Thomson AlphaBeat25 Soundbar Review: RGB Lights Complement Impressive Sound and Battery Life

Thomson, a familiar name in the television industry, is now entering the fray of the affordable audio market, dominated by brands like Boat with an ambition to launch over 20 new audio models in the next six months. The brand recently unveiled its first pair of wireless soundbars - AlphaBeat25 and AlphaBeat60 soundbars in India.

And, I have got my hands on the AlphaBeat25 (Black variant) packed with several features that we usually don't see on a budget soundbar. Priced at Rs 5,990, is the Thomson AlphaBeat25 worth your money? Let's find out.

PROS

• Good sound quality
• Impressive battery life
• Solid build with RGB lighting

CONS

• No companion app
• Distortion at very high volume levels
• Misses out on Built-in FM Radio

A Wired and Wireless Soundbar

The signature aspect of this soundbar is its RGB lighting strip that runs along the bottom edge of the soundbar, giving you a party feel. The "Thomson" logo is placed on the front surface, while the control panel are located on the top, consisting of volume rockers, a play or pause button, and manual functions to switch between BT, USB, or AUX modes. The USB, AUX, Type-C charging port, and power button are placed together.

The soundbar has a sleek and modern design. While its 7.9 cm height offers a stylish profile, it might be less portable than other Bluetooth speakers, which often fit easily into your sling bag. The AlphaBeat25 has a rectangle form factor with a matte finish, which also helps reduce fingerprints and smudges.

The device also offers various connectivity options, including USB, AUX, and Type-C charging, providing flexibility for different audio sources. Moreover, the AlphaBeat25 comes with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 80 dB which is low for speakers as a higher SNR requires less background noise. On top of that, the AlphaBeat25 is also sleek and light in weight as well, making it easy to carry anywhere.

Performance: Colorful and Cheerful

The AlphaBeat25 soundbar is equipped with dual drivers, capable of delivering a maximum of 25W sound output. The soundbar delivers impressive sound and is ideal for indoor use, especially for house parties and casual listening, where it can easily fill a small room.

However, pushing the volume beyond 80% can lead to some audio distortion. I felt that the soundbar offers the best output when the volume is set between 60-70% for the best listening experience, offering the right amount of loudness and clarity.

It also supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, providing a wireless range of 15 meters and I haven't encountered any issues while pairing the soundbar with both iOS and Android devices. In addition, the AlphaBeat25 is compatible with tablets and smart TVs and can be used as an external soundbar to amplify the movie-watching experience, where the RGB light can add to the ambience of your living room.

Expanding on the RGB lighting, it adds a fun and immersive aspect to your audio experience and is best suited for small house parties. As the 25W of sound isn't really that loud, you can rest assured that, your neighbours won't be bothered by the late-night parties, powered by the AlphaBeat25.

While the Thomson AlphaBeat25 can be a good pick for small rooms, it struggles to provide sufficient volume and clarity when comes to outdoor use or larger spaces.

Battery Life: Can Last Through an Entire Party

The Thomson AlphaBeat25 delivers a battery life of around 13 hours on a single charge, which is slightly less than the claimed 16 hours when you blast it at around 60 to 70 percent volume.

This is impressive and can last for an entire night or you can also marathon movies without worrying about recharging. The soundbar packs a 2000mAh battery which charges via a USB Type-C port and takes approximately four hours to reach a full charge.

One of the standout features is its quick charging capability. An hour of charging can provide several hours of usage with a few minutes of playback, making it convenient for on-the-go listening.

Verdict: Good buy, Especially at Its Discounted Price

The Thomson AlphaBeat25 can be a good pick for those looking to add some party vibes to their house party. It offers a good battery life and a decent sound output, making it suitable for indoor gatherings. However, it lacks an FM radio and a dedicated app.

Additionally, the current price of Rs 5,990 seems a bit high considering its features. If you prioritize brand and are willing to pay more, the AlphaBeat25 could be a good option. However, it's worth exploring other options in the market before making a choice.