Finding a good portable speaker can be overwhelming with the number of options on the market. It can be so easy to fall back into buying the same brand that you’ve used once before, just out of pure convenience.
But sometimes it’s worth stepping out of the comfort of what you know, with the Sprout Soundwave Bluetooth Speaker exceeding my initial expectations.
Design
Right off the bat, the packaging is incredibly aesthetic and eye-catching. There’s no need to get out scissors and cut out any cable ties or unnecessary bits of plastic (which we all know is the worst), it’s simple and easy from the get-go.
The box tells you exactly what you’re getting, with a snapshot of all the features right in front of your eyes, before opening the magnetic flap to the Sprout Soundwave Bluetooth Speakers.
Along with the 24W Sprout Soundwave Bluetooth Speaker, the box comes with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a handy strap, and a product manual.
Not only is the packaging simple, but the functionality of the speakers is too. With all the buttons right at the front of the speakers, you don’t need a manual to figure out how it works.
You’re able to connect it straight to your phone or whatever device at the touch of a button, and it will continue to connect every time you turn on the speakers from here on out.
The rounded design of the speakers, as well as the 47mm drivers (which, depending on the size, creates more air for the sound vibrations to travel), created a richer and more full sound that filled rooms. Dual passive radiators also enhanced and made the bass more distinct.
The additional strap can be clipped onto the back of the speakers, with the 15W USB-C input, 5W USB-A output, and 3.5mm AUX plug-ins also on the back, protected by a rubber cover to help keep the speakers waterproof.
And there’s even a built-in power bank in the speakers if you need to quickly charge up any device.
Performance
I’ve owned speakers around a similar size, with the Soundwave Bluetooth Speaker weighing 645 grams and sitting at almost 12 cm in height. And unfortunately, they’ve all felt pretty dull, especially when in a room full of people talking, where the sound is drowned out by the volume of other noise in the space.
But despite this, the Sprout Soundwave Bluetooth Speaker is surprisingly powerful. The sound quality was deep and rich despite the size of the speaker, which also makes it really portable. And that is probably thanks to the 47mm drivers, dual passive radiators, and the rounded design of the speakers themselves, where even at its highest volume, the sound maintained its depth.
In terms of the battery life, I’ve been using the speakers every other day, and I haven’t had to charge them once; with a full charge lasting about 14 hours on 50% volume. And the quality of the sound hasn’t faltered and continues to be sharp and lively.
Another great feature is that the volume buttons also act as secondary functions. You can hold down the volume up button to skip to the next song, or hold down the volume down button to rewind.
And after using the speakers for about 3 weeks, I only found a few issues. The feedback time on clicking the volume buttons on the Soundwave Bluetooth Speaker is a little bit slow. If you want to quickly turn the volume up or down, you have to wait about half a second before it registers. But volume can also just be controlled through your device if that is something that annoys you.
I’ve also had no issues with connectivity other than the fact that if multiple people have synced the speakers onto their phone, and you’re all in close proximity to each other and not playing the same music, it can sometimes pick up the wrong device.
Verdict & Value
For quality speakers that won’t break your bank, the Sprout Soundwave Bluetooth Speakers are the perfect option.
While there are a few little issues, they don’t take away from the quality of the sound and ease of use.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: The sound quality is deep and powerful, with the size and weight making it easy to transport wherever you want.
Lowlights: Being able to connect multiple devices simultaneously is great, but it can be a bit bothersome if you don’t want to listen to the same music together.
Manufacturer: Sprout
Price: A$149
Available: Now
Review is based on unit provided by Sprout and is available on the Sprout website HERE.
Featured header image provided by Sprout.
