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

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£920Audio output power:240.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:6500 g

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge 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.

7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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%

7.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 72% of portable speakers
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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%

7.1

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 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%

8.5

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.7

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

3.5

Design

3%

7.7

Smart features

â–²Better than 80%
?

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~ £920
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 Wedge

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 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%

8.5

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.7

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

3.5

Design

3%

7.7

Smart features

7.1
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:
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge 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
6.7/ 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%

7.1

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

6.7
Audio output power
240 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 240 W which is higher than that of 97.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
90 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 90 mm which is larger than that of 86.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Uses a 90 mm primary driver.
Number of drivers
5
This portable speaker has 5 drivers, which is more than 93.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 3.1% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
35 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 35 Hz which is lower than that of 80.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% 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.
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
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
Weight
6,500 g
This portable speaker weighs 6,500 g which is heavier than that of 92.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Height
23.2 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 23.2 cm which is taller than that of 85.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
44 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 44 cm which is wider than that of 95.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
24.3 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 24.3 cm which is deeper than that of 92.9% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
Bowers & Wilkins Music
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
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 220 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (240 W vs 20 W).
    240 W vs 20 W
  • 40 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (90 mm vs 50 mm).
    Uses a 90 mm primary driver.
    90 mm vs 50 mm
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    5 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 8,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 25 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    35 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 220 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (240 W vs 20 W).
    240 W vs 20 W
  • 40 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (90 mm vs 50 mm).
    Uses a 90 mm primary driver.
    90 mm vs 50 mm
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    5 vs 2
  • 8,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 25 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (35 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    35 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 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.
  • 49 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (150 mm vs 101 mm).
    150 mm vs 101 mm
  • 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
  • 45 ms lower audio latency
    This portable speaker has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (40 ms vs 85 ms).
    40 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.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Supports aptX HD
    This portable speaker supports aptX HD, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX HD.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 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.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 5,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,500 g vs 800 g).
    6,500 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 support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 10.22x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£920 vs £90).
    £920 vs £90
  • 13.4% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (6.65 vs 7.5).
    6.65 vs 7.55
  • 4.21x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge 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.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5,700 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,500 g vs 800 g).
    6,500 g vs 800 g
  • 25.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (44 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    44 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 16 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (24.3 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    24.3 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 10.8 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (23.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    23.2 cm vs 12.4 cm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
04/06/2019
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
24/06/2019
Summary of the review
H
hometheaterreview.com
17/07/2019
Summary of the review
W
whathifi.com
29/07/2019
Summary of the review
A
avforums.com
07/08/2019
Summary of the review
F
forbes.com
23/10/2019
Summary of the review
S
stereonet.com
12/10/2019
Summary of the review
L
lbtechreviews.com
03/09/2020
Summary of the review
P
perfectacoustic.co.uk
10/02/2021
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
24/06/2021
Summary of the review
R
rtings.com
17/02/2023
Summary of the review
L
lowbeats.de
24/05/2019
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
15/06/2019
Summary of the review
L
lite-magazin.de
23/06/2019
Summary of the review
N
netzwelt.de
29/06/2019
Summary of the review
B
blick.ch
18/07/2019
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
08/08/2019
Summary of the review
F
fairaudio.de
25/02/2020
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
18/08/2019
Summary of the review
H
hifi.nl
02/12/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

  • Exceptional audio clarity and detailed, layered high-resolution sound performance
  • Wide and immersive soundstage due to its unique 120-degree elliptical shape
  • Flawless multi-room synchronization and strong wireless performance via its proprietary mesh network
  • Striking premium design featuring a honeycomb grille and a real timber wood backing
  • Extensive high-res wireless streaming options including Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon
  • Impressive loudness and room-filling capabilities backed by 240 Watts of power

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

  • Extremely high price point making it a major financial investment
  • Lacks any physical analog or digital audio inputs like RCA or a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • The official companion app feels lackluster and offers very limited advanced control features
  • Absence of a full graphic EQ for precise user sound customization
  • Despite its name, it is a heavy AC-powered home speaker that is not portable and has no built-in battery
  • Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity dropouts and Bluetooth latency reported by some users

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge is a premium wireless home speaker featuring a distinctive 120-degree elliptical shape engineered to deliver 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution stereo audio. It utilizes a powerful 240W three-way driver array, which includes two 25mm double-dome tweeters (2x40W), two 90mm FST midrange drivers (2x40W), and a centered 150mm subwoofer (80W), achieving a wide frequency response of 35Hz to 28kHz. The speaker seamlessly streams via Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX HD, while its proprietary wireless mesh technology ensures less than a one-microsecond sync delay with other Formation multiroom components. Main pros include its room-filling, highly detailed audio performance, impressive stereo imaging, and elegant design; however, notable cons include its high price tag, the lack of a full graphic EQ, a lackluster companion app, and a complete absence of physical auxiliary inputs.

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