Cheap flat-pack furnishings and high quality hi-fi merchandise could seem unusual bedfellows, however IKEA has been wowing us for a while within the audio sector – simply take a look at its document participant collab with Swedish Home Mafia, its Sonos-certified Symfonisk Desk Lamp Speaker (which additionally is available in a floor-standing model) and its Image Body with Wi-Fi Speaker for starters.
So what now – a music-streaming kettle? A solid-state amplifier-slash-egg-poacher? No. IKEA has added to its entry-level Vappeby lineup with a tiny Bluetooth speaker – and if it appears like a cleaning soap on a rope, that is as a result of it was designed primarily for the bathe. The very best bit? It is priced at simply $15 (which will likely be round £12 or AU$22 when it launches globally in April), and it is obtainable now within the US (opens in new tab).
The Vappeby moveable Bluetooth speaker is silicone-coated to realize an IP67 water- and dustproof ranking – it may possibly truly be submerged in water as much as 3 ft / 1m deep and survive for half-hour – and measures simply three inches sq. and two inches deep.
It is obtainable in yellow, purple or black (yellow is my private favourite), and for those who purchase a second you possibly can create a stereo pair. You possibly can even put one other hook within the bathe for it…
Maybe most stunning is the claimed 80 hours of battery life at 50% quantity although. That determine tramples throughout its closest competitors (arguably the dinky Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, which is great for the cash however boasts solely 12 hours), to not point out the finest Bluetooth audio system in the marketplace – sure, together with the finest waterproof audio system of 2023.
Evaluation: epic battery life within the bathe, verify. However can it ship epic sound? There’s the rub…
If, like TechRadar’s chief sub-editor, your concept of an ‘epic bathe’ can be (and I quote), “standing underneath an Icelandic waterfall whereas a stay opera firm performs Journey of the Valkyries”, this speaker doubtless will not curiosity you.
But when by ‘epic’ we merely imply ‘lengthy’, (epic hangover, anybody?) this little speaker’s 80-hour battery will see you thru dozens of such showers earlier than it wants a recharge. And that is to not be sniffed at.
The IKEA Vappeby moveable Bluetooth speaker doesn’t come bundled with a USB-C charger; however come on, we have all received a kind of in 2023 have not we?
As an audio-lover, the rub is at all times the sound high quality. I see no level in buying one thing, nonetheless low-cost, if I discover the sound high quality to be actively carrying, bloated, woolly, tinny or annoying. That stated, I actually wish to hear this speaker. I would like it to be one of many finest Bluetooth audio system on the scene – however I am going to have to order judgement for now.
That stated, for this cash and with this stamina, I predict a stonking nice hit…