13 best bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth audio speakers as opposed to Bluetooth headphones are quite popular among audiophiles and connoisseurs of sound. Bluetooth audio speakers are very convenient to use outdoors, for example, during family vacations in country and suburban areas, near ponds, swimming pools and on training grounds. If you are looking for audio systems that are compact, do not break when dropped and bumped, are sturdy, durable, comfortable and high quality sound, it is worth reading this review.  

JBL Charge 4 - the top Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Charge 4 model is the best Bluetooth speaker when used during outdoor activities at summer homes, country houses, beach parties and picnics in nature, at any mass events in open-air style.

Before and even after the release of JBL Charge 4, the previous model - JBL Charge 3 - was considered the best, because the upgrade between the two models was minimal and not justified by a significant price difference. Time has passed since the release of the more modern Charge 4 model, and its price has dropped to almost the same level as the older Charge 3. And naturally, it makes no sense to buy an old audio speaker with Bluetooth when you can buy a modern, more advanced model for the same money.

Features of the JBL Charge 4 model

It should be emphasized that the best options of the JBL Charge 4 are not exclusive. For example, the JBL Xtreme and JBL Flip 4 models also have a lot in common with the Charge 4. But it is the latter that tops the list of top Bluetooth-speakers, because the JBL Charge 4 model successfully combines the sound volume of the Xtreme speaker with the compactness of the Flip 4 audio system. Among the unquestionable advantages of Charge 4 is, firstly, continuous battery life, which is almost 20 hours, and secondly, the presence of a USB-A port that allows you to charge other gadgets of the consumer.

The only disadvantage of JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker model is the quality of mid-range playback compared to bass in small and medium-sized rooms.

What a Bluetooth speaker buyer should know

Pay attention to Bluetooth codecs

Like wireless Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth audio speakers support certain audio codecs. It is the codecs that determine how audio files are sent from the signal source to the audio speakers or headphones. If you would like to listen to audio files without any lag, you should buy Bluetooth speakers that support the aptX audio codec. In case you have iOS operating system installed, the codec should be AAC. Your Bluetooth speakers' support of these codecs not only reduces the latency of the connection, but also provides better streaming quality (at least for iOS users with the AAC codec).

Beach party and IP rating of Bluetooth audio speakers

Sometimes you can read in the specs of a particular gadget that the product has a "class or degree of protection" or is "resistant" to "adverse effects and certain factors." But these technical characteristics of the purchased gadget, as a rule, do not particularly interest consumers. This is the wrong approach.

If you plan to use your Bluetooth speakers frequently in places that are close to any bodies of water, you should pay close attention to such parameter of the audio system as its IP rating. This parameter indicates the degree of product resistance to dust and water penetration. Often there is a certain parameter "IPX4" on the product specification. What does it mean? Well, the "X" is the symbol of the product's resistance to dust penetration. The parameter IPX7 indicates that the product is resistant to complete immersion in water for a specified time and depth.

Marshall Stanmore with the best sound quality

There's no doubt that wireless audio speakers are very handy for their compactness. But if you really "want to rock" the party with sound quality, then you should pay attention to the stationary audio systems, which are connected to the power supply. The Marshall Stanmore, a rather large Bluetooth speaker, has an undoubted advantage in this regard. The list of advantages of this audio system should include the ability to connect to it not only via Bluetooth 4.2, but also via Wi-Fi networks thanks to the presence of such options as: Spotify Connect, built-in Chromecast function and compatibility with AirPlay functions.

The 11 Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Marshall Stanmore Multi-room model

The Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth audio speaker model is characterized by the classic design for which English amplifier and speaker manufacturer Marshall Amplification is widely known. On top of the audio system are controls that allow the consumer to control the basic EQ. In addition, the audio system has seven preset programs, from your favorite Spotify playlist to radio stations and podcasts.

The Bluetooth audio speaker is indeed relatively large, but if you lose out on compactness, its sound quality fully compensates for your discomfort. Although the speaker emphasizes the midrange to some extent, you can always adjust the sound to your taste and preferences.

For multi-room audio, you can set up speakers in different rooms, using either one of several Wi-Fi options or Bluetooth itself to transfer audio files.

What else is on the market for Bluetooth audio speakers?

Sony XB41.

