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iPod Speaker Reviews

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iPod Speakers Performance

What to Expect: Cheap iPod Speakers Performance

Just because you fancy cheap iPod speakers, you don't have to settle for cut-rate sound. The low-priced iPod speakers worth buying have good sound quality, according to iPod speaker reviews, are user-friendly, and hold up to the wear and tear that go with the territory.

Low-cost iPod Speakers Ease of Use.

You may have bought an iPod in part because it doesn't require an inch-thick manual to operate.
Shouldn't your speakers also fit that profile? Fortunately, many budget iPod speakers do, although iPod speakers reviews of all the models we researched indicate they have their idiosyncracies. Some iPod speaker reviews note that it takes a bit of trial and error to get all the functions to work just right. We also found occasional reports in iPod speaker reviews of iPods that don't always fit in the docks (or don't seem secure); or, once docked, iPods that arbitrarily switched into a mode where you couldn't hear whatever you wanted to listen to. But overall, the iPod speakers on our list found favor for ease of use among consumers posting iPod speaker reviews on various websites.

Review continues below

In an iPod speakers review on Amazon, one consumer says he initially passed on the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600, worried that it would be difficult to set up and require a software download on his computer, but after receiving it as a gift, he realized how wrong he had been and now says it suits him just fine. Another Altec product, the less costly Altec Lansing Orbit iM-237, also scores with consumers for ease of use. A CNET iPod speakers review likes the light on the power switch that reminds you this battery-powered speaker is on, and a user post on Amazon says it's a cinch to pack up and set up given the single connection between the speaker and portable music player. The volume controls on the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 are easy to access, according to an iPod speakers review on Amazon, and the Logitech Pure-Fi remote can navigate all the menus on your iPod, notes a user posting an iPod speaker reviews on Best Buy. Suitability for children is an appealing aspect of the Vestalife Ladybug II, say users writing iPod speakers reviews on Amazon, partly because of its looks and partly because of its simple functionality.

Despite their general satisfaction with the operational aspects of discount iPhone speakers, users grumble about a few things. One disappointing aspect of the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 is the limited functionality of the remote; users posting iPod speaker reviews on Best Buy gripe about the remote's inability to access the iPod playlist. The remote for the Vestalife Ladybug II likewise gives some users pause because it scrolls very slowly, say iPod speaker reviews on Amazon. Another minor complaint about the Ladybug II comes from a user who reports in an iPod speakers review on Amazon that he had to experiment to get the speakers to work when streaming music from Sirius. And while rechargeable batteries sound like a cool feature, one owner of the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 laments in an iPod speakers review on Buzzillions that the built-in battery can't be replaced, so when it no longer holds a charge, you have to replace the speakers.

iPod Speakers Sound Quality.

If you're getting speakers for your iPod, you probably want a model with better sound quality than the built-ins on your laptop. Despite what you may fear, you can get quality sound from an inexpensive set of iPod speakers -- but remember, size does matter. If you choose a model that's no larger than a paperback book, the volume level will be limited. Also remember that MP3s are digitally compressed files, which means the music loses some of its sound quality (even though many people don't notice).

Review continues below

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 wins high praise in iPod speaker reviews from experts and users alike. iLounge.com simply says the system is the best-sounding portable speaker in its class. Users posting iPod speakers reviews on Amazon and Tigerdirect.com agree, saying the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2's sound is exceptional for the price and small footprint.

Another star performer, according to iPod speaker reviews, is the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600. Users applaud the big, crisp, clear sound in iPod speakers reviews on CNET, and a consumer posting on Epinions likes the sound quality even when the volume is cranked up, but notes the radio signal is weak and filled with static. Macworld.com applauds the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 for its impressive array of sound features that make for high-quality playback.

Expert and user assessments of the Altec Lansing Orbit iM237 are somewhat muted. An iPod speakers review on CNET notes that lighter music sounds better because the bass lacks punch; the review further states that distortions occur at high volumes because the source of the sound is the music player, not the speaker. Altec Lansing Orbit iM237 users seem more forgiving, commenting in iPod speaker reviews on Walmart and B&H Photo that the sound is surprisingly good given the unit's size; one iPod speakers review notes it doesn't meet audiophile standards but recommends it for business presentations in small conference rooms.

By all accounts, the slightly larger and slightly less expensive Vestalife Ladybug II outperforms its predecessor. Sound quality on this relatively new model is less distorted at high volumes, says an iPod speakers review on iLounge.com, although it retains some distortion in the bass. Users posting comments at the Apple Store agree that the sound is noticeably better in the Ladybug II, with one music major noting he's very happy with this model, as are a couple of younger listeners. Indeed, iLounge suggests the Vestalife Ladybug II as a good entry-level system.

The Logitech S125i misses some cues, according to an expert iPod speakers review on iLounge, which says the sound quality is inconsistent from song to song and unit to unit, with obvious distortion in the mid ranges. User assessments are more up-tempo, with an iPod speakers review on Walmart saying the sound is adequate; shoppers posting iPod speaker reviews at Best Buy report good sound and plenty of volume.

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Best Cheap iPod Speakers

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
Gold Medal

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600

One of the better-reviewed speaker systems, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 includes a built-in rechargeable battery, FM radio, alarm clock function, and remote control. This model works with all dockable iPods and is easy to use right out of the box. Users report it gives full, true sound and assert that it connects to the iPhone even though the specs don't say so.
iPod Speakers Deals
Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2
Gold Medal

Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 features a built-in rechargeable battery, FM radio, alarm clock function, and remote control; it supports iPods as well as iPhones. Users like the portability and a sound that belies its small size.
iPod Speakers Deals

Good Cheap iPod Speakers

Vestalife Ladybug II Speakers for iPod
Gold Medal

Vestalife Ladybug II Speakers for iPod

The unique flip-down wing design of the Vestalife Ladybug II may not appeal to everyone, but few quibble about its performance-to-price ratio, especially compared to earlier Ladybug models. The Ladybug II runs on batteries or AC power and works with dockable iPods and the iPhone; it features auto shut off, remote control, input jack for other MP3 players, and a USB port.
iPod Speakers Deals
Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 iM237
Gold Medal

Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 iM237

If you're looking for an extra-small speaker on an extra-small budget, this one's for you. The Altec Lansing Orbit PM3 has long battery life (up to 24 hours of playtime), but its small size keeps it from getting the excellent sound quality available with speakers at the higher end of the Cheapism range.
iPod Speakers Deals
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap iPod Speakers

Logitech Portable Speaker S125i

Logitech makes some excellent speaker systems, but this is not one of them. It's a basic model with inconsistent sound quality and a plastic and metal housing that doesn't meet the standards set by others on our list. It requires an audio cable for older iPod models and other portable music devices.

 
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