Portable speakers are one of the most fashionable electronic accessories on the market today. Users can choose from thousands of models from hundreds of manufacturers. All of them have a variety of functions and belong to different price categories. And although each music lover has his own needs and financial capabilities, today acoustics are made with different sets of functions of a wide variety of configurations and prices.
First of all, the user must decide which portable column he needs. You must understand for yourself the purpose of its use, budget, a list of desirable parameters and functionality. Below are the main criteria for choosing the best portable speakers.
The size
This is the most important factor in measuring portability of speakers. To select the desired device size, the user must determine where he will use it. Sound quality also depends on this setting, since a larger speaker comes with a larger speaker with higher output power. If portable acoustics are required for indoor use and only occasionally for parties, then sizes from small to medium, like the JBL Charge 2 or Sony SRSX55 / BLK, are suitable. Such speakers are easy to carry and can be used anywhere. Their sound quality is good enough for a small party indoors or outdoors. On the other hand, if you need powerful portable speakers of a large size with a rechargeable battery, then the Ion Audio Block Party Live model is a good choice.
Connection options
Currently, most portable speakers come with connectivity options such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi and traditional audio jacks. Using them is quite simple. Bluetooth allows you to connect the speaker to any compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
Reception range
This setting is important when playing music using a Bluetooth connection. Most portable Bluetooth speakers come with a working range of 10 meters, such as Parikaras or Mpow. This distance is enough to use the speakers indoors. If you need a larger range of wireless communications for working outdoors, then you can use a waterproof electronic hub with a power of 20 watts eHub Portable or a speaker UE BOOM. The first of them has a 20-meter range, and the second works at a distance of 15 m. If this is not enough, then there is a choice of several options for portable Bluetooth speakers that receive a signal 30 m from the source.
Power Sources and Battery Life
Although most portable (portable) speakers come with a built-in battery, some large speakers need to be powered from the mains (for example, the Sony GTKXB7BC). Such devices are suitable for home entertainment or parties indoors with electrical outlets. If you need a portable speaker to play music on the beach or on a hike, you need a built-in battery. On average, one charge is enough for 8-16 hours of work.
Sound
According to user reviews, this is the most important factor in choosing the best portable speakers. You should choose a device that can cover a room of 10 square meters. m. Models with a capacity of 10–20 W are ideal for rooms and small parties. As a rule, high-quality, clear bass and loud sound reproduce speakers with passive emitters and Hi-Fi amplifiers.
Design and color
The choice of these options depends on personal preference. Some like angular speakers, and some like round ones. Some like blue, while others like black. Most speakers are available in several color options. Thus, you can always find a model of your favorite color.
Other functions
Most portable speakers have various additional functionalities, such as a built-in flashlight, the presence of a built-in power supply, audio input, NFC connection, a USB port, etc. Therefore, if portable speakers with certain functionality are required, you need to search online or in the local market.
The brand
For users, the manufacturer’s brand has always been of great importance, since a well-known brand product always ensures high build quality. There are several popular manufacturers of portable speakers, such as JBL, Bose, Jabra, UE Boom, Sony, Ion, etc., who have managed to prove themselves well. You should never choose a Chinese copy or a non-proprietary speaker in the hope of economy, because this does not guarantee high sound quality or a sufficient battery life.
Price
The cost of each model depends on its functions, power and brand. On the market are hundreds of portable speakers in the price range from 1 to 17 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is quite possible to purchase a device that meets both the user's needs and his budget.
Below is an overview of portable speakers, the quality, price and popularity of which allows us to call it the best for 2018.
DOSS Touch
One of the best portable speakers in the ranking, DOSS Touch has a premium design, a touch control system and a reasonable price, which made it the best seller in the popular online store Amazon. The highly sensitive control system is ideal for controlling all operating modes and speaker volume. A speaker power of 12 watts is sufficient for high-quality sound. This is the perfect portable speaker for outdoor activities, cycling, hiking, home entertainment, or small parties.
