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Bluetooth speaker what to choose

Bluetooth speakers have become hugely popular, becoming versatile devices for playing music in almost any place and situation – at home, while traveling, meeting friends or relaxing outdoors. The convenience of wireless audio streaming directly from a smartphone or tablet cannot be overestimated. However, the market offers such a wide range of models that choosing the perfect one can make you dizzy.

Getting Started: Determine Your Needs Before You Choose a Wireless Speaker

Before we dive into the technical aspects of Bluetooth speakers, it’s crucial to define your own needs and expectations. Answering a few basic questions will significantly facilitate the selection of the right model.

A portable speaker for home, for a party or on the go? The key question about destiny

The first and most important step is to determine the main purpose of the speaker. Where and how often we plan to use it determines which features will be prioritized.

• For home use: If the speaker is to be used mainly in four walls, you can consider larger models, which often offer better sound quality and more power. Mobility and battery life take a back seat, and some models can even be mains powered, eliminating the hassle of charging. Examples include speakers such as Marshall Acton or Stanmore, which are great as stationary audio systems.
• For the event: When organizing social gatherings, especially outdoors, you will need a speaker with enough power, capable of amplifying a larger space and providing dynamic sound with clear bass. Features such as PartyBoost (which allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers) may be useful, which is important in the context of the bluetooth speaker ranking. ) or True Wireless Stereo (TWS) to create a stereo system. It is also worth paying attention to splash resistance (e.g. IPX4 or higher), as it is not difficult to accidentally spill at parties.
• Whether you’re traveling or outdoors, a good speaker can be an invaluable companion, especially when it’s in your backpack. For active people, frequent travelers or spending time outdoors, compact dimensions, low weight and long battery life will be crucial. High resistance to weather conditions – dust, sand or water – will also be necessary.
• Universal: If you’re looking for a speaker that’s up to the task, you’ll need to compromise between sound quality, portability, durability, and a set of features.

The decision about the purpose is fundamental, because it affects the weight of the other selection criteria. As rightly noted, before you move on to analyzing the power, design or price, you should think about the purpose of the device. It acts as the first filter, narrowing down the field of search.

Bluetooth speaker mobility and size: Small speaker, big possibilities?

The size of a Bluetooth speaker has a direct impact not only on its mobility, but often also on the quality of the sound offered. Larger models typically have more room for advanced audio components, such as larger drivers or more extensive acoustic circuitry, which can result in richer, fuller sound and deeper bass. However, they are less handy and heavier.

There are speakers available on the market in various size categories:

• Pocket money: Ultraportable models that will fit in your pocket or small purse (e.g. JBL Go ). Perfect for individual listening or in a small group.
• Compact: Slightly larger, but still easy to carry, often offering a good compromise between size and sound quality (e.g. JBL Flip, Marshall Emberton II).
• Medium and larger portable: Providing more power and better sound, suitable for smaller events or outdoor use (e.g. JBL Charge, JBL Xtreme ).

Weight and ergonomics also play a significant role, especially when we plan to carry the speaker in our backpack. A lightweight speaker with a comfortable grip, shoulder strap or carabiner will be much easier to transport. There is a clear trend towards universal models that try to combine good sound quality with mobility and resistance. The popularity of models such as the JBL Charge or Flip confirms that consumers value versatility and are willing to pay for a product that works well in various scenarios.

Portable speaker budget: How much is it worth spending and what to expect?

The prices of Bluetooth speakers vary widely, from several dozen to even several thousand zlotys. The budget we have will largely determine what features and what quality we can expect.

• Up to PLN 100-200: In this category, you will find basic models, often offering mono sound, with low power and relatively short battery life. They may be sufficient for occasional music or podcast listening.
• £200-500: In this price range, you can find a good speaker, which is often found in bluetooth speaker rankings. In this price range, you can already count on much better sound quality, often stereo, longer battery life and basic water resistance (e.g. IPX4-IPX7). An example is the JBL Flip 6, offered at a price of about PLN 439.
• Over PLN 500: This is a segment where we can find speakers from renowned brands, offering advanced features, high sound quality, solid workmanship with better materials and high resistance standards, making them the best wireless speaker in their range. IP67). An example is the JBL Charge 5, available for about PLN 539, or the Bose SoundLink Flex models.

