Multi-functional portable speakers are becoming more popular. They may include voice assistant integration and audio playback. Bluetooth speakers are now equipped with assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, which can increase their value.
The Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that can sound as good as any Bluetooth speaker you currently own for only PS100 (AU$119), and it’s as affordable as they come. JBL’s latest offering sounds great and can withstand a day at pool.
The Flip 5 is IPX7-rated waterproof and can charge up to 12 hours. It also has a USB C charging port that allows it to go from flat to fully charged in 2.5 hours. The Flip 5 is easy to use, and the wrist strap fits comfortably over your hand.
There’s also a PartyBoost button that helps you pair two PartyBoost-enabled speakers to create a stereo pair, or link over 100 PartyBoost-compatible speakers in mono. The sound is powerful and dynamic, with great bass and an openness to texture.
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If you aren’t bothered by the absence of an aux-in or inbuilt microphone (as in the Flip 4), this speaker’s sound quality will amaze you. This speaker is a great performer. The StormBox Micro Bluetooth speaker from Tribit is one of my favorite pocket-sized Bluetooth speakers.
It has a better sound quality than other small speakers and produces a lot more volume. The price is $50, but it’s often discounted to $45 or lower. It’s currently listed at $50 on Amazon. However, you can purchase it for $45 by applying a 10% coupon at checkout.
Bose SoundLink Micro was not only a great design but it also delivered more bass than any Bluetooth speaker of its size. It also had less distortion at higher volumes. It’s the Tribit’s small size and its ability to produce a great bass, as well as its overall volume, that makes it stand out. It is IP67 water- and dust-proof, and can be submerged for a brief time in shallow water. The Tribit has a maximum of eight hours battery life at moderate volume levels and USB-C charging.
This Bluetooth speaker is portable and can be attached to your backpack or bike handlebars, just like the Bose. A speaker must be lightweight and portable. It should also be portable and easy to carry. However, the terms “small” and light are relative. Small speakers with carabiners can be clipped to your backpack to take on hikes while larger speakers that weigh more might only be used to move around your home. Some portable speakers can’t be taken outside or used in the pool.
Rugged speakers are able to withstand drops, splashes and other hazards and still run. You’ll end up with a brick, not an audio device, if you do that with non-rugged speakers. If you plan to take your speakers to the beach, lake, slopes or sewers, look for speakers that have IPX ratings. These speakers will be water- and shock-resistant. This guide to IP ratings will explain what these numbers mean so that you know if your speaker is able to withstand being submerged in water or if it can withstand light rain.
The UE Megaboom 3 Bluetooth speaker is the best you can find right now. The UE Megaboom 3 is a bold, portable speaker that produces rich 360-degree sound with crisp highs, satisfying low-end and a maximum volume of 100 decibels. It is IP67-rated, so it can withstand drops, splashes, and even a dip in the pool. Megaboom 3 is larger than other portable speakers and, unlike its competitors, doesn’t support Alexa or Google Assistant or any other smart features.
The Megaboom 3’s ruggedness and sound quality are unbeatable for its price. For stereo sound, you can pair it with older Megaboom or Boom models. Sonos Move is our favorite Bluetooth speaker. The Sonos Move is a well-built speaker with built-in Alexa/Google Assistant capabilities. It can respond to your voice even when you’re not very close. It can be taken outdoors by its battery, so it is portable. The IP56 rating protects against dust and water, but we haven’t tested for that yet.
It has a neutral, balanced sound profile that can be used to listen to many types of audio content. The Sonos S2 app allows you to adjust the sound of your speakers by changing their bass and treble. The app allows you to pair two Sonos speakers together to create stereo pairs or amplify your music in a noisy environment. The battery lasts for over 10 hours on a single charge. This should make it suitable for listening for long periods. It can be quite loud and can cause compression artifacts.
This can be a problem if you want to use your speaker in noisy places. It must also downmix stereo content into mono to play it. This makes it less immersive. It has a wide range of performance and can be enjoyed by many different types of listeners. Bluetooth speakers make great outdoor companions. There are waterproof and ruggedized models available that can be used outdoors without fear of them being damaged. These rugged models will be shock-proofed, which means they can withstand being dropped or thrown around occasionally.
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Check the IPX rating to see if your model is water resistant. This will let you know how long it can withstand water exposure. Some waterproof models have IPX7 ratings, which means they can withstand being submerged for up to 30 minutes in water.
Some models are less waterproof and can only withstand a splash. The strap can be attached to handlebars or to a bag or belt. The sound quality is excellent, with a clear bass response and vocal reproduction that are well balanced. There is no distortion at higher volumes.
The StormBox Micro’s eight hour battery life is impressive and it has been certified IP67 to withstand any weather conditions. If the sound quality of the compact speaker is not sufficient, you can pair two Micros together to create stereo sound. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom won the WIRED Gear Of the Year Award in 2017. This is because it’s the best pool companion that you can have. The Wonderboom 2 is even more amazing.
This little ball of joy measures just 4 inches and is now IP67 dust and water resistant. The battery lasts 13 hours, three more than the previous version, has a 100-foot Bluetooth range and floats. It also produces a powerful audio stream. UE claims it is drop-proof up to 5 feet. However, you can play light catch on the lawn with it and it will not be damaged. It can be washed right away. For stereo sound, you can pair them together.
