Technology, especially the smartphone, has been a revolution in how music is heard in the domestic environment and consumer products. The music, in many situations, is already in our streaming service or directly internal memory of the mobile phone, so that the listening system no longer often over fixed sound systems but by headphones, speakers mobile themselves if they deserve worth and increasingly, wireless Bluetooth speakers .
However, what wireless speaker should I buy? Who are the best as we seek? We already have the shopping guide Bluetooth wireless speakers with tips for hitting and a selection of what we consider today the top 15 models on the market.
Choosing a wireless Bluetooth speaker
Price, design and what else we should look at when choosing the best speaker for our needs, we raised some of the features that you should take into account when deciding on one or another Bluetooth speaker.
Connectivity
Play music wirelessly is comfortable and every day the sound quality is higher. Although there are only WiFi speakers, they have their very limited natural habitat and home offices. However, models with Bluetooth connectivity cover a wider market. Although the main connectivity is going to look, do not put aside the speaker that we choose have more ways to connect.
The principal would be an input jack, usually 3.5 mm, for if want it or need it, to use as a Bluetooth speaker cable with almost any sound source. The same applies to the USB port some models include for direct playback of audio content or even in specific cases; it is the option to play directly from memory cards.
If you are looking to play directly from a USB port, make sure that includes model you want to choose is not used exclusively for updates. In any case, if so, it is good news because you can extend the life of our device to upgrade it with new codecs, for example.
Other highly appreciated connectivity in a Bluetooth speaker would be the NFC. Many of the current models and integrate mainly to facilitate pairing with smartphones. Simply a rapprochement between the sound source and speaker and ready, without having to search, enter menus, configuration download applications or enter pairing codes.
Bluetooth profile type and a speaker
What we seek is clearly a Bluetooth speaker, but if you look at the different models on the market, find different versions that are associated with certain usage profiles of said base connectivity.
Bluetooth version directly affects the bandwidth, and the market we find models that do not fall as a rule and a specification 3.0, although ideally they were already 4.0 to take advantage of lower consumption, a key speaker wireless. Bluetooth also class (1, 2 or 3) we determine the scope.
The profile, supported by the speaker whichever will determine from the functions thereof to the sound quality can be obtained. While Bluetooth connectivity indicates the wireless connection profiles we determine the functions capable of performing both a source and receiver. Both documents must be compatible with the same profiles to use them.
If we focus exclusively on related directly to the sound, the main Bluetooth profiles are:
- A2DP: The most widespread is the main thing that is used to transmit audio connectivity BT.
- AVRCP: Profile destined for the remote control of different audio playback functions.
- HFP: This profile, as discussed below, it is necessary to use hands-free speaker and make / receive calls from your Smartphone.
- HSP: It is most often used to receive audio content in headphones.
The highest quality sound that can receive via Bluetooth input marks the profile and supported codecs, which compress the sound usually not to exceed the maximum bandwidth assigned to that profile.
The most widespread have said that is A2DP, which supports a rule the codec SBC, although this profile supports MP3 or AAC other as long as both source and speaker support it. SBC leaves us with an audio bitrate of 320 kbps in stereo, more than enough for streaming services.
But if the content we will send our Bluetooth speakers exceeds that quality and we want to keep it with the least possible losses, should we go setting in the codec APTX, already available in Bluetooth speakers and high – end equipment. With this codec get CD quality without unduly sacrificing sound and latency, it is also improved (although in this case the advantage is more for audio that accompanies the video). Other solutions already come into the audio Hi-Res (as LDAC) that are jumping on some brands.
In our future connectivity Bluetooth audio system should be aware of how many devices simultaneously supports linked and equipment which keeps the link. At home, we have several Smartphone, tablets or even laptops and desktops from which you want to send audio to a Bluetooth speaker. If you already have paired, is more direct start sending audio when you want, no waiting.
Size and strength
In addition to connectivity and use environment, one of the differences between a speaker and one wireless WiFi Bluetooth exclusively usually in size. With a Bluetooth system, we usually try to find it a small, portable device that can move from one side to another house and lead to other sites where we want to listen to music wirelessly.
