We don’t want to jinx it, but the tech industry has been building some mighty strides in 2019: gaming-wise (Cyberpunk 2077 featuring Keanu Reeves), advancement-wise (Garmin’s upgraded training features) and even love child collaboration-wise (Bang & Olufsen x RIMOWA).
These raved about chic speakers further prove our point, as evidenced by their popularity and promise to stream crisp, clear sound. We’re talking stylish speakers that have got the goods inside, and out. We rounded up the svelte ones that have piqued our curiosity.
Get to it.
For the high SES lifestyle
You need: Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 Portable Speaker, €345
Once upon a time, portable speakers used to be super chunky — a chore to lug around. Those “glory” days are far behind us, however, and today’s portable speaker, courtesy of Bang & Olufsen, is every bit as lightweight and chic as their forebears were heavy and practical-looking.
Boasting a whopping ambient 360° sound, the ultra-portable and splash resistant Beoplay A1 can instantly breathe HD sound. Add to that? Its promise of 24 hours in one charge, Bluetooth and built-in microphone. Needless to say, it’s easy on the eyes — thanks to their collaboration with Saint Laurent and its high gloss aesthetic, which makes it the perfect accessory your appreciative herd of SES friends will drool over. Worth it, am I right?
Exclusively available online.
For the adventure-loving recipients
You need: Ultimate Ears WonderBoom ($149)
The importance of keeping your tech devices away from liquids has been stressed time and time again by many a victim. Our (current) speakers may not be entirely up for the task — though Ultimate Ears Wonderboom offering just might.
Introducing this conveniently waterproof speaker, promising a 90 Hz – 20 kHz range and indestructible device to deliver on an immersive sound experience we could possibly dream up. This versatile bad boy also assures a 10-hour battery life, music playback range up to 33 m and floats! Praise(s).
Available online.
For the city-slickers and wanderlusters
You need: JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($99)
The many advantages of a carabiner are known to us all. If there are two things us tech enthusiasts remain most grateful about, it is the convenience and durability of our devices.
In the meantime, might we suggest the Clip 3 from JBL? On one end, a waterproof, speaker that offers 10 hours of playtime and only weighs 0.22kg. On the other, a connected metal carabiner that easily hooks to your bag and housed in durable, rugged rubber. The perfect outdoor companion? It comes close.
Available online.
For those that know they are the life of the party
You need: JBL Pulse 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($339)
With today’s aesthetic demands on our tech gizmos, your millennial self might just appreciate a glowing LED gadget once in a while. Minimalism, I don’t know her?
Meet the JBL Pulse 3 — much like its predecessors, it is water resistant and produces stellar sound quality and acoustics, further enhanced with its bass response. Our only gripe? The 360° lightshow diminishes the battery life to 12 hours instead of its previous rendition of 15.
Available online.
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