Acoustic Solutions Blast
ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS
First Impressions: A Speaker Built for Life Outside the Living Room
Summer days out, garden get-togethers, and trips where a phone charger is the only luxury you can spare space for — this is exactly the territory the Acoustic Solutions Blast Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is aiming for. It's a compact, waterproof, battery-powered speaker designed to survive rain, splashes, and the general chaos of being thrown in a bag, while still pumping out enough volume to fill a garden or a tent. At under £50, it sits in one of the most competitive corners of the audio market, going up against established names that dominate this price bracket. The question worth answering before you spend your money is simple: does the Blast do enough, well enough, to earn a spot in your bag this summer?
Design and Build Quality
The Blast is a cylindrical speaker roughly the height of a large water bottle, measuring 19cm tall with a 7.36cm diameter body — small enough to slot into a backpack side pocket or bike bag without a second thought. At approximately 1kg, it has enough heft to feel solidly made rather than flimsy, but it's still light enough that you won't notice it weighing down a day bag on a long hike.
A built-in hang rope is a small but genuinely useful design touch. It means you can clip the speaker to a rucksack, hook it onto a tent pole, or hang it from a bike frame rather than having to find somewhere flat and stable to rest it — a detail that matters more than it sounds like it should once you're actually out and about.
The RGB lighting is the speaker's most eye-catching feature, running through two adjustable lighting modes. This is squarely a mood-and-atmosphere addition rather than a functional one — it won't change how the speaker sounds, but for evening garden sessions or beach hangouts, it does add a party-speaker feel that plain black boxes can't match. Worth noting: based on user manual documentation, the lighting draws additional power, so leaving it running will shorten your listening time on a single charge.
One control limitation is worth flagging early: there's no way to adjust bass response directly on the unit itself. Any tonal shaping has to be done through your source device's equaliser settings rather than on the speaker.
Sound Performance: What the Numbers Actually Mean
The Blast is built around two 12.5W stereo drivers for a combined 25W of total output. In plain terms, that puts it in the "genuinely loud for its size" category rather than the anaemic tin-can sound some budget speakers are known for — 25W total output from a device this compact is enough to comfortably fill a living room or hold its own in a garden without distorting at moderate-to-high volumes.
The quoted frequency response of 80Hz–20,000Hz tells you the effective range of tones the speaker can reproduce. The lower figure — 80Hz — is a realistic number for a speaker this size; it means you'll get a reasonably warm, present low end without expecting the kind of chest-thumping bass you'd only get from a much larger, heavier unit. The upper limit of 20kHz covers the full range of audible treble, so cymbals, vocals, and high-frequency detail should come through clearly rather than sounding muffled.
Stereo Playback and TWS Pairing
The speaker plays in true stereo from its own two internal drivers — useful confirmation for anyone worried this is a single mono driver dressed up as stereo. Where it gets more interesting is the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing feature: link two Blast units together and you get a combined 50W output with a genuine left-right stereo spread across the two speakers. For anyone hosting a bigger gathering — a garden party, a group camping trip — this effectively doubles your coverage and turns two modest speakers into a much more capable sound system, assuming you're willing to buy a second unit.
One connectivity caveat to know upfront: this speaker does not support multipoint Bluetooth, meaning it can only stay actively connected to one device at a time. If you're regularly switching between a phone and a laptop, you'll need to manually disconnect and reconnect each time rather than have both linked simultaneously.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Bluetooth 5.0 handles the wireless connection, which is a meaningful step up from older Bluetooth generations in terms of connection stability and range — you should get a solid link across a garden or a decent-sized room without the dropouts that plagued earlier wireless speakers. For anyone who prefers a wired connection or is pairing with an older device, a 3.5mm AUX input is included, letting you plug in directly and bypass Bluetooth entirely.
Google Assistant compatibility means voice control is available for playback and queries, provided your connected phone has the Assistant app set up — a helpful convenience if your hands are full at the beach or you don't want to fumble with your phone while cooking outdoors.
A built-in microphone rounds out the connectivity features, enabling hands-free calling directly through the speaker when a call comes in while it's paired to your phone.
Battery Life and Charging: What a Day Out Actually Looks Like
Rated at 14 hours of battery life on a full charge, the Blast is built to comfortably outlast a full day of use — a beach trip from morning to evening, a full festival day, or a weekend of camping without access to mains power. In real-world terms, 14 hours is enough that most people will only need to charge it once every couple of days of regular use, rather than treating it like a phone that needs topping up nightly.
