OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning Review | 130 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: 6 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 1320 g

Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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.

6.8

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%

6.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

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%

7.6

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

7.4

Durability

16.0%

6.0

Connectivity

8.0%

5.8

Controls

3.0%

8.1

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

  • 7.2
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.8

    Weight

    15.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

  • 5.9
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.8

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.5
    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%

    8.8

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £110

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning (SFQ-02L) is a low-profile 2.1 speaker system featuring a physical Apple 8-pin Lightning dock alongside A2DP Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, an FM radio tuner, and a 5V powered USB charging port. Driven by dual 1.5-inch acoustic drivers and a rear-facing 2-inch subwoofer, it utilizes integrated UQ3 spatial sound enhancement to deliver enhanced stereo separation and clear vocals for small rooms. Main advantages include its highly versatile input selection, dedicated sub-woofer, an included hideaway IR remote, and seamless companion app controls, while notable downsides are its lack of a built-in rechargeable battery for true portability and audio distortion when pushed to maximum volume limits.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning

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

6.8
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a technical score of 6.77 points, which is lower than 53.3% 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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.7
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 40.7% 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

46.00 mm
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a driver unit size of 46.00 mm which is smaller than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 46.00 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

?
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

3.00 dB
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a frequency response tolerance of 3.00 dB which is lower than that of 23.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 69.2% of portable speakers.
Frequency-response tolerance: ±3.00 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

20.00 Hz
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a lowest frequency of 20.00 Hz which is lower than that of 84.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 14% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 20.00 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

yes
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

10.00 m
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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

6 hours
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a battery life of 6 hours which is shorter than that of 84.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% 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

?
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

?
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

no
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% 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

?
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

no
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

?
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

?
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

yes
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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

yes
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option 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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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

1,320 g
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning weighs 1,320 g which is heavier than that of 62.3% 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

33 cm
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a width of 33 cm which is wider than that of 85.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
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

?
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

none
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

Soundfreaq Remote
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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct 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
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning vs the average portable speaker

  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 20.00 Hz.
    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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).20.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Includes a remote control
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
    A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
    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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker includes an FM radio receiver.
    When it matters: When listening to broadcast radio without a separate source matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
    What it is: Indicates whether audio or microphone output can be muted directly.
    When it matters: When audio needs to be silenced immediately from the speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Includes a remote control
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • 1 more EQ presets
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).

Total
Audio
Battery
Controls
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 37 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (64 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 64.00 mm.
  • 4 mm smaller main driver
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (46 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 46.00 mm.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    Shows charging or power status only, not the remaining battery level.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 14.9 cm wider
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is wider than the average portable speaker (33 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 520 g heavier
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,320 g vs 800 g).
  • 6 older
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2013.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a 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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning 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

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
Total
Overall
Audio
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning?

  • Good overall sound quality with a built-in subwoofer for a compact size
  • Versatile connectivity options including a Lightning dock, Bluetooth, a USB charging port, and an auxiliary input
  • Sleek, low-profile design that fits well on small surfaces like desks and nightstands
  • Includes a functional remote control and pairs with a dedicated mobile companion app
  • Great value for money at its price point

What customers dislike about Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning?

  • Oversized Lightning connector base limits compatibility with many phone and tablet cases
  • High-gloss black finish easily attracts noticeable dust and fingerprints
  • Fidelity can feel thin at higher volumes and lacks true high-fidelity audio performance
  • FM radio tuner is inconvenient to operate without using the smartphone app interface
  • The physical remote control feels cheap and lightweight

Expert reviews

G
geardiary.com
09/08/2013
Summary of the review
Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning Review - Connect Any Way You Like
I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Summary of the review
Review: Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning SFQ-02L (Note: Older review versions evaluating the original "Sound Step" or "Sound Step Recharge" featured th...
C
connect.de
20. Oktober 2011
Summary of the review
Soundfreaq SFQ-02 Sound Step hands-on review - Connect
(Translated)Show original
N
netzwelt.de
2011/2012
Summary of the review
Soundfreaq Sound Step Recharge SFQ-02 review | NETZWELT
(Translated)Show original
I
imaedia.de
07/11/2012
Summary of the review
SoundFreaq Sound Step Recharge SFQ-02iRB review (+video)
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

tribit-stormbox-pro
Tribit Stormbox Pro

Portable Speakers

8.3
jbl-flip-7
JBL Flip 7

Portable Speakers

8.2
ultimate-ears-megaboom-3
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

Portable Speakers

8.0
zealot-s78
Zealot S78

Portable Speakers

8.5
lg-xboom-go-xg5
LG XBOOM Go XG5

Portable Speakers

7.8
ultimate-ears-boom
Ultimate Ears Boom

Portable Speakers

7.7
urbanista-malibu
Urbanista Malibu

Portable Speakers

7.7
marshall-willen-ii
Marshall Willen II

Portable Speakers

7.6
teufel-rockster-go-2
Teufel Rockster Go 2

Portable Speakers

8.2
klipsch-nashville
Klipsch Nashville

Portable Speakers

8.2
harman-kardon-luna
Harman Kardon Luna

Portable Speakers

7.5
poly-sync-20
Poly Sync 20

Portable Speakers

7.5

Compare Soundfreaq Sound Step Lightning with other products in the Portable Speakers category

VS
VS

Compare