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The best portable bluetooth speakers
Portable Bluetooth speaker has become an essential buy for all music lovers who are tired of those hefty wired speakers. The reason behind Bluetooth speakers’ huge popularity is their perfect combination of portability with great sound quality. With a wireless compact design, portable Bluetooth speakers are the ultimate solution for all music enthusiasts looking to take music along wherever they go. You can hear favorite songs on-the-go while traveling, or any place you want.
Bluetooth speakers have become very popular for both in-home and outdoor uses. They are wireless speakers in a compact lightweight that lets you access the music content using your smartphone without any need to dock it. This allows the user to control what he/she wants to listen to anywhere within the Bluetooth speaker’s range. A great advantage of Bluetooth speakers is that they don’t require Wi-Fi; a straight connection that connects in just seconds.
Best affordable option
OontZ Angle 3 portable bluetooth speaker
This Bluetooth speaker is best to enjoy continuous loud music at a beach, poolside party, or even during home showers.
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The OontZ Angle 3 is the best choice for high-quality, crystal clear, and loud sound. Thanks to the precision dual stereo drivers fitted in a compact yet stylish body, it offers distortion-free enhanced audio clarity even at its maximum volume. Then there’s a passive Bass radiator facing downward, so you get a rich bass. This portable speaker offers 14 hours of playtime on a full charge.
Besides, the100 Ft wireless range gives the freedom to keep the audio source many feet away. Best of all, you get the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version for faster connections. IPX5 rating, built-in microphone, and connectivity ports make it a complete package that an audiophile wants in a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Best under $100
JBL FLIP 4 portable bluetooth speaker
This small-sized portable speaker delivers surprisingly deep bass with no crackle or distortion at maximum volume.
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JBL FLIP 4 is one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers with powerful bass via its dual passive radiators. This compact speaker powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery offers 12 hours of runtime. Then this rugged wireless speaker is weather-resistant; best to enjoy music at beach trips and pool parties.
Not only does this powerful speaker sound great, but it’s also equipped with a speakerphone that has echo and noise cancellation, so you receive crystal-clear sound during a conference call. Thanks to the JBL Connect+ technology, you can create immersive stereo sound by connecting almost 100 other speakers. With an extra set of features and amazing sound quality, JBL FLIP 4 is perfect for enjoying hours of music.
Bose SoundLink Color II portable bluetooth speaker
Best powerful bass
The SoundLink Color II is engineered to deliver crisp, clean, and bold sound anywhere. The rugged and water-resistant design allows you to enjoy music in harsh outdoor environments and more places.
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A great option if you’re looking for a compact, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker that sounds big. The Bose SoundlLink II features Advanced Bose technology and is durably built. Simple to use, you get up to 8 hours of continuous playtime. Voice prompts, and the built-in microphone makes it a smart speaker for hands-free operation. Small and compact with silicone texture body fit anywhere easily. You can pair up with other speakers or multiple devices via the NFC technology. It’s a great speaker for all your indoor and outdoor adventures.
Best waterproof
Bose SoundLink Micro portable bluetooth speaker
As the name suggests, this micro-speaker is small in size but loud in sound. Not only clean, crisp sound at higher volume, but the SoundLink Micro also delivers clear vivid audio even at lower volumes.
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Sound Link Micro delivers amazing sound quality for its size. This mini speaker produces clear, loud audio even when outdoors using the passive radiators and transducer. With proprietary Bose technology for high-quality sound output, there’s no compromise on the design. Waterproof, soft yet rugged exterior with a sturdy silicone strap makes it a handy speaker to take on any adventure. You can attach it to your backpack, cycle handle, cooler, or anywhere you want. 6 hours of playtime is guaranteed with a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Best microphone
Beats Pill+ portable bluetooth speaker
Best for in-home use, this wireless speaker sounds great with defined clear audio and has excellent Bluetooth range.
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If you’re looking for a portable speaker that sounds really big, the Beats Pill+ is a great option. A more defined and broader sound range is offered with its 2-way active crossover. The great news is that the lithium-ion rechargeable battery can also be used to charge a USB-enabled device. Then there’s an auxiliary input; easily connect audio sources that don’t have Bluetooth. Pair up with another Beats Pill+ to amplify the loud sound and create a stereo effect. Overall, it’s a great-looking and great-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker.
Best under $200
Bose SoundLink Revolve portable bluetooth speaker
SoundLink Revolve is designed for a true 360° sound experience with uniform consistent coverage in a small to medium-sized room. Not only durable, but the Revolve speaker is also water-resistant and features an easy-grab design.
