For the past two decades, manufacturers seem to be competing among themselves who will create a device that is smaller, but at the same time high-tech, beautiful and ergonomic. Acoustics was no exception. Small portable speakers beat all sales records.
In this review, we'll tell you which portable speaker is the best to buy and why.
How to choose a portable speaker
When choosing portable acoustics, there are several key points to consider.
Power
Ideally, it should be at least 10-20 W, because lower-power acoustics will be hard to hear in an ordinary living room, not to mention larger rooms or a summer cottage. If you are planning outings to nature or parties, we recommend paying attention to equipment from 30 watts.
Working hours
Desirable from five hours or more - so you will have some kind of margin of time, if suddenly the battery does not hold a charge as well as it was written in the product specifications. And this often happens, especially when it comes to inexpensive Chinese speakers.
It is ideal if the speaker, in addition to the battery, has the ability to power from the mains, whether it be a wire with a plug or the ability to connect to a computer via USB.
Transportability
The captain states the obvious: the portable speaker is designed to be carried from place to place. Therefore, the speaker should have a comfortable carrying handle. And if the device is quite miniature, then it should have a loop or an eyelet with which it can be attached to a bag or belt.
Useful options
- AUX - 3.5mm input... Bluetooth is nice, but sometimes a good old cable can come in handy. Especially if you are planning a party where everyone can play their favorite track from a smartphone. It is easier to do this with a cable than uniting all party participants into a single Bluetooth network. In addition, a Bluetooth connection wastes battery while a cable connection does not.
- Wi-Fi... It is best if the Bluetooth protocol in the device is combined with the ability to play tracks via Wi-Fi. Although it does not always happen, especially in nature, it has a longer range of action.
- NFC module... A very convenient thing for smartphone owners: to start music, you don't need to press the buttons, you just need to touch the device to the speaker.
- Waterproof and dustproof... An indispensable characteristic if you often travel to nature. The speakers will withstand dust, dirt and splashes of water without compromising performance, and if full waterproofing is declared, they will also survive immersion in water. True, the defense also has its drawbacks; as a rule, the sound from the sealed speakers will be quieter and more muffled.
Size matters
If you are sensitive to good sound, we recommend choosing larger models, they will have large speakers. And the larger the speaker, the better the sound.
Frequency Response Range
Should be as wide as possible. A device with a range of 20 to 50,000 Hz will sound best. It's even better if there is an equalizer and noise reduction system.If the signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 45 to 100 dB, the sound quality will not work.
Best Low Cost Portable Bluetooth Speakers
3. Ginzzu GM-984G
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics stereo
- power 2 × 10 W
- battery powered, USB powered
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from USB storage
- microSD memory card support
- waterproof case
The popularity of Bluetooth speakers blew up the market a couple of years ago when sellers were surprised to find that sales of portable wireless speakers had increased by 70%. Moreover, the trend has not lost its significance until now.
The Ginzzu GM-984G is one of the top rated portable speakers. It belongs to the budget segment, while its functionality is more than good. In addition to Bluetooth, the Ginzzu GM-984G can read tracks from memory cards or via a USB connector. And the moisture protection option will allow you to take the device with you to nature.
pros: functionality, usability, volume.
Minuses: large and heavy.
2. Xiaomi Mi Round 2
The average price is 1,600 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics mono
- power 5 W
- battery powered, USB powered
- Bluetooth
This mono speaker immediately grabs attention with its austere design. The device is one of those that are not ashamed to take for a gift, while it is small and compact, so it is easy to carry it with you everywhere.
The baby's sound is good, clean, loud enough for a small room. True, you won't get bass from it, which is not surprising given this size. By the way, the autonomy of the device is at a height - it works out the declared 6-8 hours properly.
pros: price-quality ratio.
Minuses: When carried in a bag, it may turn on unintentionally from contact with other objects.
1. Xiaomi Bluetooth Wireless Computer Speaker
The average price is 5,300 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics stereo
- power 12 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
Another device from Xiaomi, beloved by Russian buyers, but a little more expensive. These are portable speakers that successfully combine both Bluetooth communication and good sound. In general, this is an excellent ratio in terms of sound / price - from other manufacturers the same sound will cost more.
Of course, it's naive to expect super-deep bass from the device, however, against the general background, the speakers give a harmonious, even sound. The volume is as stated. At the same time, the compact case will allow you to put the speakers anywhere, even on the windowsill in the kitchen, if only there is enough communication.
pros: price-quality ratio.
Minuses: no.
Best portable speakers (stereo)
3. JBL PartyBox 300
The average price is 22,200 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics stereo
- mains powered, battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from USB storage
One of the best portable speakers on the market for sound quality. At any volume, the sound is clear, the bass is deep and low. And the volume of the device is enough, and if you turn the sound to the maximum, then it will become impossible to be in an ordinary living room. If desired, the sound can be adjusted to suit your tastes with an equalizer.
And this device also has real light music! Which can be turned off if you don't want to drain the battery too quickly.
pros: clear, rich sound.
