The iPhone/iPod dock is dead. If you’re still trying to dock your iPhone, you’re doing it wrong. In light of that, we’ve put together a list our favorite sonic solutions, which leverage wireless streaming via Bluetooth, or Apple’s proprietary Airplay system, to take all that rad jive on your iPhone to the next level without it ever leaving your pocket. Oh, and don’t worry, nearly all of them will charge your phone, too. Check it out!
Braven BRV-X ($199.99)
If you need a speaker that sounds great and can take a beating, the Braven BRV-X is the choice for you. It’s got a powerful, detailed sound, and great battery life so you can take it with you wherever while charging your phones off of it. It’s built with a focus on tough construction, with a shockproof and water resistant build, and if you’ve got two, you can pair them together for stereo audio.
UE Mini Boom ($99.99)
The UE Mini Boom packs surprising bass into a small package, with a battery that lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge. They’re affordable too, so pick up two and pair them together for stereo sound that you can take on the go.
Braven 600 ($149.99)
The Braven 600 is designed with an emphasis on portability, with a slick aluminum construction and a bevy of ports and features. The 600 packs a smooth, warm sound into a lightweight and portable package, with built-in charging for good measure.
JBL Authentic L8 ($599.95)
The JBL Authentic L8 sports a number of useful connectivity options, taking it beyond just Bluetooth and adding in Apple Airplay, DLNA for Android, and the JBL music app for added functionality. It has a big, detailed sound too, with a unique retro look.
JBL Charge 2 ($150)
If you fancy yourself a mobile DJ, the Charge 2 is a great option that lets you and your friends take turns playing songs. It has a big sound with lots of bass, especially for its size, with a long battery life and charging your other devices when they get low.
TDK TREK Max A34 ($249.95)
If you don’t mind carrying around a little bit more weight, you’ll get a huge boost to your volume with the TDK TREK Max A34. It’s weatherproof and water resistant, with rubber coating to help keep it safe in the elements. It’s got charging built in, too.
Grace Digital GDI BTSP201 ($249.95)
For the BTSP201’s price point, you get high-end sound and a cool design with a classy leather exterior. There isn’t a whole lot of bass in them, but the mid-range sounds smooth, and despite the small profile, they support charging over USB.
IK Multimedia iLoud speaker ($299.99)
If you just hook up to it with Bluetooth, the iLoud is fine, but plug your phone into the built-in iRig support and bust out your instrument of choice (guitar, keyboard, etc) to really see what it can do. It has clear, loud sound, and can be used as an amplifier for recording and playback.
Bowers & Wilkins Z2 ($199.99)
It wouldn’t be a list of iPod docks if there weren’t an actual dock on the list. You can opt for the built-in Lightning plug mounted atop this cool and well-built dock if you don’t want to use Airplay. The bass is a little on the weak side for a speaker of this size, but the treble and midrange sound gorgeous.
Available at: Amazon, Bowers & Wilkins
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