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AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Audio output power: 24.00 W
  • Battery life: 10 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 1000 g

AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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

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%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.1

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%

5.8

Audio

20.0%

7.4

Battery

18.0%

8.7

Durability

16.0%

7.2

Connectivity

8.0%

7.3

Controls

3.0%

8.4

Design

3.0%

6.6

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

  • 7.6
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

  • 5.5
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.6

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 8.6
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.6

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £170

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 is a portable wireless speaker featuring 24 watts of total power (2 x 12W), a 5200 mAh rechargeable battery providing up to 10 to 20 hours of life, and a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio. It specializes in seamless Apple AirPlay and DLNA/UPnP streaming over 802.11b/g Wi-Fi networks, using an innovative 'AQ Direct' mode to create its own standalone local network when away from home routers. Key advantages include an incredibly quick 30-second configuration that directly mirrors iOS Wi-Fi credentials, independent mono operation, and the capability to link units into a discrete left/right stereo pair or expand into a multi-room setup. However, the system completely lacks Bluetooth connectivity, does not support web browser-authenticated public Wi-Fi networks, lacks integrated Apple device charging, and delivers mediocre low-end bass response due to unspecified driver components.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1

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

7.1
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a technical score of 7.12 points, which is higher than 67.4% 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
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.9
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 60.4% 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

24.00 W
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has an audio output power of 24.00 W which is higher than that of 58.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.1% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 24.00 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

40.00 mm
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a driver unit size of 40.00 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 40.00 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

2
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
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

90.00 Hz
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a lowest frequency of 90.00 Hz which is higher than that of 79.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 90.00 Hz.
Show more
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

no
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% 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
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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

10 hours
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
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

5,200 mAh
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a battery capacity of 5,200 mAh which is larger than that of 82.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
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

yes
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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

?
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

?
Show more
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
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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

yes
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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

no
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control 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

?
Show more
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

1,000 g
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 weighs 1,000 g which is heavier than that of 56.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
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

24.5 cm
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a height of 24.5 cm which is taller than that of 86.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

13.5 cm
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a width of 13.5 cm which is narrower than that of 64.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% 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

10.9 cm
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a depth of 10.9 cm which is deeper than that of 64.6% 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

?
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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

yes
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
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
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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
AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 vs the average portable speaker

  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 2,600 mAh more battery capacity
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (5,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (5,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).5200 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 90.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).90.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports AirPlay
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
    Supports Apple AirPlay.
    What it is: Indicates whether Apple AirPlay streaming is supported.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from Apple devices and multi-room setups matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports party mode
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can join a synchronized multi-room audio system.
    When it matters: When synchronized playback across several rooms matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
    Supports DLNA.
    What it is: Indicates whether the device follows DLNA media-sharing standards.
    When it matters: When streaming from compatible devices on a local network matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Includes a power adapter
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 10 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (90 dB vs 80 dB).
  • 4 W more audio output power
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (24 W vs 20.00 W).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports AirPlay
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • 2,600 mAh more battery capacity
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (5,200 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Includes a power adapter
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports party mode
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports playback mute
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Includes a travel bag
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports firmware updates
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 1 fewer microphones
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 90.00 Hz.
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz.
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 12.1 cm taller
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 is taller than the average portable speaker (24.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 200 g heavier
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,000 g vs 800 g).
  • 2.6 cm deeper
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 is deeper than the average portable speaker (10.9 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 7 older
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2012.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 30 Hz less deep bass extension
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 90.00 Hz.
    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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (90 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).90.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).40.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz.
    What it is: The wireless frequency bands the speaker can use over Wi-Fi.
    When it matters: When the speaker must connect to both older and newer Wi-Fi networks.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).10 hours vs 12 hours
  • 12.1 cm taller
    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 is taller than the average portable speaker (24.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    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

    AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 is taller than the average portable speaker (24.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).24.5 cm vs 12.4 cm
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1?

  • Versatile wireless options including Apple AirPlay, WiFi Direct, DLNA, and Windows 'Play To'
  • Supports 'AQ Direct' which allows wireless streaming outside the home router network
  • Can be configured as a multiroom system or paired as a dedicated left/right stereo setup
  • Good built-in rechargeable battery life offering around 10 hours of playback
  • Clean and functional design with a dust-resistant rubberized back and non-slip bottom
  • Easy and quick initial network setup process
  • Maintains clear, open sound in the treble and upper ranges without becoming harsh

What customers dislike about AQ Audio Smartspeaker A1?

  • Noticeable lack of bass depth, punch, and low-end power
  • Sound profile can feel flat and lightweight compared to similarly priced audio rivals
  • Slight sizzling distortion is audible when pushing the speaker to its peak volume levels
  • Stereo pairing capabilities are restricted to streaming from iTunes on a laptop or computer
  • Setting up and navigating through the multiroom features can be frustrating
  • Relatively expensive option if buying multiple units to build a complete stereo or multiroom system

Expert reviews

T
trustedreviews.com
26/09/2012
Summary of the review
AQ Audio Smart Speaker Review - Trusted Reviews
S
soundandvision.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
Review: AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 AirPlay/DLNA Speaker
F
frequentbusinesstraveler.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker – Review - Frequent Business Traveler
P
pocket-lint.com
16/04/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker - Pocket-lint
W
whathifi.com
19/04/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 review | What Hi-Fi?
I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Summary of the review
Review: AQ Audio AQ SmartSpeaker with AirPlay | iLounge
W
whathifi.com
19/04/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 review
(Translated)Show original
S
soundandvision.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
Review: AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 AirPlay/DLNA Speaker
(Translated)Show original
S
soundandvision.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
Review: AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 AirPlay/DLNA Speaker
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W
whathifi.com
19/04/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker A1 review | What Hi-Fi?
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F
frequentbusinesstraveler.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
AQ Audio SmartSpeaker – Review - Frequent Business Traveler What Hi-Fi?
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