Overview
- IKEA launched the BADKRUKA on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, and the speaker is available in the US for $59.99 and in Germany for €49.99.
- BADKRUKA is a mains-powered, wired-only home speaker that lacks a rechargeable battery and is meant to stay plugged in on a desk, shelf, or next to a TV.
- The unit includes an optical (TOSLINK) input with a cable in the box, supports Spotify Tap for quick playback, offers three EQ presets, and can be paired as two speakers for left/right stereo or linked with other IKEA speakers for synchronized multi-room audio.
- At its price point IKEA positions BADKRUKA as a low-cost, flexible alternative to basic soundbars or portable Bluetooth speakers, but independent hands-on tests of sound quality, maximum volume, bass, dialogue clarity, and latency for TV or gaming are still outstanding.
- BADKRUKA continues IKEA’s strategy of low-cost, design-forward audio hardware that users can expand over time, and its included optical cable could make it an easy, inexpensive way for people to upgrade TV sound if real-world performance proves adequate.