Why Buy a Bluetooth Speaker?

From a beach party with friends to a romantic picnic at the park, a portable speaker has the ability to truly set the mood for any occasion, and these convenient products make it easy to turn up those tunes wherever you are. Connecting directly to your phone or computer via bluetooth, these devices can be a hassle-free way of enhancing any experience, and their high-quality performance can allow you to effortlessly listen to podcasts, stream playlists, or even take calls hands-free. Lightweight, simple to use, and with a wide range of styles and designs to choose from, bluetooth speakers help to eliminate the need for large, bulky systems or even individual headphones, and their flexible, versatile nature means you can throw them in your bag or keep them at home for superior sound quality both indoors and outdoors. 

However, if you’ve never owned a bluetooth speaker previously then you may be feeling a bit lost when it comes to purchasing one, and with so many unique models available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on that perfect option that fits your lifestyle. Do you need something rugged and durable that can accompany you on your hikes and camping trips? Or do you tend to spend most of your days poolside, where big splashes could potentially come in contact with your device? To help you make the right decision, this article will delve into all of the important aspects you will want to consider, and by the time you’re done, you’ll feel like an expert when it comes to portable bluetooth speakers. 

Size & Portability

The main feature of a bluetooth speaker is its compact and lightweight design, and these small-sized devices are specifically built so that you can take them with you, wherever it is you want to go. Whether you’re heading out to see friends or simply hanging out in your backyard, a bluetooth speaker needs to be a convenient companion, and how portable it is will ultimately determine whether or not you use it time and time again. Ranging from the size of a hockey puck to the size of a large water bottle, or bigger, there is a lot of variety amongst the models that exist, and the first thing you will need to decide on is just how big, or small, you want yours to be. The best thing to consider when comparing sizes is how you plan on transporting your speaker around, as well as what kind of activities or situations you'll be using it in, as the smaller sizes can be much more convenient, especially if you want something you can pop in your pocket as you’re heading out the door.  

But portability isn’t the only thing that is impacted by size, and how big or small your speaker is can also have a big impact on the overall performance of the device. A general rule of thumb is that the larger the speaker, the louder the sound and the longer the battery life, and models that are too small may not be able to stand up to hours of use or play to big crowds. For you, this means you need to be striking that perfect balance between convenience and quality, and you don’t necessarily want to immediately select the smallest model available, especially if you’re someone who truly values an immersive experience with rich bass and crisp highs. Thanks to their extra space, the larger speakers are able to house more powerful drivers and amplifiers, and this creates a fuller, more dynamic sound especially when listening to your music. So if sound quality is important, or you want to be able to listen for hours at a time without having to worry about the battery dying, then you may end up leaning more towards a slightly bigger bluetooth speaker than someone who is simply looking for something to throw in their pocket for occasional use. 

Power & Sound

When it comes to how powerful a bluetooth speaker is, the size is going to be your initial indicator, but it won’t tell the whole story; and in order to know for certain what you’re working with you will want to compare models based on their wattage. A more precise measurement, the wattage rating reflects the amplifier's output power, which directly affects the speaker's ability to deliver room-filling sound and capture the nuances of your music. In general, the wattage of portable bluetooth speakers will range anywhere from 15W to 100W or higher, with most standard models sitting close to around the 40W mark. For the average person, a 40W bluetooth speaker should be more than sufficient, however, if you plan on hosting large outdoor gatherings, or playing music at parties to a big crowd, then you may want to consider models with a higher wattage so don’t feel let down by the amount of power they are able to produce. 

Connection & Range

Both connection and range are two crucial considerations when browsing bluetooth speakers, as these two factors will not only determine how well your phone or computer pairs to your speaker, but also how far you can move around before you lose that connection. Most people don’t want to be stuck holding onto their speaker throughout an entire night, nor do they want to be waiting around endlessly for the pairing processes to be completed. To help you avoid both of those situations, it's important to pay attention to a few key aspects when comparing models, and these include:

Any bluetooth speaker you select should be able to guarantee a user-friendly pairing process, one that doesn’t require a lot of set-up every time you want to listen to your music. Instead, you want to be able to open your device, turn on your speaker, and have the pairing process be completed almost instantaneously, and this will make for a much more enjoyable experience without those common, tech-induced frustrations. 

