Dont worry, its only a Bluetooth speaker.
And for the most part, this diminutive portable speaker achieves what it sets out to do.
It has an eye-catching shape fit for fashionistas, decent all-round audio and impressive build quality.
Before we get into that, though, lets start with a sound assessment.
It has a single 45mm, 5W full-range driver that produces typically clear, tonally-accurate audio.
But again, I still felt that the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker sounded fine given its intrinsic limitations.
Specifically, I was surprised by the meatiness of the bass on offer.
Perhaps unconventionally, the draw of this speaker isnt all too much to do with sound its about style.
Speaking of price, this Happy Plugs product will set you back just $49.99 / 39.99.
Competitors like the JBL Go 4 andSony SRS-XB100have very similar list prices.
That predominantly comes down to its disappointing feature-set.
Theres no companion app or way to adjust EQ something Id expect for a speaker released in 2025.
Another issue is the poor dust- and waterproofing offered by the Joy Speaker.
It is only IPX4 rated, meaning it can withstand some water splashes or rainfall, but little else.
The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker has a pretty limited set of features.
For a speaker released in 2025, thats pretty disappointing even for a small one like this.
Stereo pairing is a handy inclusion, especially as this speaker cant get too loud more on that later.
AUX is cool too if youre into wired listening, but I suspect most will stick with Bluetooth.
On top of this, youre getting up to eight hours of playtime with the Happy Plugs Joy.
Thats fairly average stuff.
When tuning intoThat Lady Pts.
But overall, I still felt that sound quality was solid for both its size and price.
And in some areas it outclassed the Go 4.
It was also pleasantly forward until vocals entered the fray and deservedly assumed the limelight.
But much of that is down to the inherent limitations of speakers this small.
Another issue thats pretty typical of tiny speakers like this is relatively low power output.
And the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker doesnt look to buck that trend.
It has a single 5W 45mm driver that cant get all too loud.
So here I am, left with pretty mixed feelings.
(Is it worth mentioning that some of the TechRadar team call this review sample Grogu?
I suppose I just have.)
These include play/pause, call and volume controls, as well as power on/off and Bluetooth.
This will let you play music via a wired connection, if you feel so inclined.
One more highlight Im a big fan of the color options available here.
First, the pros.
But I have one major gripe: the dust and waterproof rating.
For a speaker in this age, thats simply not cutting it.
Its by no means expensive, but not a crazy bargain either.
For a speaker of its size, the Joy Speaker does perform pretty well where it matters most sound.
And of course, it is very easy on the eye.
Ultimately, there are a host of better-value options out there.
In its own right, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is fine value-wise.
Should I buy the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker?
3.5/5
Design
Great looking speaker with neat color options, poor waterproofing.
4/5
Value
Pricing in-line with rivals that offer equally good sound, but better features.
It comes in four neat colorways, has a mini, curved build and dons well-sized buttons to boot.
Its just IPX4 rated, meaning it can survive water splashes, but not submersion or anything.
It offers pretty controlled audio given its size and surprising levels of loudness.
