In the world of portable audio, people select Bluetooth speakers for different reasons. Some want a speaker to use indoors and outdoors at home. Others want a speaker they can wear and take with them wherever they go. If you’re the outdoors type and want a speaker that is built for the elements, I have the speaker for you.
I’m reviewing the MUZEN Wild Mini Rugged Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker. With a built-in flashlight, this speaker is designed for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. I also reviewed the MUZEN OTR Metal and MUZEN Button Mini speakers. Unlike the other two, this portable speaker features a rugged design.
Notable Specs: MUZEN Wild Mini
- Bluetooth 5 connectivity in less than 5 seconds, low power consumption
- Built-in 800mAh lithium battery, 8 hours battery life at ⅔ volume
- Three flashlight modes, low, high, and SOS flashlight
- IPX5 water resistance, protected against rain
Design of the MUZEN Wild Mini
The MUZEN Wild Mini has a unique, compact design inspired by military radios. These design elements suggest outdoor, backcountry use. With no square edges and a hook on the top, it’s easy and comfortable to clip on a backpack or belt clip.
The speaker is small and can fit in the palm of your hand. It measures approximately 2” x 3” X 1” (WHD). It has a metal alloy body frame with plastic knobs and rubber feet on the bottom.
A small LED flashlight is on the top, with a metal thumbwheel on the left side. It makes a clicking noise as the dial turns to adjust the volume. I really like this detail, as it simulates mechanical, military-grade equipment.
Control options for the MUZEN Wild Mini
The front houses a spring-loaded switch to turn the device on/off and activate Bluetooth pairing. Holding the button activates the LED Flashlight on the top. To the right of that is a larger button/switch. Pressing the button stops/starts playback. Turning it left or right changes the track. On the right side, a small removable cap protects the Micro-USB charging port.
The MUZEN Wild Mini comes in a rugged plastic case with room for the included charging cable. It comes in three colours: Green, Yellow, and Grey. With an IPX5 water resistance rating, it can withstand rain.
Using the MUZEN Wild Mini
I’ve reviewed a lot of Bluetooth speakers but none that looked like a military radio. It makes for a perfect accessory on my backpack. It was easy to connect and I even attached it to my belt. If you haven’t worn a speaker before, you’re missing out. It’s a great way to listen to podcasts while cleaning the house and moving between rooms. I left my phone in the kitchen and it stayed connected despite being over 20-25 feet away.
My favorite feature is the thumbwheel. The clicking noise is very satisfying. It makes me feel very much in control of the volume level. At low, medium, and high volume, the sound was rich and clear. There was little to no distortion on the high-end.
I waited till night to test out the flashlight. In my dark hallway, I was able to navigate with ease on the highest brightness setting. I really don’t see a need for the lower brightness setting unless you were trying to conserve power. The SOS light is another great feature that comes in handy during emergencies.
The sound quality of the MUZEN Wild Mini
MUZEN speakers are louder than they look and the Wild Mini is no exception. At high volumes, it can easily fill an entire room. The sound profile is clean, crisp, and powerful. There’s a good balance between the low, medium, and high frequencies. MUZEN has figured out the formula in producing tiny speakers that pack a punch. People are going to be impressed by how small and loud it is.
Of course, this mini form factor comes at a cost. There is no deep low-end bass. MUZEN still did a great job accentuating the low end. I can still hear thumping bass from bass guitars and kick drums. Overall, I think people will be impressed with the sound profile and loudness. Without looking at it, you expect it to be much larger than it is.
Who is the MUZEN Wild Mini for?
I think MUZEN was smart to offer a small, rugged portable Bluetooth speaker. I absolutely love the military radio design and the thumbwheel volume control. The flashlight is bright and can certainly help someone navigate in dark trials at night.
I think it goes without saying that this speaker is geared towards men. It is designed for the outdoors type, someone who spends a lot of time outside camping, hiking, or trekking through the wilderness. I doubt this will appeal to women but I would love to be proven wrong.
Final thoughts
As a backcountry style of speaker, I do see some room for improvement for the MUZEN Wild Mini. First, I’d like to see a higher IPX water resistance rating. With just an IPX5 rating, I was scared to test this in the shower. With a couple design tweaks, I think they could make it submersible in water. Then I would have no hesitation to take this to the pool, beach or camping. Otherwise, you don’t want this to fall into a body of water.
Another thing I’d like to see is a built-in compass. Along with the flashlight, it would be another life-saving emergency feature. I also wish it was a speakerphone. It kind of looks like a military-grade walkie-talkie. I think it would be a lot of fun to use it as one to have conversations away from a smartphone
If you’re the outdoors type and looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a flashlight, then I highly recommend you consider the MUZEN Wild Mini. It’s a rugged, dependable option that you can take virtually everywhere, except underwater.
The eight hour battery life is very impressive.
I’m impressed with its rugged built for the outdoors.
I like that its PX5 water resistant.
I love that it’s IPX5 water resistance, protected against rain.
i like the IPX5 water-resistance.
Three flashlight modes, low, high, and SOS flashlight Is very impressive.
IPX5 water resistance
built in flashlight as well as the water resistance are pretty neat
built in flash light
I really love the rugged case.
built in flashlight and rain resistant is great for camp
Love the built in flashlight.
a super compact size
I definately like the fact that it is water resistant and it works in the rain.
The rugged carrying case is a real plus.
I like the built in flashlight as well as it’s rugged design and durability.
Love that it has a lower power consumption and a built-in flashlight.
IPX5 water-resistance and built-in flashlight
I love the fact that it has a light….very convenient at night and also like that it is water resistant. Would definitely love to win this.
I like the durability for using outdoors
super fast Bluetooth hookup and a long run time are my fave features- so rugged too!
The rugged features is what is appealing of this speaker, would be great to take out on an adventure.
I’m impressed by its three flashlight modes.
Being water proof is amazing – IPX5 water resistance, protected against rain – plus it looks incredible!
I dig the industrial style!
I am impressed with the available flashlight with 3 modes and a SOS function – great to have when camping in the bush.
Being water resistant and having a built in flashlight make it ideal for returning from others campsites in the rain or at night.
I like the IPX5 water resistance.
Love the emergency features of the built-in compass and the flashlight. And it is so compact!
My favourite feature is the built-in flashlight; great when camping.
very tactical looking, I have a nephew that would love this and would get a kick out of the thumbwheel
IPX5 water resistance for protecting against the rain
I am impressed by the size. Really is mini.
i like that it has a built in flashlight and how it looks
I really like the rugged design of this speaker – the flashlight feature is definitely a plus too for those trips outside. Radio capability would be even better from the standpoint of survival/emergencies, but the durability of this speaker is top notch.
I love that military style. It looks like something out of ‘MASH’ – impressive!
Looks like a military or survival device. Cool.
I like that they are water resistance.
The built in flashlight and 3 flashlight modes. That’s really cool and helpful
I love the rugged design and the IPX5 water resistance rating, it can withstand rain.
The an IPX5 water resistance rating, it can withstand rain.
The rugged design and it will fit into my palm
the durability and the IPX5 water resistance rating, it can withstand rain.
Love the rugged military look that punches above its weight class with sound quality and volume, very impressive.
The durability is great in situations like working in the garden.
Having a built-in flashlight as well as being a speaker is so cool
8 hours battery life seems impressive for something so small.
I am impressed that all these features are in a device small enough to fit in the palm of my hand.
I have family members who would love this design.
A compass on top of a speaker battery? Don’t think so.
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