IKEA now sells the IKEA Badkruka speaker on its US site for $59.99. It is a bigger sibling to the tiny Kallsup, which Gizmodo notes sells for $10. However, the Badkruka does not travel. Instead, IKEA pitches it for the desk, shelf or TV stand, and calls it ideal for gaming and watching films.
The listing sums up the idea in one line. “This speaker fills the room with balanced, mid-full sound and connects easily to your TV,” IKEA says.
Inputs built for a TV
The Badkruka accepts audio three ways: Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm AUX jack and an optical input. IKEA includes an optical cable in the box, so it can take sound straight from a TV, console or PC. According to Gizmodo, the speaker runs only on wall power and has no rechargeable battery. IKEA’s listing does not mention a battery, and its product photos show a power cable.
Inside is a tweeter and a woofer with 25 W of total output and a frequency range of 50 to 20,000 Hz. The cube measures 6.25 inches wide and deep and 6.9 inches tall. It carries an IP20 rating, so it belongs indoors and away from splashes.
Stereo pairs and multi-speaker mode
Two Badkruka units can pair for stereo sound. IKEA says you can also connect a pair to a TV for clear left and right channels. In addition, multi-speaker mode links the Badkruka with other IKEA Bluetooth speakers that support the feature. That mode plays the same mono sound on every speaker, and IKEA quotes a range of at least 10 meters without interference.
Spotify Tap and three EQ settings
The speaker also supports Spotify Tap. Press the button and music picks up where you left off. Press it again and Spotify serves a different song based on your listening history. Meanwhile, three EQ settings let you tune the sound to your taste and to the kind of music playing.
Black or pink, same price
The Badkruka comes in black and pink, and both cost $59.99. The pink version has a marbled look in IKEA’s photos. Both are more restrained than the Kallsup’s brighter colors, as Gizmodo points out. The top cover is ABS plastic with at least 50 percent recycled content, and the bottom cover is polycarbonate. Ola Wihlborg designed it.
Where it fits
If you want a pocket speaker, the Kallsup still makes more sense. On the other hand, if you want a fixed speaker that can drive a TV or gaming setup, the Badkruka is the one to look at. It lands below dedicated multi-room systems, such as the JBL Cove Wi-Fi speakers, and it skips the voice assistant of the Google Home Speaker.
Both colors show as in stock on IKEA’s US site. IKEA’s Low Price Guarantee refunds the difference within 90 days for IKEA Family members if the price drops, and the store offers 365-day returns.
