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Looking for the best docking station with a speaker (aka speaker dock) for your iPhone? Our article on 15 best iPhone docking stations with speakers in 2024 is the right place to start (and end) your search. In this article we will cover all the interesting topics related to speaker docks – we will discuss different types of docking ports, talk about Qi-enabled speaker docks, give you some tips on what to look for when buying an iPhone docking station with a speaker, and present to you our selection of the best iPhone speaker docks on the market in 2024.
There’re all kinds of speaker docks with different docking ports, different drivers, and different additional features. Some are really small and quiet while others are big and loud. Some speaker docks look like a piece of furniture (smart tables, nightstands) while others are very compact. Also, the prices vary a lot – you could buy a cheap low-end iPhone speaker dock for less than 50 bucks, but some docks cost more than $200. There’s plenty of options but they don’t all meet your requirements. So, let’s dig deeper and find out more about iPhone docking stations with speakers (speaker docks).
Table of Contents
- Do You Really Need an iPhone Docking Station with Speaker (Speaker Dock)?
- Different Types of iPhone Speaker Docks
- Best iPhone Docking Stations – Comparison Table
- What is Qi Wireless Charging and Does it Really Work?
- 1. Bose SoundDock Series III Digital Music System
- 2. Alphasonik Decor
- 3. JBL OnBeat Micro
- 4. Bose SoundDock XT Speaker
- 5. JBL OnBeat Mini
- 6. Cavalier Air Home Speaker
- 7. Grace Digital Mondo+ Classic
- 8. Richsound Research (RSR) DS406 Docking Speaker
- 9. SoarOwl Wireless Charger with Bluetooth Speaker
- 10. EIATBF Portable Speaker Dock
- 11. Retro Tech Multi Station
- 12. Azpen Dockall D108
- 13. Nillkin Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Charger
- 14. iHome iBTW38
- 15. Emerson ER-X300 Docking Station
- Buyer’s Guide – What to Look for When Buying an iPhone Docking Station with a Speaker (iPhone Speaker Dock)
Do You Really Need an iPhone Docking Station with Speaker (Speaker Dock)?
To be completely honest, iPhone speaker docks are not absolutely necessary. It does the same thing as your standard iPhone charger and it plays the music, just like your iPhone (or some other speaker connected to your iPhone). You can definitely live without a speaker dock.
There are only two reasons (that we can think of) to buy a speaker dock. First is that you like having all kinds of gadgets in your house, even if you are not going to use them on a regular basis. The second reason is the fact that using an iPhone speaker dock is a little bit more convenient than using your iPhone’s charging cable. If you like listening to some background music while falling asleep but don’t find those small speakers built inside your phone good enough, a docking station with a larger built-in speaker could come in handy.
Different Types of iPhone Speaker Docks
Depending on your iPhone model, you’re going to look for a speaker dock with a different type of docking port. As you probably know, old Apple devices (up to iPhone 4S released in 2012) were equipped with a 30-pin dock connector. All the iPhones (and many other Apple devices) produced after 2012 are equipped with a more compact lightning connector (8-pin docking port), including the latest iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. There were some rumors that Apple is about to ditch lightning connector and replace it with a USB-C connector, but that hasn’t happened, yet. Another important thing to know is that some newer iPhone models, starting from the iPhone 8 support wireless charging (they support Qi wireless charging protocol).
Why are these dock connectors and supported charging options important? Well, it’s simple – there are speaker docks with different connectors just like you have iPhones with different connectors and charging options.
You can find a lot of speaker docks with an old-school 30-pin connector dock. If you buy one of these and you already have some of the latest iPhones, you’ll not be able to charge it unless you buy some 30-pin to 8-pin adapter which kind of eliminates all the convenience. So, if you have an iPhone with a lightning port, the easiest thing to do is to look for a speaker dock with a lightning port. Or, if your iPhone supports wireless charging, look for Qi-enabled speaker docks.
Best iPhone Docking Stations – Comparison Table
| iPhone Docking Stations | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose SoundDock | 4.1 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Alphasonik Decor | 4.3 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| JBL OnBeat Micro | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Bose SoundDock XT | 4.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| JBL OnBeat Mini | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Cavalier Air Home | 5.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Grace Digital Mondo+ | 4.1 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Richsound Research DS406 | 4.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| SoarOwl | 4.4 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| EIATBF | 4.6 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Retro Tech | 4.5 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Azpen Dockall D108 | 3.9 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Nillkin | 4.2 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| iHome iBTW38 | 3.8 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Emerson ER-X300 | 5.0 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
When you click on “Check Price” you will be redirected to Amazon.
The majority of today’s iPhone speaker docks are, in fact, Qi-enabled. You can find some older docks with lightning ports made by reputable manufacturers like Bose or JBL (some of them are on our list), but the number of Qi-enabled docks is increasing every day. Their popularity is also growing constantly. After all, they are a bit more convenient than the speaker docks with physical connectors. So, if your iPhone supports wireless charging, it’s not a bad idea to go for a Qi-enabled docking station with a speaker.
Still, before buying a Qi-enabled speaker dock, you should be aware of their disadvantages and understand the working principle of these devices. So, before we move onto the reviews, let’s discuss this Qi wireless charging protocol and see if it really works.
What is Qi Wireless Charging and Does it Really Work?
Qi (it’s pronounced Chee) is a wireless charging protocol invented by the Wireless Power Consortium.
The working principle is based on Faraday’s law of magnetic induction and Tesla’s resonant inductive coupling. There’s a transmitter coil inside the Qi-enabled charger that generates an electromagnetic field that induces current into the receiver’s coil (built inside your Qi-enabled phone). The current is converted into power that your phone can use to charge the battery. It sounds easy and very convenient. Still, there are some limitations of this inductive charging technology, especially when it comes to charging rates, allowed distances (between the charger and the device you want to charge), and efficiency.
Let’s discuss the charging rates, first. In theory, wireless chargers enable charging rates of up to 15W (3x faster than your iPhone charger). In reality, most of them will deliver up to 5W. At the moment, wireless chargers won’t charge your iPhone as fast as a regular wired charger. They are getting better but they are still not on par with regular wired chargers.
Another limitation of wireless charging is the allowed distance between the charger (wireless speaker dock) and your phone. In theory, your phone must be within 1.5in range in order to charge. In reality, the range is even shorter. So, you’ll not be able to hold the phone in your hands and charge it at the same time. It has to be very close to the charging base, which kind of stretches the term ‘wireless’. It’s very likely that Qi-enabled chargers/speaker docks are going to become better in the future but, at the moment, they are not that much wireless.
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In the end, there’s the efficiency issue. Currently available Qi-enabled chargers can reach the efficiency of 60-70% but that means that there’s still a lot of wasted energy. That’s not going to add a few zeros to your electricity bill, but it’s not very eco-friendly either. If you want a greener solution, you should go for a speaker dock with a physical connector (lightning port).
So, to conclude, Qi-enabled iPhone speaker docks are more convenient (there’s no any cable attached to your phone), but Qi charging is slower (it will charge a standard 2000mAh battery in 5-7h), your phone still has to be in close proximity, and it’s not very efficient.
Do you really need it? Well, just like you can live without a regular iPhone speaker dock with a physical lightning docking port, you can live without a ‘wireless’ speaker dock. Speaker docks are not absolutely necessary. If you like the idea of having a bit more convenience in your life, then go for it and if you don’t mind charging your phone the old way, you should stop reading this article.
Now that we’ve covered the most important topics, we can move onto our list of 15 best iPhone docking stations with speakers in 2024. We’ve decided to concentrate our attention on iPhone speaker docks with lightning connectors and wireless speaker docks. iPhone speaker docks with an old-school 30-pin connector are simply too old to be considered (discontinued in 2012). This is our selection.
1. Bose SoundDock Series III Digital Music System
If there is one name in the audio industry that doesn’t need any introduction, it has to be Bose. They’ve been in the business for decades and they have a speaker for every occasion and every purpose. So, it’s only natural to see a few speaker docks made by this company. We are presenting to you the third version of the Bose SoundDock digital music system. This is probably the most expensive iPhone speaker dock on the market and, if you want our honest opinion, it’s not worth that kind of money. This little thing does look nice and sounds better than some entry-level speaker docks, but we still think that you should get more for your money.
What’s in the box?
Like any other Bose speaker, SoundDock Series III comes in a nice package. Inside the box, you’ll find your speaker dock, power cable, simple IR remote, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
SoundDock Series III is quite compact. It weighs only 4.6 pounds. It’s 6.7in tall, 12in wide, and 6.5in deep. You’ll have no problems finding the right place for it – you can put it on your nightstand, in your kitchen, in your office, or any other place.
The design is simple and clean, but still very stylish. You won’t find any buttons on the speaker dock itself. The whole front panel is covered with a thin aluminum grille, and the rest is made of glossy plastic. It’s not very premium-looking, but it’s still nice. The speaker is available in four colors/color combinations – black with silver grille, white with silver grille, white with purple grille, and silver.
As mentioned previously, there are no buttons on the unit itself and you have to use the remote to control the playback and volume. The speaker dock has a lightning port on the front side. On the rear panel, there are power and AUX inputs. There’s another version of SoundDock III with a 30-pin dock connector in case you have a very old iPhone or some other device with a 30-pin dock connector. This version is compatible with iPhones and iPods with lightning ports.
The remote is simple, responsive, and easy to use. There are 8 buttons and everything is pretty much straightforward.
Don’t expect to be blown away by the sound. This speaker dock has two relatively small full-range drivers without a dedicated bass driver. The sound is mid-centric and the emphasis is mostly on the mids and highs. So, it’s pretty much a standard Bose sound signature. If you are into Bose sound, you’ll like it. SoundDock III struggles with low-end reproduction and it sounds a bit boomy at high volumes. All in all, it’s not bad for its size but it’s also not great, especially when you consider the price.
Things we don’t like
We have expected some additional connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and features at this price point, but there is only one lightning port and one AUX input. No additional connections.
SoundDock III is not portable – it has no built-in battery and it has to be plugged in all the time.
Having in mind everything we’ve said, this Bose iPhone speaker dock is overpriced. $100 would be a more realistic price. It seems like you’re paying more for the name than for the performance.
