When we are away from home, it is normal to use headphones, generally wireless. Now, in the domestic environment or when we want to share our music with family and friends, more and more people are turning to wireless speakers or Bluetooth speakers.
The use of smartphones has brought many changes in our lives. In addition to living connected 24 hours a day, today’s mobile phones have become true pocket computers, photo cameras or music players. Precisely, the way of listening to music today has nothing to do with that of a few years ago. And it is that today, the way to listen to our favorite music is through our mobile phone or tablet and using one of the streaming music services such as Spotify itself, for example.
Aspects to consider
If you are thinking of buying a bluetooth speaker, there are certain details that we must assess before choosing one model or another. One of them is the format or size , since we can find large or compact models that allow us to take them anywhere with total comfort.
Therefore, here is a list of things to consider and assess before you buy one:
- Size . We can find large or compact models that allow us to take them anywhere with total comfort. We must also take into account the use that we will give it: domestic, street, for television…
- Bluetooth . As technologies advance, we recommend that you have at least Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.
- Water resistance . When buying a bluetooth speaker that is resistant to all kinds of bumps and falls, there are a number of factors to take into account. To begin with, it is essential that they have some type of certification that guarantees that water will not be a problem. Especially in summer is when this type of gadget is used the most. It may be that you want to take them to the beach or the pool and listen to your favorite songs while sunbathing.
- Power . If we are looking for a small one, it is that the sound power is a minimum of 3 W , since otherwise there will not be much difference with high-end phones and, surely, with the passage of time any of the speakers Bluetooth.
- Autonomy . We can find them with all kinds of autonomies: from those that last from 2 to 3 hours to those that last 10 or more. The bigger, the more autonomy, so nobody better than you will know how you are going to use it.
- For home? We must take into account the multi-room speakers. These types of devices stand out for offering a truly complete sound system for your home
- voice assistants . The latest models are already beginning to include all kinds of advantages and innovations such as voice assistants. If you want to improve your experience and not touch a single button and make everything more comfortable, opt for one with an assistant like Google or Alexa.
- Tuner or FM radio . If you like to listen to the radio, there are models that come standard with this possibility, as if it were your own radio that does not need to be connected to your mobile. Keep that in mind!
- Control buttons . It is important so that you do not always have to carry your phone with you. If this is true, it is certain that you will get an accessory that will allow you to have a good user experience.
- Memory. A port offers an additional possibility: listening to music directly via flash memory. There can be many reasons why you want a device with these characteristics, although it is most likely that your goal is to do without the phone.
- Type C. The new generation jump brings a type C connection, which offers a much faster charge.
- Surround sound or 5.1 . With speakers that have surround sound you will significantly improve the sound quality. In addition, any of the models that we have selected in this compilation will not only work with your console, but you can also connect it to your Smart TV, or any other device to improve its acoustic landscape.
Bluetooth 4.0 vs. 5.0/5.1/5.2
Naturally, in this article we cover a buying guide for Bluetooth headphones. That is why we start from the basis that it has Bluetooth, but not all types of Bluetooth are the same, so this issue deserves one more section.
Surely you have ever heard of Bluetooth 4.0, 5.0, 5.1 or even 5.2. It may seem like just another number, but it really hides a need that you surely have to cover and you didn’t know, so so you don’t make a mistake, we’ll tell you about it.
In general, we should choose a speaker that has Bluetooth 4.0 onwards, as are the ones in this selection. But within 5.0 we find that same one, plus 5.1 and 5.2. We could say that 4.0 is the standard, established since 2010 and that it provides a sufficient battery level and does not consume as much.
However, 5.0 has not been with us for so many years, and it is the real revolution. In principle, it doubles the transfer rate, goes much further than 4.0 speakers and has even lower power consumption . We can use them up to 240 meters and enjoy music with less latency and higher quality.
5.1 simply allows us to know the location of the other devices connected to our mobile, and 5.2 or LE is the new standard from 2020, which provides better sound quality and has a new audio codec to compress and decompress the audio. file faster and on multiple devices at once.
