Best Bluetooth Speakers – 2023 Guide & Analysis

Intro

Bluetooth speakers are increasingly in demand for use both indoors and outdoors given their convenience and sound power. The intertwining of music and technology has brought more and more innovations from year to year, enhancing the audio experience for all gaming and music enthusiasts. The audio industry and its innovations allow us to listen to our favorite songs anywhere and with many different instruments according to our needs.

Wireless technology in particular is becoming more and more popular, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for users to give up this convenience. The ability to connect devices and play music without cables is now becoming an industry standard, just as is happening with wireless earbuds and headphones. These tools almost always use Bluetooth technology to connect to other devices from which to trigger song or video playback.

One of the most interesting items in the field of Bluetooth, thanks to which we can listen to and broadcast our favorite music, podcasts, radio broadcast or any other audio or multimedia content is precisely the Bluetooth speaker. This tool can be used outside the home or in any room in our home or office with maximum comfort. They usually have a fairly powerful system and a good range. To use them, simply connect them via Bluetooth to your smartphone, tablet or computer and start the desired media or music playback.

Currently, one of the most interesting innovations involves the development of3D audio, a group of sound effects that manipulate the sound produced by stereo or surround speakers and headphones. This involves the perception of sound sources anywhere in three-dimensional space, behind, to the side, above or below the listener.

In this comprehensive guide, we will see what are the most important features to look out for when buying a good-quality, value-for-money wireless speaker. In addition, we will take an analytical look at the Bluetooth speakers on the market to see which ones are the best.

The Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2023

Buying a bluetooth speaker sounds like a simple undertaking, but to make it so, we need to be clear about the basic requirements we are interested in. This will enable us to juggle the choice between regular portable Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, speaker systems, or more classic bookshelf speakers.

In this section we will take a very quick look at the essential requirements for each type and proceed to analyze the best products for sale.

The Best 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Under 60€

Let’s start with Bluetooth speakers designed primarily for outdoor use, that is, outside our homes. Let’s start at the lowest and best value-for-money end of the spectrum and see what the requirements are for evaluating the quality of the product.

The speakers in the cheapest range are those that have a maximum price of less than 60€. These are the most recommended for those who do not intend to make heavy use of this tool and want to use them outdoors in various environments. To choose one accurately, we need to consider some parameters.

La audio power of this type of wireless speaker usually ranges from 4 to 30 W, the higher this value the better, the recommended minimum is 10 W. As for the driver, again the more we have the more our speaker will be able to produce more realistic sounds, a minimum of two drivers is a good base from which to start. Batterylife depends on the type of battery included; an efficient value to start with is around 9 hours of battery life, so with at least 2000 mAH. On Bluetooth technology, we recommend from 4.2 onward. To be checked for microphone and possibly waterproof if we intend to use it at the beach, pool or wet places. Remember to always check the size and weight before purchasing the product.

Recommended Requirements Cheap Portable Cashier:

• Minimum audio power: 10 W
• Minimum number of drivers: at least2 drivers (possibly at least one woofer and one tweeter)
• Battery autonomy: 2000 mAH
• Minimum Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.0
• Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
• Other useful features: Compatibility, Waterproof, Microphone, USB and micro USB inputs.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the requirements let’s look at the 5 best inexpensive speakers.

JBL Clip 4

JBL Clip 4 is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, pocket-friendly and waterproof portable speaker, in fact it weighs only 240 grams. It features a durable and lightweight design and is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 for easy connection. It also has an IPX67 waterproof rating, so it is suitable for wet environments and can be used in the rain. It has about 10 hours of playback time and also has a built-in speakerphone with noise and echo cancellation, so you can take calls without any background noise. The clarity and bass response is not exceptional, but it does its job quite well. The microphone quality is not great; the speaker can be charged with a USB-C cable.

