The Top Bluetooth Speakers Of 2017
Marshall Kilburn Bluetooth Speaker Review
Marshall Kilburn Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
In a sea of look a like portable bluetooth speakers, one of them really stands out amongst the crowd. The Marshall Kilburn bluetooth speaker is styled after the iconic vintage Marshall guitar amp. Coming from a company who has been in the sound business since 1960 you can be confident that they know what they are doing. I’m happy to see Marshall break into the portable speaker/headphone market with their vintage styling. If you are an audiophile or a fashion lover, the Marshall Kilburn might be the perfect speaker for you, however, it does have a few drawbacks I found in my in-depth review. Take a look below to see the results of the Marshall Kilburn bluetooth speaker review.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 75%
- Sound Quality 100%
- Price 80%
- Battery Life 85%
PROS:
- Incredible sound
- Awesome vintage styling
- Bass/Treble controls
- Replaceable battery
CONS:
- Very heavy at 6.6 pounds
- Will not charge your phone
- Not waterproof
- Does not take phone calls
The Marshall Kilburn bluetooth speaker is a piece of iconic art and sounds incredible. It has powerful bass and crisp treble paired with deafening midranges. The main drawback with sound this awesome is the size. In order to create such a powerful sound they had to make a rather large and heavy speaker. So when I say it’s a portable speaker, I mean that you can move it from room to room or out to the yard. The Kilburn weighs in at 6.6 lbs. so it is definitely not light. The speaker does have a nice carrying handle making it more convenient to move around. It’s definitely not a speaker I would take camping or really anywhere away from the house. It looks awesome on a shelf and that’s where it should stay. It mimics the vintage Marshall amp perfectly and, aside from the sound, makes a great piece of decoration. The battery life is listed at 24 hours. So by no means is it the longest lasting, it does last much longer than most other speakers on the market. The main benefit with the battery is that it is replaceable. Most portable speakers are garbage once the battery goes out. That seems like such a waste to me so, I really appreciate a replaceable battery. One drawback with the battery is that it uses a special charging cord. Not a regular USB cable. This means that you’re unable to charge your phone with the speaker and you need a 120v outlet to charge the speaker. The speaker does not take phone calls and is not waterproof. These are definite drawbacks if you’re looking for an outdoor speaker to take to events or camping.
If you are looking for a robust, vintage looking, portable speaker with incredible sound, look no further. The Marshall Kilburn is a conversation starter and will have no problem keeping the party going.
The Marshall Kilburn looks like a vintage amp with a brass control panel and heavy duty tuning knobs. It is robust and feels very well built. On top of that it is loud, like really loud! All of these features come at a price of $209.00 on Amazon. The price might seem a little high but in reality it’s not bad compared to a lot of other speakers on the market. The only problem I have with the price is, I feel that it should be able to charge your phone. Other than that I’d say the price is fair. It is a piece of fashionable art and has a great build quality with a heavy feel.
One thing you won’t be hard pressed to find is user reviews for the Marshall Kilburn portable speaker. People are drawn to the unique design of the mock vintage amplifier. The reviews are very consistent across the board. People absolutely love it and rave about the sound quality. The main complaints I found were the speaker isn’t waterproof, there are no lights, and that it’s heavy. These are all major factors depending on what you want to use a bluetooth speaker for. If you’re looking for one to take outdoors easily, this speaker is not for you. If you want sound you can feel and know that you won’t be taking it far, the Marshall Kilburn might be the perfect portable speaker.
Summary
The Marshall Kilburn bluetooth speaker is an awesome soundbox that produces sound you can actually feel! It comes in a beautifully designed vintage package mimicking the iconic guitar amp that paved the way in the music industry. The speaker is a brick weighing 6.6 pounds so the mobility is somewhat limited. This is not the speaker you want to bring on a hike or a bike ride. Because it’s not waterproof, it’s not a speaker you’re going to want to bring to the beach or out by the pool. The speaker excels with sound performance so if you’re looking for a good garage speaker or something you want to bring outside to a yard party, the Marshall Kilburn is perfect! I love the looks of this speaker and the sound quality that comes with it. There are a few drawbacks but if you’re not so much into the outdoor lifestyle the Marshall Kilburn speaker will probably fit the bill better than you’d expect.
SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
SuperStar BackFloat Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
The SuperStar BackFloat is one incredibly unique speaker and definitely has a place in the top portable speakers of 2017 review. The speaker itself is made by Monster which is the same company that used to make Beats By Dre. They are known for producing a high quality product so we dove in to find out if the Backfloat holds up to its reputation. The portable bluetooth speaker boasts the ability to float on its back in any amount of water while delivering rocking sound. It has a sleek compact design that is easy to take anywhere. If you’re a shower singer, beach bum or want to bring the party to the pool, the SuperStar BackFloat might be for you. Take a look at the in depth review below.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 85%
- Sound Quality 75%
- Price 75%
- Battery Life 70%
PROS:
- Waterproof design
- The speaker floats
- Long bluetooth range
- Compact size
CONS:
- Short battery life
- Sound is directional
- Highs and lows become distorted easily
- Pretty expensive
Customer reviews on the SuperStar BackFloat are pretty consistent across the board. Everyone loves the fact that it floats and seem to be happy with the size. The biggest complaint I’ve found is that it’s not loud enough. Especially when used on a lake with a boat or in the hot tub where other sounds are a factor. In a pool or in a quiet room, you’ll have no complaints but if you love to play your music as loud as possible like I do, you might be somewhat disappointed. Keep that in mind when searching bluetooth portable speakers. If you listen to more relaxing music and are looking for a speaker to play during a calm bath or another similar situation the SuperStar BackFloat will fit your needs perfectly!
Summary
With the perfect scenario the SuperStar BackFloat by Monster is an awesome speaker. If you want a relaxing float in your pool with your favorite music, this is perfect. If you love to sing in the shower, look no further for that waterproof singing aid. If you’re looking for something to bring the pool party to life, you’ll want a bit more sound. The design is sleek and the features are awesome. The price is a little high but it is one of the only speakers on the market that floats. It’s made by Monster so you’ve got a big company behind it ready to help with any warranty or return concerns should any issues come about. I could see the SuperStar BackFloat being awesome if you were out kayaking on a calm lake but its not a speaker that will fit every scenario you put it in.
JBL Pulse 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review
JBL Pulse 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
JBL has been producing incredible sound as long as I can remember and have always seemed to be at the head of the game when it comes to exciting technology. They didn’t disappoint with the JBL Pulse 2 bluetooth speaker. The JBL Pulse 2 is one of the most unique speakers on the market. It has many features that truly stand out among the crowd but how does it handle where it matters, the sound? This in-depth review covers everything about the JBL Pulse 2 and if the features make or break this incredibly unique speaker.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 85%
- Sound Quality 90%
- Price 85%
- Battery Life 50%
PROS:
- LED Light show is awesome
- Splash proof
- Link with multiple speakers
- Speaker phone capable

CONS:
- Short battery life
- Bass drowns out midranges
- Exposed driver
Enough about the light show though, let’s talk about the stuff that matters. The sound quality from the JBL Pulse 2 is slightly lacking in the mid-range. The bass seams to drown out the mid-ranges during loud play. If a singer has a deep voice, it almost comes through as a low drone or hum. The average listener won’t really notice this but after time it may become more apparent. The battery life is rated at 10 hours which is lower than most for the price and size. At full volume with the light show you can expect around 4 and a half to 5 hours.
JBL Pulse 2 is a high quality build that is splash resistant, has more features than most bluetooth speakers and can play very loud. You can also pair it with other JBL speakers for an even bigger experience! The JBL Pulse 2 bluetooth speaker is an experience, a conversation piece and a multi-entertainment piece of technology that is pushing the boundaries.
Summary
I love the JBL Pulse 2. It’s as simple as that. It’s not waterproof and it’s not small enough to bring hiking. It doesn’t have the longest battery life but, how else can I say it, it’s so cool. I love the light show, I think its perfect sitting out on the patio at night or as a night light to fall asleep to. It’s perfect for a party and really adds an extra element of entertainment. The sound can get really loud yet stays fairly clear which is hard to find at this price. I would recommend the JBL Pulse 2 bluetooth speaker to pretty much anybody who wants some awesome entertainment.
Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review
Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
Bose has carved themselves a prominent name in the world of sound. They were in nearly every home in the early 2000’s it seems, with the little white box that produced incredible sound. Well, Bose has done it again with the SoundLink Revolve Plus. It is on the larger side of the portable speaker spectrum but has a convenient carry handle. It offers 360′ sound and comes in a sleek looking water resistant case. The price is quite a bit higher than the competitors so we had to give it a thorough review to see if it really is worth the price tag. Bose is a familiar name with a long standing reputation among the consumer market. Take a look at my full review to see if the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus holds true to the companies history.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 90%
- Sound Quality 95%
- Price 70%
- Battery Life 80%
PROS:
- 360′ Sound
- Water resistant
- Speaker phone capable
- Crisp sound with full bass
CONS:
- On the larger side
- Lower battery life than competitors
- High priced
Bose has been around since 1964 with a mission to produce high quality sound for the audiophile. They just introduced the SoundLink Revolve and the SoundLink Revolve Plus. We decided to review the Revolve Plus because it is a little larger meaning it has a slightly better battery life (16 hours compared to 12) and a much better sound range coming from the dual driver 360′ sound setup. One solid benefit of the Revolve speaker line is that they can pair with other Bose Bluetooth speakers to provide multi-room audio. This is great if you’re having a BBQ or a party. The Revolve Plus is water resistant so worry not about leaving it right next to the pool or out in the rain. The sound quality is awesome for a speaker this size and will easily fill a larger sized room. The bottom is protected with a rubber boot so you can toss it into your bag or tip it over without worry. The aluminum seamless frame is very durable and can withstand most impacts. The speaker has speakerphone capabilities and a built in mic allowing you to use your google voice or SIRI options to control your music. There are also track and volume changing buttons on top of the device. The sound output is better than most speakers of this size but it will cost you. One thing is for sure. The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus is a serious competitor in the bluetooth speaker market. Even at the higher price.
While Bose does boast having superb sound coming from such a small package, the price is a little scary. The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus has a price tag of $299.00. That makes the bluetooth speaker one of the highest priced on the market today. The sound is one of the best in its class. If you want the convenience of a easy to use charging dock, tack on an extra $30.00. Something that should come standard at that price in my opinion. The standard, smaller Revolve speaker is $100.00 cheaper but doesn’t come with the convenient carry handle and the sound quality just isn’t there like it is with the Revolve Plus. I’d pitch in the extra funds in order to get the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus for better bass response and a much louder volume.
The reviews for the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus are very consistent across the board. The price is high but the quality is awesome. Everyone seems to be okay with the price after unboxing and pairing the speaker with their devices. Pairing was easy and the sound produced is better than expected by far. Any warranty issues customers have had were covered quickly with a replacement unit. Customers seemed to be hesitant with the price of the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus but it was easily justified after some use.
Summary
The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus is an awesome speaker that produces incredible sound in a small package. It is durable and water resistant. The battery life is a little short for the size but the 16 hour playtime only requires a quick 3 hour charge. The speakerphone option is very clear and also utilizes your devices voice commands which is pretty convenient. The volume is much louder than expected making this portable speaker perfect for a large room or jamming out in your yard. If the volume isn’t enough, you can pair it with almost any other Bose speaker to make for multi-room audio or enough volume to take control of any party. If you’re willing to throw out the $299.00, the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus in an awesome bluetooth speaker that will not disappoint!
