OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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

Klipsch Reference Rw 1 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Audio output power:30.00 WBattery life:8 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:?Weight:1770 g

Klipsch Reference Rw 1 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.

Klipsch Reference Rw 1
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

80%

6.7

Technical score

20%

5.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 62% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
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
â–² Better than 57% of models
Score components

32%

6.5

Audio

20%

6.2

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

7.6

Design

3%

8.1

Smart features

â–²Better than 57%
5.8

User score

User score
5.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 98%
  • klipsch-reference-rw-1
  • klipsch-reference-rw-1
  • klipsch-reference-rw-1
klipsch-reference-rw-1
klipsch-reference-rw-1
klipsch-reference-rw-1
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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Klipsch Reference Rw 1

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
â–² Better than 57% of models
Score components:

32%

6.5

Audio

20%

6.2

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

7.6

Design

3%

8.1

Smart features

6.7
User score
User score
5.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.8
Popularity
Popularity
4.1/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Popularity:
Klipsch Reference Rw 1 has a popularity score of 4.1 points, which is lower than 50.4% of products in this category.
4.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.4
Audio output power
30 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 30 W which is higher than that of 62% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
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
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 50 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth requires an external adapter or accessory.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
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
8 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% 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
?
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
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; 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
1,770 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 1,770 g which is heavier than that of 68.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
22.86 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 22.86 cm which is taller than that of 84.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
12.7 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 12.7 cm which is narrower than that of 66.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
12.7 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 12.7 cm which is deeper than that of 71.2% 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
App
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Klipsch Reference Rw 1 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 8 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (100 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    100 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 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.
  • 10 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (30 W vs 20 W).
    30 W vs 20 W
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 8 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (100 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    100 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 10 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (30 W vs 20 W).
    30 W vs 20 W
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    50 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 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)
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 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 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.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • 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 voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    Bluetooth requires an external adapter or 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 970 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,770 g vs 800 g).
    1,770 g vs 800 g
  • 37% lower user score
    User score
    5.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Klipsch Reference Rw 1
    the average portable speaker
    Klipsch Reference Rw 1 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (5.84 vs 8).
    5.84 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    Klipsch Reference Rw 1 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 1.6% worse value for money
    Klipsch Reference Rw 1 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.43 vs 7.5).
    7.43 vs 7.55
  • 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.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    Bluetooth requires an external adapter or accessory.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 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 rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 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.
  • 970 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,770 g vs 800 g).
    1,770 g vs 800 g
  • 10.46 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (22.9 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    22.86 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 4.4 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (12.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    12.7 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
stereonet.com
14/06/2017
Summary of the review
Klipsch Stream Wireless Multi-Room Audio Review
C
consumerreports.org
15/12/2017
Summary of the review
Klipsch Stream RW-1 Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review If you need any further specifications, comparison data against other multi-room ecosystem opt...
H
hifitest.de
2017
Summary of the review
Technical Specifications Stereo Speaker - Klipsch RW-1 - Review
(Translated)Show original
A
avcesar.com
01/05/2017
Summary of the review
Klipsch RW-1 review, specs and benchmark - AVcesar
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
16/03/2017
Summary of the review
Klipsch RW-1 Review: A Beautiful Demonstration of Sound Mastery
(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 Klipsch Reference Rw 1

  • Great sound quality and clear highs for its compact size
  • Fills a small to medium-sized room with impressive, loud volume
  • Strong bass response, especially when placed near a wall
  • Attractive, durable, and highly compact design
  • Easy to integrate into multi-room setups and pair for stereo sound
  • Flexible across different music genres

What customers don't like about Klipsch Reference Rw 1

  • Very poor smartphone control app and difficult instructions
  • Unreliable wireless connectivity and frequent pairing dropouts
  • Lacks physical bass control adjustments
  • Does not support streaming DRM-protected Apple Music via the Play-Fi app
  • Mids can sound somewhat muffled or boomy according to critical reviews
  • Difficulties synchronizing as rear surround speakers with matching soundbars

Verdict

The Klipsch Reference RW-1 is a compact, plug-in wireless home speaker measuring 9 inches high by 5 inches wide and weighing 3.9 pounds, though contrary to the prompt it lacks an internal battery and runs only on AC power. It features a bi-amplified 30-watt continuous (60W peak) digital amplifier powering a 3/4-inch horn-loaded aluminum tweeter with a 90° x 60° Tractrix horn and a 3.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, delivering a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. Key pros include seamless integration into the DTS Play-Fi multi-room ecosystem via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, a 3.5mm analog input, top-mounted backlit controls, and the ability to wirelessly pair two units for true stereo sound. However, notable cons include a complete lack of built-in Bluetooth connectivity and an app interface that users occasionally find difficult or clunky to configure.

Compare Klipsch Reference Rw 1 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Klipsch Reference Rw 1 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

No results found