The speaker has a built-in carabiner, so it can be easily attached to a backpack, belt, bike or any other object. JBL Clip 4 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a speaker to take into any environment, suitable mainly for those who have an active lifestyle and love to engage in outdoor activities.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design, one of the lightest and pocket-sized speakers on the market
• Excellent value for money
• Acceptable sound quality, audio power 16W
• Guarantees at least 10h of playback
• Waterproof and dustproof
• Uses Bluetooth 5.1, has built-in Microphone and supports voice assistant
• Has a noise cancellation tool
• The carabiner allows the case to be hooked anywhere

Cons:

• Does not support playback via Wi-Fi
• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• Charging is a little slow

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Anker Soundcore Mini

Let’s take a look at another speaker made by Anker Soundcore, the mini version is one of the smallest and cheapest bluetooth speakers on the market, costing less than 30€, weighing only 200 grams and held in the palm of one hand.

Anker Soundcore Mini is an excellent choice for those looking for a small, lightweight speaker. Despite being very small, it offers quite strong sound with deep bass and crisp highs, has a 5W audio driver and a passive subwoofer. The audio quality is really very good. Battery life is very good, up to 15 hours on a single charge; it also has a built-in microphone that enables hands-free calls. It supports micro-SDs and has an AUX output, and charges with a micro-USB type cable.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design, the lightest and most pocketable case on the market
• Excellent value for money
• Very good sound quality despite the size, deep bass with the subwoofer
• Guarantees at least 15h of playback
• Waterproof and dustproof
• It has a built-in Microphone

Cons:

• Audio power is not very high because of the size
• No support for voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant
• No built-in equalizer to customize the sound

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SONY SRS XB-13

We see a speaker from SONY very similar to the previous speaker, also one of the smallest and cheapest bluetooth speakers on the market, costing less than 40€ and weighing 240 grams.

THE Sony SRS XB-13 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality and portability relative to its size. It has really powerful bass and good battery life, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and is waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for use in any environment. It also has a convenient handle for easy carrying. Overall, the Sony SRS XB13 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, low-priced portable Bluetooth speaker.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design, one of the lightest and pocket-sized speakers on the market
• Excellent value for money
• High audio quality despite the size, excellent bass and good audio power
• Guarantees at least 15h of playback
• Waterproof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Compatible with SONY Music Center

Cons:

• Limited range of sound customization options
• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• No stereo association option

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-30 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

Anker Soundcore 3

Anker Soundcore 3 is a Bluetooth speaker that can offer very good sound quality at a very low cost. It features fairly powerful bass, clear mids and crisp highs, as well as a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistant. Soundcore 3 gives us access to the Soundcore app, where we can use a graphic equalizer and preset modes to help us change the sound. It also brings more bass rumble than Soundcore 2, has heavy bass, and is especially suitable for EDM and hip-hop music.

The speaker is also IPX67 rated for dust and water resistance, making it waterproof and therefore perfect for outdoor use even in wet environments. It can even be used in water up to one meter deep for a period not exceeding 30 minutes (a practice obviously not recommended). It has a sleek design and easy-to-use controls, so it is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a Bluetooth speaker with great value for money.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Overall very good audio quality, audio power 16W
• Guarantees at least 20h of playback
• Has a graphic equalizer with modes to modify the sound
• Waterproof and dustproof
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0, has built-in Microphone and supports voice assistant

Cons:

• Does not have a noise cancellation tool
• Does not support playback via Wi-Fi

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W-KING D8

The last inexpensive speaker we see is really very interesting for those looking for powerful bass. The W-KING D8 thanks to its 30W output power and its system of acoustic transmission 2.2isable to offer crisp and powerful audio and sound thanks to its 2 full-range speaker drivers, it also has 2 passive subwoofers placed on the side and 2 tweeters to optimize the treble.

This speaker has powerful sound quality with deep bass and crisp highs. It also has a built-in microphone, which enables hands-free calls. The speaker is compatible with a wide variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices, making it easy to connect and stream music. In addition, the speaker is waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor activities. With its very long battery life, we can enjoy up to as much as 24 hours of playback. This speaker is also capable of charging devices that are connected, thanks to the 5,000mAh powerbank. Compared to the other speakers we have seen, it is the most powerful and the most expensive, with a price tag around 60€.

