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Speaker Reviews

We can all do with more music and, thankfully, tech manufacturers couldn’t be more eager to sell you a speaker, whether it’s a multi-room setup from Sonos, a wireless Bluetooth option from Bose or JBL, or a smart speaker, like the HomePod, Google Home, or Alexa-powered Amazon Echo. Not all of them are good or reasonably priced, but we’ve cut through the overcrowded speaker market and offered a critique to the most popular speakers.

The best Bluetooth speakers to buy right now

Water resistance and lengthy battery life are now standard

Chris WelchSep 1

7

Verge Score

Devialet Dione soundbar review: brilliant bass for an exorbitant price

The $2,400 Dione is a luxury buy for people who don’t want to deal with surrounds or a subwoofer

Chris WelchAug 15

7

Verge Score

Sonos Ray review: a starter soundbar sort of stuck in the past

The Ray offers fantastic voice clarity and crisp sound, but this optical-only soundbar isn’t without frustrations

Chris WelchJun 1

Sony Glass Sound Speaker review: it’s not what it looks like

Chris WelchDec 15, 2021

7.5

Verge Score

Ikea’s latest Sonos lamp speaker is still an acquired taste

Better looks, easier bulbs, still niche

Chris WelchOct 14, 2021

Bose’s new SoundLink Flex speaker has a rugged design and ‘astonishing’ sound

Chris WelchOct 13, 2021

Sonos Beam (second-gen) review: Atmos(t) a minor upgrade

Chris WelchSep 30, 2021

Sony HT-A7000 review: a next-gen Atmos soundbar that’s (almost) perfect for gaming

Chris WelchAug 13, 2021

8

Verge Score

Ikea and Sonos picture frame speaker review: wall of sound

The latest Symfonisk collaboration is another attempt to camouflage tech in the home

Chris WelchJul 13, 2021

8

Verge Score

Sonos Roam review: portable potential

The tiny, lightweight speaker has a ton of functionality, but don’t expect sound quality miracles

Chris WelchApr 6, 2021

7.5

Verge Score

Sony RA5000 speaker review: extravagant sound at an unreasonable price

It’s a very Sony product, in ways both good and bad

Chris WelchApr 1, 2021

7.5

Verge Score

Apple HomePod mini review: playing small ball

Apple’s newest smart speaker is way more affordable but still chasing Amazon and Google

Dan SeifertNov 13, 2020

7.5

Verge Score

Google Nest Audio review: the sweet spot

Google’s latest smart speaker has good sound and an attractive price

Dan SeifertOct 5, 2020

Marshall’s Emberton is a basic but brilliant Bluetooth speaker

Cameron FaulknerJul 1, 2020

Ultimate Ears’ HyperBoom is my desert island Bluetooth speaker

Cameron FaulknerJun 3, 2020

The Verge Guide to Amazon Alexa

Amazon Echo Studio review: finally, an Echo that sounds great

Dan SeifertNov 6, 2019

8

Verge Score

Amazon Echo (2019) review: middle child syndrome

Amazon’s latest Echo speaker splits the difference between a high-end smart speaker and an entry-level model

Dan SeifertOct 29, 2019

8.5

Verge Score

Amazon Echo Dot with clock review: time is on its side

A $59 clock that also comes with a pretty good speaker

Cameron FaulknerOct 22, 2019

JBL Link Bar review: three devices rolled into one average soundbar

Jon PorterOct 3, 2019

8

Verge Score

Sonos Move review: house shaker, not road warrior

Sonos’ first portable speaker is more comfortable at home than on the go

Dan SeifertSep 18, 2019

8

Verge Score

Ikea’s new speakers are the most affordable way to get Sonos in your home

The Symfonisk lamp and bookshelf speakers actually sound good, too

Chris WelchJul 25, 2019

Sonos Amp review: all kinds of power

Nilay PatelMar 7, 2019

Roku TV Wireless Speakers review: easy listening

Chris WelchNov 29, 2018

Razer Nommo Pro speakers review: versatility comes at a price

Stefan EtienneSep 27, 2018

The best Bluetooth speaker to buy right now

Nick StattSep 21, 2018

Polk Command Bar review: smarter than it sounds

Dieter BohnJul 3, 2018

Sonos Beam review: living room upgrade

Nilay PatelJun 27, 2018

Bose SoundWear Companion neck speaker review

Chris WelchMay 4, 2018

7.5

Verge Score

Apple HomePod review: locked in

It sounds amazing. Is that enough?

Nilay PatelFeb 6, 2018

B&O Play Beoplay M3 review

Dan SeifertJan 24, 2018

Google Home Max review: smart gets loud

Dan SeifertDec 20, 2017

Amazon Echo Spot review: an almost-perfect smart alarm clock

Dan SeifertDec 18, 2017

Amazon Echo Plus review: smart home 101

Dan SeifertNov 10, 2017

Amazon Echo (2nd gen) review: smaller and cheaper, but mostly the same

Dan SeifertOct 24, 2017

Harman Kardon Invoke review: Cortana gets a speaker of its own

Dan SeifertOct 20, 2017

Sonos One review: Alexa has never sounded better

Chris WelchOct 18, 2017

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 review: Dalek-shaped delight

Vlad SavovOct 13, 2017

Master & Dynamic’s concrete speaker is part art piece, part room shaker

Stefan EtienneOct 12, 2017

Google Home Mini review: chasing Dots

Dan SeifertOct 11, 2017

8

Verge Score

Amazon Echo Show review: doing more by doing less

Ask not what you must do for your gadget

Dieter BohnJun 26, 2017

Sonos Playbase review: an expensive TV speaker that's also good at music

Chris WelchApr 4, 2017

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