iPad speakers: best speakers for the iPad and iPad 2

You know what slate tablets are? Products that allow you to consume media, whether is music, video, Youtube clips or pictures. The iPad does just that, even if sometimes Steve Jobs lets you believe it’s the next best thing in mobile computing and you can do all bunch of stuff on it.

To be honest, it’s not good for work or web browsing but more for listening to music, watch a bunch of videos or read eBooks. And what’s more relaxing that listening to music while reading your favorite authors?

Well, with the included iPad speakers you can say good bye to good music. Of course you could put on a pair of headphones, but the best thing to do is get some external iPad speakers, maybe wireless, to stream tunes to a high quality audio system.

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That’s what I would do if I were that much into reading or listening music. So the idea of writing a post with my picks for some of the best external speakers for the iPad came to my mind. Bear in mind that I haven’t tested a lot of the items below (but I’ve searched for what users say about them). I’ve included in my iPad speakers list models that are both wireless (they use Bluetooth) and wired, that are connected via the 3.5 mm standard audio jack found on the iPad. So here’s the list with best speakers for iPad:

Logitech Wireless Boombox – 156$ (iPad 2 compatible)

Let’s start with a powerful Wireless Boombox, from Logitech, the world known peripheral manufacturer. This one is compatible with iPad/iPad 2 tablets, iPhone 3G or later, iPod Touch and any smartphone/tablet that support audio streaming over Bluetooth with A2DP profile or a device with a 3.5 mm audio jack. You can’t get anything more flexible than the Logitech Wireless Boombox, a pretty large speaker with rechargeable batteries that last up to 6 hours. It might not seem much, but since the Boombox comes with two 3” laser-tuned neodymium drivers, two ½” neodymium tweeters and four 2” passive radiators it’s easy to see this speaker packs a hard punch, something your neighbours will ‘love’ you for.

Logitech Wireless Boombox

iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube Hi-Fidelity Speaker Dock – 81.29$ (iPad 2 compatible)

The iLuv iMM747 is a mammoth speakers system, consisting of a 2.1 configuration. You might not think that’s too much, but considering the iPad is a portable device then you might want to change your mind. Don’t worry that you have to spend 100 bucks for a system that only works with an iPad, as the iLuv iMM747 is also compatible with other Apple devices including iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod Touch (3rd,2nd and 1st gen), iPod nano (5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st gen) or iPod classic and other players via the AUX input. The Enhanced jAura Echo Soundcell Technology is a tech proprietary to iLuv that’s used  in iMM747 to enhance sound quality.

iLuv hasn’t released any numbers about power output, but rest assured  the iMM747 will take anything you throw at it via the three drivers per channel technology, with separate speakers for bass, tremble and mid-range.

iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube Hi-Fidelity Speaker Dock

iDesign Portable Speaker – 79$ (iPad 2 compatible)

Sure iPad speakers are nice, especially those high end speakers, but what if you just want a decent system to take with you down the road? If this is the case we present you the iDesign Portable Speaker that mounts below the iPad and features two full range drivers meant to deliver adequate power on the go. There’s also the nice addition of an iPad stand that lets you position the speaker upright in vertical mode for reading or web surfing, or rotate to horizontal mode for watching videos.
As of powering the iDesign Portable Speaker, you have the option to use 4 AA batteries or the included AC adapter. If you choose the later option then the iPad is also charged at the same time. The 3.5 mm AUX jack ensures you can use also other devices with the speaker stand. A nylon case completes the package, ensuring protection during transportation.

iDesign Portable Speaker

Altec Lansing Octiv Stage MP450 – 99$ (iPad 2 compatible with separately sold adapter)

This is a high end speaker system for iPad coming from the renown manufacturer Altec Lansing. The Octiv Stage MP450 seems a little bit too expensive, but it comes with an adjustable iPod dock/stand that allows you to change the inclination angle of the speaker and the display orientation from landscape to portrait. A fully featured remote control completes the package. It allows you to remotely power on/off the system, adjust volume and change tracks. A 3.5 mm jack ensures you can also connect other audio sources, not just the iPad.  As you can expect from a high end speaker system for the iPad the Altec Lansing Octiv Stage MP450 also charger the iPad when docked.

