a full day just to see, that's also not a realistic way you'd use a portable speaker.

If you use this speaker to listen to your favorite podcasts throughout the day, you'll be confident knowing it'll still have juice for supplying some post-work tunes on the back patio. But more importantly for me was the camping test. On a fully charged battery, the SoundCore 2 supplied all the music needed from Friday night around the campfire to Sunday afternoon packing up. While obviously, we weren't using the speaker the entire time, it was reliably loud when it needed to compete against a howling wind and survived the rainstorm to provide some tunes at the beach the next day.

Should you buy it?

The Anker SoundCore 2 talks a big game but it backs it all up. The battery life is super impressive and it's rugged enough to withstand a sudden rainstorm. Above all else, the sound is great. Currently available for under $50, this speaker is an absolute steal.

See at Amazon

The Eclipse is designed more for the indoor environment with its woven fabric surface and classic design. The speaker sports dual 10W drivers and passive radiators to deliver energetic sound and weighty bass. Along with providing quality audio playback, the Eclipse offers basic hands-free calling features.

If you need a classic looking speaker for your home or office, the Aukey Eclipse Bluetooth speaker is worth considering.

See at Amazon

Conservative Design

The Aukey Eclipse sports a rather conservative appearance when compared to other Bluetooth speakers the company offers, such as Aukey's rugged outdoor speaker.

The Eclipse measures 8.3 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs 28.2 ounces. The speaker has a bit of heft to it but remains light enough to be portable. The body of the speaker is wrapped in woven fabric that delivers an appearance reminiscent of old-school box speakers.

Along the top of the speaker is a set of control buttons, while the base holds the speaker's microphone, LED indicator, charging port and auxiliary cable port. Controls buttons include power, mode (bass enhancement on/off), play/pause and volume/track controls.

Under the hood, the Eclipse has a 4000mAh battery that is rated at over 12 hours of playback time. Audio is pushed out with dual 10W drivers and dual passive radiators.

The Aukey Eclipse comes packaged with a micro-USB cable for charging, a 3.5mm audio cable and user manual. As far as build quality is concerned, the Eclipse is well built for the indoor environment. The low-key styling allows the Eclipse to fit in at the office as well as around the house.

Solid sound quality

While looks and build quality are important factors for a Bluetooth speaker, sound quality can be a deal breaker. Fortunately, the Aukey Eclipse not only has great build quality and eye-catching looks, but it also rocks outstanding sound quality.

Pairing the speaker is simple. The Eclipse goes into pairing mode when you first turn it on, and the LED light starts to rapidly flash blue. From there, launch the Bluetooth settings on your Windows 10 PC or Mobile device and the speaker is listed as "Aukey SK-M30". Tap the listing to pair and when successful the LED light shifts to a solid blue light.

Button controls are responsive, but may take a little time to get used to. For example, pressing and holding the volume/track buttons adjusts the volume levels. Tapping these buttons changes the tracks. I kept getting this reverse and often changed tracks when I needed to adjust the volume.

Hands-free calling features are also controlled by various touches of these buttons. You can always answer/end a call from your Windows 10 Mobile phone or you can press/hold the play/pause button. Last number redial is controlled by double tapping the play/pause button.

Along with connecting to a device via Bluetooth, the Eclipse also has a 3.5mm auxiliary port for wired connections. The speaker automatically disconnects from your paired device. When the aux cable is disconnected, simply tap the Mode button to reconnect to your Windows 10 PC or Mobile device. Also, please note that the track changing feature is disabled when the Eclipse is connected via auxiliary cable.

The Aukey Eclipse has good sound quality but may have a tad too much bass for some. Battery life wasn't too far off from the estimated 12 hours of playback. I could get just over 11 hours of playback across four days of use.

Overall impressions on the Aukey Eclipse

Overall, I give the Aukey Eclipse high marks for build quality and appearance. It is a refreshing change from the speakers with plastic finishes and can adapt to a variety of decors. It is an indoor speaker, and if you do venture outdoors, I doubt the fabric cover will hold up to the elements for long.

Sound quality was nice and easily filled a room. Listening to music over Groove or streaming audio from videos was slightly above par with the Aukey Eclipse. I found that the speaker had a tad too much bass, but nothing that can't be compensated for from your Windows 10 PC or Mobile device's equalizer.

