With the passing of years, Bluetooth gets implemented in more and more technology in use around us. The most practical use is in the portable Bluetooth audio devices. It allows people to carry their music wherever they go. It also allows manufacturers to be creative with the designs since the sound devices are no longer tethered to the source device.
The Bluetooth speakers offer a simple wireless connection and do not sacrifice the sound quality. You need to understand your needs and the available features when choosing your Bluetooth speakers. Here are some models to consider and buying guides to help you make the right purchase decision.
The Best Bluetooth Speakers Reviews:
1. Echo Dot (2nd Generation) Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Connection: Bluetooth or 3.5mm cable
Voice controlled: yes
Coverage angle: 360 degrees
Water resistance: IPX4
Playtime: 16 hours
You will love the quality and ease of use of this Bluetooth speaker. It can even make calls, control smart home devices and read audiobooks from Audible. Once fully charged, the speaker can play for 16 continuous hours delivering high-quality sound. This portable speaker has a durable aluminum construction and is water resistant. It can pick your voice from across the room and has a long wireless range of 9 meters.
Bottom line: enjoy hands-free voice-controlled music without worrying about cables
Pros
– Durable
– Voice-controlled
– Long play time
– Wireless range of 9m
Cons
– Requires pairing each time you power them off
2. JBL Xtreme Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Splash-proof
15 hours play time
Connects up to three mobile devices
Dual external passive radiators
10,000mAh battery
Dual USB charge out
With this speaker, you are assured of the best quality portable sound anywhere you want it. It is splash and spill proof, meaning you can use it around the poolside or near your bathtub without fear of damaging the hardware. Connect to three mobile devices to play from any of them as desired. Take your calls from the speakers to experience clear audio without touching your phone. Its 10,000mAh battery can support a 15-hour playtime, which is adequate time if you are away from an outlet.
Bottom line: This speaker gives total portability and usage freedom and is very durable.
Pros
– Long playtime
– Echo canceling speakers
– Connect 3 mobile devices
Cons
– Connects only to two speakers
3. JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Connects up to 3 smartphones
20-hour playtime
IPX7 waterproof
Take calls from the speaker
Echo canceling speakerphone
You now have the hardware to build your little audio ecosystem. The speaker allows connection of multiple speakers to deliver an amplified listening experience. The battery supports up to 2o hours of play time depending on the context and volume. Since it is waterproof, you can take the speaker outside to a camp or by the pool without having to worry about water splashes. Comfortably take your calls from the speaker with echo canceling speakerphone for clear calls.
Bottom line: create a multi-room listening experience with multiple high-quality speakers
Pros
– High volume level
– Waterproof
– JBL connect
– Long battery life
Cons
– Would be better with removable shoulder straps
4. Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker II
Specifications
Color: black
Dimensions: 2.2 by 5 by 5.2 inches
Weight: 1.2 pounds
Batteries: 1 lithium ion
Playtime: 8 hours
Water resistant
Experience high-quality portable music with the freedom of water resistance. It packs excellent sound into a small size. The speaker is durable, reliable and has NFC connectivity to make it easy to pair devices. Recharge it via the Micro-USB port to power the speaker for up to 8 hours of play time. It features a rugged yet soft touch silicon that is easy to grab and go.
Bottom line: get the best portable sound experience and easy pairing coupled with long play time.
Pros
– Long play time
– NFC enabled
– Water resistant
Cons
– Volume button requires pressing severally before it can respond
5. Marshall Stockwell Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Size: 400 by 38 by 200mm
Frequency range: 35-22.0Hz
RCA input: yes
Optical input: yes
3.5mm input: yes
Woofers: 2 2.25-inch
Playtime: 25 hours
The Stockwell speaker is built for the road. It will go wherever you want it to and once fully recharged, it will support 25 hours of play. It has two 2.25-inch woofers and a class D amplifiers making it very loud.
Bottom line: if you desire loud, high-quality portable audio, this is it.
Pros
– 25 hours of play time
– USB charging out
– 3.5mm input
Cons
– Bluetooth connection is wonky
6. OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Output power: 10 watts
Waterproof: IPX5
Distortion-free
Weight: 9 ounces
Battery: 2200mAh
Playtime: 12 hours
Size: 5.25 by 2.6 by 2.8 inches
Enjoy a room full of quality audio from this portable Bluetooth speaker. Use it anywhere, even at the beach due to its waterproof design. Just play it loud without any distortion. You can play it standing up or laying down and enjoy up to 12 hours of audio before it requires a recharge. You can also use it to take calls hands-free since it has a built-in mic.
Bottom line: listen to music and receive calls without a fuss.
Pros
– Ultra-light
– Long play time
– Waterproof
– Hands-free calling
Cons
– Picks up dust
7. Anker Soundcore Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specifications
Sound driver: 2x 6W high-performance drivers
Playtime: 24 hours
Waterproof: IPX5
Bluetooth range: 66ft
Weight: 12.64 ounces
Size:2.13 x 6.5 x 1.77 inches
Nothing beats the Anker soundcore in quality and usability. It delivers superior sound and has an amazingly long playtime of 24 hours on one charge. Easily connect with Alexa and shop or do other things. The Bluetooth 4.0 connection is strong, reliable and can go as far as 66 ft. It does not take much effort to set up and start playing your favorite music.
Bottom line: this speaker has the longest playtime in the market.
