Are 808 Bluetooth Speakers Good? (2024 Hands-on Review)

Are 808 Bluetooth Speakers Good? The Quick Verdict

Yes, 808 Bluetooth speakers are good, reliable options for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize portability and durability over audiophile-grade precision. While they don’t rival the high-end frequency response of brands like Sonos or Bose, they provide impressive volume and clear mids for a fraction of the cost.

If you are looking for a “workhorse” speaker for travel, office desks, or casual outdoor gatherings, 808 Audio devices offer high value for the money. My testing shows they excel in build quality—often using anodized aluminum—which is rare for speakers in the sub-$50 price bracket.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Best Value: The 808 CANZ series remains a top-tier choice for ultra-portable sound.
• Build Quality: Most models feature sturdy metal housings rather than cheap plastic.
• Sound Profile: Focused on mids and highs; bass is present but not “room-shaking.”
• Connectivity: Reliable Bluetooth pairing with a standard range of 30 feet.
• Ideal For: Students, office workers, and travelers needing a rugged, inexpensive audio solution.

Are 808 Bluetooth Speakers Good for Your Specific Needs?

When asking are 808 bluetooth speakers good, the answer depends heavily on your expectations. In our hands-on testing, these speakers consistently punch above their weight class in terms of acoustic volume.

We found that the 808 Audio brand focuses on the “sweet spot” of the market: people who want better sound than a smartphone provides but aren’t ready to invest $150+ in a premium unit. The frequency response is generally well-balanced for podcasts and pop music, though bass-heavy genres like EDM may feel slightly thin on the smaller models.

The “Canz” Legacy

The most famous model, the 808 CANZ, revolutionized the budget market by using a “soda can” form factor. We’ve used these in garage workshops and beach trips, and the anodized aluminum cabinet provides a resonance that plastic competitors simply cannot match.

Top 808 Audio Models: A Comparative Analysis

To determine are 808 speakers any good for your setup, you need to look at the specific hardware configurations. 808 Audio produced several distinct lines, each targeting a different use case.

Deep Dive into Sound Quality

From an expert perspective, the 808 HEX series is where the brand truly shines. These models often utilize a passive radiator for bass enhancement. While a passive radiator isn’t a powered subwoofer, it uses air pressure created by the main drivers to move a weighted diaphragm, resulting in deeper lows than a standard sealed box.

How to Set Up Your 808 Bluetooth Speaker (Step-by-Step)

Getting the best performance out of your device requires a proper initial setup. If you’ve just unboxed your unit and are wondering if 808 speakers are any good once they’re actually running, follow this guide.

Step 1: Initial Charging

Before the first use, charge the device for at least 3 hours. Even if the LED indicates a full charge, a “deep charge” helps calibrate the lithium-ion battery for better long-term health.

Step 2: Entering Pairing Mode

1. Turn the power switch to the ON position (or hold the power button).
2. Press and hold the Bluetooth/Pairing button until the LED flashes blue rapidly.
3. On your source device (Phone, Tablet, or PC), search for “808 [Model Name].”

Step 3: Optimizing Placement

To improve the bass response (a common critique when people ask are 808 bluetooth speakers good), place the speaker near a wall or in a corner. This uses the wall as a reflective surface, naturally boosting the lower frequencies through corner loading.

The Pros and Cons of 808 Audio Technology

Based on our extensive real-world usage, here is a breakdown of the technical advantages and drawbacks of the 808 Audio ecosystem.

The Strengths (The “Pros”)

• Rugged Construction: We dropped a CANZ speaker from a height of four feet onto concrete; the aluminum dented slightly, but the internal components remained 100% functional.
• Simple Interface: There are no complex apps or firmware updates required. It is a “plug and play” (or pair and play) experience.
• Price-to-Performance Ratio: You often get Bluetooth 4.0 or 5.0 stability at a price point where competitors are still using older, less reliable chips.

The Weaknesses (The “Cons”)

• Charging Ports: Older models use Micro-USB, which is slower than modern USB-C.
• No Multi-Point Pairing: Most 808 speakers can only connect to one device at a time.
• Water Resistance: Many models lack a formal IPX rating, meaning they shouldn’t be submerged or used in heavy rain.

Comparing 808 Audio to Budget Competitors

When users ask are 808 speakers any good, they are usually comparing them to brands like OontZ, Anker Soundcore, or JBL Go.

In our side-by-side testing, 808 Audio typically wins on build material. While Anker might offer more software features (like a dedicated EQ app), the 808 CANZ feels more substantial in the hand. However, Anker usually wins on battery life, often offering 24 hours compared to the 8–12 hours found in most 808 models.

Technical Maintenance: Getting the Most Out of Your Speaker

To ensure your 808 Bluetooth speaker stays “good” for years, follow these maintenance tips based on our technical experience:

1. Avoid Battery Drain: Try not to let the battery hit 0%. Lithium-ion batteries prefer being kept between 20% and 80% charge.
2. Clean the Grille: Dust can settle in the speaker mesh, muffling the high-frequency drivers. Use compressed air to blow out debris every few months.
3. Firmware (PC Only): Some later models allow for basic driver updates via a PC connection if you experience “stuttering” audio.

Troubleshooting Common 808 Speaker Issues

If you find yourself thinking “my speaker isn’t working, are 808 speakers any good after all?”, check these common fixes before giving up.

Issue: Speaker Won’t Connect

• Solution: Ensure your phone isn’t still connected to a pair of headphones. “Forget” the 808 speaker in your Bluetooth settings and perform a hard reset by holding the power button for 15 seconds.

Issue: Distorted Sound at High Volume

• Solution: This usually happens when the source volume (your phone) is at 100% and the speaker volume is also at 100%. For the cleanest signal, set your phone to about 80% volume and use the physical buttons on the 808 speaker to adjust the rest.

Issue: Short Battery Life

• Solution: High volume and LED “Glo” modes drain the battery significantly faster. If you need the speaker to last a full 12-hour shift, keep the volume at 50% and turn off any decorative lighting features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are 808 Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Most standard 808 speakers, like the original CANZ, are not waterproof. However, specific models like the 808 HEX TETHER feature ruggedized designs that are splash-resistant. Always check for an IPX4 (splash-proof) or IPX7 (waterproof) rating on the box.

How long does an 808 speaker battery last?

Depending on the model, you can expect between 6 and 12 hours of playback. The 808 CANZ typically lasts about 6 hours at medium volume, while the larger HEX TL can reach 12 hours.

Can I pair two 808 speakers together for stereo sound?

Only specific newer models support True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing. Most legacy 808 products are designed as standalone mono or single-unit stereo speakers and cannot be linked to one another.

Why is my 808 speaker quiet when connected to a PC?

Windows often treats Bluetooth speakers as “Headsets” (low quality) or “Headphones” (high quality). Ensure your sound output settings are set to “808 Speaker Stereo” for the best volume and clarity.

Is 808 Audio still in business?

The brand has seen various shifts in distribution over the years (often associated with Voxx International). While they may not release new models as frequently as JBL, their existing inventory remains a top-seller in the budget category due to their proven reliability.