Jabra SoleMate Bluetooth Speakers Review

Jabra is mostly known for their line of headsets made for mobile devices. With the rising popularity of portable speakers, the company has also tapped into the market by introducing the Solemate – a portable speaker that’s also designed for use as a speakerphone. Portable speakers are usually hit and miss, but the Solemate looks like it has something special based on its classy design. Let’s take a look.

Manufacturer’s Specification:

• Bluetooth compliance: Bluetooth version 3.0
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (v1.2), hands free profile (v1.5), headset profile (v1.2)
• Operating range: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
• Paired devices: Up to 8, one active device connected at the time
• Talk time: Up to 10 hours
• Standby time: Up to 40 days
• Music playing time: Up to 8 hours wireless music time depending on volume level and audio content
• Charging time: Approximately 2,5 hours
• Battery capacity / type / weight: 4.5 Wh / Lithium Ion / 22.5 g
• Weight: 610 g (21.5 Oz)
• Dimensions, main unit: L 172 x W 64 x H 70 mm (L 6.77 x W 2.52 x H 2.75 in)
• Microphone: Omni-directional MEMS microphone
• Speaker: 120 – 20.000 Hz
• Dust, shock and splashproof: Yes

Design

Fitted with a rubber base, the Jabra Solemate feels solid and the extra grip can prevent it from moving around especially when playing sound at a high volume. On top you will find three large buttons for the volume controls, along with a button to receive calls and also serves to check the battery’s status.

On the side you will find the power and pairing mode switch along with a 3.5 mm audio input for using a wired connection in addition to Bluetooth. There is also a micro USB port that is used for charging and is also used to upgrade the speaker’s firmware. A 3.5 mm cable is also included, and is cleverly hidden at the bottom of the speaker. It also supports NFC so you can easily pair devices without having to go through the Bluetooth setup process.

The Jabra Solemate also comes with a ‘sound bag’ that acts more than just a simple carrying case. The included bag will let the the sound go through the fabric without reducing the quality – and at the same time, it will also protect the speakers from sand, dirt and even moisture.

Setup

It shouldn’t take more than a minute to pair any Bluetooth-supported device – simply put the switch in pairing mode and it should pair easily with any device. For testing, I hooked up the speakers to most of my devices that use Bluetooth.

Performance

The Jabra Solemate is definitely loud when you first use it. First thing you would notice is the decent amount of bass – making it seem like the speaker has its own separate subwoofer. That can be both a good and bad thing: while the mid range tones are great, the sound will start to distort when you put it at a higher volume.

The speakers can easily fill up a small room and since it is connected by Bluetooth, you can also use it as a speakerphone. I got about 7 hours and 45 minutes of listening time from the Jabra Solemate, which is good enough especially when being used outdoors.

What’s in the box?

• Jabra Solemate
• USB cable for charging
• 3.5 mm audio cable
• Durable sound bag
• Quick start guides and manuals

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Clear, loud sound output
• Simple design

Cons

• Some distortions at high volumes

Conclusion

The Jabra Solemate combines a sleek and compact portable speaker that delivers deep bass and clear trebles. Sound may distort at high volumes, but overall it is one of the better sounding portable speakers currently available.