Portable Bluetooth speakers are everywhere now, but very few try to be as characterful as the CMF Speaker S. At €69, it aims to stand out with a quirky milk-carton-inspired shape, interchangeable knobs, and a surprisingly capable feature set for its size. It is not just another small speaker - it feels like a product designed to be noticed, used, and fiddled with.
Before getting into the details, there will not be a traditional unboxing here. CMF keeps things simple: the speaker comes in a straightforward box, and there are no extra accessories included.
The Speaker S is the smaller model in CMF’s speaker lineup. If you want more output, there is also the CMF Speaker M, which costs €114 and offers twice the power. The Speaker S, however, is clearly aimed at people who want something portable, affordable, and visually interesting.
On the hardware side, the speaker delivers 10W of audio through a 45mm driver, with a frequency response ranging from 70Hz to 20kHz. To help with low-end presence, CMF has added two passive radiators, one on each side, to give the impression of more bass than the compact body would normally suggest.
Design is one of the Speaker S’s strongest points. CMF openly says the shape was inspired by a milk carton, and it gives the speaker a clean, boxy look that feels different from the usual rounded or cylindrical Bluetooth speaker designs. It is available in four colors: White, Red, Black, and Cyan. Each version gets its own custom rotary knob, making the speaker feel more like a small lifestyle object than a plain tech accessory.
There is also a modular element to the design. A lock button on the back lets you remove the front panel and swap the knob between speakers. This is mainly useful if you own more than one Speaker S, since CMF does not currently sell the front cover or knobs separately. Still, it adds a fun layer of personalization and gives the product a more playful identity.
The rotary knob is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. It is not just for show - it handles multiple functions. Rotating it adjusts the volume, pressing it controls playback, and pressing it again moves into track navigation. This kind of simple, tactile control makes the speaker feel more engaging than a device that relies only on buttons or a companion app.
When it comes to sound, the CMF Speaker S offers more volume than you might expect from its compact size. The overall tuning leans toward clarity, with a noticeable focus on the midrange. Vocals come through well, and instruments remain easy to distinguish. It is the kind of sound that works nicely for casual listening, podcasts, background music, and small gatherings.
However, bass is the area where the Speaker S shows its limitations. Even with Ultra Bass enabled, the low end does not feel especially deep or impactful. In fact, pushing that feature too hard can take away from the rest of the audio quality. That will not bother everyone, especially if you prefer a cleaner, more balanced presentation, but bass lovers should keep this in mind before buying.
That said, limited low-end output is not unusual for a speaker this small. Compact Bluetooth speakers rarely deliver truly rich bass on their own, and the Speaker S is no exception. What matters more is that it sounds bigger than its size suggests, and in that respect it does a solid job.
The CMF Speaker S also benefits from IP68 protection, meaning it is resistant to dust and immersion. That makes it a good companion for outdoor use, poolside listening, or simply taking it around the house without worrying too much about accidental splashes or dirt.
Overall, the CMF Speaker S is not trying to be the most powerful portable speaker in its class. Instead, it focuses on style, usability, and a fun physical interface. It is compact, easy to carry, loud enough for everyday use, and distinct enough to feel like more than just another generic Bluetooth speaker.
The CMF Speaker S is available directly from CMF in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and North America.