Which speaker to choose?
It is not an easy task to opt for one type of speaker or another. Bluetooth has brought us all kinds of speakers: large, small, medium, to take to the street, retro style… It’s crazy. For this reason, we bring you a selection of the main ones, so that you do not get disoriented and have a wide cast. But without a doubt you have to know the purpose for which you will use it. For example, a multi-room speaker is not the same as one to go out into the countryside, put it in the shower or in the sea, or if you are looking for something more classic. We want to solve all your doubts!
Portables with great autonomy
They are the speakers par excellence. Medium in size, we can take it practically anywhere .
Anker Sound Core 2
Also with 24 hours of autonomy we find this Anker model. A waterproof bluetooth speaker thanks to its IPX7 certificate that offers incredible bass and has two bass drivers. Anker’s BassUp technology gives this speaker a wide range of sounds with very deep bass.
Sony SRS-XB43
This Sony model is a powerful bluetooth speaker that offers Extra Bass sound with great bass intensity, is resistant to water and dust and offers a range of up to 24 hours. Allows you to connect up to 100 compatible wireless speakers or make a stereo pair. It has lights and has dimensions of 32.5 x 12.3 x 11.7 and weighs 3 kilograms.
With 5.1 surround sound
The idea of watching any movie or series in 5.1 makes the experience significantly better. You can even find more and more songs compatible with this format! Best of all, you don’t have to spend an excessive amount of money to enjoy this technology. Yes, it is true that a few years ago buying surround sound speakers was a product at the height of very few pockets.
Auna Concept 620
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recommend these Auna Concept 620 , a model that boasts 95 W of RMS power, as well as a 6.5-inch side-firing subwoofer to offer an acoustic landscape that will not disappoint you at all. As if that weren’t enough, it boasts a USB output, SD card port, as well as Bluetooth connectivity so you can link your phone or tablet and enjoy your favorite playlists whenever you want.
Logitech Z607
These from Logitech will not disappoint you at all. The Swedish manufacturer is a great benchmark in the sound solutions sector, and the Z607 model is a great surround system to consider. Especially seeing its 160 W of maximum power, in addition to having all kinds of connectivity options, including 3.5 mm and RCA input so you can connect these speakers to the console very comfortably.
The best of all? It also has a USB port, plus SD card slot. The reason? You will be able to listen to music directly through these ports. And you will control everything from the remote control.
mini speakers
As we were saying, the offer of models of mini bluetooth speakers is really wide, but since we want to make things easy for you, we have prepared a selection with the two best devices with which to take your favorite songs wherever you want. An ideal product to keep in the glove compartment of the car, since you don’t know when it’s going to get you out of trouble .
MIFA Mini Speaker
Secondly, within this compilation of the best mini bluetooth speakers that you can buy for less than 30 euros, you cannot miss this MIFA mini speaker . We are talking about a model that comes with bluetooth connectivity, in addition to TWS and DSP technology to offer high sound quality.
To this, we must add its IP56 certification that guarantees resistance to dust and such water. The icing on the cake is its 15 hours of autonomy, boasting a high battery. Isn’t that enough for you? Use its microSD card slot and take your favorite songs with you without having to link this mini speaker with your smartphone or tablet.
EWA Portable Mini Speaker
We turn to an EWA model that you are going to love. To begin with, this mini bluetooth speaker has a price that is a joke: less than 20 euros . Taking into account that it has Extra Bass to offer low height, in addition to a carrying case that gives this device resistance to dust and water through its IP67 certification. A mini bluetooth speaker with 12 hours of autonomy and that will not disappoint you.
water resistant
Tronsmart T6 Plus Enhanced Edition
This T6 Plus Enhanced Edition is a large format ideal for getting wet. A model that boasts different technologies so that you can enjoy excellent 360-degree sound , as well as rubber coverage so that it resists bumps and falls without breaking your hair.
