These 2 in 1 headphones are like most good quality headphones – but with a twist. There is a compartment for 2 AAA batteries, allowing you to play amplified sound. The speakers are built to be compatible with higher volume levels – and voila, you can take of the headphones, turn up the sound, and play for the whole room.

As you might guess, these headphones are no match for a real speaker system. They do, however, give many of the miniature portable speaker systems a real run for their money (we’ve even looked at some passive speaker sets, which just use the MP3 player’s power, and these headphones can easily overpower those).

If these iHome headphone/speakers sound like something you could use, check them out at Amazon.

iHome 2 in 1 Speakers/Headphones is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

The speakers include a short wire with a 3.5 mm plug, so you simply plug the Coby into your MP3 player’s headphone jack and you are good to go. The system is powered by 4 AAA batteries, and includes a volume control.

There is not a lot to say about this system – it’s utilitarian, but runs just $10.

You can buy it for that price at Amazon.

Coby CS-MP27 MP3 Speaker is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

The Macally’s are powered by a single AA battery, around which the system has clearly been designed, as it is basically the shape of a regular AA battery. By using battery power, instead of being powered by your MP3 player, the system manages to produce louder sound than would otherwise be possible.

There is only one control on the Macally Podwave – on or off. Once the system is attached and turned on, all functions are controlled directly with your MP3 player.

If you’re looking for a super-easy to carry and use speaker system for an iPod or other MP3 player, the Macally Podwave may be the right choice. Check it out at Amazon or eBay for more information.

Macally Podwave is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

Made for portability, the iLuvs Mini is very compact and light. The connecting cable is a self contained part of the system – no wires to lose or misplace. A draw-string carrying pouch is included in the system, which makes it easy to just drop the system right into your bag or large pocket.

The final attractive piece of the iLuv speakers is the price – they run just a little over $20. If you’ve never heard of iLuv before, they are fairly new to the market, but produce a range of well-reviewed iPod and MP3 player accessories.

To check out or purchase the iLuv’s, visit their page on Amazon or eBay.

iLuv Mini Portable Speaker is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

The Altec Lansing Orbits feature volume and clarity that is very impressive considering their small size. You cann enjoy noise and distortion free sounds anywhere, with its neodymium driver spreading music in a 360 degree pattern.

The portable design of the product enables you to carry it anywhere in your bag or purse and listen to your favorite music wherever you go. It comes with an attractive protective case to avoid damage to the speaker and make it even more portable. A picture of the speaker case can be found on Amazon’s product page. The wrap around cable storage further enhances the iM-237’s portability.

The battery life in these Altec Lansing speakers is impressively long. It uses 3 AAA batteries that last up to 24 hours. There is a power and battery status indicator which helps you to keep track of the battery and enjoy your music according to your needs.

Included in the package is everything you need – a 3.5-mm adapter, protective case, user’s guide, and quick connect card. The speakers are inexpensive – check out the Orbit’s pages on Amazon or eBay to buy this unique speaker for ~$30.

Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

Although highly portable, the iHome is equally at home attached to your computer or a portable audio device. They use a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing them to easily connect to most sources. This includes an iPod – they will attach through the regular headphone port rather than through the dock.

The iHome Mini Speakers are on the expensive side for tiny speakers – which isn’t too surprising, given their looks and sound quality. You can buy them at Amazon or eBay.

iHome Rechargeable Mini Speakers is a post from: Portable Speaker Review

The SRSTP1PK (yeah, not much of a name) require no batteries, as they play simply through the power of your MP3 player. You will probably need to crank the volume pretty high, but the speakers do a fine job so long as you’re in a relatively quiet room. A nice bonus is their ~$20 price tag.

This tiny, miniature speaker includes a protective cover that doubles as a stand when the speakers are in use. There is also a short cable which connects the speakers to the headphone-out on your MP3 player, phone, or other audio device.

Sony’s ultra-portable speaker is available in both pink and black. You can find it at Amazon in:

Pink | Black

Sony SRSTP1PK Passive Travel Speakers is a post from: Portable Speaker Review