Bluetooth speakers offer a portable and convenient solution for listening to music or any other audio files without all the hassle of wires. You can take the dance party with you or listen to your favourite podcast on the go, all while travelling or spending time outdoors.
Bluetooth speakers can be categorized as either ultra-portable, such as the JBL Go, or semi-portable, like the Bose Soundlink Mini. Ultra-portable speakers can weigh as little at 0.2 kg, but often don’t have the volume or battery capacity of larger models. Semi-portable speakers can weigh as much as 6.5 kg and generally cost more than their more portable counterparts, but they usually offer more full-bodied sound.
Choosing the right Bluetooth speaker for you depends on your budget and how you plan to use it. Read on to find out how to compare Bluetooth speakers.
Compare top Bluetooth speakers
Data obtained October 2020. Prices are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
*The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products and are not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms ‘Best’ and ‘Top’ are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
How do Bluetooth speakers work?
Traditional speakers use a cable to link them back to an audio source such as a TV, computer or cell phone. Bluetooth speakers use Bluetooth technology to link the speaker to the audio source without requiring a physical cable.
Bluetooth uses radio waves to transmit across short distances, up to around 10 m. Signals are sent and received over this Bluetooth connection allowing you to download photos from your camera, connect your mobile to a hands-free headset or listen to music – all without connecting wires. Bluetooth is also frequently used to connect a computer to wireless devices like a keyboard, mouse, digital camera or cell phone.
Because there are no wires, Bluetooth speakers are designed to be portable. You can connect your speaker almost instantly to any Bluetooth-capable device, like your smartphone or computer, no matter where you are. Some Bluetooth speakers are specifically designed for enhanced portability and durability, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
What's the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi?
The main difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers is in how they access your audio content. Bluetooth speakers connect directly to the audio source, whereas Wi-Fi speakers connect to an internet network, which in turn connects to an audio source. You have to be connected to the internet in order to operate Wi-Fi speakers. While internet is not required to connect to a Bluetooth speaker, you have to be within a 10 m range of the speaker to connect to it.
You should also know that Wi-Fi allows multiple speakers to operate on the same network and broadcast the same or different audio files simultaneously. On the other hand, Bluetooth speakers can only receive one audio signal at a time. That’s partly why Wi-Fi speakers are typically installed in a house or unit and are not as portable as Bluetooth speakers.
Why should I consider Bluetooth speakers?
Bluetooth speakers are a convenient way to listen to high-quality audio. You can use your speakers at the beach, while camping and when travelling overseas or at home. Bluetooth speakers have taken over the role of traditional portable stereos. Where stereos required a CD or cassette tape, you only need a Bluetooth-capable device, like a smart phone, to connect to your speakers. Fortunately, just about any device that plays digital music is now Bluetooth capable.
Pros and cons of Bluetooth speakers
Pros
Portable
Convenient
Inexpensive
Durable
Cons
Smaller models sometimes have worse sound quality
Can have connectivity issues
Few surround sound options
Limited battery life
How to compare Bluetooth speakers
The best speaker for you comes down to how you want to use it. If you want a speaker you can take to the beach in the summer, look for something waterproof. If you want to listen to music on vacation, look for something with enhanced portability that you can fit easily into your carry-on. No matter what, you’ll want to look for a speaker that has long battery life, high-quality sound and fits within your budget.
Quick stats
Price range (CAD)
Weight (kg)
Volume capability (decibels)
Maximum battery life (hours)
Wireless range (metres)
From $20 to $1,000
From 0.2kg to 6.5kg
From 85 dB to 110+ dB
From 5 to 26+
From 9 m to 30+ m
Affordable Bluetooth speakers can cost as little as $20, while high-end speakers could set you back $1,000 or more. For most applications, you could find a good compromise between price and quality at around $80 to $120. Once you have determined your budget, you will want to consider size, sound quality, battery and durability.
Bluetooth speakers are generally either ultra-portable, which can be easily carried in a purse or by hand, or semi-portable. While ultra-portable speakers are easier to take out and about, opting for a smaller speaker can sometimes mean sacrificing sound quality, especially when the volume is turned all the way up.
Larger speakers often have clearer audio at higher volumes while smaller, more portable speakers can sound strained at their highest volumes. Look for a speaker with a volume capacity of at least 85 decibels.
When it comes to portability, long battery life is key. Bringing your speakers on a camping trip won’t be much use if the speaker battery only lasts a few hours. If you want to use your speakers in locations where charging won’t be easy, look for a speaker with a long battery life.
If you want to be able to bring your speaker anywhere, you should choose one that’s durable. Many Bluetooth speakers are splash-resistant and some are completely waterproof, allowing you to use them in the pool or at the beach without worrying about damaging them. Other speakers offer dust resistance or protective casing, making them perfect for camping. If you’re looking for a speaker to use at home, durability may not be as important.
Additional features to look for:
Speakerphone. Some speakers include built-in microphones so you can use the speaker as a hands-free device.
USB charging. Some speakers with larger batteries also give you the ability to charge other devices via a USB cable. So if your phone battery is running low from playing music all day, you can plug it into the speaker and use the extra battery to charge your phone.
Near field communication (NFC). NFC allows two Bluetooth devices to connect simply by being within a few centimetres of each other. If you have an NFC compatible device, consider buying a speaker with the same feature for added convenience.
Cable input. Even though Bluetooth devices are designed to be wireless, some include an audio cable port. This can be helpful if you want to connect your speaker to a device that is not Bluetooth capable, such as a desktop PC, or if the Bluetooth connection malfunctions.
Surround sound. Some Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect additional speakers to create surround sound. However, if you are primarily buying speakers to use at home for surround sound, you should consider using Wi-Fi multi-room speakers.
Summary
While it may seem like there are an overwhelming number of wireless Bluetooth speakers on the market, choosing the best one for you is simple if you ask yourself the following questions:
What is my budget?
Where do I want to use my speaker? How portable does it need to be?
Do I need a speaker that is durable? Able to connect with other speakers? Able to charge my phone?
Sarah Brandon is an editor at Finder. She has a degree in Psychology from New York University and loves learning about why people do what they do. Sarah has researched and written about a wide range of topics, from pool fences to private jets to personal loans. But no matter the subject, her number one priority is figuring out what information our readers need to make the best decisions.
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