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Ihome IHM61 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: 2 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 91 g

Ihome IHM61 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.

6.2

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

6.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

6.9

Audio

20.0%

4.6

Battery

18.0%

7.4

Durability

16.0%

6.4

Connectivity

8.0%

4.0

Controls

3.0%

9.6

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    10

    Weight

    15.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

  • 6.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    1.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    10

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.7
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    10

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £25

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The iHome iHM61 is an ultra-portable, mono mini speaker measuring 2.36 x 2.29 x 2.52 inches and weighing just 3.2 ounces, powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing up to 8 hours of playback. Its standout features include a collapsible twist-to-expand vacuum bass design for enhanced volume, a 3.5mm auxiliary line-in connection via an included 2-in-1 audio/USB charging cable, and integrated GlowTunes color-changing LED lighting (blue, green, amber, red). Main pros include its highly compact and pocket-friendly footprint, a physical 1-inch tweeter driver that delivers clear size-defying sound, and an included carrying pouch for travel convenience. However, notable cons include its lack of wireless Bluetooth functionality in standard units requiring a constant wired connection, mono-only output unless chained with a second unit, and potential physical rattling on hard surfaces when playing tracks with deep bass.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Ihome IHM61

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

6.2
Ihome IHM61 has a technical score of 6.19 points, which is lower than 83.3% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Ihome IHM61 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.3
Ihome IHM61 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

?
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

1
Ihome IHM61 has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 1.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

?
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

2 hours
Ihome IHM61 has a battery life of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 99.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

500 mAh
Ihome IHM61 has a battery capacity of 500 mAh which is smaller than that of 96.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.6% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
Ihome IHM61 has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Ihome IHM61 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

bottom
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
Show more
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

91 g
Ihome IHM61 weighs 91 g which is lighter than that of 98.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

?
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

?
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

6.4 cm
Ihome IHM61 has a depth of 6.4 cm which is shallower than that of 70.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

strap/handle
Show more
Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Ihome IHM61 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Ihome IHM61 vs the average portable speaker

  • 85 ms lower audio latency
    Ihome IHM61 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).
    Audio latency: 0 ms.
    What it is: The delay between the source signal and the sound you hear.
    When it matters: When lip sync, gaming, or real-time monitoring matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 100 ms

    Ihome IHM61 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).0 ms vs 85 ms
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Ihome IHM61 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 85.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    Ihome IHM61 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).85.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • 709 g lighter
    Ihome IHM61 is lighter than the average portable speaker (91 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Ihome IHM61 is lighter than the average portable speaker (91 g vs 800 g).91 g vs 800 g
  • Includes a travel bag
    Ihome IHM61 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
    What it is: Indicates whether a carrying bag or case is included.
    When it matters: When you want protection and easier carrying away from home.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Ihome IHM61 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Ihome IHM61 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£25 vs £90).
    Ihome IHM61 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • 85 ms lower audio latency
    Ihome IHM61 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Ihome IHM61 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
  • 709 g lighter
    Ihome IHM61 is lighter than the average portable speaker (91 g vs 800 g).
  • Includes a travel bag
    Ihome IHM61 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.

Total
Overall
Audio
Design
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Ihome IHM61 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 78.00 dB.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Ihome IHM61 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    Ihome IHM61 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Ihome IHM61 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 2,100 mAh less battery capacity
    Ihome IHM61 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Is not water resistant
    Ihome IHM61 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Ihome IHM61 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 True Wireless Stereo
    Ihome IHM61 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Ihome IHM61 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • Does not support auto power-off
    Ihome IHM61 does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 8 older
    Ihome IHM61 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2011 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2011.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Ihome IHM61 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    Ihome IHM61 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 12 hours).2 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    Ihome IHM61 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Ihome IHM61 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Ihome IHM61 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 78.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Ihome IHM61 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).78.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 2,100 mAh less battery capacity
    Ihome IHM61 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    Ihome IHM61 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).500 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Ihome IHM61 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Ihome IHM61 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Ihome IHM61 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Ihome IHM61 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Ihome IHM61 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Ihome IHM61 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    Ihome IHM61 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Ihome IHM61 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Audio
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Ihome IHM61 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Ihome IHM61?

  • Extremely compact, pocket-sized, and lightweight design ideal for travel
  • Surprisingly loud volume and clear sound quality for its small size
  • Fun aesthetic with a color-changing LED light show feature
  • Collapsible vacuum-bass expansion design improves low-end depth
  • Highly affordable and budget-friendly price point
  • Comes with a convenient carrying pouch and travel bag

What customers dislike about Ihome IHM61?

  • Lacks wireless Bluetooth capability and relies strictly on a wired 3.5mm audio jack connection
  • Bass response is weak and lacks punch compared to larger speakers
  • Proprietary combo cable (USB/3.5mm to mini-USB) can be inconvenient to replace if lost
  • Noticeable audio hiss or interference noise reported when using the speaker while it is charging
  • Battery life is relatively short and cannot be substituted with standard AA/AAA batteries

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