KEF has returned to the portable speaker market with the second-generation Muo, blending high-end sound engineering, bold design and eco-conscious materials.

The Muo is KEF’s bid to compete with established portable rivals such as Sonos, JBL and Marshall.

The speaker’s compact form, similar in shape to the Sonos Roam, offers both portability and style, with a sculpted body inspired by KEF’s flagship Muon speakers.

The speaker is crafted from recycled plastics sourced from bottles, appliances and retired electronics, paired with premium aluminium. It comes in seven finishes, each with a tone-on-tone strap for carrying.

Under the hood, the Muo features a two-driver system – a dedicated 20mm tweeter and a 58×117mm racetrack mid/low driver with P-Flex surround technology – delivers clear highs and controlled bass without distortion.

KEF’s Music Integrity Engine DSP automatically adjusts EQ whether the speaker is upright or lying flat.

Durability is a highlight. The Muo is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance and can operate between –20°C and 45°C. KEF claims up to 24 hours of playback, with a quick 15-minute charge delivering three hours of extra playtime.

Connectivity is flexible, with Bluetooth 5.4 supporting aptX Adaptive, SBC, and AAC, plus Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. A USB-C port handles charging and wired playback. Stereo pairing with a second Muo, or linking multiple units via Auracast, is supported.

In a crowded portable speaker market, it will be interesting to see how KEF’s approach fares against established rivals.