Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Bluesound Pulse M Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£420Audio output power:80.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:5.0Weight:2540 g

Bluesound Pulse M 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.

7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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
Score components

80%

7.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 79% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

â–²Better than 50%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 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
Score components

32%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

7.1

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Controls

3%

6.9

Design

3%

9.2

Smart features

â–²Better than 87%
?

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
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £420
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 Bluesound Pulse M

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 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
Score components:

32%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

7.1

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Controls

3%

6.9

Design

3%

9.2

Smart features

7.2
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
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
Popularity:
Bluesound Pulse M 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
7.6/ 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
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

7.6
Audio output power
80 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 80 W which is higher than that of 85.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
3
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
1 dB
This portable speaker has a frequency response tolerance of 1 dB which is lower than that of 95% of portable speakers and equal to that of 5% of portable speakers.
Lowest frequency
60 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 60 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5 which is newer than that of 46.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 24.4% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Weight
2,540 g
This portable speaker weighs 2,540 g which is heavier than that of 76.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
20.4 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 20.4 cm which is taller than that of 78.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
17.1 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 17.1 cm which is narrower than that of 53.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
14.9 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 14.9 cm which is deeper than that of 79.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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Companion app name
BluOS Controller
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
OTA; App; USB
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bluesound Pulse M vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 60 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (80 W vs 20 W).
    80 W vs 20 W
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 2 dB tighter frequency-response tolerance
    This portable speaker has a tighter frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (1 dB vs 3 dB).
    1 dB vs 3 dB
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 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.
  • 60 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (80 W vs 20 W).
    80 W vs 20 W
  • 2 dB tighter frequency-response tolerance
    This portable speaker has a tighter frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (1 dB vs 3 dB).
    1 dB vs 3 dB
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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.
  • 0.97 % lower total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0 % vs 1 %).
    0.03 % vs 1 %
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 4 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (96 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    96 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 35 ms lower audio latency
    This portable speaker has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (50 ms vs 85 ms).
    50 ms vs 85 ms
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports aptX HD
    This portable speaker supports aptX HD, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX HD.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    This portable speaker has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
    Has a physical TOSLINK optical audio input.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 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.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Has a programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust 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 include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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.
  • 1,740 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,540 g vs 800 g).
    2,540 g vs 800 g
  • 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.
  • 4.67x more expensive
    Bluesound Pulse M is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£420 vs £90).
    £420 vs £90
  • 4.21x less popular
    Bluesound Pulse M is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust 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.
  • 1,740 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,540 g vs 800 g).
    2,540 g vs 800 g
  • 8 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (20.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    20.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 6.6 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (14.9 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    14.9 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
techradar.com
22/12/2024
Summary of the review
S
soundstagesimplifi.com
15/02/2024
Summary of the review
T
techhive.com
08/11/2023
Summary of the review
S
sound-advice.online
27/07/2023
Summary of the review
S
soundandvision.com
17/04/2024
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
03/04/2023
Summary of the review
S
stuff.tv
03/04/2023
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
21/03/2023
Summary of the review
T
t3.com
28/03/2023
Summary of the review
A
audioholics.com
13/09/2023
Summary of the review
R
reviewed.com
15/03/2023
Summary of the review
C
consumerreports.org
Undated
Summary of the review
L
likehifi.de
20/04/2024
Summary of the review
L
lite-magazin.de
11/01/2023
Summary of the review
T
test.de
23/01/2026
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
01/02/2023
Summary of the review
C
consumentenbond.nl
No specific date provided
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bluesound Pulse M

  • Excellent, room-filling sound quality with clear and rich audio output across frequencies.
  • Robust and seamless multi-room audio capabilities within the BluOS ecosystem.
  • Straightforward and user-friendly initial setup process.
  • Attractive, modern, and compact industrial design with an elegant glass interface.
  • Strong wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and high-res aptX HD Bluetooth.

What customers don't like about Bluesound Pulse M

  • Not a true portable speaker since it operates on mains power and lacks a built-in battery.
  • Omnidirectional 'omni-hybrid' driver layout can create a slightly vague or hazy soundstage that lacks sharp stereo focus.
  • Premium pricing that sits on the expensive side for an entry-level home streaming speaker.
  • Limited audio control options, with the equalizer restricted primarily to basic bass and treble tweaks.
  • Bass levels can occasionally sound a bit lacking or thin at maximum listening volumes.

Verdict

The Bluesound Pulse M is a premium, mains-powered wireless streaming speaker rather than a traditional battery-operated portable unit, featuring an Omni-Hybrid design equipped with an upfiring 5.25-inch woofer and two 0.75-inch tweeters offset at 45 degrees to deliver a 360-degree soundstage. Driven by a DSP smart amplifier providing 80 watts of total system power (50W to the woofer and 15W to each tweeter), it natively supports high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz and includes connectivity options such as dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, Gigabit Ethernet, AirPlay 2, and a combo 3.5mm/mini-Toslink analog/digital input. Main advantages include immersive room-filling audio, high-resolution multi-room ecosystem integration via the BluOS app, and proximity-sensing glass touch controls with five physical presets. However, notable drawbacks include a slightly bloated out-of-the-box bass profile that can muddy mid-range frequencies, limited onboard EQ adjustments, the lack of an integrated battery for outdoor portability, and the absence of built-in microphones for native voice control.

Compare Bluesound Pulse M with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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