Portable speakers are one of the trendiest 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 while each music lover has their own needs and financial possibilities, today acoustics are produced with different feature sets in a wide variety of configurations and prices.
First of all, the user must decide which portable column he needs. It is necessary to understand for yourself the purpose of its use, the budget, the list of desirable parameters and functionality. Below are the main criteria for choosing the best portable speakers.
Size
This is the most important factor in measuring speaker portability. To select the desired device size, the user must decide where he will use it. The sound quality also depends on this parameter, since a larger speaker comes with a larger driver with higher power output. If you need a portableacoustics for indoor use and only occasionally for parties, then small to medium sizes, like the JBL Charge 2 or Sony SRSX55 / BLK, will do. These speakers are easy to carry and can be used anywhere. Their sound quality is good enough for a small indoor or outdoor party. On the other hand, if you're looking for a powerful, large portable speaker with a rechargeable battery, the Ion Audio Block Party Live is a good choice.
Connection options
Most portable speakers these days 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 10m, such as Parikaras or Mpow. This distance is sufficient for using the speakers indoors. If you need more wireless range for outdoor use, the eHub Portable 20W waterproof electronic hub or UE BOOM speaker may be useful. The first one has a 20-meter range, while the second one 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 at 30 m fromsource.
Power supplies and battery life
Although most portable speakers come with a built-in battery, some larger speakers require mains power (eg Sony GTKXB7BC). Such devices are suitable for home entertainment or indoor parties 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 acoustics. You should choose a device that can cover a room of 10 square meters. m. Models with a power of 10-20 W are ideal for indoor and small parties. As a rule, speakers with passive radiators and Hi-Fi amplifiers reproduce high-quality, clear bass and loud sound.
Design and color
The choice of these options depends on personal preference. Some like angular speakers, and some like round ones. Some like blue, others black. Most speakers are available in several color options. Thus, you can always find a model in your favorite color.
Other functions
Most portable speakers have various additional features, such as a built-in flashlight, built-in power supply, audio input, NFC connection, USB port, etc. So, if you needportable acoustics with a certain functionality, you need to search online or in the local market.
Brand
For users, the manufacturer's brand has always been of great importance, since a brand name product always provides a high build quality. There are several popular manufacturers of portable speakers, such as JBL, Bose, Jabra, UE Boom, Sony, Ion, and others, who have proven themselves well. You should never choose a Chinese copy or a non-branded speaker to save money, because it does not guarantee high sound quality or sufficient battery life.
Price
The cost of each model depends on its functions, power and brand. There are hundreds of portable speakers on the market in the price range from 1 to 17 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is quite realistic to purchase a device that meets both the needs of the user and his budget.
Below is an overview of portable acoustics, 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 features a premium design, touch control system and a reasonable price, which ensured it the title of a bestseller in the popular Amazon online store. The highly sensitive control system is ideal for controlling all operating modes and speaker volume. Speaker power of 12W is sufficient for high quality sound. It is an ideal portable speaker for outdoor activities onoutdoors, cycling, hiking, home entertainment or small parties.
You can connect your device to a smartphone or tablet either via a wireless Bluetooth connection or via a traditional audio jack. There is also a built-in memory card slot for playing music directly from an external microSD card. Battery life is quite good - enough for 12 hours of continuous use, which corresponds to playing 200 songs.
It features capacitive touch control, free waterproof case for portable speaker, auto power on/off function, short recharge time of 3-4 hours, and black, white and blue finish options. At the same time, users blame the fact that charging can only be done via a USB port, and the lack of support for an external flash drive.
AYL SoundFit
Small, compact portable speaker is the best choice for those who like to enjoy music while taking a shower, hiking or at the gym. One of the best options is AYL SoundFit. This waterproof portable device is ideal for listening to music in the bathroom or kitchen. It is light enough to be carried everywhere in a bag or backpack. 5-watt speakers produce enough sound and bass. Bluetooth connection or audio input allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet. AYL offers a lifetime warranty on this device. Modelavailable in 3 colors: orange, green and blue.
The advantages of the model are low cost, 2-3-hour recharge, during which music playback is possible, 12 hours of battery life, compatibility with iPhone, iPad and all Bluetooth devices. Among the shortcomings 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? Sound quality, good battery life and design. If you add low cost here, then Anker SoundCore would be an ideal option. The device comes with a 24-hour battery life and two speakers with excellent sound quality. The model is equipped with a built-in microphone. With a helical bass reflex, improved sound quality and long battery life, this speaker is perfect for all night parties, beach or home. Anker SoundCore is available in black, blue and red.
