Imagine transforming your living space into a vibrant audio haven without splurging on pricey gear – that's the exciting promise of IKEA's fresh lineup of Bluetooth speakers, rolling out just in time for the holiday season!
But here's where it gets interesting: IKEA's previous collaboration with Sonos on the Symfonisk series, which delivered Sonos-quality sound in stylish, home-friendly designs, wrapped up this year. Those models, like the compact bookshelf speaker and the elegant lamp-integrated one – both earning solid four-star ratings in reviews – are being discontinued worldwide. Yet, rather than stepping back, IKEA is pushing forward with its own innovative range, proving that the furniture giant isn't content to sit on the sidelines of the audio game.
Enter the IKEA Solskydd series: a trio of eye-catching Bluetooth speakers boasting circular shapes in various sizes, all designed to infuse your home with color and melody. The smallest option measures 8 inches (about 19 cm) and retails for £29, making it an ultra-budget-friendly pick for on-the-go listening. Step up to the medium 11-inch (29 cm) model for £50, or go big with the 18-inch (45 cm) version at £80. In the US, expect prices of $89, $100, and $140 respectively. Fabrics come in daring patterns: the tiny one offers a striking orange motif or a sleek white, while the middle and large sizes sport a lively green-and-pink diagonal design, and the biggest adds a textured orange finish.
For beginners dipping into home audio, it's worth noting that these speakers prioritize ease – no advanced setup required, just plug and play. The compact model packs a single 6.5mm full-range driver, pumping out up to 9W of power and lasting up to 25 hours on a charge. Just keep in mind that you'll need to buy the USB-C cable and power adapter separately, but that's a small trade-off for the portability. The larger two models elevate things with a 25mm tweeter for crisp highs and a 10cm woofer for robust lows, plus handy inputs like 3.5mm aux and digital optical for connecting other devices. They're rated at 20W and 40W output, and you can pair them in stereo mode for a fuller soundstage – think of it like creating a mini surround setup without the hassle. Plus, they include three EQ settings, letting you tweak the audio to suit your room or mood, from bass-heavy beats to crystal-clear vocals.
All three support Bluetooth streaming, which means wirelessly connecting to your phone or tablet for seamless music playback – ideal for streaming services like Spotify without any tangled wires. While the exact Bluetooth version and codecs aren't detailed, they've included Spotify Tap for instant one-touch access to the app, and you can link multiple speakers for a multi-room audio experience, turning your home into a symphony of sound. Mounting options add flexibility: the largest can attach to a wall, and the smaller ones come with stands or can also be wall-mounted.
And this is the part most people miss – the design echoes some high-end vibes! The big one reminds us of Bang & Olufsen's iconic Beosound A9, with its sleek, modern aesthetic, while the petite model evokes the portable charm of the Beosound A1 Gen 3. Controls are straightforward: LED indicators and buttons on top for playback and volume, keeping things user-friendly.
But here's where it gets controversial – is IKEA branching out on its own a bold move or a risky gamble? After parting ways with Sonos, some audiophiles might question if these in-house creations can truly capture the premium sound quality of established brands. Could they outperform expectations, or will they fall short in a market crowded with competitors? It's a point worth debating, especially since IKEA's approach emphasizes fun and affordability over sheer audiophile precision.
Rounding out the launch are two speaker-embedded lamps from the Kulglass collection, blending the same bold hues with playful designs inspired by soft-serve ice cream or even a whimsical jellyfish bobbing in the sea. One features a dark green base with a light green shade, and the other a red-brown base paired with pink. They support Bluetooth and Spotify Tap, plus multi-speaker pairing, integrating seamlessly into your smart home setup.
IKEA describes this 'vibrant and playful' assortment as aiming to deliver 'high-quality sound with bold patterns and unexpected colors, making tech a more enjoyable and visible part of everyday life.' All items hit shelves starting December 2025, so mark your calendars!
For more insights, check out our comprehensive guide to the best Bluetooth speakers for every budget, featuring top picks from portable wonders to powerhouse options. Plus, we're excited to test some fresh arrivals like a Rotel novelty, a Cambridge Audio streaming amp, and the Philips OLED910 – stay tuned for our reviews!
And don't forget to read our take on the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 3, a portable Bluetooth speaker that's surprisingly tempting despite its quirks.
Kashfia serves as Hi-Fi and Audio Editor at What Hi-Fi?, bringing over 13 years of expertise to the team. She's pored over countless gadgets – from speakers and amps to turntables and headphones – and has globe-trotted to trade shows, all while nurturing a passion for hi-fi that's outgrown her living room. When not reviewing gear, you'll find her tending to a thriving houseplant empire or chasing her cat, Jolene, away from her vinyl collection.
What do you think – are you excited to see IKEA take on audio giants with their own designs, or do you prefer sticking with proven brands like Sonos? Will the emphasis on fun and color outweigh potential sound limitations for you? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments – we'd love to hear your take!
