Whether you want a small, portable speaker for your phone or something with enough power to play your entire music collection, you’ll find some great Bluetooth speakers on sale this month. Some have extra smart capabilities, too.
If you choose a speaker with Bluetooth 5, the latest version, expect longer connection ranges and better audio quality.
Price
Websites like RetailMeNot offer discounts on wireless speakers, which provide a convenient way to enjoy your music on the go without the hassle of cables. They connect with source devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers over short distances using Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth speakers operate on the 2.4GHz ISM spectrum band reserved for industrial, scientific, and medical uses, so they can be used worldwide without worrying about radio interference from other nearby devices.
Whether you’re shopping for a portable speaker to take on hikes or one to bring to the beach, look for a model that offers a balance of price and sound quality. The best Bluetooth speakers typically get loud enough to amplify music in noisy environments and are built with rugged, waterproof housings. Look for a model that’s easy to set up, can stay connected for long periods, and has decent battery life.
Some models are also available with a wired connection for those who prefer to connect via a cable. Others are compatible with voice assistants so that you can use them with smart home and AV devices for hands-free streaming and control. Some of the best Bluetooth speakers even come with a microphone, so you can make phone calls using your smartphone.
Features
A good wireless speaker is essential to any home audio setup, allowing you to stream music from your mobile device over Bluetooth or WiFi. They come in all shapes and sizes, from budget-friendly options designed to take out to the beach or the park to large stereo speakers that can play tunes throughout a home.
Some models offer extra features like a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls and an LCD screen for selecting radio stations and song track information. Others have a line-in input, an aux-in socket for connecting wired devices and are rechargeable via C8 appliance plugs or more universal USB connectors such as micro-USB or USB-C. The recharge time for most models ranges from about 3 to 6 hours.
Some battery-powered portable models don’t have a wired connection and instead depend on their rechargeable battery for music streaming. These are cheaper, but they’re often less rugged and need more support for the various features of smart speaker technology. They can still make a useful addition to any set of portable speakers, though. Some also feature waterproofing or are dust and salt resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.
Brand
If you want your wireless speaker to play your music in a particular style, consider brands specializing in it. For example, you may find a speaker with a tube amp that adds a rich sound to soul and hip-hop music or a solid-state amp for crisp digital clarity on rock tracks. Similarly, you can look for speakers designed to work with a certain streaming service or those with a built-in microphone suited to hands-free calls.
You’ll also have the option of choosing a wireless speaker that’s IP67 rated, meaning it can withstand quick dunks in the pool or even light rain. That makes it ideal for use at the beach or on a hiking trail. Some wireless speakers also come with extra features, like stereo separation and an app that allows you to fine-tune your audio experience.
Size
There’s a huge variety of Bluetooth speakers, ranging from ultra-portable models that fit in your backpack or coat pocket to big, beefy options that can liven up tailgate parties and other outdoor events. Some even include built-in virtual assistants, so you can use Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to stream your favorite tunes. Others offer smart home connectivity and support multi-room audio. And then, a few brands differentiate their Bluetooth speakers with strikingly sleek designs and high-fidelity sound quality.
Whether you’re after the best music streaming experience possible or want to take your songs out on the road, it pays to understand the difference between the different types of Bluetooth speakers available. Many come as one-box units with amplification and sources built-in and connect to your wireless network via Bluetooth. In contrast, others are passive stereo speakers with amplification, source, and a full set of controls built into a separate box that plugs in and plays over your speaker system. The best Bluetooth speakers will also have built-in voice recognition, allowing you to turn up the volume using just your voice, and they often come with a range of other useful features such as speakerphone capability, the ability to pair two or more together, and their app for control.
Appearance
Wireless speakers are a great way to improve your soundscape if you want to avoid investing in a high-end stereo system or a hi-fi home audio setup. These compact and portable devices are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, so it’s easy to find something that fits your needs.
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a wireless speaker:
The most obvious factor is size, usually based on the power and sound quality you want from a device. Some speakers are small enough to fit in your hand or pocket and are perfect for outdoor adventures or road trips. Other speakers are larger and more powerful, and they can fill a room with rich sound.
Another important factor is whether you want to connect via Bluetooth or WiFi. Bluetooth speakers are easy to set up and use but have a shorter range than WiFi-enabled models. Many Bluetooth speakers also have NFC technology, allowing you to communicate with a compatible mobile device by tapping it on the speaker.
Some speakers are a combination of both Bluetooth and WiFi, which provides the best of both worlds. They can connect to your home’s WiFi for high-fidelity streaming, but they still have long battery life and can be easily connected to other Bluetooth devices for multi-room listening.