How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

The best Bluetooth speakers combine excellent sound quality with the freedom of a cable-free connection. Available in a range of sizes and styles, there’s a Bluetooth speaker out there to suit just about every taste and budget and this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know in order to find the best Bluetooth speaker for you.
Our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market: www.expertreviews.co.uk/bluet...
Bluetooth speaker types
Bluetooth speakers typically fall into one of two categories: portable or mains powered.
Portable Bluetooth speakers: Portable models range from compact pocket speakers right the way up to party-ready boomboxes. While some cheaper models may still rely on alkaline cells, almost all modern devices house high-capacity rechargeable batteries. Portable speakers tend to be more rugged than their fixed counterparts and often offer some degree of waterproofing.
Mains-powered Bluetooth speakers: Fixed models, meanwhile, lack internal batteries and instead rely on mains power for operation. What these speakers lack in portability they tend to make up for with fuller, richer and more powerful sound.
How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you
Top of your priority list should be audio quality. This can be tricky to evaluate without having the speaker in front of you, so be sure to check out the Expert Reviews website for our latest hands-on reviews and recommendations.
You’ll also want to consider the power rating of the Bluetooth speaker you’re eyeing up. Speakers under ten Watts are best suited for small indoor spaces, while models around 20 Watts are better if you plan on using them outside. If you’re looking to bring the party, think 40 Watts and up.
Bluetooth
When comparing different models it’s always worth glancing at the Bluetooth specs. Speakers equipped with newer iterations of Bluetooth offer better data transfer speeds for high-quality audio playback and a more reliable connection with less lag. The more recent the Bluetooth version the better but anything offering 4.2 or above will do the trick.
Codecs
Similarly, you’ll want to check the supported audio codecs, as this determines how Bluetooth transmits information from your device to the speaker. The SBC codec is pretty much universal but you can access higher-resolution audio with more advanced codecs such as aptX and aptX HD. Remember that both your phone, tablet OR laptop AND your speaker needs to support a codec in order to make use of it.
Other features to consider
Battery life
When it comes to portable speakers, battery life is key. Performance will vary from model to model but you’ll find most offer upwards of eight hours of playback, while some larger models can get well into double digits off of a single charge. Some speakers can also act as a power bank, so you can keep your phone or tablet battery topped up.
IP rating
If you plan on using your Bluetooth speaker outdoors, you’ll want to sure it has an IP rating. This is a standardised measure of a device’s protection against dust and water. Ideally, look for a speaker with an IP67 rating or higher: the 6 part of the two digit code certifies it’s dust-tight; the 7 indicates it can withstand immersion in shallow water for up to 30 minutes.
Wired connection
Many Bluetooth speakers support optional wired connections. If you want to be able to plug your output device directly into your speaker then a model with a 3.5mm AUX-in is a necessity.
Microphone
Many Bluetooth speakers also offer built-in microphones for hands-free calls while some also have smart features, allowing you to use voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant.
Outro
For a complete rundown of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, along with the latest deals, see our website: www.expertreviews.co.uk/bluet...
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Our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market: www.expertreviews.co.uk/bluetooth-speakers/1413913/best-bluetooth-speaker