Ever since it came out Kindle Fire has been the most impressive budget tablet on the market. It’s a very simple tablet designed to perform one function very well: allow users to consume digital content. And yet, in order to achieve its astonishingly low price many design compromises had to be made. For one, the speakers that it comes with are extremely underwhelming. The main purpose of the Matchstick speakers is to address that problem and allow you to experience the audio and video content on your Kindle Fire to its fullest.

The speakers look nice, although I find the manufacturing quality a bit on the low end. It definitely matches Kindle Fire in that respect. This would certainly be a concern for the swivel arm – it doesn’t seem sturdy enough for the repeated swiveling and the robust long-term use. However, to see for certain if that is the case will require longer use on my part. One thing for sure though – the Matchstick speakers will probably outlast your Kindle Fire.

The audio output of these speakers is satisfactory, and a definite step up from Kindle Fire’s internal speakers. The sound quality is on par with some mid-range computer speakers. However, I had been expecting more, especially at this price point. My Philips iPhone docking clock definitely has a much better audio quality, not to mention sturdier and more elegant design, as well as more versatile functionality.

I have also been able to connect my iPad and iPhone to these speakers though the included audio cable. Even thought his arrangement does not allow for the direct docking, it can still serve the purpose of enhancing these gadgets’ audio output.

One of the earlier concerns with these speakers had to do with their compatibility with the future editions of Kindle Fire. From what I’ve read about the latest low-end Kindle Fire it seems that the only major change has been in its internal specs, with the overall shape and dock remaining the same. So the Matchstick speakers ought to work with it, although I have not been able to directly verify this claim.

Overall, I like these speakers and they serve their purpose more than well. However, at this price point I would expect better audio quality and sturdier design.