When it comes to listening, whether it’s to music, a podcast or a movie, you know you need the best audio and speakers for the full experience. Whether you’re looking for a new home speaker system with quality audio for movies, TV and music, or a portable speaker to take to events, or even to the kitchen while cooking, Bluetooth speakers are the go-to. Bluetooth has made it easier than ever to connect devices to a speaker system–there’s no need for complicated cords and adapters.
What Are the Best Bluetooth Speakers to Buy?
With so many options for Bluetooth speakers available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the process of buying a Bluetooth speaker and highlight the key factors to consider. Whether you’re a just casual listener or a total audiophile, we’ll discuss what to look for when buying Bluetooth speakers.
Types of Bluetooth Speakers
These days, Bluetooth speakers come in various shapes and sizes, with a number of features catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the different types of Bluetooth speakers available:
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Compact and lightweight, portable Bluetooth speakers are designed for use on the go. They are ideal for outdoor activities like picnics and travel. Usually, these Bluetooth speakers are plugged in for charging, but some have rechargeable batteries if you’re looking for a wireless option.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers: These speakers are built to withstand exposure to water, dust and rough handling, ideal for use in the pool, beach or any outdoor environment where there is a risk of water damage.
Bookshelf Bluetooth Speakers: These speakers are larger and designed for use in indoor spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. They offer improved audio quality, deeper bass and a more immersive sound experience compared to portable speakers.
Soundbars: Soundbars are long, thin speakers designed to enhance the audio quality of TVs or computers. They are a popular choice for home theatre setups as they provide better sound than built-in TV speakers.
Multi-room Bluetooth Speakers: Designed to be part of a multi-room audio system, multi-room Bluetooth speakers connect wirelessly to other speakers in different rooms, allowing synchronised playback of audio throughout the house.
Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers: These speakers are specifically designed to provide powerful sound and create a party atmosphere. They often feature built-in lights, microphones, and DJ effects, making them suitable for outdoor gatherings or parties.
Smart Bluetooth Speakers: Smart speakers incorporate voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Not only do these speakers play music, but can control smart home devices and respond to voice commands.
Car Bluetooth Speakers: Car Bluetooth speakers are designed to be used in vehicles. They often come in the form of hands-free car kits, allowing you to make calls or stream audio from your smartphone while driving.
What to Look For When Buying a Bluetooth Speaker
When it comes to buying Bluetooth speakers, sound quality is important. However, the quality of sound is not the only key element to consider. Before buying, consider everything from battery life to connectivity to portability.
Purpose and Use:
Before buying Bluetooth speakers, consider how and where you plan to listen, eg. inside or outside. Bluetooth speakers made for the outdoors may be more durable and able to withstand the elements.
Sound Quality:
The sound quality of Bluetooth speakers is paramount. Look for speakers with a balanced audio profile, clear highs and rich bass. If possible, test the speaker’s sound quality before purchasing to ensure it meets your expectations. Also, consider the speaker has an equaliser, whether on the device itself or in the form of an app, so you can adjust the sound to your preference.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth speakers rely on wireless connectivity, so check for the Bluetooth version supported by the speaker. The latest version, Bluetooth 5.0, offers a better range and improved audio quality. Additionally, consider whether the speaker supports other connectivity options such as NFC, Wi-Fi or auxiliary inputs.
Battery Life:
Portability is one of the key advantages of Bluetooth speakers, so battery life is crucial. Look for speakers with long-lasting battery performance, preferably over 8 hours, especially if you plan to use them for extended periods without access to a power source.
Portability and Durability:
If you intend to carry your speaker with you on the go, consider its size, weight and design. Compact and lightweight speakers are easier to take around with you and fit in smaller bags.
Wireless Range:
Bluetooth speakers operate within a certain range from the source device. Check the wireless range specifications to ensure it suits your needs. A longer range allows for more flexibility in positioning the speaker and better performance in larger rooms or outdoor environments.
Additional Features:
Bluetooth speakers often come with extra features that enhance usability. Some popular features include built-in microphones for hands-free calling, voice assistance, USB ports for device charging, LED lighting effects and even multi-speaker pairing for stereo or surround sound setups.
Budget:
Set a budget range based on your needs and stick to it. Bluetooth speakers are available in various price ranges, so you’re sure to find the right balance of affordability and quality.
By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a Bluetooth speaker that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want high-quality Bluetooth speakers for your home, or a small speaker to take with you on the go, you’re sure to find a quality Bluetooth speaker with premium sound to immerse yourself in.
