From the outside the VQ Halo looks like a rather nifty portable Bluetooth speaker in the shape of a lantern, but let me tell you this 3-in-1 device has fast become one of my household's favourite things ever! The speaker combines sound, light and charging all in one. So you get a portable, rechargeable power bank, stereo 360-degree sound, and mood lighting with candlelight settings all in one. As a speaker it's relatively simple to set up and pair to your phone or tablet, and the quality is decent for such a small device.
You're not going to fill a room but it's perfectly fine for campers or glampers. You can also pair two Halos together using TWS. The charging feature comes via a 6000mAh power bank with a USB port C and USB port, which supplies enough oomph to charge up your average mobile device.
There is also an auxiliary-in port to plug in an alternative sound source. This is all fine and dandy but it's the lighting feature that really grabs the attention. To be honest, if it was just this I'd have been happy! The low-energy built-in LED mood light has three lighting modes - full-bright lighting to find the way around at night, a reading mode and a low setting for home use, and a candlelight option (definitely our favourite).
Weighing in at 800g and measuring 109mm x 96mm x 191mm (without handle), it's easily portable yet packs a punch with up to ten hours of music playback from one charge. A little frustration though is you can't switch it to a mode for lighting only so you've got around 10 hours if you're playing music or not. Its rugged construction comes with IPX4 water resistance, so you can take it wherever, rain or shine.
There is a robust PU leather handle to carry it easily and it has satin nickel chrome or brass metal-effect complimentary fittings for a stylish and contemporary look and feel. The Halo - which comes in one of six colours - also has rubberized, non-slip feet, so no matter where it is or how loud it goes, it will stay exactly where it should be. The VQ Halo Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Power Bank and Lantern is available from Amazon , Boots , Currys , B&Q and QVC from £49.
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Entertainment
Review: VQ Halo Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Power Bank and Lantern
The speaker combines sound, light and charging all in one