High design meets Hi-Fi sound at KEF Muo Bluetooth wireless speaker launch party

KEF is looking to change the image of Bluetooth speakers with Muo, a stylish portable with a design DNA that can be tracked directly to the brand’s flagship Hi-Fi speakers. Available in seven finishes, and crafted from aluminium, the Muo draws clear inspiration from Ross Lovegrove’s two-metre-tall sculptural Muon enclosures.

Launched with a swing, at the KEF Music Gallery in London, the Muo stands as a premium alternative to casual throw-in-a-bag rivals, but its appeal isn’t skin deep. The speaker also bristles with technology trickled down from stablemates.

Emphasising its lifestyle appeal, the Muo launch party included live artwork creation, set to a musical backdrop provided by DJ AmyElle. The Luxe Review dropped in for an early hands-on.

The British audio company has been busy of late. The Muo follows the recent launch of KEF’s first soundbar, the well appointed XIO.

Available in seven finishes, and crafted from aluminium, the Muo places an emphasis on durability and design, as much as acoustic performance…

There’s lots to admire in the Muo. Beneath its shiny exterior, lurks a custom-designed racetrack driver for extended bass, supported by P-Flex Surround technology, adapted from the loudspeaker brand’s KC62 and KC92 subwoofers.

A 19mm dome tweeter handles high frequencies, while the company’s proprietary Music Integrity Engine digital signal processing, borrowed from the award-winning LS60 Wireless speaker, optimises performance for different listening levels.

At the KEF Gallery shindig, the Muo made a strong first impression. Build quality is immediately evident – solid and weightier than expected, with a premium feel.

This is not a portable designed purely for outdoor use; it’s equally suitable for lounge duties, where style, as well as sound quality, counts.

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive ensures high-fidelity wireless playback, while a USB-C port offers a simple wired connection to laptops. Future Auracast compatibility will allow multiple Muo speakers to connect for wider coverage.

Battery life also looks good. The speaker promises up to 24 hours of playback from a two-hour charge, with a 15-minute fast charge providing up to three hours of juice. It is also IP67-rated for water and dust resistance.

Placed upright, the Muo automatically adjusts its EQ for maximum clarity. Laid on its side, it maintains balance and depth.

The Muo comes in seven finishes: Silver Dusk, Amber Haze, Orange Moon, Blue Aura,  Moss Green, Cocoa Brown, and Midnight Black. All look spectacular. Buy two and you can pair them for stereo playback. 

The launch event also underlined KEF’s wider ambition: to claim the high ground in personal audio by applying its 60-plus years of loudspeaker engineering to lifestyle-friendly products.

Muo delivers handsomely on this promise. To hold one is to want one.

The KEF Muo is priced at £249, with general availability beginning September 30 via uk.kef.com.

Main points at a glance: KEF Muo Bluetooth speaker

• KEF launches Muo portable Bluetooth speaker, designed by Ross Lovegrove, inspired by the Muon loudspeaker.
  
• Premium design focus: aluminium body, with seven colour finishes.
  
• Hi-fi audio engineering – custom racetrack driver, 19mm tweeter, P-Flex Surround, and KEF’s Music Integrity Engine DSP.
  
• Wireless performance – Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and future Auracast support.
  
• Flexible playback options – stereo pairing available, USB-C wired connection for laptops.
  
• Long battery life – up to 24 hours playback, two-hour full charge, 15-minute fast charge for 3 hours.
  
• Durable and portable – IP67-rated, operating range from –20°C to 45°C.
  
• Adaptive placement – automatic EQ adjustment when placed upright or on its side.
  
• Priced at £249