Australian audio brand BlueAnt has made a habit of punching above its weight and the X4i party speaker continues the trend.

Slotting into the company’s X-Series range, the X4i is pitched as an “80-watt party powerhouse” designed to turn a garden, beach or living room into an instant party zone.

The speaker is currently an absolute bargain at A$189, down from $379.

After spending time with the X4i, it’s clear the “mighty mini” delivers plenty of energy for its compact frame, even if it doesn’t rewrite the rulebook for portable party speakers.

The speaker is compact enough to stash conveniently in the boot, yet solidly built with an integrated handle. At 2.5kg, it’s surprisingly light despite its bulk. You can fling it up with ease – it’s even light enough to carry with your pinky.

Despite the fun styling, BlueAnt keeps things practical.

The top panel includes backlit, one-touch controls for volume, playback, lighting and bass boost, all easy to navigate in low light.

A built-in phone/tablet holder is a useful addition, especially if your party playlist needs constant attention.

While not designed to swim, the IP54 splashproof rating means it’s comfortable around pools, dust and the occasional spill.

Powered by an 80-watt system with a 138mm bass driver and 52mm tweeter, the X4i produces more volume than you’d assume at first glance.

Indoors, the speaker fills medium-sized rooms; outdoors, it stays punchy without getting lost. Its sound profile leans bright and energetic, with clear vocals and crisp highs.

Bass is respectable, especially with Bass Boost engaged, though those wanting subwoofer-level thump will find it more restrained than larger competitors. It’s tuned for parties rather than audiophile listening, and in that context it performs well.

While I didn’t use the included microphone, the X4i continues BlueAnt’s karaoke-friendly streak with dedicated mic volume and echo controls, a handy bonus for social events.

The seven-mode LED light show is one of its standout features: vibrant without being garish, and responsive to the beat. You can cycle through patterns or turn the lights off entirely to preserve battery.

Speaking of battery life, BlueAnt quotes up to 12 hours. With lights and high volume you’ll get less, but still enough for most outdoor sessions.

The unit also doubles as a powerbank via USB, which is extremely useful for topping up a phone mid-session. Bluetooth 6.0 provides quick pairing and reliable range, and in testing the connection remained stable without dropouts.

One of the X4i’s best tricks is Duo Mode. Pairing two X4i speakers wirelessly is simple and transforms the experience.

With stereo spread and doubled output, sound becomes more immersive and fills large spaces with ease. While older X-Series models support linking up to 100 speakers, limiting the X4i to two isn’t a drawback. Duo Mode is the sweet spot most people will actually use.

In day-to-day use, the X4i is straightforward and easy to move from room to room or pack for a camping trip. The biggest surprise is how well it maintains clarity at higher volumes; there’s a hint of distortion at the limit, but not enough to derail a party.

The BlueAnt X4i hits a sweet spot for those wanting a portable speaker with more personality and power than a standard Bluetooth box, without the bulk or price tag of large party rigs.

Rating: 8.5/10

Pros

  • Lightweight and genuinely portable

  • Seven-mode LED light show with beat-responsive effects

  • Duo Mode enhances stereo sound

  • IP54 splashproof rating suits outdoor use

  • Built-in powerbank for charging devices

  • Backlit controls and device holder are very practical

Cons 

  • Bass lacks depth without Bass Boost activated

  • LED lighting impacts battery life noticeably

  • Not waterproof (splashproof only)