The IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker is on its third-gen but it will not feel like it is the third-gen device. Like the VAPPEBY portable Bluetooth speaker from last year, the new VAPPEBY feels like a whole new product from the first lamp/BT speaker combo introduced in 2022.
The new IKEA VAPPEBY is visually very striking—thanks in part to the size. It is the largest VAPPEBY thus far, measuring a pretty large yet still portable 8 inches by 8 inches (about 20 by 20 centimeters). The depth is 3 inches or around 7.6 centimeters. Aesthetically, it is the Swedish flatpack furniture maker’s style of minimalism.
However, this time, I am getting the Teenage Engineering vibe. It is a very good-looking device. I have seen it in person but I have yet to audition it. Perhaps I should pick up one and have a go with it. I would probably do that but at a later time. My area listed it as out of stock. I have no idea when it will be restocked.
The device is, as you can see, rocking a tweeter and a large sub. However, I am not sure of the size of each driver. No mention of an amplifier or DAC, so I am guessing there’s none. All told this Bluetooth speaker provides a pretty impressive 39 W of peak power output.
The minimalist box has little distraction besides the exposed drivers and a knob for volume control, and playing or pausing the music. The IKEA VAPPEBY 8×8” further features a Spotify Tap playback function that when activated, generates music based on your taste.
It comes with a handle but it is not collapsible; instead, it is removable. You can install the handle for toting it around or hang it, or you can remove it to place it in a small space such as on a bookshelf.
In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the speaker offers a 3.5 mm auxiliary port for connecting with sources without Bluetooth. Like most BT speakers of this nature, two IKEA VAPPEBY can be paired to create stereo sound.
Finally, the speaker can be powered directly by the wall outlet, or for music-on-the-go, an ENEBY. The latter is sold separately (28 bucks each). So by default, it does not come with a battery. As a boon, you can buy a few batteries to keep it going for hours after hours. Oh, if you do not fancy the naked look, IKEA is also selling a US$10 front for the new VAPPEBY.
The IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth Speaker 8×8” is available now in a black or white colorway for US$69.99.
Images: IKEA.