Beats Pill Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review
Beats Pill Plus Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
Beats by Dre was acquired by Apple so we are expecting big things from the new Beats Pill Plus bluetooth speaker. The previous pill portable speakers have been aesthetically pleasing but not so much when it comes to the audio. The Beats name is very well-known in the audio industry but they often have mixed reviews. We decided to dive into the newest version of the Beats Pill called the Beats Pill Plus to see how it holds up to the best competition on the market right now. Does the power team of Apple and Beats by Dre match up to all the hype? Take a look at the in depth review below.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 80%
- Sound Quality 70%
- Price 70%
- Battery Life 80%
PROS:
- Water resistant
- Plays louder than expected
- Multi unit pairing options while using the app
- Sleek fashionable design
CONS:
- Sound quality is lacking
- Requires the app for multi unit pairing (not all devices are compatible)
- Very pricey
The Beats Pill Plus is the newest pill to hit the market and in my honest opinion, it’s a tough pill to swallow. I was expecting some big things since Apple brought in their expert team to take the ‘Beats by Dre’ brand to the next level. It seems they have fallen short with the Beats Pill Plus. Apple made the beats Pill Plus larger with two tweeters sandwiching two woofers. The speakers do sound better than previous models, I’ll give them that. That’s not saying much however as the last few models weren’t too impressive. The battery life is decent at 12 hours but the sound quality just isn’t there for the price. I do like the durability and it feels like a very solid product. The volume is much louder than I was expecting but at really high volumes the treble would distort and at lower volumes the bass would disappear. I like the smooth design and I like the multi unit pairing options through the app. I do have an iPhone so compatibility wasn’t an issue with me but I hear that certain devices are not compatible. This is something you should look into before purchasing the Beats Pill Plus.
Coming in at a whopping $199.00 the Beats Pill Plus is not the cheapest bluetooth speaker on the market. In fact it’s far from it. With a price tag like that I expect to see some huge improvements from previous models and now being owned by Apple I had high hopes. I don’t feel like they knocked it out of the park in a world that is already saturated with bluetooth speaker options. Beats by Dre has a very well-known reputation and Apple is no stranger to the world of electronics so I was expecting big things. All I got was a big price tag from the Beats Pill Plus.
The customer reviews on the Beats Pill Plus are pretty consistent. Everyone is saying that they are happy with the speaker but they were expecting more. More volume, more clarity but not more cost. The price seems to be a little cringeworthy among the buyers. Overall, they are happy with the speaker but it is comparable or only slightly better than previous models. A few people even say they prefer the previous model, the Beats Pill XL. The Beats Pill Plus is a nice speaker, it does a good enough job when compared to other speakers in the same category, however the price is the biggest turn off for me. I’m excited to see what happens with the Beats Pill Plus because it can only get better from here.
Summary
The Beats Pill Plus is a decent speaker if you want to fill a small to medium sized room. The sound is directional so you’ll find that at different angles, the sound is going to be different. Many people have to prop it back to get an optimal listening angle. The Pill plays loud but does distort on some songs in both the low ranges and the high ranges. With a price tag of $199 I expected a little bit more from a powerhouse like Apple. The beats Pill Plus is a good speaker if you’re willing to drop the cash, however I do think that there are a few better choices for around the same dollar. You’re paying a lot for the brand with the Beats Pill Plus.
Harman/Kardon Go+Play Bluetooth Speaker Review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
Harman/Kardon is a name that is well-known in the audio world. They have been powering home theaters and high end cars sound systems for years. They have a rarely matched quality and precision that comes at a price, but doesn’t make you regret the spending. You can expect a quality product from Harman/Kardon. Good news is they have broken into the portable speaker world and produced an affordable bluetooth speaker called the Harman/Kardon Onyx. They have just released the third generation of their portable speaker and below, you’ll find a full review. I wanted to find out if the Onyx 3 holds up to the world renowned name of Harman/Kardon as well as find out if it compares with the best bluetooth speakers on the market today.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 75%
- Sound Quality 100%
- Price 70%
- Battery Life 60%
PROS:
- Connect up to 3 devices
- Incredible sound range
- Sleek design
CONS:
- Not waterproof
- Short battery life
- Expensive
The Harman/Kardan Onyx Studio 3 is the latest portable speaker from the iconic brand. It has some really cool features like allowing 3 different devices to connect to it for multiple DJ’s or using different devices from different areas. Harman/Kardon produces an incredibly clear and loud sound from all of their products and the Onyx Studio 3 is no exception. This thing rocks! It sounds so crisp at any volume with fast and steady bass response. No matter what kind of music you listen to, you’ll be very impressed with the clarity. The one issue I did find with the Onyx Studio 3 is the battery life is only 5 hours. That is considerably lower than the industry standard for a speaker in this price and quality range. It is a durable speaker in the sense that it will handle a light tumble. Other than that it is more of a work of art. It is not water proof and a large enough drop will surely hurt something inside however this isn’t really the speaker you’d take to the beach but rather leave out during a dinner party or a backyard BBQ. The price is much higher than most of the competitors but the sound quality shows you exactly why. The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 is an excellent at home portable speaker that has incomparable sound quality for a speaker this size.