2. Alphasonik Decor
Alphasonik Décor is a smart coffee table that’s packed with all kinds of features. It’s maybe not the prettiest speaker dock on the list, but it’s definitely the most interesting one. You can find this exact coffee table under many different names – Sierra, iStar, Victrola, etc..
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you’ll find your speaker dock, three speaker legs (super-easy to install), user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
In terms of design, this table is a mixture of IKEA furniture and Harman Kardon speaker design. It’s visually appealing, very stylish, and it doesn’t look cheap at all. Alphasonik Decor is available in 4 versions – black, walnut, maple, and white. Walnut and maple look much better to us, but it’s a matter of taste.
Alphasonik Decor is also quite compact for a coffee table (nightstand) but if you want a really small speaker, this is not the best choice. Decor is 24.8in tall (with legs) and it has 15.9in diameter.
What’s really great about it is the number of features built inside. This speaker dock/coffee table is Bluetooth enabled (it features Bluetooth 4.2), it has onboard controls that look very similar to the controls on Harman Kardon speakers, it features AUX input for non-Bluetooth devices, 2 USB powerbank ports for charging phones and other devices (2.1A and 1A), and it’s Qi-enabled (it can charge your iPhone wirelessly).
On top of all these features, Alphasonik Decor has a built-in battery so it doesn’t have to be plugged in all the time. The battery capacity is rated at 6.600mAh. According to the specs, the speaker can deliver up to 24h of playtime, but that’s only true if you are using it to play it quietly (background music). You’ll get up to 5h at full volume.
The speaker has 4 full-range drivers, 2 tweeters, and 4 passive bass radiators. It delivers 360° sound and it’s very loud. In our opinion, this thing sounds much better than the Bose SoundDock III. The bass is punchy, the mids are sweet but not extremely detailed, and the highs are pleasant. You can find a better-sounding speaker at this price point, but you can hardly find this kind of design and all these features in one device.
Things we don’t like
If you want to use wireless charging, your iPhone has to be perfectly centered. You can’t place the phone wherever you want. Having a table with multiple charging coils would solve the problem but it would also raise the price.
One thing we are skeptical about is the durability of this speaker dock. It looks great and it feels durable, but we are not sure about the quality of components. There have been no major complaints regarding durability in the past, but we are always skeptical about generic brands.
3. JBL OnBeat Micro
JBL is the second big name on this list and, by the way, it’s the only reputable speaker manufacturer besides Bose that decided to enter the speaker dock market. JBL has discontinued the production of iPhone speaker docks, but you still have a few models available on Amazon. JBL OnBeat Micro is very compact and it’s designed for nightstands. It has some basic functions and it’s very easy to use. The biggest downside is the price (it went up when the JBL discontinued the production). It’s priced the same as Alphasonik Decor but it’s much more limited when it comes to features and overall performance.
What’s in the box?
JBL OnBeat Micro comes along with a charging cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty. The packaging is not very premium. The speaker can operate on 4 AAA batteries but the batteries are not included.
Things we like
OnBeat micro is super-small and compact. In terms of design, it’s very similar to some wireless routers. What makes it different is a large cavity with a lighting port on the top.
It’s more versatile than Bose SoundDock III when it comes to connectivity. You have one lightning port on the top (charging and playback), one USB port on the rear panel (charging and music playback), and one AUX input. The lightning dock can wiggle a little bit which will allow you to charge the phone without removing the case (but it works only with very slim phone cases).
There are only three control buttons on the speaker – power button and volume buttons. They are easy to use and responsive.
The speaker can operate on batteries but it has no built-in battery. There’s a hidden battery compartment on the bottom and you need 4 AAA batteries to make it work. When battery-powered, the speaker will deliver up to 5 hours at 50% volume.
JBL OnBeat features 2 relatively small full-range drivers. There’s practically no bass, but the mids and highs are nicely balanced and the sound is quite loud (considering the size). Still, at this price point, you can get a much better sound quality.
Things we don’t like
OnBeat Micro doesn’t have any additional buttons for playback control. It’s also not Bluetooth-enabled which is a big downside considering the current price.
OnBeat Micro doesn’t work with iPads since the charging dock (the cavity on the top panel) is too small.
So, to conclude, OnBeat Micro is useful and it works as advertised but it’s too expensive and it doesn’t offer enough for the price.
4. Bose SoundDock XT Speaker
SoundDock XT is another iPhone speaker dock from the SoundDock speaker line by Bose. It’s very similar to the previous Bose speaker on our list, but it’s lighter and has a smaller footprint.
What’s in the box?
Inside a nice-looking box with Bose branding on it, you’ll find your SoundDock XT speaker dock, power adapter, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
SoundDock XT has the same shape as previously mentioned SoundDock Series III. The only noticeable difference is the grille. The grille on SoundDock III looks a bit ordinary but it’s made of aluminum, while the SoundDock XT has a more stylish grille made of plastic. SoundDock XT is also lighter (2.6lb VS 4.6lb) and it’s a bit smaller (5.3in tall, 11.8in wide, and 3.4in deep).
Unlike SoundDock III, SoundDock XT at least has two volume control buttons located on the front panel (one on each side of the lightning connector).
