How to Choose the Right Portable Speaker for You
With so many portable Bluetooth speakers on the market today, it can be tricky to decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle. Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for a portable speaker:
Sound Quality
First and foremost, you'll want a speaker that sounds great. Pay attention to specifications like frequency range, which indicates the lows and highs the speaker can reproduce. Wider ranges with lower lows and higher highs generally mean better sound. Look for speakers with:
- Wide frequency range (at least 60 Hz to 20 kHz)
- Crisp treble and well-defined bass
- Volume levels that can fill a room
Portability
Since these speakers are made to be portable, you'll want one that's easy to take on the go. Important features include:
- Compact, lightweight design
- Durable, travel-friendly construction
- Long battery life (8+ hours ideally)
- Wireless Bluetooth connection
Extra Features
Today's portable speakers offer a lot beyond just wireless playback. Here are some extras to look for if they fit your needs:
- Voice assistant integration (Siri, Google Assistant, etc.)
- Speakerphone for handsfree calls
- Rugged/waterproof construction
- Wireless multi-pairing for stereo sound
Audio Inputs
While Bluetooth is standard, having additional connectivity can be useful. Consider speakers with:
- Aux input for wired connections
- USB charging port
- microSD card slot for MP3 playback
- WiFi and app connectivity
Price
Portable speakers vary greatly in price, from $20 to $400+. In general, more expensive models have better sound, build quality, and features. Set a budget and stick to speakers that fit into it. Buying from well-known audio brands can help ensure quality.
By weighing factors like sound, portability, features, and price, you can zero in on the perfect portable speaker for your listening needs.
Different Types of Portable Speakers
Portable Bluetooth speakers allow you to wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and more from your smartphone, tablet, or other devices. There are several different types and styles available to suit different uses and budgets.
Ultra-Compact Speakers
These mini speakers maximize portability with a small footprint similar to a hockey puck. They easily fit in a purse or backpack. Limitations include:
- Lower maximum volumes
- Less bass response
- Shorter battery life
Best for: Travel, on-the-go use
Classic Cylinder Speakers
Probably the most common design, these speakers stand about 5-10 inches tall and have a cylindrical shape. Benefits include:
- Balanced sound with decent bass
- Good volume levels
- Often splashproof or water-resistant
Best for: Home, office, travel use
Cube Speakers
Instead of a traditional cylinder, these speakers use a rectangular cube design. Pros and cons:
- Unique, modern aesthetic
- Often feature powerful sound
- Boxy shape can limit portability
Best for: Home and office use
Soundbars
Soundbars have an elongated, bar-like shape that's designed to fit in front of a TV or monitor. Features include:
- Slim profile for tight spaces
- Multiple drivers for stereo or surround sound
- Some include mounting options
Best for: Boosting audio for TV and computers
Rugged/Waterproof Speakers
Built to withstand the elements, these speakers have heavy-duty housings and waterproofing. Ideal for:
- Outdoor use in harsh conditions
- Poolside or beach listening
- Adventures where damage may occur
With so many styles available, you can easily find a portable speaker suited for any activity or need.
Bluetooth vs WiFi Speakers: Which is Better?
When shopping for a wireless speaker, you'll see models that use either Bluetooth or WiFi technology to stream audio. But which type of connection is better? Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth has become the standard wireless technology for speakers and other audio devices. Benefits of Bluetooth connectivity include:
- Simple pairing - Just pair with your phone or tablet like a headset.
- No internet required - Bluetooth creates a direct connection between devices.
- Ubiquitous compatibility - Most devices have Bluetooth built-in.
- Good wireless range - Bluetooth can reach up to 30 feet, depending on environment.
- Energy efficient - Bluetooth uses less battery power than WiFi.
Potential downsides of Bluetooth:
- Can only connect to one device at a time
- Audio may cut out if connection is disrupted
- Lower bandwidth results in more compression
WiFi
WiFi speakers connect via a wireless network instead of directly to your device like Bluetooth models. Pros of WiFi speakers:
- Multi-room audio - Stream to multiple speakers across your home network.