The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 has a price tag of $449.99 which is considerably higher than most portable speakers on the market. Harman/Kardon has never been known for being cheap but there is a reason for that. With this price you do get unmatched sound so if you are a true audiophile you probably won’t mind the price tag. If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, you might be interested in something with more battery life and waterproof capabilities, which ae easily obtainable at this price tag. One thing is for sure, you probably won’t find a better sounding bluetooth speaker than the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 at that price.
The customer reviews for the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 are very positive. The only negative reviews I was able to find were a few people had connectivity issues with some older devices. The devices they were having issues were pre-2000 which actually surprised me that they were that old and still working! The only other complaint was a short battery life. Many people just keep it plugged in and take it outside for a party only to return it to its primary station. The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 has stellar customer reviews when it comes to the sound.
Summary
The Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3 is a high performance bluetooth speaker that really needs to be heard to be appreciated. Standard to Harman/Kardon style, they’ve ignored many of the bells and whistles you get with other brands and stuck to what really matters and that’s the sound. You’d be hard pressed to find a better portable speaker at that price when it comes to sound quality. If you want a speaker to join you on adventures this isn’t for you. If you want a speaker to leave in the 5th wheel or bring out to the garden on a sunny day, you will be thrilled with the performance you get with the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 3.
UE Wonderboom Bluetooth Speaker
UE Wonderboom Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
UE Wonderboom is a speaker I’ve been hearing a lot about lately. I didn’t have much knowledge about the speaker, so I decided to take a look at it. From the 360 Sound to waterproofing and the ability to float, it has definitely left an impression. I weighed all the pros and cons of the Wonderboom and give a detailed breakdown of what sets it apart from it’s competitors as well as where it falls short. By the end of this review, you should be confident in your decision to purchase or not purchase a UE Wonderboom.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 90%
- Sound Quality 85%
- Price 95%
- Battery Life 75%
PROS:
- Very loud
- Durable
- Pairing ability
- 360 degree sound
- Price
- Waterproof
CONS:
- Battery Life
- Distorted sound at low and high volumes
- Slightly big for transport
- No speakerphone capability
People raved about the sound quality from such a small speaker, and for good reason, this thing gets LOUD. Unfortunately there were some drawbacks. The mid range sound can be a little dicey at times, and the sound can be distorted on the lower levels when the speaker is at maximum volume. Overall, the sound quality is great for the size however. The speaker can also be paired with other Wonderbooms to create even greater sound. The Wonderboom is also drop resistant up to 5 feet. I know I drop my bluetooth speaker quite a bit, so this is definitely a handy feature to have.
Summary
The UE Wonderboom is a portable, waterproof speaker that can pump out some serious sound. It has the ability to pair with another Wonderboom, and is drop resistant from up to 5 feet. Reviews on the product were overall good, with many people loving that they could take it in water. While a little large for the small speaker category, customers were quite surprised at how much sound a speaker this size could produce. The sound complaints are with the bass at high volumes and the mid range can sometimes sound off, while the high tones can also cause a crackling sound within the speaker. With most speakers, you sacrifice sound quality for sheer volume. The price is also something people are sure to love, as the UE Wonderboom costs $99.99. Many other bluetooth capable speakers sit around $125-$150. The battery life of this speaker comes in at about 10 hours. There is also no speakerphone capability like on many other bluetooth speakers. For the money, this speaker is a good bargain. You do sacrifice some features though.
Goal Zero Rock Out 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review
Rock Out 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review
Overview
Goal Zero has been producing speakers for a few years now and their latest version is the Solar equipped Rock Out 2. The speaker has an awesome design, is very durable and comes with some great features. Goal Zero has been in the business of providing off-grid power to people who need it most for years. They introduced a speaker to provide those off-grid people some tunes to enjoy no matter where or when. Because Goal Zero is primarily an outdoor friendly company, you can expect quality and durability from them. Let’s take an in-depth look at the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 bluetooth speaker and see if it holds up to the companies great reputation.
