Best iPod speakers
While a $10 patch cable can connect any music player to a home stereo or a boombox, many iPod owners prefer the convenience and style of a dedicated iPod speaker system. Most of them are pretty straightforward: plug the iPod in to the 30-pin dock connector and press play. But among the dozens upon dozens of models we've reviewed, a select handful have distinguished themselves with a superior combination of design, performance, and value. We've assembled them here, including a wide cross section of portable and home models across a variety of price points. (Note that many--but not all--models are available in multiple colors; read the full reviews for details.)
Logitech Pure-Fi Elite
8.2 Excellent (reviewed 11/5/07)
The Logitech Pure-Fi Elite stands above the iPod speaker competition with a can't-miss combination of excellent design, great sound, and a low price.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Elite
Griffin Evolve
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 11/14/07)
The iPod-friendly Griffin Evolve is the first wireless speaker system that delivers a truly cable-free experience.
Read review of the Griffin Evolve
Altec Lansing InMotion iM7
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 7/29/05)
The Altec Lansing iM7 offers good sound quality, flexible listening options, and handy features, making it a solid choice for any iPod owner in the market for a complementary sound system.
Read review of the Altec Lansing InMotion iM7
Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/18/07)
Altec Lansing has been in the iPod speaker market longer than anyone, and it shows. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery and an FM radio makes the iM600 incredibly versatile.
Read review of the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
Geneva Sound System Model L
7.9 Very good (reviewed 12/10/07)
The Geneva Sound System Model L delivers a giant sound that totally clobbers its flyweight competition--but the price tag matches its mammoth size.
Read review of the Geneva Sound System Model L
Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
7.9 Very good (reviewed 3/6/07)
In addition to its upgradeablility and customizable colors, the George sets itself apart from other upscale iPod tabletop radios with a unique and useful visual wireless remote.
Read review of the Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere (black)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 10/11/07)
It may not be the most compact portable speaker on the block, but the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere offers useful extras and great sound for an affordable price.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere (black)
B&W Zeppelin Speakers for iPod
7.7 Very good (reviewed 10/22/07)
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin effectively combines substantial build quality and detailed sound--but you're still paying a hefty premium for the iPod speaker's stunning good looks.
Read review of the B&W Zeppelin Speakers for iPod
JBL Radial (white)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 8/15/06)
If you're looking for a stellar-sounding iPod speaker system for your home--and you don't mind dropping a wad of cash for it--JBL's Radial might be just the ticket.
Read review of the JBL Radial (white)
Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
7.3 Very good (reviewed 9/10/07)
The Bose SoundDock Portable is a really good iPod speaker, but it should cost less than $400.
Read review of the Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
Klipsch iGroove SXT
7.0 Very good (reviewed 3/6/08)
Klipsch's entry-level iGroove SXT iPod speaker system may be short on features, but it delivers a big, muscular sound considering its compact size.
Read review of the Klipsch iGroove SXT
Altec Lansing inMotion im500
7.0 Very good (reviewed 8/21/06)
If you're an iPod Nano user who likes to pack light and thin, most certainly check out the nice-looking and -sounding Altec Lansing iM500 speaker system.
Read review of the Altec Lansing inMotion im500
iHome iH9 (black)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 12/10/07)
With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
Read review of the iHome iH9 (black)
mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 1/30/08)
The mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb is a fun speaker docking solution for iPod owners who want their digital audio systems to stand out from the crowd.
Read review of the mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