The advantages of the model user reviews include automatic stop charging when the battery is fully restored, the ability to simultaneously connect multiple Bluetooth devices, limited lifetime warranty, lightweight and compact design, built-in spiral bass reflex. The disadvantages of users include the lack of water resistance, which does not allow the speaker to be used in the bathroom and in the kitchen.
Photive HYDRA
IfIf you need a shockproof and dustproof portable speaker for less than 3 thousand rubles, then the Photoive HYDRA waterproof wireless Bluetooth speaker is an ideal option. This portable device is equipped with two 3.5 watt, 40 mm speakers and a built-in subwoofer for high quality sound. The battery life is enough for the beach, pool or family vacation. The battery provides up to 8 hours of music playback. The shockproof, waterproof and dustproof design allows you to use the device in any environment. The ultra-light and compact design is perfect for carrying in your bag. Connect to a smartphone or tablet 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 dissatisfied with the fact that only one such column can be used at a time, and its low resistance to heat.
Parikaras
This is a multifunctional portable speaker for gyms, hiking, cycling, travel 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. Powerful battery can play music for 12 hours. 10W speakers provide high quality sound, including clear bassfrequencies. This affordable portable speaker is splashproof, dustproof and shockproof 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 life.
The advantages of the model include compact and high-quality design, low cost, compatibility with iPhone and Bluetooth devices, good bass, and 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 versions. Two 10-watt speakers are powerful enough to deliver loud sound at 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 allows you to take the speaker with you anywhere. Bluetooth or audio input allows you to connect any device. A 5200 mAh battery provides autonomous operation of the speaker for 8-10 hours, which corresponds to 160 songs.
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 warranty, a sound signal to turn onand off. The lack of water resistance and limited playback time at full volume (4-5 hours) are considered by users to be disadvantages of Anker Premium.
JBL Charge 2+
It's nice to have a portable USB speaker that can play music loudly and charge your smartphone or tablet at the same time. JBL Charge 2+ has the added functionality of charging other batteries. This is one of the most popular models, which also features a splash-proof design, a capacious battery and high-quality sound. Powerful speaker and drivers reproduce high quality crystal clear sound. Passive radiators allow you to feel the real bass of each composition. Another eye-catching feature of the JBL Charge 2+ is the built-in noise-canceling microphone, which allows you to talk on the phone on a crowded beach or during a house party.
Owner reviews praise the model for its 6000 mAh battery that provides 12 hours of playback, connectivity for up to 3 control devices, waterproof and compact design, support for simultaneous operation of 2 JBL Charge 2+. The downsides are the non-removable battery and USB charging only.
eHub
Cyclists looking for multifunctional portable speakers at a reasonable price? which would allow them to enjoy music while driving. eHub is a portable 20-watt waterproof Bluetooth speaker ideal for cyclists andoutdoor use. The device comes with a built-in 10000 mAh battery that provides 30 hours of playback. The waterproof, shockproof and dustproof functions of the model will ensure your safety while riding. The superb 20W speaker delivers high quality and loud sound. You can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or directly play songs from the 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, built-in microphone with hands-free function, support for memory cards up to 32 GB and playback in the frequency range of 100 Hz-18 kHz. A consequence of the high capacity of the battery is a long (8-12-hour) charge. According to owners, the quality of low frequencies is slightly inferior to the acoustics of competitors.
Mpow
According to reviews, Mpow portable speakers can be a great choice for people who are looking for a model with a long battery life. A capacity of 5200 mAh provides music playback for 22 hours. In addition, the column can be used as a power bank to charge a smartphone or tablet. Ideal for using Mpow at the beach, in the pool or while hiking, its splash-proof and shock-resistant design makes it ideal. Sufficient sound volume is provided by two 8-watt speakers and passive radiators. There are also 2 modes for listening to music outdoors and indoors.
Benefits of the modelare the presence of a built-in microphone for talking on the phone, portable and compact design, high-quality bass reproduction, the presence of an LED indicator, dustproof design. However, you cannot play music with two Mpows 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 a bag so that they can take them with them anywhere, the JBL Flip 4 portable acoustics will find everything they need. The device provides high-quality sound with a volume sufficient for small and medium-sized rooms. The model is shockproof and waterproof, and the on-board battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh will provide 12 hours of battery life.
The disadvantages of the speaker are the lack of NFC for Android phones and an 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 at the rear are deprived of optimal sound. For today's portable speakers, 360-degree coverage should be standard. Despite this, JBL Flip portable speakers are a great combination of versatility, portability and convenience, presented in a very attractive form.
