Uniden, known for its two-way radios, dashcams and security cameras, recently brought out a range of Bluetooth speakers under the Looop banner (yes, with three “o’s”). What at first seemed a strange move suddenly made sense when I powered up the speaker range. I wasn’t expecting bold, rich sound from a product at these prices.
Each of these portable products has a Japanese-inspired name (Uniden is a Japanese brand), which reflects the speakers’ power levels, and helps you identify each speaker when connecting via Bluetooth.
Going around the Uniden Looop
All varying degrees of portable, Uniden’s Looop speakers include four different models:
- Ichi ($49): A compact 5W speaker and lantern with up to 10 hours’ playtime.
- Ni ($99): 30W audio with waterproofing, floating capability, RGB lighting and power bank functionality with eight hours of playtime
- San ($149): 50W sound with up to 10 hours’ battery life, waterproofing and floating capability.
- Yon ($199): 100W of high-powered audio, up to 12 hours’ playtime, waterproofing, floating capability and party lighting.
When you compare these speakers to similar products available today, it’s clear that Uniden is trying to make a statement. It’s a brand known for other types of tech, bringing out premium-sounding speakers at cheaper prices than other well-known audio brands. By premium, I mean not an audiophile product, but one that suits the other 99% of the population. Essentially, the more you spend, the bigger the speaker and the louder it can get and the better it sounds.
Except for the Ichi, the Looop speakers are water-resistant, and if they fall in water, they will float. This water resistance relies on a rubber plug inserted into the output socket section. These models (not Ichi) also support connection via a 3.5mm audio cable, a USB stick, or a microSD card (MP3 format) in addition to Bluetooth.
All models charge via USB-C; only the cable is included. Each model will sound a tone or light up when the charge drops below 25%. Using Bluetooth 5.3, you can stream music to any of the speakers from up to 10 metres away.
If you have two of these speakers, you can also set them up to deliver stereo sound. All models can be used as a speakerphone for your phone calls. If your smartphone is low on power, you can also Uniden’s speakers as a power bank to top up its charge at a low 5W via the USB-A socket.
Which speaker does what?
Starting with the baby (Ichi), which is actually splash-proof, it has lights that pulse in time with the music and is surprisingly loud. I really like the magnet on the bottom, which lets you stick it to anything metal. Charging time is two hours.
The next three models look similar but are different sizes. At the end of each side of the speaker, you have an expansion chamber that helps deliver deep bass to accompany your music. These models offer greater control, with volume control on the unit and the ability to select between different input sources.
The San model includes both a woofer and tweeter, so it can reproduce a wider range of higher and lower sounds, improving sound quality. This larger model increases charging time to five hours.
Yon, the largest and most expensive, plays additional music formats beyond MP3, including WMA, WAV and FLAC. An extra button allows you to emphasise bass or refined vocals. This model has one woofer and two tweeters, further improving sound playback. Charging time is six hours. At 2.6 kg, this model has a sturdy carry handle, while the other models are under 1kg.
Suitability depends on personal taste. For me, the San is the pick for quality versus size at a very reasonable $149, ready for me to carry on my next adventure. If you want volume, the extra $50 for the Yon will not disappoint, and if you simply want a speaker to extend your smartphone whilst on the move, the magnetic Ichi is a steal at $49.
The entire Uniden Looop range is out now via the brand’s online store, and in stores at tech retailers.
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