Among Sony's latest products are two models: the SRS-XB40 and the SRS-XB41, with the former (the older model) being the top-of-the-line. But the SRS-XB41 surpasses the older model with updated software and appearance. For example, the SRS-XB41 has an attractive fabric cover, and despite the relatively large size of the audio system, its weight is light. What's more, the state-of-the-art coating has enabled the SRS-XB41 Bluetooth speaker to receive an IP67 rating, so you can enjoy audio content at the beach or by the pool without worry or concern. You can even safely submerge the speaker in water for 30 minutes and to a depth of 1 meter.

Not only is the SRS-XB41 durable and sturdy, but it's one of the most stylish Bluetooth audio speakers with an LED strip around the perimeter. Although the XB41 is somewhat inferior to the XB40 in terms of bass clarity, it does sound great. If you want an unpretentious and undemanding audio speaker that produces bright and loud sound and can work offline for long periods of time, you can't go wrong with the XB41.

UE Hyperboom - an audio speaker for a big, noisy party

The Ultimate Ears models have been known in the Bluetooth audio speaker market for a long time. But in its lineup so far there have been no models with really huge speakers. This time, the company released a powerful new model UE Hyperboom. It features not only an impressive size, but also a high IPX4 water and dust resistance rating, as well as a long battery life of almost 24 hours.

Features of UE Hyperboom

The UE Hyperboom model has other, no less party-appealing options. First, the audio speaker has two Bluetooth inputs. This will allow, for example, your friend to connect to the speaker and listen to your tracks without giving you any interference while listening to your audio files. Secondly, the UE Hyperboom model is equipped with an optical output, so if you don't use the speaker for its intended purpose, you can connect it to your TV to enhance its sound, although the sound quality won't be on the level of the soundbar.

Of course, the UE Hyperboom is not a budget option for a Bluetooth audio speaker. What's more, it is by no means compact. But if you like loud, high quality sound and you like the options available, the UE Hyperboom is the model for you.

Want a budget option? Don't miss the Anker Soundcore Flare.

The Anker company is known for producing budget speakers, whose sound quality is pretty good. But the Anker Soundcore Flare Bluetooth speaker differs from the previous models for the better. Although the sound quality has not changed radically, but the appearance of the model may well enter the premium segment of audio speakers with Bluetooth.

11 Best Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone

Features of the Anker Soundcore Flare model

The company has abandoned the plastic coating typical of previously released models. Now the Anker Soundcore Flare has a more modern fabric coating. The audio speaker has been given a high IPX7 waterproof rating, and there is an LED backlight on the bottom of the speaker.

The continuous battery life of Anker Soundcore Flare Bluetooth speaker is not so long, and the sound quality leaves much to be desired. At the same time, on the market of audio speakers in the price segment up to $100 Anker's modern product is quite competitive.

What Bluetooth-speakers are worth paying attention to

• UE Wonderboom 2 is the second generation of the Wonderboom brand of audio speakers. It is waterproof, compact and inexpensive Bluetooth speaker.
 
• Sony SRS-XB40., Although an older model, the $79 price tag is quite attractive. If you're not as interested in an option like full waterproofness and you're indifferent to the look of the audio speaker, the Sony SRS-XB40 is certainly superior to the more recent SRS-XB41 in terms of value for money.
 
• Monster Solara may repel the music lover with its plastic coating and huge size, nevertheless, this model is unique and attracts everyone's attention.
 
• V-Moda Remix is a product of the company V-Moda. The model has an impressive size, built-in headphone amplifier and good sound quality. But the price of the Remix Bluetooth audio speaker is quite high.
 
• JBL Clip 3. One of the best modern models of audio speakers with Bluetooth. Features ruggedness, durability, compactness, long battery life and a built-in carabiner for attaching the speaker system in any suitable place.
 
• JBL Link 300 is a smart model with built-in voice assistant Google Assistant. The price is moderately priced.
 
• JBL Charge 3 sells for almost the same price as the more recent Charge 4 model. Nevertheless, the Charge 3 is a good alternative to other Bluetooth audio speakers.
 
• Sony SRS-XB32 has many disadvantages as well as advantages that it inherited from older models. A small and rugged audio speaker that can be used on beaches, cottages and country houses.
 

Topicals: Making simple headphones and headsets with a microphone yourself , 10 best wireless headphones , 10 best chinese wireless headphones , 13 best noise cancelling headphones , 5 best DJ headphones , 5 best active headphones