Altec Lansing delivers reliable mid-budget audio across wireless earbuds and portable speakers, with most products under £60. They're strongest if you need waterproof portability or noise-cancelling earbuds on a tight budget, but don't expect flagship performance.
Why Altec Lansing?
Altec Lansing has been manufacturing audio equipment since 1927, originally supplying cinema systems and stage amplification. Today, they focus on durable, waterproof portable speakers and affordable wireless earbuds. Their appeal lies in practical durability — most current products carry waterproof ratings — rather than premium sound quality or brand prestige. They're a solid choice if you need audio gear that handles outdoor environments without breaking the bank.
Top Picks
Altec Lansing Nanobuds ANC 2.0 — £59.00
Best for: Noise isolation on a budget. These true wireless earbuds include active noise cancelling (ANC), a feature rarely found at this price point. 6-hour battery life per charge, plus charging case for additional top-ups. Ideal if you commute or want ANC without flagship prices.
Altec Lansing True Evo+ Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — £47.49
Best for: Everyday wear without frills. Solid Bluetooth connectivity, comfortable fit for extended use, and a mid-range price that undercuts the Nanobuds. Skip if ANC matters; pick this for simplicity and value.
Altec Lansing HydraMini Everything Proof — £18.49
Best for: Outdoor durability on minimal spend. Waterproof 2-inch speaker with 2-in-1 Bluetooth compatibility, designed for poolside, garden, or camping use. Entry-level sound quality, but nearly indestructible for the price.
Altec Lansing HydraMicro Everything Proof — £16.99
Best for: Ultra-compact portability. The smallest in the range at 3.2 inches, still waterproof, and the cheapest option overall. Trade off power for pocket-friendly size and price.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Nanobuds ANC 2.0 | £59.00 | Noise-cancelling seekers | Active noise cancellation at sub-£60 price | | True Evo+ | £47.49 | Daily earbuds | Clean design, no frills, reliable Bluetooth | | HydraMini | £18.49 | Outdoor speakers | 2-inch waterproof durability under £20 | | HydraMicro | £16.99 | Pocket speakers | Smallest, cheapest, still waterproof |
What to Look For
- Waterproof ratings: All current Altec Lansing speakers carry waterproof certification; earbuds don't. If water resistance matters, buy a speaker, not earbuds.
- Battery life: The Nanobuds ANC 2.0 offers 6 hours per charge; True Evo+ typically delivers 5-7 hours depending on use. Check your commute length.
- Bluetooth version and range: Look for Bluetooth 5.0+ if you need stable connection beyond 30 feet; Altec's budget earbuds may drop to 4.2 on cheaper models.
- Speaker size vs. power: HydraMini (2-inch) handles small rooms or personal use; don't expect room-filling volume at £18.49.
The Bottom Line
The Altec Lansing Nanobuds ANC 2.0 at £59.00 offers the best overall value if you want noise cancellation without spending £100+, though the HydraMini at £18.49 is unbeatable if you need a durable outdoor speaker. Skip Altec if sound quality is your priority — they're practical, not premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altec Lansing good value for money?
Yes, particularly for budget buyers. Prices range from £16.99 to £59.00, undercutting most competitors at the same spec level. Trade-off: sound quality sits in the mid-budget tier, not flagship.
Are Altec Lansing earbuds waterproof?
No, the current earbud range (Nanobuds ANC 2.0 and True Evo+) are not marketed as waterproof. If water resistance is essential, choose one of their portable speakers instead — HydraMini and HydraMicro are fully waterproof.
Which Altec Lansing product is best for camping or outdoor use?
The HydraMini Everything Proof at £18.49 is the top pick: waterproof, durable, and portable enough for a backpack. The HydraMicro (£16.99) is even lighter but sacrifices some power.
Do Altec Lansing earbuds have active noise cancellation?
Only the Nanobuds ANC 2.0 (£59.00) includes active noise cancellation. The True Evo+ (£47.49) does not — it relies on passive noise isolation from fit alone.