Pros:

• High sound quality and power with deep bass and crisp highs
• Excellent value for money
• Guarantees at least 20h of playback
• Waterproof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Attractive and durable design with carrying handle
• Possesses a 5000mAH powerbank

Cons:

• Compared to other portable speakers, it is heavier at 1.5 kg.
• Somewhat limited range of compatible devices

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The Best 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Under 100€

The speakers in this range are those that have a maximum price of less than 100€. These are the most recommended for those who intend to make good use of this tool. These speakers have a lower price-performance ratio than those seen previously but have better sound quality. To choose one accurately, we need to consider some parameters.

The audio power of this range of speakers usually ranges from 15 to 50 W, the recommended minimum being 20 W. As for drivers, a minimum of two or three drivers is a good base from which to start. For good battery life, an efficient value to start with is around 15 hours of battery life. On Bluetooth technology, we recommend 5.0 and above. To be checked for microphone, subwoofer, voice assistant and whether the speaker we intend to buy is waterproof and dustproof. Remember to always check the size and weight before purchasing the product.

Recommended Requirements Medium Range Portable Speaker

• Minimum audio power: 20 W
• Minimum number of drivers: at least2 or 3 drivers (at least one woofer and one tweeter)
• Minimum autonomy: 2500 mAH
• Minimum Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.0
• Frequency Range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
• Other useful features: Compatibility, Waterproof, Microphone, Radio, Voice assistant, Subwoofer, Dust resistance, USB and micro USB inputs

Now that we’ve taken a look at the requirements let’s look at the 5 best mid-range speakers.

JBL Flip 6

Let’s start looking at mid-range speakers and start with one of the best-selling and most widely used models, namely the new version of the JBL Flip. This portable Bluetooth speaker offers powerful sound and good battery life, as well as really good value for money. It features an IPX67 waterproof design, allowing it to be used in any environment, and has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. The speaker also has a feature called PartyBoost that allows us to connect multiple JBL speakers together for more powerful and synchronized sound. It has a sleek minimalist design and very good sound quality, JBL Flip 6 is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a great portable speaker.

JBL Flip 6 has powerful sound since it has 30W output power, ensures at least 10 hours of playback on a single charge. The two-way speaker system makes it possible to create a higher quality sound than other JBL Flip, the bass and midrange are of high quality, and the treble is also very crisp. It has a weight of about 550 grams and a cost usually around 100€.

Pros:

• Better sound quality and power from the JBL Flip series with deep bass and crisp highs
• Really good power output
• Excellent value for money
• Waterproof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Elegant and durable design
• PartyBoost function to connect multiple speakers together

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• Slightly lower autonomy than other speakers in the same range (around 10h of playback)

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Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

One of the most interesting speakers in this range is definitely the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3. This powerful and portable Bluetooth speaker offers 360-degree sound and a minimum of 12 hours of battery life. It is extremely waterproof and spill-proof, plus it floats on water which makes it perfect for outdoor, pool and beach use. It also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice commands. With its simple setup and easy-to-use controls, WONDERBOOM 3 is perfect and easy to use for any music lover. It also has a function called PartyUp that allows us to connect it to up to 150 synchronized Ultimate Ears speakers.

It has a size of about 10 ^cm2 and a weight of about 570 grams, is made of 33 percent recycled plastic, and is usually priced between €70 and €100. It is definitely one of the best products in the mid-range and has significant value for money.

Pros:

• Excellent all-around sound quality and power with deep bass and crisp highs
• Really good power output
• Excellent value for money
• Waterproof, buoyant, drop-proof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Compact and durable design
• PartyUp function to connect multiple speakers together

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• Does not have an app to configure audio settings

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-29 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

Soundcore Motion+

Let’s look at another very interesting and feature-rich case. The Soundcore Motion+ is an excellent choice for those looking for a good portable Bluetooth speaker. This speaker has a very powerful sound with deep bass and crisp highs. This speaker features two ultra-high-frequency tweeters, neodymium woofers and passive radiators with deep sound from 30 W of output power. Low frequencies are enhanced in real time through the use of exclusive BassUpTM technology. This case also features an IPX67 waterproof rating, ensuring that it can withstand any environment.

The Motion+ also has a very wide frequency band extending from 50 Hz to 40 kHz and is associated with an advanced DSP that ensures faithful reproduction of music tracks. It has a size of about 8 x 7 x 25 cm and a weight of about 1 kg, has a 6,700 mAh lithium-ion battery with Anker’s proprietary technology that can offer 12 hours of playback time. It is priced around 100€, which is definitely worth the perceived sound quality.

