Portable Speaker Review – Best Portable Speaker Reviews

Music is part of our lives, and while we constantly enjoy the rhythms in our minds. We love the moments when we can listen to our favourite music. You are aware of the need for quality sound, whether you want to listen to music or other audio, alone or with friends. There are many occasions when you would like to enjoy a strong sound both at home and outside. Maybe that’s why you’re looking for the best portable speaker. Well, pay attention because I am going to make a review about how can you choose the best portable speakers!

Best Portable Speaker Reviews

What is a portable speaker?

Technology makes everything easier to use today, but it also tends to allow you to take information with you wherever you are.

This was the principle by which laptops, tablets and smartphones appeared. Of course, portable speakers were created with the same purpose!

The best portable speakers are compact and small, so they can help you to enjoy the music at a high-quality level. With a small size and wireless power supply, you can take them with you everywhere, and you can enjoy amplified sound whenever you need it.

What types of portable speakers are?

There are various models of portable speakers. You can differentiate them depending on their connectivity type:

Portable speaker with Bluetooth

Most portable speakers work on Bluetooth technology. It is one of the most popular options, precisely because you do not need an internet to make the connection between a device and the speaker. It can connect quickly to most mobile devices and is a fantastic solution because it does not require a cable connection.

However, there are some things to keep in mind. The best portable speaker can connect via Bluetooth to any device, regardless of the version of Bluetooth it works with. As a rule, you will find specified which Bluetooth versions the speaker is compatible with, as some speakers only work on one version. Also, the distance between the devices will matter a lot. The most advanced Bluetooth systems allow a maximum distance of 10 m between the speaker and the device. Once this distance is exceeded, the connectivity will be lost.

Portable speaker with NFC

NFC or Near Field Communication is a Bluetooth-like connectivity system. It is a much faster option than the one presented above because the devices will connect automatically at the touch of a button. To work, however, the two connected devices need to be at a maximum distance of a few centimetres.
Your phone or tablet must also have support for this type of connectivity. Nokia, Samsung, Sony or Philips electronic devices generally allow this type of NFC connectivity.

Portable speaker with WI-FI

It is a less common variant, but which offers a quality sound and a long autonomy of operation. The disadvantage depends on the need for an internet connection. It is also necessary that both devices are within range of the Wi-Fi router.

Therefore, it is not a good option if you intend to use it a lot outside, for picnics, excursions, etc.

Portable speaker with Jack or USB

This is a practical option when the device you are using does not have support for wireless connection. For example, this variant is good if you want to connect the portable speaker to a CD or MP3 player, tablet, laptop, etc. The obvious disadvantage is the dependence on the wire, which greatly reduces its portability score and ease of use.

This is what we check in a portable speaker

Quality of the sound

Although a portable speaker cannot compare= the performance of a traditional speaker, it is still natural to want our device to emit the highest quality sound. To be sure of that, you need to consider several factors that we will analyze in detail below. Of great importance is the power, frequency, number of speakers, but also the size of the speakers.
Even so, it is quite difficult to test the quality and accuracy of sound propagation if you purchase the speaker online. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect the opinions of other buyers and make sure you read each one carefully!

Power

Power is an important factor that will indicate how loud the volume of the speakers will be when we listen to music, but it is not an indication of the clarity of the sound. A speaker capable of emitting a loud sound and at a very high volume, is not a speaker that guarantees the emission of a clear sound, free of noise. The power of the speakers, expressed in W (Watt), varies depending on the number of speakers.
For example, in the case of a portable speaker with two speakers, an ideal power would be 12 W, 6 W each speaker. In the case of a smaller speaker, however, a power of 3-4 W is enough to play a clear sound at high volume. Otherwise=, the volume will be high, but the clarity of the sound will be severely affected.

Number of speakers

The number of speakers in a portable speaker will greatly influence the sound quality. A portable speaker with a single speaker will be more affordable, but will emit less sound because both channels (right-left) will work through a single speaker. However, they have the advantage of a small size, perfect for any room. Portable speakers with two speakers are slightly more expensive and larger but they can play a louder and better sound. However, the sound quality compensates for both possible disadvantages.

Portable speaker size

When we compare, one of the problems with portable speakers is that portability will always be inversely proportional to sound quality. In other words, the lighter and smaller a device of this kind is, the weaker it will sound. From this point of view, you will always have to make a compromise, and realize what is more important to you, portability or sound quality.

You will be able to find speakers small enough to be carried even in your pocket, while others will be large enough to be used even at events. With this information at hand and taking into account your personal needs, you will be able to choose the right size for you.

Durability

Although very practical, portable speakers are not indestructible. Like other mobile devices, portable speakers can be damaged very quickly. Unwanted accidents can occur at any time, and can damage or even destroy the speaker. Beside of the sound quality, you should also be concerned with the material from which the speaker is made.
The best portable speaker is made of a mix of materials such as plastic, rubber and metal, which ensures the strongest possible coating for the speaker, and best resistance against possible shocks. Also, since a speaker will be used indoors as well as outdoors, it is important that the coating can protect the circuits from strong sunlight, dust particles, moisture, etc.