- No range limitations - WiFi networks can spread across entire homes.
- Higher bandwidth for better quality - No compression needed.
- Connect multiple source devices - Unlike Bluetooth's 1 device limit.
Downsides of WiFi speakers:
- Require more setup - Must connect speakers to your wireless network.
- May experience network interference - WiFi is susceptible to congestion issues.
- Potentially higher energy use - Depends on efficiency of the speaker.
The Bottom Line
For portable use where simplicity, compatibility, and range are priorities, Bluetooth speakers generally work better. But for whole-home audio systems where sound quality is paramount, WiFi models are the way to go.
Consider where and how you'll use your wireless speaker the most when deciding between Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
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Portable Speakers Buying Guide: What to Look For
With the wide selection of portable Bluetooth speakers available today, it can be hard to know what to look for. This buying guide covers the key factors to consider when picking out the right speaker for your needs.
Audio Quality
First and foremost, a good portable speaker should sound great playing your music. Prioritize speakers with:
- Wide frequency response - Look for specs showing response from at least 60 Hz to 20 kHz for balanced sound with deep bass and crisp treble.
- High max volume - Models like the JBL Charge 5 can play up to 100 decibels, loud enough for outdoors. Weaker speakers may only reach 70-80 dB.
- Low distortion - Less than 1% THD at higher volumes indicates cleaner audio.
Portability
Since portability is key, the speaker's design matters. Look for speakers that:
- Are compact and lightweight - A speaker like the Bose SoundLink Micro is easy to pack at just 10 ounces.
- Have durable builds - Rubberized coatings like on the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 can withstand bumps.
- Get 8+ hours of battery life - Long life like the 20+ hours of the JBL Flip 6 lets you keep the music going.
Extra Features
Bonus features to consider include:
- Voice assistant support - For handsfree control of music via Siri or Google Assistant.
- Speakerphone - Makes phone calls clearer on models like the Sonos Move.
- Party features - Let you wirelessly connect multiple speakers together for stereo sound.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth is standard but WiFi allows multi-room streaming if you want whole-home audio. Also consider:
- Bluetooth range - 30+ feet is ideal for wireless freedom.
- Audio cable - AUX input or USB connection offers wired use if wireless is unreliable.
- Wireless charging - Sets like the JBL Xtreme 3 let you charge without wires.
Brand Reputation
Stick with audio brands like Bose, JBL, Sonos, UE, and others known for quality. Check professional reviews for insight on a speaker's real-world performance.
Choosing the right portable speaker is easier when you know which features matter most for your listening habits. Use this guide to find the perfect match!
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Top Portable Speakers Under $100
You don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent portable Bluetooth speaker. There are plenty of affordable models under $100 that offer good sound quality and features. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options.
Anker Soundcore Motion+
With 30W of audio power, the Motion+ delivers surprisingly big, crisp sound and thumping bass for its compact size. It's also fully waterproof and supports Bluetooth 5.0 for great wireless range.
JBL Flip 5
JBL's Flip 5 is a solid all-around speaker that produces rich stereo audio in a portable, cylindrical design. It gets 12 hours of battery life and lets you wirelessly connect two Flip 5 speakers together for stereo sound.
Tribit XSound Go
Built with quality drivers in a compact, angular frame, the XSound Go pumps out immersive 360° sound with deep bass you wouldn't expect from such a portable speaker. It's also IPX7 waterproof rated.
DOSS SoundBox Touch
The SoundBox Touch stands out with its convenient touch controls and 16W drivers that generate impressive volume and bass. An integrated power bank lets you charge your phone from the speaker.
AOMAIS Sport II
Perfect for active lifestyles, the Sport II has a rugged, waterproof design that can withstand the outdoors. Despite its compact size, it cranks out 20W of surprisingly loud and full-bodied sound.
Anker Soundcore 3
With bass-boosting technology and 24-hour battery life, the Soundcore 3 provides deep lows and crystal clear sound for less than $50. The IPX7 rating means it can even handle splashes and rain.
