Review: Berlin Boombox

Design your own ghetto blaster with this cardboard (yes, cardboard) Bluetooth speaker system!

Our Verdict

Create your own Bluetooth speaker system – what's not to like?

For

  • Fun
  • Surprisingly sturdy
  • Customisable (Montana)

Against

  • Not the ultimate sound quality
  • Keep it dry
  • Phablets don't fit

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The funky cardboard Berlin Boombox is now wireless

The funky cardboard Berlin Boombox is now wireless

In 2014, Berlin-based designer and illustrator Axel Pfaender successfully crowdfunded a flat-pack portable speaker, the Berlin Boombox. The classic '80s-style ghetto blaster for the IKEA generation was a smash hit, and when Pfaender told us that he was launching a wireless version of the cardboard boombox, we were desperate to try it out.

The DIY music player is as cool and fun as the first iteration but now features Bluetooth connection, meaning you can leave your smartphone in your pocket while you carry the Berlin Boombox to your local skate park on your shoulder.

The Montana Boombox is completely blank and comes with a set of acrylic markers

The Montana Boombox is completely blank and comes with a set of acrylic markers

The best thing about the Boombox from a designer's point of view, of course, is the completely blank version that comes with a six-pack of Montana acrylic markers. This means you can create your own design of Boombox – how awesome is that?

But what is it actually like to use? Well, it is not the last word in audio quality – especially at the €119 price point of the Montana Boombox – but it is actually surprisingly punchy with decent detail. Think a good set of computer speakers rather than a dedicated music streaming audio device, and you won't be disappointed.

The minimalist interface is just one single aluminum knob, which adds a cheeky contrast to the cardboard construction. I would actually have preferred to see a cardboard knob, but that's probably not practical. And anyone worried about flimsiness need not be – once built (which only takes a few minutes of folding and slotting, plus attaching some wires), the Berlin Boombox is very sturdy. Just keep it out of the rain…

The Boombox doesn't quite fit the latest larger smartphones

The Boombox doesn't quite fit the latest larger smartphones

One small problem... The slot doesn't fit my iPhone 6S Plus, and therefore I presume any of the phablet-sized smartphones will similarly struggle to slide into the gap. Even when using Bluetooth, it'd be nice to have somewhere other than blacktop to store your phone while shooting some hoops. I imagine that this flaw is something that can easily be rectified by the manufacturer with a tweak or two.

All Berlin Boombox designs are available with or without Bluetooth Audio, and although they are a little pricey for the sound quality, their uniqueness and sense of fun are worth the admission fee alone.

Berlin Boombox wireless

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Verdict
8

out of 10

Berlin Boombox wireless

Create your own Bluetooth speaker system – what's not to like?

Craig Stewart

Craig Stewart is a writer, SEO strategist and content marketer, and is a former editor of Creative Bloq. Craig has written about design, typography, tech and football for publications including Creative Bloq, T3, FourFourTwo and DSG, and he has written a book on motoring for Haynes. When he's not writing, you'll usually find Craig under his old car learning about DIY repairs the hard way.