You can find waterproof and ruggedised models that are ideal to take on outdoor adventures, without worrying about them getting damaged.
Some Bluetooth speakers make great outdoor companions. What these lack in portability they should make up for with fuller and richer sound.
In the past, most portable Bluetooth speakers were charged via a micro-USB cable, but with the emergence of USB-C, we're starting to see many manufacturers move over to that as their preferred charging method.Ĭertain Bluetooth speakers aren't designed for moving around, meaning they don't have a battery and will instead need to be plugged into your mains. Any Bluetooth speaker worth its salt will usually last for at least eight hours and some will go into double figures. If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker you can carry around, you'll want one with a built-in battery. The best wireless speakers for streaming audio at home Should I buy a fixed or portable Bluetooth speaker? So, if you buy a speaker with aptX HD hoping to use it with your iPhone, you'll be sorely disappointed. It's important to remember that both your Bluetooth speaker and output device must support the codec in question.
You'll also find Qualcomm's aptX series of codecs used by a range of Bluetooth devices if you're after higher-quality Bluetooth audio, look out for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive. Apple uses AAC, Samsung has Scalable, while Sony utilises LDAC. SBC is pretty much universal, while some companies choose to use their own proprietary codecs in addition to SBC. The transmission of data via Bluetooth is determined by the use of Bluetooth codecs. What are Bluetooth codecs and which should I look out for? Otherwise, near-field communication (NFC) can let you pair your device to an NFC-compatible speaker simply by touching the two together, automating the entire process. Pairing a Bluetooth device is straightforward: you'll just need to put the speaker into pairing mode and search for the speaker on your device. Wireless speakers may offer Bluetooth connectivity, but their primary method of connection is over a Wi-Fi network, whereas Bluetooth speakers can only connect over Bluetooth.
The terms “wireless” and “Bluetooth” are used interchangeably when referring to headphones, but they're different things in the speaker world. These will let you connect your music source of choice to your Bluetooth speaker, whether it's a CD in your laptop's drive, a locally stored MP3 file or streamed music from the internet. Otherwise, an inexpensive USB dongle can add Bluetooth support. As Bluetooth technology has developed, its range has increased, it's become more energy-efficient and the speed at which it transmits data has improved, allowing for higher-quality audio playback.Īll new phones and tablets support Bluetooth, as will most laptops. It's regularly undergoing revisions and version 5.2 is the most recent version available, though not all that many devices have adopted it just yet.
Video of How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker | Expert Reviews Buying Guide What is Bluetooth?īluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows communication between devices over short distances.
The latter category features a number of products that aren't strictly classified as Bluetooth speakers but possess the ability to play audio wirelessly over Bluetooth.īefore we jump into the list, you'll find a summary of what we deem the best Bluetooth speakers followed by video and written buying guides running you through the things you should consider before making a purchase. We've tested a huge range of Bluetooth speakers and compiled a list of the best of them, divided into portable devices cut out for use outdoors – all of which have some form of water resistance – and those that should only really be used inside. With numerous features to consider and hundreds of options available at various price points, selecting the best Bluetooth speaker for your needs can be overwhelming. Waterproofing, voice assistant support and the ability to double up as a power bank are just a few of the features you'll find incorporated by the best Bluetooth speakers. While a Bluetooth speaker's primary appeal remains its ability to play music from an audio source without a connecting cable, most are capable of a lot more than that. Modern life demands flexibility in how we consume audio, and the best Bluetooth speakers are among the most versatile audio products on the market.