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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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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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Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ970Audio output power:250.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:?Weight:12500 g

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass 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.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 64% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–˛Better than 64% of portable speakers
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

â–ĽWorse than 98%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 73% of models
Score components

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

2.8

Design

3%

8.3

Smart features

â–˛Better than 73%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ ÂŁ970
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 Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

32%

7.4

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

2.8

Design

3%

8.3

Smart features

6.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass 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
6.5/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

6.5
Audio output power
250 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 250 W which is higher than that of 98.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
165 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 165 mm which is larger than that of 96.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
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
?
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
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 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
?
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.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
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
rear
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.
Show more
Weight
12,500 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 12,500 g which is heavier than that of 97.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
25.4 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 25.4 cm which is taller than that of 87.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
28.1 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 28.1 cm which is wider than that of 76.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
26 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 26 cm which is deeper than that of 94% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
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
Voice assistant support
?
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 230 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (250 W vs 20 W).
    250 W vs 20 W
  • 115 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (165 mm vs 50 mm).
    165 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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 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.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 230 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (250 W vs 20 W).
    250 W vs 20 W
  • 115 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (165 mm vs 50 mm).
    165 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 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 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 firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 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.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • 11,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (12,500 g vs 800 g).
    12,500 g vs 800 g
  • 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 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 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.
  • 10.78x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass is more expensive than the average portable speaker (ÂŁ970 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ970 vs ÂŁ90
  • 17.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (26 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    26 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 10.78x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass is more expensive than the average portable speaker (ÂŁ970 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ970 vs ÂŁ90
  • 16.7% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (6.46 vs 7.5).
    6.46 vs 7.55
  • 4.21x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 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 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 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.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating 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.
  • 11,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (12,500 g vs 800 g).
    12,500 g vs 800 g
  • 17.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (26 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    26 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 13 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (25.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    25.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 10 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (28.1 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    28.1 cm vs 18.1 cm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
22/04/2019
Summary of the review
Hands on: B&W Formation Bar and Formation Bass review
H
hometheaterreview.com
11/09/2019
Summary of the review
HomeTheaterReview: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass Wireless Subwoofer Reviewed
H
hometheaterhifi.com
16/10/2019
Summary of the review
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity: Bowers and Wilkins Formation Bar and Bass Review
S
soundandvision.com
30/10/2019
Summary of the review
Sound & Vision: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wireless Surround Speaker System Review If you need help exploring setup compatibility with other Formation...
H
hdgear.highdefdigest.com
31/10/2019
Summary of the review
High-Def Digest: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar and Formation Bass Review
L
lite-magazin.de
23/06/2019
Summary of the review
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge – The Luxury Wireless Music System
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
29/06/2019
Summary of the review
B&W Formation Bar review hifitest.de
(Translated)Show original
C
connect.de
31/07/2020
Summary of the review
B&W Formation Flex review
(Translated)Show original
M
maisonadam.ca
02/05/2019
Summary of the review
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Range Review - Expert Advice
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
10/09/2019
Summary of the review
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar (+Bass) Review: The most HiFi home cinema soundbar
(Translated)Show original
L
lamaisondelahautefidelite.be
26/03/2021
Summary of the review
Bowers & Wilkins Formation - the house of high fidelity
(Translated)Show original
R
revistaonoff.es
12/12/2019
Summary of the review
Test bench: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex wireless active loudspeaker
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
24/04/2026
Summary of the review
Up Close and Personal with the B&W Formation Bar and Formation Bass
(Translated)Show original
T
tg24.sky.it
27/02/2020
Summary of the review
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Audio System Review
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
16/11/2019
Summary of the review
Review: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar, Bass and Flex - soundbar with surround
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.nl
13/10/2019
Summary of the review
Review Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar and Bass
(Translated)Show original
L
lexicommultimedia.nl
27/05/2019
Summary of the review
B&W Formation Bar and Bass, a strong team - Lexicom
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass

  • Delivers deep, powerful, and precise bass performance without distortion
  • Stunning and unique barrel-shaped industrial design that blends well with home decor
  • Wireless mesh network ensures seamless synchronization and near-zero latency with other Formation speakers
  • Compact physical footprint relative to its heavy, room-filling sound output
  • Easy and quick initial pairing process via the dedicated mobile application

What customers don't like about Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass

  • Very high price point compared to competing home subwoofers
  • Lacks a physical remote control, requiring users to rely entirely on their smartphones or app
  • Requires a constant Wi-Fi/mesh network connection and lacks traditional physical input ports
  • The software app can occasionally feel basic or limited for advanced adjustments

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass is a high-performance wireless subwoofer designed for the Formation ecosystem, featuring a unique barrel-shaped enclosure with a sealed, opposed dual-driver arrangement that includes two 165mm (6.5-inch) long-throw woofers driven by a powerful 250W Class D digital amplifier. Operating over a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 150Hz, it integrates advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic EQ to optimize low-end depth and minimize internal cabinet rattle in real time. Main pros include a highly precise, agile bass performance, immaculate speaker synchronization via a proprietary wireless mesh network, and an aesthetically striking, non-traditional design. However, notable cons include its high price point, lack of portability as it requires continuous mains power, and its strict enclosure within a closed ecosystem that cannot wirelessly pair with non-Formation audio components.

Compare Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bass with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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