Reduce the size and weight of a speaker often entails that benefits are also lower by the use of different materials in both the housing and drivers. Finding the balance between these dimensions and quality that we can get will be one of the difficult decisions when we talk about choosing a Bluetooth speaker.
In designing a wireless speaker that usually find details thank as handles or the possibility of carrying cases or that we can take from side to side in a backpack without difficulty or excessive inconvenience.
Another important and highly valued in the field of portable speakers Bluetooth section is the resistance to water and dust. If you intend to use the equipment so often outdoors, it is highly recommended to get at least resistant to water splashes and support dust or sand profile, although there are models that can even dip and keep them running.
Technical specifications to consider
Something we must never put aside when choosing a Bluetooth speaker is reviewing its data sheet. There we will find much of the keys that will tell us about the role sound quality. The four main ones:
- Power: It is indicated in W, and we must be very careful to keep the peak power manufacturers usually give in order to confuse the consumer. The value that really mark and allow face two models directly is the nominal power or RMS, reflecting the maximum value allowed in optimum playback speaker, and you should definitely compare.
- Frequency range: This indicates the maximum and minimum frequency the speaker is capable of reproducing. I ought to be broad.
- Impedance is the resistance of the system opposes the passage of current, and ought to be as small as possible, because it will be a good sign for the overall quality of the team.
- Number of channels and size of the drivers in the world of speakers, although the number of channels is no direct signal quality that we get, they do give us more options. Typically, in the market we are 2.0 or 2.1 systems. Here comes in the size of the drivers (and if they are passive or active), which are key when it comes for example the subwoofer. In small sizes not much chance to provide good bass reproduction and that is where we can find some important differences.
Although the power will help us know the sound pressure level where we move our speaker, the maximum volume that will get him on the combination of that power with other factors such as impedance, distance to the speaker…
Other details that should compare when choosing a Bluetooth speaker is if they include sound enhancement technologies. A valuable is the DSP or digital signal processing audio and applied to high volumes, can reduce potential distortions we find in powerful models but small in size.
Internal battery and hands free
Most portable Bluetooth speakers offer us the possibility of expanding the places we can use thanks to integrated batteries or use batteries. The autonomy of Bluetooth speakers is very varied, but is a key aspect you should consider whether your priority is to use the speakerphone without relying on a plug, even at home. About 10 hours is a value we should demand that our laptop and you have to keep in mind that this figure of autonomy is usually indicated for speakerphone use 50% of its maximum volume.
When evaluating the purchase of a speaker with internal battery do not forget the load times and the system using each team. If you load system owner will always have to carry the cable factory, and if you leave us the ability to perform USB charging or microUSB, it will be easier to put recharge the internal battery.
Some users value especially in the use of a Bluetooth speaker home it allows them to make calls to and receive both, and continue after the automatic interruption with music where we left off. To make sure that the equipment you buy is hands-free, and much better if microphones carry some type of technology to reduce ambient noise.
Best Bluetooth speakers on the market
Once we’re clear on what to look out for in choosing a Bluetooth speaker to listen to music wirelessly and comfortably, we selected the fifteen best models on the market according to different criteria , so that as you seek (price, quality, durability, versatility …) can succeed in your choice.
Philips BT6060
Original design, good workmanship and spatter resistance are the strengths of this model with good total power (14W) and 360-degree surround sound
| POWER | 2x7W | NFC | If | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | IPX4 | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | 2.0 (38mm) |
| BATTERY | 8 hours (USB) | WEIGHT | 0.5 kg |
EU Boom 2
One of the best portable speakers Ultimate Ears market, available in various colors, can be linked up to 8 devices, load very fast (2.5 hours) and offers powerful sound of 360 degrees in a water resistant body.
