The Altec Lansing Shockwave 200 is a portable Bluetooth party speaker designed for big gatherings. It packs a 180W peak sound output to fill large spaces. A built-in multicolor LED light show pulses with the beat, and the speaker can run up to about 12 hours on a charge.
It even includes a wired microphone input for karaoke. In everyday use – say, a backyard BBQ or pool party – this speaker adds booming music and flashy lights.
We’ll break down its main features, so you know what it can do (and what to watch out for).
Altec Lansing Shockwave 200 Review
Powerful Sound and Bass Modes
The Shockwave 200 is made for loud, clear sound. It delivers up to 180W of peak power and rich bass from its dual drivers. You can choose among multiple bass-boost modes to add more thump.
One reviewer (a home music producer) noted the highs are “great” and the bass is “pretty good” for the price. In practice, it fills a room (or yard) with sound. At low to medium volume you get clean sound; at top volume the bass is strong but can get a bit muddy on certain songs. Still, for parties this speaker plays very loud and has punchy bass that most users enjoy.
Vibrant Multi-LED Party Light Show
This speaker doubles as a light show. It has bright multi-color LEDs on the front that strobe, pulse, and beat to the music. You can pick from 7–9 different light modes. In dim or dark settings, the chasing lights really add fun energy to the music. One user said the “colors are fun when they light up” and loved how the lights turned a backyard get-together into a mini-dance floor. The light modes make this more than just a speaker – it creates a party atmosphere. (If you want a quiet night, you can also turn the lights off via a button.)
Long Battery Life and Portable Design
Battery life is solid for long events. On a typical Bluetooth setting it can run around 10–12 hours on a charge. How long it lasts depends on your volume and bass mode – at max bass you’ll get less (a tester got about 4 hours at high volume). In normal use (lounge or low bass) most owners report all-night runtime.
When the LEDs are off or at low volume, one user even said it lasted “easily 2 days”. For portability, the Shockwave 200 has a handy carrying strap built into the top. It’s fairly large (about 15 lb) but the strap makes it easier to tote to tailgates, beach trips or pool parties.
Bluetooth Connectivity and PartySync Mode
You can stream music wirelessly from any phone or tablet via Bluetooth. The Shockwave 200 also has True Wireless Pairing: you can link two Shockwave 200 units together in stereo for even more sound. (There’s also a PartySync feature to wire multiple speakers together for a mega-system.)
On the speaker you’ll find USB ports that can charge your phone or other device while you play music. The controls are simple – volume and track buttons right on top, and you can also control it from your phone. It plays in both horizontal or vertical orientation for flexibility.
Built-In Microphone, FM Radio, and Durability
For extra fun, the Shockwave 200 includes a wired microphone so you can sing or give announcements. It even has an FM radio tuner built in – useful if you want to listen to local stations without using Bluetooth. In terms of toughness, it’s IPX4 splash-resistant, which means it can handle rain or a splash from the pool.
As one user put it, “It is waterproof and I don’t have to worry if a little water gets splashed on it”. The speaker has a solid plastic and fabric build that feels rugged (though note the power button can be a bit stiff). Overall, it’s built for outdoor use: no voice-assistant features, but lots of party-ready extras.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Loud, clear sound with strong bass.
- Multiple bass-boost settings for deep thump.
- Long battery life (up to ~12 hours).
- Bright, colorful LED party lights.
- Built-in FM radio and microphone input.
- Splash-resistant design (IPX4) for outdoor use.
- PartySync/True Wireless lets you pair speakers for bigger sound.
- Cons:
- Sound can get muddy at very loud bass levels.
- Battery drains faster on max volume or bass.
- Quite heavy (about 15 lb); not pocket-portable.
- No built-in EQ or voice assistant.
- Only two speakers pair wirelessly at a time (PartySync with wires needed for more).
FAQs for Altec Lansing Shockwave 200 Review
- Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The Shockwave 200 is rated for up to 12 hours of playtime on Bluetooth. In real use this varies: at lower volumes you can get all-day music, but at max volume the life can drop (some users saw ~4 hours at high bass). Turning off lights or using lower bass modes can stretch the run-time. - Q: Is it waterproof or splash-proof?
A: It’s splash-resistant (IPX4), so it can handle a bit of rain or a poolside splash. It’s not submersible, but it’s safe to use outdoors and you shouldn’t worry if it gets a little wet. - Q: Can I link multiple Shockwave 200 speakers together?
A: Yes. The speaker supports True Wireless Pairing for stereo sound. You can wirelessly pair up to 2 Shockwave 200 speakers together. There is also PartySync mode (via cable) that lets you link many Altec Lansing party speakers together for a larger sound system. - Q: Does the speaker come with a microphone or support voice assistants?
A: It includes a corded microphone for karaoke or announcements. However, it does not have any built-in voice assistant (Siri/Alexa, etc.) or wireless voice control. It’s designed more for music and party use. - Q: Can I listen to the radio on it?
A: Yes – the Shockwave 200 has a built-in AM/FM radio tuner. You can tune in local radio stations even without Bluetooth connected, which is handy if you want a break from streaming. - Q: What devices can I connect?
A: It supports any Bluetooth audio source (phones, tablets, etc.). It also has USB ports that can charge your phone or play music from a USB device. There’s no 3.5 mm aux input, so music playing is wireless Bluetooth (or FM radio). - Q: How many LED light modes does it have?
A: It offers 9 LED party modes. The lights can be set to pulse, strobe, chase, or stay solid, syncing with the music or on their own. You can change the pattern with a button on the speaker.
Final Verdict
The Altec Lansing Shockwave 200 is a great choice for party fans who want booming sound and a light show in one package. Its powerful 180W output and deep bass modes fill outdoor spaces, while the flashing LEDs keep a gathering lively.
We loved its long runtime (on moderate settings) and the fact you can throw in an FM radio or mic for karaoke on the fly. It does have some trade-offs – it’s bulky and heavy, and at top volume the bass can muddy the sound (and drain the battery faster).
It also skips things like voice assistants or an EQ. But if your priority is easy setup, big sound, and fun features, the Shockwave 200 hits the mark. For outdoor parties, tailgates or backyard get-togethers, it delivers a lot of bang for the buck