The iLive ISB172B is an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with a 17-inch, soundbar-style design. It's battery-powered, so you can move it between rooms or take it on the go, and it supports both Bluetooth and wired audio connections. There's also colored lighting that you can switch off. We purchased this from Family Dollar in the United States.
Our Verdict
The iLive ISB172B is disappointing for music. Its sound is noticeably uneven, with exaggerated upper mid-range and treble frequencies that make vocals and instruments sound harsh. There's also no deep bass on offer here. It's a front-facing speaker, too, so your audio sounds muffled if you listen from behind. On the upside, it plays stereo content and gets loud enough for a small room, though there's no way to adjust its sound via an in-app EQ.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Supports wired audio playback.
Very uneven sound.
Sub-par build quality.
Short battery life of under six hours.
The iLive ISB172B is poor for watching videos and movies. Its high Bluetooth latency will likely cause you to run into noticeable lip-sync issues, particularly on Android devices. Some apps compensate for this delay. Regardless, its uneven sound makes dialogue harsh and unnatural, while the lack of deep bass robs effects like explosions of impact. Fortunately, it has a wired audio input for connecting compatible devices directly, which helps to avoid Bluetooth-related delays.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Supports wired audio playback.
Very uneven sound.
Sub-par build quality.
Short battery life of under six hours.
The iLive ISB172B is mediocre for podcasts. Its emphasized upper mid-range helps voices stand out, but the uneven tuning can also make them sound piercing and unnatural. It gets loud enough for listening in a small room, though voices lose detail when you're positioned off to the side of it. It's also lightweight and easy to carry around.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Supports wired audio playback.
Very uneven sound.
Sub-par build quality.
The iLive ISB172B doesn't have a microphone, so you can't issue voice commands through the speaker.
The iLive ISB172B is disappointing for outdoor use. It's lightweight and easy to carry with one hand, but its sub-par build quality is a concern. The volume knob on our unit wiggles, and its cover comes off easily. There's also no rated protection against water or dust, making it a poor choice for the beach or poolside. Its battery lasts under six hours, and it doesn't get loud enough to entertain large outdoor gatherings.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Supports wired audio playback.
Very uneven sound.
Sub-par build quality.
Short battery life of under six hours.
No water resistance.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The iLive ISB172B is available in one color: 'Black '. Here's a photo of our unit's label.
If you come across a different variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll add it to our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The iLive ISB172B is an inexpensive speaker that borrows the design of a small soundbar, though its rechargeable battery and Bluetooth connectivity mean it actually functions as a portable speaker. Its main selling point is price. But if you can save up a little extra, you'd be much better off with alternatives like the Anker Soundcore 3 or LG xboom Bounce. Both the Anker and LG offer superior build quality, battery life, and sound customization options. That said, neither support wired audio playback, giving the iLive an advantage if you need a basic speaker for a computer or TV with a wired audio output.
See our recommendations for the best Bluetooth speakers, the best cheap speakers, and the best Bluetooth speakers for bass.
The Anker Soundcore 3 is a better portable speaker than the iLive ISB172B. Its sound is more balanced, so vocals and instruments are reproduced with more clarity and accuracy. Its companion app also lets you adjust the sound to your liking. It's also smaller, better built, and water-resistant. Finally, its battery lasts over 13 hours, compared with less than six for the iLive. All that said, the iLive has one trick up its sleeve: it supports wired audio playback, which the Anker lacks, making it worth considering if you specifically need a speaker to use with a wired analog source.
The LG xboom Bounce is a more capable portable speaker than the iLive ISB172B, particularly for outdoor use. Its water- and dust-resistant build means it'll withstand a rainy day at the park or beach. It also gets considerably louder than the iLive and lasts much, much longer on a single charge. Its sound is also more balanced, so voices and instruments sound more natural, and you can adjust its sound using its companion app. However, it lacks a wired audio input, so the iLive is more practical if you need an inexpensive speaker for wired playback.
Test Results
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