The speaker dock has a lightning port on the front, located right in the middle (compatible with iPhones and iPods). Power input, 3.5mm AUX input, and micro USB port (for firmware upgrades), are located on the rear panel.
SoundDock XT works as advertised. We haven’t noticed any issues. You can charge your iPhone while listening to music. The controls are responsive. In case you have a non-lightning device, you can use the AUX input (AUX cable is not included) to connect it to the speaker.
The speaker features two small full-range drivers on the front side and one tiny bass port on the back. Considering the size, the speaker is pretty loud. It’s definitely not an audiophile-grade speaker, but it can deliver some punch, it has articulated mids and slightly elevated treble. So, it’s good for the size, but you can find many louder, punchier, and better-sounding speakers at this price point.
Things we don’t like
This speaker dock is not compatible with iPads since the available space around the docking port is not that large. Also, you will probably have to remove the case if you want to charge your iPhone – the lightning port is not long enough.
The speaker doesn’t feature Bluetooth or Wi-Fi which is a bit disappointing considering the price.
5. JBL OnBeat Mini
JBL OnBeat Mini is an upgraded and enlarged version of previously mentioned OnBeat Micro. They look almost exactly the same but the Mini has a larger cavity for charging which makes it compatible with some iPad models. Mini also has a built-in rechargeable battery and it’s louder than OnBeat Micro.
What’s in the box?
Like the OnBeeat Micro, OnBeat Mini comes with a power adapter, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
There’s nothing new when it comes to design. Like the Micro, Mini is shaped like some kind of a router with a large cavity for your iPhone/iPod/iPad. It’s slightly larger (3.5in tall, 12in wide, 6.2in deep) and heavier than OnBeat Micro (1.8 pounds) but it’s still very much compact and portable.
Just like OnBeat Micro, Mini has a wiggling lightning port inside the cavity on the top panel but the cavity is significantly larger and allows you to charge some iPads. Mini, just like micro, has three ports on the rear panel – power input, AUX input, and USB port. You can use the USB port for audio playback or for charging (iPhones/iPods/iPads). Like the JBL OnBeat Micro, Mini has a power button and two volume buttons. In order to control the playback, you have to use your phone.
Unlike Micro, Mini has a built-in rechargeable battery. The battery can deliver up to 8h of playtime at moderate volumes.
Inside the speaker, there’re two 7W speakers and two passive bass radiators. The sound is bassy and it gets distorted at high volumes. Mini is definitely louder than OnBeat Micro and it sounds better than those small speakers built inside your iPhone, but don’t raise your hopes too high.
Things we don’t like
OnBeat Mini has no playback controls. Also, it doesn’t support Bluetooth.
Some customers had issues with that wiggling lightning port on the top, but our unit was just fine.
6. Cavalier Air Home Speaker
Cavalier Air is, by far, the most advanced and feature-packed speaker/speaker dock on this list. It’s cheaper than the Bose SoundDock III and it offers so much more than any other speaker dock on this list. If you are looking for a compact high-end speaker dock that has all the features you could possibly need, Cavalier Air is your best choice.
What’s in the box?
Inside a premium packaging, you’ll find your Cavalier Air smart speaker, power cable, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Cavalier Air is, in our opinion, the most sophisticated speaker dock on this list. The manufacturer used high-quality materials including genuine leather (top), wood, aluminum (housing), and high-quality acoustic fabric. It’s amazing how compact this speaker is, especially when you know the number of included features. Cavalier Air is 8.3in wide, 3.7in tall, 5.4in deep, and weighs 2.2 pounds.
In order to control the playback and activate or adjust other features, you can use the control buttons on the top (Bluetooth, alarm, mute, volume buttons, and smart playback button) and on the rear panel (Wi-Fi setup button and display control button). In order to perform the initial setup, you have to install the Cavalier Audio app (available for Android and Apple devices). Besides the initial setup, the app can be used to control the playback, adjust the alarm and clock settings, adjust EQ settings, connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network, and integrate some of the most popular streaming apps with it (Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, etc.).
The speaker is very versatile. It features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can stream the music from any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled device. Also, Cavalier Air features multiroom functionality (via Wi-Fi). You can pair up to 15 speakers together.
Cavalier Air has a smart LED clock on the front side. The display brightness can be adjusted or you can turn it off completely. What’s smart about this display is that it can turn itself off automatically during the night. The clock and alarm will work even if the speaker is not plugged in thanks to a backup rechargeable battery.
Cavalier Air has a Qi charging pad on the top so you can charge your Qi-enabled devices (iPhone 8 and later versions). It also features one USB charge-out port on the back. If your phone doesn’t support wireless charging, you can use this port (cable is not included).
Another special thing about this speaker is Alexa support so you can control everything with your voice (control the playback, answer/make calls, or ask Alexa whatever you want).
Cavalier Air features 2 stereo speakers (20W power output) and 2 passive radiators. In terms of sound quality, this is the most refined speaker on the list. Cavalier Air is not an audiophile speaker and it’s not a party speaker so don’t expect a perfectly neutral or incredibly loud sound. For its size, Cavalier Air is very loud and it sounds quite sophisticated. The bass is punchy and controlled, the mids are clear, and the highs are very detailed and just a little bit bright.
