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

Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Audio output power:16.00 WBattery life:13 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:5.0Weight:400 g

Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

32%

5.3

Audio

20%

5.8

Battery

18%

7.6

Durability

16%

6.2

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

6.4

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 66%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £35
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

32%

5.3

Audio

20%

5.8

Battery

18%

7.6

Durability

16%

6.2

Connectivity

8%

7.6

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

6.4

Smart features

6.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Audio output power
16 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 16 W which is lower than that of 54.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
57 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 57 mm which is larger than that of 63.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
80 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 80 Hz which is higher than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.4% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5 which is newer than that of 46.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 24.4% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
15 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 15 m which is longer than that of 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP
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
13 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 13 hours which is longer than that of 63.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
2,600 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 2,600 mAh which is larger than that of 49% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
4 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
5 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
Market range: <0 m – >1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% 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
400 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 400 g which is lighter than that of 73.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Height
7.4 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 7.4 cm which is shorter than that of 76.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Width
21.3 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 21.3 cm which is wider than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Depth
7.4 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 7.4 cm which is shallower than that of 59.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
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

Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (15 m vs 10 m).
    15 m vs 10 m
  • 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.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 2 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 7 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (57 mm vs 50 mm).
    57 mm vs 50 mm
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (15 m vs 10 m).
    15 m vs 10 m
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 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.
  • 1 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (13 hours vs 12 hours).
    13 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 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.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • 400 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (400 g vs 800 g).
    400 g vs 800 g
  • 5 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (7.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    7.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 12 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (80 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    80 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    80 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 10 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (70 dB vs 80 dB).
    70 dB vs 80 dB
  • 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.
  • 4.21x less popular
    Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 4 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (16 W vs 20 W).
    16 W vs 20 W
  • 4.21x less popular
    Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 1.8% worse value for money
    Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.41 vs 7.5).
    7.41 vs 7.55
  • 12 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (80 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    80 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    80 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 10 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (70 dB vs 80 dB).
    70 dB vs 80 dB
  • 4 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (16 W vs 20 W).
    16 W vs 20 W
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 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.
  • 3.2 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (21.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    21.3 cm vs 18.1 cm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
androidauthority.com
06/03/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker review - Android Authority
T
tech.hindustantimes.com
29/11/2021
Summary of the review
Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) review: Value for money - HT Tech
R
roninfinitech.com
26/04/2022
Summary of the review
Mi Portable Wireless Speaker (16W) Review - RON Infinitech If you want to dig deeper, I can look for video-based teardowns or technical user-community...
G
gizbot.com
12/03/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker 16W Review - Gizbot
C
china-gadgets.de
22/11/2021
Summary of the review
Review: Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (MDZ-36-DB)
(Translated)Show original
S
smartzone.de
24/05/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) review
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
06/06/2022
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review: At 30 euros, almost as good as Sony, JBL & Co.
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
16/07/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker review: A low-priced 16W portable speaker but without great genius
(Translated)Show original
C
computerhoy.20minutos.es
13/08/2021
Summary of the review
Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker review and opinion
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
03/07/2018
Summary of the review
Compare Xiaomi speakers - Tweakers Product reviews
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB

  • Excellent value for money, offering premium features at a budget-friendly price point.
  • Strong and durable build quality featuring a rugged mesh design and responsive rubberized buttons.
  • IPX7 waterproof rating provides reliable protection against heavy rain, splashes, and full brief submersion.
  • Powerful and loud 16W sound output that can easily fill small to medium-sized rooms.
  • True Wireless Stereo (TWS) support allows easy pairing of two units for a full left-right channels experience.
  • Versatile connectivity options including a stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection and a physical 3.5mm AUX input.

What customers don't like about Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB

  • Audio frequencies are unbalanced, resulting in muffled vocals and instruments that blend together heavily.
  • Sound distorts, cracks, or becomes noticeably muddy when pushed to high or maximum volume levels.
  • The 'Deep Bass' equalizer preset fails to add real depth and often makes the music sound worse.
  • The 2600mAh battery delivers below-average real-world play times compared to its size.
  • Charging time is relatively slow, taking up to 4 hours to reach a full charge.
  • The built-in microphone has mediocre range and struggles to clearly capture voices from a distance.
  • The protective rubber port seal flap is very tight and can be difficult to pry open.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (MDZ-36-DB) is a compact audio device featuring a 16W rated output power delivered via two 8W dual drivers (5.7 cm units), a frequency range of 80Hz to 20KHz, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with a 15m range, and an auxiliary 3.5mm input. Main advantages include an IPX7 waterproof rating, a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing for dual speaker surround sound, and a 2600mAh battery providing up to 13 hours of playback at 50% volume alongside dual EQ modes (Normal and Deep Bass). On the downside, the speaker lacks a dust-proof rating, takes a relatively long 4 hours to charge via its 5V/1A Type-C port, exhibits sound distortion at maximum volumes, and the audio signature can feel unbalanced with slightly muffled vocals and less punchy, sharp bass.

Compare Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB and other products in the Portable Speakers category

No results found