JBL Xtreme 3
Secondly, we want to recommend the main spearhead within the American firm’s catalog of bluetooth speakers. We are talking about the acclaimed JBL Xtreme 3 , a model that boasts surprising power, as well as very powerful bass so that the bass sounds deeper than ever.
vintage speakers
The truth is that, if you are looking for a retro-style bluetooth speaker, the appearance is one of the most important elements that you must take into account. In any case, this section is so personal that we cannot recommend it to you, since the colors vary. But you can rest assured that all the models we have chosen offer a look that will make you fall in love with them.
How could it be otherwise, the wood finishes will be the main protagonists, giving a retro touch to the room where you place your brand new speaker. Also, if you do a quick search you will see that the range of possibilities is really wide. So much so that it is very difficult to know if you are choosing a model that, in addition to offering a really attractive design, does not disappoint when using it to listen to music.
AUNA Belle Epoque 1908
If what you are looking for is a versatile model that can be used for everything, don’t miss out on this impressive AUNA Belle Epoque 1908. A set that includes a digital radio, CD player, MP3, USB, RDS, Digitizer and Bluetooth . In this way, you will be able to enjoy your favorite songs the way you want.
Marshall Woburn II
It is one of the pearls available in the catalog of the English manufacturer. We are talking about the Marshall Woburn II bluetooth speaker, a model that boasts textured vinyl finishes, in addition to having a marbled front and where the emblematic Marshall logo will transport you to another era.
It was to be expected that the manufacturer would include some element of wood in its most complete retro speaker. And this model has a structure made of this material. The icing on the cake is its wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX.
multi room
They’re worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. To begin with, let’s imagine a first very real situation: you are in the living room listening to music quietly, and you want to go to the kitchen to have a snack. Don’t worry, the music will continue to play in all the spaces of your house where you have installed a speaker. And what if your children want to listen to their music in the bedroom, but you feel more like a relaxing session of jazz in the living room? Well, the multiroom system will allow you to listen to what you want on each speaker.
To be able to enjoy a service of this type, all you need is a set of speakers that are compatible with this technology. The most common is that they are models from the same manufacturer, which has been in charge of creating a system to be able to synchronize each of its products through bluetooth or the WiFi of your home, to be able to enjoy the same music in all corners. from your house.
Yamaha MusicCast 20
We begin this compilation of the best multi-room speakers that you can find for sale, with this Yamaha model. Yes, the Japanese manufacturer enjoys great prestige in the sound solutions market, and this MusicCast 20 is a clear example of this. We are talking about a bluetooth speaker that offers a compact design, as well as spectacular sound.
To this, we must add its omnidirectional microphones so that you can control different sections through the Alexa voice assistant. And, if that wasn’t enough, its MusicCast system will not only allow you to link multiple speakers to create a multi-room system, but you’ll also be able to access the main streaming music platforms, such as Spotify or Tidal, to enjoy your playlists. preferred.
Marshall Acton
Within the sound industry, Marshall is always synonymous with quality. The American manufacturer, which gives all its solutions a retro look that will make them shine with their own light in your home, opts for a style reminiscent of a guitar amplifier to offer us a really successful product.
Without a doubt, one of the best speakers you will find in this compilation. Your weapons? Support for the main services, such as Spotify, Chromecast, AirPlay or Tidal, in addition to the Marshall Multi-room App with which you can manage what is playing on each of the speakers you have at home.
Range Top Recommendation
If you were to ask us now about the model with which we would stay in Topes de Gama… Difficult choice, right? We have made you a wide range of them, from waterproof, through retro or compact… So, in the absence of a recommendation, we give you two:
If what you want is a portable one, that you can take everywhere, that provides you with good audio and is valid for getting wet, the JBL Xtreme 3 is the ideal candidate. Good sound, portability (with pendant), small… Ideal!
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more ‘homey’, that you can listen to comfortably and connect via Bluetooth, that is, a multi-room but with a nice touch, the Marshall Woburn II takes the cake, with Qualcomm aptX and a beautiful structure for any room in your home.