Things we don’t like
We like this speaker very much and there’s almost nothing we would like to change. However, adding a simple AUX input would make it even better.
The speaker is quite pricey but, considering the design, build quality, sound quality, and the number of features, $250 price tag is completely justified.
7. Grace Digital Mondo+ Classic
Just like Cavalier Air, Grace Digital Mondo+ Classic is a high-end speaker dock/internet radio with plenty of features. We prefer the design and performance of Cavalier Air, but Grace Digital Mondo+ Classic is a great choice, too, especially if you don’t want to spend more than $200.
What’s in the box?
Mondo+ Classic comes along with two 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi antennas, IR remote, power adapter, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
Design-wise, Mondo+ Classic is a mixture of old and new. Due to its boxy design and wooden cabinet, it radiates nice retro vibe but the controls and that backlit 3.5in color display make it look more futuristic. Those two Wi-Fi antennas don’t look very nice and that would be our only complaint. This internet radio would look so much cleaner without the antennas.
The user interface is a bit tricky at first and you’ll need some time to learn how to control everything. IR remote is much easier to use than the controls on the unit itself.
In order to connect it to your Wi-Fi network, you can use the control buttons on the unit or the remote and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Also, you can use the Grace Digital app (which is not that great).
Thanks to built-in apps, you can listen to 30,000 AM/FM/HD radio stations (over the internet). Some of the supported stations are iHeartRadio, BBC, SiriusXM, SHOUTcast, CBS, NPR, Live365, etc.
If you want to stream music from your iPhone or some other Bluetooth-enabled device, you can use the Bluetooth connection. Mondo+ Classic features Bluetooth 4.1.
Mondo+ Classic also has a Chromecast built-in so you can stream any audio content from Chromecast-enabled apps and devices. You can even use Google Home voice assistant to control the playback. Thanks to Chromecast support, Mondo+ Classic supports multiroom functionality. You can pair it with multiple Mondo+ Classic (or with any other Chromecast-enabled speaker), and stream the music across your entire home.
This internet radio has a built-in clock and alarm. It also has a snooze feature and a sleep timer. You can use the control buttons on the radio, IR remote, or the Grace Digital app to play with different alarm/sleep settings and select different alarm sounds.
Besides wireless connections, this internet radio has a headphone output, USB port, analog AUX inputs (for connecting external audio sources) and LINE outputs (for connecting external stereo speakers). The USB port can be used for charging and for music playback. The radio can even play FLAC files through a USB thumb drive.
What qualifies Mondo+ Classic as a speaker dock is the Qi pad for wireless charging located on the top panel. You can charge any Qi-enabled phone while listening to internet radio or while streaming music from your phone.
The radio has a built-in Class-D amp (25W power output) and one 4in glass-fiber full-range driver. The sound quality is very good considering the size and price. The bass is not very detailed. The emphasis is on the mid-bass frequencies which makes the overall sound signature warm. The mids are articulate but not extremely refined while the highs are a bit brighter than they are supposed to be. You’ll also notice some sibilance and some distortion at high volumes.
Things we don’t like
Mondo+ Classic has many features but it still lacks support for Pandora, Tidal, and some other popular streaming services. This is not a huge downside since you can always open Pandora or any other app on your phone and stream music from it (via Bluetooth or Chromecast).
The Grace Digital app is a useful addition to the package and it allows you to adjust all kinds of settings (EQ, radio presets, multiroom settings, etc.). The problem with the app is that it’s buggy and unstable (1.9 rating on the AppStore). The good news is that you don’t have to use it at all.
8. Richsound Research (RSR) DS406 Docking Speaker
RSR DS406 is maybe not as advanced and sophisticated as Mondo+ Classic and Cavalier Air but it’s still a nice and useful speaker dock with many additional features. It’s priced under $100.
What’s in the box?
Inside a simple box, you’ll find your RSR DS406 speaker dock, IR remote, power adapter, AUX cable, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
RSR DS406 is simple and boxy. It has a small footprint and it’s very light. It’s 7.8in wide, 7.8in deep, and 3.5in tall. The speaker dock has an aluminum chassis and it’s available in black and silver.
The user interface is simple and clean. All the controls are on the top (volume buttons, playback controls, ALARM 1 and ALARM 2 buttons, and ON/OFF/Source button). In the middle of the top panel, there’s a hidden compartment with a lightning port and headphone output. On the rear panel, you’ll find one USB powerbank port, AUX input, and battery compartment. The speaker dock uses 2 AAA batteries but these are only backup batteries. There’s a simple LCD screen on the front panel. All the necessary info is displayed on this screen (FM frequency, clock, alarm,)
RSR DS406 has a built-in FM tuner and you can save up to 20 presets. It also features Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream any audio content from your phone. In case you want to listen to music without disturbing other family members, you can connect your wired headphones to the speaker dock via headphone output. If you want to connect some non-lightning or non-Bluetooth device, you can always use the AUX input on the back.
RSR DS406 features 2 5W drivers. It’s good enough for some background music, but don’t expect too much. The bass is tiny, the mids are mostly clear, and the highs are there but lack some detail.
