Ikea’s Bluetooth Lantern Speaker: A Review

Ikea, the Swedish furniture giant, has once again surprised us with a cleverly designed and affordable product. Their latest offering, a Bluetooth lantern speaker priced at just $65, integrates seamlessly with Spotify Tap for effortless music streaming. This innovative device combines the practicality of a portable lantern with the convenience of modern audio technology. It’s a testament to Ikea’s commitment to providing stylish and functional home goods at competitive prices. This review will delve deep into its features, performance, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The lantern speaker boasts a minimalist Scandinavian design, consistent with Ikea’s signature aesthetic. Its cylindrical shape is both elegant and practical, making it easy to handle and transport. The durable plastic construction feels surprisingly robust for its price point, suggesting it can withstand minor bumps and drops. A subtle textured surface adds to its tactile appeal and prevents it from slipping easily. The integrated handle is cleverly designed, blending seamlessly with the overall form factor.

The speaker’s size is ideal for portability. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in a backpack or tote bag, yet substantial enough to feel sturdy and well-made. The color options, while currently limited, offer a neutral palette that complements most home décor styles. Ikea’s attention to detail is evident in the small touches, such as the smooth button placement and the well-protected charging port.

Sound Quality and Performance

Given its compact size and budget-friendly price, the sound quality is surprisingly impressive. While not expected to compete with high-end audio systems, this speaker delivers crisp highs and surprisingly full bass for its size. The audio output is clear and balanced, ideal for casual listening and background music. Distortion is minimal even at higher volumes, though it’s worth noting that the maximum volume is not exceptionally high, making it more suitable for smaller spaces or intimate gatherings.

The Bluetooth connectivity is stable and reliable. Pairing with smartphones and other devices is quick and straightforward. The range is adequate for typical home use; however, significant interference from other Bluetooth devices or walls can cause intermittent dropouts. The Spotify Tap integration is seamless and intuitive. Playing your favorite playlists is as simple as pressing a button.

Spotify Tap Integration: A Game Changer

The integration of Spotify Tap is a significant advantage of this speaker. The dedicated button simplifies music playback considerably. No more fumbling with your phone to select a song or playlist; a single press plays your recently played music. This feature is particularly appealing for those who frequently use Spotify and value hands-free operation. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is exclusive to Spotify users; other music streaming services are not supported.

Battery Life and Charging

The battery life is a strong point of this lantern speaker. Ikea claims up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, a figure we found to be reasonably accurate under typical usage conditions. Of course, this can vary depending on the volume level and the audio content being played. Higher volumes will naturally drain the battery faster. The charging time is relatively quick, typically taking around 3-4 hours from empty to full. The USB-C charging port is a welcome modern addition, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of chargers.

Portability and Use Cases

The portability of this speaker is one of its most attractive features. Its compact size and integrated handle make it perfect for taking outdoors. Imagine relaxing by the campfire with your favorite playlist, or enjoying some music while camping. Its robust construction ensures that it can handle the rigors of outdoor use. The built-in lantern function adds to its versatility; it’s equally useful as a mood light during a relaxing evening at home or as a practical light source during a power outage.

This speaker’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of situations. It’s equally at home in a bedroom, bathroom, living room, or even outdoors. Its compact size prevents it from dominating the space, while its functionality enhances any setting. Its design is elegant enough for sophisticated environments yet durable enough for casual use.

Value for Money

At $65, this lantern speaker offers exceptional value for money. The combination of stylish design, decent sound quality, convenient Spotify Tap integration, long battery life, and portability makes it a compelling purchase. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. While it may not have the same audio fidelity as more expensive speakers, it significantly surpasses expectations for its price range. This speaker is a testament to Ikea’s ability to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices.

Alternatives and Comparison

The market offers several alternative Bluetooth speakers in a similar price range. However, few combine the portability, lantern function, and Spotify Tap integration so seamlessly. Many competitors may offer superior sound quality, but often at a significantly higher price. Others might have a longer battery life, but lack the stylish design and integrated handle. This speaker strikes a balance between functionality, affordability, and aesthetic appeal that many competitors fail to match.

• JBL Clip 4: Offers superior sound quality but lacks the lantern function and Spotify Tap integration.
• Anker Soundcore Flare 2: Features a 360-degree sound and light show, but is more expensive and less portable.
• Ultimate Ears Boom 3: Boasts a rugged design and excellent sound but comes at a higher price point.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Stylish design, portable, good sound quality for its size, long battery life, Spotify Tap integration, affordable price, integrated lantern function.
• Cons: Maximum volume is not exceptionally high, Spotify Tap integration is exclusive to Spotify users, limited color options.

Final Verdict

This Ikea Bluetooth lantern speaker is a delightful surprise. Its blend of style, portability, and convenient features makes it a worthwhile addition to any home. The seamless Spotify Tap integration enhances user experience, while the lantern function adds to its versatility. Its sound quality is commendable for its size and price point, making it an excellent value for money. While it might not replace a high-end audio system, it serves as a fantastic portable speaker for casual listening and everyday use. For the price, it’s a hard-to-beat option. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a stylish, functional, and affordable audio solution.