You can connect the device to a smartphone or tablet both through a wireless Bluetooth connection and through a traditional audio jack. There is also a built-in memory card slot designed to play music directly from an external microSD card. The battery life is good enough - the charge is enough for continuous operation for 12 hours, which corresponds to playing 200 songs.
The advantages of the model are capacitive touch control, a free waterproof case for portable acoustics, the presence of automatic power on and off, a short recharge time of 3-4 hours and the presence of black, white and blue finishes. At the same time, users are claiming that charging can only be done via the USB port, and the lack of support for an external flash drive.
AYL SoundFit
A small compact portable speaker is the best choice for fans to enjoy music while taking a shower, on hikes or in gyms. One of the best options is AYL SoundFit. This waterproof portable device is ideal for listening to music in the bathroom or in the kitchen. It is light enough to carry everywhere in a bag or backpack. 5-watt speakers produce enough sound and bass. A Bluetooth connection or audio input enables connection to a smartphone or tablet. AYL offers a lifetime warranty on this device. The model is available in 3 colors: orange, green and blue.
The advantages of the model are low cost, a 2-3-hour recharge, during which it is possible to play music, 12 hours of battery life, compatibility with iPhone, iPad and all Bluetooth devices. Among the disadvantages are the low battery capacity of 1500 mAh, the lack of support for a memory card or flash drive.
Anker soundcore
What makes a portable speaker the best title? Sound quality, good battery life and design. If you add low cost here, Anker SoundCore would be an ideal option. The device comes with a 24-hour rechargeable battery and two speakers with excellent sound quality. The model is equipped with a built-in speakerphone. Featuring a coiled bass bass reflex, improved sound quality and long battery life, this speaker is ideal for all-night parties, beach or home parties. Anker SoundCore is available in black, blue and red.
The user reviews include the automatic stop of charging when the battery is fully restored, the ability to simultaneously connect multiple Bluetooth devices, a limited lifetime warranty, lightweight and compact design, and an integrated spiral bass reflex to the advantages of the model. The disadvantages of users include the lack of water resistance, which does not allow the use of the column in the bathroom and in the kitchen.
Photive HYDRA
If you need an impact-resistant and dustproof portable speaker cheaper than 3 thousand rubles, then Photoive HYDRA waterproof wireless Bluetooth speakers are ideal. This portable device is equipped with two 3.5-watt, 40-mm speakers and an integrated subwoofer, providing high-quality sound. Battery life is enough for a beach, pool or family vacation. The battery provides music playback for 8 hours. Shockproof, waterproof and dustproof design allows you to use the device in any conditions. The ultra-light and compact design is perfect for carrying in a bag. Connecting to a smartphone or tablet is done using a Bluetooth connection or audio input.
The advantages of the model are a high level of design, direct ability to adjust the volume and switch tracks, support for any Bluetooth devices. Users are unhappy that you can use only one such column at a time, and its low resistance to heat.
Parikaras
This is a multi-functional portable speaker for gyms, hiking, biking, traveling or parties. The most attractive feature of the device is the presence of a built-in flashlight, which is ideal for outdoor activities, camping, hiking or cycling. A powerful battery can play music for 12 hours. 10 W speakers provide high-quality sound, including clear low frequencies. This inexpensive portable speaker has a splash-proof, dustproof and shockproof design, so you can take it anywhere. The device will automatically turn off the power if there is no input signal for more than 10 minutes. This will help conserve battery power.
The advantages of the model, users include a compact and high-quality design, low cost, compatibility with iPhone and Bluetooth devices, good bass, the presence of a powerful flashlight. Among the most significant drawbacks are the impossibility of simultaneous operation of 2 Parikaras speakers, the lack of a slot for memory cards or a slot for a flash drive.