Things we don’t like
RSR DS406 uses two AAA batteries but the batteries are only for backup – they will save the settings (clock, alarm, radio presets) in case you accidentally unplug the speaker dock or if a power failure occurs, but you can’t use them to play the music when the speaker is not plugged in.
9. SoarOwl Wireless Charger with Bluetooth Speaker
If you don’t need a high-end speaker dock and don’t want to pay too much, SoarOwl is a great choice. It’s an affordable, compact, and reliable wireless charger with a built-in Bluetooth speaker.
What’s in the box?
The packaging contains your SoarOwl speaker dock, AUX cable, power adapter, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
SoarOwl looks really interesting. The manufacturer deserves some credit for the design. On the other hand, build quality is not impressive. It’s all plastic and it looks kind of cheap. The speaker dock is very compact (8in x 4.6in x 6.1in) and weighs 1.4lb.
SoarOwl can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth or via AUX cable. It features Bluetooth 4.2 with a standard 30ft range. It also supports NFC quick pairing. When connected via Bluetooth, you can use the speaker to answer calls (it has a built-in mic).
The front side is reserved for the Qi-enabled charging pad. This is a dual coil pad and allows you to place your Qi-enabled phone either horizontally or vertically. The phone doesn’t have to be perfectly centered in order to charge.
The speaker features two small drivers located on the left and right sides. It’s quite loud for its size. The sound quality is satisfactory but nothing more than that – the bass is present but underwhelming, the mids are elevated and clear, and the highs are a bit dull.
Things we don’t like
There are no control buttons on the speaker dock and you have to use your phone to control the playback or adjust the volume. Also, the speaker has no built-in battery and it’s not portable (has to be plugged in).
10. EIATBF Portable Speaker Dock
Like the SoarOwl, EIATBF is a simple and affordable speaker dock but with some additional features. EIATBF is even cheaper than the SoarOwl but it has more features – this little thing has a built-in rechargeable battery (it’s portable) and it has some control buttons.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your EIATBF speaker dock, micro USB charging cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
This is a small, boxy, ordinary-looking speaker dock. It has a super-small footprint and it’s very light. The build quality is not impressive (it’s all plastic) but you can hardly expect more for less than 30 bucks.
The front panel is reserved for the charging pad. All the control buttons are on the top. There are six buttons and everything is pretty much self-explanatory. There are two speakers on the left and right sides, and a passive bass radiator on the back. All the physical inputs are located on the rear panel. EIATBF features micro USB charging port, micro SD card slot (for music playback), and USB powerbank port.
The speaker dock features Bluetooth connectivity with a standard range and reliable connection. NFC quick pairing is not supported.
Inside the speaker, there’s a pretty large 4,000mAh battery which allows you to listen to music on the go or to charge the phone. It will deliver up to 20h of playtime at moderate volumes.
Two 5W drivers are responsible for music reproduction. The sound is surprisingly loud. It’s not very clear or very detailed but it’s good for the price.
Things we don’t like
It would be unfair to complain a lot when a speaker dock is priced under $30. The only downside we have to mention is the lack of AUX input.
11. Retro Tech Multi Station
This is another speaker dock that looks like an old-school radio. Unlike our previous retro internet radio/speaker dock, Multi Station is not a high-end device. It’s a simple and compact speaker dock with a Qi charging pad, built-in FM tuner, alarm clock, and Bluetooth connectivity. This is a better-looking option than the previous two cheap speaker docks, but it also costs a little bit more (priced under $70).
What’s in the box?
The packaging includes your radio, micro USB charging cable (no power adapter), AUX cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Multi Station looks like a miniature old-school radio. It has a small footprint and it weighs less than 2lb.
The control scheme is easy to master. There are two multifunction dials/buttons on the front panel. You can use them to turn on/off the speaker, select source/mode, and control the playback. Between the two dials, there’s a nice LED clock display. Qi charging pad is located on the top and all the inputs are on the rear panel. Multi Station features USB port (for charging and for music playback), AUX input, micro SD card slot, and a micro USB charging port.
This speaker dock has a built-in rechargeable battery so you can use it outdoors (it doesn’t have to be plugged in all the time). The battery life is not amazing, but you will get up to 5h at 50% volume.
It also features Bluetooth connectivity. Pairing and streaming via Bluetooth is simple and hassle-free. NFC pairing and other advanced Bluetooth features (multipoint pairing, daisy-chaining, hands-free) are not supported.
If you don’t want to use Bluetooth, you can always switch to FM radio or insert your micro SD card. If you want to connect a non-Bluetooth device, you can use the AUX input and the included AUX cable.
Qi charging pad works as advertised but you have to center the phone since there’s only one charging coil in the middle of the top panel.
On top of all these features, Multi Station has an alarm clock and sleep timer.
The sound is surprisingly loud but the quality of reproduction is just average.
Things we don’t like
The USB port is for charging only. The manufacturer claims that you can use it for music playback but that wasn’t the case with our unit.
12. Azpen Dockall D108
Azpen Dockall D108 is another affordable speaker dock under $70. Judging by its design, this thing is made for office use but nothing prevents you from using it anywhere you want. It supports wireless Qi charging and wired charging (2 USB ports), is has two small built-in speakers and a mic, and it’s Bluetooth-enabled.
What’s in the box?
