OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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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

Creative Airwave Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Audio output power:10.00 WBattery life:12 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:890 g

Creative Airwave 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.

Creative Airwave
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

▼Worse than 71% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 60%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

7.0

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

4.2

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

▼Worse than 74%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 88%
  • creative-airwave
creative-airwave
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Creative Airwave

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

32%

6.8

Audio

20%

7.0

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

4.2

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.2
User score
User score
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

6.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Popularity:
Creative Airwave has a popularity score of 6.6 points, which is higher than 68.2% of products in this category.
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Audio output power
10 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 10 W which is lower than that of 66.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
76 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 76 mm which is larger than that of 76.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% 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
3
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 3 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
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
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP
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
12 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% 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
?
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native 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
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
890 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 890 g which is heavier than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
11 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 11 cm which is shorter than that of 55.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.7% of portable speakers.
Width
26 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 26 cm which is wider than that of 72% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Depth
11 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 11 cm which is deeper than that of 64.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% 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

Creative Airwave vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 mm vs 50 mm
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Creative Airwave is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Creative Airwave is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 26 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (76 mm vs 50 mm).
    76 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.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 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.
  • 10 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (10 W vs 20 W).
    10 W vs 20 W
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019
  • 11.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Creative Airwave
    the average portable speaker
    Creative Airwave has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.16 vs 8).
    7.16 vs 8
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 10 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (10 W vs 20 W).
    10 W vs 20 W
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 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.
  • 7.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (26 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    26 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 2.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (11 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    11 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

V
vortez.net
28/09/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave Review - Introduction - Vortez
V
vortez.net
28/09/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave Review - Specifications & Features - Vortez
V
vortez.net
28/09/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave Review - Closer Look - Vortez
V
vortez.net
28/09/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave Review - Performance Testing - Vortez
V
vortez.net
28/09/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave Review - Conclusion
C
clubic.com
29/08/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave HD: The new wave of speakers
(Translated)Show original
E
enceintesbluetooth.fr
11/02/2014
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave HD: Full Review | Portable NFC Speaker
(Translated)Show original
N
noticias.compudemano.com
26/11/2013
Summary of the review
We analyze the 'Creative Airwave' NFC wireless speaker
(Translated)Show original
S
spaziogames.it
06/12/2013
Summary of the review
Creative Airwave HD - SpazioGames
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Creative Airwave

  • Seamless and easy pairing via NFC (Near Field Communication) technology
  • Impressive battery life lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge
  • Unique, eye-catching triangular design with a variety of bold colour choices
  • Punchy and relatively balanced audio output that easily fills a room
  • Convenient built-in microphone allows it to be used as a speakerphone

What customers don't like about Creative Airwave

  • Noticeable sound distortion when the volume is turned up to higher levels
  • Lacks a dedicated USB wall charger adapter and a protective carrying case in the box
  • Controls can be annoying, such as needing to hold the power button for an excessively long time to turn it off
  • Emits an irritatingly loud beep when adjusting the volume buttons
  • The plastic chassis can feel slightly cheap and lacks premium finish quality

Verdict

The Creative Airwave is a portable 9-watt wireless Bluetooth speaker featuring a distinct triangular design with a 30-degree upward-tilted front baffle for optimal audio projection. Key specifications include an integrated lithium-ion battery delivering up to 12 hours of playback, micro-USB charging, Bluetooth pairing alongside Multipoint support to connect two devices simultaneously, an analog 3.5mm auxiliary input, and an invisible built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality. A major benefit is its Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, which allows for instant, one-touch tap-to-pair convenience with compatible smart devices, all packaged in a colorful, sturdy housing that provides deep stereo sound with aptX codec support. However, on the downside, the speaker lacks a bundled auxiliary cable, relies on older micro-USB instead of modern Type-C charging, missing rugged weatherproofing or an IP rating for outdoor protection, and can experience bass distortion at maximum volume levels.

Compare Creative Airwave with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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