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If you want a portable yet powerful Bluetooth speaker that offers immersive 360̊ full-coverage sound, SoundLink Revolve is for you. This compact center channel speaker provides a loud, deep sound that reaches every corner. The durable body made from aluminum is water-resistant, so it can withstand water splashes at the poolside. Uniform coverage is what it’s all about; it offers real surround sound. The audio is evenly spread, thanks to the integrated omnidirectional acoustic deflector. With the convenient USB charging and lithium battery, you can enjoy music all day. Best of all, it’s a speaker with smart features, a built-in microphone, and voice assistants.
Best under $50
Sony SRS-XB12 portable bluetooth speaker
It’s best to enjoy loud music outdoors as well as indoors without any need for connecting wires. So portable and totally waterproof, you can easily carry it anywhere.
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Although mini in size it’s mighty in volume and battery life; the Sony SRS-XB12 delivers powerful loud beats with extra bass. The monaural speaker works with the passive radiator for better low-end tones. Despite having a small size, this XB12 boosts 16 hours of continuous melody time for you. Add another speaker to create that immersive stereo sound at any party. The XB12 keeps playing no matter how much dust is accumulated on the surface; thanks to an IP67 rating. It’s a perfect speaker choice for outdoor adventures like trail trips, hunting, camping, hiking, etc.
Best with lights
XLEADER SoundAngel portable bluetooth speaker
XLEADER SoundAngel is a budget-friendly wireless speaker that packs all the advanced and latest features for the best sound reproduction
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If you need a low-budget Bluetooth speaker that has all the high-end features, XLEADER SoundAngel is a perfect choice. A simple touch design will let you enjoy music effortlessly. Crystal sound and deep bass are guaranteed with its 5W hi-fi speaker and 3D digital audio processor. A high-performance battery prevents the need to charge every other day, you’ll get long 15 hours of playtime with fast recharging. It’s a great portable speaker for the home shower, cycling, outdoor parties, beach, camping, and BBQ.
Best portability – mini
EWA A106 portable bluetooth speaker
Without adding any complicated technology to the speaker, it offers premium sound quality. Perfect for those who want a simple and ultra-compact wireless speaker to enjoy loud music.
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EWA A106 is an egg-sized Bluetooth speaker that has a super-compact body yet delivers loud, clear audio. The High-performance 3W driver and hi-class downward passive radiator help offer rick bass with deep lows. It’s easy and simple to use; the single LED indicator features all the necessary speaker functions. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use with its IP67 rating, it’s durably built for long-term performance of delivering balanced clean sound. With a Li-ion battery, this ultra-portable speaker has up to 8 hours of battery time.
Best for outdoors
Jabra Speak 510 portable bluetooth speaker
The portable compact design lets you hold conference meetings anywhere while excellent sound quality and full-room coverage ensure everyone is heard.
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Enhanced with Bluetooth, the Jabra Speak510 is a compact speakerphone to enjoy music at the home, office, party, or attend conference calls anywhere. If you’re in a professional field that requires daily audio conferencing or hands-free conversations, this is the right Bluetooth speaker for you. It easily pairs up with your smartphone, laptop, or other media devices via Bluetooth. With a compact and slim design, you can receive or make calls anytime and anywhere with outstanding sound quality. Wideband audio and Omni-directional microphone ensure all can hear and speak clearly. Best for small-group conference calls, the Jabra wireless speaker is easy to use with intuitive touch buttons.
What to look for in a good portable bluetooth speaker
Whatever shape or portable size of Bluetooth speaker you’re looking for, we hope our expert guide will help you choose the best suitable model for your requirements and budget.
When you shop for portable Bluetooth speakers, it’s better to look for one that suits your particular audio needs and lifestyle.
Bluetooth version
Since introduced, Bluetooth has many different versions with updating the technology over the years to improve performance; the 1.0 version is almost 20 years old. Newer is better! Considering the Bluetooth version important because it determines the audio transmission quality and the distance range from device and speaker. Nowadays, Bluetooth speakers use the 4.0 or 5.0 version. Make sure not to opt for a lower version than 4.0 as these latest versions have low energy profiles, faster data transmission, greater battery life, and better range. Bluetooth 5.0 offers up to 120 meters wireless range with fast 2Mbps speed while version 4.2 has 30-60 meters of range with 1Mbps of transfer rate. Another plus point of 5.0 is its less power consumption and works better in a congested environment with other wireless connections.
The further you move away from the speaker with your smartphone, the lower is the transfer speed. That’s why it’s worth looking for an updated Bluetooth version with better audio performance and faster transmission distance.
Drivers
Most portable speakers usually feature a 40mm driver that is good to go. However, if you want a bigger driver, the size of the speaker may increase. For example, the Sony SRS-XB41 model comes with a big 58mm driver, and thus it’s less portable. Drivers’ placement and the number determine audio quality. Small compact speakers have a full-range single driver that faces downwards or upwards for better sound displacement. A dual-driver set up in a portable speaker tends to produce a louder sound. Since portable speakers are small and compact in size, they don’t have a built-in woofer. Instead, many manufacturers have incorporated passive radiators that vibrate for producing bass. For those who love electric and rock music, a portable Bluetooth speaker with passive radiators is a good choice.