Pros:

• High sound quality and power with deep bass and crisp highs
• Really good 30W output power
• Excellent value for money
• Waterproof, drop-proof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• Very wide frequency range 50 Hz – 40Khz and use of advanced DSP

Cons:

• No multi-device pairing for connecting to multiple devices simultaneously

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Bose Soundlink Micro

If we are looking for something smaller and more manageable, this case may be for us. Bose Soundlink Micro is a powerful pocket-sized, portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality in a compact design. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, a rechargeable battery for about six hours of playback, and a rugged waterproof and drop-proof design. The Soundlink Micro also has a built-in speakerphone, which allows you to answer calls without having to disconnect from music. The speaker features a specially designed transducer and passive radiators for crisp, balanced sound. The compact, portable speaker features a comfortable, tear-resistant silicone strap. This allows you to attach the case to your backpack, purse, handlebars, or anything else.

It has a size of about 3 x 9 x 9 cm and a weight of about 290 grams, and is usually priced between €80 and €100. It also has the Bose Connect app that allows you to customize its settings. It is definitely one of the best mid-range portable and compact speakers.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design, one of the lightest and pocket-sized speakers on the market
• Excellent value for money
• High audio quality despite the size, very deep bass and good audio power
• Waterproof and drop-proof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Integrated strap for easy portability
• Has an app to configure audio settings

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• Limited battery life compared to other speakers in the same range, about 6 hours of playback time

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LG XBoom Go PL7

The last mid-range case we see is slightly out of the range since it has a price tag that can hover slightly above 100€. The LG XBOOM Go PL7 features a powerful audio system with dual passive radiators, which enables deep and rich sound quality. It also has an IPX5 water resistance rating, making it perfect for outdoor use. In addition, the Go PL7 has a battery life of about 10 hours, allowing us to play music for an entire afternoon. It also has a built-in microphone, enabling hands-free calls. The LG XBOOM Go PL7 is an excellent choice for those looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound quality. Meridian technology gives excellent audio with crisp highs and powerful bass, and the Sound Boost function expands the sound field and amplifies sound power.

Passive radiators generate rich sound and a more engaging rhythm, woofers vibrate, and there are circular lights that flash, creating a colorful and customizable movement. We can connect up to 100 speakers at the same time to amplify the sound, there is also the XBOOM app to change the sound settings.

It has a size of about 10 x 10 x 25 cm and a weight of about 1.5 kg, and has an output power of 30W. It is usually priced between €100 and €150, so it is a speaker approaching the high end.

Pros:

• High sound quality and power with deep bass and crisp highs
• Really good 30W output power with Sound Boost function and Meridian technology
• Good value for money
• Waterproof and dustproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• Has an app to change audio settings
• Possesses woofer with customizable lights

Cons:

• Weight a bit higher than other portable speakers, about 1.5 kg
• Does not support voice assistants
• Limited battery life compared to other speakers in the same range, about 8 hours of playback time

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-30 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

The Best 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Under $250

The speakers in this range are those that are priced higher at 100€ and lower at 250€. Usually those with a cost above 200€ are considered high-end bluetooth speakers. These are the most recommended for those who intend to use this instrument a lot or those who like to play or play music. To choose one accurately, we need to consider some parameters.

The audio power of this range of speakers usually ranges from 20 to 200 W, the recommended minimum being 30 W. As for drivers, a minimum of 3 drivers is a good base from which to start. Forgood battery life, a sufficient value is around 15-20 hours of battery life. Regarding Bluetooth technology, we recommend 5.0 and up. To be checked for microphone, subwoofer, AUX or USB inputs, voice assistant, virtual assistant, radio, and whether the speaker we intend to buy is waterproof and dustproof. Remember to always check the size and weight before purchasing the product.

Recommended Requirements High-end Portable Speaker

• Minimum audio power: 30 W
• Minimum number of drivers: at least3 or 4 drivers (at least one woofer, one midrange and one tweeter)
• Minimum autonomy: 15 to 20 hours
• Minimum Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth 5.0
• Frequency Range: 20 – 40,000 Hz
• Other useful features: Compatibility, Waterproof, Microphone, Radio, Voice Assistant, Virtual Assistant, Subwoofer, Dust Resistance, 360° Audio, 3D Audio, Dedicated App, USB, micro USB and AUX inputs

Now that we’ve taken a look at the requirements let’s look at the 5 best high-end speakers.