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Overall Rating
- Durability 92%
- Sound Quality 90%
- Price 95%
- Battery Life 85%
PROS:
- Water resistant
- Able to daisy chain multiple speakers
- Great battery life
- Optional solar charging
CONS:
- Does not charge your device
- Solar panel is slow to charge
The Goal Zero Rock Out 2 is an awesome speaker that is catered to the adventurous outdoorsman. It is very durable, water resistant and sounds awesome. There is a very unique feature that you get to enjoy with the Rock Out 2 and that’s the addition of a small solar panel on the back of the cover. The Rock Out 2 boasts 20 hours of battery life in a very small package. With the addition of the solar panel on the back, as long as you have sun, you’ll have tunes! The Rock Out 2 has an elastic configuration with stretchy loops and hooks on the back that allows it to attach to basically anything of any size. Another awesome feature is that the Rock Out 2 zips open and closed to store your phone or media player, some money or anything of smaller size. One big problem with most bluetooth speakers is the fact that you have to keep a cord handy for charging or plugging in if you choose not to use the bluetooth pairing. This problem is eliminated because the Rock Out 2 has both cords built in and permanently attached inside the pocket of the speaker. All this for under $100.00 so where’s the drawback? The sound is awesome, the size is great and the features are in a class of their own. Well the drawback is that you cannot charge your phone. You can take bluetooth calls thanks to the built in mic. One of the best features with the Rock Out 2 is the fact that it can be paired with as many Rock Out 2’s as you want. The speaker itself is pretty small so you are slightly limited when it comes to volume. Well, pair it with your friends speaker or even 2-3 more and get full surround sound! I’ve paired 3 of these before while camping and hung them up in the trees and there is no way we could have come near full volume. I mean it was LOUD!
Goal Zero has an awesome return policy and if the product is defective in anyway they will send you a new one, no questions asked. All in all, I love this speaker. I love the sound it produces for how small it is, I love the features and durability. I feel like the solar panel on the back charges too slow to be really functional but it does work. I don’t think the benefits of the solar charger outweigh the fact that it makes the speaker more fragile. The Rock Out 2 already has a great battery life but the solar panel does come in handy while camping without any source of power.
Coming in at under $100.00 the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 is very fairly priced for the features you get. You’re hard pressed to find a solar powered (as well as usb chargeable) bluetooth speaker that is water resistant for that price. If you have any issues with the Rock Out 2 the return policy is easy and hassle free. I would even spend a few more bucks to have that handy solar panel charge my phone while I was using it.
The reviews for the Rock out 2 are the same across the board. Everyone is thrilled with the updated version of the original speaker now dubbed the Rock Out 2. It has enhanced bass and a way better sound than the original. The external volume and skip/repeat buttons make it very convenient. The straps are awesome and the battery life is understated at 20 hours. People are talking about getting up to 30 hours of play with the speaker. Some people have noticed a static sound when connected to certain devices. My guess is that the devices have dirty ports because it has been too inconsistent to make a conclusion. The main gripe is that for having a solar panel built right into the back panel, it doesn’t charge your device. Also the speakers are directional. A lot of newer portable speakers have multiple drivers pointing in different directions for a fuller sound. The Rock Out 2 has 2 drivers that are directional but they produce a very full sound for the size. All-in-all, the reviews for the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 are outstanding.
Summary
The Goal Zero Rock out 2 is made for adventure seekers who spend their time outdoors. I have used this speaker for years on countless hikes, camping trips, bike rides and kayak trips and it has held up flawlessly. The price used to be a little high but has recently come down quite a bit making it a top competitor for speakers under $100.00. The quality is superb and the sound it produces is ample for the size. If the sound isn’t enough for you, buy two and pair them. The Bluetooth range is roughly 35 feet which is more than enough and the solar panel, while slow to charge, does work to keep you partying as long as the sun is out. I highly recommend the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 if you’re looking for a portable speaker to take on your next adventure. If a home speaker is what your looking for, I feel you can find better by giving up some of the ruggedness. For an outdoor speaker priced under $100.00, the Goal Zero Rock Out 2 is some serious competition for any other outdoor speaker on the market.