Portable Bluetooth speakers are everywhere, but very few try to be as playful as the CMF Speaker S. Priced at €69, this small speaker aims to combine an eye-catching design, a quirky milk-carton-inspired shape, and a multifunctional rotating knob that makes it feel more interactive than the average wireless speaker. It may be the smallest model in CMF’s speaker lineup, but it certainly has one of the most distinctive personalities.
There is not much of an unboxing experience here, and that appears to be intentional. The CMF Speaker S arrives in a simple box with no extra accessories. What matters is the speaker itself, which is designed to be portable, affordable, and easy to use straight away.
As the name suggests, the Speaker S is the more compact option in CMF’s speaker range. Buyers looking for more power can step up to the larger CMF Speaker M, but the Speaker S focuses on portability and everyday convenience rather than raw output.
Despite its size, CMF has given the Speaker S a fairly complete hardware setup. It features a 45mm driver, 10W of output, and a frequency response ranging from 70Hz to 20kHz. Two passive radiators are placed on the sides to help enhance the sense of bass, although the small enclosure still limits how deep the low end can go.
Design is where the Speaker S immediately stands out. CMF openly embraces the milk-carton look, giving the speaker a boxy yet charming appearance. It is available in White, Red, Black, and Cyan, and each color version gets its own unique knob design. Depending on the model, the rotary control can take on a different shape, adding a fun collectible feel to the product line.
The speaker also has a modular design. A lock button on the back allows users to remove the front panel and swap parts between speakers. While CMF does not currently sell the front panels or knobs separately, the feature adds a bit of customizability for those who own more than one unit.
The knob itself is more than just a visual flourish. It acts as the main control interface, handling volume, playback, and track navigation through a combination of rotations and presses. This kind of multifunctional control gives the Speaker S a tactile, engaging feel that helps it stand out from speakers that rely solely on simple buttons.
In terms of sound, the CMF Speaker S delivers enough volume for casual listening and small gatherings. Its tuning leans toward clarity and midrange presence, which helps vocals and instruments come through cleanly. Podcasts, acoustic tracks, and lighter genres work particularly well with this kind of sound profile.
However, bass is not the strong point here. The speaker lacks real low-end depth, and enabling the bass boost mode can make the sound less balanced. While this is not unusual for a speaker of this size, bass-heavy listeners may find the Speaker S a little underwhelming. For more casual users, though, the trade-off may be acceptable given the speaker’s compact form factor and price.
On the positive side, the Speaker S manages to sound larger than expected for its size. It also carries a strong cool factor, helped by its bold colors and unusual design. Add IP68 dust and water resistance, and it becomes a practical little companion for trips, outdoor use, or casual listening around the house.
The CMF Speaker S is available directly from CMF in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and North America. It is not positioned as a serious audiophile speaker, but rather as a stylish, portable, and fun Bluetooth speaker that offers enough performance for everyday listening.
