Pure Classic Aura Review: Stylish Portable Speaker with Impressive Sound

Explore the Pure Classic Aura, a portable Bluetooth speaker blending elegant design with solid sound performance and smart lighting features.

A Surprising Fusion of Elegance and Playfulness

If you’ve ever cringed at your quirky uncle’s wild outfit at a family party, then imagine a speaker that’s a bit like that—Pure Classic Aura is exactly that kind of surprise. At first glance, its smooth wooden body and fabric-textured grille radiate an elegant, minimalist charm that feels timelessly classic. But flip it around, and you’re met with a disco-inspired strip of colorful backlighting that screams party ready.

This little speaker lives up to its name “Classic Aura” perfectly—like a stern professional who, come the weekend, transforms into the king of the dance floor. It’s a delightful contrast that caught my attention right away.

Design and Build: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Priced around $155, the Pure Classic Aura might seem to sit in the same category as your usual portable Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Flip 7 or Bose SoundLink Flex. But in size and style, it leans more toward being a desktop or kitchen countertop companion rather than just a grab-and-go travel buddy.

Weighing just under 2 kg and featuring a handy detachable strap, it’s easy to shift this speaker between rooms or even bring it to another house. And with an IPX2 rating, it can handle those accidental kitchen splashes without flinching—perfect for those moments when you want tunes while you cook.

The speaker’s soft oak casing with rounded edges frames a pristine white mesh front, though there's also a coffee-brown walnut and black combo option for those who prefer a darker aesthetic. It skillfully straddles retro vibes and contemporary style—a mash-up that reminded me of those cool Travis Scott x Nike collabs. This elegance mixed with simplicity really won me over.

Now, about those controls: the top panel is pretty densely packed with 12 buttons. On the right, you get your usual playback and input selection controls, while the left side holds less typical buttons for EQ settings and lighting options.

A note on this: Pure decided not to clutter this product with a smartphone app. While this keeps things simple, it also means all adjustments happen right on the speaker. I found it a bit old-school—wish there was at least a remote control for fiddling with settings from across the room. But of course, your phone or any Bluetooth device is still the basic playback control tool.

One nitpick: the volume knob, which looks a bit like a cheap milk carton cap, could have been bigger or more premium to feel more satisfying in use. But hey, that’s a minor quibble for a speaker around this price.

Lighting Features: Disco Meets Minimalism

Let’s turn the spotlight on the speaker’s lighting—something that sets it apart. We’ve seen audiovisual devices embrace disco vibes before: Philips’ Ambilight TVs or colorful JBL party speakers come to mind. Pure Classic Aura’s approach uses eight small round LEDs that shine through a rear panel in 10 different colors, casting a charming light halo behind the speaker.

To get the full effect, place the speaker near a wall. The ambient glow delivers a lively touch to any room, balancing nicely with the otherwise minimalist design. The colors can be static or cycle dynamically with the music, creating a playful disco atmosphere.

That said, the music-sync lighting isn’t perfect—while fun, it doesn’t always pulse in time with the beat. Playing “Weird Goodbyes” by The National, the steady rhythm didn’t exactly match the light’s pulse, which felt a bit like your dad trying to dance at a wedding after a couple of drinks—enthusiastic but not quite precise.

Core Features: Solid Basics With Some Flair

Here’s what else the Pure Classic Aura brings to the table:

• Bluetooth 5.3 support — the sole wireless connection option, complemented by a 3.5 mm Aux input for wired devices.
• Built-in battery that promises up to 30 hours of playback, though I measured a slightly shorter real-world runtime, probably due to the dynamic lighting and cranked volume.

Charging uses USB-C, located under a rubber flap on the back, and comes with a reversible USB-C cable.

Sound Quality: Impressive Depth and Clarity for Its Size

When I say “turn the volume up to the max,” I mean it. That humble volume knob can crank out a sound that fills a room with confidence. The 40-watt output is no joke.

The speaker handles high volumes surprisingly well for its size. Even heavy hitters like KISS or Metallica maintained solid composure without distortion, which is impressive.

Try an indie pop gem like Alvvays’ “Archie, Marry Me,” and you’ll hear vocals projecting clearly with a spacious soundstage that defies the speaker’s compact frame. The guitars, drums, and vocals all have room to shine without muddling together.

The midrange clarity is especially notable, delivering smooth, detailed sound. High frequencies ring clear, and the bass is warm and full-bodied. Dynamic shifts in music come through well, with the speaker able to adapt intensity as needed.

However, the bass isn’t as tightly defined as the rest of the sound spectrum. It can sometimes feel a bit detached, which slightly affects the cohesion, especially on bass-heavy tracks.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The JBL Flip 7 is a bit of a different beast—more rugged, ultra-portable, and designed for on-the-go use. But since they share similar price points and functionality, it’s fun to compare.

The Pure Classic Aura holds its own, even sounding cleaner and fuller in some ways. But JBL’s speaker edges ahead in dynamics and rhythmic sharpness, especially noticeable during the climactic chorus of Alvvays.

Switching to "Dreams Tonite," Molly Rankin’s vocals on the JBL sound more compelling, and the bass grooves more tightly integrated, giving the track a bit more musical punch.

Final Thoughts

The Pure Classic Aura isn’t perfect, but it offers a more refined and pleasant sound experience than most rivals in this size and price range. Plus, its unique, flexible design—with that playful disco lighting twist—makes it a standout.

If you’re after a smart, minimalist music machine that can brighten up a room or even kick off a Friday night party, then this all-around portable speaker could be your ideal pick.

Ratings

• Sound: 4/5
• Build Quality: 4/5
• Features: 4/5

Pure Classic Aura Specifications

• Power Output: 40W
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
• Features: Backlighting, IPX2 water resistance, 3 EQ modes
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Ports: 3.5 mm Aux, USB-C charging
• App: None
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 21.6 x 25.2 x 10.6 cm
• Weight: 1.96 kg
• Finishes: Coffee-brown walnut or White cotton/oak

Classic Aura is the embodiment of a strict professional who surprisingly becomes the king of the dance floor on weekends.

FAQ

• Does the Pure Classic Aura support any wireless connections besides Bluetooth?
  No, Bluetooth 5.3 is the only wireless option available, with a 3.5 mm Aux input for wired connections.
• How long does the battery last in real-world use?
  While rated for 30 hours, expect slightly less if using dynamic lighting and high volume levels extensively.
• Is there a companion app to control the speaker remotely?
  No app is provided; all controls are on the speaker itself, which some might find less convenient.
• How water-resistant is the speaker?
  It holds an IPX2 rating, meaning it can withstand light splashes, suitable near sinks or light rain but not for full immersion.
• How does its sound quality compare to JBL Flip 7?
  The Pure Classic Aura offers cleaner, fuller sound with great midrange detail, though JBL Flip 7 excels in bass integration and dynamic punch.

Looking to add a stylish touch to your music experience? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store and bring your music space to life.