Creative STAGE Air Desktop Soundbar Review
Peter Donnell / 5 years ago
How Much Does it Cost?
The Creative Stage Air Bluetooth Soundbar is actually really good value for money, with an MSRP of just £44.99. However, their current promotion has it available for just £39.99, which is obviously even better. For a soundbar this size, this good looking and with these features, that’s fantastic value for money.
Overview
The Creative Stage Air is exactly what you could ask for, and while the performance didn’t blow me away, it was never really designed to wow, it’s just designed to work. Compared to cheap-o desktop speakers, or your monitor’s built-in speakers, it’s a huge upgrade. If you’re doing nothing but thumping out bass-heavy and loud music, these aren’t for you. However, if you’re watching YouTube videos, Twitch, spending time on Ted-X, Facebook, or dare I say it, actually working, it’s absolutely perfect.
Days Off
I actually tested this speaker the way it was intended to be used. I hooked it up to my PC and ran it for a few hours listening to a Devin Townsend Podcast, I wrote some review content, watched a bit of YouTube, and that’s all great. Then in the afternoon, I unplugged the speaker, took it out in the garden to listen to Planet Rock Radio in the sun while the kids played and I had a cuppa tea. Honestly, for daily life, this speaker works well for me.
Build Quality
It’s a nice speaker, but it’s not overly robust. It’s not a Bluetooth speaker you would take on a camping trip, I’d certainly want to keep this one safely at home. But for a BBQ in your garden? It’ll be fine, albeit, it’s not waterproof, so be careful if it’s a traditional English BBQ, as it’ll rain for certain.
Should I Buy One?
It’s a pretty simple product, and I do recommend it if you’re on a tighter budget. However, if you’re after a bigger sound, waterproofing and longer battery life, I still think the iRoar Go is their best speaker for home use, but it is twice the price though. For everything else though, the Creative Stage Air is ideal.