Altec Lansing ROCKBOX XL review portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker with LED lights and bass

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Altec Lansing ROCKBOX XL IMW999 immediately catches the eye with its bold and rugged design. It’s not just a speaker; it feels like a statement piece at any party. The steel grey finish gives it a sleek look, while the 7-inch speaker size ensures it’s not overly bulky. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly portable, and the inclusion of a sturdy handle makes it easy to carry around. Having tested it myself, I can attest to its durable construction – this thing can handle a bit of roughhousing without showing signs of wear. The IP67 waterproof rating is a fantastic bonus, meaning you can confidently use it by the pool or even in a light drizzle without any worries. Oh, and did I mention it floats on water? That’s a party trick right there!

Performance and Audio Quality

This speaker doesn’t just look good; it delivers some serious sound. The dynamic driver technology ensures the audio is both crystal clear and punchy. I was particularly impressed by the deep bass – you can literally feel the beats vibrating through your body. Whether you’re into EDM, rock, or even classical music, the versatility of this speaker stands out. The front-facing woofers really amplify the sound, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. I took it out for a backyard get-together, and it easily filled the space with rich and immersive audio. That said, at higher volumes, there’s a slight distortion if you’re playing bass-heavy tracks, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Positives

Key Benefits of this speaker include:

• Exceptional waterproofing (IP67 rating) ensures it’s safe from water, snow, and dirt.
• 20-hour battery life offers uninterrupted music for extended events.
• Ability to connect up to 50 House Party-enabled speakers – perfect for large gatherings.
• LED light modes (five in total) that sync with the music, adding a fun visual element.

Negatives

Caveats worth noting:

• The charging time is on the longer side – about 20 hours for a full charge.
• At 15.8 ounces, it’s not the lightest portable speaker around.
• While the Bluetooth range is advertised as 100 feet, obstacles can reduce this significantly.
• No in-built MP3 player, so you’ll always need a connected device.

LED Light Features

The LED light modes are an absolute highlight of this speaker. With five different settings, including multi-color fade and beat-to-music, it doubles as a mini light show. I tested it during an evening party, and it was a hit, especially with the kids. The lights sync seamlessly with the music, creating an engaging atmosphere. If you prefer something more subtle, you can always switch to a solid blue light or even turn them off altogether.

User-Friendliness and Connectivity

Pairing this speaker is a breeze. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, I connected my smartphone in seconds. The 100-foot operating range is great, especially for outdoor events, though I noticed a slight drop in connection quality when moving further away or with walls in between. The option to pair up to 50 speakers is wild – imagine the possibilities for a massive party setup! The USB charging port is convenient, though I wish the charging time was quicker.

Competing Products

Compared to other portable speakers like the JBL Charge 5 or the Sony SRS-XB43, the ROCKBOX XL holds its ground admirably. While the JBL offers slightly better sound clarity, it lacks the floating waterproof feature that makes the ROCKBOX XL so versatile. The Sony model has a more premium build, but it’s also significantly pricier without offering the same level of party-friendly features like LED lights or the ability to connect multiple speakers. Overall, the ROCKBOX XL strikes a fantastic balance between price and performance.

Cost Efficiency

The price-to-quality ratio of this speaker is impressive. Considering its robust features, including waterproofing, multi-speaker connectivity, and long battery life, I’d say it’s worth every penny. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but they often compromise on durability or sound quality. This speaker feels like an investment for anyone who loves hosting parties or enjoying music outdoors. I’d describe it as affordable quality, especially when you consider the added perks like LED lighting and its ability to float.

Whether you’re planning an outdoor barbecue, a poolside gathering, or simply want a reliable speaker for your home, this product delivers on most fronts. It’s not perfect, but its combination of performance, features, and durability makes it a strong contender in the portable speaker market.

Additional information