Best Bluetooth Speakers

• What You Need to Know
• Bluetooth speakers offer rich stereo sound.
• No cable connection to the player is necessary.
• The devices draw their energy from a rechargeable battery, so there is no need to be near a power socket during runtime.
• The speakers can be used flexibly and regardless of location: In the park at a barbecue, in the garage while working, in the outdoor pool – there are hardly any limits to the ideas.

What is a Bluetooth speaker and who is it suitable for?

Mobile phones or smartphones have largely replaced mobile players such as CD and MP3 players as well as iPods a few years ago. Unlike the aforementioned players, tablets, smartphones and the like have their own loudspeakers. However, the sound output is limited due to the design and is therefore of limited quality: Due to the flat design, the bass pressure output is severely capped. In addition, the compact devices achieve only a comparatively low overall volume. What may be sufficient in certain situations is simply not enough in loud background noise or for enjoying music in a larger group.

In addition, the sound is often flat and tinny. Bluetooth speakers are a remedy here. They are capable of reproducing richer bass and clearer treble, and at a significantly higher overall volume than the transmitting devices themselves. With powerful rechargeable battery solutions, the devices play music for between 8 and 24 hours without having to go to the socket to recharge in between.

Battery and wireless connection: perfect for on the go

A Bluetooth speaker is a portable sound box that can play music without an external power supply and without a cable connection. Due to its dimensions and weight, it can be used comfortably at home, with some exceptions, but can also be taken to the lake or on holiday. In the meantime, the small devices have caught up so far in terms of sound technology that they can definitely compete with a stereo sound system with two external satellite boxes. Therefore, they are suitable for all user groups with an affinity for music: young people who want to have music with them when they are out and about, for example at a barbecue in the park or chilling in the open-air swimming pool, rock fans who want to really turn up the music on the sofa at home or grandparents who love classical music in their own four walls. In addition, they can be used to keep your hands free when making phone calls: The call signal is transferred to the Bluetooth soundbar when a connection is established. For this purpose, the music playback is interrupted and resumed after the call is ended.

The big advantage: There is no need to lay a transmission cable from the box to end devices such as a smartphone, tablet or computer, nor is it necessary to always operate the speaker within range of a power socket. In most cases, the range is several metres, so that the playback device and the Bluetooth box do not even have to be in the same room.

Different models – the bigger, the better the sound

Although manufacturers are constantly improving the technology in their Bluetooth speakers, and even very compact Bluetooth speakers can now deliver amazing sound performance, the quality always depends decisively on the size. The best-known manufacturers include the brands Bose, JBL, Sony and Teufel. It is therefore not realistic to expect the same performance from Bluetooth speakers smaller than a coffee cup as from large devices with the dimensions of a beer crate. Roughly speaking, the devices can be divided into three different categories, which differ both in sound characteristics and in their possible uses.

Compact units for flexible indoor and outdoor use

These Bluetooth speakers impress with their small design and the associated low dead weight. The smallest models are not much bigger than a packet of cigarettes. They score points above all because they can be used very flexibly. Due to their low price, compact models are very suitable as second devices. In the meantime, they are already available for about 20 euros.

In terms of sound, these mini speakers have become better and better in recent years. The mini Bluetooth speakers use various methods of psychoacoustics, making up for their small size with powerful sound performance. They fit into any handbag and are therefore popular for use in a wide variety of places:

• For an atmospheric end to a summer evening on the balcony or terrace.
• At the swimming pool, to play the latest music in the background to create a pleasant atmosphere.
• To listen to the radio or music while travelling in a holiday flat or hotel
• As a second device in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom

Psychoacoustics

Psychoacoustics is a branch of physics that deals with the connection between the influence of sound waves and their effects on the hearing impression of the user. It is now possible, for example, to create a sound experience with two loudspeakers that was previously only possible by distributing several loudspeakers around the room. This is done, for example, by bouncing the sound off objects in living rooms and walls.

The compact models are therefore suitable for users who are often on the move and therefore appreciate the advantages of the mobile lightweight devices. These users have no problem with accepting small compromises in terms of sound quality. They appreciate being able to enjoy music in any situation.

Medium-sized models: more power, can be carried in a backpack

Medium-sized Bluetooth speakers usually deliver richer bass compared to their smaller counterparts due to the larger sound box. In addition, they achieve a higher maximum volume. This is practical if you are at a swimming lake on a warm summer evening and want to entertain a larger group musically. Despite their somewhat larger design, users can still carry them comfortably under their arm or in a backpack on a bicycle. Smaller representatives are, for example, the Bluetooth speakers JBL Flip 4 and Bose SoundLink Mini. If you prefer something bigger, you can go for the JBL Boombox.

Large devices for parties or as a replacement for the stereo system at home

The large models are not intended for flexible use on the road. Their design and their weight, often well over ten kilos, rather limit their intended use: In most cases, these Bluetooth loudspeakers are bought by users who are looking for an alternative for the home stereo system. The advantage is that, as with all Bluetooth speakers, no cable connection to the sound source, for example TV, laptop or smartphone, is necessary. Many of the large devices either have a built-in rechargeable battery and a plug-in cable for stationary operation or do without the rechargeable battery altogether.

The reason for this is the higher power consumption due to the comparatively higher output. In addition, the large Bluetooth speakers are often placed on the living room shelf or on the floor and are rarely moved. So the plug-in cable is not much of a hindrance. The music comes out of the speakers in the best sound quality, and the user controls the device via smartphone from the sofa. These models can reach the size of a small refrigerator. With additional guitar and microphone inputs, built into the JBL PartyBox 200, the speaker becomes a true all-rounder.

