SP
BravenNow
I tested a living room full of cheap Ikea speakers against Sonos and Bose
| USA | technology | ✓ Verified - theverge.com

I tested a living room full of cheap Ikea speakers against Sonos and Bose

#Ikea #Kallsup #Bluetooth speaker #budget #sound quality #multi-room #portable

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Ikea's $10 Kallsup Bluetooth speaker offers surprisingly good sound for its low price.
  • The speaker is simple with minimal features, lacking advanced options beyond basic connectivity.
  • It supports connecting up to 100 units together, enabling multi-room audio setups.
  • Designed as a colorful, portable option for casual use in spaces like desks or children's rooms.

📖 Full Retelling

Ikea's $10 Kallsup Bluetooth speaker is fun and colorful and sounds better than its price suggests. It's not mind-blowing (it is a $10 speaker, after all), and there are no features to speak of, other than the ability to connect up to 100 of them together, but at that price, I don't really care. They're a quick addition if I need a bit more color and sound on my desk or in my son's room. The Kallsup is about as simple as a Bluetooth speaker can get. It's a 2.75-inch plastic cube enclosure with four short feet on the bottom and a single speaker inside, and it's available in pink, white, and yellow green. There are two buttons and a small LED … Read the full story at The Verge.

🏷️ Themes

Consumer Electronics, Budget Audio

📚 Related People & Topics

IKEA

IKEA

Multinational furniture company founded in Sweden

IKEA ( eye-KEE-ə, Swedish: [ɪˈkêːa]) is a multinational conglomerate founded in Sweden that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, household goods, and various related services. IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, and has been the world's largest furniture retailer since 2008. The br...

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗
Wireless speaker

Wireless speaker

Loudspeakers that receive audio signals using radio waves

Wireless speakers are loudspeakers that receive audio signals using radio frequency (RF) waves rather than over audio cables. The two most popular RF frequencies that support audio transmission to wireless loudspeakers include a variation of WiFi IEEE 802.11, while others depend on Bluetooth to tran...

View Profile → Wikipedia ↗

Entity Intersection Graph

Connections for IKEA:

👤 Apple Home 1 shared
View full profile

Mentioned Entities

IKEA

IKEA

Multinational furniture company founded in Sweden

Wireless speaker

Wireless speaker

Loudspeakers that receive audio signals using radio waves

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights how affordable, accessible technology from brands like Ikea is challenging premium audio giants like Sonos and Bose, potentially democratizing home audio for budget-conscious consumers. It affects everyday buyers seeking decent sound quality without high costs, as well as the competitive landscape for audio companies facing pressure from low-cost alternatives. The analysis could influence purchasing decisions by showing that cheap speakers can serve practical needs, though they may not replace high-end systems for audiophiles.

Context & Background

  • Ikea has expanded into electronics with affordable, minimalist products like speakers, leveraging its brand for home goods to enter new markets.
  • Sonos and Bose are established leaders in premium home audio, known for high-quality sound, smart features, and higher price points, often targeting enthusiasts.
  • The Bluetooth speaker market has grown rapidly, with options ranging from budget to luxury, driven by demand for portable and multi-room audio solutions.

What Happens Next

Ikea may release more audio products or updates to compete further, while Sonos and Bose could respond with lower-priced options or enhanced features. Consumer reviews and comparisons will continue to shape perceptions, potentially leading to increased adoption of budget speakers for casual use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ikea Kallsup speaker worth buying for its price?

Yes, if you need a basic, colorful speaker for casual use like a desk or child's room, as it offers decent sound and connectivity for only $10, though it lacks advanced features.

How does the Ikea speaker compare to Sonos or Bose in quality?

It doesn't match the audio quality, durability, or smart features of premium brands, but for its low cost, it provides a functional option for non-critical listening environments.

Can you connect multiple Ikea Kallsup speakers together?

Yes, up to 100 can be connected, allowing for multi-room audio setups, which is a notable feature for such an affordable speaker, though performance may vary compared to higher-end systems.

}
Original Source
Tech Reviews Smart Home I tested a living room full of cheap Ikea speakers against Sonos and Bose It’s just a simple Bluetooth speaker, but for 10 bucks it’s a cheap, colorful addition to a desk, shelf, or kid’s room. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. by John Higgins Apr 1, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. John Higgins is a senior reviewer covering TVs and audio. He has over 20 years experience in AV, and has previously been on staff at Digital Trends and Reviewed. Ikea’s $10 Kallsup Bluetooth speaker is fun and colorful and sounds better than its price suggests. It’s not mind-blowing (it is a $10 speaker, after all), and there are no features to speak of, other than the ability to connect up to 100 of them together, but at that price, I don’t really care. They’re a quick addition if I need a bit more color and sound on my desk or in my son’s room. The Kallsup is about as simple as a Bluetooth speaker can get. It’s a 2.75-inch plastic cube enclosure with four short feet on the bottom and a single speaker inside, and it’s available in pink, white, and yellow green. There are two buttons and a small LED light on the top, and a USB-C charge port on the back. The button with the Bluetooth symbol turns the speaker on, plays a short welcome jingle, and puts it into pairing mode. It makes some slightly odd breathing noises while waiting to pair. You can also turn it off with the same button, or put it back in pairing mode if you need to change to another device. The second button, which has a play symbol on it, can be used to play and pause, skip or repeat the previous track, and connect it with up to 99 more Kallsups. Turning the speaker on and pairing takes around 10 seconds. Ikea Kallsup Bluetooth speaker $ 10 $ 10 The Good Cute Cheap Surprising sound for $10 The Bad Multiple speakers need to be re-paired each time No smart...
Read full article at source

Source

theverge.com

More from USA

News from Other Countries

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇺🇦 Ukraine