How to choose a portable wireless speaker? To do this, you need to know a lot of subtleties, among which are the type of device, its parameters, additional features, the brand that specializes, and for some, even the size and color of the device may be important. Therefore, if you want to understand everything, read our article.
Portable speakers (also known as Bluetooth speakers) are a full replacement for a music center, which takes up little space. Advanced models (three-way) sound the same as classic ones. Portability means that the device can be easily moved anywhere: to nature, to a party, to an apartment or a country house, to a banquet, on a train or in a car.
Advantages of Portable Speakers
Compared to stationary ones, portable devices have many advantages:
- Control via Bluetooth. The speaker does not need to be connected to a phone or tablet. At a distance of 5-10 meters, it can be easily controlled without any wires. It would be great if the device is additionally equipped with control buttons – just in case, if Bluetooth does not work.
- Sound quality, which also depends on the size of the device – the larger the speaker in the case, the more powerful bass it will produce. It happens that even devices that fit in the palm of your hand can produce quite decent sound. However, you should not expect to hear low tones from a micro-speaker – they, most likely, will not be there.
- Powerful battery and autonomy. Be sure to pay attention to it before choosing a Bluetooth speaker. The battery in such devices is so powerful that it allows you to use the speakers for many hours without recharging. You can even put a tablet or phone on charge to them.
- Light weight and size. This parameter depends on the model and purpose. For home use, rather heavy devices are produced.
Types of Portable Speakers
Conditionally, portable speakers can be divided into 3 types:
- active and passive;
- ultra-portable, portable and powerful;
- by place of use – nature, bike rides, for home, etc.
Type 1: active and passive
The first division is based on the built-in receiver or power amplifier. If it is, such speakers are called active, if not – passive. With a built-in receiver, the system reaches the consumer already perfectly balanced. The purchase of a speaker without a receiver is justified if the user is not demanding on sound quality, but only wants to listen to their favorite music and movies louder.
Note. An active speaker system cannot be modernized, but a portable one can be customized to your liking, however, spending money on the purchase of components. Remember this before choosing a portable speaker.
Type 2: ultra-portable, portable and powerful
- Ultra-portable – tiny models. They are convenient to attach to clothes and travel, enjoying the sounds of your favorite music. A good solution for a child, if you choose an interesting design. If you do not know which portable speaker to choose, stop at models that can be attached to a clothing loop. This way the device will not get lost.
- Portable – such solutions are more interesting in terms of sound quality, because they are equipped with two speakers. These models are larger – there are options almost three times longer than ultra-portable ones and have a more powerful bass. Some function with illumination. Such devices weigh a little more than half a kilogram, depending on the “filling” – the more powerful, the heavier.
- Powerful. If you need a confident powerful bass, you should consider such models.
Type 3: by place of use
A portable speaker can be used anywhere, but:
- what you can listen to at home is not suitable for a hike, because in a residential area any size of a portable device is allowed – the speaker can weigh at least 5, at least 10 kg;
- ultra-portable models are unlikely to please guests of a home party with a powerful deep sound – perhaps they will drown out the noise of human voices, but you are unlikely to enjoy the sounds of music.
And for yourself, consider – you can not focus only on the price. Not always the most expensive models are the best. You can always find a device with similar functionality in a more affordable price segment. But the size of portable speakers for the home is not the main thing – it is important that the sound quality suits you.
How to choose a portable wireless speaker – basic parameters
- Number of bands (channels). The more there are (minimum 1, maximum 3), the less the sound is distorted and the better its quality. In models with one band there is one universal speaker. In two-channel there are already 2 – low-frequency and high-frequency. In three-band there are 3 speakers – 2 + subwoofer.
- Equalizer or frequency filter. Helps to adjust the sound to your own needs.
- Maximum frequency that the speaker can reproduce. The coolest devices produce up to 55 GHz. The wider the gap between “quiet” and “loud”, the better – the sound is more natural.
- Minimum frequency. This is the bass. The range is within 20-500 Hz. The lower the value, the softer they will sound.
- Subwoofer and its power. This is a separate acoustic system that is responsible for converting low-frequency sound waves. The device is not needed by everyone, but only by fans of heavy rock and blockbusters, where there are special effects of particular power – that is, where there are basses. In other cases, a subwoofer is not needed.
- RMS – device power. It ranges from no more than 1-150 watts.
- Signal-to-noise ratio. The more it is, the better the speaker transmits sound. The numerical value is in the range of 45-100 dB.
- Is there a cord. Wireless speakers can run on electricity, for example, if the battery is “dead”. Sometimes an electrical cord can come in handy.
- USB connector. If it is, the speakers can be connected to a laptop.
- Power sources. These can be built-in batteries or finger batteries. The “native” power source weighs less and is more energy-intensive.
- Slot for memory cards. You can bypass the tablet or smartphone, insert a memory card into the speaker and listen to your favorite music. SD and MMC are used.
- Protection against dust and moisture. This is especially important if the speakers are intended for outdoor use. When buying, pay attention to the IP marking and the numbers next to it, usually 67 and 68, which indicates that the device is not afraid of getting large particles of debris inside and short-term exposure to moisture.
- Socket for a flash drive or external hard drive. If there is, then an ordinary speaker will turn into an audio system with a large supply of sound files.
- Protection against electromagnetic interference. If it is, at the moment of a phone call or receiving an SMS, the speakers will not crackle.
- Wi-Fi data transfer. When you turn on music on your phone or tablet, the sound comes from the speakers.
- Passive mode. This is the ability of the speakers to work from a smartphone, tablet or laptop if their own battery is completely discharged.
- Speakerphone. There is a microphone on the speakers.
- FM tuner. If this option is available, the speakers turn into a radio receiver. But it will only receive FM waves.
- Panoramic audio. Reproduction of sound volume due to its distribution at 360 °.
The technical characteristics of a wireless speaker depend on the model. Before choosing a portable wireless speaker, carefully study the product passport. Such characteristics as panoramic audio, equalizer, Wi-Fi, speakerphone, FM tuner are additional and are not available in all models. Most often, they can be easily dispensed with.
A portable speaker system is not a luxury, but a necessity on hikes, nature trips, bike rides. It will help you relax while listening to music or watching your favorite movie with good sound.