(Nov 19, 2009)
Matthew Moskovciak
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 combination of superior 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 some--but not all--models are available in multiple colors; read the full reviews for details.)
If you're looking for a tabletop model with the ability to access Internet radio and network audio, check out our best Wi-Fi radios.
Altec Lansing Mix iMT800
The design of Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 may not appeal to everyone, but its winning combination of good performance, lots of oomph, and portability makes it one of the best iPod speaker options out there.
Price: $199.95 - $299.95 (check prices)
Review date: 18-Sep-2009
Excellent
Read full review
Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
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.
Price: $94.88 - $120.00 (check prices)
Review date: 18-Apr-2007
Excellent
Read full review
Bose SoundDock 10
While it's expensive and isn't loaded with features, the Bose SoundDock 10 is classy looking and sounds excellent for a compact iPod/iPhone speaker.
Price: $599.00 - $599.95 (check prices)
Review date: 02-Oct-2009
Very good
Read full review
Logitech Pure-Fi Dream
Logitech's Pure-Fi Dream is one of the stronger entries in the crowded iPod clock radio category.
Price: $159.95 - $229.00 (check prices)
Review date: 09-Sep-2008
Very good
Read full review
iHome iP1
The iHome iP1 may not sound great with all types of music, but this striking iPod/iPhone speaker system will appeal to listeners who gravitate toward pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronica.
Price: $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: 15-Sep-2009
Very good
Read full review
Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i
The Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i is a great-sounding AM/FM/iPod clock radio with plenty of customization and connectivity options.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: 05-Sep-2008
Very good
Read full review
Altec Lansing inMotion Classic
The Altec Lansing inMotion Classic offers a stylish way play your iPod or iPhone around your home. It sounds remarkable for its size, but it lacks the low-end oomph of a larger system.
Price: $99.99 - $149.95 (check prices)
Review date: 02-Oct-2009
Very good
Read full review
Altec Lansing InMotion Moondance Glow iM402
Altec Lansing's InMotion Moondance Glow iM402 clock radio distinguishes itself with mood lighting, a special RF snooze remote, and good sound in a compact package.
Price: $102.98 (check prices)
Review date: 20-Nov-2008
Very good
Read full review
JBL On Time 400iHD
The JBL On Time 400iHD iPod speaker is a solid option if you are interested in HD radio and multiple alarm clock options, but the buttons may annoy you.
Price: $132.24 - $239.00 (check prices)
Review date: 05-Nov-2008
Very good
Read full review
Harman/Kardon Go + Play
The Harman/Kardon Go + Play is one of the best-sounding portable iPod speaker systems you can buy, but its high price and lack of compatibility with recent iPod models make it a limited recommendation.
Price: $448.00 - $449.00 (check prices)
Review date: 23-Jan-2009
Very good
Read full review
Bose SoundDock Portable
The Bose SoundDock Portable is a really good iPod speaker, but it should cost less than $400.
Price: $359.99 - $360.00 (check prices)
Review date: 10-Sep-2007
Very good
Read full review
JVC NX-PN7 iPod/iPhone audio system
Those with multiple iPods will find the great-sounding JVC NX-PN7 to be a worthwhile purchase, if they can live without a snooze button.
Price: $169.88 (check prices)
Review date: 11-Nov-2008
Very good
Read full review
B&W Zeppelin Mini
While the B&W Zeppelin Mini's sound didn't blow us away, this stylish, compact iPod/iPhone speaker is appealing for its size, swiveling dock, and decent performance.
Price: $399.95 (check prices)
Review date: 13-Nov-2009
Very good
Read full review
Boston Acoustics i-DS3
The Boston Acoustics iDS3 is a bit low on features but high on performance and sound quality.
Price: $349.99 - $499.99 (check prices)
Review date: 24-Aug-2009
Very good
Read full review
Klipsch iGroove SXT
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.
Price: $139.00 - $179.95 (check prices)
Review date: 06-Mar-2008
Very good
Read full review
iHome iH9
With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
Price: $67.98 - $68.88 (check prices)
Review date: 10-Dec-2007
Very good
Read full review
Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime
Logitech's Pure-Fi Anytime is a good choice for anyone in the market for a basic, affordable iPhone/iPod-friendly clock radio--so long as you're not a stickler for sound quality.
Price: $109.95 (check prices)
Review date: 13-Nov-2008
Very good
Read full review
mStation Orb 2.1
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.
Price: $249.99 (check prices)
Review date: 30-Jan-2008
Very good
Read full review
JBL On Stage Micro iPod Speakers
The JBL On Stage Micro is a good option for iPod owners who want a cute, and compact, portable speaker that matches the player.
Price: $99.95 (check prices)
Review date: 10-Sep-2008
Very good
Read full review
Logitech Pure-Fi Express
The Logitech Pure-Fi Express is a smartly designed iPod speaker that will make a worthy addition to your desk or nightstand, but those who like to blast the tunes should look elsewhere.
Price: $65.98 - $70.99 (check prices)
Review date: 18-Nov-2008
Very good
Read full review
