7 things to look for in a portable Bluetooth speaker
Bec Summer
STACK Writer
Wireless Bluetooth speakers combine great sound quality with portable convenience and have revolutionised how and where we listen to music. They're an essential part of every audio inventory, and there’s a wide range to suit all budgets and lifestyles.
When you’re getting together for an outdoor shindig and want to crank up the tunes, your smartphone’s speakers just aren’t up to the task. That’s when a portable Bluetooth speaker comes into play, enabling you to stream that party playlist to a device with a lot more sonic punch.
These cool, go-anywhere speakers are the ultimate in audio convenience – a speaker the size of a can of drink can be tossed into a bag to soundtrack a picnic in the park, and some can even float beside you in the pool.
Simple to set up and use, portable Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of sizes, funky designs and colours to match your style. Here are seven key things to look out for...
Size and sound
You don’t have to sacrifice sound quality for portability. While compact, portable speakers deliver big sound (Ultimate Ears’ little Wonderboom is a prime example), audio quality will of course vary depending on size, brand, and price.
A bigger speaker can deliver a wider frequency range and better bass, as well as a bigger battery to keep the party going longer, but may not be practical if you like to travel light.
Look for a speaker that has at least two drivers, and if you like it loud, go big or opt for a dedicated party speaker.
Battery life
Most portable speakers are designed for continuous use, and you’ll generally get all-day play, and often more, from a fully charged battery. If your new speaker will travel a lot, look for one with long battery life.
Durability
From spilled drinks to poolside use and a sudden downpour, portable speakers are susceptible to splashes, so water resistance is crucial. Most portable speakers are built tough with an IP67 rating for water and dust/sand protection, and some can even float in the pool or hang in the shower.
Connectivity
Many portable speakers can be paired with another compatible speaker for stereo sound, or linked in a chain for multi-room audio and bigger sound at an outdoor party.
It also pays to check the Bluetooth version – speakers that support v5.0 and above can have a wider Bluetooth range and a stronger connection to keep the sound loud and clear.
Adaptive audio
Acoustics change outdoors and some Bluetooth speakers are smart enough to optimise the sound to compensate, using adaptive audio functions, auto tuning, or outdoor audio boosting at the touch of a button.
Hands-free calling
Just like headphones and earbuds, some speakers are equipped with a microphone for hands-free calling and voice assistant access. Remember though, using a speakerphone is convenient, but your conversations won’t be private.
Charge out
Many larger portable speakers feature USB-C charging that works both ways. So, if your smartphone is running low on juice, simply plug it into the speaker’s USB-C port to siphon power from the speaker’s inbuilt battery. It’s a convenient way to top up your phone when out and about, but be sure not to drain too much of the speaker’s battery and bring the party to a halt.
Prime positions for indoor listening
If you’re using a portable speaker inside, positioning and a room’s acoustics can greatly improve sound quality and loudness.
Choose a flat, hard surface – floorboards are great for bass – and sit the speaker a few inches from a wall to enable sound to bounce off it. Corners can also create a wider sound space, and cylindrical speakers are generally best placed upright in the centre of a room, allowing the sound to radiate.
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