22 models tested
Warentest checks Bluetooth boxes: fat sound weighs at least two kilos
Bluetooth boxes like the Teufel Boomster had to prove themselves at Stiftung Warentest
© Teufel / PR
When it slowly gets warmer, the Germans are driven outside. In order for the sound to be right, you need a suitable Bluetooth box. Stiftung Warentest has just tested which ones are really worthwhile.
When the sun is shining and it’s finally getting warmer, it’s at its most beautiful outside. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a barbecue in the garden at home or on the sports field: it’s just a little more fun with the right music. But which Bluetooth box is really worth it? Stiftung Warentest put 22 devices to the test – from 25 to 540 euros.
What is immediately noticeable: if you want a fat sound, you have to get used to the idea of hauling some weight around. Not a single model under two kilos achieves a good sound rating. The top rating in this area weighs even more: the two speakers weigh almost seven kilos with a “very good” sound rating. When it comes to the question of whether you should actually call up the full 95.6 decibels of the JBL Boombox 3 in the park, the sound only plays a subordinate role anyway.
Winner with cable: Marshall Woburn III
The box with the best rating by far can only be used to a limited extent in public spaces anyway: The Woburn III by Marshall requires a power outlet to operate. But then there are consistently top marks. The sound is excellent, only the sound pressure rated by Warentest as mediocre. However, you shouldn’t turn it up too loud: the sound suffers from 78.5 decibels. However, handling and power consumption are hard to beat. And so the Woburn III gets the only “very good” (1.4) overall rating in the test. That has its price: At 540 euros, the box is the most expensive in the test field.
Fat sound on the go: JBL Boombox 3
The shows that there is such a good sound without a cable Boombox 3 by JBL. When it comes to sound optimization, it performs a little better than the test winner. With the mentioned 95.6 decibels, you can make a lot of noise before the sound suffers. Warentest attests weaknesses in the built-in display and the somewhat long start-up time. The runtime of 35.8 hours is one of the best in the test. A plus: The box is dust and splash-proof and even survives temporary immersion. The biggest drawback is definitely the weight: At 6.9 kilos, the boom box is hardly suitable for a bike trip. The overall grade “good” (1.7) is the best among mobile devices. The price starts at around 465 euros.
Stiftung Warentest calculates it
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The compromise: Teufel Boomster
The balancing act between sound, portability and endurance creates the devil boomster second generation best. It sounds good, is comfortable to use and lasts a long time at 19 hours on one charge. At the same time, at 3.4 kilos, it is only half the weight of the boom box. The overall grade “good” (2.0) is enough for a shared third place in the wireless models. Funny: Thanks to the antenna, the box can also be used as a radio. Attention: The second generation tested by Warentest is no longer readily available; the successor model in particular can be found in stores. It costs from 340 euros.
Price-performance winner: LG Xboom Go
If you want to spend less, there is actually only one recommended alternative: The LG Xboom Go (DXG7Q) is the only model under two kilos that has a “good (2.5) overall rating. The sound is only mediocre, but the product testers still have plus points when it comes to handling and a running time of 13 hours. The weight should also appeal to many: At 1.1 kilos, the Xboom Go is significantly more portable than the larger models, and the price is also significantly lower at 150 euros.
The lightweight: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
If you want it even lighter, you have to accept hard cuts. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 delivers the “best” sound of the model under 500 grams, but the product testers give it a partial grade of “sufficient” (3.7). The handling is okay, the runtime of 14.6 hours is good. The box only weighs 400 grams. The price of 60 euros is also attractive.
You can find the full test for a fee at test.de.
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