(Nov 26, 2008)
John P. Falcone
Senior Editor
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
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.
Price: $89.99 - $176.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 5, 2007
Excellent
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Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
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.
Price: $99.00 - $157.95 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 18, 2007
Excellent
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Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
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.
Price: $499.00 - $499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 6, 2007
Very good
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Logitech Pure-Fi Dream
Logitech's Pure-Fi Dream is one of the stronger entries in the crowded iPod clock radio category.
Price: $168.69 - $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 9, 2008
Very good
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Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i (midnight/gray)
The Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i is a great-sounding AM/FM/iPod clock radio with plenty of customization and connectivity options.
Price: $139.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 5, 2008
Very good
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Altec Lansing iMT702 inMotion Max
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.
Price: $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 5, 2008
Very good
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Altec Lansing InMotion Moondance Glow iM402
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.
Price: $132.87 - $144.29 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 20, 2008
Very good
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JBL On Time 400iHD Speaker Dock for iPod
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.
Price: $299.00 - $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 5, 2008
Very good
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Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
The Bose SoundDock Portable is a really good iPod speaker, but it should cost less than $400.
Price: $359.00 - $399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2007
Very good
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JVC NX-PN7 iPod/iPhone audio system
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.
Price: $99.99 - $150.82 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 11, 2008
Very good
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Klipsch iGroove SXT
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.
Price: $126.94 - $157.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 6, 2008
Very good
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Altec Lansing inMotion im500
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.
Price: $70.96 - $92.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 21, 2006
Very good
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iHome iH9 (black)
With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
Price: $69.98 - $99.99 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 10, 2007
Very good
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Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime
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.
Price: $86.73 - $99.99 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 13, 2008
Very good
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mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
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.
Price: $125.58 (check prices)
Review date: Jan 30, 2008
Very good
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JBL On Stage Micro iPod Speakers (black)
The JBL On Stage Micro is a good option for iPod owners who want a cute, and compact, portable speaker that matches the player.
Price: $89.99 - $99.95 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2008
Very good
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Logitech Pure-Fi Express
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.
Price: $67.40 - $81.83 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 18, 2008
Very good
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