Charging is handled via USB, and the speaker supports PD (Power Delivery) fast charging, a standardised fast-charge protocol that speeds up charging times compared to a basic USB connection. There's an important detail buyers need to know before purchase: the speaker does not come with a charging adaptor in the box. You'll need to supply your own USB power adaptor rated between 5W and 10W output — most modern phone chargers will comfortably fall within that range, but it's worth checking before you assume you're ready to go out of the box. A USB charging cable is included, so it's just the wall adaptor you'll need to source separately.
One thing this speaker doesn't do: it can't be charged via the AUX input, so that port is strictly for audio, not power.
Waterproofing and Outdoor Durability
This is arguably the Blast's headline feature: an IP67 waterproof rating. In practical terms, this means the speaker is protected against dust ingress and can survive full submersion in water up to a metre deep for a limited period — a genuinely high level of protection for a speaker at this price point. It also floats if dropped in water, a small but meaningful detail for anyone using it near a pool, a lake, or on a boat, since it means an accidental drop doesn't mean losing the speaker to the bottom of the water.
This level of waterproofing means you don't need to babysit the speaker during a rain shower at a festival, a splash at the pool, or condensation build-up in a tent — it's designed to shrug off exactly those situations.
Who This Speaker Is Actually For
The Blast makes the most sense for:
- Outdoor and travel-focused listeners who want a speaker that can handle water, dust, and general rough treatment without a protective case
- Budget-conscious buyers who want genuinely useful features — real waterproofing, real battery life, real stereo sound — without paying premium-brand prices
- Casual group listening, particularly if you're open to buying a second unit down the line for the TWS stereo pairing option
- Hikers, cyclists, and campers who'll appreciate the hang rope and compact size as much as the sound quality itself
It's a less natural fit for:
- Audiophiles and critical listeners who want deep, tight bass extension or the refined sound staging that costs considerably more to achieve
- Multi-device households who regularly switch between phone, tablet, and laptop and want a speaker that stays connected to more than one at once, since there's no multipoint Bluetooth here
- Anyone wanting fine-tuned sound control, given there's no onboard bass adjustment — you're dependent on your source device's EQ settings
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
At this price point, the Blast is competing against a mix of established audio brands and other value-focused alternatives, most of which lean on similar core selling points: waterproofing, all-day battery life, and portability.
| Feature | Acoustic Solutions Blast | Typical Budget Competitor Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total output | 25W (50W in TWS pair mode) | Commonly 20–30W in this price bracket |
| Waterproofing | IP67 (submersible, floats) | Usually IPX7 or IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 14 hours | Commonly 12–24+ hours depending on brand |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | Increasingly 5.0–5.3 on newer releases |
| Charging | USB-C, PD fast charging supported | Mix of USB-C and micro-USB still in circulation |
| Multipoint pairing | Not supported | Varies, generally still uncommon at this price |
| Stereo pairing | Yes (TWS, 2-unit) | Common feature across this category |
The picture that emerges is one of solid, competitive parity rather than a standout on any single spec. The Blast's IP67 rating and TWS pairing put it on equal footing with well-regarded rivals from bigger brands, while its 14-hour battery life sits in the middle of the pack — respectable, but not class-leading, since some established competitors now push past 20 hours on a single charge. Where the Blast has a clearer edge is price: it undercuts many of the recognisable brand-name alternatives while still hitting the same core feature checklist.
Strengths and Weaknesses, Honestly
The Blast earns real credit for delivering features that used to be reserved for pricier speakers. A genuine IP67 rating with floatation is not something every budget speaker can claim, and having it here removes a lot of the anxiety around using the speaker near water or in unpredictable weather. The 25W stereo output backs this up with volume and clarity that punches above the price, and the option to pair two units for a fuller 50W stereo spread gives it room to grow with you rather than being a one-and-done purchase. Battery life comfortably covers a full day out, and PD fast charging means less time tethered to a wall when you do need to top up.
The trade-offs are just as real, though. The lack of an included charging adaptor is a mild inconvenience — not a dealbreaker, since most people already own a compatible USB charger, but it's an extra step some buyers won't expect from a speaker of this description. The absence of multipoint Bluetooth is a more meaningful limitation for anyone juggling multiple devices day-to-day, and the fixed bass response — with no onboard adjustment — means bass-heavy listeners will need to rely entirely on their phone or player's own EQ. None of these are unusual limitations for a speaker at this price, but they're worth going in with clear eyes about.
Final Verdict
The Acoustic Solutions Blast Wireless Bluetooth Speaker does what it sets out to do: it's a genuinely rugged, respectably loud, all-day speaker built for people who spend more time outdoors than in front of a hi-fi system. The IP67 waterproofing and floating design are the standout reasons to buy it, backed up by real stereo sound, solid battery life, and the flexibility to pair a second unit later for bigger, fuller audio.
