How We Test

Principles

Our methodology is designed to be repeatable, comparable, and relevant to real life. We standardize environments, volumes, distances, and time windows so results mean the same thing from one speaker to the next. We test within manufacturer‑stated limits and retest after significant firmware updates.

Environments and Scenarios

• Shower/Bathroom: Hot‑steam session with ventilation patterns on/off to check condensation resilience, voice clarity over fan noise, and control usability with wet hands.
• Kitchen: Interference near major appliances and 2.4 GHz congestion; we assess pairing speed, reconnection reliability, and volume needed to overcome ambient noise.
• Balcony/Patio: Wind and urban noise; loudness at distance (1 m and 3 m) and tonal balance at practical listening levels.
• Campsite/Trail: Distance audibility and battery endurance at fixed volume levels suitable for outdoor listening.

Core Measurements

• Loudness at Distance: Readings at set points (e.g., 1 m, 3 m) using consistent weighting and response settings for comparability; we note distortion cues at higher volumes.
• Battery Life at Set Volume: Continuous playback at a fixed volume target until auto‑shutoff; we record total hours and note any power‑saving behavior.
• Connectivity Stability: Range and reliability through one interior wall and in congested RF environments; multipoint switching with phone + laptop where supported.
• Latency for Video/Games: Mode and codec guidance for minimizing delay, with qualitative checks for lip‑sync and gameplay cues.
• Ruggedness Within Rating: Water/steam exposure and dust checks aligned to published IP ratings; controlled drops and cleaning assessments to gauge real‑world durability and upkeep.

Scoring and Tools

• Use‑Case Match: We map results to common scenarios (Shower, Kitchen, Balcony/Patio, Campsite/Trail, Beach/Pool, Small Room, Jobsite) and highlight trade‑offs so you can right‑size your choice.
• Carry Score: A composite that weighs performance per gram, durability, charge speed, and ease of maintenance to reflect portability over time.
• App & Controls: We rate control logic, voice prompts, and app features for actual utility, not feature count.

Quality Control and Updates

Each test follows a written protocol with checklists. We calibrate our process for consistency and document environment notes (room size, ambient noise). When products receive meaningful firmware updates or hardware revisions, we re‑evaluate key results and adjust recommendations accordingly.

Independence and Safety

We purchase products at retail or accept samples with no editorial promises. We do not exceed manufacturer safety ratings in stress checks. If a test reveals a potential risk, we stop and report the finding.