- Manufacturer & Model
- Andover Audio FreePlay Stereo Portable Hi-Fi Speaker
- MSRP
- $429
- Link
- https://www.andoveraudio.com/products/freeplay-portable-hi-fi-speaker?sca_ref=11143129.ESB7ZmWiYip
- Highlights
- True stereo portable speaker design, dual 5.25" aluminum cone woofers, dual 25mm dome tweeters with neodymium magnets, 160mm rear passive radiator, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio support, IP67 dust and water resistance, 24+ hour battery life, selectable Loud Mode with 6dB output boost, Wide Range HiFi listening mode, Party Mode supporting up to 100 FreePlay speakers, 45W bidirectional USB C charging, integrated 5W wireless phone charging pad, 3.5mm auxiliary input, 3.5mm microphone input, fold down carrying handle, integrated tie down points, rugged 9 lb enclosure.
- Summary
- Andover Audio's FreePlay takes a slightly different approach to portable Bluetooth audio, combining rugged construction and outdoor versatility with a genuine stereo speaker design. Its dual woofer and tweeter configuration, supported by a substantial passive radiator, reflects the company's emphasis on musical performance rather than simply chasing maximum output. Bluetooth 6.0, multiple listening modes, extensive wireless speaker pairing capabilities, and a generous collection of charging options make FreePlay a particularly flexible companion for both indoor and outdoor use. An IP67 rating adds confidence for adventures beyond the living room, while its relatively substantial size and weight reflect a design that prioritizes acoustic capability over extreme portability. For listeners interested in taking a more traditional HiFi experience on the road, FreePlay presents an intriguing alternative to conventional portable speakers.
Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, with seemingly endless options promising big sound, rugged construction, and enough battery life to keep the music flowing from sunrise to sunset. But Andover Audio's new FreePlay enters the fray with a slightly different mission. Rather than chasing sheer output, the Boston-based company has taken its "Hi-Fi for Modern Living" philosophy and packed it into a portable, weather-resistant speaker designed to deliver genuine stereo sound. It's an interesting approach from a company better known for its compact home audio systems and turntables, and one that raises a fairly obvious question: Can a speaker built to withstand the elements also deliver the kind of musical performance discerning listeners expect?
On paper, FreePlay certainly has the ingredients to make things interesting. Its true stereo design features dual 25mm dome tweeters, two 5.25" woofers, and a rear-mounted 160mm passive radiator, all housed in a rugged 9-pound enclosure. An IP67 rating provides protection against dust and temporary water immersion, while a fold-down carrying handle and integrated tie-down points make it easy to take the party on the road. Andover has also packed in Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio support, a selectable Loud Mode that adds 6dB of output, and Party Mode, which allows up to 100 FreePlay speakers to play together. Toss in a claimed 24 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, a built-in wireless phone charging pad, and a traditional 3.5mm input, and there's quite a bit of functionality hiding beneath FreePlay's relatively understated exterior.
Fortunately, I had FreePlay on hand long enough to do considerably more than give it a casual listen. Over an extended review period, I put the speaker through its paces with a variety of music, evaluating its sound quality, usability, and ability to handle different listening environments. That included time indoors, where sound quality takes center stage, and a trip to the beach, where the speaker faced a decidedly different set of challenges. And because Andover is pitching FreePlay as a rugged companion for outdoor adventures, I wasn't shy about putting its water resistance to the test. We're talking water poured directly onto the speaker and even a full dunk in the ocean. Yes, saltwater. Not exactly the kind of treatment you'd give a typical piece of hi-fi gear!
So, how did FreePlay handle its seaside adventure? Did its stereo design deliver a meaningful sonic advantage, or did the realities of portable audio get in the way? And, perhaps most importantly, did it survive its encounter with the Atlantic? Those answers, along with my complete listening impressions and thoughts on FreePlay's design and everyday usability, are covered in the full video review linked below.
If you're motivated to purchase FreePlay, you can buy it directly from Andover Audio by clicking here. Following the review period, Andover Audio kindly extended a special offer to AV NIRVANA members: $50 off a full-price purchase of FreePlay through its online store. Just use code TODD50 at checkout!
FreePlay can also be purchased through Amazon by clicking here.
While this review was not sponsored by Andover Audio, we may receive a small commission through purchases using affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
Andover Audio FreePlay Specifications
- Speaker Configuration: True front-firing stereo array with rear-mounted passive radiator
- Driver Complement: Two 5.25" aluminum cone woofers and two 25mm dome tweeters with high-grade neodymium magnets
- Battery Life: 24+ hours of continuous playback at moderate listening levels
- Durability Rating: IP67 certified (waterproof and dustproof)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 with LE Audio, 3.5mm auxiliary input, 3.5mm microphone input
- Multi-Speaker Support: Wireless broadcast mode supporting up to 99 additional FreePlay speakers
- Listening Modes: Wide Range (default hi-fi EQ) and selectable Loud Mode (+6dB output boost)
- Power & Charging: 5W wireless charging pad and 45W bidirectional USB-C fast charging port
- Dimensions: 10" x 13" x 6.5" (254 x 330 x 165mm)
- Weight: 9 lbs (4kg)
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