It's not the speaker for anyone chasing audiophile-grade bass or seamless multi-device switching — those buyers should look further up the price range. But for hikers, beachgoers, campers, and anyone who wants a speaker that can take a splash and keep playing without breaking the bank, the Blast is a genuinely sound purchase, and one of the more complete packages available at its price point.
What People Say
107 commentsAmazing Quality
Amazing Sound Quality and Portability - A Must-Have Bluetooth Speaker!
I recently purchased and I have to say, it has exceeded all my expectations. Here’s a breakdown of what I loved about it:
Sound Quality - 9.5/10
The sound quality is truly remarkable for a speaker of this size. The bass is deep and punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are crystal clear. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, or podcasts, it handles everything beautifully. Even at higher volumes, there’s no noticeable distortion.
Battery Life - 9/10
The battery life is another standout feature. I got around 12 hours of playback on a single charge, which is impressive. It also has a convenient battery indicator, so you always know how much juice is left. The charging time is reasonable, and it supports fast charging, which is a plus.
Build Quality and Design - 9/10
The speaker feels solid and well-constructed. It has a sleek, modern design with a durable exterior, It’s lightweight and has a carrying handle, making it super easy to take on the go.
Bluetooth Connectivity - 8.5/10
Pairing the speaker with my phone and other devices was quick and effortless. The Bluetooth connection is stable up to around [X] feet without any dropouts. However, the connection can sometimes be slightly slower when switching between devices.
Additional Features - 8.5/10
This speaker comes with a few handy extras like built-in voice assistant support, a 3.5mm audio jack for wired connections, and the ability to take phone calls. The buttons are intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. I also love the LED lights that add a nice visual touch, especially in the dark.
Pros:
• Excellent sound quality with strong bass
• Long battery life
• Portable and sturdy design
• Easy Bluetooth pairing and stable connection
• Additional features like water resistance and voice assistant compatibility
Cons:
• Slight delay when switching Bluetooth devices
• Could use a bit more customization for sound profiles (EQ settings)
Overall Rating: 9/10
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that offers great sound, portability, and a sleek design, this one is hard to beat. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings and delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price. Highly recommended
Had 1 month, used it a lot, can't fault it yet!!!
I can't say I've bought many Bluetooth speakers, let alone recently. But this one has exceeded my expectations. Certainly for the price, not only exceeds power of others literally about 50 times the volume, the bass is brilliant, all-round seems like a very very well thought out and tested design. If it can satisfy ME, then ... well, let's just say I'm fussy. BUT I'm not you, so... don't just take my word for it. Unless YOU try a thing for a while, what can anyone really say? I'll see if instead I can focus on the "worst" "features" from what I can tell:
1. In the dark, hard to find any buttons let alone the right one.
2. That's assuming you can even work out what the buttons do during the day.
3. Manual writing FAR too small, and I don't even need to wear glasses. What's new these days, though, huh?
4. For best sound, seems to be need to be hung by strap. Lying it on a surface at the very least produces variable results. IDK maybe you'll like it, or I just don't get something about it.
Otherwise, it certainly surprised me with some exciting features, not least, just generally exceeds my expectations, pretty sure I'll buy a second! Maybe even a third and a fourth, given one of its special features ;) I'll let you explore that! :D
Quality sound but lacking deeper bass
The unit looks nice and is lighter than expected. It is easy to link and I imagine bass reproduction would be better with two units linked up together. The unit is not particularly loud, but offers clear sound in the kids and highs, but the deeper bass tones are very much lacking and so I would not recommend this unit if you are into dance music or any music where bass is an important element. It is very much more a unit that will be appreciated by someone who is into classical or easy listening. To be honest, given the unit has two bass radiators its lack of bass is little disappointing. The upside of this is that the battery, of course, lasts well and you do have the option of turning of these silly coloured LED lights, which also adds to the batteries depletion. Overall, would I recommend it? Honestly….probably not although it is adequate, there is nothing outstanding about the quality of this product and I wonder if we would have been better off with the more compact and improved musical range of the JBL that we replaced with this unit after gifting our smaller JBL to a family friend.
Brilliant sound
I'd heard this in use and was so impressed that I decided to get one for myself. It's brilliant; really punchy and upfront sound combined with a great dynamic range. The fact that the sound, although stereo, comes from practically one point, gives it a focus that I remember from the old days of mono.
That's the most important feature. It was easy to connect, and it's great that it's so easy to carry around. The illumination doesn't really matter to me. I don't know that I'll be using it outdoors, but in case I do, it's very good to know that it's waterproof.
