Harman Audio’s official eBay Store is offering the refurbished JBL Charge 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker in Black for $59.99 shipped. It originally retailed for $150 and today’s deal is $10 less than our previous mention. This was our Bluetooth speaker of the year in 2014 and it’s still a great buy. Features include a 6000mAh built-in battery that’s good for 12 hours of playback. A one-year warranty is included with purchase. Rated 4.5/5 stars from over 1,500 Amazon customers.
Last month, Jaybird announced the Freedom Wireless earbuds to much fanfare thanks to their Apple-friendly looks. It’s no surprise as Jaybird’s headphones have continually ranked high amongst consumers for its active lifestyle design. This new pair sits alongside the popular X2’s but have a 20% lighter design and a new battery pack system. At $200, you’re also seeing a price bump too. Head below for an in-depth look and a video that dives further into the Jaybird Freedom Wireless headphones.
Amazon has announced a new entry-level Kindle that features a thinner and lighter design alongside upgraded specs. It still starts at $80 and now comes in white, as well. Today’s news comes after recent upgrades to the Fire HD 10 and the release of the Kindle Oasis tablet. Full details below.
It features Bluetooth 4.1, CVC Noise Cancellation 6.0 technology and Multipoint pairing where you can connect to two tablets or smartphones simultaneously. You can also get 6 hours of listening/talk time or 200 hours of standby time from the internal battery. Rated 4/5 stars by over 200 Amazon customers.
Also, check out our roundup of Anker products on sale today.
Working in an office or even sitting next to someone at home can prove to be an annoying experience when sound from one activity leaks into another. Let’s just say my wife isn’t always fond of my evening Battlefield missions. The same can be said for that coworker that loves 80’s Euro disco when you like more of an acoustic vibe. Headphones are a natural answer but it cuts you off from the rest of your environment and those ear cups can get hot.
A new product called Soundlazer has taken to Kickstarter with its “virtual sound cloud” speaker system. It promises “immersive” listening experiences that don’t bug your neighbor. Early interest is strong but will it stand the test of time?
Note: The updated JBL Pulse 2 for $190 that we reviewed is also now available. You can also find it refurbished from Harman via eBay for only $120 shipped.
It has dual 3W speakers surround sound, volume controls, a multifunction button, and built-in microphone. It also delivers up to 12 continuous hours of playback on a single charge. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 100 Amazon shoppers.
More accessory deals:
VicTsing Magnetic Detachable 4-in-1 Lens Kit for smartphones $7 w/ code 9K5GJL2Z(Orig. $11) | Amazon
Mpow 18W USB AC Wall Charger with Quick Charge 2.0 $5 (Orig. $10) | Amazon
w/ code WCIGSKHN
EcoPebble Waterproof Bike Mount Bluetooth speaker $20 (Orig. $60) | Daily Steals
Adorama is discounting a pair of Mackie speaker sets today that will serve as a fine upgrade to your desktop setup. First up, you can grab the CR5BT 5-inch 50W Multimedia Monitors with Bluetooth for $199.99 shipped. For comparison, these speakers regularly sell for the $250 at Amazon. Today’s deal is a match of our previous mention and the best available.
They feature wireless Bluetooth connection with your mobile devices, 8 hours of music playback and calls, over/under ear fit options, lifetime sweat-proof warranty, foam ear tips, carrying case, charging cable, cord management clips and more. Rated 3.7/5 stars from over 2,100 amazon customers. You can get even more details in our hands on review.
Jaybird is making a splash this morning with the announcement of the smallest earbuds that it has ever released. The new Freedom headphones have two notable features, including fully customizable sound profiles and extended battery life. Longer usage times are handled by a new portable power supply that boosts playback to eight hours. More below.
This battery includes two USB ports and has 4 status LEDs keep you informed of remaining capacity. It also has a fast charge output of 5V / 3.1A total through dual USB ports. Rated 4.3/5 stars by over 6,000 Amazon customers.
More accessory deals:
OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPhone 5/s/SE Sports Teams $10 (Reg. $50) | Daily Steals
Mpow Wolverine Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones in Gold or Silver: $14.49 Prime shippedw/ code KFEUWI7K(Reg. $20) | Patozon via Amazon
It has fast start-up and browsing and access to cloud-based productivity apps plus storage to keep you connected. It also has 2GB RAM, a 16GB SSD and Intel HD Graphics. It runs the latest Chrome OS, has wireless LAN, Bluetooth, HDMI and 4 USB 3.0 Ports.
JBL offers its JBL Synchros Chrome Edition Over-Ear Headphones (model: SYNAECRM) for $299.95, but if you apply the code 99CHROME the price drops to $99 shipped. That’s $201 off the list price/ Amazon’s listing and the lowest we’ve seen. They have a 10Hz to 22kHz frequency response, 50mm drivers, proprietary “LiveStage signal processing”, in-line mic and 3-button remote, and detachable cable. Rated 4.8/5 stars from 12 JBL customers.
More Accessory deals:
Trianium iPhone 6/s 3100mAh MFi Apple-Certified Battery Case (black): $20 Prime shipped w/ code AJS2VKSB(Reg. $32) | Amazon
There’s any number of unique ways to type on your iPhone these days. With new third-party keyboards coming out weekly, it seems, you’re bound to find an alternative to the stock option that ships with iOS. But what about physical keyboards? While there are Bluetooth options designed for iPhone, the majority are either too large or have been disproportionally shrunk down.
An upcoming device called Tap was revealed this week with a design that looks straight out of the movies. This Bluetooth wearable tracks the movements of your fingers to recreate a virtual keyboard on “nearly any surface.”
As they say, what’s old is new again. Mid-century modern design and vintage electronics have seen a rebirth in popularity over the last few years. The influence of famous designers like George Nelson of Herman Miller fame can be seen in many trends and products being released now.
Department Chicago has taken note of this trend with the new Modern HiFi Stereo Console. This current-day take on a stereo cabinet blends classic design with modern connectivity. Even better, it’s made by hand in Chicago.
It has Bluetooth 3.0 technology, a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and a speakerphone for taking hands free calls. Rated 4.8/5 stars from over 200 Amazon reviewers and a 30-day warranty applies. Expand Expanding Close
Attempting to create truly wireless headphones has been a growing trend over the last year. Altec Lansing and New Normal are just a few of the examples that we’ve covered recently. Now a new project has launched on Kickstarter that takes it to a whole different level. Erato’s Apollo 7 Wireless Earphones has the same familiar in-ear bud design as similar wireless solutions, but Apollo 7 also features a water-resistant shell. These are some of the smallest headphones we’ve seen, but the price may serve as a deterrent to some…
GOOLOO via Amazon offers itsPortable Car Jump Starter Power Bank for $45.99, but if you use the code 7FHPAYCO the price drops to $29.99 Prime shipped. That’s $16 off the regular sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon.
With this charger you don’t have to go under the hood, just plug it into your cigarette lighter and wait 8-10 minutes. Also, it has 2 USB ports for charging your mobile devices and an LED flashlight. Rated 4.2/5 stars by 53 Amazon customers.
It has HDMI 2.0 Support for 4K/60Hz Video, Bluetooth Version 2.1, 6 HDMI Inputs and 1 Output for 4K video, and a USB Port for Mass Storage Audio Playback. Rated 4.4/5 stars from over 200 Amazon shoppers and it’s also the best selling home theater system there. Expand Expanding Close
Finding Internet-connected lighting for the inside of your home is a pretty simple proposition these days. Just take a look at our Green Deal roundup, Belkin’s line of WeMo products is littered with smart lighting solutions. However, bringing the internet of things to your outdoor spaces is a little trickier.
Enter Ilumi. While this brand already has a nice line of LED products for your home, it has now announced a new product designed for BR30 compatible sockets. Not only does it have the usual Internet of Things and multi-colored features, there is support for Apple Watch and Alexa on the horizon as well. More below.
It feels like the Bluetooth speaker market has bottomed out. We’re missing new and exciting designs, as each release feels like a knockoff of the one before it. Finding a way to reinvent this wheel is proving to be difficult for audio manufacturers. Simply put, Bluetooth is everywhere we look.
Today, Bang & Olufsen released its smallest speaker yet in an effort to shake up the competition. The BeoPlay A1 has the familiar styling of its larger siblings but comes in at a smaller size that is comparable to the popular UE ROLL. However, it sets itself apart in one key area: 24-hour battery life. More below.
