Tivoli Audio Ipal Review | 130 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 900 g

Tivoli Audio Ipal 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.

6.4

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%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

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%

7.3

Audio

20.0%

6.8

Battery

18.0%

5.8

Durability

16.0%

5.7

Connectivity

8.0%

4.1

Controls

3.0%

8.6

Design

3.0%

5.3

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

  • 6.6
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

  • 8.1
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Party mode

  • 7.0
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.3

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £160

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Tivoli Audio iPAL is a compact, 2-pound portable AM/FM radio and speaker featuring a single 2.5-inch magnetically-shielded full-range driver, a Henry Kloss analog tuner with a 5:1 ratio dial, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for external media players. Main pros include its water-resistant cabinet, a built-in battery charger with an included 7.2V NiMH rechargeable battery pack providing up to 16 hours of playback, and a green LED tuning indicator that ensures excellent reception. However, notable cons include its monaural-only speaker design which lacks deep low-end bass performance, a heavy 2-pound chassis compared to modern compact options, and a history of degraded battery charging functionality over extended long-term use.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Tivoli Audio Ipal

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

6.4
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a technical score of 6.39 points, which is lower than 74.1% 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
Tivoli Audio Ipal 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%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.4
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is lower than 77.3% 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

63.00 mm
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a driver unit size of 63.00 mm which is larger than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.7% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 63.00 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

1
Tivoli Audio Ipal has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 1.
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

?
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

?
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

no
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% 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

?
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
Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

16 hours
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a battery life of 16 hours which is longer than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.1% 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

1,400 mAh
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a battery capacity of 1,400 mAh which is smaller than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
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

12 W
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a maximum charging input power of 12 W which is higher than that of 71% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.2% of portable speakers.
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

yes
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% 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

no
Tivoli Audio Ipal is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

?
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

0 m
Tivoli Audio Ipal is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
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

no
Tivoli Audio Ipal lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

no
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
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

no
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control 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
Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

900 g
Tivoli Audio Ipal weighs 900 g which is heavier than that of 53% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% 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

15.9 cm
Tivoli Audio Ipal has a height of 15.9 cm which is taller than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
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

?
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

Audio Pro Control
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
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
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
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported 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
Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Tivoli Audio Ipal vs the average portable speaker

  • 85 ms lower audio latency
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).
    Audio latency: 0 ms.
    What it is: The delay between the source signal and the sound you hear.
    When it matters: When lip sync, gaming, or real-time monitoring matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 100 ms

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).0 ms vs 85 ms
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).16 hours vs 12 hours
  • 13 mm larger main driver
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 63.00 mm.
    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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 50.00 mm).63.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Has a removable battery
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed from the speaker by the user.
    When it matters: When replacing a worn battery or carrying a spare matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an FM radio
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 2 W higher charging input power
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (12 W vs 10 W).
    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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (12 W vs 10 W).12 W vs 10 W
  • 85 ms lower audio latency
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (0 ms vs 85 ms).
  • 13 mm larger main driver
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Has a removable battery
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Tivoli Audio Ipal includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 2 W higher charging input power
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (12 W vs 10 W).
  • Has an FM radio
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Is not water resistant
    Tivoli Audio Ipal is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • Does not support auto power-off
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 3.5 cm taller
    Tivoli Audio Ipal is taller than the average portable speaker (15.9 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 15 older
    Tivoli Audio Ipal was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2004 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2004.
  • Is not water resistant
    Tivoli Audio Ipal is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).1400 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Tivoli Audio Ipal 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

    Tivoli Audio Ipal does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.

Graphic comparison of Tivoli Audio Ipal and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Tivoli Audio Ipal?

  • Surprisingly rich, warm, and full-bodied sound quality for a compact speaker
  • Excellent AM/FM radio reception and sensitive analog tuning ability
  • Attractive, distinctive retro design with a small and portable footprint
  • Decent built-in rechargeable battery life offering several hours of cordless playback
  • Weather-resistant cabinet construction suitable for light outdoor or bathroom use
  • Handy auxiliary input (3.5mm jack) and dedicated headphone output

What customers dislike about Tivoli Audio Ipal?

  • Expensive price tag relative to its basic features and modern competition
  • Monaural (mono) single-speaker audio output lacks true stereo separation
  • Restricted overall volume and bass depth compared to larger tabletop models
  • Reports of internal solder connections failing over time, preventing the battery from recharging
  • Longer battery charging times compared to newer portable options

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
27/07/2004
Summary of the review
P
pocket-lint.com
12/08/2004
Summary of the review
M
macworld.com
17/09/2004
Summary of the review
I
ilounge.com
16/05/2021
Summary of the review
C
cnetfrance.fr
02/11/2004
Summary of the review

Video reviews

Compare Tivoli Audio Ipal with other products in the Portable Speakers category

VS
VS

Compare