Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Matt in Franklin, TN listens on WTN 99.7 and asked: “My wife is requesting some new speakers she can hook her phone up to, using an AUX or direct plug-in. Looking for recommendations if you have any for the best, at the most affordable price out there.”
There are lots of excellent plug in speakers you can buy for a very reasonable cost.
The XBOOM Ceramic Mini Portable Capsule Speaker is less than $20 most places and has very good sound output for the size of the speaker. It’s rechargeable so you don’t need to buy batteries for it, but you also need to keep it charged. It connects via a standard 3.5mm stereo cable. You can daisy chain additional XBOOM speakers to create more volume if you like.
The iHome iM71SC is also under $20, has a rechargeable battery, connects via a standard 3.5mm audio cable, and comes with a color changing LED. So you get your tunes and a light show!
Finally, you could look into the Roker S-Cannon Wireless Stereo Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Handsfree Speakerphone and 3.5mm Jack. We know you didn’t ask about Bluetooth, but it’s essentially thrown in free here as the Roker S-Cannon can also connect with a standard audio cable. Selling for right at $20, it even works as a speakerphone when connected via Bluetooth.
All three of these speakers have good quality sound and adequate volume. They are light years better than the tiny speakers built in to your phone, and none of them will break the bank.