The box contains your Dockall D108 speaker dock, power adapter, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Dockall D108 is compact, slim, and lightweight. It looks very stylish and professional, In our opinion, it’s a great little device for office use.
90% of the front panel is reserved for the Qi charging pad. The pad slightly angled backward. It’s large and can be used for iPhones, iPods, and iPads (and other Qi-enabled phones and tablets). At the bottom of the front panel, you have nice and simple touch-sensitive controls (playback and volume buttons) and a built-in mic.
On the left and right panels, there are two small speakers. On the rear panel, you’ll see 2 USB charging ports (2A and 1A), micro SD card slot (for music playback), and a power button.
The speaker dock is Bluetooth-enabled. Pairing is fast and painless. Streaming works flawlessly within the 30ft range. Multipoint pairing and daisy-chaining are not supported. You can answer and make calls via Bluetooth thanks to that built-in mic. We’ve had no issues with the microphone.
If you don’t want to use Bluetooth, you can insert your micro SD card and stream the music directly from it.
2 USB ports on the rear panel are designed for charging only (can’t be used for playback).
The sound is pretty loud considering the size of the speakers. The sound quality is pretty much average. The bass is weak, almost nonexistent. The emphasis is on the vocals.
Things we don’t like
Qi wireless charging doesn’t work if you have a thick phone case (thicker than 5mm). It also doesn’t work with metal phone cases. This is an issue with all Qi charging pads, not only this one. Dockall D108 doesn’t have an AUX input and that’s the only real downside of this speaker dock.
13. Nillkin Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Charger
Nillkin is another affordable and stylish speaker dock with a wireless Qi charger and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a great choice for your office or for your apartment.
What’s in the box?
The packaging contains your iPhone speaker dock, power adapter, AUX cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Nillkin is a sleek and elegant, circular dock. It looks really nice and it’s quite tiny and light.
The user interface is simple. All the controls are grouped on the front side. The buttons are touch-sensitive and responsive. Everything is straightforward. On the back, there are DC power input, AUX input, and a USB charging port.
Nillkin is Bluetooth-enabled and wireless streaming works without issues. In case your phone supports NFC quick pairing, you can just tap the speaker with your phone and you’ll be paired in a second. Also, there’s a built-in mic so you can answer and make calls via Bluetooth.
The sound is quite loud but not very detailed or rich. It’s pretty much on par with the price but you can still find a Bluetooth speaker that sounds better than Nillkin for the same price.
Things we don’t like
Our only complaint is the lack of battery. Nillkin doesn’t have a built-in battery and has to be plugged in all the time. Adding a small (2,000-3,000mAh) rechargeable battery would be a big upgrade.
14. iHome iBTW38
iHome makes all kinds of useful gadgets, multipurpose devices, headphones, etc. IBT38 is a wireless charging dock, Bluetooth speaker, speakerphone, clock, and alarm. Unlike many other similar devices in this price range, iBTW38 doesn’t have a built-in FM tuner.
What’s in the box?
Inside the packaging, you will find your iBTW38 speaker dock, power adapter, user manual, and a warranty card.
Things we like
iBTW38 is, just like the majority of speaker docks, very small and compact.
Large LCD screen is located in the middle of the front panel. On the screen, there’s a large digital clock and all the other info about Bluetooth connection and alarms. The speakers are located on the left and right sides. All the controls are on the top panel. The buttons are simple and easy to use. There’s a dedicated button for each function. Qi charging pad is also located on the top. All the inputs are on the rear panel. You have one USB charging port, DC power input, clock button, and daylight-saving time button.
iBTW38 is Bluetooth-enabled. Wireless connection is flawless. The range is 30ft. NFC pairing and other advanced Bluetooth features are not supported. The speaker features support for HFP Bluetooth profile and has a built-in mic so you can use it to answer phone calls in Bluetooth mode.
The speaker has no other physical connections for music playback (no AUX input, no micro SD card slot), but it has a clock, dual alarms, and sleep timer.
The sound is pretty loud but the quality is not impressive. There’s some bass but it lacks impact. The emphasis is on the mids – the manufacturer tried to make the midrange as clear as possible.
Things we don’t like
Many similar devices in this price range have FM tuners but this one doesn’t. Also, the speaker has no built-in battery and has to be plugged in all the time.
15. Emerson ER-X300 Docking Station
Emmerson ER-X300 is the last speaker dock on our list. It’s another affordable option under $50. In terms of design, it reminds us of Nillkin speaker dock, but it’s not the same. This one has a built-in rechargeable battery and an adjustable arm/phone rest with a wireless charging pad.
What’s in the box?
ER-X300 comes along with a USB to micro USB charging cable, 5V/2.4A DC power adapter, user manual, and 1-year warranty.
Things we like
Like all the previous speaker docks, ER-X300 is small and compact. You can use it in your office, your kitchen, bedroom, or any other room.
The controls are on the top. All the buttons are responsive and easy to use. However, they are not visible enough.
The body of the speaker is wrapped in white grille. Behind the grille, there’s a nice LED clock display. The display brightness is adjustable and you can even turn it off if you don’t like it.
On the rear panel of the speaker, there’re one USB powerbank port, micro USB charging port, and AUX input.
