SoundBot SB510 HD
Introduction
SoundBot is a brand of portable speakers that has found some fame for its affordable shower speakers. The company was founded in 2012, and its goal is to create "the best portable Bluetooth speaker that money can buy." They have a wide variety of products, most of which revolve around bluetooth technology. Without a doubt, their most popular product is the SoundBot SB510 HD, which is an upgrade over the original SB510 model.
The new model has improved sound quality, volume capabilities, and battery life than its predecessor. Here's what you need to know about this cool little speaker!
What makes the SoundBot SB510 HD so good?
Well, let's be honest here, is it a good-sounding speaker? Not really. But it's not awful and its price is right on the money for what it needs to be. The Soundbot SB510 HD is a shower speaker. Designed to be used in the bathroom when getting ready in the morning. It's convenient, it's waterproof, and it's inexpensive.
I think many people are guilty of listening to music in the shower. For me, it's podcasts I listen and I don't really want to bring my phone in with me. The Soundbot has all the functionality I need. It has 6 hours of battery life, comes in 6 different colors to match the room, and even has a suction cup on the back that allows you to stick it to the shower wall.
There are physical buttons on top that obviously (due to wet hands) work better in this situation than capacitive buttons. These buttons will allow you to play and pause your music as well as skip tracks and lower or raise the volume.
The play and pause buttons also double up if you want to take a call on the speaker. Yes, it has a built-in microphone for taking calls in case you are someone that likes to have conversations when lathering yourself up (insert suspicious emoji here I guess).
Let’s talk about the Soundbot SB510 HD Battery Life
SoundBot itself claims a battery life of around 6 hours and yes, I did manage to run it in our battery test for a full 5 hours and 42 minutes. That's pretty good, given its size and that was done at 70% volume.
The thing is this. 6 hours might not seem like a lot of time listening to music. In those terms, I probably listen to about 5-6 hours a day of audio. So should I charge the Soundbot every day? Obviously not as it's not my main device. In reality, I'm maybe in the bathroom, getting ready for 10 to 15 minutes. I'm charging the Soundbot once every 30 days. It sort of became this thing that just hangs out on my shower wall that I don't really think about that often. Certainly not a pain in my backside like charging my phone, headphones, or apple watch.
Another thing to point out is that the battery goes further because of where we use it. If using the SB510 HD out in the open, you will have to crank the volume due to the small driver. In an enclosed space like a shower that amplifies the sound I'm listening to at far lower levels.
How does the SoundBot SB510 HD Sound?
Let's be honest, not great. It costs the price of a Mcdonald's meal and a Mcflurry. You shouldn't look at it for its sound quality but more for its functionality. It's clear sounding and far louder than a phone but lacks any real depth. The bass is almost nonexistent and while you can position it in the corner of your shower to get a bit more oomph I don't think it will blow anyone away.
Yet somehow I don't care, I'm not critical listening in the shower so what do I care, for me it’s cool that I have audio in the shower now.
The microphone and calling functionality actually worked really well. People were able to hear me clearly but this will depend on how much noise your shower makes. I have one of those irritating low-pressure tops down, help me I'm being rained on showers in my house. It doesn't make a lot of noise but I expect the calling won’t work so well with a power shower.
Splashproof, Rainproof, Dustproof, Sandproof
Yeh, this is kind of the point of the whole thing. It's fully waterproof meaning it can be used anywhere it may get wet. As a travel speaker though there are far better options with the suction cup on the back we know what to use this one for.
What’s in the Box?
In the box, there isn't much to note just the speaker and the charging cable. I do need to point out that the cable is proprietary and you need to keep a hold of it. You cannot charge this speaker via USB C or Micro.
Conclusion
If I'm honest, I love this speaker. I have actually bought a second for the guest bathroom as well because it's just so damn cheap. The Soundbot SB510 HD is not going to be a decent choice for anything other than the shower or in the bathroom but for that exact purpose, it is absolutely worth it. If you're picking this up for yourself or as a gift it’s a really good buy. Something I didn’t expect to like but now use almost every day. Recommended.
Official Website: www.soundbot.com
