Libratone
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Tommy Andersen, Jes Mosgaard, Søren Louis Pedersen |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
| Products | Wireless speakers, headphones, earphones |
| Parent | Little Bird ApS (since 2020) |
| Website | www |
Libratone A/S is a Danish consumer audio company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 2009, the company develops wireless speakers and headphones. Its products have been reviewed by technology publications including What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, WIRED, Tom's Guide, and iMore, which have covered its wireless audio products and design approach.[1][2]
History
[edit]Libratone was founded in Copenhagen in 2009 by Tommy Andersen, Jes Mosgaard and Søren Louis Pedersen.[3]
The company initially focused on wireless loudspeakers designed for Wi-Fi audio streaming, including compatibility with Apple's AirPlay ecosystem. Early products included the Libratone Zipp, a portable speaker designed for both home and mobile use.[4]
In July 2014, a Hong Kong-based investor consortium acquired a majority stake in Libratone alongside company management. The investment supported the company's international expansion in Europe, Asia, and North America.[3]
During the 2010s, Libratone expanded its product range to include additional wireless speakers and headphones. Reviews of the Zipp series noted strong industrial design and portability, alongside criticism of software performance and ecosystem integration compared to competing products such as Sonos.[5]
Later products such as the Zipp 2 added support for voice assistants, Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa. Reviews described the device as versatile but still less seamless than competing smart speaker platforms.[6]
In May 2020, Libratone A/S filed for bankruptcy in Denmark following financial difficulties, which were widely reported in European technology and consumer electronics media. The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a contributing factor to its financial situation.[7][8]
Later in 2020, the company's assets and brand were acquired by Danish investment company Little Bird ApS, allowing Libratone to continue operating under new ownership.[9]
Products
[edit]Libratone produces wireless speakers and headphones, including the Zipp series of portable speakers and the AIR+ series of true wireless earbuds.[10]
The Zipp series has been reviewed for its 360-degree sound, portability, and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, as well as its ability to function in multi-room audio setups.[11]
The company's headphones, including the TRACK Air+ series, have been reviewed for sound quality and active noise cancellation, though some reviews have noted software and connectivity limitations.[12]
Reception
[edit]Libratone products have received generally positive reviews for industrial design, sound quality, and portability. Publications including What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, and WIRED have highlighted strong audio performance and distinctive design language.[1][2]
However, reviewers have frequently criticized Libratone products for inconsistent software performance and weaker ecosystem integration compared to competitors such as Sonos.[5]
Despite these criticisms, the Zipp series has been described as a flexible alternative to fixed smart speaker systems due to its portability and wireless functionality.[6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Libratone Zipp review". What Hi-Fi?. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Review: Libratone Zipp Speaker". WIRED. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Hong Kong consortium acquires wireless speaker firm Libratone". What Hi-Fi?. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Libratone Zipp review". Macworld. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Libratone Zipp review". TechRadar. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- 1 2 "Libratone Zipp 2 review". TechRadar. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Libratone meldet Insolvenz an". HIFI.DE. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Dansk højttalerproducent er gået konkurs". MereMobil.dk. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Konkursramt Libratone købt af investorer". Lyd & Billede. 9 June 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Libratone Zipp 2 review". iMore. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Libratone Zipp review". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
- ↑ "Libratone Track Air+ review". What Hi-Fi?. 16 October 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2026.