If you're on the lookout for a portable Bluetooth speaker that balances performance, design, and affordability, the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker should be on your radar. This latest offering from Xiaomi brings robust features tailored for both indoor and outdoor use, offering a seamless audio experience whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet day outdoors.
The design of the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor embodies the classic aesthetic of portable speakers, showcasing a tubular shape adorned with a fabric exterior. It comes equipped with a rubber strip on the back, which not only adds durability but also offers a convenient loop for easy carrying. While this model sports a sleek black finish with an eye-catching orange loop, alternate color options include red and blue for a personalized touch.
Under the hood, the Sound Outdoor boasts an impressive dual-driver configuration, featuring a powerful 20W woofer complemented by a 10W mid-range driver. Equipped with two passive radiators on either end, it effectively enhances low frequencies, creating a more immersive listening experience.
The speaker's intuitive interface includes three buttons located on the back for power, pairing, and syncing with multiple devices. A secure flap protects the USB-C port used for charging, though it's worth noting that the device lacks an audio jack for wired connections, relying solely on Bluetooth technology.
Speaking of Bluetooth, the Sound Outdoor supports the latest Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, ensuring a stable connection. One of its standout features is the ability to pair with up to 99 other speakers of the same model for an unparalleled auditory experience across large spaces. While I didn't have access to 99 units for a full-scale test, I witnessed a demonstration with four speakers synchronized flawlessly.
As a party speaker, the Sound Outdoor excels indoors, delivering impressive sound quality with a strong punch and volume that remains distortion-free even at max levels. However, when taken outside, the audio projection loses some depth, resulting in a somewhat flatter sound profile.
For those who prioritize sound quality, some aspects of the Sound Outdoor may require consideration. The placement of the speaker can significantly impact bass response, as positioning it near a wall or corner can enhance low-end frequencies. Additionally, the mids and highs can be highly directional, leading to a loss of clarity if the speaker isn't facing you. Unfortunately, the absence of a dedicated tweeter results in dull high frequencies, which could be a drawback for audiophiles.
The device operates in mono, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if you're accustomed to stereo sound. The mono output can diminish the dynamic range of recordings, potentially leaving listeners wishing for a second unit to achieve a fuller soundstage.
Latency performance is commendable when testing a single unit, with no sync issues during video playback. However, the behavior of multiple paired units regarding sync remains untested, suggesting caution for those planning to use them for audiovisual content.
Although the Sound Outdoor integrates a microphone for calls, the quality is starkly subpar, making it ill-suited for voice communication. Audio captured through the microphone tends to be garbled and barely audible, so it's best to avoid using it for calls.
Xiaomi claims a battery life of up to 12 hours at 50% volume, which is commendable and aligns with similar offerings in this category. The speaker can be fully charged in around 2.5 hours with a 15W or higher charger, although it's important to note that it cannot function as a power bank for other devices.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor Speaker packs a punch in terms of performance and affordability. At INR 3,999, it presents a compelling alternative to costlier options from competitors like JBL and Sony, without compromising on quality. If you can overlook the lack of NFC and wired input, this speaker offers tremendous value, making it an excellent choice for any music lover on the go.
