Product testers adore the iFox iF012, recommending it for podcasts, music, and outdoor use. Lifewire editors loved its balanced sound profile, evidenced by a 0.32 frequency response slope, although the 174.5 Hz to 7.9KHz range is narrow. Check out our Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 review for a wider frequency response range. It has mediocre bass, so it’s not for movie enthusiasts. Check out the ION Pathfinder 280 review for better bass. Analysts at Best Views Reviews liked its speakerphone functions and 1.16 dB directivity index and wide soundstage. Editors loved. With an 81.6 dB maximum SPL, this speaker doesn’t get very loud. See our Harman/Kardon Aura Studio 3 review for a louder speaker. It has a good 0.76 dB DRC, maintaining audio quality at the maximum volume. However, it has a high 298 ms iOS Bluetooth latency and 275 ms Android latency. This model has an okay 7.8-hour battery life, but lacks voice assistant functions. Explore our JBL Charge 5 review for longer runtime.
iFox iF012 Review
True Score
Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
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Experts liked the iFox iF012 during their review, and they approved it for music, podcasts, and outdoor use. Testers loved its good soundstage performance and remarkably portable, waterproof construction. However, they despised its mono-channel technology and lack of aux or USB ports.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
Reasons to Buy
- Remarkably compact design
- Wide soundstage
- Very minimal sound quality deterioration at high volume settings
- Bluetooth tech
- Produces fairly balanced sound
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks voice assistant support
- High Android and iOS Bluetooth latency
- Lacks stereo
- Doesn’t have an EQ
- Doesn't get very loud
Specifications
- Battery Life18 hours
- Built In MicrophoneYes
- Charge Time2.7 hours
- Size3.4 inches (w) x 3.4 inches (h) x 2.6 inches (d)
- Smart Appna
- Speaker Pairingna
- Water ResistantYes
- Wattage5 watts
- Wireless Range33 feet
Overview
The iFox iF012 is an entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker released back in 2015, promising excellent music quality and a waterproof design for use in bathrooms and outdoors. Featuring a remarkably compact design, this speaker holds its own against the top-ranking speakers on the market today. It has speakerphone functions and uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology and boasts a good 252.6-foot Bluetooth range. This device weighs just 0.4 lbs and has an IP67-rated submersible waterproof design. A removable suction cup allows mounting this device in the bathroom. Examine the iFox iF012 in detail below and see how it compares with the best Bluetooth speakers in the industry today.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  | ||
| True Score | 63 | 75 | 90 | |
| Market Context | – | Featuring a more lightweight 0.4-lb design and IP67 waterproof and dustproof construction, the iFox iF012 is more suitable for on-the-go use than the 2.6-lb JBL Pulse, which only has an IPX7 waterproof rating. However, the JBL Pulse 4 speaker features RGB ambiance lighting, unlike the iFox iF012. The JBL device also has a better 11.5-hour battery life than the 7.8-hour battery life of the iFox iF012. Our JBL Pulse 4 review discusses the JBL speaker in detail. | The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 has a much better 13-hour battery life than the 7.8-hour runtime of the iFox iF012. Additionally, the Ultimate Ears speaker supports stereo, unlike the iFox iF012. However, the iFox iF012 comes with a removable suction cup for mounting in a bathroom and features speakerphone functions, unlike the WONDERBOOM speaker. | With both devices boasting a waterproof design and 7.8-hour battery life, the iFox iF012 and the iFox iF013 are very similar. However, the iF013 has integrated FM radio functionality, unlike the iFox iF012. |
| Wireless Range | 33-ft | 30 feet | 100 feet | |
| Battery Life | 18 hours | 12 hours | 13 hours | |
| Charge Time | 2.7 hrs | 3.5 hours | 2.6 hours | |
| Wattage | 5 watts | 20 W | 1000 Watts | |
| Size | 3.4″ (w) x 3.4″ (h) x 2.6″ (d) | 8.15″ (h) x 3.78″ (w) x 3.78″ (d) (Weight: 2.78 pounds) | 4.1″ (h) x 3.8″ (w) x 3.8″ (d) | |
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
53The iFox iF012 Bluetooth shower speaker is disappointing for music. When placed flat on its… read more- F
Trust Score
84If you want a basic, affordable shower speaker that reliably sticks to the wall and… read more
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