Audio-Technica’s M40X feature a 40mm driver over-ear design with “cutting-edge engineering and robust construction.” The earcups are capable of swiveling 90-degrees and have a “professional-grade” padding system for extra comfort. It ships with a removable cable and carrying bag. Rated 4.6/5 stars by 781 Amazon customers. Meanwhile, the Fiio E6 “increases the volume and audio quality” of your preferred music source. It has 3.5mm I/O with adjustable volume and EQ controls. Over 1,200 Amazon customers have rated this amp 4/5 stars.
Patozon (100% positive feedback all-time form 78,000) via Amazon offers the Mpow Streambot Mini Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver for $15.99. Applying coupon code BI4T9NYX drops the final price to $13.99 with free shippingfor Prime members or in orders of $49+. Today’s deal is a savings of $8 off the original listing, $2 less than our previous mention from the fall and the lowest price that we’ve seen.
With Mpow’s Streambot Mini you can easily add Bluetooth to any audio setup with a 3.5mm input. It’s perfect for that old set of speakers or your car. There are playback and volume control buttons built-in to the dongle plus two devices can be connected at a time for shared DJing. You can expect 10 hours of playback on a single charge or you can plug the included USB cable into a powered port for unlimited use. This is the best-selling Bluetooth car kit at Amazon where it has collected a 4.4/5 star rating from 3,182 reviewers.
The BOOM 2 is the latest Bluetooth speaker from UE. It features 360-degree sound, a portable waterproof design with IPX7-certification and 100-foot wireless range. The built-in battery is rated for 15 hours of playback at a time. You can tap the speaker to play, pause or skip songs and use the companion app for additional control. Two speakers can also be paired together to create a stereo setup. We positively reviewed the BOOM 2 when it was released. Amazon customers largely agree, with over 261 reviewers leaving a collective 4.5/5 star rating.
ATC LLC via Amazon offers the Lumsing Bluetooth 4.0 in Car Kit FM Transmitter for $26.99, but if you use the code GDT574HX the price drops to $16.99 Prime shipped. That’s $10 off the sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon. It has a built-in mic for taking calls, Bluetooth music streaming capabilities, an FM transmitter and it comes with a dual port USB car charger. Rated 4.2/5 stars from over 200 Amazon shoppers.
They have “Bluetooth 4.1 Technology with A2DP stereo music and AptX pure, clear sound, ideal for high quality music while running, jogging, cycling, skating, etc.” Rated 4.3/5 stars from over 200 Amazon shoppers.
More Accessories at Amazon:
BESTEK iPad Mini 4,3,2&1 Bluetooth Keyboard Case $15 w/ code BSL5PKEN(Reg. $22)
Aukey 3-in-1 Clip-on Camera Lens$10 w/ code 3L9UXZBP(Reg. $15)
Aukey 2X HD Telephoto Camera Lens $25 w/ code GCF3KN5P (Reg. $34)
Aukey 18MM HD Wide Angle Camera Lens$26 w/ code: ZKORW8EA(Reg. $40)
Other Accessories:
Car Windshield Suction Mount Rotating Stand Holder Cradle for iPhone 6 / 6 Plus and more phones $4 shipped | eBay
Apple 3-Ft. or 6-Ft. Lightning Cable with USB Car Charger from $10 (Orig. $45) | Groupon
FREMO 13,000mAh Power Bank $12 w/code MRHAG1519 (Reg. $25) | Newegg
The speaker can play your tunes while displaying three modes of color for extra enjoyment. It also has a 3.5mm jack for a direct connection from your audio devices and it’s rated 4.6/5 stars from over 150 Amazon shoppers.
AUKEY Male to USB Type A Female Adapter $6 w/ code 8YKTDCUB(Reg. $7) | Amazon
AUKEY 3ft USB to USB C Cable $6 w/code H3LA3TJD(Reg. $8) | Amazon
BESTEK 2 AC Outlets 1000W Power Inverter $60 w/ code 3BH74OF5 (Orig. $70) | Amazon
BESTEK 3 AC Outlets 2000W Power Inverter $120 w/code DF7DV3F9 (Orig. $140) | Amazon
Finetech007 (99% Positive Feedback) via eBay is offering the Mini Stereo Microphone for Smartphones for $1.99 shipped. That’s $3 less than Amazon’s current listing for the most similar one we could find and the lowest we’ve seen (They typically sell for around $7). It connects via a 3.5mm jack and records volumes up to 110dB. The microphone features a tilt-up mechanism to reduce contact interference.