All things considered, the Aukey Eclipse is a solid Bluetooth speaker for indoor use. The speaker is currently priced at $59.99 and is available through Amazon.

See at Amazon

We were able to take a look at the new Cortana speaker activation a few days ago, but now we've uncovered the new Cortana Device Setup tool, first spotted by MSPU.

The wizard references the Harman Kardon speaker we've covered previously, and gives us a glimpse at the capabilities of this upcoming device.

While it seems that the Cortana speaker features will be available to any enterprising hardware manufacturer, at the moment, the setup app only references Harman Kardon's own speaker, which is set for launch somewhere in 2017.

The wizard details permissions the device will ask for, including your personal information, access to the Windows notification system, and also Skype. It does seem as though you will be able to make calls from this device, which could prove incredibly useful. It will also integrate with other devices and apps, such as iHeartRadio, leveraging the Cortana Devices SDK announced back in December, 2016.

We don't know much about the Harman Kardon speaker, dubbed the 'Invoke,' besides its Cortana capabilities. When it comes to hardware capabilities, it's easy to speculate on things such as Bluetooth, an IR Blaster like the one found in the Xbox One S, and perhaps even support for 7.1 sound set ups. Harman Kardon produces a range of dazzling, near-futuristic sound setups, including this sci-fi transparent 3-piece speaker system, and an array of premium wireless Bluetooth speakers. So hopefully, the Invoke will follow the same attractive design sensibilities.

Harman Kardon is highly regarded in the audio field, but it remains to be seen whether Cortana herself can live up to Amazon's Alexa, who's shopping assistant powers has helped her carve a niche in the growing voice assistant market.

Keep it locked to Windows Central for more on this emerging technology, and let us know whether you'd consider picking up a Cortana speaker in the comments. I wonder if Microsoft has plans to solve the issue of Cortana simultaneously responding on my Lumia, PC, and Xbox...

We acquired information that points to a new "Cortana speaker" feature in Windows, complete with iconography that looks similar to Amazon's Echo line of digital home assistant speakers.

Cortana, of course, is Microsoft's digital assistant baked into Windows 10. She's also available on Android and iOS, and is inspired by the character of the same name from the Halo universe. A new Cortana Device Setup app launches a new page within Cortana itself, allowing you to access a wizard to set up your Cortana-powered device. The tutorial seems to be related to a separate, unavailable app for now, with a "buy" button that links to Microsoft's home page.

The language suggests Microsoft is planning a bigger push to bring Cortana to third-party audio devices, but the company could also get in on the action at some point with its own "Cortana Speaker" device or devices. With a rumored hardware event looming, there's a chance we could see soon see some Cortana-powered home speakers on stage before an official launch, while Microsoft finishes off these new features.

Microsoft and Harmon Kardon unveiled a Cortana-powered speaker late last year, with the view of launching it more widely in 2017. It seems these features are the first steps towards integrating those external devices with Windows itself.

With the PC in decline, we believe Microsoft has been experimenting with other ways to bring its services into homes. Our own Senior Editor Zac Bowden detailed Microsoft's Home Hub platform last year, which was believed to eventually become the centralized control center for your future smart home, complete with Cortana support.

With Cortana arriving as part of the Windows 10 set-up experience in Redstone 2, Microsoft's digital assistant could be poised for a larger play in the future, considering this new information.

Stay tuned to Windows Central for more "Cortana Device" information as we get it.

iClever offers a variety of smartphone accessories ranging from USB hubs, chargers and headphones. Should you need a wireless speaker solution, the company also offers a dandy 10-watt speaker that pushes out the tunes rather nicely.

The iClever portable Bluetooth speaker isn't much larger than your Windows 10 Mobile phone, offers IPX5 water resistance (poolside, shower, etc.) and has hands-free calling features.

The iClever Bluetooth speaker is currently priced at $33.99 through Amazon and is an excellent, all-around wireless speaker.

Design

The iClever portable Bluetooth speaker has a sleek design, built on an aluminum frame that helps keep the weight down. Compared to the Aukey Outdoor and the Mpow Armor Plus speakers we have reviewed, the iClever easily offers the slimmest form factor.

Measuring 6.37 x 2.52 x 1.11 inches and weighing only 9.03 ounces, the iClever speaker comfortably slips inside a backpack or even your back pocket. Control buttons line the top of the speaker and charging/auxiliary ports rest right end of the speaker.

