Portable speakers are devices that can wirelessly connect to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other audio sources via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They can play music from streaming services, online radio stations, podcasts, or your own library. Some portable speakers also have built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant that can control your smart home devices or answer your queries.
Portable speakers come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Some are waterproof or dustproof for outdoor use. Some have long battery life or fast charging features. Some have extra functions like LED lights or party modes. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can find a portable speaker that suits your style and needs.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Sonos Move
The Sonos Move is a versatile and powerful portable speaker that can deliver rich and balanced sound in any environment. It has a built-in handle for easy carrying and a durable design that can withstand drops, bumps, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. It also has excellent voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in.
You can easily switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modes depending on where you are. The Sonos Move has a 10-hour battery life and supports wireless charging with an optional base.
2. Best Budget: Anker Soundcore 2
The Anker Soundcore 2 is an affordable yet impressive portable speaker that offers great value for money. It has a compact and lightweight design that can fit in your bag or pocket. It has dual drivers that produce loud and clear sound with deep bass.
It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating that can resist water splashes or submersion up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The Anker Soundcore 2 has a 24-hour battery life and supports micro-USB charging.
3. Best Waterproof: JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 is a rugged and reliable portable speaker that can handle any outdoor adventure. It has a cylindrical shape that can be placed horizontally or vertically depending on your preference.
It has dual passive radiators that deliver punchy bass and crisp highs. It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating that can survive rain showers or pool parties without any damage. The JBL Flip 5 has a 12-hour battery life and supports USB-C quick charging.
4. Best Party Speaker: JBL PartyBox 110
The JBL PartyBox 110 is a large and loud portable speaker that can turn any place into a party zone. It has two woofers and two tweeters that produce room-filling sound with deep bass and sparkling treble.
It also has a built-in light show that can sync with the music and create a festive atmosphere. It also has a microphone and guitar input for karaoke or live performances. The JBL PartyBox 110 has a 12-hour battery life and supports AC power or an optional car charger.
Things to Consider
When buying a portable speaker, there are some factors that you should consider to make the best choice for your needs. Here are some of them:
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Sound Quality: The most important aspect of any speaker is how it sounds. You want a speaker that can produce clear, loud, and distortion-free sound with good bass response. You can check the specifications of the speaker such as the drivers, frequency range, output power, and impedance to get an idea of its sound quality. You can also read reviews or listen to demos to get a better impression of how it sounds in real life.
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Battery Life: Another important factor is how long the speaker can last on a single charge. You don’t want to run out of juice in the middle of your listening session. You want a speaker that can offer at least 10 hours of playback time on average. You should also check how long it takes to recharge the speaker and what kind of charging port it uses (USB-C, micro-USB, wireless, etc.). Some speakers also have battery indicators or low-battery alerts to let you know when they need to be plugged in.
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Durability: If you plan to use your speaker outdoors or in harsh environments, you want a speaker that can withstand some wear and tear. You want a speaker that has a sturdy and rugged design that can resist drops, shocks, scratches, and dents. You also want a speaker that has a water-resistant or waterproof rating that can protect it from water splashes or submersion. You can check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating of the speaker to see how well it can resist water and dust. The higher the number, the better the protection.
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Portability: The main advantage of a portable speaker is that you can take it anywhere you go. You want a speaker that is easy to carry and store. You want a speaker that has a compact and lightweight design that can fit in your bag or pocket. You also want a speaker that has a built-in handle or strap for easy carrying. Some speakers also have foldable or detachable parts for more convenience.
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Connectivity: The way you connect your speaker to your audio source is another factor to consider. You want a speaker that has a reliable and stable wireless connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You should check the Bluetooth version and range of the speaker to see how well it can pair with your devices. Some speakers also have Wi-Fi features that allow you to stream music from online services or connect to other speakers for multi-room audio. Some speakers also have auxiliary inputs or outputs for wired connections.
Conclusion
Portable speakers are great devices that can let you enjoy music anywhere you go. They can offer clear and powerful sound without compromising on portability. However, not all portable speakers are created equal. You need to consider some factors such as sound quality, battery life, durability, portability, and connectivity when buying one. We hope this article has helped you find the best portable speakers for your needs and preferences.
