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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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Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:2.1Weight:1300 g

Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 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.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

6.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 78% of portable speakers
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

7.3

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

5.2

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 67%
6.2

User score

User score
6.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

4.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 96%
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
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 Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

7.3

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

5.2

Connectivity

8%

7.2

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.3
User score
User score
6.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

4.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.2
Popularity
Popularity
4.3/ 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
â–² Better than 50% of models
Popularity:
Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 has a popularity score of 4.3 points, which is higher than 50.2% of products in this category.
4.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.3
Audio output power
20 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
57 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 57 mm which is larger than that of 63.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.7% 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
2.1
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 2.1 which is older than that of 92% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% 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
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; front
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
?
Remote control
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% 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
1,300 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 1,300 g which is heavier than that of 61.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Height
14 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 14 cm which is taller than that of 55.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Width
28.5 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 28.5 cm which is wider than that of 77.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
14.5 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 14.5 cm which is deeper than that of 77.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
DockStudio
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

Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    This portable speaker claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 7 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (57 mm vs 50 mm).
    57 mm vs 50 mm
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • 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.
  • 7 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (57 mm vs 50 mm).
    57 mm vs 50 mm
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    This portable speaker claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • 5 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 vs 5
  • 23 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (57 dB vs 80 dB).
    57 dB vs 80 dB
  • 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 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.
  • 29.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.2/ 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600
    the average portable speaker
    Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (6.18 vs 8).
    6.18 vs 8
  • 2.9% worse value for money
    Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.33 vs 7.5).
    7.33 vs 7.55
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 23 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (57 dB vs 80 dB).
    57 dB vs 80 dB
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5).
    2.1 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.
  • 10.4 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (28.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    28.5 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 6.2 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (14.5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    14.5 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 500 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,300 g vs 800 g).
    1,300 g vs 800 g
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
areadvd.de
19/11/2012
Summary of the review
TEST: Philips DS3600 - Kompaktes iPod/iPhone/iPad-Dock mit Bluetooth-Funktion AREA DVD
(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 Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600

  • Delivers 20W RMS crystal-clear stereo sound that easily fills a personal space or small room.
  • Features Dynamic Bass Boost (DBB) and tuned bass pipes to preserve deep low tones even at low volumes.
  • Equipped with shielding technology to effectively block mobile phone signal interference.
  • Offers versatile connectivity including Bluetooth streaming, an Apple dock connector, and a 3.5mm AUX-in port.
  • Allows seamless PC synchronization with docked iPod, iPhone, or iPad devices.
  • Comes with a matching remote control and access to the free DockStudio app for internet radio features.

What customers don't like about Philips Docking Bluetooth DS3600

  • Lacks portability due to the absence of a rechargeable battery, requiring an AC wall outlet for power.
  • Uses an outdated Bluetooth 2.1 version, which limits wireless range (approx. 10 meters) and compatibility features compared to modern standards.
  • The physical cradle uses an older Apple 30-pin dock connector, making it incompatible with newer Lightning or USB-C iOS devices without an adapter.
  • Bulky form factor with a body volume of nearly 5.8 liters and a weight of 1.3 kg, making it less travel-friendly.
  • Does not feature a built-in microphone for hands-free phone calls or voice commands.

Verdict

The Philips DS3600 is a versatile Bluetooth docking speaker delivering a total output power of 20W RMS through a stereo sound system equipped with Dynamic Bass Boost (DBB) and tuned bass pipes for rich audio reproduction. Main characteristics include wireless music streaming via Bluetooth (supporting A2DP and AVRCP profiles over a 10-meter range), a dedicated physical dock for charging and playing Apple devices like the iPod, iPhone, or iPad, a 3.5mm AUX input for wired external audio, and integrated shielding technology to block mobile phone interference. Key pros feature convenient PC synchronization via USB, hands-free operation through an included remote control, and expanded features via the free DockStudio application. However, a major con is its reliance on a 100-240V AC power adaptor with no internal rechargeable battery, alongside a lack of modern Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity options.

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