Controls include a power button, play/pause button, a multi-function control and track/volume directional buttons.

Underneath the hood is two 5-watt speakers and an 1800mAh battery that is rated at up to ten hours of playback time. In testing the iClever speaker, the ten hours of playback time isn't far from the mark.

The speaker has a water resistant rating of IPX5, which means it's good for a splash or two, so it's suitable for the poolside, in the shower, campsite or any other situation where it could get wet. Just keep in mind that the iClever Portable Bluetooth Speaker is water resistant, not waterproof — you can get it wet, but you shouldn't submerge it in any amount of water.

The Bluetooth speaker comes shipped with a USB charging cable, an auxiliary cable, lanyard and instruction manual.

Performance

The iClever speaker's solid design is nicely paired with quality sound performance. Pairing mode launches automatically when you first power-up the speaker. You are greeted with voice prompts to guide you through and confirm pairing (the speaker is listed as IC-BTS04 on your Windows 10 device).

From there all that is needed is for you to pick out your favorite music app or video to play, sit back and enjoy the sounds. Sound quality was good with the right balance of bass and treble. Maxing out the volume did not generate any distortion. However, volume levels were a bit on the low side when compared to other speakers, but nothing detrimental. I could easily fill the backyard or large living room with music from this tiny speaker.

The iClever speaker does offer minimal hands-free calling features that include answering, ending and rejecting calls. Playback is paused for incoming calls and resumes once the call is ended. The microphone on the speaker does a decent job of picking up your voice, but I wouldn't stand too far away.

Should you opt to use the speaker in a wired manner, the auxiliary connection is at the right end of the speaker and can be connected to any device with a line-out connection. You do need to press the multi-function button to toggle between Bluetooth and auxiliary playback.

Overall Impressions

The more I used the iClever Bluetooth speaker, the more it grew on me. The slim design looks good and adds to the portability factor of the speaker. Sound quality is solid enough that it can be used indoors or outdoors.

The water resistance and hands-free calling features are a nice bonus, allowing you to get a little wet while jamming to the tunes and not miss a call in the process. While it can handle getting wet, the iClever isn't likely to survive being submerged.

If there is one knock I can offer on the iClever is that it needs to be a little more rugged. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice looking speaker but looks more suited for indoor use than outdoor. I would be a little worried about scratching up the sleek appearance of the speaker by taking it camping.

All in all, if you are looking for a good Bluetooth speaker that won't break the bank, the iClever Bluetooth speaker is worth considering. The speaker is currently priced at $33.99 through Amazon and I can see it pairing up nicely with your Windows 10 PC or Mobile device for enjoying your music files or audio from a video from.

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Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, but that doesn't mean they're all worth your money. You've got expensive options like the Bose Soundlink Mini which carry a legendary brand and great sound to go with it.

You've also got a ridiculous amount of much cheaper options. One of those is the Anker SoundCore, a Bluetooth speaker I picked up recently and have been really impressed with. And it costs just $36.

It's not much to look at, though you can go for something a little brighter like blue or red if the regular, ordinary matte black one isn't wild enough for you. It's not particularly big or heavy, perfect for throwing in a bag when you travel, and it's covered around all the sides with a durable, soft touch finish.

No talk of a speaker would get very far without mention of the tech specs. Here's what we're looking at:

• 6W dual-drivers
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 4400mAh battery
• Passive radiator bass boost
• 3.5mm aux input
• microUSB charging (5 hour charge time)
• Microphone for hands-free calling

The party piece of the SoundCore is the claimed 24hr play time at 80% volume. And it's absolutely spot on with that claim. I've not timed it exactly (because seriously, 24 hours), but I'm charging it about once every 4 days with fairly constant use.

The controls are incredibly simple, with buttons for volume up and down, power on and off, play/pause and initiating the Bluetooth connection. With Bluetooth 4.0 you get a solid connection and Anker claims a range of about 66 feet. In reality that doesn't seem to be the case, but equally my house has crazy thick walls which no doubt factor in.

But how far away from the speaker do you want to be anyway?

