iPod Speaker Review

iPod speaker tests and comparisons

The sheer number of iPod speakers available is dizzying. From inexpensive miniature speakers for less than $50 to high-tech docks that cost hundreds of dollars, consumers have a lot of choices. With so many models available, manufacturers try very hard to make their iPod speakers stand out from the crowd. The explosion in popularity of the Apple iPhone, most recently the iPhone 3GS, has created even more iPod accessories that work with both products.

It was Apple CEO Steve Jobs himself who said that the iPhone is the "best iPod ever," but until early 2008, iPhones could not be used with iPod speaker systems unless the phone part of the device was disabled. To make and receive phone calls, the iPhone uses the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication -- that can cause signal interference, known as "GSM buzz," when playing music through a speaker. The only solution was to put the iPhone in airplane mode, which eliminates the buzz but also disables the phone. However, in February 2008, Altec Lansing introduced the first true iPhone-compatible speakers, the Altec Lansing T612 (*Est. $120), which lets you receive calls while the iPhone is docked. Now GSM shielding is a given on most new models, and it's NOT hard to find iPhone-compatible speakers -- look for Apple's Works with iPhone certification. All of the iPod speakers in our Best Reviewed chart are fully compatible with the iPhone.

In terms of quantity and quality, iLounge.com, CNET and iProng magazine have the best reviews of iPod speakers. Reviews at all three sites are packed with information, and each one uses a ratings system that makes it easy to spot which speakers the editors believe are the best. iLounge.com is the best review source for iPod speakers, having both an extensive and up-to-date catalog of write-ups.

Macworld deserves special mention for making it easy to search for speakers that work with particular iPod models. However, the Macworld database hasn't yet been updated with new 2009 models, so its usefulness is pretty limited at this point. Choice magazine (Australia) and Good Housekeeping run performance tests on iPod speakers, but Choice's coverage is a little more detailed. ConsumerReports.org has a test of 10 iPod speakers, but the report is rather dated, though many of the products reviewed are still available. PCMag.com does an excellent job of covering the iPod speaker marketplace, but it has fewer reviews than other websites. Some sites, such as Audioholics.com, look at iPod speakers from an audio aficionado's point of view. We also found a multitude of user reviews for iPod speakers at Amazon.com, which is especially useful for reviews of inexpensive speakers.