Good Value.
I bought this as has a good sound but you lower the sound with your TV remote. You can charge for 1-2 hours. You can listen to relaxation recordings on your mobile google play store and be at peace with recording instructions. As some of them are free. If you are deaf you need hearing aids, and you can adjust the surround sound so this doesn't bother your neighbours. There is a rechargeable battery and if this runs down you would need to replace it as has wires and a connection.
excellent sound
my old speaker died on me after 10 yrs was gonna get a real top of range one but got this speaker . read the reviews got this an im not disappointed the low and midrange are clear the bass 4 me is ok the test of any speaker 4 me is 2 play classic rock dance hip hop this speaker handled all genres of music brilliantly. at full volume only tried this once but still good i would say 100% get this speaker the sound is ten out of ten 4 me
Good speaker
I bought this for my daughters 4th birthday as wanted the children to come in and play while music was playing and for party games. Sound quality is good but better for smaller venues rather than large halls. Lights on the side are funky and battery life is good when fully charged. Have used it at home and can be heard across two rooms, no distortion on sound or reverberations. Overall a decent solid home speaker.
It's ok, not the best
We purchased this last minute for a trip away as it was quite reasonably priced but wished we had purchased something else. Sound is basic lacks a bit of mid and base. Getting connected is hit and miss. Once connected on some devices like my iPhone it kept dropping in and out. Laptop seemed to be ok. Writing this as it would have been helpful for me when purchasing this. Cheers
Great speaker for the money
Great speaker, great sound, it pairs with another for stereo sound. A bit weird that it’s meant to stand up on its end because that blocks one of the subs, however it still sounds great. I originally bought a lil Sony for £40 but it sounded awful and I sent it back, the difference in this for the extra £10 is night and day
Stupendous sound
I bought this to replace one that I considered excellent (used mainly for listening to movies and music), but were both blown away with the clarity of this mini soundbar. It cost about the same as our previous one, but outperforms it in every aspect. The battery life is excellent as well. 12 out of 10 from me.
Unsuitable for needs.
Bought to use as a background speaker in tandem with an existing soundbar with my LG smart TV. Despite having checked this was possible prior to purchase, it doesn't work! Although incidental, not that impressed with the quality of sound and the flashing lights are just a gimmick. Will try and return.
Outstanding sound
I bought this blue tooth speaker in Oban Scotland because I can never hear my radio in my noisy truck, and going home 400mls away. I was truly amazed at the sound and quality by Bluetooth from my phone. For the first time in three years I enjoyed my 13hr drive back home. A real bargain price as well.
Great little speaker with a big sound.
Such a great sound for a small speaker, 25 watts (12.5 each end) of clear sound & easy to connect to.
I’d been looking for a portable speaker for ages but most don’t have very much wattage per speaker (3-7 max), & I just turned it on & it connected to my phone straight away.
Highly recommended.
Great speakers
I bought this not too long ago as my little cousin had bought one last year, the sound is great and is very loud it is very easy to connect to and is very easy to carry around, lastly the lights on the speaker are very bright nor too sure about the waterproofing as i have not bought it near water
Great speaker
wanted a good speaker for a festival that wasnt going to sound like a tin of beans and had nothing but good things to say about this, lasted most of the weekend and was plenty loud for our camp so for the price it was amazing.
Basically the jbl flip ( but cheaper and better )
Just what I was hoping for
I wanted a portable speaker to use in conjunction with my laptop and projector when talking to small group meetings. This has proved ideal for my purpose. Volume and sound quality good, battery lasts hours and I can choose between Bluetooth and direct connection to my computer.
Good sound for the money.
Recently purchased this item after reading the reviews. The sound quality is better than I expected, good functionality with straightforward operation. I like the fact you can link it to other Acoustic Solution speakers, having done so with my daughters mini blast speaker.
Very happy
I got this a few weeks back and I’ve used it a number of times. The sound is great. Very easy to use just with you lots a bit louder. The only downside for me is it is a little bit too small, but if you wanted to use it for outside Entertainment, it’s easy to carry around
Better than expected
I have been doubting this for a while but finally pulled the trigger. Sound quality is amazing, bassy and clear. The only niggly bit I don't like is why have the rubber feet on the ends coz its blocking one of the subs and lights? Part from this I’ll happily recommend
Great speaker for the price!
We are going on a canal boat holiday and wanted a decent but not overly expensive speaker to play music as we cruise. This will do the job perfectly! It's definitely loud enough and packs a good punch! For what we need, the volume at 50% will be more then adequate.