Bose Soundlink Resolve II

Bose SoundLink Revolve II is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality portable speaker that is not too expensive. This speaker offers a 360-degree sound experience with powerful bass and crisp highs. The speaker is Bluetooth 5.0-enabled and also has a built-in microphone, which enables hands-free calling and receiving. Battery life is very good, up to 13 hours on a single charge. The speaker is also waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor use. It has very good sound power and really good all-around sound quality. It also has the dedicated Bose Connect app with which audio settings can be changed.

It has a size of about 8 x 8 x 15 cm and a weight of about 600 g. Its price usually ranges from €130 to €180, so it has good value for money for the high end. There is also a new version of this case but it has a higher cost, so we prefer this one for value for money.

Pros:

• High quality and good sound power with deep bass and crisp highs
• Portable, sleek and compact design
• Good value for money
• Waterproof
• It has a built-in microphone and supports voice assistants
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• Has an app to change audio settings
• Possesses 360-degree audio

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot

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JBL Charge 5

The next speaker we see was created specifically for outdoor parties, so its distinguishing feature is its range and sound diffusion. JBL Charge 5 is a powerful portable Bluetooth speaker that offers above-average sound quality and long battery life. It has dual passive radiators, a built-in power bank with a USB port for charging other devices. It has robust sound and impressive bass, and also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice commands. JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice for those who want a powerful and reliable speaker made especially for parties (especially if multiple speakers are connected).

It has a size of about 9 x 9 x 22 cm, a weight of about 1 kg, and a waterproof and durable design. It is usually priced between €150 and €200, so it has excellent value for money for the high end.

Pros:

• High quality, power and sound diffusion
• Portable, simple and compact design
• Excellent value for money
• Waterproof
• It has a built-in microphone
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• It has a great autonomy of minimum 15 hours of playback time
• It has a range of more than 30 meters

Cons:

• Does not have an app to change audio settings
• Long battery charging, about 4h to charge it to full capacity

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-30 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is a very powerful Bluetooth speaker with a compact design that delivers an immersive sound experience. This speaker also features a 360-degree audio profile, deep bass, and a battery life of up to 20 hours of playback. It is waterproof and dustproof with IPX67 protection class. It is sold together with a convenient charging dock and a dedicated app that allows you to customize the audio experience. Megaboom 3 has a built-in microphone, enabling hands-free calls and access to voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant. Megaboom provides incredible audio quality and mind-blowing sound power; the bass is powerful and balanced, the highs crystal clear and even the mids full.

It has a size of about 8 x 8 x 22 cm and a weight of about 900 g. It is usually priced between €120 and €210, so it has excellent value for money for the high end. In value for money, it is definitely one of the best speakers on the market.

Pros:

• Very high sound quality and power with powerful bass, full mids and crystal clear highs
• Portable, simple and compact design
• Very high value for money
• Waterproof
• It has a built-in microphone and supports voice assistants
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• Has an app to change audio settings
• Possesses 360-degree audio
• It has a great autonomy of minimum 15 hours of playback time
• It has a range of more than 30 meters

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore

Time to see one of the absolute best speakers in this range. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is an innovative wireless speaker that offers superior sound quality and a sleek, modern design. It features a powerful amplifier, an aluminum body and a wide range of connectivity options. With its intuitive touch interface, you can easily control music and access streaming services. Beosound Explore also offers a range of advanced features, such as multi-room audio, voice control, and more. This speaker offers 360-degree audio and fairly powerful bass, is created specifically for hiking, and has at least 25 hours of playback time. High-quality protective materials, including the hard anodized aluminum of the outer shell, offer greater resistance to scratches or accidental drops.

It has a size of about 8 x 8 x 12 cm and a weight of about 600 g. It is usually priced between 170€ and 200€, so it has very good value for money for the high end. This is one of the best cases for hiking.

