Compact and Flexible, a Popular Multi-Room Speaker
This is our expert review of the Bose Soundtouch H 10, a portable speaker which has been specifically designed for multi-room use. Similar in size and function to the popular Sonos Play:1, this flexible speaker from the Bose brand comes with an affordable price tag, compact dimensions and Bluetooth functionality. We tested the Bose Soundtouch H 10 to discover whether it can live up to expectations and whether it represents good value for money.
Setting Up
The Soundtouch H 10 is quick and simple to set up right out of the box. First, plug the speaker into the mains and then the first step is to connect the speaker to your home Wi-Fi. You can do this by simply downloading the SoundTouch app to your smartphone or other mobile device and then by following the instructions to add your system to the home broadband network. This then enables you to pair your speakers with any Bluetooth enabled device by pressing the Bluetooth/Aux button on the speaker and selecting SoundTouch on your device. Once your device has paired with the speaker, you can start playing music directly from your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you can use the auxiliary cable to play music from your device through the AUX input. This makes this speaker a convenient and versatile solution to playing music in your home in the widest variety of ways possible.
Using the Bose Soundtouch H 10
The SoundTouch H 10 is a compact and flexible speaker that has been specifically designed with multi-room audio in mind. While it’s dimensions may be small, this speaker is large enough and has adequate power to deliver an impressive sound quality. While some multi-room speaker systems can be intimidating and complex, the SoundTouch H 10 is simple and user-friendly and although it is essentially part of a multi-room setup, it can also be used on its own for extra versatility. There is no steep learning curve to working out how this speaker functions, and even the least tech-savvy member of the household should have no difficulty in quickly getting to grips with the controls.
In order to get the most out of your SoundTouch speaker, you need to download the SoundTouch app, which is quick and simple to do and which gives you complete control of your system from the palm of your hand. The SoundTouch app integrates popular music software such as Spotify and Deezer, and can also be used for controlling several SoundTouch boxes simultaneously, however as an added bonus, this speaker also features Bluetooth. This means that it is possible to play audio directly from your tablet or phone via an active Bluetooth connection. As there is also an AUX input, it is also possible to use an auxiliary cable to play music from devices without Bluetooth capabilities increasing the functionality of this model.
One of the best features of the SoundTouch H 10 is its narrow depth which makes it especially convenient to use in tight spaces or on narrow shelves where a larger or more bulky unit would not be able to fit. Its remote control also allows you to control the speaker without having to get up from your seat. The pre-set buttons which are on top of the speaker also allow the user to quickly link to a favourite radio station or album for ease of use and extra convenience.
When it comes to sound quality, the SoundTouch H 10 has a pretty impressive driver array considering its small size. It features a passive radiator system and two opposing drivers which help to guard against sound distortion as well as four active drivers. This speaker can certainly offer more volume than battery powered alternatives, however its compact dimensions do mean that its power is somewhat limited. The treble produced as good clarity and there is an adequate bass level too, however the lower ranges are not as forceful as they could be.
The SoundTouch H 10 has a functional appearance and is lightweight and easy to move from room to room. Although it is not unattractive, it has not been designed to be as stylish as some of its rivals, and it lacks the metal speaker grille which so often appears on alternative products within this price range.
Bose SoundTouch H 10 review: Main features
- Has Wi-Fi capabilities with access to the convenient SoundTouch app
- Bluetooth functionality
- Aux in/out cable
- Remote control
- Compact dimensions
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Pre-set buttons
Bose SoundTouch H 10 Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose
- Dimensions: 21.2 cm x 14.1 cm x 8.7 cm
- Weight: 1.87 kg
- Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, FLAC, WMA
- Wi-Fi network compatibility: 802.11 b/g/n
Conclusion
The Bose SoundTouch H 10 speaker is a high quality, convenient solution to getting great quality sound around your home. Easy to set up and to use, it eliminates all of the hassle of dealing with a complex multi-room system and makes it simple to quickly access all of your favourite tunes and radio stations through the provision of handy pre-set buttons. Thanks to its integrated Bluetooth functionality, you can play music from any enabled device, while the cutting edge SoundTouch app allows you to easily control your speaker from your smartphone or tablet. The remote control allows for convenient control of the unit without ever having to get up from your seat, and its compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for small spaces where size is at a premium. Although this may not be the most attractively styled speaker on the market, it is practical and functional, and will look discreet in any room thanks to its unobtrusive appearance. While the sound quality cannot quite match up to some of the top speakers on the market, for its small size and affordable price tag, this is one multi-room system that will not fail to impress and which offers excellent value for money.