If you’re looking for a cool-looking, wireless, portable (about 4 x 7 inches and weighing about a pound) speaker that packs decent sound for its size, give a listen to the $39.99 TikiTunes.
It’s a Bluetooth speaker that’s water and dust resistant, so it’s ready to hit the road, sit by the pool, or provide audio in your home office. But if you have it by the pool, don’t knock it in; it’s iPS65 rated and is water resistant, but not water proof.
The 5-watt speaker offers six hours of continuous playtime from any wireless compatible device thanks its built-in 2000 mAh rechargeable battery that recharges via a micro USB cable. One of the coolest features: you can connect up to two TikiTunes using dual sync capabilities from a maximum distance of 30 feet for stereo sound.
The LED ambient light emits a flickering, atmospheric light that the makers say provide “the perfect ambiance for evenings spent outdoors or a cozy night in.” That’s a bit of hyperbole, but it is a nice touch.
Like every portable wireless speaker I’ve ever used, audio gets distorted when you crank the volume up. Overall, the sound quality is good, but not great. Of course, you don’t expect that in a speaker this size. The TikiTunes is designed to provide decent sound in a compact, portable design, which it does well. The bass is acceptably deep, and the mids and highs are clear.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★