Soen Transit XS Review

We’ve seen and covered plenty of portable Bluetooth
speakers in our time. Some good, some bad, and a lot that
we’ve forgotten about because they’re so conventional –
both on the functional and design sides. So what makes
Soen Audio’s Transit XS unique and different from all others
we’ve got our hands on? Well, out of everything, it’s a
portable Bluetooth speaker that’s probably most notable for
featuring a standard ¼” tripod mount.
Visually speaking, it the Transit XS clearly looks very much
like your standard portable Bluetooth speaker, but it’s nice
to find that it’s truly compact – so much so that it’s the kind
of thing that we can fit in our back pocket. Going with a
wedged shaped design, one that utilizes distinctive hard
lines, the entire casing has a soft touch finish that gives it a
clean look. Obviously, the material gives it some splash
resistance, but it’s not something that’s fully waterproof, so
it’s not the kind of thing you’ll be dipping or throwing into
the pool.
Most of its façade, naturally, is occupied by the speaker grill
– while its volume up, volume down, option button, power
switch, 3.5mm audio input, battery level LEDs, and
microUSB port are found around its sides. Soen attempts to
deepen the Transit XS’ functionality by offering several
different accessories at various price points. For example,
it’s undeniable that they’re marketing it as the perfect
companion for bike riding, as the bicycle mount allows it to
be properly fastened. And considering that there’s a
standard ¼” tripod mount on its underside, it’s already
compatible with an assortment of existing mounts and
accessories – like the GorillaPod.
Pairing it to a mobile device is made easier with those
outfitted with built-in NFC, seeing that hovering the device
over the NFC tag on the top side of the speaker initiates the
connection. In our experience, we’re able to retain a
connection for up to 20 feet before it starts to show signs of
degradation with its stability.
In terms of its audio quality, we’ll certainly say that it emits
a pretty clean tone, which is aided by the subtle bass tones
from its patented Soen Momentum Port. However, its
volume output is rather underpowered in our opinion, so it’s
something that doesn’t really cover distances that well,
which we don’t find ample for using while on a bike. Indeed,
it’s good for closed or confined spaces, but it just doesn’t
have the reach for open areas.
Plastered with a sticker price of $129.95 , it’s definitely up
there in terms of price point when we factor in its overall
size. Very recently, we reviewed another comparable
speaker, the Samsung Level Box Mini, which comes in
cheaper at $100. Both speakers clearly have their attributes,
but their volume outputs are equally the same. Essentially,
what you’re paying extra here is for the superior water
resistant construction and ¼” tripod mount. If they’re
something you prize, then the extra cost will be more than
validated. If not, then think about the other alternative to
save yourself some money.

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