A WIRED review examines the Sodapop Bluetooth speaker, a compact device that screws onto soda bottles to boost bass. While the concept adds novelty, the speaker's sound quality falls short compared to competitors. The review highlights its design, performance, and sustainability concerns.
The Sodapop Bluetooth speaker, featured in a recent WIRED review, is a super compact cylindrical device measuring 3.8 inches long, 2.3 inches deep, and weighing 10.5 ounces. It includes two 4.5-watt stereo drivers, a 10-watt amplifier, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, a 3.5-mm AUX input, and a built-in microphone for calls. Powered by a 1,600-mAh rechargeable battery, it offers up to 30 hours of playback and has an IPX65 rating for dust and splash resistance.
The speaker's unique feature is its ability to screw onto standard soda bottles, specifically the global PCO 1881 standard, to enhance bass. The manufacturer claims this boosts the bass output by up to 10 decibels, doubling the perceived volume in the mid-bass range. However, it ships with its own acoustically tuned plastic bottle, complete with a bass port, diaphragm, and color-matched accents, serving as both a case and bass chamber. A spokesperson explained, “Not all bottles fit perfectly, so the included one ensures users get the intended acoustic performance straight out of the box.” They added, “the supplied bottle is tuned to complement the speaker’s design, ensuring the best possible sound without trial and error.”
Without the bottle, the speaker sounds shrill and lacks bass, even at low volumes. Attaching the bottle improves lower frequencies, adding depth to mids and bass, though it becomes muddy at higher volumes. Testing with standard 16.9-fluid-ounce soda bottles showed some bass boost but poorer stability and sound compared to the supplied bottle. Larger bottles proved harder to attach and less effective.
Compared to rivals, the $70 Anker Soundcore Motion 300 offers clearer bass and volume, while the $80 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 provides 360-degree sound and IP67 waterproofing. The $35 Tribit StormBox Micro 2 matches in size and bass but is cheaper and more waterproof with IPX7. The review notes the Sodapop's cute design suits social media but questions its sustainability, as the included bottle is a manufactured component rather than promoting reuse, despite Kickstarter origins emphasizing recycled plastic.