| POWER | – | NFC | If | SCOPE | 30 m |
| RESISTANCE | IP68 | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | 2.0 (45mm) |
| BATTERY | 15 hours (USB) | WEIGHT | 0.58 kg |
Xiaomi Square Box
In the segment of the cheapest Bluetooth speakers, Xiaomi is already referred to by its value in an attractive and simple design, compact size and sound quality
| POWER | 2×1.8W | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | Do not | SYSTEM | twenty |
| BATTERY | 8 hours (USB) | WEIGHT | – |
Fugoo Style
Brand is not well known in certain markets but supported by a great sound quality and construction. Its highlight is the incredible autonomy of 40 hours, six drivers (two tweeters, two middle and two passive to reinforce the bass) and DSP
| POWER | – | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | IPX4 | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | Compatible APTX |
| BATTERY | 40 hours (USB) | WEIGHT | 461 gr |
Marshall Killburn
Sound power and unique design and excellent finish are the key elements of this Bluetooth speaker that is more focused to stay at home than moving it from side to side. Not surprisingly weighs 3 kg
| POWER | 25W | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | – | SYSTEM | – |
| BATTERY | 20 hours | WEIGHT | 3kg |
JBL Flip 3
If your budget does not exceed 100 dollars, the JBL Flip 3 gives you almost all you can expect: compact, waterproof, hands-free and the best: you can join several models to get more sound volume
| POWER | 16W | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | IPX4 | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | 2.0 (40mm) |
| BATTERY | 10 hours | WEIGHT | 450 gr |
B & W Zeppelin Wireless
In the higher range of Bluetooth speakers that we will not get home, you have a privileged place on B & W Zeppelin Wireless. The design is the most care and original, is compatible with AirPlay and Spotify Connect, APTX codec, DSP and digital amplification to reach 100 W of power
| POWER | 100W | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | Do not | SYSTEM | 2.1 (APTX) |
| BATTERY | Do not | WEIGHT | 6 kg |
Creative iRoar
Model to take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity beyond a smarpthone. It stresses the own DSP technology, two amplifiers and applications that allow you to customize the listening experience to the environment and our tastes or preferences. It has optical input for connecting to a TV
| POWER | 100W | NFC | If | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | 2.1 (APTX) |
| BATTERY | 20 h | WEIGHT | 1.1 kg |
LG Sound 360
A speaker where the first is the design, very different than usual and fully prepared to go unnoticed at home. It offers 360-degree surround sound, good power for its size and great autonomy: 20 hours (but with 5 hours of charge)
| POWER | 12W | NFC | If | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | Do not | SYSTEM | – |
| BATTERY | 20 h | WEIGHT | 0.57 kg |
Sony h.ear Go
Despite its small size, it is one of the teams most concerned about the high quality sound with support for Hi-Res Audio, digital amplification, subwoofers and direct access to Google Cast and Spotify Connect, as well as WiFi and support multiroom
| POWER | 12W | NFC | If | SCOPE | 30 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | – |
| BATTERY | 12 h | WEIGHT | 790 gr |
Kef Muo
Leading manufacturer of large-format speaker who has succumbed to fashion Bluetooth devices transferring the good make small but with great sound devices, bass boost, aptX and possibility of using two for stereo sound
| POWER | – | NFC | If | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | 2.1 (50mm) |
| BATTERY | 12 h | WEIGHT | 800 gr |
Bose SoundLink Mini II
One of the great classics among Bluetooth speakers noted for its very low and despite this great performance even with serious size. Works as hands free and can be recharged with a base while in use
| POWER | – | NFC | If | SCOPE | 9 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | Twenty |
| BATTERY | 10 hours | WEIGHT | 670 gr |
Harman Onyx Studio 2
Sound quality and power in a format carefully designed interior but can move without problem because it has internal battery. It also works as a handsfree
| POWER | 60W | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | If | SYSTEM | – |
| BATTERY | 5 h | WEIGHT | – |
Samsung Multiroom R1
Seeketh a Bluetooth speaker but not close to the wireless connectivity and especially multiroom systems, this model is a right choice for surround sound without more investment and not for use in large rooms
| POWER | – | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | Do not | SYSTEM | – |
| BATTERY | – | WEIGHT | 1.4 kg |
Denon Envaya
Less visually appealing than the Mini version, but full, very compact and well finished with quality sound with support APTX and subwoofers
| POWER | – | NFC | Do not | SCOPE | 10 m |
| RESISTANCE | – | FREE HANDS | Do not | SYSTEM | twenty |
| BATTERY | – | WEIGHT | 500g |