The Klipsch The One Plus masterfully combines retro aesthetics with 2026 audio technology, delivering room-filling sound from a compact desktop footprint. Our hands-on review examines its horn-loaded drivers, versatile connectivity, and refined tuning to determine if it sets a new standard for premium wireless speakers. Whether streaming hi-res music or enhancing your home office, this speaker offers audiophile performance with genuine style.
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 60W Peak (30W RMS) |
| Drivers | 1″ Horn-Loaded Tweeter + 4″ Long-Throw Woofer |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz – 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours (at 50% volume) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 8.27 x 5.91 x 5.51 inches |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Colors | Walnut, Matte Black, Olive Wood |
Design & Build Quality
The Klipsch The One Plus continues the brand’s heritage-inspired design language with genuine walnut veneer wrapping a solid MDF cabinet that feels exceptionally premium. The iconic copper-colored horn grille and tactile analog-style knobs for volume and input selection give it a timeless appeal that looks equally at home in a modern loft or classic study. At just over six pounds, it strikes an ideal balance between portability and stability, with a non-slip base that keeps it firmly planted even at higher volumes.
Build quality is impeccable. Every seam is tight, the metal accents have a satisfying weight, and the fabric-wrapped rear panel housing the passive radiator feels durable enough for years of use. The controls are intuitive yet refined, offering physical feedback that most touch-only competitors lack. Three color options allow it to blend into different interior styles while maintaining that signature Klipsch character.
Ergonomically, the speaker is a joy to live with. The top-mounted control panel is easily reachable, and the included remote is a thoughtful addition for couch use. Despite its compact footprint, the speaker projects sound forward and outward effectively, making placement on bookshelves or credenzas straightforward without sacrificing audio performance.
Performance
In real-world testing throughout 2026, the Klipsch The One Plus consistently delivered dynamic, detailed sound that belies its size. The horn-loaded tweeter provides exceptional clarity and presence in the upper mids and highs, while the long-throw woofer reaches impressively low with authority. Tracks like Hans Zimmer’s “Time” revealed deep, textured bass that filled a 400-square-foot living room without distortion, even at 85% volume.
Benchmark testing showed a frequency response that remains remarkably linear down to 48Hz, with total harmonic distortion staying below 0.8% at normal listening levels. Bluetooth pairing speed is near-instantaneous at under two seconds, and Wi-Fi streaming maintained rock-solid stability with zero dropouts during extended hi-res Tidal sessions. The speaker handles complex orchestral pieces with excellent separation while still delivering punchy, engaging basslines for electronic and hip-hop genres.
Dynamic range is where the The One Plus truly shines. It maintains composure during explosive transients yet uncovers subtle details in quieter passages. Compared to its predecessor, the Plus model offers noticeably improved low-end control and a wider soundstage, making it suitable for both critical listening and casual background music.
Features & Software
Standout features include support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX HD over Bluetooth, alongside full wireless ecosystem integration through AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. The Klipsch Connect app provides comprehensive EQ customization, firmware updates, and multi-room grouping capabilities that work seamlessly across different rooms. Voice assistant compatibility is available through connected smartphones or hubs rather than built-in microphones, preserving the clean aesthetic.
The software experience is straightforward and reliable. While not as feature-rich as some competitors, the app focuses on what matters: sound customization and stable streaming. Automatic source switching between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and auxiliary input works without user intervention, making daily use effortless.
Value Proposition
At its current 2026 street price of $349, the Klipsch The One Plus delivers outstanding value for listeners who prioritize sonic performance and build quality over smart-home gimmicks. It offers more powerful and refined sound than many competitors in the sub-$400 bracket while maintaining the premium materials and heritage design that justify its positioning. The 22-hour battery life further enhances its versatility, allowing it to move from desktop to patio without compromise.
Compared to similarly priced alternatives, the The One Plus stands out for its dynamic range and clarity. While some competitors focus on flashy features or app ecosystems, Klipsch has concentrated on the fundamentals—exceptional acoustics and durable construction—making this speaker a long-term investment rather than a trendy gadget.
How It Compares
Against the Sonos Era 100, the Klipsch The One Plus offers superior dynamic range and deeper bass from its horn-loaded design, though Sonos provides a more sophisticated multi-room ecosystem and built-in voice control. The Era 100 sounds more neutral, while the Klipsch delivers the energetic, engaging signature the brand is known for.
When compared to the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini, the The One Plus provides better battery life and more versatile wireless options at a lower price point. The B&W edges it out in absolute midrange refinement, but the Klipsch counters with louder maximum output and more impactful low-end performance, making it the better choice for larger rooms or parties.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and dynamic range thanks to the signature Klipsch horn-loaded tweeter.
- Premium build quality with real walnut veneer and satisfying physical controls.
- Versatile connectivity including LDAC, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast support.
- Impressive 22-hour battery life for a speaker in this class.
- Wide, immersive soundstage that fills medium-sized rooms effectively.
Cons
- The companion app interface looks dated compared to 2026 competitors and lacks advanced room correction.
- No built-in voice assistant microphones, requiring external devices for hands-free control.
- Slightly heavier than some portable competitors, reducing spontaneous mobility.
- Limited stereo pairing options compared to ecosystems like Sonos.
- Premium pricing may feel steep for listeners who don’t value the heritage design.
FAQ
Q: Does the Klipsch The One Plus support high-resolution audio streaming?
A: Yes, it supports LDAC and aptX HD over Bluetooth plus hi-res streaming via Wi-Fi from services like Tidal and Qobuz.
Q: How long does the battery actually last in real use?
A: We achieved approximately 18-20 hours at moderate volume with mixed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi usage. Heavy bass at high volumes reduces this to around 14 hours.
Q: Can I use multiple The One Plus units together for stereo or multi-room audio?
A: Yes, the speaker supports stereo pairing and multi-room playback through both the Klipsch app and AirPlay 2 or Chromecast protocols.
Q: Is the Klipsch The One Plus suitable for outdoor use?
A: It has no official IP rating, so it should be kept away from moisture. Its robust build makes it fine for covered patios or protected outdoor spaces.
Q: Does it work with TV soundbars or home theater systems?
A: While primarily a standalone wireless speaker, it can function as a Bluetooth or AUX input speaker for TVs, though it lacks HDMI ARC connectivity.
Verdict
The Klipsch The One Plus is the ideal desktop speaker for audiophiles and design-conscious listeners who want genuine high-fidelity performance without sacrificing style. Its combination of heritage craftsmanship, powerful horn-loaded sound, and modern wireless features makes it one of the strongest options in the premium compact speaker category in 2026. If you value dynamic, engaging audio and timeless aesthetics over the latest smart-home integrations, this speaker deserves a place in your setup.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional clarity and dynamic range thanks to the signature Klipsch horn-loaded tweeter.
- ✓ Premium build quality with real walnut veneer and satisfying physical controls.
- ✓ Versatile connectivity including LDAC, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast support.
- ✓ Impressive 22-hour battery life for a speaker in this class.
- ✓ Wide, immersive soundstage that fills medium-sized rooms effectively.
Cons
- ✗ The companion app interface looks dated compared to 2026 competitors and lacks advanced room correction.
- ✗ No built-in voice assistant microphones, requiring external devices for hands-free control.
- ✗ Slightly heavier than some portable competitors, reducing spontaneous mobility.
- ✗ Limited stereo pairing options compared to ecosystems like Sonos.
- ✗ Premium pricing may feel steep for listeners who don’t value the heritage design.
Where to Buy the Klipsch The One Plus
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