DALI Katch G2 review: Will this thing of beauty be a joy forever?

A Bluetooth speaker with a premium look.

from DALI
RRP  £349.00
DALI Katch G2 portable Bluetooth speaker reviewed. Pictured on shelf with books

by David Ker |
Updated on

Simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Are these the Scandinavian design principles at the heart of the Katch G2, the Bluetooth speaker from DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries)?

The company is well-known for its high-end audio products, several of which have featured among What's The Best's recommendations of the best floor-standing speakers and best bookshelf speakers, as well as the best speakers in general. It's an inventory which continues to expand. In October 2024 it added to its luxury Epikore loudspeaker range with three new models and also released the DALI IO-8 wireless headphones.

But what of this purportedly portable option? Beyond a superior look and feel, immersive sound is promised, but the DALI Katch G2 finds itself in an already crowded market. With plenty of exciting budget speakers available, as well as options for those who prioritise bass or outdoor adaptability, it takes something special to stand out (and to justify a higher price point).

David Ker has reviewed the £349 speaker to see if it delivers an audio experience which matches its brand's stellar reputation.

Expert rating:
3.5
DALI Katch G2 Bluetooth speakerDALI
Price: £600.00
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$600.00View offer

Released in 2023 and the successor to the original DALI Katch.

Pros

  • Attractive, compact design
  • Clear and confident sound
  • Charge socket for mobiles and stereo mini-jack

Cons

  • Expensive given limited features
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Build
    4.0
  • Features
    3.0
  • Value
    2.5
Drivers2 x tweeter, 2 x woofer
Audio powerClass D amplifier
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours
Charging timeApprox 2 hours
WaterproofingNo
Dimensions138 x 268.5 x 47
Weight1.1kg

Picture perfect

©David Ker/WTB

Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. They also tend to evoke a sense of place through their design. If nothing springs to mind, then it's soon apparent from the manufacturer's own publicity photos how they anticipate their creation being used post-unboxing.

In the DALI Katch G2's case we're shown it outside alongside a bottle of wine, on a kitchen table accompanied by a freshly brewed coffee, sat on a shelf among books and attached to a bag ready to be transported by its bicycling owner. There's a clear pitch being made here (apart from, perhaps, the backpacking element, a detour I'll return to) – this is the speaker for the discerning, sophisticated consumer with a home décor to match.

Does the reality match the representation? In appearance, certainly. I tested the 'iron black' version, but it's also available in 'chilly blue' and 'caramel white'. Some lovely decisions have been taken here when it comes to the look of the Katch G2. The honeycomb tessellation which graces the front and rear grilles is stylish while the rounded edges are equally elegant. The unit feels pleasantly solid, and the encasing material (a combination of polymer and aluminium) gives a sense of quality, as does the leather travel strap. This is a particularly clever piece of design which allows the strap to be completely flush with the rest of the speaker when not in use.

DALI Katch G2 with plug points and carry strap. Portable speaker
USB output and mini-jack input are behind a dust cap ©David Ker/WTB

The unit sits on four small rubber feet and the inlaid buttons which run across the top are for Bluetooth, power (encircled by four lights which reflect battery power, changes in volume, and whether the speaker is on), volume controls and sound mode (which can be toggled between 'Clear' and 'Warm'). The mains charge input is situated on the side, alongside a USB-A charge output socket and a stereo mini-jack input which can be found behind a dust cap.

Set-up via Bluetooth was straightforward and a charging time of approximately two hours is more than reasonable. Unfortunately, I found the amount of playback this produced fell below the promised 30 hours.

Sound and substance

Inside the speaker there are soft dome tweeters, aluminium woofers and dual passive radiators. What does this mean for the audio? I've found that the Katch G2 provides a rounded and rich sound at low levels which suits day-to-day use. When listening to music in the background while distracted by other tasks it held its own without being obtrusive. However, that's not to say that it can't reach high volumes – your tunes of choice can really carry, should you wish it.

