iPod Speakers: Reviews

Inexpensive portable iPod speakers aren't known for amazing sound quality, but multiple reviewers say the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 provides the best audio performance in its price range. It's compatible with dockable… iPods and is GSM-shielded for the iPhone, so users can receive phone calls and texts without interference. In addition to clear sound, the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 gets high marks for value and portability -- it weighs less than 3 pounds, has a 10-hour rechargeable battery and comes with a travel case. The main flaw is a somewhat inconvenient and buggy remote control that can't control your iPod after it has gone into standby mode. Reviewers note that you can find smaller portable speakers, but few offer the same combination of portability, value and excellent sound quality.

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Not everyone is a fan of the Altec Lansing Mix's retro boombox look, but this iPod speaker impresses where it matters most -- with excellent sound quality. The Mix delivers loud, powerful bass without distortion, and it… sounds equally impressive when playing mellow music at low volumes. Other pluses include two line-in ports for additional iPods or MP3 players and a digital FM radio. The Mix has integrated handles and can run on either batteries or electrical power, so it's technically portable. However, the boombox is too large and unwieldy to carry around for long. Still, experts say it's a great choice for parties or for those who want a portable system that doesn't skimp on sound quality. The Altec Lansing Mix is compatible with iPods and iPhones, and it uses GSM shielding to prevent signal interference. This way you can receive phone calls and texts while listening to music.

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Experts say you could easily mistake the award-winning Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus for a small home theater system -- the sound quality is that good. The speakers provide loud, crisp sound without distortion, and at least… one reviewer thinks the i-DS3 Plus provides better audio clarity than the Chestnut Hill Sound George, another bookshelf speaker that was long considered the best iPod audio system money could buy. The Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus, which includes a main speaker dock plus a wireless subwoofer, relies on electrical power and is designed to stay in one place on a bookshelf or end table. It's pricey, and some reviewers think it should offer more features (like an AM/FM radio or clock) to justify its high price. Others are disappointed in the remote, which has limited functionality. These minor quibbles aside, experts say the Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus is the iPod speaker to get if you have money to spend. In addition to iPods, the i-DS3 Plus is compatible with the iPhone.

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Experts say the iHome iP9 is the best iPod/iPhone alarm clock in its price range. Sound quality is good for its size, but reviewers suggest larger iPod speakers if you're a stickler for audio perfection. While it may have… fewer features than more expensive clock radios, the iHome iP9 includes the basics -- AM/FM radio, dual alarms, gradual wake settings and a remote that controls the iPod's main menu. The iP9 has a small footprint, so it fits nicely on a nightstand, and reviewers say it's reliable and durable. The clock radio is compatible with docking iPods and is certified to work with the iPhone, although one reviewer notes that you may still hear slight GSM buzz when the iPhone is using the EDGE network (rather than 3G).

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Even the smallest portable iPod speakers take up a significant amount of space in a bag or briefcase. Enter the Altec Lansing Orbit MP3, a small, 3.4-inch-wide speaker that plugs into the headphone jack on iPods, iPhones,… laptops and other music devices. Sound quality is nothing to write home about, but experts say the Orbit performs well for its size. Sound distorts at maximum volumes and bass-heavy music sounds thin and flat, according to reviews. However, experts say you can't expect such a small and inexpensive speaker to have audiophile-quality sound. The Orbit is great for travel -- it comes with a protective carrying case and has 24-hour playback with three AAA batteries. It weighs in at a mere 6.7 ounces, so you can easily toss it into your bag or suitcase.

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