OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Parrot Zikmu Solo Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£700Audio output power:100.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:6200 g

Parrot Zikmu Solo 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.

7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 85% 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
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Controls

3%

2.8

Design

3%

6.0

Smart features

★Better than 91%
?

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
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £700
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 Parrot Zikmu Solo

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Controls

3%

2.8

Design

3%

6.0

Smart features

7.4
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
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
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
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Parrot Zikmu Solo 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
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
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

7.2
Audio output power
100 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 100 W which is higher than that of 88.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.1% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
165 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 165 mm which is larger than that of 96.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
4
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
30 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 30 Hz which is lower than that of 82.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
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
15 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 15 m which is longer than that of 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% 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.
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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
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
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
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
6,200 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 6,200 g which is heavier than that of 91.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
75 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 75 cm which is taller than that of 98.5% of portable speakers.
Width
32 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 32 cm which is wider than that of 83.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
29 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 29 cm which is deeper than that of 95.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
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
OTA; App; USB
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

Parrot Zikmu Solo vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 80 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (100 W vs 20 W).
    100 W vs 20 W
  • 115 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (165 mm vs 50 mm).
    165 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.
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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.
  • 30 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (30 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    30 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (15 m vs 10 m).
    15 m vs 10 m
  • 80 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (100 W vs 20 W).
    100 W vs 20 W
  • 115 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (165 mm vs 50 mm).
    165 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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.
  • 30 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (30 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    30 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.
  • 51 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 101 mm).
    152 mm vs 101 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (15 m vs 10 m).
    15 m vs 10 m
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 5,400 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,200 g vs 800 g).
    6,200 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.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    This portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
  • 62.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (75 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    75 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 7.78x more expensive
    Parrot Zikmu Solo is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£700 vs £90).
    £700 vs £90
  • 4.21x less popular
    Parrot Zikmu Solo is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Parrot Zikmu Solo offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.2 vs 7.5).
    7.2 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.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    This portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz/5 GHz
  • 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.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water 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.
  • 5,400 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (6,200 g vs 800 g).
    6,200 g vs 800 g
  • 62.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (75 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    75 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 20.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (29 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    29 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 13.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (32 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    32 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 7 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    2012 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
30/01/2013
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo review - What Hi-Fi?
G
gulfbusiness.com
18/05/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Parrot Zikmu Solo Speaker - Gulf Business
W
wordsoftim.wordpress.com
27/06/2013
Summary of the review
The Parrot Zikmu Solo wireless speaker review - Words of Tim
S
slashgear.com
19/12/2012
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo Review - SlashGear
F
futurefive.co.nz
02/05/2014
Summary of the review
Review: The Parrot Zikmu Solo If you would like to explore this classic piece of audio gear further, I can break down how its NXT flat-panel driver de...
X
xataka.com
19/10/2012
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo hands-on review
(Translated)Show original
M
muycomputer.com
18/10/2012
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo, first impressions
(Translated)Show original
X
xatakahome.com
23/05/2013
Summary of the review
Zikmu Solo designed by Starck: Our review
(Translated)Show original
X
xataka.com
27/05/2013
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo review on Xataka Smart Home
(Translated)Show original
F
formobiles.info
25/03/2015
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo: Review
(Translated)Show original
G
gadgetgear.nl
01/01/2013
Summary of the review
Parrot Zikmu Solo Review
(Translated)Show original
L
lifestylelady.nl
06/02/2013
Summary of the review
Gadget Test: Parrot Zikmu Solo Speaker
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Parrot Zikmu Solo

  • Distinctive, elegant, and modern avante-garde design created by Philippe Starck.
  • Robust 100W power output with punchy, loud, and room-filling sound.
  • Strong bass response enhanced by a powerful, downward-firing subwoofer.
  • Extensive connectivity suite including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC pairing, and Ethernet.
  • Impressive virtual stereo spatial mapping from a single standalone column.
  • Highly customisable EQ and acoustic room configuration via a dedicated companion app.

What customers don't like about Parrot Zikmu Solo

  • Very high price tag making it an expensive luxury item.
  • Outdated top-mounted physical dock limited strictly to Apple's old 30-pin connector.
  • Misleadingly marketed as completely wireless despite requiring a continuous AC power cable connection.
  • On-device physical touch panel controls can be finicky and unresponsive.
  • Occasional compression or sound confusion when pushing the stereo virtualization to its limits.
  • Frequent connectivity dropouts or sync issues if paired with devices lacking updated software versions.

Verdict

The Parrot Zikmu Solo is a premium, single-tower wireless speaker designed by Philippe Starck, delivering a punchy 100W RMS total power output through a three-channel Class D digital amplifier, three 20W flat-panel drivers, and a 6.5-inch 40W down-firing woofer. Its main characteristics include an extensive array of connectivity options featuring Bluetooth, NFC tap-to-pair, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, DLNA/UPnP support, an optical input, and a legacy 30-pin Apple dock. The speaker's primary pros are its futuristic aesthetic, deep 360-degree soundstage, and customizable room-compensation DSP settings accessible via the Parrot Audio Suite app. However, notable cons include an expensive retail price, the lack of a modern Apple Lightning or USB-C connector on the dock, and a bulky 17-pound build that requires constant mains power, limiting its actual portability.

Compare Parrot Zikmu Solo with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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