Pros
– Superior sound quality
– Very portable
– Long battery life
– 18-month warranty
Cons
– Speaker stops when the volume gets too high to protect from device damage
8. DOSS Touch Wireless Bluetooth V4.0 Portable Speaker
Specifications
Battery: 2200mAh
Playtime: 12 hours
Recharge time: 3-4 hours
Bluetooth: 4.0
The 12W speakers are designed to deliver loud and powerful audio with a unique enhanced bass. Listen to HD stereo audio wherever you want it. It features elegant and sensitive touch controls for adjusting the play controls.
Bottom line: carry your music wherever you go and still experience quality audio with an enhanced bass.
Pros
– Broad compatibility
– Long playtime
– Durable product
Cons
– On reaching maximum volume the music sound pauses for 2-3- seconds to play a warning sound
9. Tribit XSound Go Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Specification
Bluetooth Version: V4.2
Output Power: 2x 6W
Input: DC 5V/ 1A
Battery: 3.7 V/ 4400 mAh
Battery Charge Time: 4 hours
Playtime: Up to 24 hours
Dimension: 6.7*2.3*2.2 inches
Weight: 0.84 lb
Waterproof: IPX7
Enjoy the ultra-portability and quality audio delivered by the Tribt XSound Go speaker. It features simple curves that make it fit in your palm comfortably and carries easily. Once fully charged, it can support a 24-hour playtime without disappointing. The Bluetooth 4.2 technology ensures it is always connected up to 66ft range. Its built-in microphone supports hands-free calling, Google Now, and Siri.
Bottom line: The Tribt XSound Go is your speaker for the outdoors, hands-free calling and rich audio.
Pros
– Waterproof
– Hands-free calling
– Portable
– Long playtime
Cons
– Drops connection about 6 feet away
10. AOMAISSport II Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Specifications
Waterproof: IPX7
Power: 20W
Wind reduction technology
Speaker pairing
Scratchproof
3.5mm jack
Bluetooth 4.0
12-month warranty
The AOMAIS Sports II speaker delivers high-quality audio and is very portable. You can now enjoy your favorite music anywhere, even next to the pool without worrying about water splashes. It delivers powerful stereo and has a durable construction with rubber exterior to protect it from scratches. The high-capacity rechargeable lithium ion battery powers the portable speaker for an extended playtime. Sue, the hands-free function to make calls and use the many pairing options to easily link two devices.
Bottom line: If you are seeking excellent audio in a durable hardware, this is your product.
Pros
– Waterproof
– Durable
– 12-month warranty
– Hands-free
Cons
– Not much bass
Buyer’s Guide How to Choose Best Bluetooth Speaker:
Battery life
It is always important to think of how long the device battery will last when you use it under average conditions. Something with about 5 hours operating time is worth considering, especially if you will be far from an outlet for easy recharging.
USB output
Some speakers have large batteries so if your phone battery runs out, you can charge them from the speaker battery. The built-in USB output is a feature you might be interested in and may save you a lot of stress when the phone battery runs low.
NFC
Near field communication is something you may need to bypass the settings of your Bluetooth device and just start playing music. It allows compatible devices to connect by simply tapping the two. It can play music from your phone without any hassle.
Waterproofing
A truly portable device can be used anywhere anytime. This calls for waterproofing to give you more freedom to use it around the pool or in the open even with light showers. Since electronics and water do not mix, it is crucial that you get a speaker with reliable waterproofing.
3.5mm input
Some devices which have no Bluetooth connections need a plug for the audio cable. The 3.5mm input allows other devices to send their audio to the speaker. It is better to have this than be sorry.
Portability
There is a choice between something you can move around the kitchen table and a speaker that can be taken everywhere even on a camping trip. Take note that the more the portability the more the sound suffers. It is crucial that you consider a perfect mix of size and sound performance when shopping for a portable wireless speaker. Some even have solar-powered batteries to keep them working longer no matter how far you are from an outlet.
Durability
It is a wonderful thing to have a portable speaker, however, the outdoors exposes the speaker to many risks of damage. They will need some protection from the rugged outdoors conditions if it is to last you some years. Consider the surface armor that protects against impact, water resistant constructions and protection against dust.
Smart speaker
There is an increase in growth in the use of smart appliances and speakers should not be left behind. If you are into smarts, consider what it can do to make your life easy. Some speakers offer voice-controlled commands to check weather updates, do online shopping and get your sports scores. Is it compatible with Amazon’s Alexa or another shopping assistant?
Multiroom
If you seek to bring music to a big house with many rooms, then a multi-room capability is essential. This offers you a Bluetooth connection among several speakers placed in various rooms. You may consider a speaker with an open source architecture that allows you to mix various brands to create a perfect sound distribution in your home.
Quality construction
Other than shopping from the popular brands, you can check other speakers out by yourself. Look at the construction, appearance, does it feel solid or cheap. The speaker should it stable when playing and not dance around the surface.
Remote control and voice recognition
It is fun controlling things like sound volume using your voice without leaving the dance floor. However, the most reliable way to control a speaker is using a remote or an app.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you would prefer a Bluetooth speaker for your room. Some rugged models can withstand the rough outdoor while others are elegant and suited for indoor use. You need to understand the crucial aspects of the Bluetooth speakers so as to buy the right product for your needs. This guide has all you need to get it right and enjoy the best sound quality over a Bluetooth network.