Consumer Reports: 5 Wireless Speakers to Stay Away From

Consumer Reports: 5 Wireless Speakers to Stay Away From

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best Bluetooth speaker brands in the past, but today we’re going to redirect our attention to wireless audio options you should avoid at all costs, as per Consumer Reports (CR).

Some of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers we’ll cover are produced by well-known companies like JBL. However, there are also other brands you might not recognize that we advise you to keep ignoring. While we aren’t here to spread negativity regarding these CR picks, an unsatisfactory wireless speaker is a letdown that drains both time and resources — which are invaluable.

We’ve selected five portable speakers from CR’s compilation of the least favorable wireless speakers of 2025. These products not only receive a low overall score on CR’s platform, but also perform poorly in other crucial areas such as sound quality, user-friendliness, and adaptability.

IKEA Vappeby

IKEA might be most recognized for its stylish, minimalist furnishings, but in the past decade, the Swedish brand has also ventured into manufacturing speakers and various smart home gadgets. The Ikea Vappeby Portable Bluetooth Speaker ranks among CR’s lowest-rated portable speakers of 2025, achieving a mere 24 out of 100 for its overall score, alongside a 2/5 for sound quality and a 2/5 for versatility.

We did some research, and despite the appealing $16 price tag, the primary reason to steer clear of this Bluetooth speaker is its restricted volume. On Ikea’s website, one reviewer noted

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