Pros:

• Very high sound quality and good sound power
• Portable, simple, compact and elegant design
• High value for money
• Drop and impact resistant and waterproof
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• 360° audio system and multi-room
• It has a great autonomy of minimum 25 hours of playback time

Cons:

• Does not have built-in microphone and does not support voice assistants
• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-30 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

Marshall Kilburn II

This speaker in terms of audio quality is one of the best we will ever see. The Marshall Kilburn II is a powerful and versatile portable speaker that delivers an incredible sound experience. It is equipped with a powerful sound system with two woofers and two tweeters, and aesthetically it is very elegant. It has a battery life of about 20h and uses Bluetooth 5.0. It provides a 360-degree sound experience with multi-directional sound. The sound is ultra-clean and the drivers are excellent, and it has an output power of 30 W.

It has a size of about 14 x 16 x 24 cm and a weight of about 2.5 kg. It is usually priced between €200 and €270, but given its high quality it is still very good value for money at the high end.

Pros:

• Very high sound quality and power with powerful bass and crystal clear highs
• Portable and stylish design
• Excellent value for money
• Uses Bluetooth 5.0
• Has an app to change audio settings
• Possesses 360-degree audio
• It has a great autonomy of minimum 15 hours of playback time

Cons:

• Does not have the 3.5 mm audio jack slot
• Does not have a built-in microphone
• It is not completely waterproof (but is resistant to water splashes)

Ultimo aggiornamento 2023-09-30 / Link di affiliazione / Immagini da Amazon Product Advertising API

What are the reasons for buying a Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth Speakers are useful in so many situations. Mainly, they can be used conveniently in one’s home in the form of a speaker or soundbar and connected to the TV or PC, so as to manage the audio of the devices wirelessly.

We can also connect several speakers in order to create a noteworthy sound system and enhance the sound effects of 3D audio that give us a spatial perception of sound. We can even create a home theater system consisting of a good number of interconnected peripherals. In this case, however, we must be careful and make sure that they are fully compatible in the realization of the video and sound message.

As for outdoor use, that is, outside the home, the speaker, especially if small in size, can be taken anywhere. It is commonly used in campgrounds, at the beach, during outdoor sports, or more simply during a barbecue or party with friends. Through a Bluetooth speaker, you can take your smartphone and put music on loud enough so that everyone can hear it. This is done quickly and with good audio quality, especially if a good speaker is used.

How to Choose a Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speakers exist in various shapes, price ranges, and with very different features depending on the models on the market. To understand which models are best to buy, we first need to understand which features to pay most attention to.

One of the key features when choosing a Bluetooth speaker is that of design. Appearance is not only important from an aesthetic point of view, since based on shape, size, and weight we can figure out the best way and place to use it. Some speakers, for example, are designed specifically for use in wet environments such as the beach and swimming pool with the possibility of being hit by water splashes. Many speakers on the market are waterproof, allowing us to play music even in the rain or by the sea.

Other important features are size, weight, technical characteristics, power and range, and support for most wireless systems. Clearly, the importance of these features depends mainly on the use we want to make of the speaker. Let’s start by analyzing some features to consider when evaluating Bluetooth speakers before purchasing.

Size, Weight and Shape according to use

If we need a case that we can carry around comfortably and with the smallest possible footprint, we need to evaluate its size, weight, and shape primarily. Small speakers are usually the lightest, cheapest, and easiest to carry around, but sometimes, they do not guarantee high audio quality. Speakers to be used mainly on the move must focus primarily on compactness and autonomy, so they must have a reliable battery. Weight and shape may be two other important factors depending on the intended use of the case.

If, on the other hand, we need a speaker or soundbar for the home to use next to the PC or TV, size and weight are two less important features. Therefore, we need to pay more attention to sound quality, shape, design, battery life, and product-specific features.

Key technical features

After we have tentatively chosen the size, weight and shape of our ideal case, we need to start taking a more technical look at performance. These indicators will be crucial in clarifying doubts about the actual quality of the product we are going to buy.

Let’s start by looking at the basic features of a good wireless speaker, specifically there are 5 parameters we need to pay the most attention to: sound quality, frequency range,range, power, drivers and range.

