The Soundcore app was consistently praised as useful, thorough, quick to connect, feature-rich, and among the strongest parts of the product.
Pros: Price / value for money, On-device controls
Cons: Power bank function, Wired input
Best 2025 Speakers for App reliability
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The B&O app was repeatedly praised as responsive, simple, flexible, and among the best companion apps in the category.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Handle or strap quality
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, AirPlay compatibility
Reviewers consistently liked the Soundcore app, calling it feature-rich, responsive, stable, and useful for EQ, lighting, and karaoke control.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Setup simplicity
Cons: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Audio format support
The companion app is generally viewed positively, with praise for stability, usefulness, and respect-worthy controls; PCMag found it bare bones but still usable.
Pros: Google, Dust resistance rating
Cons: Backwards compatibility, Stereo imaging accuracy
The JBL Portable app is mostly praised as easy, stable, and attractive, although one reviewer wanted better power controls from the app.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Setup simplicity
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Speakerphone quality
The JBL Portable app is viewed as easy or decent rather than problematic, with no reliability complaints in scored evidence.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Bluetooth connection stability
Cons: Wired input, Power bank function
The SmartThings app is generally praised as helpful and easier than the display/remote, with only minor complaints about using it for deeper adjustments.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Cons: Google, Cabinet construction / bracing
App impressions are mostly positive when the Marshall app works, with useful EQ and firmware support, but one review had trouble finalizing the Kilburn III connection.
Pros: Voice clarity, Bluetooth range
Cons: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Inter-speaker connectivity
App experience is mostly positive and simple, but PCMag reported firmware-update trouble; reviewers otherwise called the app easy, consistent, basic, useful, or intuitive.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Drop resistance durability
Cons: Multipoint connectivity, Smart features
App experience was mixed: several reviewers found BluOS fast, intuitive, or reliable, while one strongly criticized its UI and control limits.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Voice clarity
Cons: Spotify Connect reliability, Chromecast compatibility
App impressions are mixed: reviewers liked navigation or convenience in some cases, but criticized the app and EQ as basic or barebones.
Pros: Everyday usability, Bluetooth range
Cons: LED lighting effects, Lighting effects
Reviewers generally find Sony’s app useful and easy enough, but one review strongly criticizes the license, access, and update friction.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Multi-speaker pairing reliability
Cons: Energy efficiency, Amplifier power requirements
The JBL One app drew mixed feedback: quick detection and feature access were praised, but EQ saving and in-app music limitations hurt confidence.
Pros: Spotify Connect reliability, Setup simplicity
Cons: On-device controls, HDMI 2.1 gaming
The companion app produced mixed reactions, from easier-to-use praise to tedious setup, broken features, and reliability complaints.
Pros: Dynamic headroom, Drop resistance durability
Cons: Privacy and data, Wired input