Teenage Engineering OB-4 Speakers Review: Limited Edition Sound

When Minor Figures teamed up with Teenage Engineering to release a limited edition OB-4 speaker, it turned heads in both the audio and design worlds. Known for their minimalist aesthetic and playful approach to tech, Teenage Engineering has built a cult following. This collaboration adds a splash of color and a touch of oat-milk charm to an already iconic portable speaker.

In this review, we'll dive into the OB-4's sound quality, build, and everyday usability. We'll also compare it to other portable speakers and help you decide if this limited edition is worth adding to your collection—or your coffee table.

First Impressions and Design

The OB-4 is immediately recognizable with its cylindrical shape, fabric grille, and retro-futuristic display. The limited edition colorway, inspired by Minor Figures' branding, adds a playful twist. It's a design speaker in every sense, meant to be seen as much as heard. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy feel that suggests it can handle being tossed in a bag.

The controls are intuitive: a large dial for volume and a few buttons for playback, plus a unique radio dial that lets you scroll through FM stations. The display shows track info and a playful visualizer. It's a tactile experience that invites you to interact, unlike many Bluetooth speakers that rely on your phone for everything.

• Unique limited edition colorway from Minor Figures
• Intuitive physical controls and FM radio dial
• Sturdy, premium build with fabric grille

Sound Quality and Performance

For its size, the OB-4 delivers surprisingly robust sound. It has a clear, balanced profile with a slight emphasis on mids, making vocals and acoustic instruments shine. Bass is present but not overwhelming—it's more about clarity than thump. The speaker fills a small to medium room with ease, and the 360-degree design means you get consistent sound from any angle.

Battery life is around 20 hours, which is solid for a speaker in this class. It charges via USB-C, and you can even use it as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch—a handy feature for outdoor gatherings. The OB-4 also supports Bluetooth, aux-in, and even has a built-in FM radio, giving you plenty of playback options.

• 360-degree sound with balanced mids and clear highs
• 20-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and power bank function
• Multiple input options: Bluetooth, aux, and FM radio

Portability and Everyday Use

The OB-4 is portable but not pocket-sized. It's about the size of a large thermos, weighing around 1.2 kg. There's a built-in handle that makes it easy to carry, and the fabric grille protects the drivers during transport. It's a speaker you'd take to a picnic, a beach day, or just move from room to room.

In our daily use, the OB-4 proved reliable. Pairing was quick, and the controls were responsive. The FM radio is a fun bonus—perfect for discovering local stations. The limited edition design also makes it a conversation starter, and it pairs well with Minor Figures' aesthetic if you're a fan of their branding.

• Built-in handle and durable fabric grille for portability
• Quick Bluetooth pairing and responsive controls
• Fun FM radio feature for additional listening options

Comparison and Value

Compared to other portable speakers in its price range, the OB-4 stands out for its design and unique features. It's more expensive than many competitors, but you're paying for the Teenage Engineering brand and the limited edition collaboration. If you're a collector or a design enthusiast, this is a must-have. For pure audio performance, you might find better value elsewhere, but the OB-4 offers a unique blend of form and function.

In the context of Minor Figures' product lineup, this speaker is a lifestyle accessory. It complements their oat milk and merchandise, like the MF Sticker Pack, to create a cohesive brand experience. If you're already a fan of Minor Figures, this speaker is a natural addition to your collection.

• Premium price reflects design and brand collaboration
• Not the best value for pure audio, but unique in its niche
• Pairs well with Minor Figures' other products and merch

The Teenage Engineering OB-4 speakers limited edition is a delightful fusion of design and sound. While it's not the cheapest portable speaker, its unique aesthetic, solid performance, and fun features make it a worthy investment for design-conscious listeners. If you're looking for a statement piece that sounds great, this is it.