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

Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Audio output power:?Battery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:?Weight:2040 g

Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue 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.

6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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%

6.7

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 50% 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%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 50%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 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%

7.4

Audio

20%

7.0

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.9

Controls

3%

7.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–²Better than 59%
?

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~ £130
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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Portable Speakers model ranking

Ranked #962 of 1,316 models in Portable Speakers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 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%

7.4

Audio

20%

7.0

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

5.9

Controls

3%

7.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.7
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:
Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue 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%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.6
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
89 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 89 mm which is larger than that of 86% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
3 dB
This portable speaker has a frequency response tolerance of 3 dB which is lower than that of 23.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 69.2% of portable speakers.
Lowest frequency
70 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 70 Hz which is higher than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
9 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 9 m which is shorter than that of 95.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.5% 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.
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.
Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
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
?
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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
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Weight
2040 g
This portable speaker weighs 2040 g which is heavier than that of 72.6% of portable speakers.
Height
15.2 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
40 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 40 cm which is wider than that of 91.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Depth
13.4 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 13.4 cm which is deeper than that of 73.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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

Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 39 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (89 mm vs 50 mm).
    89 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • 39 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (89 mm vs 50 mm).
    89 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • 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.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 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.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • 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 support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 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 % higher total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (2 % vs 1 %).
    2 % vs 1 %
  • 4.21x less popular
    Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue 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.
  • 1 % higher total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (2 % vs 1 %).
    2 % vs 1 %
  • 10 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (70 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    70 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 1 m shorter Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a shorter Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (9 m vs 10 m).
    9 m vs 10 m
  • 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.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • 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 support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 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.
  • 1,240 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2040 g vs 800 g).
    2,040 g vs 800 g
  • 21.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (40 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    40 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 5.1 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (13.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    13.4 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
31/10/2013
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
01/11/2013
Summary of the review
T
the-gadgeteer.com
14/11/2013
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
19/02/2014
Summary of the review
S
soundstagexperience.com
N/A
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
31/10/2013
Summary of the review
S
soundstagexperience.com
01/01/2014
Summary of the review
T
the-gadgeteer.com
14/11/2013
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Clear and well-balanced sound at low to mid volume levels.
  • Very little distortion even when pushed to high volume.
  • Elegant, modern, and minimalist design.
  • Supports aptX and quick NFC pairing.
  • A physical remote control is included in the box.
  • Has a 3.5mm AUX input.

What customers don't like about Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue

  • Bass output drops noticeably at maximum volume.
  • Treble can sometimes sound a little sharp or metallic.
  • No built-in rechargeable battery, so it requires wall power.
  • Its size and weight limit true portability.
  • Maximum overall volume may still be insufficient for very large rooms.

Verdict

The Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue is a tabletop Bluetooth wireless speaker measuring 15.75 x 6.00 x 5.25 inches and weighing 4.5 pounds, equipped with dual 3.5-inch full-range drivers that deliver a frequency response of 70Hz to 20kHz. Key characteristics and advantages include aptX audio coding for CD-quality streaming, NFC tap-to-pair technology, BassTrac circuitry to prevent distortion at higher volumes, an integrated 3.5mm auxiliary input, a headphone output, and an included hardware remote control. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of an internal battery (requiring it to remain plugged into an AC wall outlet for power) and digital signal processing that can cause the high frequencies to sound overly crisp or thin out the bass punch at maximum volumes.

Compare Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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