Altec Lansing M650 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$200
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: ?

Altec Lansing M650 review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

8.1

Audio

20.0%

7.9

Battery

18.0%

7.7

Durability

16.0%

6.6

Connectivity

8.0%

8.2

Controls

3.0%

7.8

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.4
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 8.3
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 5.4
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £150

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Altec Lansing M650 (Octiv 650) is a 2.1-channel speaker docking system featuring dual 3.0-inch full-range drivers and a integrated 4.0-inch downward-firing subwoofer wrapped in a unique, space-saving wedge-shaped chassis. Key performance advantages include powerful, distortion-free room-filling audio, a dedicated component video output for streaming video directly from a docked Apple device to a television screen, and customizable sound via onboard EQ controls or a dedicated companion app. However, its major drawbacks are the reliance on an outdated 30-pin Apple dock connector, the lack of modern wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth or AirPlay, and the fact that it is not truly portable as it requires a continuous AC wall connection.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Altec Lansing M650

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.6
Altec Lansing M650 has a technical score of 7.61 points, which is higher than 90.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Altec Lansing M650 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

8.2
Altec Lansing M650 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 83.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

76.00 mm
Altec Lansing M650 has a driver unit size of 76.00 mm which is larger than that of 76.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 76.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

3
Altec Lansing M650 has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 3.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

?
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Altec Lansing M650 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Altec Lansing M650 includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

?
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

15.2 cm
Altec Lansing M650 has a height of 15.2 cm which is taller than that of 58.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

32.8 cm
Altec Lansing M650 has a width of 32.8 cm which is wider than that of 85.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

5 cm
Altec Lansing M650 has a depth of 5 cm which is shallower than that of 82.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.9% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Altec Lansing M650 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Native Spotify Connect support could not be confirmed.
Show more

Altec Lansing M650 vs the average portable speaker

  • 26 mm larger main driver
    Altec Lansing M650 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 76.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Altec Lansing M650 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).76.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Altec Lansing M650 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 7 more EQ presets
    Altec Lansing M650 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
    7 eq presets.
    What it is: The number of preset sound tuning profiles that can be selected.
    When it matters: When you want more ready-made sound profiles for different content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 4 presets

    Altec Lansing M650 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).7 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Altec Lansing M650 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Altec Lansing M650 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Floats in water
    Altec Lansing M650 floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can float if dropped into water.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used around pools, boats, or open water.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Altec Lansing M650 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 3.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Altec Lansing M650 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).3 vs 2
  • Supports party mode
    Altec Lansing M650 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether multiple speakers can play the same audio together.
    When it matters: When several compatible speakers should play together.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    Altec Lansing M650 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Altec Lansing M650 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Altec Lansing M650 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Altec Lansing M650 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Altec Lansing M650 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Floats in water
    Altec Lansing M650 floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 7 more EQ presets
    Altec Lansing M650 has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Altec Lansing M650 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    Altec Lansing M650 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Includes a remote control
    Altec Lansing M650 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • 3.3 cm shallower
    Altec Lansing M650 is shallower than the average portable speaker (5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing M650 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Altec Lansing M650 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Altec Lansing M650 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 14.7 cm wider
    Altec Lansing M650 is wider than the average portable speaker (32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 8 older
    Altec Lansing M650 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2011.
  • Is not water resistant
    Altec Lansing M650 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing M650 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Altec Lansing M650 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows whether the remaining battery level can be displayed clearly.
    When it matters: When you want to know the remaining charge before or during use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Altec Lansing M650 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
    What it is: Indicates whether spoken status messages are used for user feedback.
    When it matters: When spoken feedback for pairing, battery, or operating status is useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Altec Lansing M650 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
  • 14.7 cm wider
    Altec Lansing M650 is wider than the average portable speaker (32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
    When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 25 cm

    Altec Lansing M650 is wider than the average portable speaker (32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 3.69x less popular
    Altec Lansing M650 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1.00 vs 3.688).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
    Altec Lansing M650 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1.00 vs 3.688).1 vs 3.69
  • 8 older
    Altec Lansing M650 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2011.
    What it is: The official launch timing of the speaker model.
    When it matters: When newer connectivity, software support, or product longevity matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 2024

    Altec Lansing M650 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).2,011 vs 2,019

Graphic comparison of Altec Lansing M650 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Altec Lansing M650?

  • Delivers deep bass response thanks to its integrated subwoofer design.
  • Compact and lightweight footprint makes it easy to move around.
  • Features a built-in physical control panel on the chassis for convenient adjustments.
  • Provides clear and balanced mids and highs during mid-volume listening.
  • Includes helpful auxiliary inputs for versatile wired connectivity options.

What customers dislike about Altec Lansing M650?

  • Lacks modern built-in wireless streaming options like Bluetooth or AirPlay.
  • The default bass profile can occasionally sound boomy or over-accentuated.
  • Does not feature a built-in rechargeable battery, requiring a main power outlet.
  • Soundstage feels narrow with limited stereo separation due to its single-unit design.
  • Occasional quality control complaints regarding missing power cords or faulty LED accent lights.

Expert reviews

T
trustedreviews.com
09/04/2011
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
22/06/2011
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
07/07/2011
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
17/05/2014
Summary of the review
H
hardwareluxx.de
14/03/2012
Summary of the review
M
maclife.de
02/07/2011
Summary of the review
C
cnetfrance.fr
30/08/2011
Summary of the review
H
hifi.nl
06/08/2011
Summary of the review

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