Monster claims its DNA speakers are first with Qi wireless charging

Beastly audio brand Monster has announced a pair of DNA Bluetooth speakers that have Qi wireless charging as well as plenty of other tech.

In fact, Monster says the DNA One and DNA Max are the first portable speakers in the world to come with Qi wireless charging built-in. However, Sonos might have something to say about that with both the Roam and Roam SL supporting any Qi wireless charger.

The firm does go on to say the DNA speakers are the “industry’s first portable speakers that can be wirelessly charged via an included high-speed Qi charging base.”

So, this might come down to a technicality as the Sonos Roam models are not bundled with the wireless charger. It’s worth noting that Sonos’s custom charger is faster at 10W whereas Monster’s ‘high-speed’ base is just 7.5W.

There’s also USB-C charging which is less convenient and the same speed for charging and this is how you can use the speaker as a power bank to provide juice to other devices in need of a top up – albeit at just 5W.

Of course, the supplied Qi charger can be used to charge any compatible wireless charging products when the speaker isn’t sitting on it.

When fully charged, both DNA speakers can last for up to 14 hours of playtime and weigh in at 1.5- or 2.5 pounds respectively. There’s two active drivers and two passive radiators in each speaker but, as the name suggests, the Max’s are larger, and that speaker offers 50% more acoustic power at 30W.

Even if that’s not enough for you, Monster’s Party Mode allows you to connect and synchronise other DNA speakers at the touch of a button – a physical one on the speaker so no app is required here.

To tempt you into a multi-speaker setup, Monster is offering a 25% off coupon for a second DNA speaker. Giving both DNA speakers party credentials are an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, omni-directional sound and a 30ft Bluetooth range.

The DNA One and DNA Max are available now from Monster priced at $149.99 and $179.99 respectively. You can also buy them from BestBuy, Verizon and Crutchfield. The speakers are available in black or white colours and join the DNA Fit and DNA Go wireless earbuds in the range.

Check out our chart of the best Bluetooth speakers.