The Best Speakers to Buy in 2024
Title: The Best Speakers for 2024: A Comprehensive Review Introduction: If you're in search of an immersive sound experience, nothing beats a high-quality speaker. Our team at Gizmodo has conducted thorough testing to compile a reliable list of the top speakers you can purchase in 2024. From portable options starting at $60 to premium lounge speakers priced at $450, our recommendations cater to various budgets and use cases, including music production and relaxing shower sessions. Editorial Independence: At Gizmodo, we pride ourselves on providing independent and unbiased reviews. Each product featured in our Buyer's Guides goes through rigorous testing and evaluation. It's worth mentioning that if you choose to make a purchase using our affiliate links, G/O Media may earn a commission. Rest assured, our editorial content remains unaffected by affiliate linking. Sonos Roam: Perfect for Newcomers For those new to the Sonos speaker ecosystem and unsure about committing to a hefty investment, the $169 Sonos Roam is the ideal entry point. As the most affordable Sonos speaker, it not only fits your budget but also functions as a superb portable Bluetooth speaker, even if you're not keen on the smart features. With its compact size, weighing less than a pound, the Roam is incredibly convenient to carry around, be it in your hand or your bag. Additionally, its IP67 rating ensures resistance to dust and water, making it a reliable companion in any environment. Sony SRS-XB13: Portable Excellence on a Budget When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Sony SRS-XB13 ticks all the essential boxes without breaking the bank. Priced at only $60, this compact and lightweight speaker is easy to carry and delivers decent sound quality. Its IP67 rating adds an extra layer of durability, surviving accidental drops and even a dip in the pool. If you're on a tight budget, spend a lot of time outdoors, or have a habit of being a bit clumsy, the XB13 is an excellent choice. Authentics 300: The Brainiac Speaker As the world's first speaker featuring both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the Authentics 300 takes the crown for the smartest speaker available. It's fascinating to witness how seamlessly it handles both assistants, excelling where other speakers struggle with just one. With a premium leather-coated body, elegant design, and a convenient handle, the Authentics 300 justifies its $450 price tag. This speaker not only fills your space with powerful sound but also allows you to customize your listening experience in real-time through its bass and treble dials. Studio Monitors for Audiophiles The VM-80 studio monitors are a dream come true for music enthusiasts. With an 8-inch woofer and standard tweeter wrapped in an aesthetic oval cone, these speakers deliver exceptional bass response and create an immersive stereo projection. Perfect for music production or enjoying a rich audio experience, the VM-80 is relatively large and heavyweight but makes up for it with outstanding audio clarity even at maximum volume. Sonos Era 300: Apple Dominant Powerhouse Pricing aside, the Sonos Era 300 is an impressive speaker that stands out in an Apple-centric household. It boasts an innovative speaker setup with multiple tweeters and woofers, providing deep bass and crystal-clear sound quality. In a comparison against the Google Home Max and second-gen Apple HomePod, the Era 300 emerged as the preferred choice. However, due to the lack of Google Cast integration, it might not be the most compatible option for homes heavily reliant on Google devices. Kohler Moxie: Shower Luxury Made Easy For a minor splurge or the chance to split the cost, the Kohler Moxie offers a convenient upgrade to your shower routine. This showerhead and speaker combo, developed in collaboration with Harman Kardon, ensures a seamless installation process. Its impressive sound quality and integration with Amazon Alexa allow for effortless voice commands. If privacy concerns arise, know that you can still use the speaker without enabling Alexa. Conclusion: In 2024, these standout speakers offer remarkable sound experiences for various preferences and budgets. From Sonos to Sony to Kohler, we've covered a range of options to suit every need. Explore our list and make an informed decision based on your requirements. Rest assured, you'll elevate your audio enjoyment with any of these top-notch speakers.