Keep in mind that the price often goes hand in hand with sound quality, durability, and available features. However, it is worth carefully analyzing the offers and looking for models that offer the best value for money in a given budget.

The Heart of the Bluetooth Speaker: All About Sound Quality

For many users, sound quality is the most important criterion when choosing a Bluetooth speaker. The final sound is influenced by many factors, from power, through frequency response, to the type and configuration of the drivers used and the supported audio codecs.

Bluetooth Speaker Power (RMS): What Does It Mean and How Does It Affect Volume?

The power of a speaker, expressed in watts (W), is one of the basic parameters that determine its capabilities. The key value to look out for is RMS (Root Mean Square) power. It means the rated power, i.e. the power that the loudspeaker can safely accept and process continuously, without the risk of damage. This is a much more reliable indicator than the peak power (PMPO), which is often quoted for marketing purposes, which refers to instantaneous values.

Generally, the higher the RMS power, the louder the speaker is able to generate potentially louder sound. For example, for everyday home use, models with a power of 6-10 W may be sufficient, while for larger outdoor events, it is worth considering speakers with a power of 20-30 W or more. Many popular portable models have a power range of 10-40 W.

However, it is worth remembering that RMS power alone is not the only determinant of volume. Equally important is the efficiency (efficiency) of the loudspeaker, expressed in decibels (dB SPL), which informs what sound pressure (volume) the loudspeaker will generate when it is given 1 W of power at a distance of 1 meter. Unfortunately, this parameter is less often given in the specifications of popular portable speakers. Marketing often focuses on power, while the configuration of the drivers and the presence of passive radiators can have an equally large, if not greater, impact on the perception of sound quality, especially bass reproduction in small devices. As users note, you cannot expect strong and clear bass from very small speakers, regardless of the claimed power, which is often emphasized in speaker rankings.

Bluetooth speaker frequency response: The key to full sound

Frequency response, or frequency response, is the range of sound frequencies that a speaker is able to process and reproduce. It is usually given in hertz (Hz), e.g. from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The wider the frequency response, the better the sound quality potentially, as the speaker is able to reproduce both the bass (bass) and the treble (treble) more faithfully.

The human ear theoretically hears sounds in the range of about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), so audio equipment manufacturers aim to ensure that their devices cover as much of this spectrum as possible. Especially the reproduction of the lowest frequencies (deep bass) is a challenge for small portable speakers, as it depends largely on the size of the cabinet and the woofers used.

When analyzing the frequency response, it is also worth paying attention to the given tolerance, e.g. which is important in the context of the speaker ranking. +/- 3 dB. This means that in a given frequency range, the volume of individual tones can deviate from the perfectly flat response by up or down by up or down by up or up to 3 decibels. The tighter the tolerance, the more even the sound.

Drivers in a Bluetooth speaker: What’s inside?

Electro-acoustic drivers are the heart of every speaker – they convert the electrical signal into a sound wave. The following types and configurations of drivers are most commonly found in Bluetooth speakers, which can affect how the bluetooth speaker is chosen.

• Transducer types:
  • Full-range: These are single drivers designed to reproduce the widest possible frequency range. They are a common choice in smaller, more compact Bluetooth speakers.
  • Woofers: They specialize in the reproduction of low frequencies, i.e. bass. Their presence is crucial for obtaining a deep and dynamic low.
  • Tweeters: They are responsible for reproducing high frequencies (treble), ensuring clarity and detail of the sound in the upper registers.
  • The dominant type of transducer in consumer speakers, including Bluetooth, are dynamic (electrodynamic) transducers. Their design is based on a diaphragm connected to a coil that moves in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet, generating sound. Other technologies, such as planar or armature drivers, are much less common in popular portable speakers.
• Transducer configurations:
  • Mono speakers: Equipped with one audio channel and often one full-range driver. Found in the smallest and cheapest models, which often rank high in speaker rankings. The sound is less spatial.
  • Stereo speakers: They have two independent audio channels (left and right), which allows for a more spacious and natural sound. Many stereo models use two full-range drivers.
  • Multi-way systems: More advanced designs that use a combination of different types of drivers, e.g. separate woofers for bass and tweeters for treble (e.g. 2.0, 2.1 system – with an additional subwoofer, or 2.2). This division of the band allows for better specialization of the drivers and cleaner reproduction of individual frequency ranges. Examples include the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus with two woofers and two tweeters, or the KrugerMatz JOY 2 with two midrange drivers and one tweeter.

Passive radiators (passive radiators): The secret to deep bass in small speakers

Many compact Bluetooth speakers, which are difficult to fit a large woofer in, use technology, which affects their position in the bluetooth speaker ranking. passive radiators (also known as passive or passive radiators). These are additional diaphragms that are not directly connected to the amplifier (they do not have their own coil and magnet). They move under the influence of sound pressure generated inside the enclosure by an active transducer (usually full-range or low-frequency). The movement of the passive radiator enhances the reproduction of low frequencies, allowing for deeper and more perceptible bass than would be possible with an active driver alone in such a small package. This solution is very popular and effective. Examples of speakers with passive radiators are the Denon Envaya Mini, Sony SRS-XB33L , Marshall Emberton II or Teufel Rockster Go 2.

Bluetooth audio codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC): How do they affect sound quality?

When transmitting audio wirelessly via Bluetooth, the audio signal must be compressed by the transmitting device (e.g. a good speaker), which can affect the sound quality. smartphone) and decompressed by the receiving device (speaker). Audio codecs are responsible for this process. The type of codec you support has a significant impact on the quality of the audio you stream.

• SBC (Subband Codec): This codec is often used in bluetooth speakers that can be included in speaker rankings. This is a basic, mandatory codec that must be supported by all Bluetooth Audio devices. It is the most compatible, but offers the lowest audio quality due to its relatively high, lossy compression.
• AAC (Advanced Audio Coding): This is an audio format that provides better sound quality, which is relevant in the context of speaker ranking. It offers better sound quality than SBC at a similar bitrate. It is a standard codec used by Apple devices (iPhone, iPad), where it works very effectively. On the Android platform, its implementation and performance may vary depending on the device manufacturer.
• aptX: A family of codecs developed by Qualcomm, popular in Android devices.
  • aptX: It delivers sound quality close to CD, noticeably better than SBC. A typical bitrate is around 352 kbps.
  • aptX HD: It can transmit 24-bit audio for even higher fidelity and detail.
  • aptX Adaptive: An intelligent codec that dynamically adjusts bitrates to broadcast conditions and audio content. It can provide high-quality audio with a stable connection, or lower latency (important for games and movies, for example) when conditions are worse.
• LDAC: A codec developed by Sony that allows audio to be transmitted at a bit rate of up to 990 kbps, which brings it closer to Hi-Res Audio (lossless) quality. It offers three operating modes (330 kbps, 660 kbps, 990 kbps), the highest of which requires a very stable Bluetooth connection.
• LHDC/LLAC: Alternative codecs, also striving to provide high quality audio (LHDC up to 900 kbps) and low latency (LLAC).

The key issue is compatibility: in order to take advantage of the benefits of a codec, both the transmitting device (e.g. a phone) and the receiver (Bluetooth speaker) must support it. If the speaker only supports SBC, then even if the phone supports aptX HD or LDAC, the transmission will take place using the SBC codec. Unfortunately, while the availability of advanced codecs in smartphones is increasing, many cheaper Bluetooth speakers still only support basic SBC and possibly AAC. This means that the potential for better sound quality offered by your phone may not be fully exploited. Therefore, it is worth checking the specifications of both devices.

Comparison of common Bluetooth audio codecs:

Codec	Maximum Theoretical Bitrate	Audio Quality (descriptive)	Typical Latency	The main advantages/disadvantages of bluetooth speakers can be found in many speaker rankings.	Popularity/Support
SBC	~320 kbps	Basic, acceptable	High	+ Universal compatibility – Lowest quality, noticeable compression	All Bluetooth Audio Devices
AAC	~250-320 kbps	Better than SBC, good (especially on Apple devices)	Medium-High	+ Good quality on iOS – Quality on Android can be variable, higher power consumption	Popular, standard at Apple, widely available on Android
aptX	~352 kbps	CD-like quality	Average	+ Better quality than SBC/AAC – Requires support from both devices	Popular on Android devices
aptX HD	~576 kbps	High quality, 24-bit audio support	Average	+ Very good sound quality – Requires support from both devices, higher power consumption	Less popular than standard aptX, in more expensive devices
aptX Adaptive	Variable (up to ~420 kbps)	Good to high, dynamically adjustable	Low-mid frequency response is crucial for stereo sound, which is often sought after in speaker rankings.	+ Adaptive bitrate, low latency – Requires support from both devices	Increasingly popular, especially in TWS headphones
LDAC	Up to 990 kbps (330/660/990 modes)	Very high, close Hi-Res Audio (at 990 kbps)	Medium-High	+ Highest potential quality – Requires support for both devices, 990kbps mode sensitive to interference	Mainly Sony devices, but more and more often from other manufacturers
LHDC/LLAC	Up to 900 kbps (LHDC)	High, Close Hi-Res Audio / Low Latency (LLAC)	Low-Medium	+ High quality or low latency – Requires support from both devices	Less popular, mainly in some Asian devices

Bitrate and latency data are approximate and may vary depending on implementation and conditions.

Connectivity without borders: How does your Bluetooth speaker communicate with the world?

Bluetooth technology is the basis of wireless speakers, but it is worth paying attention to its version and additional connectivity options, which can significantly affect the comfort of use.

Bluetooth versions (5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3): What new do they bring and is it worth paying attention to?

The Bluetooth standard is constantly being developed, and its subsequent versions introduce improvements in terms of range, data transfer speed, energy efficiency and connection stability.

• Bluetooth 5.0: It has made significant improvements compared to older versions, offering greater coverage and double data transfer speeds. Many speakers available on the market still use this stable and proven version.
• Bluetooth 5.1: The main novelty was the addition of the Angle of Arrival/Angle of Departure function, which is less important in the context of speakers, but this version may offer general improvements in connection stability. An example of a speaker with BT 5.1 is the JBL Charge 5.
• Bluetooth 5.2: It brought significant changes in the field of audio, introducing the LE Audio standard and a new, more effective LC3 codec. LE Audio is designed for lower power consumption and better sound quality at lower bitrates, as well as improved support for devices such as hearing aids.
• Bluetooth 5.3: It focuses on further improvements in power management, which translates into longer battery life, increased connection security, better stability, and potentially lower latency. An example of a speaker with this version is the Creative MUVO Go.

Is it worth paying attention to the Bluetooth version? Newer versions do not automatically guarantee better sound quality by themselves – the key here is the supported audio codecs. However, newer Bluetooth standards may offer more bandwidth necessary for advanced codecs, a more stable connection, a longer range (up to 10 meters by default, but it can be more in ideal conditions), and better energy efficiency. If you plan to use the latest codecs or want maximum stability and range, you should consider a speaker with a newer version of Bluetooth.

Pairing Ways: Not Only Bluetooth – NFC, Wi-Fi, AirPlay

While Bluetooth is the dominant standard, some speakers offer alternative pairing and connection methods:

• Bluetooth: The most popular and easiest way to pair, available on virtually every smartphone, tablet and laptop.
• NFC (Near Field Communication): Allows instant pairing by bringing your compatible smartphone close to the speaker. This is a very convenient solution, eliminating the need to manually search for devices. Some models of the W-KING brand offer this feature.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi enabled speakers use your home local network, which provides much greater range than Bluetooth and potentially higher sound quality (less compression). Often found in multiroom systems, allowing music to be played in multiple rooms at the same time. An example is Marshall Uxbridge.
• Airplay: A technology developed by Apple that enables wireless audio (and video) streaming between Apple devices. AirPlay-enabled speakers, like the Marshall Uxbridge , are a good choice for users of the Apple ecosystem.

True Wireless Stereo (TWS) & Party Mode: Multi-speaker audio

Functions that allow you to connect multiple speakers together are becoming more and more popular:

• TWS (True Wireless Stereo): This technology allows two identical Bluetooth speakers to be wirelessly combined into a single stereo system. One speaker then plays the left audio channel and the other the right channel, resulting in a much fuller, more spacious and immersive audio experience compared to a single speaker, which is crucial for stereo sound. TWS pairing can be done in two ways: the phone connects to one speaker (master), which then transmits the signal to the other (slave), or the phone connects directly to both speakers at the same time, separating the channels on its own.
• Party Mode / PartyBoost / PartyCast / Auracast / Stereo Link etc.: These (and other) marketing names hide technologies that allow you to combine many speakers (sometimes even dozens, not necessarily identical models of the same brand) in order to play the same music at the same time. The main goal here is to increase the volume and range of the sound, e.g. at a large party. An example is the PartyBoost feature on JBL speakers.

It is worth noting that the naming of the multi-speaker connection function is inconsistent between manufacturers, which can mislead consumers. You should carefully check whether a given function (e.g. “Party”) offers true stereo (like TWS) or only multiplication of the same signal (mono or summed stereo) on all connected speakers.

Multipoint (Multi-Host): Connect multiple devices at the same time

The Multipoint Bluetooth (or Multi-Host Pairing) feature allows you to pair the speaker with two (or sometimes more) source devices at the same time, e.g. a smartphone and a laptop. This is extremely convenient for people who often switch between different audio sources. For example, you can listen to music from your laptop and when you receive a call on your phone, the speaker will automatically switch to the call. This function is available in the m.in. JBL Charge 5.

Additional connectors: AUX, USB, microSD card reader – when do they come in handy?

Even though Bluetooth speakers are wireless by nature, many models come with additional connectors that add to their versatility:

• The AUX input (3.5mm jack) is useful, but it’s also worth considering the wireless option if you want to choose the best wireless speaker. It allows you to connect virtually any device with a headphone output, such as older MP3 players, computers or TVs, by wired. This is a useful option when Bluetooth is not available, you want to save battery life on your source device, or in some cases get potentially slightly better sound quality (no Bluetooth compression).
• USB Port: It can perform several functions:
  • Playing music from USB flash drives.
  • Charging the speaker itself (increasingly via the USB-C port).
  • Power bank function (charging other devices).
  • Service port for software updates.
• MicroSD card reader: It allows you to play music stored directly on a microSD memory card, without the need to involve a smartphone or other source device. This makes the speaker more autonomous, which is useful, for example, when the phone has a low battery or when we want the speaker to work completely independently.

The presence of the AUX connector is still appreciated by many users as a backup option or to connect devices without Bluetooth. Similarly, the microSD card slot increases the speaker’s independence from other devices.

All-Weather Bluetooth Speaker: Durability and Durability

If a Bluetooth speaker is to accompany us in various conditions, especially outdoors, its resistance to weather conditions and the solidity of the structure become crucial.

IP standards (IPX5, IPX7, IP67, IP68): What do they mean and which speaker should you choose for the beach or pool?

The degree of protection of the device housing against the ingress of solid objects (e.g. dust) and water is determined by the international IP standard (International Protection Rating or Ingress Protection Rating). The IP code consists of two numbers (or the letter X if the parameter is not tested):

• First digit (0-6): Determines the level of protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solids. The higher the number, the better the protection. Level 5 means dustproof (limited dust ingress does not interfere with work) and level 6 means complete dustproof.
• Second digit (0-9): Determines the level of protection against water ingress. The higher the number, the better the protection.

The most common IP standards found in Bluetooth speakers are:

• IPX5: Protection against water jets (up to 12.5 l/min) poured onto the enclosure from any direction. Enough for rain or accidental splashes.
• IPX6: Protection against strong water jets (up to 100 l/min) poured onto the housing from any direction.
• IPX7: Protection against the effects of short-term immersion in water (up to 1 meter deep, for up to 30 minutes). Many popular models, e.g. from JBL, which often appear in bluetooth speaker rankings. or Soundcore, has this standard.
• IP67: It means completely dustproof (first digit 6) and protection against the effects of short-term immersion in water as in IPX7 (second digit 7). This is a very good standard for speakers used on the beach (protection from sand and water) or by the pool. It is available in JBL Charge 5, Flip 6, Go 4, Sony ULT Field 1, Bose SoundLink Flex, m.in.
• IP68: It means complete dustproof and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water. Submersion conditions (depth and time) are usually specified by the manufacturer and are more difficult than for IP67.

For the beach, where the speaker is exposed to sand and water, or to the pool, it is best to choose a model with IP67 or IP68 certification. For less extreme applications where there is a risk of rain or splashes, IPX5 or IPX6 may be sufficient. However, it is worth remembering that a high standard of resistance to immersion (e.g. IP68) does not always mean resistance to strong water jets, e.g. high-pressure washing. This is what the IPX9 standard is for, rarely found in consumer speakers.

IP Immunity Standards:

IP Rating	Protection against Solid Objects (First Digit)	Protection against water ingress (Second Digit)	Example of speaker application
IPX4	X (no data/test) – It is worth paying attention to the ranking of the speakers to avoid models without test data.	4 (protected against splashing water from any direction)	Light rain, use in kitchen/bathroom away from direct water jets
IPX5	X (no data/test)	5 (protected against 12.5 l/min water jets from any direction)	Rain, splashes by the pool, possibility of washing under a light stream of water
IPX6	X (no data/test)	6 (protected against strong water jets of 100 l/min from any direction)	Heavy rain, heavy splashes, possibility of rinsing with a stronger stream of water
IPX7	X (no data/test)	7 (protected against the effects of immersion in water up to 1m for 30 minutes)	Accidentally falling into the bathtub/pool, use in very humid conditions
IP67	6 (total protection against dust ingress)	7 (protected against the effects of immersion in water up to 1m for 30 minutes)	Use on the beach (sand), in dusty environments, submersion resistance
IP68	6 (total protection against dust ingress)	8 (protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water, conditions specified by prod.)	Prolonged immersion (according to manufacturer’s specifications), extreme water and dust conditions

Materials and construction: Design, durability and ecology of the Bluetooth speaker

In addition to IP standards, the durability of the speaker is also affected by the materials used and the overall robustness of the structure.

• Cabinet materials affect durability and sound quality, which is an important criterion in speaker rankings.
  • Plastics (plastic): Most commonly used due to their low cost and ease of forming. The quality of plastic can vary; some are very durable.
  • Rubber/Silicone: Often used as protective elements on the edges or the entire housing, improving grip, absorbing falls and increasing impact resistance. An example is the rubberized housing of the Teufel Rockster Go 2.
  • Metal (e.g. aluminum): Used in high-end models for a sleek look, increased durability and better heat dissipation. Often used for the production of speaker grilles.
  • Wood: Found in some speakers with a more classic design or ecological models. Wood can have a positive effect on acoustic properties, giving the sound a warmer character.
  • Fabric: Durable fabrics are often used to cover grilles, giving speakers an aesthetically pleasing and modern look.
• Design: The appearance of the speaker is becoming an increasingly important selection criterion. Manufacturers offer a wide range of styles – from minimalist and modern, through industrial, to classic (e.g. the characteristic design of Marshall speakers) or more youthful, with vivid colors and original shapes.
• Endurance: Some speakers, in addition to IP certification, are designed for increased resistance to shocks, drops or extreme temperatures. Such “armored” models (e.g. some W-KING or Kodak speakers) are ideal for people with an active lifestyle.
• Ecology: More and more manufacturers are paying attention to ecological aspects, using recycled or easily recyclable materials. An example is the Marshall Emberton II, whose construction consists of 50% recycled plastic.

The importance of design and aesthetics is growing – Bluetooth speakers are becoming not only functional devices, but also a part of lifestyle and interior design. At the same time, there is a positive trend towards the use of more sustainable materials.

Power for Long Hours: Battery and Power in Bluetooth Speakers

For portable speakers, the key parameter is battery life and the way it is charged.

Battery life: How long will your Bluetooth speaker play?

The battery life is one of the most important factors in determining the mobility of a speaker. Manufacturers usually give it in hours and it can range from a few (e.g. 5 hours ) to even several dozen hours (e.g. 12h, 20h, and even 40h in the case of some models ).

Specifications often refer to the battery capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh). However, it should be remembered that the mAh value itself is not the only determinant of the operating time. Equally important is the overall energy efficiency of the speaker components, including the Bluetooth module and amplifier used.

An important factor affecting the operating time is the volume level – the louder we listen to music, the faster the battery will drain. Manufacturers usually provide operating time at a moderate volume level. The actual working time may therefore differ from the declarations, which is confirmed by independent tests. Additional features such as LED backlighting and power bank mode also reduce battery life. The typical life of a lithium-ion battery is about 300-500 full charge cycles, after which its capacity begins to gradually decrease.

Bluetooth speaker charging: USB-C port and charging time

The method and speed of charging the battery are other practical aspects that can affect which wireless speaker to choose.

• Charging Port:
  • Micro USB: An older standard, still found in cheaper or older speaker models.
  • USB-C: A newer, increasingly common standard, offering greater convenience (reversible plug) and potentially faster charging if the speaker and charger support the appropriate technologies (e.g. USB Power Delivery). USB-C is becoming the norm, which is beneficial for users with other devices with this port (one cable for multiple devices).
• Charging Time: It can range from about 2.5 hours to as long as 6 hours or more, depending on the battery capacity and the power of the charger.
• Fast Charging: Some models offer a fast charging function that allows you to get several hours of operation after a short time connected to the power supply (e.g. Marshall Emberton II – 20 minutes of charging gives you 4 hours of playback).

It is worth noting that the mere presence of a USB-C port does not guarantee fast charging. This depends on the speaker manufacturer’s implementation of standards such as USB Power Delivery (PD), which may affect the operating time, such as 12 hours. The specifications often only specify the basic charging parameters (e.g. “5V/1A” ), which means the standard speed.

Power bank function on Bluetooth speaker: Charge your phone when you need it

Some Bluetooth speakers, especially those with larger batteries, can be used as a power bank, allowing you to charge other mobile devices (e.g. smartphone, headphones) via the built-in USB port. This is especially useful when traveling, at the beach or at outdoor events, when access to a power outlet is limited and the wireless speaker can last up to 20 hours. However, it should be remembered that using the power bank function reduces the battery life of the speaker itself.

Additional Bluetooth speaker features you might be interested in

In addition to the basic parameters, manufacturers equip Bluetooth speakers with a number of additional features that can increase their attractiveness and versatility.

Built-in microphone: Phone calls and voice assistant through speaker

Many Bluetooth speakers have a built-in microphone that allows you to:

• Hands-free phone calls: When paired with a phone, the speaker can be used as a hands-free kit, which is convenient, for example, when working or cooking.
• Voice assistant support: The built-in microphone allows you to communicate with voice assistants (such as Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa) installed on the connected smartphone. Some more advanced speakers, like the Marshall Uxbridge, even have Google Assistant built-in, allowing you to do voice control without your phone.

However, the quality of the built-in microphones can vary greatly. While the speakerphone feature is often advertised, its practical usefulness may be limited in noisy environments or with poor quality of the microphone itself, which can affect the ranking of the speakers. If calling is a priority, it’s a good idea to look for models with advanced microphone systems, such as noise cancellation or far-field microphones.

FM radio with Bluetooth speaker: A classic with a modern twist

For lovers of traditional radio, some Bluetooth speakers offer a built-in FM tuner. This allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations without the need for a smartphone and data transfer. This is useful when we want to save the battery of the phone or we are in a place without access to the Internet.

LED Backlighting & Light Effects: Bluetooth Speaker for Party

To add atmosphere to social gatherings, some speakers are equipped with LED backlight systems. These can be single-color LEDs, multi-color RGB panels, and even lighting effects synchronized with the rhythm of the music being played. Such “party” features are sure to liven up any fun, making them attractive in speaker rankings.

Control and operation: Buttons on the housing or mobile app?

The way the speaker is controlled is another aspect that affects the convenience of use.

• Buttons on the housing: Most speakers have physical buttons for basic operation, such as on/off, volume control, play/pause, Bluetooth pairing, and sometimes also changing songs or answering phone calls.
• Mobile Applications: Increasingly, manufacturers offer dedicated mobile apps for smartphones (e.g., Sony Music Center is an app that can help you manage your speakers, which are often included in speaker rankings, LG XBOOM), that expand the speaker’s control and personalization options. With the help of the application, you can m.in:
  • Update the speaker’s firmware.
  • Use the Advanced Graphic EQ to adjust the sound.
  • Configure TWS or Party Mode.
  • Control LED lighting effects.
  • Access integrated streaming services.

“Smart” features such as voice assistant support and advanced mobile apps are becoming an increasingly important differentiator for more expensive speaker models. They add utility value, but also increase the complexity and price of the product.

Mobile Apps & EQ: Tailor the sound to your preference

The ability to adjust the sound characteristics to your preferences or the type of music you listen to is highly appreciated by users. Many speakers, especially those with dedicated mobile apps, offer a graphic equalizer (EQ) function. The equalizer allows you to manually adjust the gain of individual frequency bands (e.g. bass, midrange, treble) or choose from predefined settings (e.g. Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical).

How to choose the perfect Bluetooth speaker – key tips

Choosing the perfect Bluetooth speaker is a process that requires you to consider many factors. There is no one universal model that will satisfy every user. The key to a satisfactory purchase is to consciously define your own priorities and needs.

To sum up, the most important criteria to pay attention to are:

1. Destiny: Where and how often will you use the speaker?
2. Sound Quality: Pay attention to the RMS power, frequency response, type and configuration of drivers (including the presence of passive radiators), and supported audio codecs.
3. Connectivity: Check the Bluetooth version, the available alternative pairing methods (NFC, Wi-Fi), TWS or Party Mode functions and the presence of additional connectors (AUX, USB, microSD).
4. Resistance and durability: If you plan to use the speaker outdoors, choose a model with the appropriate IP standard (e.g. IP67 for the beach) and a robust design.
5. Battery and Power: Evaluate the declared operating time, battery capacity, charging method and time, and the possible function of the power bank.
6. Additional features: Consider whether you will find the built-in microphone, FM radio, LED backlight or advanced control via a mobile app with EQ useful.
7. Budget: Determine how much you want to spend and look for the best value for money in a given range.

It’s always a good idea to read the technical specifications carefully and, if possible, listen to several models in person before making a final decision. Reviews and opinions of other users available on the Internet can also be valuable. Remember, a well-chosen Bluetooth speaker can become an indispensable companion, delivering your favorite music wherever you go.