Connectivity
Wireless doesn’t mean Bluetooth speakers shouldn’t have any wired input connections. A portable speaker with Aux-In or line-in socket comes in handy to connect audio sources for better sound quality and to save battery life. You get the best of both worlds; wired as well as a wireless connection.
For the stereo sound effect, some Bluetooth speakers have NFC technology to pair up with multiple speakers. NFC or Near Field communication allows 2 or more wireless speakers to quickly pair up when within reach for creating a loud sound.
Waterproof
This consideration depends entirely on how and where you plan to use the Bluetooth speaker. If you want a Bluetooth speaker for your outdoor adventures, poolside, or during showers, it’s essential to look for one that’s either completely waterproof or water-resistant. So make sure to check the IP ratings before you buy one. IPX4 rated speakers mean they’re splash-proof while IPX7 rating can survive downpour and IP67 being dust-proof as well. A speaker with an IP68 rating is the best option for beach shower, and pool parties since it’s waterproof at 1.5m depth.
Besides, it’s better to have a speaker with a robust body to resist outdoor elements. Best of all, a weather-proof speaker not only stands snow, rain, and water splashes, it’s dust-resistant, shock-proof, and withstands rough use.
If you plan to use it indoors, a portable Bluetooth speaker with a contemporary design and aluminum body is a great option.
Battery life
Since these portable speakers are wireless, battery life is another major consideration. You wouldn’t want to charge it every single hour. Besides, charging becomes impossible if there’s no power source. So look for speakers with at least 10 hours of battery life.
Built-in microphones
If you want a Bluetooth speaker to double as a speakerphone, then opt for one that’s equipped with built-in microphones. This is of great importance to those who plan to use their smartphones as an audio source. The speakerphone compatibility allows a hands-free conversation when someone calls on the paired smartphone.
High-performance audio
For high-fidelity performance levels, there are speakers with DACs to reproduce every fine music detail. When it comes to built quality, these Bluetooth powered speakers feature a low-resonant MDF cabinet for accurate clean sound reproduction.
If you’re a high-resolution audio person, then it’s worth looking for a speaker with LDAC or aptX HD support. This audio codec eliminates distortion while supporting the 24-bit audio streaming. The good news is that most of the Bluetooth speakers nowadays have aptX support to transmit music at 44.1 kHz. More advanced models also support aptX HD to offer high-resolution acoustic.
Extra features
- USB charging port
Some of the Bluetooth speakers come with an integrated recharger featuring a USB charging port for the extra power you need to charge smart devices on the go. This means a Bluetooth speaker also acts as a portable power bank when required.
- Wi-Fi
To create a multi-room setup at home, you better look for Bluetooth speakers that also support Wi-Fi.
FAQ
What is Bluetooth?
It’s a technology that allows devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices to transmit audio to portable speakers wirelessly. For this connection, both devices should be equipped with Bluetooth technology. Without Bluetooth technology installed, the device and speaker won’t be able to communicate.
How do Bluetooth speakers work?
These speakers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes ranging from pocket-size to book-shelf models. No matter what size or shape each Bluetooth speaker has, they all work in the same manner. As you know, Bluetooth technology connects two devices.
Similarly, in the case of Bluetooth speakers, smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any other media device transmit to the speaker that uses its integrated amplifier and speaker for playback. As a result, the sound quality is 50 times better than produced by our Smartphone’s mini built-in speakers. Pairing or connecting the device to Bluetooth speakers is easy and simple.
It’s a one-time operation since most Bluetooth speaker models remember and recognizes the device when within range. After pairing setup, all you have to do is turn it on and listen to your favorite tune. There are many models with super-convenient pair-and-play design.
Are all Bluetooth speakers wireless?
Although most of the Bluetooth-powered speakers today are wireless, some models require constant power for their integrated amplifier or battery. That’s why these speakers are designed for home use only as they always need to be plugged into the wall outlet to work. When looking for wireless connection or portability, the portable Bluetooth speakers feature a built-in rechargeable battery.
What can you listen to on a Bluetooth speaker?
Anything that you can listen to on your smartphone! From stored audio, streaming, music, video games, and movie soundtracks to your entire favorite songs library.
Do Bluetooth speakers double up as smart speakers?
Yes, some Bluetooth speaker models come with built-in voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa. These smart Bluetooth speakers allow you to operate and control all your smart devices at home.
Final verdict
Bluetooth portable speakers offer you the enhanced frequency for good sound to listen to favorite tunes wirelessly while on the move, cutting the cord requirements. Another great thing is they embrace advanced features like Bluetooth 4 or 5, NFC connectivity, and the ‘Aux in’ option to let you play with multiple options. And the charging options are really great, especially for your outdoor plans.