Minuses: heavy body, high price.
2. Hopestar A6
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics 2.1
- power 2 × 8 W
- subwoofer power 18 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- microSD memory card support
- waterproof case
This small and inexpensive device also has a subwoofer in addition to stereo speakers, so the sound is generally better than similar speakers in the same price range. The lightweight body allows you to carry the speakers wherever you like, and the volume is enough to cover a room, office or listen to nature music.
A true stereo effect can be achieved by connecting two speakers to a network - the device's interface allows it. And if you wish, you can not bother and attach the device to your belt.
pros: light weight, volume, sound, convenient belt clip.
Minuses: As with many Chinese products, the build quality may vary from product to product.
1. JBL Charge 4
The average price is 7,500 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics stereo
- power 30 W
- battery powered, USB powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- waterproof case
One of the finest portable loudspeakers on the market. JBL Charge 4 justifies its price both with its chic modern design and excellent sound, stability and long-term performance.
Another plus of the device is a modern interface, USB-C support. The sound is excellent at medium volume, but if you turn up the volume, the small size makes itself felt. There will be an increase only in the upper tones and mids, and the bass will become muffler.
pros: appearance, waterproof, long working time.
Minuses: no fast charging function.
Best portable speakers (mono)
3. Max MR 372
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics mono
- power 15 W
- battery powered
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from USB storage
- microSD memory card support
The top portable mono speakers open up a bright little device aimed at teen audiences. Perfect for introducing a small child to the world of technology - the sound is good enough, the device is quite simple. And it looks pretty.
Catches the radio, stations can be stored in memory. If the backlight seems too bright, you can turn it off. There is both a line-in and a wireless connection. And although this speaker is not very powerful, it is not so important for a child with good hearing.
pros: appearance, ease of use.
Minuses: Low volume.
2. JBL GO 2
The average price is 1,600 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics mono
- power 3 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
For her size, this baby is capable of producing quite a good sound. Therefore, JBL GO 2 will become an indispensable item for trips out of town or to the country. She has a long service life for her money, it looks solid. True, the power consumption is poor, but what else to expect from a small case?
pros: compactness, appearance, ease of use.
Minuses: quickly depletes power, no loop to attach to anything.
1. JBL CLIP 3
The average price is 2,400 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics mono
- power 3.30 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- waterproof case
One of the most popular devices on the market. Looks stylish and has a metal eyelet that can be used to attach the device anywhere. For its size, the crumb has a good loud sound, and high-quality assembly allows you not to be afraid of splashes and dust.
The power capacity of the JBL CLIP 3 is excellent, it can play up to 10 hours in a row. All connections work like clockwork. Of course, mono and low power hint that full-sounding bass from the device cannot be expected, but at this price it is forgivable.
pros: compactness, ease of use, auto-off function.
Minuses: Multiple speakers cannot be networked.
Best portable speakers with subwoofer
3. Ginzzu GM-886B
The average price is 2,100 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics 2.1
- power 2 × 3 W
- subwoofer power 12 W
- battery powered
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from USB storage
- SD card support
The list of portable speakers with a subwoofer opens a small and inexpensive model. You have to pay for everything, and for the cheapness too, so its low range is not as good as we would like.
But this disadvantage is forgivable, given other advantages: for example, there is an equalizer with which the sound can be brought to an acceptable level. The column can play from a memory card, flash drive and, of course, by wireless connection. She also catches the radio. The speaker is powered by batteries, but if desired, an external battery can be connected via the USB connector.
pros: volume, ease of use, long work.
Minuses: Sounds poor at high volume.
2.Harman / Kardon SoundSticks Wireless
The average price is 16,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics 2.1
- power 2 × 10 W
- subwoofer power 20 W
- mains supply
- line input
- Bluetooth
In addition to its stunningly futuristic appearance, the Harman / Kardon speaker is able to pleasantly surprise you with its sound quality. In its price segment, it has practically no competitors. She can play both classical tracks and death-metal, Korean pop and electronic music quite calmly. She has enough range for everything. An excellent option as computer speakers.
pros: sound, appearance.
Minuses: It is not so easy to buy a device on the territory of the Russian Federation, look in foreign online stores.
1. Marshall Acton II
The average price is 15,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable acoustics 2.1
- power 2 × 15 W
- subwoofer power 30 W
- mains supply
- line input
- Bluetooth
If the previous position in the rating relied on futurism, then Marshall Acton II - on good old traditions. The device is solid, a bit old-school looking. By the way, this is one of the most powerful portable speakers in the rating - its strength is enough to cover not only a residential apartment, but also an office space.
At the same time, it does not lose the quality of sound, it is elaborate, lively, dense, which is called "thoroughbred". Tracks can be listened to both via a flash drive and wirelessly. In addition, the Marshall Acton II allows you to customize the equalizer, lighting and many other useful little things.
pros: sound, appearance, there is a radio.
Minuses: Android app is not very easy to use.