Sound quality

Sound quality is the most important parameter for a speaker. To determine whether the sound quality is optimal, we need to take a look at the balance of high, mid, and low frequencies and the spatiality of sound (which simulates a kind of three-dimensional sound), which is usually assigned a value. Often it is also very important to have a good number of drivers; this ensures a better rendering of high, mid and low sounds.

This is one of the most difficult parameters to quantify. If we have a chance to test the speakers, we can test the sound quality by starting the playback of a song on the speaker. The best speaker sound is the one that can simulate the feeling of the sound of live performance. By using the same song on different speakers, we can appreciate the differences in the products and how “clean” the emitted sound is heard.

Frequency Range

Another important parameter is frequency response, also called frequency range, which allows us to know the range of sound frequencies covered by the speaker. Usually the wider the frequency range, the higher the fidelity of the sound returned by the speaker. However, this parameter has a physical limitation, as the human ear can only perceive the frequency range of 20 to 20,000Hz.

In recent years, almost all speakers can cover a wide range of frequencies, which makes it a parameter that is controlled very quickly.

Battery autonomy

Range is another of the most important parameters to evaluate before purchase, and it is closely related to the specifications of the built-in battery. There are different levels of battery life, but if we want to buy a speaker to be used mainly outdoors or on the move, where we have no chance to recharge it, we recommend buying one that has at least 9 or 10 hours of battery life. Battery power, or battery capacity is measured in mAH (milliamper hour) and represents the amount of electrical energy a battery can store. Higher battery power often indicates longer battery life. As an example, usually a 3000 mAH battery can provide between 15 and 18 hours of playback.

A point needs to be made about this feature, however; the range that is claimed by manufacturers is often different from the “real” range. This is because it is usually calculated based on a low-to-medium listening volume, whereas users’ use of these instruments is often done “on the ball,” that is, at the loudest possible volume. Obviously, the greater the volume used, the greater the battery consumption. In addition, each charging cycle slightly reduces the battery life, so if we intend to make heavy use of the case it is better to buy one with plenty of battery life.

Case power

Speaker power is another very useful parameter to pay attention to. The unit of measurement is the watt and indicates the maximum power that the sound reproduced by the speaker can reach. Clearly this is a very useful value, but we also have to consider some parameters that can go into affecting it, such as sound distortion.

Distortion is a phenomenon at the electrical or mechanical level whereby the transduction of a sound signal, or its transmission as an electrical signal, creates elements not present in the original signal. Again, manufacturers may claim different power than the “real” power, but this time the problem is different. In fact, regardless of power, it is possible for a speaker to ensure a clean sound only at lower powers than the maximum stated power. In this case, this would result in an unusable speaker at maximum power, since if used at maximum power the sound would be “dirty” and of low quality. The distortion depends solely on the internal components of the speaker, and to verify the existence of this phenomenon, the only way is to try playing songs on the speaker.

Number of drivers

The number of drivers, indicates how many transducers inside the case convert the electrical signal into sound waves. Commonly, each driver works with a predefined range of frequencies, the “tweeters” are the ones in charge of the high frequencies, the “midranges” are the ones in charge of the mid-level frequencies, and the “woofers” are primarily responsible for the bass, thus particularly important.

Sometimes it happens that in smaller speakers, only one driver will have the task of taking care of the whole frequency range, this clearly can worsen the quality of the sound output. So if we are looking for a speaker with great sound, we need to make sure it has drivers for every frequency of sound, as well as good power and sound quality.

The Radius of Action

Range is a parameter that may be useful to evaluate before purchase, as it affects the spatial range of thearea the speaker reaches relative to the device to which it is connected. Bluetooth speakers normally have a fairly variable range of 15 to 30 meters (of course, it can be even longer). Depending on the connection needs, and the spaces we need to rely on, this parameter may be more or less useful. For example, if we need a speaker for a large house or office, or for a large garden, we need to consider it carefully.

The range of the speaker depends greatly on the Bluetooth technology used. The better quality ones are clearly the newer ones from Bluetooth 5 onward such as version 5.3. These innovative systems ensure greater range and lower power consumption than older generations of Bluetooth.