Buying the best portable speaker

Ultimate Ears Megaboom, Panther review

A portable speaker aimed at young audiences, the Megaboom Panther model from the manufacturer Ultimate Ears proposes a high sound quality and a modern design. With a cylindrical shape, this portable speaker can easily fill a small room. When used with other speakers of its kind, an audio system can be created for a small party. The manufacturer promises a portable speaker that can be used without fear in the open air, due to its resistance to shock and water (IPX7 certification). The sound is stereo and propagates 360 degrees, providing a strong bass. It costs around 200$.

For this speaker, you can download an application that offers several functions that you can enjoy, such as remote on/off controls or programming the speaker to start automatically for the alarm.
Due to the number of advantages, Megaboom Panther is among the best portable speakers in its price category. Weighing less than a kilogram (877 grams), it can be easily transported, and the cylindrical design allows it to be placed in a backpack or a smaller bag without problems. By placing the speaker on the floor, you can enjoy the frequency of the bass, without worrying about the sound distribution.

Advantages

The wireless distance for the Bluetooth function can be up to 30 meters. However, you must also take into account the environment and the possibility of radio interference that may occur.
The battery life is up to 20 hours, being ideal for listening for several hours a day or long listening.
The IPX7 certification allows the speaker to immerse itself in water up to 1 meter deep, without affecting its operating capabilities.
Includes the possibility of using a digital equalizer through the manufacturer’s application.
You can buy it online.

Disadvantages

The price is expensive.

Avantree Pluto Air review

If we compare, Avantree Pluto Air could be the best portable Bluetooth speaker, and thanks to this technology you will be able to listen to music from any compatible device, be it smartphone, tablet or laptop. The range is 10 meters, and if you want to listen without problems try to place it somewhere high, to make sure it will not be interrupted when someone passes in front of it.

The good news is that if you don’t have the Bluetooth function on your device where you keep your favourite songs (MP3, MP4 or CD players), you don’t have to worry. The headset is equipped with a universal 3.5mm audio jack port through which you can attach a cable to any multimedia device without this function. It costs around 35$.

Based on review, the battery will last you up to 6 hours uninterrupted, if the connection is made via Bluetooth, and up to 8 hours, in case of the 3.5 mm Jack connection. It is very small and extremely compact, with a length of 55 mm and a depth of 45 mm. It can be purchased in black, or in white combined with green, blue or orange.

Advantages

It has small dimensions, so it can be kept in your pocket.
It can be purchased in many colours.
It has a Bluetooth function, and can be kept 10 meters from the device to which it is connected.
It is equipped with a universal 3.5 mm Jack port, so you can listen to audio files from players without Bluetooth.
It can be purchased at a great price.
You can but it online or from electronic stores.

Disadvantages

Sometimes, songs may be distorted when playing via Bluetooth.

FAQ about the best portable speaker

Is there a portable waterproof speaker?

Well, the answer is yes! Manufacturers, focusing more and more on portability, have understood that a durable product will ensure the loyalty of buyers. A wide range of models have been designed to resist against water, dust and shocks.

Usually, the small, simple speakers, intended for listening to music via Bluetooth on the phone, are equipped with water resistance. We must also mention that, when you do not find in the product descriptions the specified spray resistance, it would be good to take care of the chosen product. For example, the Akai SS023A-X10 portable speaker is mainly focused on Karaoke, which means that the manufacturer has thought that it will be used at home or in a place where the risk of watering is relatively low. Therefore, infiltration of water or beverages into circuits may damage it if the liquid is in large quantities.

Is there a portable speaker with built-in radio?

Of course. Usually, quite a few models are equipped with something like this, a small digital component that can pick up the FM radio signal (short waves), in some cases even AM (medium waves). But, as with mobile phones, some speakers will use AUX cables as an antenna. In any case, it is worth mentioning that the power of some models to capture radio stations cannot be compared to a tuner dedicated to a hi-fi system, or the audio equipment on the car.

This is because of the emphasis of the electronics designers who designed them focused on portability and elements such as Bluetooth connectivity.

We still have something to say, if you have your eye on a speaker model you want, but you are not sure that it has an efficient radio module, then try to find out if it includes auxiliary sound input. It could connect an external radio (either a portable or a telephone) to it, listening to the desired stations.

How much does a portable speaker cost?

Prices start from 20$ for small, cheap products, without much power and pretensions. By comparison, these speakers can fit in your pocket and are especially to the taste of teenagers. There are many models and they differ in design. One step higher are the slightly larger ones (20 watts) and about 30 centimetres, with multiple protections and various functions. Their price is from 50$ to over 250$ (see JBL Boombox, as an example).
Portable karaoke speakers range from 80$ to over 250$, depending on the brand, power and size. As for most products for professional needs, they usually exceed 250$, as they are made for frequent, intense use and at a high volume.

In conclusion, before looking for a portable speaker you need to determine for what purpose you want to use it. There are many variants of such speakers on the market, and the price varies depending on several performance criteria. If you want such a speaker for personal use or occasional relaxation, there is no point in investing in an ultra-high-performance portable speaker. Anyway, I know that you can make the best choice because you are well informed now! Good luck and enjoy the music!

Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_speaker

https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-professional-Bluetooth-speaker-forums

https://forums.tomsguide.com/threads/recommend-me-a-good-bluetooth-speaker.431868/

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