Bluetooth audio system have change into so ubiquitous and inexpensive that you simply not have to depend on one and even two audio system to fulfill all of your cell audio wants. Nowadays, there’s a Bluetooth speaker for almost any use case, from increase bins to energy your yard barbecue to ultra-portable fashions. Plus, the ever-important bathe speaker for jamming whilst you clear up.
In the event you’re after the latter, Skullcandy’s Kilo speaker is an attractive funds choice. With strong water resistance, a sturdy clip-on design, and a full day and evening of battery per cost, the Kilo has the products for a strong rest room grasp or a ride-along Bluetooth speaker. It will not get you best-in-class sound, because it struggles with definition on the high and backside of the frequency vary, however it’s surprisingly effectively balanced for a speaker from a model with a headphone line referred to as “Skullcrusher.” In case your funds can stretch a tiny bit extra, JBL’s Clip 4 is the superior selection, however the Kilo will get the job achieved.
A Good Dangle
Carabiners might look cool in Bluetooth speaker advertisements dangling from a backpack, however in observe, they’re most helpful for affixing your speaker to a bathe basket or hook for a extra everlasting residency. In that respect, the Kilo’s compact carabiner clip works nice. It’s not as versatile because the bigger clips you’ll discover on JBL’s Clip 4 and even the smaller Clip 3, however its compact dimension makes it simpler to suit into tight spots.
It’s unattainable to not examine the Kilo to JBL’s Clip line. Skullcandy’s mannequin is constructed like a direct response, proper all the way down to the rubberized bottom that helps diffuse it from surfaces for much less bass rumble whenever you lay the speaker flat. The Kilo’s IPX7 ranking means it lacks the Clip’s dust-proofing, however it’s nearly waterproof, capable of survive showers of every kind or perhaps a brief dunk within the pool.
The Kilo has related onboard controls, although it distills the JBL Clip 4’s 5 buttons into three multi-keys that deal with every part from energy and pairing to quantity and track skipping. It took thumbing by the directions to determine the elusive skip controls, achieved by holding down the quantity keys as a substitute of tapping. That’s particularly very important for avoiding podcast advertisements when your telephone’s out of attain. I most popular Skullcandy’s easier management format over time, offering all choices on the speaker’s accessible entrance face.
The Kilo’s function set is bare-bones in any other case. The shortage of a devoted cell app means there’s no method to modify EQ or mix a number of audio system in “Occasion Mode” as on JBL’s newest audio system. You may pair two Kilo audio system collectively for stereo playback, however that is about it.
The largest plus on this package deal is the Kilo’s distinctive 24-hour battery life, which greater than doubles related JBL fashions and meets or beats absolutely anything else I’ve examined. You don’t strictly want that a lot battery, however it makes charging a rarity, so you possibly can depart the speaker hung within the rest room or out on the deck for days and even weeks. An LED show on the Kilo’s decrease bezel lets you realize when it’s time to seize the USB-C charging cable, which is a pleasant contact.
Podcast Particular
In case your major use case for the Kilo is barreling by the ever-growing listing of podcasts in your Spotify or Audible library, you’ll be in wonderful form. The speaker does its finest work within the center frequencies, providing clear and current dialog out of your favourite comedy, thriller, and nonfiction casters. Element is strong, with no offensive sharpness or sibilance to talk of, leaving little to complain about when listening close to.
It does an honest job with music, as soon as once more shining within the midrange the place devices like vocals and guitar are rendered with crisp presence, however it readily reveals its funds standing when put too carefully beneath the microscope. There’s a tinny, nickel-glaze to brighter devices like cymbals and high-register synths. On the opposite finish, the bass cuts off about as early as you’d count on from a contemporary funds speaker however gives sufficient heat and heft to reverberate by furnishings with out creating undesirable buzz. Pushing the quantity too arduous can result in some muddying at each ends of the spectrum, however sound stays clear within the heart, particularly in sparser mixes.
Extra achieved (and pricier) audio system just like the Clip 4 and Sony SRS-XB100 supply higher readability and definition within the excessive frequencies and heftier punch down low. The older (and smaller) JBL Clip 3 is a more in-depth comparability. The Clip 3 supplied higher total definition and readability in my A/B testing, however the Kilo serves up a weightier soundstage. None of those audio system are going to blow you away, however you’re going to get a large bounce in constancy for a bit more money.
In the event you’re choosy about your sound, I recommend stepping as much as one of many above choices, each of that are normally discounted. In the event you simply want a very good bathe speaker on a budget, the Kilo’s type, sturdiness, and battery life make it a strong choose, and sure a a lot better choice than no-name Amazon specials.