A small, lightweight, direct connection you just plugs directly into the recorder.
Moreover, plug-in power system dedicated battery-free
Can be used for stereo recording on laptops and PCs if your sound card supports 2 channel recording.
Also, Newegg offers the Soundbot Bluetooth Car Adapter for $18.99, but the code 0315MARCHAGE104 drops the total to $9.49 shipped. That’s half off the regular sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for it. It features on-board dedicated call, previous, and next buttons; 10-watt dual-port 2.1-amp cigarette lighter power adapter with two USB charging ports; microphone; and 3.5mm AUX cable. Rated 4.2/5 stars from 1,300 Amazon shoppers. Expand Expanding Close
These speakers feature a “studio-quality design”, all-wood cabinets, font panel headphone out/aux in, as well as the ability to stream music directly from your smartphone, tablet, PC/laptop over Bluetooth. They also ship with some nice accessories to get you going right out of the box:
At this point, it seems fairly difficult to reinvent Bluetooth earbuds. We’ve seen memory foam inserts, truly wireless designs, low-cost alternatives and even made in America options. Simply put, it feels like we’ve reached peak earbud.
New Normal begs to differ. After developing an intriguing 3D printed earbud design process, Quirky alumnus and founder Nikki Kaufman has a new project up her sleeve. Or on her ears for that matter. The New Normal Bluetooth Headphones take that existing technology and wrap it in a new product best described as a Bang & Olufsen meets PowerBeats mash-up. There are two different models available that are designed for professionals and athletes. It’s hard to imagine a new set of buds we haven’t seen, but it looks like Kaufman is on to something…
The iconic music component company Marshall has released its first pair of Bluetooth-enabled headphones. While the brand is known for its pro-grade amplifiers and speakers, it’s also been churning out consumer-focused products for a few years.
Marshall’s previous hits include its line of Bluetooth speakers and wired headphones. However, today’s release is the first to cut the cord. The Major II Bluetooth has the same familiar design as its wired brother but packs an impressive battery life and internals. Much like Fender’s recently-released headphones, Marshall hopes to cash in on name recognition and its vintage styling. More details below.
Amazon offers the Bem (HL2021B) Bluetooth Boom Box for $39.99 Prime shipped (Also available at Target). That’s $210 off the original list price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon by almost $40. It has 2.1 Stereo sound, up to 25ft of working wireless range, a 10 hour battery life and touch sensitive buttons. Rated 3.6/5 stars by Amazon shoppers.Next, Walmart has the Sylvania Premium Portable Bluetooth Rugged Garage Speaker in black or gray for $11.88 when you pick it up in-store. That’s $8 off the regular sale price and the lowest we could find for it. The speaker has a protective silicone casing, a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that plays for up to 8 hours and AUX in for wired devices.
We also found the Archeer Waterproof Bluetooth 4.0 Outdoor Sport/Shower Speaker for $26 Prime shipped w/ code C75H6GGV(Reg. $40) at Amazon.
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a new pair of speakers for your home audio setup. The market is flooded with options at different price points to meet every need. From Bluetooth to traditional 2-channel, you’re bound to find something to fit your budget.
Audioengine, a speaker-focused brand out of Texas, recently released its HD6 powered speakers. These 2-channel bookshelf speakers are packed with nearly every mainstream connectivity medium. We’ve spent the last month testing and cranking tunes on our way to delivering a recommendation for our readers. At $749, these speakers are at the higher-end of the Bluetooth market. Were they able to perform? Head below for more.
It comes with a Bluetooth earpiece, dual-port USB charger, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This kit allows you to take calls through your stereo system while also charging your device. Early reviews are positive.
Amazon is offering the Philips (model: SBT75) Bluetooth Portable Speaker for $36.99 shipped. That’s $33 off the original list price and the lowest we’ve seen it at Amazon. The speaker’s built-in rechargeable lithium battery lasts up to five hours and can be charged by the included USB cable. Rated 4.1/5 stars from over 100 Amazon shoppers.
It seems like we’ve been inundated with Bluetooth speaker offerings over the last year. Even worse, each new release seems to be a redesign of another model already on the market. Finding a way to standout from the crowd is becoming increasingly difficult as established brands are seeing hundreds of new names enter the space.
