A portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the best handy accessories for laptops or smartphones when sound quality is a top priority. And with the availability of a variety of wireless and Bluetooth speakers, it has become increasingly easy to incorporate favorite music into a routine – at home and on the go. The best way to choose the speaker that’s best for you is to test the speakers because the sound is often subjective and it is nearly impossible to judge how good a speaker is simply by reading the specifications or reviews. Bluetooth speakers are devices that are often purchased not only for their sound quality but for various other features such as portability, connectivity, and other features that significantly impact the buyer’s choice.
Bluetooth speakers pair directly with smart devices and laptops and are compact and battery-powered. Bluetooth speakers use Bluetooth connectivity to establish a link between the music source and the speaker. The Bluetooth speakers contain an amplifier, speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity and are equipped with an on/off switch, volume controls, a pairing button, and an indicator. In certain cases, an auxiliary input wire is provided enabling wired connectivity if and when needed. There are a plethora of Bluetooth speakers to choose from ranging from sophisticated hi-fi speakers to compact, inexpensive waterproof options that deliver great sound. The idea and trend of playing music in the background and uplifting the mood while doing household chores or multitasking is unparalleled and this has boosted the popularity of Bluetooth speakers among individuals worldwide. The global Bluetooth Speakers market size is expected to reach USD 3.13 billion in 2027 and register a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period, according to the latest report by Reports and Data.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Bluetooth Speaker
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Portability
Some Bluetooth speakers are highly compact in size and some are weighty affairs that often dominate the space. Bluetooth speakers made for travel are perfect for packaging into luggage and often provide a proper balance of decent sound quality and loudness and portability. For a Bluetooth speaker to be portable, it needs to have a built-in battery with a battery life that lasts for 6-12 hours while some can last up to 24 hours.
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Sound quality
Sound quality is often the top priority when choosing Bluetooth speakers. If users are looking for the best sound quality, they may have to compromise on portability as larger speakers are more equipped to offer consistent, distortion-free audio. Larger speakers also have more room for sophisticated subwoofers that provide precise low end and optimal mids and highs, in turn, offering a more satisfying mix. However, technological advancements have led to the development of smaller Bluetooth speakers that are equipped with bass boosting technology that leverages digital signal processing to focus on low-end frequencies without any interferences.
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Frequency Response
Frequency response is generally measured in Hertz and is described in a range from 100 Hz-20,000Hz. Lower frequency provides better bass quality. Speakers wherein harmonic distortion is less than 1% provide better audio quality. It is imperative to understand the frequency range for better sound delivery when looking for the subwoofer. A subwoofer that has a frequency range between 50-25Hz is a good choice.
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Audio Power
The audio power of the speakers is measured in Watts and the higher the Watts, the better the performance. The output power of the speakers is measured in two categories that are mentioned on their specification sheets such as Root Mean Square (RMS) and Peak. These are the measurements of the output of the subwoofer at a certain volume level at a given period of working and are calculated in wattages. Wattage determines how powerful the speaker is. Speakers with a wattage of 150-500 are better suited for a greater music listening experience and are cost-effective.
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Battery Life
Battery life is one of the key parameters to consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker. Consumers generally don’t want to be recharging the speaker every hour and have a disruptive listening experience. The typical battery life of the speakers lasts from 4 to 10 hours depending on the use. The louder the speaker is played, the more current it will use, and the quicker it will require recharging. More battery life will offer an all-day-long music listening experience.
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Connectivity
Connectivity is an essential feature of the Bluetooth speakers and the speakers should have good all-round connectivity. A Bluetooth speaker with NFC would be a good choice as it enables the speaker to be compatible and easily connect with all devices. These Bluetooth speakers with versatility and better performance can enhance the voice quality, refine it, tune it, and equalize it to offer a state-of-the-art listening experience. To make sure the speaker will work for the many years to come, it is important to look for the most recent version of Bluetooth support users can find. A Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2 speaker will offer a more stable connection making it easier to support advanced features like allowing more than one person to connect and control the speakers.
