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

Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£700Audio output power:300.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:5600 g

Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation 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.

Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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%

7.3

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

â–²Better than 84% of portable speakers
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 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%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

6.6

Durability

16%

7.5

Connectivity

8%

7.5

Controls

3%

4.9

Design

3%

9.1

Smart features

â–²Better than 89%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 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%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 82%
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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 Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 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%

8.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

6.6

Durability

16%

7.5

Connectivity

8%

7.5

Controls

3%

4.9

Design

3%

9.1

Smart features

7.3
User score
User score
7.5/ 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%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
5.3/ 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:
Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a popularity score of 5.3 points, which is higher than 57.5% of products in this category.
5.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

7.2
Audio output power
300 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 300 W which is higher than that of 98.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
55 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 55 mm which is larger than that of 62.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.4% of portable speakers.
Uses a 55 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
45 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 45 Hz which is lower than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
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
?
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
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
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
?
Show more
Weight
5,600 g
This portable speaker weighs 5,600 g which is heavier than that of 90% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
?
Width
21.2 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 21.2 cm which is wider than that of 61% of portable speakers.
Depth
21.2 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 21.2 cm which is deeper than that of 91.4% 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
?
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

Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 280 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (300 W vs 20 W).
    300 W vs 20 W
  • 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.
  • 11 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (103 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    103 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 280 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (300 W vs 20 W).
    300 W vs 20 W
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    5 vs 2
  • 11 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (103 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    103 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 15 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (45 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    45 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 55 ms lower audio latency
    This portable speaker has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (30 ms vs 85 ms).
    30 ms vs 85 ms
  • 5 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (55 mm vs 50 mm).
    Uses a 55 mm primary driver.
    55 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 Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    This portable speaker has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
    Has a physical TOSLINK optical audio input.
  • 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.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 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.
  • 3 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 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 remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 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 programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • 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 firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • 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.
  • 4,800 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,600 g vs 800 g).
    5,600 g vs 800 g
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 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.
  • 7.78x more expensive
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£700 vs £90).
    £700 vs £90
  • 5% worse value for money
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.19 vs 7.5).
    7.19 vs 7.55
  • 7.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 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
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation
    the average portable speaker
    Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.46 vs 8).
    7.46 vs 8
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 4,800 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,600 g vs 800 g).
    5,600 g vs 800 g
  • 12.9 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (21.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    21.2 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

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Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation

  • Exceptional sound quality with impressive clarity, richness, and audio detail
  • Deep, powerful, and well-controlled bass reproduction that belies its compact size
  • Premium and stunning industrial design, featuring a luxury illuminated rotary control dial
  • Extensive connectivity suite including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal, and Spotify Connect
  • Compact footprint makes it easy to fit into smaller rooms and tight living spaces
  • User-friendly and highly responsive Naim companion control application

What customers don't like about Naim Mu So Qb 2nd Generation

  • Premium and highly expensive price point compared to similar market alternatives
  • Noticeably narrow stereo imaging and a limited overall soundstage width due to its cube layout
  • Lacks an HDMI ARC port, which is only available on the larger flagship Mu-so model
  • Occasional software glitches and stability issues when pairing the app with Tidal
  • Awkwardly placed physical input connections located on the lower back/underside
  • Not a truly portable speaker as it relies on permanent mains power and lacks an internal battery

Verdict

The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is a premium, compact home wireless music system—not an internally battery-powered portable speaker—housed in a 21x22x21cm cube design that delivers an impressive 300W of total audio power through a three-way driver arrangement developed with Focal. It features a multicore digital signal processor, high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit/384kHz, an intuitive 15-button illuminated top touch dial, and extensive connectivity including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready certification, USB, optical, and 3.5mm inputs. Main advantages include an exceptionally powerful, room-filling sound with deep, controlled bass that defies its small footprint, outstanding build quality, and a highly polished multi-room app integration. However, notable drawbacks include its requirement for constant mains power due to the lack of a built-in battery, a high premium price point, and a compromised true stereo imaging compared to traditional multi-speaker hi-fi setups.

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