While cheaper speakers do make some sacrifices, there are plenty of impressive models available for under $100 if you're on a budget.
Portable Speakers: The Pros and Cons of Battery Powered Models
Portable Bluetooth speakers provide wireless music on the go thanks to built-in batteries. While this gives you flexibility, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider versus plug-in models.
Pro: Portability
The key benefit of a battery powered speaker is portability and wireless freedom. You can easily move them around and take them anywhere without cables getting in the way. For example, bringing music to a picnic in the park or a day at the beach is simple with a battery speaker like the JBL Charge 5.
Pro: Convenience
Not dealing with power cables also makes battery speakers more convenient to use around the house. Just set it down and start streaming music instantly. Models like the Sonos Roam let you access music services like Spotify and control playback using WiFi.
Pro: Backup Power
Some battery speakers double as external chargers for smartphones and tablets. So if your phone is low on juice, connect it to a speaker like the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 to get backup power from its battery.
Con: Battery Life
While convenient, relying on a built-in battery means dealing with finite battery life. Playtime for portable speakers averages 10-20 hours, although it varies by model and volume. Frequent recharging is necessary for heavy use.
Con: Performance Limitations
Battery powered speakers have natural size and power limitations since the battery must fit inside. Models max out around 20-30 watts, less than many plug-in speakers. The JBL Xtreme 2 is one exception, able to get loudly without distortion.
Con: Battery Degradation
Just like smartphones, speaker batteries lose capacity over time after hundreds of charge cycles. Performance eventually declines as old batteries can't hold as much playtime. Batteries may need replacement after 2-3 years of regular use.
While not for audio purists, battery powered speakers provide wireless music freedom that makes them perfect for active lifestyles. Just be mindful of battery life constraints.
What is the Use of Amazon Prime for Portable Speaker Buyers?
For frequent shoppers of electronics like portable Bluetooth speakers and docks, an Amazon Prime membership can be extremely valuable. Here are some of the key benefits Prime offers for regular buyers in this category.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the main perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of items. This means you can order portable speakers and accessories from Amazon and receive them quickly without paying extra shipping fees.
Easy Returns
Amazon Prime also makes returns hassle-free. You can return speakers and docks free of charge within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. This makes it easy to exchange items or return defective products.
Access to Deals
Prime members get exclusive access to special discounts and deals on speakers and electronics. Amazon frequently offers Lightning Deals and Prime-only savings on popular portable audio brands.
Product Reviews
With Prime, you can view unbiased user reviews on speakers before you buy. This helps ensure you choose quality products that meet your needs based on real customer experiences.
Entertainment Benefits
You also get entertainment perks with Prime like streaming movies, TV shows, and millions of songs to enjoy on your new speaker via Prime Video and Amazon Music.
For frequent shoppers of electronics and audio gear, a Prime membership can be a worthwhile investment thanks to benefits like fast shipping and easy returns.
Find The Perfect Portable Speaker For Your Needs
Choosing the perfect portable speaker for your needs can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Consider the size and price of the speaker. If you're looking for a very portable speaker, you'll want to get something very compact, but remember that smaller speakers usually produce less sound and bass than larger ones.
- Draw up a shortlist of contenders. To help you, there is a great selection of the best portable speakers and best Bluetooth speakers that span a range of types and budgets.
- Look for a well-built speaker with long-lasting battery life and an IP rating for water resistance to withstand getting wet when you take it outside.
- Check the features and specs of the speaker. We focus on models that have rechargeable batteries and are designed to take a trip to the beach or the park with no hassle. In selecting our top pick, we prioritize speakers that are compact and easy to toss into a backpack or beach bag.
- Consider the sound quality of the speaker. A great portable speaker needs to sound pretty good wherever you go. Whether you’re listening quietly while catching up on summer reading or getting the party started, it needs to put out clear and crisp audio.
- Finally, consider your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for $100, and some decent mini Bluetooth speakers can cost less than $50.
