KEF is back with a new version of its Muo Bluetooth speaker—nearly a decade after the original first dropped. And while the speaker world has changed a lot since 2015, KEF is clearly aiming to carve out space in the modern market with a sleek, durable, and surprisingly refined portable that goes beyond just “loud and bassy.”

The new Muo officially launches September 30, with early access for KEF fans on September 23 through the myKEF program. At $249.99, it’s definitely not cheap, but KEF is betting that people who care about audio quality, smart design, and real portability will be willing to spend a bit more for something that stands out.

First things first: the new Muo looks good. Really good. It keeps the same sculpted silhouette as the original, designed by Ross Lovegrove—the same guy who helped design KEF’s ultra-high-end Muon speakers. This time around, though, it’s made with recycled plastics and aluminum, and comes in seven eye-catching finishes like “Moss Green” and “Amber Haze.”

It’s also small enough to toss into a tote or backpack without giving it much thought. At about 8.5 inches long and weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, it walks the line between compact and rugged. And it’s not just for show—the Muo is IP67-rated, meaning it’s waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it to the beach or backyard without babying it.

Inside the Muo, KEF uses a two-speaker setup: one tweeter to handle the highs, and a large “racetrack” mid-bass driver for everything else. That unusual oval driver shape isn’t just for looks—it helps move more air from a small enclosure, which means better bass and more clarity at everyday volumes.

KEF also brought over some tech from its premium subwoofers, specifically the P-Flex Surround. That’s a fancy way of saying the speaker cone doesn’t get pushed around by internal air pressure, which can help keep the sound clean, even when you crank it up.

There’s also digital signal processing (DSP) on board, tuned with KEF’s Music Integrity Engine. Basically, it helps balance out the sound depending on how you place the speaker—upright or sideways—so you’re not stuck fiddling with EQ settings every time you move it.

Connectivity is up to date, with Bluetooth 5.4 support and codecs like aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC for better streaming quality. There’s also quick pairing with Android (Google Fast Pair) and Windows (Microsoft Swift Pair), plus a USB-C port for charging or wired playback.

Want stereo sound? You can pair two Muo speakers for a proper left/right channel setup. Or, if you’ve got more than two, KEF added Auracast support—so you can link multiple speakers together from a compatible Android phone and fill a whole backyard or party space.

Battery life gets a big boost in this new version. KEF says you’ll get up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume. And if you’re running low, a 15-minute charge gives you around three hours of extra playtime. A full charge takes about two hours.

There’s even a microphone built in for calls, with noise and echo cancellation so you don’t sound like you’re talking through a tin can.

The portable speaker space is packed right now. Sonos, Marshall, JBL, and others have plenty of great-sounding, battery-powered gear. But KEF is coming at this from a different angle. Instead of gimmicks or smart assistant features, the Muo focuses on strong driver design, real stereo capability, and a physical design that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Still, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or built-in streaming—so it’s not a whole-house solution like the Sonos Move 2. And while $249.99 puts it in the “mid-premium” range, it’s still competitive when you factor in build quality, battery life, and sound performance.

If you’re after a portable Bluetooth speaker that goes beyond basic beats and party tricks, the new KEF Muo might be worth your money. It’s compact, durable, and tuned for listeners who actually care about how music sounds—whether it’s at home, at the park, or by the pool.

It won’t replace your smart speaker or home stereo, but that’s not the point. The Muo is about good sound on the go, without the usual compromises. And in a sea of cylindrical plastic speakers, that alone makes it pretty interesting.