Altec Lansing Octiv Stage MP450

Sony SRS-BTM30 Wireless speakers – 69.95$

This is a classic external portable audio system that connects via Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP or the included 3.5 mm audio jack. Sony has used two magnetically shielded 48 mm full range speakers. Power comes from 3 x AA batteries or from the wall via the power adapter. Weight is just 750 grams (1 lbs and 10 oz), so you won’t feel too much burner to carry it around with you all the time.

Setup is very easy, with users reporting streaming music in 30 seconds from the time they took out the phone the first time and paired it to Sony SRS-BTM30. The audio quality is high enough at medium to high level, where it can fill a room with ease. Attention to maximum level tough, as sound gets distorted.

Sony SRS-BTM30 wireless speakers

Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade – 99.95$

This is one of the best price/performance external speaker system for iPad, as it offer wireless connectivity and good sound for a little over 50$. As other speaker systems for iPad, the Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade allows you to choose the sound source for streaming: Bluetooth A2DP or a 3.5 mm input jack, so you could simultaneously connect two different devices and switch between them. If you have a phone with Bluetooth (who doesn’t?) you can connect it to the Altec Lansing system to use it as an external speakerphone or for Voice Dialing.

Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade is powered by 6 x AA batteries (not included) or via the wall charger supplied in the package. Considering that Altec Lansing uses two 2.5 inch full range speakers then you might want to use the wall charged to supply enough power to them. You won’t regret it, as the volume is quite high for a portable iPad speaker system and doesn’t gets distorted after you reach medium volume.

Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade

Philips BTM630 Bluetooth Wireless Micro Hi-Fi System – 219$

This Philips micro Hi-Fi system is not your average wireless speaker for iPad, as it weights 3.5 kilos and outputs 30 Watts of power, more than your average PC audio system. For a lot more (over 200 bucks) you get a device that is able to plays CDs, MP3/WMA files from SD/MMC memory cards, USB devices, or data CDs and also records MP3s to removable media. You can also use the full duplex microphone to make calls over your phone and the switch from music to calls is made automatically.

If you run out of music all you have to do is tune to the AM/FM Radio and your mood is set. Included Bluetooth profiles are A2DP, AVRCP, Handsfree, Headset and the effective streaming range is up to 10 meters, enough for a small 1 bedroom apartment. If you fall asleep during your music&reading sessions there’s an alarm that will wake you up in time to get to work. If quality and functionality is what you’re seeking you can’t go wrong with the Philips BTM630 micros HiFi system, even if it’s a little bit too expensive.

Philips BTM630 Bluetooth Wireless Micro Hi-Fi System

Motorola EQ7 – 155$

If you care about budget and quality then there’s the option of the Motorola EQ7 Wireless Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker, a 60ish bucks external speaker that connects to any Bluetooth enabled device, including of course the iPad. The speaker design is bought from JBL, so sound quality is the word you’re looking to describe the Motorola EQ7. According to users pairing is done very easy, or you can go wired with the dual 3.5mm input jacks. The only connectivity problems are encountered when you try to connect other bluetooth devices in vicinity of Motorola EQ7.

4 AA batteries are required to power the EQ7 (or you can use the included AC adapter), which can also be used as a hands free system, even for conferencing. As for dimensions, Motorola EQ7 is pretty compact and lightweight, at 6.6 x 1.6 x 6.1 inches and 0.97 pounds. Four aluminum-dome Odyssey transducers are used to increase sound quality. Intuitive, back-lit controls for easy operation are also present, which makes the Motorola EQ7 perfect for listening to music in the dark.

Motorola EQ7 Wireless Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker

Those are a few external speakers for your iPad that you could get right now in stores. The good thing is that they’re also compatible with MP3 player, smartphones and other devices capable of streaming audio, which make iPad speaker an investment for the future, not just an accessory for your tablet.

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