For every music lover, a good quality Bluetooth speaker is a necessary piece of equipment, whether it be for usage at your upcoming party or for listening to your favorite songs around your house.
The best Bluetooth speakers have features that can compete with conventional speakers, and their portable designs make them perfect for anyone who enjoys listening to music while on the go.
However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the best Bluetooth speaker that matches your needs.
But regardless of your own preferences, here are some useful tips to get you started in your search for the perfect Bluetooth speaker.
When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, it is important to consider the following factors:
1. Sound Quality
Sound quality is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a Bluetooth speaker. After all, what’s the point of having a speaker if the sound quality is poor? When testing the sound quality, pay attention to the overall balance of the audio as well as the bass and treble levels.
Shopping online? Four factors—output power, frequency range, sound system, and impedance—can tell us whether a speaker will sound well even before we have heard it. The speaker's output power, measured in watts, is directly related to the volume, or sound pressure, measured in decibels. To generate a volume loud enough to be heard clearly outside, somewhere between 15 and 20 watts would be sufficient.
The range of frequencies that the speaker can output is another factor that indicates the quality of sound. When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, keep in mind that you'll hear the sound more clearly if the Bluetooth speaker has a wider frequency range. The type of sound system used is the next factor to consider. Each system has a specific number of speakers known as channels. Most Bluetooth speakers have either a 2.0 system (two full-range speakers) or a higher-quality 2.1 system (two full-range speakers plus one sub). The impedance is the last factor, and, to put it simply, the lower the impedance, the better the sound quality.
2. Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan on using your Bluetooth speaker on the go. Most Bluetooth speakers will last for around 4-5 hours on a single charge, but some can last for up to 10 hours. But, your results will vary with your volume levels and your mix of wired and wireless usage. It is also worth considering how long it takes to charge the speaker – some models can take up to 8 hours to fully charge.
3. Portability
Portability is another key consideration – one of the main advantages of Bluetooth speakers is that they are portable. If you plan on taking your speaker with you when you travel or go camping, then it is important to choose a model that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Many companies have developed small, lightweight Bluetooth speakers that can fit everywhere, including your luggage. As a result, you can take them wherever you want without giving it a second thought. If one of your main desires in a Bluetooth speaker is portability, choose one that does not measure more than 15 cm. However, if portability is not as important to you, then you might want to opt for a larger Bluetooth speaker that can produce a more powerful sound.
4. Durability
Durability is also important, particularly if you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker outdoors. In this instance, you should also consider the design. Look for grilles built from materials that can resist some rough handling and rubberized end caps to prevent damage from drops. Some Bluetooth speakers are designed to be weather-resistant, so they can withstand being used in the rain or even in the shower.
Another factor to think about is the speaker’s IP (International Protection) rating. This will appear as the letters "IP" followed by two numbers, the first showing the speaker's resilience to particles like dust and the second indicating how well it can survive liquids. For usage in the garden, an IPX4 water-resistance grade is typically acceptable and will shield the speaker from very light rain.
However, a speaker with an IP67 classification or above will be shielded from dust and can withstand being submerged in water for approximately 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. A good IP rating ensures that your speaker will withstand even a small amount of alcohol if you intend to use it for parties.
5. Connectivity
Some Bluetooth speakers also feature Wi-Fi connectivity, which typically enables multi-room setups. Some can even function as smart speakers with voice assistants built in thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to use them to control other smart home devices.
Analog connections should also be considered. You'll need a speaker with an AUX input if you wish to connect it to a record player or a smartphone with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
6. Price
Finally, the best is not necessarily the most expensive but rather the one that provides the best quality for a fair price. The cost of a Bluetooth speaker can range from $30 to $300. So, avoid making impulsive purchases of pricey Bluetooth speakers until you research and identify your unique needs, read some descriptions and reviews, and use our guide to help you choose the best speaker!
If you are on a limited budget, then it is worth considering some of the budget-friendly options on the market. But if you're willing to spend a little extra, you can obtain a Bluetooth speaker with superior functionality and sound quality.
No matter your budget or preferences, there is a Bluetooth speaker out there that is perfect for you. Considering the above factors, you can narrow your choices and find the perfect speaker to fit your needs. Still need help? Stop by Toton’s TV or give us a call! We’ll be happy to help you search through our selection for the right speaker.