Bluetooth technology is constantly changing and evolving, and when looking at portable speakers you will find that not all of them support the same version. From the energy-efficient 4.2 to the versatile 5.3, these various versions can have an impact on the performance and capabilities of your speaker, and you will need to consider both your needs and device compatibility before you make any purchases. While all versions can be reliable, the new iterations like 5.3 tend to provide more advanced audio quality as well as faster connectivity, however, they also tend to be more expensive than their older counterparts, which is why some people prefer the 4.3 or 5.0 versions.

Measured in feet, the range tells you how far away from the speaker you can go before it will disconnect from your device and this is worth considering, especially if you like to use it at large gatherings where you may be moving around a lot. On average, most bluetooth speakers have a range of around 30 ft., although some smaller models may have less than this depending on their bluetooth version and design. For speakers that feature bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, that range could be farther, but you will need to read through the specs to be certain. 

Weather & Water

Since portable bluetooth speakers are meant to join you in the great outdoors, another key consideration you will want to look at is how capable it is of standing up to various weather conditions and water-related situations. The last thing you want is to experience unexpected rain, or have it fall into the pool, and be left with a destroyed device that is completely fried, so looking at the IPX rating is the best way of determining what it is capable of withstanding. The IPX (Ingress Protection) rating is a valuable indicator that highlights the amount of water and moisture conditions that a device can endure, and the various ratings you may encounter are:

If you want to be able to enjoy your music at the lake or by the pool, then opting for a model with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating is going to be important, as these two levels will eliminate the risk of damage should your speaker accidentally fall into the water. However, if you’re only concerned about rain or the moisture from your shower, then an IPX rating of 3 or 4 may be all you need, and these lower-rated models will often be less expensive as they don’t require the same durable, rugged design. 

Additional Considerations

Taking the time to truly explore all of the options available on the market will ensure you select that perfect portable speaker for your needs, budget, and lifestyle, but beyond the size, wattage, connection, and water-resistance, there are a few more additional factors you’ll want to consider. From how long the battery will last you to whether or not it has built-in LED lights, some final components you will want to look at include:

Bluetooth speakers are so convenient and portable because they don’t require an outlet in order to operate them, but this convenience also means that the speaker's battery life becomes a critical factor that you will need to consider before you purchase one. How long the battery will last off of a single charge will determine how long you can enjoy your music for, and you want to make sure you are evaluating this based on realistic usage, not just ideal conditions. 

While LED lights won’t impact performance they can impact the vibes, and if you really want to bring the party with you wherever you go then you may want to opt for a model that includes built-in lights that you can enjoy. In some cases, the LED lights can also make it easier to see buttons in low-light conditions, so for those who like to party the night away, this is something to consider.

A portable bluetooth speaker doesn’t just have to play music, and some models are designed so that they can double as a charging hub for all of your devices. If there are built-in USB ports then this means you can power up your phone or tablet on the go, and you won’t have to worry about your device dying while you’re in the middle of enjoying your playlist. 

Since your portable bluetooth speaker is going to be accompanying you on all of your adventures, you want to make sure it stays safe and protected as it bounces around your backpack or bag. The best way to do this is to keep it securely nestled since a hard, durable carry case, and some available models include one alongside your initial purchase. 

Bottom Line

With so many factors to consider it can be challenging narrowing down your selection to that perfect portable bluetooth speaker, but as a high-use item that can sometimes be quite costly, you want to be certain that you’re taking the time to consider all aspects so you end up with a model you truly love. From how powerful the performance is to how well it will survive being dropped in a lake, there are numerous ways to evaluate which one is right for you, and by taking your time and following this guide, you can be certain that you’ll walk away with the ideal companion for all of your upcoming adventures.