This outrageously ’80s “Moving Sound” portable audio range is making a modern comeback
It's very yellow...
by Kashfia Kabir · What Hi-Fi?Prepare to be transported back to the 1980s. Philips is celebrating its centenary by launching a whole range of retro-inspired gear: the very yellow Moving Sound range of portable Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
Of course, back in the ’80s, Philips’ Moving Sound range featured radio and CD playback, with lightweight headphones that plugged into your portable cassette player.
This reimagined modern series will be available from the second quarter of 2026 and will bring modern wireless technologies into the mix, while also reviving some iconic product names and that distinctive yellow design.
The four-strong Moving Sound range includes The Tube and The Roller Bluetooth speakers, the M55 wireless earbuds and the MS1 on-ear headphones.
The Roller (pictured at top) is perhaps the most recognisable of the four: the modern version of this ghetto blaster features 60W of power, two tweeters, two woofers, two passive radiators and a Moving Sound Bass+ system. Bluetooth 5.5, Auracast and USB playback are available, while there is a colourful display that includes a moving cassette animation for the full retro effect.
It's worth noting that the versions we saw at the Philips showcase in Eindhoven, as seen in the photos in this article, were not fully finished models.
This new model is set to have a 24-hour battery life and IP67 rating so can be used outdoors and will withstand some rainy weather, and there is a built-in handle for portable use.
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The Tube (pictured above) is even bigger and offers even greater power at 140W, with side-firing passive radiators, and while it has the same battery life as above, it can also be used as a power bank. It has the same features as The Roller, which includes a light show controllable via the Philips Entertainment App.
If you want retro design on your head, the MS1 lightweight on-ear headphones (pictured below) look just like the cans used with portable cassette players – but now feature Bluetooth connection. Each earcup houses a 40mm driver, the thin headband is adjustable and designed to be “grab-and-go”, and they have a built-in AI mic for clearer voice calls.
The new headphones are available in two colours – the iconic Moving Sound yellow or a black finish – and both feature pink-neon inserts for that full retro nostalgia vibe.
Finally, the completely new MS55 wireless earbuds feature hybrid ANC, Spatial Audio, six mics for noise cancelling and clearer voice calls, as well as 48 hours of battery life with ANC switched off.
Multipoint connection, Auracast and IP54 rating are on board, and the charging case has a display for controls plus – you guessed it – a cassette animation.
All new Moving Sound products will be launched in the second quarter of 2026. We'll update you with prices as soon as we have them confirmed.
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