The sound gets good and loud and mostly distortion free. When you really turn it up I have noticed little instances, tracks like Blurs "Song 2" being an example of something that pushes to its limits. Bass is a little underwhelming, but I'm not sure it's as much of a deal given the price of this speaker. I'm ok with it, personally, since I don't listen to much bass-heavy music. But it's something to bear in mind if you do. Otherwise it's a fairly neutral and balanced sound.

Ultimately what you have here is a great-sounding speaker with subtle looks and a shockingly small price tag. It's not perfect, and I'd love to have seen forward and back buttons as well as just play/pause, and perhaps a less enormous logo, but those are minor complaints.

The SoundCore is an excellent bit of kit and one of the better purchases I've made recently. The combination of sound quality, price and battery life makes it easy to recommend. It also leaves me wondering why ever you'd spend so much money on a 'branded' product.

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Mpow has established itself as a leader in the wireless accessory market, and the Mpow Armor Plus is one of their latest offerings. The large Bluetooth speaker offers solid sound in a rugged, shockproof and splash proof package.

The Armor Plus is the big brother to Mpow's original Armor speaker and sports two 8-watt speakers, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, hands-free calling and a 5,200 mAh battery. The speaker has a little bit of heft to it but nothing demanding.

Sound quality is excellent and if you need an outdoor (or indoor speaker) that can hold up to the elements, the Mpow Armor Plus is one to consider. It is currently priced at $71.99 US and available at Amazon.

The Mpow Armor Plus measures 8.25 x 3 x 2.15 inches and weighs just shy of 2.5 pounds. When you first take the speaker out of the box, it is clear that this is not a cheaply-made product. The combination of rubber and iron exterior feels solid, and while the speaker has a bit of heft, it isn't cumbersome to hold.

The design of the Mpow Armor Plus offers the speaker's control buttons lining the top of the device, the wrist strap attachment sits to the left, and the speaker's ports rest on the right side. Ports are protected by a rubber flap and include a USB port, micro-USB port and 3.5mm jack. The USB port allows you to tap into the 5,200 mAh battery to charge a device, the micro-USB port allows you to charge the Armor Plus and the 3.5mm jack is a line-in port. Four LED lights line the bottom of this area and serve as charging indicators.

The Mpow Armor Plus is a rugged speaker that is shockproof and splash proof. The speaker is rated at IPX5, which means it can survive being splashed or sprayed by water. While the Armor Plus is water resistant, immersion protection starts at IPX7, so avoid submerging the speaker in water. I would have no problem using the Armor Plus around the pool, the lake, at the beach or anywhere else it could come into contact with the great outdoors.

The Mpow Armor Plus is packaged with a carrying case, handle strap, USB cord, audio cable and owner's manual. Based solely on design and build quality, the Mpow Armor Plus comes across as a very solid Bluetooth speaker, but the proof in the pudding rests with the sound quality.

Performance

When you first power-up the Mpow Armor Plus it automatically goes into pairing mode. There are audible confirmations when you power on/off the speaker, when it is connected and when it goes into pairing mode. If you need to pair the speaker after the initial power-up, press and hold the power button as you turn on the device until the blue indicator light turns on. Then long press the play button for about two seconds until the indicator light (on the face of the speaker) begins to flash blue and red.

Controls for the Armor Plus include play/pause, next/previous song, volume up/down and an EQ button to toggle between indoor and outdoor modes. The EQ setting basically dials down the intensity of the sound quality that is more indoor friendly.

The Mpow Armor Plus also has a hands-free calling feature. Just press the EQ button to answer or end a call. Music playback is paused during the call and resumes once the conversation ends. The Armor Plus's microphone picks up your voice nicely and does filter a good bit of the background noises. While the Mpow Armor Plus isn't a feature-rich hands-free solution, it does a nice job offering you the ability to answer calls easily while enjoying a few tunes.

Sound quality from Armor Plus' two 8-watt speakers is very good. The rugged speaker can fill a room with music or audio playback and performs equally as nicely in outdoor situations. While there are plenty of selling points for the Armor Plus, the sound quality tops the list.

Battery performance is rated at twenty-two hours of playback time, which isn't far from the mark based on using the speaker over the past few days. Naturally, battery life is shorter if you use the Armor Plus to re-charge your Windows Phone. Should the battery run low, there is an audible alert that sounds every sixty seconds and you can continue playback while the Armor Plus re-charges.