Fluance, an audio company up in Ontario, has released a new addition to its line-up of hi-fi equipment called the Fi70 High Fidelity Music System. Instead of going the route of traditional portable speakers, it has opted for an all-in-one system that mixes mid-century looks with modern technology. You’re either going to love or hate the design…
You may want to double-up and connect two UE Booms together with the mobile app to create true stereo sound. Rated 4.3/5 stars from over 1,000 Amazon shoppers and regarded highly in our own speaker review.
Note: The UE MINI BOOM is now part of the previous generation in the UE lineup. The UE ROLL is now the newest speaker in the series. You can find them at Amazon starting around $90.
The reinforced magnetic holder can attract and hold most smartphones out there. Plus, the cradle-less design allows for a strong and tight hold of your phone. Rated 4.4/5 stars from over 1,000 Amazon shoppers.
Upgrade your old speaker system with this handy Bluetooth dongle from Mpow. Simply plug the USB power supply into an available port or outlet and connect your setup to the 3.5mm jack and you’re in business. The slider case hides the USB adapter, eliminating the need for a cap that can be easily lost. Rated 3.9/5 stars.
We’ve seen streaming media players that leverage your own personal headphones for private listening before. Roku uses a 3.5mm headphone jack that is built-in to its enhanced remote. The new Apple TV uses Bluetooth connectivity to get the job done. There are adapters on the market that can add wireless audio to nearly any setup. But beaming audio to multiple pairs of headphones for private listening is largely an untapped feature.
That’s where Blipcast is hoping to find its niche. This tiny add-on connects to any 3.5mm or optical audio source and streams sound to your iOS and Android devices via Wi-Fi connection. The idea isn’t new, but the execution is noteworthy. More below.
Simplified connection and setup with built-in AVNavigator
DSD playback
Subwoofer EQ and dual subwoofer pre-out
Spotify Connect ready
Full bandwidth HDMI with HDCP 2.2 copy protection
Energy-saving ECO Mode
Intuitive setup with icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Pioneer’s innovative approach to the networked home theater experience starts with the VSX-830-K. Offering a host of new features, the VSX-830-K is one of the most versatile AV receivers, letting you stream your favorite content and control it all from the palm of your hand. For 2015, we’ve added many advanced new features, including High-Definition Copy Protection (HDCP 2.2), built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-Language icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), an Apple iOS/Android Wi-Fi Setup App, and much more.
Low-flow shower heads are not a new phenomenon. They’ve been around for some time, with varying degrees of annoyance for many years. The idea of saving water while enjoying a long, hot shower has been discussed and executed in many different ways. A new $3,000 shower that recycles (and purifies) our shower water was announced earlier this month with eyes on “revolutionizing” the industry. The Hamwells e-Shower is iOS-connected and re-uses every drop of water seven times. It’s goal is to significantly reduce our water and energy usage. The question is, will consumers buy-in?
Update (12/03 4pm) You can find the UE Boom for $100 on Best Buy’s eBay store front.
Amazon offers the Ultimate Ears Boom Speaker in multiple colors for $99.99 with free shipping. That’s half off the list and likely the lowest price we’ll see this holiday season. This is one of the best Bluetooth speakers I’ve tested and at $100 a no brainer price. The significant price drop is likely a factor of the new Boom 2 which is mostly the same speaker but with waterproofing instead of water resistance of this model.
Features include 360-degree sound, a 15-hour rechargeable battery, app for firmware updates and alarm clock/wake to music functionality and the ability to be paired with an additional BOOM to create stereo sound. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from thousands of Amazon reviewers.
The Withings WS-50 features “ultra-precise” weight and body fat measurement, plus it monitors your heart-rate and indoor air quality. It automatically tracks your progress and uploads it to a connected iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. Rated 3.7/5 stars by nearly 3,000 Amazon users.
TOTU via Amazon has the TOTU Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones w/ Mic for $19.99, but code 2WL8U2P7 drops them down to $9.99. They ship free for Prime members or in orders of $35 or more That’s half off the usual listing and the best price we can find. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, a 5 hour talk/playback time, include a charging cable/extra ear tips and are compatible with iPhone, Samsung devices and other Androids. Rated 4/5 stars from nearly 200 Amazon customers.