Nevertheless, it's not an obvious choice when it comes to blasting bass, and if I'm pitting Danish musical stars against each other (and why wouldn't I) it's more suited to the Tre Klaverstykker piano composition of Carl Nielsen than it is Lars Ulrich's drumming in Enter Sandman (yes, the Metallica co-founder hails from eastern Denmark). It's worth noting at this point, given my labouring of the Nordic connection, that a Danish design does not equate to Danish manufacturing. Like countless others, this speaker is made in China.

Well-rounded audio

DALI Katch G2 speaker close-up
Buttons are for Bluetooth, power, volume and EQ ©David Ker/WTB

In addition to the pleasing clarity, I particularly enjoyed that the design facilitated a balanced distribution of audio regardless of placement. With the interior sound-producing components facing both ways, the membrane and the perforated box allow an almost 360-degree music experience. When using the speaker my preferred EQ setting was 'warm' with some treble and bass differences between that and 'clear'. The latter is probably best employed when listening to spoken audio, but I'm happy to report that podcasts are served well by both settings.

These sound profiles offer no significant difference from the original DALI Katch and in appearance it's virtually identical (the feet are slightly larger which should help when it comes to any unexpected topples). The primary changes are in the Bluetooth which has made the move to 5.0 aptX HD from 4.0 aptX (aptX is a Bluetooth codec which promises higher quality wireless streaming) and the introduction of a True Wireless Stereo mode through which you can link two Katch G2 speakers and create a stereo pair.

Any downsides?

DALI Katch G2 speaker on beach
It's portable, but with no IP rating a beach trip is not particularly advisable ©DAvid Ker/WTB

This lack of substantial upgrades in a purportedly next generation model is disappointing, particularly when there are several areas where improvements could be made.

Being able to play, pause and skip music from a speaker and to also make further changes via an app is a fairly common aspect to much current audio technology, and is noticeably absent in the Katch G2. Ease of use is also not aided by the lack of USB charging – a rather large mains charger (which does come with three mains adapter plugs) is the sole means to boost the battery.

Only two EQ options and no customisability is also a limitation when it comes to sound, while the weight and durability of the speaker is restrictive in a practical sense. 'Portable' is the description but at 1.1kg and with no stated IP rating it's a struggle to see how that label can be applied, at least beyond a domestic setting.

While previously praising the design of the strap it is an odd proposition in this context, as it's not a speaker which lends itself to travel. Similarly, I'm reluctant to criticise the presence of the USB output (through which you can charge your mobile phone; no bad thing) but it doesn't feel in keeping with a speaker which isn't likely to leave the house.

Price and competition

DALI Katch G2 box contents plugs, carry case, speaker
The Katch G2 comes with a plug, adapters and carry case ©David Ker/WTB

However, the elephant in the room is the RRP of this speaker which far exceeds that of others which can match or better it in several respects.

For a more obviously 'pick up and go' option, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is around £260 cheaper and comes with an IP67 rating meaning that you won't have to worry about it getting wet.

For something larger which still delivers stellar sound (but at a lower price point) Marshall has plenty of possibilities. It's also a company with designs which aren't garish, something which should appeal to fans of the Katch 2's aesthetic. You can pick up the Marshall Emberton III for £150 or, if power is more of a priority for you than portability, the Marshall Middleton for £265.

Other challengers to the Katch 2's chic credentials can be found among the product pages of Bang & Olufsen, Sonos and Bose, but be prepared to pay. Elsewhere, Samsung's Music Frame smart speaker has one foot firmly in home furnishings, as does LG with its XBoom 360 part-lamp part-speaker range.

Who is it for?

Haughtier audiophiles may be able to justly level accusations of style over substance when it comes to the Katch G2. However, choosing a speaker which is pleasing on the eye and not out of place when on display at home is a perfectly legitimate position to take, and good design often doesn't come cheap. The question is whether it should cost quite this much.

As a shelf speaker for a smaller room which can supply decent sound in an attractive package it's deserving of consideration. Just be aware that there are other options which may do the same (depending on your design preference) for less. Furthermore, if you want a speaker to take with you on your travels, this isn't it.

To buy, or not to buy

©David Ker/WTB

The DALI Katch G2 is chiefly a lifestyle-focussed speaker, but that's not to say it doesn't successfully emit crisp and confident sound. Yes, there's scope for improvement when it comes to depth of bass, but it's perfectly serviceable and it's not something which is going to concern the majority of listeners.

