This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Playing music out loud on your smartphone should only ever be a last resort. Instead, you're going to want a great pair of headphones, or — if you're more inclined towards the communal listening experience — a nice portable speaker. This is the perfect time to invest in a stellar device for a superior listening experience — one that you can take for on-the-go partying and which isn't tied to a power supply.
There are lots of high-quality portable Bluetooth speakers. These are great for taking out with you while you're on a picnic, or when you're travelling away and you still want to listen to tunes in the hotel room or at the poolside.
But what should you look for when buying a portable Bluetooth speaker for the express purpose of having a fun time? We're here to help with a quick guide.
How good is Bluetooth speaker sound quality?
It's as good as you need it to be. So ask yourself the following questions: Will you be using your speakers solely for music? For podcasts? Maybe a bit of both? This factors into what kind of audio power you need, whether that's surround sound, Dolby Atmos, or traditional stereo. Not all speakers produce the same kind of sound quality, so it's important to know exactly what kind of listening experience you're looking to get out of it before you make the purchase. Typically, smaller speakers are more portable, but their sound quality isn't quite as strong as larger devices.
How many speakers do you need?
Always choose quality over quantity. Having two amazing speakers, for instance, will always ensure better results than multiple average speakers. However, having too many speakers around is just going to take up an unnecessary amount of space. Indeed, two speakers is a sweet spot. Two speakers are ideal if you listen to a lot of music. Indeed, music is normally recorded for a stereo setting, so having a left and right channel will do you wonders. Fortunately several of the options below can be connected to other speakers for stereo sound. If you have a smaller space, however, one good speaker will be perfectly adequate.
What features do Bluetooth speakers offer?
As with everything in life, it's a case of getting what you pay for. Some low-price Bluetooth speakers are good at just pumping out lively tunes. Others will include smart features such as voice assistant, EQ customisation, app control, and other advanced tech. Ask yourself whether you want a portable speaker just for music, or to integrate into a system of smart devices.
Are portable speakers waterproof?
Finding a waterproof speaker is not absolutely necessary, but plenty of portable speakers are waterproof or water resistant — the portability means they'll see a lot of poolside and bar action, which means lots of splashing and spillages. It would be a shame if a rogue glass of water ended up being the demise of your new speaker, so if you have the option to go waterproof, do it.
What is the best portable Bluetooth speaker?
If you're not much of an audiophile and simply keen on stepping away from using your smartphone's built-in speaker, don't get too stressed over whether the bass is strong and the mids are crisp. Go with the form that suits you best, and you'll be satisfied regardless. We've tried to make the buying process a little easier by handpicking some standout speakers from top brands. There should be something for everyone in this roundup of the best portable speakers, with a speaker for every budget.
These are the best portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024.