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Smart Speakers
Most Bluetooth speakers are smart and capable of more than just streaming music. Smart speakers offer access to virtual assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Amazon Alexa is available in the Echo series, Apple offers the top-of-the-line HomePod Mini, and Google has a series of smart speakers called the Nest. There are various third-party Bluetooth speakers available in the market that are equipped with microphones that support hands-free calling and voice-activated virtual assistants.
Some other features users can look for support for companion apps that can enable checking the battery life of the speaker, ease management of multiple speakers, and update the firmware of the speakers. Another key feature is the support for pairing multiple speakers together for a bigger sound. There is a wide range of Bluetooth speakers available to buy from various outlets and in a range of prices and features that might suit the user the best.
Top Bluetooth Speakers That Fit the Needs and Budget
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Sony SRS-XB13
The SRS-XB13 is a compact, portable, and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is light in weight and on the pockets. It is one of the best bass Bluetooth speakers that can effectively deliver party-worthy sound wherever and whenever needed. The speaker has an IP67 rating which indicates it is resistant to water and debris – perfect to take it on the beach. It is available in five contemporary colors and comes with a matching multiway strap that makes it easy for carrying it in or hanging up for easy access at a pool party. It has an extra speaker to enable stereo mode and a USB-C port that can charge the speakers quickly.
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JBL Clip 3
The JBL Clip 3 is currently the best small Bluetooth speaker that is extremely cheap and can stay on the go. It has been specifically designed for travel – weighing less than half a pound and comprising an integrated metal carabiner to clip it to a belt loop or a backpack. The speaker has an IPx7 waterproof rating and is equipped with a rubber housing that confers shock absorption. The speaker is equipped with noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone and a built-in microphone that keeps the users connected even on the move with a solid connectivity range. Onboard controls enable play, pause, skip and adjust volume while also allowing to pick up or end calls. The speaker is available in twelve colors and users can also customize their speaker design on the JBL website – increasing its popularity among outdoor and travel enthusiasts.
- UE Wonderboom 2
The Wonderboom 2 is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers and can be taken literally anywhere – from a weekend camping trip to a relaxing time in the bathtub. The speaker is particle proof along with being waterproof so users don’t have to worry about sand, dust, or any other particle causing any damage to the speakers. It is equipped with a flexible looped handle that allows it to be clipped to the backpack. With 13-hour battery life, the speakers are equipped to offer a first-class experience.
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Zebronics Zeb-Smart Bot Smart Speaker
Zebronics Zeb-smart bot smart speakers come with built-in Alexa allowing users to control applications such as TV, setup box, and AC, among others. It is equipped with a dual far-field microphone that ensures Alexa listens accurately to the voice commands. It is not battery-operated and can be run on Wi-Fi. It is equipped with Bluetooth v4.2 and is compatible with both android and iOS phones.
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JBL Xtreme 3
The JBL Xtreme 3 is a versatile speaker with an IP67 waterproof rating and is equipped with four drivers and two pumping JBL Bass Radiators. The wireless speaker is built to deal with a range of listening scenarios – ranging from pool parties to camping trips. The speaker comprises two woofers for low frequencies and two tweeters for the highs. The speakers have two hooks that can be used to attach to the supplied shoulder strap. The speakers support Bluetooth 5.1 and two devices can be connected at once so two or more people can control the speakers.
Music is not just art, it is a feeling, and looking for a perfect speaker is like navigating unchartered territory. More and more music is being stored on mobile phones or other devices that are Bluetooth-enabled. Some of the most commonly looked-for attributes in Bluetooth speakers include bass power, output power, sound quality, and size and portability. A speaker with a built-in subwoofer is specifically designed and built to play low-pitched audio frequencies. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right ones according to use and preference will ensure the best buy.
Also Read: 5 Best Earphones Under 500 in India