On the top, there’s an adjustable arm with a no-slip grip to keep the phone in place. This arm has a built-in charging coil for wireless charging.
ER-X300 has a built-in 4,000mAh battery and can be used outdoors (it doesn’t have to be plugged in all the time). It will deliver up to 5 hours of playback at 50% volume.
The speaker dock offers decent Bluetooth performance with a standard pairing process and Bluetooth range. There’s a built-in mic so you can use the speaker dock for hands-free calls. If you want to connect a non-Bluetooth device, you can use the AUX input.
Among other features, this speaker also has a built-in clock, dual alarm, and a digital FM tuner.
ER-X300 has one 10W driver inside so you should not expect anything spectacular. Still, this speaker dock is surprisingly loud for its size and delivers a very nice sound with a slightly boosted bass and clear mids.
Things we don’t like
It’s hard to complain about a cheap product, especially when it has so many cool features. We could talk about the build quality but you probably know what to expect when the speaker is priced under $40. The only we could complain about is the adjustable arm. It simply doesn’t look large enough for iPads. We’ve seen people using this speaker dock with iPads, but we still don’t think this adjustable arm/phone rest is stable enough.
This is the end of our list of 15 best iPhone docking stations with speakers in 2024. Hopefully, there’s was something you liked. Before you go away, take a few minutes to go through our short buyer’s guide. We’ve listed all the important specs and features you should consider when looking for an iPhone docking station with a speaker.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Look for When Buying an iPhone Docking Station with a Speaker (iPhone Speaker Dock)
Lightning Docking Connector VS Wireless Charging
Well, wireless charging definitely sounds cooler but you still have to consider all the current downsides of Qi wireless charging (slow charging, relatively low efficiency, close proximity required) and all the compatibility issues. When you think about it, wireless speaker docks are not that better than the speaker docks with lightning connectors. At the moment, the difference between the two is minimal. Wireless speaker docks will certainly become better in the future but, buying one now will not make your life much easier.
Compatibility
Not all the iPhones are compatible with all the iPhone speaker docks, especially when it comes to wireless (Qi-enabled) speaker docks. If you are buying an iPhone speaker dock with a lightning docking connector, you can be assured that it’s compatible with all the currently available iPhones (they all have lightning ports, including the latest iPhone 11 and 11 Pro). It’s not the same thing with wireless speaker docks. The first iPhone with Qi support is the iPhone 8. iPhone 7 and iPhone 6 are not Qi-enabled by default but you can make them Qi-enabled if you buy some Qi-enabled charging case. The problem with Qi-enabled charging cases and other Qi-enabled add-ons is that they use lightning ports. So, if you are using some Qi-enabled charging case to charge your iPhone wirelessly, you won’t be able to use your lightning port to connect your lightning headphones or to connect your phone to your PC.
Sound Quality
You shouldn’t forget that it’s not all about charging options and docking connectors. The speaker part is equally important (if not more important) when it comes to speaker docks. The first thing you should know is that you can find a better speaker for the same amount of money if you don’t need a docking port.
Recommended Reading :
- 17 Best Bluetooth Speakers With Radio
- 10 Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems
- 10 Best Wireless Speakers for TV
It’s not like you can’t find a great-sounding wireless speaker dock, but most of them are really small and very limited when it comes to sonic performance. If you want a good-sounding wireless speaker dock, you will have to pay more than $100 (preferably more than $200). The market of wireless speaker docks is only going to grow but, at the moment, most of them don’t sound great.
Connection versatility – Bluetooth, 3.5mm, AirPlay
It’s not a secret what to look for when it comes to connection versatility – more is always better. The majority of today’s speaker docks support Bluetooth. After all, Bluetooth has become a universal technology and it’s not that expensive. Also, most iPhone speaker docks have 3.5mm ports which are even more universal than Bluetooth. Additional connections like Airplay, Chromecast, etc., are reserved for more advanced (read more expensive) speaker docks.
Additional Features
Some iPhone speaker docks also feature some additional features like FM tuners or alarm clocks. These features are available in cheaper speaker docks, too so you don’t have to spend a fortune if you want a speaker dock with an alarm clock and FM tuner.
Size and Design
Size and design should not be forgotten. It’s hard to say what to look for when it comes to design since we all have different tastes. One thing we can say is that if you want premium-looking device and premium build quality, you’ll have to pay more. When it comes to size, your choice depends on the available space and your personal preferences. If you want a speaker dock for your nightstand, you should look for the smallest possible footprint. On the other hand, if you want a speaker for your living room, larger docking stations and even smart tables with Qi chargers are viable choices.
Price
iPhone docking stations with speakers are not crazy expensive, but some of them are kind of pricey. The most expensive ones are priced at $400 and if you can afford them go for those. They definitely look and sound better than the cheap docking stations under $50. On the other hand, if you need something useful, compact, and affordable, you don’t have to spend more than $100 (or even more than $50).
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.
My lightning connector part has broken on JBL,is there a replacement?
I think there’s no replacement for the connector, Michael.
Your AudioReputation Team
What docking stations are work with the iPod classic?
Hi, durable forest
Any docking station with a 30-pin connector will work with the iPod Classic.
Hope this helps
Your AudioReputation Team