Best iPod speakers
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 superior combination of 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 many--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 Wi-Fi radio roundup. And if you'd prefer a plain old tabletop radio without an iPod dock, check out our best tabletop radios.
Logitech Pure-Fi Elite
8.2 Excellent (reviewed 11/5/07)
The Logitech Pure-Fi Elite stands above the iPod speaker competition with a can't-miss combination of excellent design, great sound, and a low price.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Elite
Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
8.0 Excellent (reviewed 4/18/07)
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.
Read review of the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
7.9 Very good (reviewed 3/6/07)
In addition to its upgradeablility and customizable colors, the George sets itself apart from other upscale iPod tabletop radios with a unique and useful visual wireless remote.
Read review of the Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
Logitech Pure-Fi Dream
7.7 Very good (reviewed 9/9/08)
Logitech's Pure-Fi Dream is one of the stronger entries in the crowded iPod clock radio category.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Dream
Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i (midnight/gray)
7.3 Very good (reviewed 9/5/08)
The Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i is a great-sounding AM/FM/iPod clock radio with plenty of customization and connectivity options.
Read review of the Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i (midnight/gray)
Altec Lansing iMT702 inMotion Max
7.3 Very good (reviewed 11/5/08)
The inMotion Max isn't the smallest, loudest, or most advanced portable iPod speaker we've seen, but it strikes a satisfying middle ground at a fair price.
Read review of the Altec Lansing iMT702 inMotion Max
Altec Lansing InMotion Moondance Glow iM402
7.3 Very good (reviewed 11/20/08)
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.
Read review of the Altec Lansing InMotion Moondance Glow iM402
JBL On Time 400iHD Speaker Dock for iPod
7.3 Very good (reviewed 11/5/08)
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.
Read review of the JBL On Time 400iHD Speaker Dock for iPod
Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
7.3 Very good (reviewed 9/10/07)
The Bose SoundDock Portable is a really good iPod speaker, but it should cost less than $400.
Read review of the Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
JVC NX-PN7 iPod/iPhone audio system
7.2 Very good (reviewed 11/11/08)
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.
Read review of the JVC NX-PN7 iPod/iPhone audio system
Klipsch iGroove SXT
7.0 Very good (reviewed 3/6/08)
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.
Read review of the Klipsch iGroove SXT
Altec Lansing inMotion im500
7.0 Very good (reviewed 8/21/06)
If you're an iPod Nano user who likes to pack light and thin, most certainly check out the nice-looking and -sounding Altec Lansing iM500 speaker system.
Read review of the Altec Lansing inMotion im500
iHome iH9 (black)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 12/10/07)
With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
Read review of the iHome iH9 (black)
Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime
7.0 Very good (reviewed 11/13/08)
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.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime
mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 1/30/08)
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.
Read review of the mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
JBL On Stage Micro iPod Speakers (black)
7.0 Very good (reviewed 9/10/08)
The JBL On Stage Micro is a good option for iPod owners who want a cute, and compact, portable speaker that matches the player.
Read review of the JBL On Stage Micro iPod Speakers (black)
Logitech Pure-Fi Express
7.0 Very good (reviewed 11/18/08)
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.
Read review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Express