The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The 10 Best passive speakers
Hook up your iPhone or iPod to one of these devices with built-in amplifiers and you'll be glad you followed our sound advice
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.So simple you could probably make one yourself (if you happen to have a bamboo forest nearby), the SpeakaBoo is a hand-crafted speaker that merges the natural world with technology. Available in a range of sizes, with different patterns of bamboo, the hollow body allows you to connect your phone to its charger cable while it plays.
£23.99, ecomarket.com
Taking inspiration from Edison's classic phonograph design, the iPhone Gramophone cuts a noble figure. Set in a solid walnut block, the metal horn can boost the volume of your iPhone by up to four times.
£160, restorationhardware.com
Capable of amplifying your external iPhone speaker by 13 decibels, the Horn Stand is a stylish speaker that won't break the bank. The design channels the sound through a silicon funnel, which should give you a louder, more focused sound.
£14.99, conranshop.co.uk
Environmentally sound – as it were – and constructed out of FSC-certified, 100 per cent post-consumer paper, the Eco-Amp is an origami speaker that you can quickly construct yourself. The gadget's light weight makes it ideal for bedside listening on holidays, or picnics in the park.
£7.50, magmabooks.com
Beautifully crafted from hard maple, makore, cherry or walnut, the Koostik range of passive acoustic amplifiers should perch nicely on any book case, side table or mantel. Handmade in America, the wood is carefully shaped to ensure optimum sound quality.
£50, koostik.com
Elegantly designed and crafted from ceramic, the PH III is much bigger than the ArkCanary horns (see number 9), and with the size comes a much bigger sound. The speaker can increase in volume by an impressive 60 decibels.
£125, scienceandsons.com
A cheaper alternative to some of the more ambitiously designed pieces available, the Griffin Aircurve is a portable and reliable non-electric speaker. The transparent plastic speakers amplify your favourite music by up to 10 decibels.
£9.99, argos.co.uk
Italian-made, this sleek, slender horn-shaped amplifier is a luxury item if there ever was one. Handmade from ceramic and shaped to optimise audio output, the stunning piece of design is as much a work of art as it is a speaker.
£649.99, amazon.co.uk
Available in a host of colours, these funky horn-shaped iPhone amplifiers are a fun and cheap way to carry around a speaker. The award-winning design clips on to the top of your iPhone to give you a smooth and stylish beats boost.
£9, arkwhat.com
From the ambitious London-based design team known for some ingenious audio enhancements, a handmade iPod speaker for vinyl lovers. Playing on old and new, the speaker brings together two technological icons: the record and the smartphone.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments