The Bluetooth Speaker Revolution

 What exactly is a Bluetooth Speaker?

A Bluetooth speaker is a device that uses Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to other devices and play audio through its built-in speakers. These speakers are usually designed in a portable form factor and can be easily carried from one place to another, making them convenient for listening to music or other audio on the go with excellent sound quality. They are often used in conjunction with smartphones, laptops, and other devices that have Bluetooth capabilities.

What is the range on Bluetooth Speakers?

      The range of a Bluetooth speaker varies depending on the specific model and its design. Typically, Bluetooth has a range of around 30 feet in open space, but this can be affected by obstacles such as walls and other objects. More expensive speakers may use newer Bluetooth technology like Bluetooth 5.1, which will have a longer range of up to several hundred feet or more. In most cases, the wireless Bluetooth range of a speaker will be sufficient for use within a single room or outdoor area but may not be suitable for larger spaces or for use over longer distances.

How long do Bluetooth Speakers Last?

These speakers typically give you a lifespan of around five to seven years if maintained properly. Since Bluetooth models are portable speakers, you may find that they can get damaged easier or wear out faster, but if you store them in a carrying case, you can minimize this risk. You’ll also need to consider battery life. Most rechargeable batteries give you 300 to 500 charge cycles before they need to be replaced.

Best Bluetooth Speakers 2023

#1. JBL Charge 4

Channels: Mono | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: 3.5mm/USB | Digital Assistant: None | Waterproof: IPX7

Pros

+ Powerful, distortion-free sound

+ Rugged and durable

+ Long battery life

Cons

- No speakerphone functionality

- Can't be wall-mounted

JBL’s Charge 4 is a well-rounded Bluetooth speaker that checks all the right boxes: room-filling sound with lots of bass, rugged durability, long battery life, and a price that offers solid value considering everything packed into this little device. 

With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the Charge 4 can stay underwater for 30 minutes at a 1-meter depth. It even floats, so you can easily retrieve it if it does end up going for a swim. The single, full range “racetrack” speaker puts out the clean and crisp sound across all genres that JBL is famous for, and you can crank it up to maximum volume without worrying about distortion.

The battery delivers up to 20 hours on a single charge—assuming you keep the listening levels reasonable—and you can use some of that capacity to charge up your smartphone via the USB port around the back. The Charge 4 is also compatible with JBL’s Connect+ ecosystem, so you can sync it to play alongside as many as 100 other JBL Connect+ compatible speakers for the ultimate party experience. 

#2. JBL Flip 5

Channels: Mono | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: USB-C | Digital Assistant: None | Waterproof: IPX7

Pros

+ Excellent sound quality

+ Fast USB-C charging

+ Fun, colourful designs

Cons

- Slightly heavy

- A little pricey

- Battery life could be longer

Don't let the small size of JBL's Flip 5 fool you; this speaker makes no compromises on sound quality, and it gets surprisingly loud, too. It's a speaker that punches above its weight class to deliver clean and balanced sound for just about any style of music. 

JBL accomplishes this quality with a unique 44-millimeter driver (the part that delivers sound) that puts out crisp and nuanced rather than overwhelming sound and just the right number of bass for a speaker in its class. The PartyBoost feature allows you to link up another JBL Flip 5 to get real stereo separation, taking its impressive sound quality to a new level.

The IPX7 waterproof rating also means you can take it to the pool or the beach with no worries, and the internal battery keeps you going for up to 12 hours on a single charge. 

#3. Sonos Roam

Battery Life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5 | Physical Connection: USB-C | Weight: 0.95 pounds (0.43kg) | NFC: YES

Pros

+ Powerful audio performance

+ Tough & very portable design

Cons

- Not the longest battery life

- Bass is heavier than some might like

The Sonos Roam is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker, with a powerful sound, rugged design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control. 

A bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, because during our testing we found its powerful enough to cut through wind noise. Meanwhile, a clever Automatic Switching feature means it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors. These flashy features would be pointless if the Sonos Roam didn’t sound great – but we’re happy to report that, despite its small stature, the Roam delivers a powerful sonic performance, with remarkably prominent bass, even if it does lack the rhythmic accuracy, you'd expect from an audiophile speaker.

The Sonos Roam comes with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which means it can work as a portable speaker as well as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system – and with Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi), it doubles up a smart speaker too. 

#4. Tribit Stormbox Blast

Battery Life: 30 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth   | Physical Connection: USB-C | Weight: 12 pounds (5.45kg) | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes

Pros

+ Meaty, room-filling, talented sound

+ Simple & easy to use control panel

+ USB-C charging of your other devices

Cons

- Lacks mics for speakerphone duties

- No dustproof rating

The Tribit Stormbox Blast is an unusual speaker and there are a few things you need to know before you consider it: it's quite heavy and you can't turn those lights off completely – although you can make it, so they only pop up when you're switching the volume levels. 

Honestly, it's not the subtlest looking device we've tested. But that's where the criticism ends. The Stormbox Blast is the biggest and most powerful Bluetooth speaker in Tribit's ever-growing arsenal of portable speakers, and it sounds every inch as detailed – even at higher volumes – as models from better-known audio specialists at three times the price. 

Want a shy, retiring sound so as not to irritate your neighbours? Look elsewhere, and it's important to note that during our tests, we found the difference of two to three volume increments was enough to go from too quiet to too loud indoors if you want quiet background playlists. But Tribit has made no secret of wanting to bring the party to both your ears and your body, and it has emphatically delivered. This thing can go loud and still sound good when it does. If you're worried whether one speaker will be enough for the garden party, it will here – and for this money, it represents unbeatable sound-per-pound value.

#5. Sonos Move

Battery Life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth   | Physical Connection: USB-C | Weight: 6.61 pounds (3kg) | NFC: No | Aux-in: No

Pros

+ Great sound for on the go music

+ Work on Wi-Fi as regular Sonos speaker, over Bluetooth

Cons

- Not as feature rich when using Bluetooth

- Not actually very portable

Here’s the thing about the Sonos Move – it’s so good, you might want to consider it not only as your on-the-go party station, but also as your main at-home wireless speaker too. The Sonos Move introduces a harmonious synergy between two connectivity titans: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Seamlessly connecting to your home network through Wi-Fi, the Move offers access to an expansive universe of streaming services, allowing you to curate the soundtrack to your life. At a moment's notice, the speaker effortlessly shifts gears, connecting via Bluetooth to accompany you on outdoor adventures, picnics, and social gatherings, ensuring your music is always within arm's reach.

We put the Sonos Move through its paces with a range of songs, musical styles, and in a variety of different locations. What's always clear is that the Sonos Move manages what few other Bluetooth speakers can – tight and punchy bass, shimmering highs and a vocal that cut through it all with direct clarity. 

We also like the Sonos app's EQ options, allowing you to dial up and down treble and bass settings. Dialing up the bass in the EQ convincingly gives treble-heavy tracks a little more warmth than their neutral recorded sound offers, if like that kind of balance.

The Portable Sound Machine

In a world where music has the power to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions, the Bluetooth speaker stands as a modern marvel, harmoniously blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless art of sound. As we've explored the evolution of Bluetooth speakers, it's evident that they have become far more than just audio devices which is they are portals to our musical aspirations and companions in our daily lives.

From the early days of basic connectivity to the sophisticated systems we enjoy today, Bluetooth speakers have undergone a remarkable transformation. Their compact and portable designs belie their ability to deliver immersive and high-quality sound experiences, whether we're at home, on a hiking trail, or hosting a gathering. With seamless wireless connectivity, they effortlessly bridge the gap between our digital libraries and the world around us.

But it's not just about convenience. Bluetooth speakers have become an embodiment of personal expression and style, with designs that range from sleek and minimalist to bold and vibrant, matching the diverse tastes of their users. Moreover, the integration of intelligent features like voice assistants, touch controls, and interactive apps has elevated the Bluetooth speaker to a smart companion that effortlessly complements our modern lifestyles.

#Bluetooth Speakers FAQs

How do you play FM radio through Bluetooth speakers?

First, you’ll need to make sure you have a device capable of playing FM radio to connect to your Bluetooth speaker. Some speakers have this functionality already built-in, but they are few and far between. Once connected to a device with FM radio, simply turn on the radio functionality on that source device and enjoy your favourite radio stations through your speaker.

What’s the difference between Bluetooth 4 and 5?

Bluetooth 4, also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), was introduced in 2011 and was designed to provide a low-power, wireless connection for devices that need to operate for extended periods of time on a small battery. Bluetooth 5, on the other hand, was introduced in 2016 and is designed to provide a faster, more reliable, and more power-efficient connection than Bluetooth 4.

How do Bluetooth speakers stay waterproof?

The most common way that Bluetooth speakers are made waterproof is using water-resistant materials and seals to cover the speakers and other openings on the speaker to prevent water from entering. Additionally, seals and gaskets can be used to create a tight, watertight barrier around the speaker’s ports and other openings. Some Bluetooth speakers are also designed with waterproofing features such as waterproof coating or water-resistant components, which can further protect the speaker from water damage.