CMF’s Milk Carton Speakers Are Here: What Buyers Need to Know

CMF has officially entered the portable speaker market with two surprisingly capable options that challenge conventional design. The new Speaker S and Speaker M launch at price points that make quality audio accessible: the smaller Speaker S costs $59, while the larger Speaker M retails for $109. Both devices arrive in eye-catching colorways including orange, turquoise, and white, with swappable control knobs that let you customize your setup. For shoppers evaluating portable Bluetooth speaker options, these newcomers offer solid specs that rival products at higher price tiers.

The defining feature is the milk carton aesthetic. Unlike conventional cylindrical or rectangular speakers, CMF designed both models to resemble beverage cartons, complete with a convenient attachment hole in the top corner. This thoughtful detail makes clipping the speaker to a backpack, tent, or belt loop genuinely practical. The design appears influenced by minimalist consumer electronics brands, delivering visual appeal without sacrificing functionality or durability.

Performance and Technical Specifications

The Speaker S houses a 45mm full-range driver paired with passive radiators engineered to enhance bass response. For a device at this price, the driver setup is competitive and delivers surprisingly rich sound considering the compact form factor. The Speaker M steps up the audio game considerably, featuring a 10W tweeter, dual drivers, and a powerful 25W woofer across two separate speaker outlets. The M is roughly twice the height of the S, giving it more physical presence and greater acoustic potential.

Both speakers include modern connectivity standards that weren’t always common at budget price levels. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable pairing and range, while NFC technology, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair streamline the connection process across different devices and platforms. The inclusion of Auracast support positions these speakers to work with an expanding ecosystem of compatible devices as more manufacturers adopt the standard.

Durability ratings are impressive across the board. Both the Speaker S and Speaker M carry IP68 dust and water resistance certification, meaning they can withstand submersion and are suitable for outdoor use in various conditions. Battery life reaches an estimated 18 hours on a single charge for both models, offering genuine all-day or multi-day playback for weekend trips and outdoor activities. USB-C charging is included, and the same port accepts audio input if you want to connect a device via cable instead of wireless.

Pairing Capabilities and Customization

One of the standout features is the ability to pair two Speaker S units together or two Speaker M units together for stereo sound. This means you can start with one speaker and expand your audio setup later without replacing your original purchase. However, you cannot mix and match: pairing an S with an M is not supported. The flexibility to expand your system makes the entry price of $59 feel even more attractive for budget-conscious buyers.

CMF is committing to community-driven customization by releasing design files for 3D printing. Owners will be able to create custom handles and accessories, extending the speaker’s lifespan and allowing personalization beyond the standard color options. This approach mirrors practices from other design-focused audio companies and appeals to users who appreciate modularity and sustainability.

What This Means for Shoppers

The launch of these speakers fills a niche in the budget portable audio market. Most speaker options at this price point prioritize connectivity or ruggedness but compromise on audio quality or design coherence. CMF delivers on both fronts. The customizable knobs, swappable cover plates, and thoughtful attachment point demonstrate attention to user experience beyond basic functionality.

One practical note: neither speaker ships with a USB-C cable, so ensure you have one available before unboxing. For most users, this is unlikely to be an issue, but it’s worth factoring in if you’re purchasing without existing USB-C peripherals.

These speakers represent a genuine value proposition in the under-$110 category. The combination of solid audio drivers, robust water resistance, wireless pairing between units, and distinctive design justifies the price. Whether you’re outfitting a dorm room, preparing for camping trips, or simply want a portable speaker that looks different from everything else on the shelf, CMF’s milk carton speakers deliver functionality without the premium markup.