The Best Speakers
Whether relaxing by the pool or taking a business call, we could all use a little audio boost in our everyday lives. Speakers allow us to easily listen to our favorite music and podcasts with the push of a button. With improved technology, most speakers are now rechargeable and operate using Bluetooth, so you don't need a cable to play your music. But there are so many brands, features, sizes, and designs to choose from, which can get overwhelming. So, we've rounded up our favorite options to simplify your shopping experience.
What To Look For
In our research, we found that the best speakers are durable, Bluetooth, and rechargeable. Some are even portable and waterproof. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the speaker from JBL. The compact speaker connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to play music, podcasts, and more. The clip-on design has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge. We also love the speaker from Eduplink because it is waterproof, which makes it a great option for beach and pool days. You won’t have to worry about damaging the speaker if it gets splashed or dropped in the pool by accident. Keep reading to discover your new favorite speaker.
JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Power meets portability
From your home office to the park and beyond, this speaker from JBL is ready for just about everything. The pocket-sized speaker only weighs half a pound and has a convenient clip to attach it to your bag. Using Bluetooth technology, you can play music from your phone without a cable. And you’ll be surprised by the sound quality that comes out of this tiny device. Once you try it out, it will be hard to remember your life without it.
Pros:
- With a high waterproof rating, it’s great for outdoor excursions like hikes and impromptu swims.
- The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 10 hours.
- It comes at an excellent value for the price.
Cons:
- The simple controls don’t give you the option to skip to the next song from the speaker itself.
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Make some noise
Bluetooth speakers make it simple to blast your favorite tunes, whether you’re at home or on the go. This model from Anker offers high-quality sound at an affordable price, so you never have to be without music. It is waterproof and lasts up to 24 hours on a fully charged battery. Plus, it has a built-in microphone that comes in handy when taking work calls from home.
Pros:
- You can connect this speaker to the Amazon Alexa smart home platform.
- It will stay connected to your phone or tablet up to 66 feet away.
Cons:
- This speaker doesn’t offer as much bass as other options, though placing it on a hard surface can help boost the bass resonance.
Eduplink Portable Waterproof Speaker
Don't let the rain get you down
With this waterproof speaker in your life, listening to music near the water can always be stress-free. The heavy-duty speaker has simple audio controls and is easy to connect to your phone with Bluetooth. The slim design will fit into most car cupholders and backpack water bottle pockets to take with you. Plus, the built-in lights and wide volume range make it the perfect addition to any party. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- This speaker has the option to plug in a device using an auxiliary cable if you don’t want to use Bluetooth.
- You can pair two speakers to the same device to increase the sound intensity and quality.
Cons:
- The battery drains faster when set to a higher volume level, so the maximum battery life is hard to predict.
Anker PowerConf S3 Bluetooth Speakerphone
Loud and clear
It can be challenging to find a quiet spot to take a conference call, especially if you work from home. That’s why we love this speaker and microphone combo from Anker. The petite speaker has six microphones that pick up sound from any direction, so you can use it with up to eight people. Using noise-canceling technology, this device can pick up your voice and block out background noise from kids, pets, and traffic. And the best part is that it can detect multiple voices at once, ensuring you never miss a critical memo.
Pros:
- It’s compatible with numerous programs, including Zoom, Skype, and Facetime.
- It comes with a zipper case to protect it while traveling.
Cons:
- While this speaker can play music, it isn’t as powerful as other speakers.
Victrola Retro Bluetooth Radio with Built-In Speakers
Classic look, contemporary design
This retro-inspired speaker from Victrola will fit into your old-school aesthetic while offering modern conveniences. The speaker has three small knobs to control the volume, tone, and audio source, including AM radio, FM radio, and a Bluetooth connection. Use the large knob to surf the stations and find your favorite tracks. We love the ease of streaming audio from your phone or tablet since it stays connected up to 33 feet away from the speaker.
Pros:
- This decorative and useful speaker would be a great addition to any side table or bookshelf.
- The volume knob doubles as the power switch, so there is a satisfying click every time you turn it on. This also gives it a nice
Cons:
- This speaker doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, so it’s not nearly as portable as many other options out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of speaker should I buy?
These days there are speaker options for every occasion, so it can be challenging to pick one for all of them. We recommend a waterproof speaker if you spend a lot of time outdoors or near water. They are not only protected from splashes, but they are also a durable option to use around kids. But if you want a speaker that will provide the best sound quality and intensity for indoor and outdoor events, you’ll want to pick one with a wide volume range. This will ensure you can adjust the bass and treble to create the perfect tone.
How long does it take a speaker battery to charge?
Generally, a rechargeable speaker will take between three and four hours to charge, especially if it is completely dead. But you can take it off the charger earlier than this if you don’t need a full battery for your purposes.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.