What's more of a worry is the sparsity of features, particularly given the degree of functionality offered by lots of less pricey audio products. USB charging and on-unit playback controls are givens with most modern speakers. The same is true of companion apps which make processes like downloading firmware updates straightforward. By contrast it all feels a little convoluted at best and entirely lacking at worst with the Katch G2.

However, if you're happy to forgo these technological advancements and pay a premium for a speaker suited to a Scandi-style home then it may be just what you're looking for.

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Expert rating:
5.0
Soundcore Motion X600 speaker on tableKyle Purves/WTB
Price: £199.99
Alternative retailers
Macy's$199.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$199.99View offer
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Kyle Purves found that the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 was a great all-rounder. It takes longer to charge than the Katch G2 and for less playback, but it is waterproof. Find out more in the full review.

Pros

  • Brilliant for bass-heavy sound
  • Lasting battery life
  • Reliable waterproofing
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • Size and shape make it awkward to pack
  • Does not come with a charger
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    4.0
  • Features
    4.5
  • Value
    5.0
Dimensions31.1 x 17.1 x 8.1 cm
Weight2.35 kg
Power50 w
Battery life12 hours
Charging time6 hours
WaterproofingIPX7
ConnectionsBluetooth, 3.5mm Aux, USB-C

Expert rating:
5.0
Marshall Middleton Bluetooth portable speakerWilliam Austin-Lobley/WTB

Rrp: £299.99

Price: £249.99
Alternative retailers
Best Buy$249.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$299.99View offer
Newegg$299.99View offer
Nordstrom$299.99View offer

Among the best Marshall speakers, the Marshall Middleton was tested by William Austin-Lobley who loved its sound. Read the rest of his thoughts here.

Pros

  • Excellent, expansive sound
  • Robust build and battery life
  • Timeless design

Cons

  • Too heavy to be super portable
  • Sound
    5.0
  • Usability
    4.5
  • Value for money
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Drivers2x 3” 15W woofers, 2x 3/5” 10W tweeters, 2x passive radiators
ConnectionsBluetooth 5.1, Aux-in
ChargeUSB-C
Battery20+ hours
Weight1.8kg
Size109 x 230 x 95 mm
IP ratingIP67
  • Available in Black and Brass, Cream
  • Two 20 Watt Class D amplifiers for the woofers
  • Two 10 Watt Class D amplifiers for the tweeters
  • 20 minutes charge gives 2 hours of playtime
  • Box Contents: Middleton speaker, detachable carry strap, user manual and legal and safety information, USB-A to USB-C charging cable

Expert rating:
5.0

The Sonos Move can be picked up for around the same price as the DALI Katch G2, but it's a smart speaker. Spend a bit more and you can get the Sonos Move 2.

Harvey Isitt has provided a Sonos buyer's guide for all you need to know about the respected brand.

Pros

  • Impressive sound quality with strong bass and wide soundstage
  • Auto TruePlay technology for automatic sound tuning
  • Portable, IP56-rated design with long battery life

Cons

  • Quite heavy and not waterproof; it is only water-resistant
  • Performance
    5.0
  • Build
    5.0
  • Features
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Drivers1 mid-woofer, 1 tweeter
Audio powerNot specified
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2
Battery Life11 hours
Charging time2 hours approx.
WaterproofingIP56
Dimensions240 x 125 x 160 mm
Weight3kg
Available coloursShadow Black – Lunar White
Additional featuresDrop resistant, Voice enabled, Automatic Trueplay, Touch controls

Who tested the DALI Katch G2?

What's The Best Deputy Editor, David Ker, tested the DALI Katch G2 speaker over a few weeks in a variety of locations. He focussed on design, sound quality, functionality and value for money.

He judged the speaker against its own claims as well as comparing it against other audio technology.

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David Ker is a journalist with a decade's experience in print and digital publishing. He appreciates technology made with its environmental impact in mind and which presents him a further means to pursue his love of music, reading, games, TV and film. Above all, with so many options out there, he's interested in products that display something out of the ordinary and offer value for money. Hard to please, he assures What's The Best readers that he'll be a discerning critic on their behalf.

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