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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Altec Lansing M650 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150Audio 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.

7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 70% of portable speakers
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–²Better than 76%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

7.9

Controls

3%

7.3

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–²Better than 79%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Altec Lansing M650

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

7.9

Controls

3%

7.3

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

7.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Altec Lansing M650 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.9
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
76 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 76 mm which is larger than that of 76.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
?
Remote control
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
?
Show more
Weight
?
Height
15.2 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker 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
32.8 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 32.8 cm which is wider than that of 85.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
5 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Altec Lansing M650 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 mm vs 50 mm
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 7 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
    7 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 mm vs 50 mm
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 7 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
    7 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • 3.3 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    5 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 4.21x less popular
    Altec Lansing M650 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 8 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).
    2011 vs 2019
  • 4.21x less popular
    Altec Lansing M650 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 66.7% more expensive
    Altec Lansing M650 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£150 vs £90).
    £150 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    32.8 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 8 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).
    2011 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
trustedreviews.com
09/04/2011
Summary of the review
Altec Lansing Octiv 650 Review - Trusted Reviews
C
cnet.com
22/06/2011
Summary of the review
Altec Lansing Octiv 650 review - CNET
E
expertreviews.co.uk
07/07/2011
Summary of the review
Altec Lansing Octiv 650 review - Expert Reviews
U
uk.pcmag.com
17/05/2014
Summary of the review
Altec Lansing Octiv 650 - PCMag UK CNET
H
hardwareluxx.de
14/03/2012
Summary of the review
Review: Altec Lansing Octiv 650 - iPhone Speaker Dock
(Translated)Show original
M
maclife.de
02/07/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Altec Lansing Octiv 650 - Mac Life
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
30/08/2011
Summary of the review
Altec Lansing M650 review - CNET France
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
06/08/2011
Summary of the review
Review: Altec Lansing Octiv 650 Orbit USB | HiFi.nl
(Translated)Show original

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 don't like 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.

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.

Compare Altec Lansing M650 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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