Bluesound Pulse Mini 2I Review | 130 Data compared

The Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i, as reviewed by What Hi-Fi?, offers a cohesive, entertaining performance with a spacious soundstage, superior high-resolution audio analysis, and agile bass response. While praised for its 100W output and refined dynamics, the speaker is constrained by a high £499 price point and slightly lags behind top-tier competitors in outright sonic capability.

The Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i is a powerful, high-resolution wireless speaker delivering intense volume and a rich low-end, featuring robust dual-band Wi-Fi and two-way aptX HD Bluetooth for seamless streaming of major platforms. While the device offers impressive acoustic detail and depth, the review notes a learning curve for the proprietary control application.

The Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i is a top-tier single-cabinet wireless speaker, featuring a 100-watt amplifier that delivers excellent, room-filling sound, alongside extensive EQ, high-res audio support, and Apple AirPlay 2/Alexa compatibility. While highly versatile for multi-room setups, the speaker is held back by poor on-device touch control feedback and minimal, hard-to-find documentation.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i highlights it as a highly capable, premium wireless speaker featuring excellent stereo separation, high-resolution audio support including MQA, and a balanced, neutral sound profile, according to their 2020 review. While praised for its, powerful, detailed performance and versatile streaming options via the BluOS app, the review notes limitations including a lack of native DLNA/uPnP support and a complex setup for large local libraries, along with the absence of a dedicated physical subwoofer.

The Critical Popcorn review identifies the Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i as an exceptional, compact, all-in-one hi-res multi-room speaker that delivers surprisingly powerful, distortion-free sound with deep bass. Key pros include its innovative dual acoustic chamber, extensive connectivity options like AirPlay 2 and two-way Bluetooth, and seamless support for streaming services. While highly capable, the primary drawback is a reliance on navigating the dedicated BluOS Controller app to unlock its full high-fidelity potential.

The Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i achieved an overall DXOMARK speaker score of 124, characterized by a neutral, consistent tonal balance across all volumes, excellent audio wideness, and a fast attack. While it is praised for high-volume capability, the review notes a lack of low-end and high-midrange frequencies, reducing the overall punchiness of the sound. Additionally, Bluetooth streaming on Android may produce audible, unwanted clicks when playing or pausing.

The Mighty Gadget review highlights the Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i as a high-resolution, capable alternative to the Sonos Play:5, delivering impressive, deep bass and distortion-free, full-range sound through a dual acoustic chamber. Key strengths include extensive connectivity with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and two-way Bluetooth aptX HD, alongside strong multi-room functionality. However, cons include a high price point, no built-in battery, and a sometimes clunky app interface.

The ecoustics review highlights the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i and Pulse Mini 2i as high-fidelity, high-resolution wireless speakers that outperform competitors in transparency, detail, and mid-bass punch within the robust BluOS ecosystem. Featuring wide connectivity including AirPlay 2 and physical preset buttons, the units excel in versatility, with the Mini 2i providing a warm, room-filling sound and the Flex 2i functioning as a flexible mono, stereo, or surround speaker. However, the review notes that the BluOS app is less intuitive than the Sonos S2 app, often making the desktop version preferable for control.