10 Electricity-Free iPhone Speakers

iBamboo Speaker

iBamboo Speaker

The epitome of minimalist, eco-friendly speakers, the iBamboo is literally just a piece of bamboo with an iPhone-sized hole cut in the top. Best of all? It really works!


For those who want to take their speaker outside and don't want to worry about warping or other damage from the elements, there is now the iBamboo Urban, made of recycled plastic instead of bamboo.

Eco-Amp

Eco-Amp Speaker

The Eco-Amp is made from 100% FSC certified post-consumer recycled fibers. It comes as a flat piece of paper that you can fit into a pocket or backpack until you get to where you want to set up your music. You then fold it into a cone and have an instant electricity-free amplifier for your iPhone.

iVictrola

iVictrola iphone speaker

If you have $650 - $1,000 to spend on an iPhone speaker, here's the one for you. The iVictrola is crafted from hand-carved wood and vintage horns from old phonographs or radios. It's beautiful, electricity-free and costs an arm and a leg.

If you're looking for a cheaper version and have some woodworking skills, an MIT student made a $40 plywood hack of the design that might be a better option.

Bike Horn iPhone Speaker

Bike Horn iPhone Speaker

Another great speaker that up-cycles old materials is this bike horn version that resembles a mini victrola. This DIY project by Flickr user lowtechatmo, comes together by removing the noise maker from an old horn and then fastening it to a piece of PVC. The weight of the horn keeps the iPhone standing up while perfectly projecting your tunes. Genius!

Megaphone

Megaphone iPhone Speaker

The Megaphone from en&is could definitely also serve as a striking center-piece. The ceramic horn is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch from the second generation on. According to the creators, the wooden stand helps to increase the vibration of the horn and to optimize the emission of sound.

Koostik

Koostik Smaprtphones Speaker

The Koostik speaker dock is made of a solid block of wood that is best suited for amplifying warmer, more intimate-toned music -- heavy metal wouldn't be best represented by this one. The original dock for iPhones is now joined by a mini version good for desk or bedside listening and one for iPads. All come with the choice of cherry, walnut or maple wood.

Phonophone

Phonophone Speaker Docklet

The Phonophone boosts the volume of your iPhone by 4X (or 60 decibels) in a beautiful, simple ceramic package that works on the same principle as old phonograph record players. The original Phonophone went for a whopping $895, but the creators came back with the new pared-down design that only sets you back $195.

Analog Tele-Phonographer


Made of salvaged trumpets energy-free and old machine parts, the design acts as both sculpture and speaker. The pieces go for about $400, but for artistic form and function, it might be worth the splurge.

3D-Printed iVictrola Gramophone


Energy-free sound amplification and 3D printing. The iVictrola Gramophone has the look of something old and vintage, but with 3D printing, its construction is modern and waste-free. The horn is a separate piece and can be adjusted up and down to direct the sound.
Griffin AirCurve

If you prefer your speaker to come directly from the Apple Store, the Griffin AirCurve Play is your choice. While not made from reclaimed or sustainable materials like most of the other speakers, this one still pumps up the sound with zero electricity required. 

The AirCurve increases the volume of your iPhone by 10 decibels by directing the sound through a coiled waveguide within the base and then projecting it into the room. It also acts as a stand for video viewing and unlike with some of the other speakers, your phone can be charged while docked.

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