Overall Impression

If you are in the market for one, the Mpow Armor Plus should be on your short list. The speaker is built like a tank and has surprisingly good sound quality. While 2.5 pounds is a bit on the heavy side, the Armor Plus is not burdensome to carry.

The Mpow speaker is a great solution for around the pool, at the beach or around the campground. It gives you a quality option for listening to music files or even audio from videos. I can see the Armor Plus being a great accessory for streaming videos when the tiny speaker on your Windows PC or Mobile device just won't do. While designed for wet and rugged environments, the Armor Plus is an equally attractive option for the more docile settings of your living room.

The Mpow Armor Plus is available in a black/gray color pattern and is currently priced at $71.99 USD through Amazon. It's an impressive Bluetooth speaker and is indicative of the quality we have come to expect out of Mpow products.

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The Mpow AquaPro Bluetooth Speaker is a waterproof, dustproof and shockproof speaker that is perfect for outdoor activities. The speaker is extremely portable, has decent sound quality, support hands-free calling and includes an SOS feature should you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Mpow has become a dependable source for Windows Phone and PC accessories and the AquaPro is a quality addition to the company's product lineup. Available through Amazon.com, the AquaPro is also budget friendly, coming in just under $28.

The design of the Mpow AquaPro is compact and simple in nature. Measuring 80mm x 80mm x 35mm (approximately 3 x 3 x 1.5 inches) and coming in at 182 grams (6.4 ounces) the AquaPro is very portable, taking up a small pocket of a backpack or jacket pocket.

AquaPro's control buttons — power and pairing, volume, and playback — line the top of the speaker with a Micro-USB port, 3.5mm jack and the SOS button running down the right side of the speaker. The AquaPro also has a small blue LED light in the upper right corner of the speaker's face to indicate power-on and pairing status. For carrying convenience, the AquaPro is fitted with a small lanyard.

The Micro-USB port is for charging the AquaPro, the 3.5mm serves as a line-in port and the SOS button will blast an alarm when pressed/held for two seconds. The alarm would make any car alarm jealous and is rather annoying. It's perfect for getting someone's attention if you have an emergency.

The AquaPro is rated at IPX7 and provides 100% protection against rainfall, splashing and submergence up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. The speaker is also dustproof and shockproof. In the time that we've been reviewing the speaker it didn't rain, so we took it into the bathroom shower and it held up just fine.

While only weighing 182 grams, the speaker does have a little heft to it likely due to the solid construction. The AquaPro comes packaged with an audio cable, USB cable and instruction booklet.

Performance

With regards to performance, I was pleasantly surprised at the sound quality and volume of the AquaPro. I did think the sound quality could use a little more bass, but not to the point of sounding terrible.

When you first turn on the AquaPro, the speaker will automatically go into pairing mode. If you need to pair the speaker with additional devices, just press and hold the circle button for about two seconds until the blue LED lights up and then press the play button for a few seconds until you hear an indication tone.

Mpow's AquaPro is fitted with an 800mAH battery that provides approximately 6-8 hours of playing time and has a recharge time of 2-3 hours. The speaker is fitted with a low battery alert to remind you to put the AquaPro on a charger.

Hands-free calling is very basic with the AquaPro in that the only support is to answer and end calls. Audio playback is automatically paused on calls and calls came in loud and clear. The microphone (guessing it is behind the speaker grill) picks up my voice, using a normal tone, without issues.

Overall Impression

The more I used the Mpow AquaPro, the more the tiny speaker grew on me. The size is very travel friendly and I can see it being a strong option for poolside, on the beach, in the boat or while out camping. It also does nicely in the shower.

While the hands-free support is minimal, the speaker could be a great option to have around when your phone isn't readily accessible. For example, I enjoy lake kayaking and my Windows Phone is kept in a waterproof bag under my seat while on the water. I can keep the AquaPro sitting on the deck of the kayak to answer calls without having to worry about finding my phone.

Sound quality isn't the best I've heard from a Bluetooth speaker, but it is not too shabby either. I would have liked a little more bass in the sound, but at this size it's hard to get real booming bass. Overall, though, the AquaPro was adequately loud and projected in the outdoors. Battery life was respectable and I was able to get almost seven hours of play before I started searching for a charging cable.

The AquaPro is currently priced at $27.99 at Amazon and with temperatures warming up, the AquaPro is an attractive speaker to consider for your outdoor activities.

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