OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

VQ Retro Mk II Review | 130 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£95
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 25 hours
  • IP 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.

7.5

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%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

8.3

User score

Very good
7.2

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%

6.8

Audio

20.0%

8.6

Battery

18.0%

8.5

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

6.2

Controls

3.0%

7.3

Design

3.0%

5.4

Smart features

Very good
8.3

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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(194)
amazon
4.0
(37)
amazon
3.3
(9)
amazon
3.5
(2)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.2
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.4

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Battery life

  • 5.8
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    10

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.4

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.9
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.4

    Weight

  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
  • vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii
vq-retro-mk-ii

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

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.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker VQ Retro Mk II

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%

6.8

Audio

20.0%

8.6

Battery

18.0%

8.5

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

6.2

Controls

3.0%

7.3

Design

3.0%

5.4

Smart features

7.2
VQ Retro Mk II has a technical score of 7.24 points, which is higher 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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(194)
amazon
4.0
(37)
amazon
3.3
(9)
amazon
3.5
(2)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

8.3
VQ Retro Mk II has a user score of 8.33 points, which is higher than 64.3% of products in this category.
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.
10
VQ Retro Mk II has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% 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%

7.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.2
VQ Retro Mk II has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 83.4% 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

20.00 W
VQ Retro Mk II has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 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

70.00 mm
VQ Retro Mk II has a driver unit size of 70.00 mm which is larger than that of 73.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 70.00 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

2
VQ Retro Mk II has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 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

?
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

yes
VQ Retro Mk II 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
VQ Retro Mk II 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
VQ Retro Mk II 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

25 hours
VQ Retro Mk II 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
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
VQ Retro Mk II 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
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

yes
VQ Retro Mk II is water resistant. 38.3% 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

?
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
VQ Retro Mk II 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

no
VQ Retro Mk II does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
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
VQ Retro Mk II 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

yes
VQ Retro Mk II 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
VQ Retro Mk II 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

1,660 g
VQ Retro Mk II 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
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

20.5 cm
VQ Retro Mk II 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
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

30 cm
VQ Retro Mk II 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
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

handle
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

?
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
VQ Retro Mk II 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
VQ Retro Mk II 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
VQ Retro Mk II does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

VQ Retro Mk II vs the average portable speaker

  • 13 hours longer battery life
    VQ Retro Mk II has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (25 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (25 hours vs 12 hours).25 hours vs 12 hours
  • 6 more EQ presets
    VQ Retro Mk II has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (6 vs 0).
    6 eq presets.
    What it is: The number of preset sound tuning profiles that can be selected.
    When it matters: When you want more ready-made sound profiles for different content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 4 presets

    VQ Retro Mk II has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (6 vs 0).6 vs 0
  • 20 mm larger main driver
    VQ Retro Mk II has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (70 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 70.00 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (70 mm vs 50.00 mm).70.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    VQ Retro Mk II has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    VQ Retro Mk II has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Has a power bank function
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    VQ Retro Mk II has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    VQ Retro Mk II has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).2 vs 0
  • Has a removable battery
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • 20 mm larger main driver
    VQ Retro Mk II has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (70 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    VQ Retro Mk II has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 13 hours longer battery life
    VQ Retro Mk II has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (25 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Has a power bank function
    VQ Retro Mk II has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    VQ Retro Mk II has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    VQ Retro Mk II includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 6 more EQ presets
    VQ Retro Mk II has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (6 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    VQ Retro Mk II has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    VQ Retro Mk II has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
  • Includes a remote control
    VQ Retro Mk II includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Has an FM radio
    VQ Retro Mk II has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Has a sleep timer
    VQ Retro Mk II has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.

Total
Overall
Audio
Battery
Controls
  • 1 fewer microphones
    VQ Retro Mk II has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    VQ Retro Mk II does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,660 g vs 800 g).
  • 8.1 cm taller
    VQ Retro Mk II is taller than the average portable speaker (20.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 11.9 cm wider
    VQ Retro Mk II is wider than the average portable speaker (30 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 3 older
    VQ Retro Mk II was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2016.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    VQ Retro Mk II 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.
    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

    VQ Retro Mk II 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
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    VQ Retro Mk II 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

    VQ Retro Mk II does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    VQ Retro Mk II does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
    What it is: Indicates whether spoken status messages are used for user feedback.
    When it matters: When spoken feedback for pairing, battery, or operating status is useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    VQ Retro Mk II does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
  • 860 g heavier
    VQ Retro Mk II is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,660 g vs 800 g).
    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

    VQ Retro Mk II is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,660 g vs 800 g).1660 g vs 800 g
Total
Audio
Battery
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of VQ Retro Mk II and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
194 Reviews
amazon
4.0
37 Reviews
amazon
3.3
9 Reviews
amazon
3.5
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

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

Best alternatives

sony-ult-field-3
Sony Ult Field 3

Portable Speakers

8.3
anker-soundcore-motion-boom-plus
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus

Portable Speakers

8.5
anker-soundcore-flare-plus
Anker Soundcore Flare Plus

Portable Speakers

8.0
tronsmart-bang
Tronsmart Bang

Portable Speakers

7.8
ultimate-ears-boom-3
Ultimate Ears Boom 3

Portable Speakers

8.1
philips-tas7807
Philips TAS7807

Portable Speakers

8.0
jbl-flip-6
JBL Flip 6

Portable Speakers

8.0
boat-stone-1800
Boat Stone 1800

Portable Speakers

7.6
anker-soundcore-select-pro
Anker Soundcore Select Pro

Portable Speakers

7.8
ultimate-ears-blast
Ultimate Ears Blast

Portable Speakers

7.8
sony-ult-field-1
Sony Ult Field 1

Portable Speakers

7.7
vq-hepburn-alexa
VQ Hepburn Alexa

Portable Speakers

7.3

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

VS
VS

Compare