It’s not like you can’t enjoy music year round. It’s just that music sounds a little better in summertime. To amp up those warm weather tunes, there is a crop of new audio devices on the market that make great gifts for anyone — including yourself.
The great news about this overview of audio gadgets is there are some genuinely affordable options here. We’ve tried them all under different conditions, and each held up well, regardless of price point.
Now, all you have to do is sort through the gallery below and decide which you want to snag to enhance your summer music lovin’.
Audio Gifts and Gadgets for Summer
Summer is a time for music and celebration, and these audio gifts make it sound all the sweeter.
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Sol Republic DECK
Sol Republic's wireless speaker is so bold, it requires caps lock to type out its name. But it does indeed back it up with features and power.
Running on 10 hours of juice, this low profile speaker is easy to stow away, and even easier to bring a party whereever you go.
With a range of up to 300 feet away via Bluetooth and up to 5 users connected at once thanks to "Heist mode", DECK will get everyone in on the fun, too.
MSRP: $199.99
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Beats by Dre Powerbeats 2
Although Beats By Dre Powerbeats 2 are inspired by LeBron James, they don't cramp up in the final minutes of the big game like he did.
Instead they keep running strong with 6-hours nonstop battery life, sweat and water resistance, and superior sound, making them equally perfect for long gym sessions or for relaxing by the pool.
$199.95
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Wicked Audio Solus
The Wicked Audio Solus offer an over ear design and decent sound for a very affordable, almost entry level price. That's what Wicked does best, and the company brings a lot of new, young customers into the audio accessory market.
MSRP: $49.95
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AwoX StriimLIGHT
Before we begin, I'm assessing a 15 yard penalty for Illegal Use of Gimmicky Spelling for the AwoX StriiimLIGHT. Guys, pick a case and run with "iiT."
But, I digress. This Bluetooth speaker plugs into a lamp and does double duty as a lightbulb.
The sound quality is strong, and if can scare grandma if you don't tell her it's there.
MSRP: $99
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BEM Speaker Band
In an age when Samsung and Apple are putting out smart watches, BEM knocked out a simple wireless speaker for your wrist. Impact resistant and water resistant, the BEM Speaker Band lets the wearer leave their music source stationary while they move about their day (while their within range).
MSRP: $49.99
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Microlab FC60BT Wireless Speakers
While it can be hard to find for purchase right now, the new Microlab FC60BT Bluetooth audio system offers a strong subwoofer and two wireless speakers you can arrange anywhere in your space.
MSRP: $449
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PureBoom Premium Sound Buds Headset
The PureBoom Premium Sound Buds Headset is tough and simple – offering a tangle-free design and surprising good sound quality for its price.
They also pair up with the company's PureGear for use while exercising.
MSRP: $39.99
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Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS
About the size of an old-school Zippo cigarette lighter, the DacMagic XS has a sample function. You plug it in between your headphones and your music source, and the DacMagic boosts and warms the digital music to sweet analog standards.
MSRP: $189.99
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Braven BRV-X Speaker
The Braven BRV-X is perfect for summer use. Tough, impact resistant and waterproofed, the Bluetooth unit can sit poolside, next to the BBQ, at the beach or anywhere else summer takes you.
MSRP: $199.99
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UCLEAR HBC200 Force
While the least all-purpose of the devices here, the UCLEAR HBC200 Force might be the most impressive gadget here.
Using a form of bone induction, the UCLEAR allows audio playback and direct communication from within a motorcycle helmet.
We've tried this briefly and are planning a longer review. For now, suffice to say the Force works perfectly. (No, there will be no Star Wars joke.)
MSRP: $450
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FAVI Audio+ iPhone Speaker
The FAVI Audio+ iPhone Speaker is a remarkably simple idea that works in practice. It's a small iPhone stand and wireless speaker that connects with the phone without going through the pairing process. Once connected, the Audio+ plays your iPhone tunes with extra oomph.
MSRP: $49.99
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Sol Republic Relays
A true crossover headphones, Relays shine whether you're out for a run getting that into that beach body shape or sitting on the can at home — both of which can work up quite a sweat.
Relays also have 3-buttons to take control over your iPhone, Android, or whatever smartphone you kids are carrying around these days.
MSRP: $79.99
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Sony MDR-1R Headphones
In the realm of consumer audio, there are few names bigger than Sony. Their MDR-1R over ear headphones sit in the upper end of their line without climbing to the peak in price.
The sound quality is enveloping, and the construction is solid and reliable.
MSRP: $299.99