Additional technical features

Now that we have taken a look at the most important specifications to rely on, we can focus on other features. These features are less fundamental, but still contribute to making a good bluetooth speaker . Let’s see what they are and what some of the parameters related to connectivity and some extra features, such asvoice assistant, multipoint connectivity, and support for various technologies, are for.

Keys, Waterproofness, Useful Elements and Compatibility

Typically, most Bluetooth speakers have a series of buttons on their surface to control music playback, volume, and other settings. In the latest generation of speakers, however, there is a small touchscreen display.

For outdoor use of the speakers, we recommend purchasing a waterproof ( water-resistant ) case so that you are safe in case of rain and accidental water splashes. As for speakers or soundbars to be used indoors, a good idea may be to purchase a dust-resistant speaker so as to safeguard the product in the long run.

Other useful elements may be the built-in radio, subwoofer, and virtual assistant. If we want to use one or more speakers with the goal of watching movies or TV series and playing video games, we can look for a speaker with 3D audio for a more immersive experience. 3D audio allows us to have a perception of sounds from various directions based on the sound sources of media products such as movies, TV series, and video games. In any case, we recommend that you always check compatibility with your devices.

Voice Assistant, Multipoint Connectivity and Support for Various Technologies

Voice assistant is an optional parameter, not essential for purchase, but again it depends on our needs. Its job is to guide the user to the pairing of devices with the checkout, and it serves as a voice notification of all connections that occur. An option that can be useful for people who have never had such a speaker and want to connect several home appliances to try the Internet of Things. With this type of use, we can use the voice assistant to manage the various devices connected to the home network.

Also interesting to take a look at the multipoint connectivity that allows us to connect our speaker to multiple devices at the same time. The ability to connect multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time allows us to play music automatically from the first device on which playback is initiated and to monitor multiple devices simultaneously. This parameter becomes especially important when we want to connect many speakers together to experience a home theater-style effect.

A fairly important specification regarding the operation of the speaker to be purchased, however, concerns support for various technologies. Most of these tools, by default allow us to listen to music from many applications such as Youtube, the music player on mobile devices, Spotify, Apple Music and so on. However, not all of them have support for wireless systems such as Spotify Connect and AirPlay, with which we can create multi-room systems, so that multiple speakers can be managed simultaneously in an integrated way.

Support for various technologies allows us to manage a system with various speakers and paired devices, and choose in which of them to play audio content. With Wi-Fi support, we also have the ability to play multimedia content directly from browsers, Internet radio stations, online music libraries and so on.

Another thing that is very useful to check is to see what inputs are available. In many Bluetooth speakers there is a 3.5 mm jack that allows the sound coming from devices that do not support Bluetooth technology to be amplified. These items are mainly obsolete devices or electronic media that came out many years ago. A very useful addition that some speakers possess are slots for listening to songs contained on microSD cards. USB or microUSB inputs are also essential if we want to listen to music content on thumb drives, hard drives, and other devices with USB ports.

A final feature to check is the presence of a microphone and speakerphone. The presence of these two tools allows us to be able to answer calls, speak through the speaker, create audio recordings, and give instructions to virtual and voice assistants.

The Smart Speakers

One of the most widely purchased and used types of speakers these days is the Smart Speaker. Unlike regular Bluetooth speakers, its main purpose is to enable the use of virtual assistants, although some of these specimens may have very good audio quality and power.

A smart speaker is a type of wireless speaker with a microphone and a built-in virtual assistant, through specific instructions and “hot words” it can perform a variety of interactive actions. These devices connect to the Wi-Fi network and allow interfacing with other devices in addition to allowing audio playback via Bluetooth.

A smart speaker can be used for multiple functions, among other tasks they can: answer questions, provide information, tell daily news or updates, provide details about the weather, tell us the weekly horoscope, remind us of upcoming scheduled appointments, and manage other home devices connected to the same Wi-Fi. The operation of these devices is very simple, we simply say a short series of key words to activate the virtual assistant, and then we can make a request.

The most popular examples of this product use the now-famous assistants from Google, Apple and Amazon, Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa, respectively. At present, the most popular and widely used examples of smart speakers are Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple’sHomePod. Some types, such as the Amazon Echo Show, may also have a built-in screen, usually touchscreen, which allows us to view various applications, settings, and media content as well as play audio.