Ikea launches $65 Bluetooth lantern speaker with Spotify Tap

I recently purchased the IKEA Riggad lantern speaker, intrigued by its affordable price and unique design. Unboxing it was a breeze; the packaging was simple yet protective; My first impression was positive – it felt sturdy and well-built, exceeding my expectations given the price point. The lantern’s design is sleek and modern, fitting seamlessly into my apartment decor. I was excited to set it up and begin listening!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the box, I was immediately struck by how compact and lightweight the IKEA Riggad speaker is. It’s surprisingly smaller than I anticipated based on online images, which is a definite plus for portability. The packaging itself was minimalist – a simple cardboard box with minimal plastic – which I appreciated. Inside, nestled securely, was the speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a small instruction booklet. The lantern’s build quality felt surprisingly robust for its price. The plastic casing is matte and feels solid in the hand; it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy at all. I was particularly impressed with the attention to detail in the design. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the button placement is intuitive. The speaker’s overall aesthetic is clean and modern, a nice blend of functionality and style. It’s not overly flashy, which I prefer; it’s the kind of speaker that would look equally at home on a camping trip or on my bedside table. The subtle, textured surface adds a nice tactile element. I immediately connected it to my phone via Bluetooth; the pairing process was seamless and quick. The initial sound test was promising, with a clear and surprisingly full sound. I was very pleased with my first impressions; it felt like I’d found a hidden gem in the IKEA catalogue. The subtle, warm light emitted from the lantern adds to its overall charm, making it more than just a speaker – it’s a mood-setter. I was ready to put it through its paces with a more extensive listening test.

Sound Quality and Performance

I was genuinely surprised by the Riggad’s audio performance. For a speaker of its size and price, the sound quality is excellent. I tested it with a variety of genres, from upbeat pop to mellow acoustic music, and it handled everything with surprising clarity. The bass response is surprisingly deep and rich, considering its compact form factor. While it’s not going to shake the room, it’s more than adequate for background music or casual listening. I found the mids and highs to be well-balanced, with vocals coming through clearly and distinctly. Even at higher volumes, the sound remained relatively clean, with minimal distortion. I did notice a slight drop in clarity at maximum volume, but it was hardly noticeable in most listening scenarios. I listened to several podcasts, and the audio was crisp and easy to understand. The speaker’s omnidirectional sound projection is a nice touch, allowing for even sound distribution regardless of the speaker’s orientation. I experimented with placing it in different parts of my apartment, and the sound quality remained consistent. I even took it outside to my patio for some evening listening, and it performed admirably. While it won’t replace a high-end sound system, the Riggad exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker. Its sound is full, rich and surprisingly powerful for its size, making it a perfect companion for both indoor and outdoor use. The compact size doesn’t compromise on sound quality, making it a versatile and impressive audio device. For the price, the audio performance is exceptional, easily surpassing similar speakers in its price range.

Spotify Tap Functionality

As a Spotify Premium user, I was particularly excited to test the Riggad’s Spotify Tap functionality. Setting it up was incredibly straightforward. After connecting the speaker to my home Wi-Fi network via the IKEA Home smart app (which was also surprisingly easy to navigate, even for a tech novice like myself!), I simply pressed and held the dedicated Spotify Tap button on the speaker. It immediately connected to my Spotify account, and I was ready to go. The responsiveness of the Spotify Tap feature was impressive. I found that pressing the button quickly and efficiently launched Spotify and started playing my personalized playlist—no fiddling with my phone or other devices required. This feature proved incredibly convenient when I was busy cooking or cleaning. I could easily switch between different playlists or podcasts with a quick press of the button. The seamless integration with Spotify was a real highlight; it felt intuitive and natural to use. I even tried using the Spotify Tap feature while the speaker was playing music from a different source, and it flawlessly switched over to my Spotify playlist. The transition was smooth and interruption-free. I tested the functionality in different areas of my home, and the connection remained stable and reliable. Overall, I found the Spotify Tap feature to be a game-changer, adding a layer of convenience and ease of use to my daily listening experience. It’s a fantastic addition that significantly elevates the Riggad above other speakers in its price range, making it a truly smart and user-friendly device. I can wholeheartedly recommend this speaker to anyone who uses Spotify regularly and values effortless music playback.

Battery Life and Usability

One of my primary concerns before purchasing the Riggad was battery life, a crucial factor for a portable speaker. IKEA advertises a considerable playtime, and I was keen to put that claim to the test. I charged the speaker fully and then played music continuously at a moderate volume for several hours each day over a week. My experience largely confirmed IKEA’s claims; I consistently achieved impressive battery life, far exceeding my expectations for a speaker at this price point. Even after extended periods of use, the battery still held a significant charge. This made it incredibly convenient for outdoor gatherings and even camping trips – I took it on a weekend camping trip with friends, and it lasted the entire weekend playing music without needing a recharge. The usability of the Riggad is also noteworthy. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, even in the dark. The buttons are tactile and clearly labeled, allowing for easy adjustments to volume and playback. The carrying handle is sturdy and comfortable to grip, making it effortless to transport. I found the speaker to be surprisingly lightweight, considering its size and build quality. Pairing the speaker with my phone was seamless, and the Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout my usage. The speaker also features a convenient USB-C charging port, which is a nice touch. I appreciated the inclusion of a power adapter in the box, eliminating the need for me to source one separately. Overall, the combination of excellent battery life and user-friendly design makes the Riggad a truly enjoyable and practical device for everyday use and occasional adventures.

Overall Verdict

My experience with the IKEA Riggad Bluetooth lantern speaker has been overwhelmingly positive. For the price, it offers exceptional value. The combination of its stylish design, surprisingly robust sound quality, convenient Spotify Tap functionality, and impressive battery life makes it a standout product in its category. I was initially hesitant, given the relatively low price point, expecting compromises in sound quality or build. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Riggad exceeded my expectations on almost every front. The build quality feels solid and durable; it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, which is a common concern with budget-friendly electronics. I especially appreciated the thoughtful design elements, such as the integrated carrying handle and easy-to-use controls. The portability is a major plus; I’ve taken it to several picnics and outdoor gatherings, and it’s been a reliable source of music throughout. While it may not match the audio fidelity of high-end speakers, the sound is perfectly adequate for casual listening, both indoors and outdoors. The inclusion of Spotify Tap is a fantastic feature that adds extra convenience, especially for spontaneous listening sessions. Considering its functionality, build quality, and price, I wholeheartedly recommend the IKEA Riggad Bluetooth lantern speaker. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a portable, versatile, and affordable speaker that delivers a surprisingly good listening experience. It’s become a staple in my home and a welcome companion for outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish speaker without breaking the bank, this is definitely worth considering. It’s a great blend of form and function, offering impressive value for the money.