Author: To enjoy your favorite music, you need good sound quality. Mobile phones and tablets are the most convenient devices for playing music anywhere, but in most cases they do not provide the desired quality. Columns can be used, but there are limitations. They are heavy, bulky, wired and require a power supply. However, the time has come for portable Bluetooth speakers that make life much easier.
Portable Bluetooth Speakers offer a convenient and effective solution to this problem, because you can easily carry them around without cumbersome cables that constantly get tangled. But here the question arises: how to choose a portable speaker? Which Bluetooth speaker is better?
These 10 tips will help you choose the best portable speaker that suits your needs.
How to choose a portable Bluetooth speaker and what are they?
Before moving on to the main features, we want to briefly explain what a wireless speaker is and what types exist so that you know the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Wireless speakers allow you to connect audio devices without cables. To do this, you only need to connect your smartphone, tablet or computer using one of the existing connection technologies: wireless network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the latest version of NFC (Near Field Communication). Depending on the portable speaker you choose, it will have one of the connectivity options, and while this article focuses on those that connect via Bluetooth, we'll cover the differences between each type.
Wi-Fi speakers use a Wi-Fi network to connect. This type provides better sound quality than Bluetooth, but this is not a problem for small portable speakers. But they have several disadvantages, such as the need for initial setup, which can be difficult for those new to the technology, or if the connection is not very reliable, you can face a lot of connection problems.
Some wireless speakers, like Sonos and Apple, solve connection problems by creating their own wireless network via an external device. However, they still have the disadvantage that they need to be connected to the mains.
All of these systems are geared towards creating a complex wireless network with multiple built-in speakers. But if you are looking for comfort, easy setup and compactness, then the best choose a portable bluetooth speaker... Whether you're out with friends, the beach or the pool, out on your patio, having dinner, barbecuing or watching a concert on your tablet, portable Bluetooth speakers are a must-have.
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How to Pick a Good Portable Speaker: 10 Tips
Lightness and compactness
Suppose you have a long journey, and you can't fit all your things in your carry-on baggage. And where in this situation to put such a huge column? This would not have happened if you had a portable wireless speaker. Many companies have developed ultra-lightweight and compact wireless speakers that will even fit in your pocket. If you are looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can take with you wherever you go, it is better to buy no more than 15-20 cm in size.
Sound quality
But how to find out without preliminary testing? Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important parameters. In the end, if we choose wireless bluetooth speakers, it is because we want to listen to better quality music than on a regular smartphone. But the question immediately arises: how to choose portable speakers with good sound?
There are 4 parameters that can help us know about sound quality:
- output power;
- frequency range;
- sound system;
- impedance.
Output power (W) - This value refers to the watts emitted by the speaker, which are directly related to the sound pressure in decibels, that is, loudness. Small speakers cannot deliver too much power due to their small size. 15 to 20 watts will be enough to get 80 dB - the volume is high enough for outdoor use. It is not recommended to use the speaker at full power as it will cause distortion. Better to stick to a maximum of 80%.
Another parameter that indicates the sound quality is frequency range... The spectrum and sounds capable of being perceived by the human ear go from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. If a wireless speaker cannot emit the full range of the audible spectrum, there will be sounds that our ear will miss. Therefore, the wider the frequency range covered by the Bluetooth speaker, the more clearly we will perceive the sound.
The next point to consider is type of sound system used... Each system consists of a certain number of channels. These channels are each of the speakers that will emit sound. You've heard of 5.1, 2.1 and so on, which means 5 full-range speakers and one subwoofer for bass. Most portable Bluetooth speakers consist of a Wither 2.0 (two full range speakers) or 2.1 (plus one sub) system, which is of the highest quality.
Finally, we have impedance... Resistance in ohms is considered the passage of electrical current and is related to power. The higher the resistance, the lower the speaker power. Simply put, just remember that the lower the impedance, the better the sound quality.
Battery life and fast charging
Imagine that you are in the middle of a field camping with friends, listening to music and suddenly ... the speaker turns off! Some models are equipped with batteries that allow wireless speakers to work for 10 hours without recharging. But most often the operating time of a wireless speaker is about 6 hours. Another equally important parameter that you should pay attention to is the charging time.
Connection
Of course, all speakers have Bluetooth connectivity, but have you heard of NFC? This feature makes pairing your device even easier. Just bring the device closer for 1-2 seconds and they will connect automatically. However, it is necessary that the NFC system is on both the phone or tablet and the wireless speaker. Use a 3.5mm cable to connect to legacy speaker options that do not have Bluetooth.
Compatibility
Modern speakers are equipped with the latest versions of Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0). If your smartphone with which you are going to connect is of an older version, you will face a pairing problem. The same system works bluetooth headphones... Be sure to make sure your portable speaker is compatible with lower Bluetooth versions. Many brands equip devices with USB or micro USB downstream ports, which are used to charge equipment, install updates, and prevent compatibility issues.
Hands-free function
You are listening to music through a speaker connected to your smartphone, and suddenly you receive a call. What happens? If your Bluetooth speaker has a built-in microphone, you can speak directly as if it were a speakerphone. The music is interrupted, you answer the call by pressing a button on the speaker, and when you finish talking, the music continues to play. A very useful feature, right?
Connecting multiple devices
This option can be found in very few wireless Bluetooth speakers, much more commonly found in home audio with Wi-Fi. Imagine you have a room that needs massive surround sound. One speaker won't let you do this because the sound comes from one point.For this, some portable Bluetooth speakers have a mobile application that allows you to manage the connection of multiple devices.
Design
Despite the fact that this is a small device that takes up very little space, if you plan to place it, for example, on a shelf or on a table, choose a Bluetooth speaker with a suitable design. If you're looking for a gadget to use outdoors, take to a party or go to the beach, look for speakers in a variety of colors and designs. Most brands offer multiple color combinations. Choose the one that best suits your personality.
Simple controls
We always have a lot of things to do, and life goes by in a hurry, there is no time left for anything extra. Therefore, the easier it is to operate a wireless speaker, the better. You won't be able to spend all day reading the instructions and learning all the settings.
You only need a few controls on the speaker to help you perform some basic functions. This is enough to control a portable speaker:
- one power button;
- play / pause button;
- volume control;
- button for answering phone calls (if you have this option);
- bluetooth button.
Purpose and need
You should consider for what purpose you are buying a portable speaker. For outdoor trips, parties or just for home, or maybe you need waterproofing?
If you are going to use portable speakers as stationary, choose a model with good power output and quality sound. The maximum power must not be less than 85 decibels.
It is also very important to pay attention to the battery life - at least 10 hours of music playback. If the speaker is large, look for a handle for easy portability and attachment to your bike. Finally, water resistance. Be sure to immediately consider whether the portable speaker has moisture protection. After all, in this case, relaxing on the beach or near the pool will not turn into a disaster.
