Mobile music with a Bluetooth speaker: A buying checklist

Combining powerful sound and use-anywhere convenience, portable Bluetooth speakers have revolutionised takeaway music and have become an essential device to pack when getting out and about.

Quickly connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone or laptop, and the freedom of mobile music is yours! Pick a playlist that suits your mood and location, and add beats to a picnic in the park, a campsite, or a pool party.

Soundcheck

Bluetooth speakers pump out big sound and mighty bass. You’ll generally get bigger sound from a larger speaker of course, but don’t let size fool you – even the more compact ones punch well above their weight and pack plenty of oomph.

Sound quality is purely subjective, but most portable speakers will surprise you with how good they sound. And they have an in-app EQ, so you can strike the perfect balance of mid-range and bass. And if you really want to take it to the next level, a big powerful party speaker with an inbuilt light show will add a clubbing vibe your outdoor shindig.

Making connections

Bluetooth has you covered when out and about, and speakers that support v5.0 and above will give you greater wireless range. Many also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, and if there’s a microphone built in they can be used to route calls, and voice assistants are at your command. Speakers with a wired line-in port can be connected to external devices like a turntable or laptop using an adapter (sold separately).

Want even bigger sound? Pair two compatible speakers for stereo, or connect multiple ones in a chain to really get the party going.

Don’t panic if they get wet

Portable speakers are built tough for the great outdoors and can withstand splashes, rain and harsh weather conditions – some can even float beside you in the pool or hang in the shower. Always check the IP rating for the level of protection against water and dust. IP67 resistance is common for portable speakers, which means it’s fully protected against dust and sand, and can survive a dunking in up to one metre of water for around 30 minutes.

The beat goes on… and on

Designed with continuous use in mind, battery life for portable speakers is generous, and increases with new iterations. You’ll generally get all-day play – and then some – from a full charge. Ultimately, battery life depends on usage factors like volume level, bass, and the type of music playing – use the specified time as a guide and aim high. New models often have a USB-C port for a rapid recharge to keep the music going.