OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

VQ Retro Mk II Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ95Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:25 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:?Weight:1660 g

VQ Retro Mk II 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.

VQ Retro Mk II
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 65% of models
Score components

80%

6.8

Technical score

20%

7.3

User score

â–˛Better than 65% of portable speakers
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–˛Better than 76%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 66% of models
Score components

32%

6.3

Audio

20%

8.2

Battery

18%

7.8

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Controls

3%

7.2

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

â–˛Better than 66%
7.3

User score

User score
7.3/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–ĽWorse than 85%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker VQ Retro Mk II

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 66% of models
Score components:

32%

6.3

Audio

20%

8.2

Battery

18%

7.8

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Controls

3%

7.2

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

6.8
User score
User score
7.3/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.3
Popularity
Popularity
6.7/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 69% of models
Popularity:
VQ Retro Mk II has a popularity score of 6.7 points, which is higher than 68.6% of products in this category.
6.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 76% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.9
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
70 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 70 mm which is larger than that of 73.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% 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
?
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
?
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
25 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 25 hours which is longer than that of 94.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.6% of portable speakers.
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.
Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% 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
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker 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
1,660 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 1,660 g which is heavier than that of 67.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
20.5 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 20.5 cm which is taller than that of 78.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
30 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 30 cm which is wider than that of 79.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Depth
?
Carry options
handle
Show more
Companion app name
?
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

VQ Retro Mk II vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 13 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (25 hours vs 12 hours).
    25 hours vs 12 hours
  • 6 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (6 vs 0).
    6 vs 0
  • 20 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (70 mm vs 50 mm).
    70 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • 20 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (70 mm vs 50 mm).
    70 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • 13 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (25 hours vs 12 hours).
    25 hours vs 12 hours
  • 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.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 6 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (6 vs 0).
    6 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.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 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.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 860 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,660 g vs 800 g).
    1,660 g vs 800 g
  • 8.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.3/ 10
    âś•
    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–Ľâ–Ľ
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    VQ Retro Mk II
    the average portable speaker
    VQ Retro Mk II has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.34 vs 8).
    7.34 vs 8
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Rechargeable operation requires an optional or separately sold battery accessory.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker 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
    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.
  • 860 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,660 g vs 800 g).
    1,660 g vs 800 g
  • 8.1 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (20.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    20.5 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 11.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (30 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    30 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 3 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
    2016 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
coolsmartphone.com
08/09/2016
Summary of the review
VQ Retro MKII DAB Radio - Review - Coolsmartphone
W
whathifi.com
01/02/2017
Summary of the review
View Quest Retro Mk II review | What Hi-Fi?
W
whathifi.com
01/02/2017
Summary of the review
View Quest Retro Mk II review
(Translated)Show original
C
coolsmartphone.com
08/09/2016
Summary of the review
VQ Retro MKII DAB Radio - Review
(Translated)Show original
C
computerworld.dk
26/01/2017
Summary of the review
VQ Retro MK II: Radio the Simple Way
(Translated)Show original
W
whathifi.com
01/02/2017
Summary of the review
View Quest Retro Mk II review
(Translated)Show original
C
coolsmartphone.com
08/09/2016
Summary of the review
VQ Retro MKII DAB Radio Review
(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 VQ Retro Mk II

  • Attractive and stylish vintage aesthetic with premium leatherette casing
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth streaming, DAB/DAB+ radio, and FM
  • Built-in, hideaway Apple Lightning dock for seamless playback and device charging
  • Impressive, room-filling sound quality powered by a 20-watt dual-speaker system
  • Intuitive controls and simple, quick initial setup process
  • Dual alarm clock features with customizable snooze and sleep timers

What customers don't like about VQ Retro Mk II

  • Rechargeable battery pack is not included out of the box and requires a separate purchase for portable use
  • Audio can suffer from a loss of detail, with vocals occasionally sounding slightly foggy or lacking punchy bass
  • DAB and FM reception can be inconsistent or weak depending entirely on the user's geographic location
  • Some units suffer from intermittent Bluetooth connection dropouts or unexpected power cuts

Verdict

The VQ Retro Mk II is a vintage-styled portable speaker and digital radio featuring a 20-watt premium audio output powered by dual ultra-wide full-range drivers housed in an acoustic wooden case with MyEQ independent bass and treble controls. Its comprehensive connectivity includes DAB, DAB+, and FM radio reception with 60 available presets (30 DAB/30 FM), wireless Bluetooth streaming, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, a dedicated headphone jack, a 5V/1A USB charging port, and a hidden, pop-out Apple Lightning dock capable of simultaneous audio playback and charging. Key advantages include its rich room-filling audio profile, flexible dual alarms with week/weekend sleep timers, a convenient bedside clock display, and a highly customizable leatherette exterior available in 11 colors. However, its primary downsides are that true on-the-go portability requires a separate, proprietary rechargeable battery pack at an extra expense, and it lacks contemporary USB-C connectivity.

Compare VQ Retro Mk II with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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