
10 Unexpected Audio Gadgets That Will Upgrade Your Listening Experience in 2025
July 17, 2025
Overview
Step into the future of sound with these 10 unexpected audio gadgets poised to revolutionize your listening experience in 2025! This curated collection goes beyond the ordinary, showcasing innovative and specialized audio tech that you probably haven't even heard of. From immersive soundscapes to unique wearables, discover the next generation of audio and elevate your personal sound journey with these cutting-edge devices and accessories that will redefine how you experience music, podcasts, and more.
Our picks
The Best Immersive Audio System for Home Theaters: Music Frame Smart Speaker, $249.99
The Most Comfortable Next-Gen Wearable Audio Device: Urbanista Los Angeles Headphones, $119.95
The Best Headphones for Audiophiles in 2025: JBL Tour Pro 3, $329.95
The Most Unique Audio Accessory to Elevate Sound: Anything Speaker, $49.99
The Best Gift for the Home Concert Enthusiast: Lenco LS-50 Turntable, $127.49
The Most User-Friendly Personalized Sound Experience: Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers, $1,699.00
Immersive Audio Environments for the Home
Transform your living room into a personal concert hall with these innovative sound systems.
9
Listful
Score
Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
$1,699.00
Earning a remarkable 9/10 score, the Linton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are celebrated for their rich, warm sound and exceptional build quality with real wood veneers. Our experience shows they deliver a wide soundstage with precise imaging, making them perfect for audiophiles. While the treble may seem attenuated to some, and the size may not fit every space, these speakers are an investment in premium audio that will enhance any listening setup.
The Good
• Exceptional build quality with real wood veneers.
• Warm, rich, and natural sound character.
• Wide soundstage with precise imaging.
The Bad
• Treble may be slightly attenuated for some listeners.
• Large size may not suit all spaces.
• Requires substantial break-in period for optimal performance.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: N/A / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: N/A
6.5
Listful
Score
COTODAMA LYRIC SPEAKER
$3,250.00
The COTODAMA LYRIC SPEAKER is a unique fusion of audio and visual art with real-time dynamic lyric displays, making it a conversation piece for any room. Despite its high-definition sound quality, it scored 6.5/10 due to a prohibitive price and limited connectivity. Our review noted that not all songs may come with lyrics, but for those who can afford it, it offers an unparalleled auditory and visual experience that stands out in any music lover's collection.
The Good
• Displays song lyrics in real-time with dynamic visualizations, enhancing the listening experience.
• Delivers high-quality sound with a two-way bass-reflex design and a 32W amplifier.
• Supports multiple streaming services including AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Google Cast.
The Bad
• Extremely high price point, making it inaccessible for many consumers.
• Limited connectivity options, lacking Bluetooth and physical audio inputs.
• Some songs may not have lyrics available, leading to generic visualizations instead.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: Not applicable / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: Not supported
7.5
Listful
Score
Music Frame Smart Speaker
$249.99
Blending effortlessly into home decor, the Music Frame Smart Speaker scored 7.5/10 for its design and connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. Our experience shows it fills a room with sound, though it lacks the audio detail found in more expensive options. Ideal for style-conscious users, its sleek picture-frame design is perfect for those who value aesthetics and functional connectivity over ultra-premium sound quality.
The Good
• The speaker's design allows it to blend seamlessly into home decor as a picture frame.
• The speaker offers wide and large-scaled sound dispersion, filling rooms effectively.
• Supports multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.
The Bad
• The sound lacks detail and dynamic contrast, affecting the overall listening experience.
• The bass response is solid but doesn't match the depth of a dedicated subwoofer.
• The initial setup process can be slow, and the SmartThings app may lag during operation.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: N/A / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: 5.2
Next-Gen Wearable Audio Devices
Explore groundbreaking wearable tech designed for ultimate comfort and portability.
7
Listful
Score
Urbanista Los Angeles Headphones
$119.95
Urbanista Los Angeles headphones are a testament to innovative design, featuring solar-powered charging capabilities. During our testing, their 80-hour battery life impressed, though they scored 7/10 due to inconsistent ANC and a bass-heavy sound profile. Ideal for eco-conscious users, they offer extended listening with lesser emphasis on perfect tonal balance. If sustainability is your priority, these could be your ideal match, despite some audio performance trade-offs.