Buying criteria – What is important?

When choosing the right wireless speaker, it all depends on the individual customer’s wishes. For some, a high-quality aluminium housing is important, for others the material is less important than splash water and dust protection, so that the small noisemakers can be used outdoors. The price and special functions can also be decisive for an individual purchase. We provide an overview.

Different technologies used in loudspeakers

In the following, we present some of the sound technologies used in loudspeakers and highlight their respective advantages.

Finish and Appearance: Rugged or Elegant

The choice of enclosure material depends mainly on the location and the intended use. While for a model that will be permanently placed in a cupboard, a robust finish takes a back seat to a noble, appealing design, other characteristics are important for a Bluetooth speaker that will mainly be used outdoors. For the latter, it is less about the design and more about great resistance: the speaker should be able to withstand drops, dust and moisture to a certain degree. Interested parties should compare the manufacturers’ specifications on the so-called IP protection classes. Models made of hard plastic or, even better, aluminium are suitable for this purpose. In addition, battery life is a decisive factor for outdoor devices, as recharging is only possible at home. Here, it also depends on listening habits: Most manufacturers’ specifications on battery life refer to “half maximum volume”. Users who turn up their boombox to full volume will observe that their Bluetooth speaker loses power more quickly and does not offer a runtime of many hours. When empty, then empty: virtually no Bluetooth speaker has a replaceable battery.

Display: showing a wide variety of information

Another must-have for many technology enthusiasts is a display that shows information such as the charging status, time, artist and track name or the caller’s telephone number or the name stored in the phone book. Most models, however, do without this for power-saving reasons and are content – if at all – with an LED battery status display.

Connectivity: Which connections are available?

When deciding on a particular speaker model, the built-in connections also play a role. The more devices that can be connected wired or wirelessly, the more flexible the user is. We summarise the most important connections.

Additional functions: Radio, hands-free system, app control

Many Bluetooth speakers offer a more or less large potpourri of additional functions. We show which additional functions are possible with portable speakers.

How do the wireless speakers actually work?

The wireless boxes work with the widely used Bluetooth wireless transmission standard. Data is transmitted encrypted or unencrypted via radio. This standard is now supported by practically all mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. For desktop PCs or older notebooks, this functionality can be retrofitted for around 10 to 15 euros with a special USB stick. This technology is also used in car radios, for example to make phone calls with the smartphone without taking the hands off the steering wheel.

To ensure that the devices connect to the correct “counterpart”, in this case the Bluetooth box with the transmitter, such as a smartphone, each device has a unique 48-digit identification number.

Different Bluetooth versions: Backwards compatibility ensured

Bluetooth was already introduced as a wireless communication standard in 1999. Since December 2016, the current industry standard has been Bluetooth 5. Over the last 20 years, the data rate has been significantly increased, the signal has been sealed off from sources of interference, power consumption has been drastically reduced through low-energy operation and the range has been increased to a maximum of 100 metres. Bluetooth is downward compatible, which means that old devices can also communicate with new Bluetooth versions.

Exceptions to Bluetooth compatibility

There are a few groups of devices that require a minimum version of the Bluetooth standard. These include, for example, extremely low-power smartwatches and fitness wristbands that require the low-energy protocol of Bluetooth version 4.0.

Danger of confusion: Bluetooth version versus Bluetooth class

Bluetooth versions, where the latest standards are counted upwards, are easily confused with Bluetooth classes, which specify the transmission power (in milliwatts, mW), the volume power level (in decibels-milliwatts, dBm) and the maximum range (in metres, m). For Bluetooth classes, the lower the specified value, the greater the transmission power. With Bluetooth versions it is the other way round: the higher the version number, the more functions the device can handle, such as the power-saving exchange of audio data.

Class	Power (Mw)	Power (dBm)	Indoor range	Outdoor range
Class 1	100	+20	approx. 100 metres	approx. 100 metres
Class 2	2,5	+4	approx. 10 metres	approx. 50 metres
Class 3	1	0	approx. 1 metre	approx. 10 metres

Initial setup: Either manually or via NFC function

If users want to connect their Bluetooth speaker to a device such as a smartphone or tablet for the first time, they usually first have to activate the Bluetooth functionality on both devices. On the transmitter – in this case smartphone or tablet – they select their Bluetooth speaker model from a list of nearby available devices. Depending on the device, the user must enter a four-digit pin code for the initial connection. This can be found in the operating instructions.

Tip: For many models, the code 0000 is preset and can be changed by the user. If the pairing has worked, the devices will connect automatically in future, provided Bluetooth is activated on both and they are within range.

It is even easier if both devices support the NFC (Near Field Communication) function. In this case, manual connection via the device list is superfluous. It is sufficient to hold the devices very close to each other for a few seconds with the areas marked by NFC stickers. In this way, the devices automatically communicate with each other, activate the Bluetooth functionality if necessary and establish the connection.

Holding the devices close to each other for pairing is also only necessary during the initial setup; future connections are automatically established as soon as the devices are within radio range. If no such stickers are attached, users should check the operating instructions to see whether their devices support the NFC function and, if so, where the contact surface is located.

Known brands

Anker Soundcore | Bose Soundlink | JBL Flip 3 | JBL Boombox | Sony | Teufel