Anker premium
This is another high-quality and reliable portable stereo speaker from Anker. The device is available in black and white. Two 10-watt speakers are powerful enough to provide loud sound on the beach, pool or family party. Built-in MaxxBass technology and 2 subwoofers help you feel the real bass of any musical composition. Like other portable speakers, Anker Premium has a lightweight and compact design that lets you take the speaker with you wherever you go. Bluetooth or audio input allows you to connect any device. A battery with a capacity of 5200 mAh ensures autonomous operation of the column for 8-10 hours, which corresponds to 160 compositions.
The advantages of the model, according to user reviews, are the presence of dual passive subwoofers, the ability to work while charging, compatibility with all brands of smartphones and tablets, 3 years of warranty, a sound signal on and off. Lack of water resistance and limited playback time at full volume (4-5 hours), users attribute to the disadvantages of Anker Premium.
JBL Charge 2+
It’s nice to have portable speakers with USB, which can simultaneously play music loudly and charge a smartphone or tablet. JBL Charge 2+ has the added functionality of charging other batteries. This is one of the most popular models, which also has a splash-proof design, a capacious battery and high-quality sound. Powerful speaker and emitters reproduce high-quality crystal clear sound. Passive emitters allow you to feel the real bass of each composition. Another attractive feature of JBL Charge 2+ is its built-in noise canceling microphone, which allows you to talk on the phone on a crowded beach or during a home party.
Owner reviews praise the model for a 6000 mAh battery that provides 12-hour playback, connectivity for up to 3 control devices, waterproof and compact design, support for simultaneous operation of 2 JBL Charge 2+. The disadvantages are a non-removable battery and charging only through a USB cable.
eHub
Cyclists looking for multifunctional portable speakers at a reasonable price? which would allow them to enjoy the music while riding. The eHub is a portable 20-watt waterproof Bluetooth speaker, ideal for cyclists and outdoor use. The device comes with a built-in battery with a capacity of 10,000 mAh, which provides playback for 30 hours. The waterproof, shockproof and dustproof functions of the model will ensure it is safe to ride. The superb 20-watt speaker features high-quality and loud sound. You can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or directly play songs from an SD card. In addition, there is an antenna for receiving FM radio stations.
Thus, the advantages of the model are the presence of FM radio, a built-in microphone with speakerphone function, support for memory cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB and playback in the frequency range 100 Hz-18 kHz. A consequence of the high capacity of the battery is its long-term (8–12-hour) charge. According to the owners, the quality of low frequencies is slightly inferior to the acoustics of competitors.
Mpow
According to reviews, portable Mpow speakers can be a great choice for people who are looking for a model with a long battery life. The capacity of 5200 mAh ensures music playback for 22 hours. In addition, the speaker can be used as a power bank for charging a smartphone or tablet. Ideal for using Mpow on the beach, in the pool or during a hike, it makes it splash-proof and shockproof. Adequate sound volume is provided by two 8-watt speakers and passive emitters. There are also 2 modes for listening to music outdoors and indoors.
The advantages of the model are the presence of a built-in microphone for talking on the phone, a portable and compact design, high-quality bass reproduction, the presence of an LED indicator, and a dustproof design. However, you cannot play music with two Mpow at the same time, and the weight of the device is higher than optimal.
JBL Flip 4
Music lovers who are looking for decent and relatively inexpensive speakers that fit in your bag so you can take them with you anywhere will find everything you need in the portable JBL Flip 4 speakers. The device provides high-quality sound with a volume sufficient for small and medium-sized rooms. The model is shockproof and waterproof, and an on-board battery with a capacity of 3000 m ∙ Ah will provide 12 hours of battery life.
The disadvantages of the column are the lack of NFC for Android phones and the equalizer in the smartphone application, so that you can at least slightly adjust the sound. Since the speakers are directed in one direction, listeners located from the rear are devoid of optimal sound. For modern portable speakers, 360-degree coverage should be standard. Despite this, the JBL Flip portable speakers are a great combination of versatility, mobility and convenience, presented in a very attractive way.