The Good
• Innovative solar-powered charging provides extended battery life.
The Bad
• Bass-heavy sound profile may overwhelm midrange and treble frequencies.
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance is inconsistent and may introduce unwanted noise.
Noise Cancellation: true / Battery Life: 80 hours / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Specialized Headphones & Earbuds
Discover unique designs and cutting-edge technology in headphones and earbuds.
8.5
Listful
Score
JBL Tour Pro 3
$329.95
The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds deliver an impressive 8.5/10 listening experience, thanks to their Hi-Res certified audio and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. During our review, we found the earbuds offer exceptional audio quality and up to 44 hours of playback. However, the bulky charging case and larger earbuds might not be ideal for those with smaller ears. If high-quality sound is your priority, these earbuds are a solid choice despite some comfort concerns.
The Good
• The earbuds deliver Hi-Res certified audio wirelessly with LDAC, providing exceptional audio quality.
• The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection.
• The earbuds offer up to 11 hours of playback with ANC off, and the case provides an additional 33 hours.
The Bad
• The Smart Charging Case™ is bulky, making it less convenient for pocket carry.
• The touchscreen responsiveness on the Smart Charging Case™ can sometimes be laggy.
• The earbuds are larger than average, which may cause discomfort for users with smaller ears.
Noise Cancellation: true / Battery Life: 11 hours / Water Resistance: IP55 / Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Unconventional Audio Accessories
Enhance your sound setup with these unusual and useful audio accessories.
8
Listful
Score
Trexonic Retro Record Player
$107.90
The Trexonic Retro Record Player captures the nostalgia of vinyl with modern twists like Bluetooth streaming. Scoring an 8/10, it excels in media versatility, though our review highlights the need for external speakers due to a lack of built-in options. Its compact design charms collectors, though sound enthusiasts might invest in better output equipment for enhanced quality. It's a stylish, multifunctional addition to any vintage lover's space, blending the old with the new.
The Good
• Versatile media compatibility with support for vinyl records, CDs, USB, and SD cards.
• Built-in Bluetooth technology allows wireless streaming from compatible devices.
• Compact design with a retro aesthetic that appeals to collectors.
The Bad
• No built-in speaker – requires additional speakers or headphones for audio output.
• Limited color options available.
• Some users reported that the speakers are really basic and may require replacements for better sound quality.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: N/A / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: 5.0
6
Listful
Score
Lenco LS-50 Turntable
$127.49
The Lenco LS-50 Turntable offers plug-and-play convenience with built-in speakers and easy vinyl-digitization capabilities. Scoring a 6/10, our testing found it lacks audio depth, signaling the need for external speakers for richer sound. While design setbacks like cramped controls are noted, it's a user-friendly choice for vinyl enthusiasts eager to digitize their collections without breaking the bank. It's a good entry point for those exploring the world of vinyl.
The Good
• Built-in speakers allow for immediate playback without external equipment.
• USB port enables easy conversion of vinyl records to digital formats.
• Adjustable counterweight allows for precise needle pressure adjustments.
The Bad
• Built-in speakers may lack clarity and depth compared to external speakers.
• No Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming.
• Some users find the control layout inconvenient, with speed and arm controls placed too closely together.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: N/A / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: N/A
5.5
Listful
Score
Anything Speaker
$49.99
The Anything Speaker introduces innovative bone conduction technology in a highly compact form. Despite its enticing concept, we found its performance inconsistent, with durability concerns contributing to a score of 5.5/10. Ideal for adventurous tech enthusiasts, it offers the novelty of turning everyday objects into speakers. If you're prioritizing portability and innovative experiences over pristine sound quality, this could be a fun addition to your gadget collection.
The Good
• Highly portable due to its extremely small size (1.5 inches).
• Innovative bone conduction technology offers a unique audio experience by turning various objects into speakers.
• Dual speaker connectivity allows for a stereo sound experience when paired with another Anything Speaker.
The Bad
• Some customers have reported issues with adhesive and heating, which may affect the overall durability and performance of the speaker.
• Expectations of turning anything into a speaker may not be fully met, as sound quality and volume vary depending on the object used.
• Mixed reviews on sound quality and volume suggest that the speaker may not meet everyone's audio preferences.
Noise Cancellation: false / Battery Life: 3 hours / Water Resistance: None / Bluetooth Version: 5.0
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