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Providing you with a convenient and fun manner to listen to music when you are at the poolside or when you are hanging at home, the Charge 3 is our top selection for all the right reasons. It provides a lengthy operation when the battery is fully charged, and the lightweight design makes the device easy to carry around. Furthermore, as you can even take calls over it, it is safe to say that this is a versatile device every modern person must have. When it comes to quality assurance, as it is backed by a 1-year warranty, you are safely covered when it comes to defective parts and faulty workmanship.
Design
The JBL 3 measures only 3.5 inches in height, 8.4 inches in width, and 3.4 inches in depth, making it easy for you to carry it in your hand wherever you go to continuously listen to your favorite music and have fun. Best of all, it weighs only 1.76 pounds, so it won’t be a drag to take it with you when you are walking around town. It comes in 6 different color options that include gray, red, blue, teal, black, and camouflage. The quality materials that go into its manufacturing make it waterproof, boasting a high IPX7 rating that enables you to submerge it in water up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time.
Performance
It features dual external passive radiators that empower it so that the bass will be as loud and clear as it is in the disco. Up to 3 different smart devices can be connected to it at once. It features a built-in lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of continuous runtime and that takes only 4.5 hours to fully charge. You can even use its USB port to charge your tablet or smartphone whenever needed. It provides a high signal-to-noise ratio of over 80 decibels, and the frequency response ranges from 65Hz to 20kHz.
Mention Worthy Features and Specs
- JBL Connect encourages connectivity between multiple JBL products when you want more noise output power.
- Waterproof rating allows you to fully submerge it in water without worrying it might get damaged.
- Can wirelessly connect up to 3 smart devices at once.
Speakerphone
Undoubtedly, its most impressive feature is the fact that it can be used to take calls in a more convenient manner. The crystal clear audio of the conversations will have you prefer taking calls via the device. All you have to do to benefit from this function is to push a button, and the noise and echo-cancelling technology will provide you with call clarity like you have never enjoyed up to that point.
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CONS
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- Compact, lightweight design makes it the ultimate portable solution for listening to music
- Accompanying app, the JBL Connect, allows you to update the device when needed
- Battery level indicator keeps you updated with the current power state of the device
- Submergible to 1 meter in depth for approximately 30 minutes
- Bluetooth pairing button allows a convenient use of the device
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- There are no downsides to this product
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| VERDICT
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With one single spec it will win you over – its 20-hour continuous music play time! As it takes only 4 hours and a half to charge it, time after which it allows you to listen to your favorite music uninterrupted and undeterred, it is obvious why it lands on this spot in our rank. Furthermore, it boasts a modern and simplistic design, and the lightweight 1.76-pound profile allows you to easily carry it around wherever you go.
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Our second entry comes from JBL once again, the Flip 4 proving that it is worthy of the silver medal as it provides an entertaining and complete music listening experience each time you use it due to the 16 watts of power it boasts. Taking only 3 and a half hours to fully charge it and delivering up to 12 hours of continuous use when the battery is full, you will no longer get bored when you are at the pool tanning as you will listen to your favorite music throughout the entire experience.
Just like its predecessor in our top, it offers an amazing IPX7 rating that makes it waterproof, allowing you to submerge it 1 meter under water for 30 minutes at a time without it receiving any sort of damage. As all products from JBL, it boasts an appealing design and quality internal pieces, the most prominent elements of its construction being the two innovative drivers it comes with that enhance its capabilities.
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CONS
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- Powerful bass response provides sound delivery of the most exceptional quality
- Good volume settings endorse the capability of customizing the music listening experience
- Pairing distortion is eliminated by the two radiator design of the device
- Integrated microphone gives you the capability of taking calls with it
- Intuitive design ensures ease of use
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- There are no downsides to this product
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| VERDICT
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With a high IPX7 waterproof rating and allowing a simultaneous connection to up to 2 different smart devices at once, the JBL makes for the ideal poolside companion. Among its most important highlights is the fact that it delivers a maximum run time when outputting music of 12 hours, and its rated power is a total of 16 watts.
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Yet another entry from JBL makes its appearance in our top, this time the Flip 3 impressing us and convincing that it is deserving of a spot among the best products on the market. One of the features that make it highly desirable is the noise and echo canceling capability that allows it to double as a speakerphone. For sound amplification, in case you have other JBL devices at your disposal, you can connect them together and enjoy an enhanced music listening session.
Lows, mids, and highs are outputted in the most qualitative manner possible so that your songs are clearly played. It features intuitive volume button controls that allow you to easily turn the volume up or down as you please. Additionally, the Bluetooth pairing button makes connecting it to your smart device a cinch. Another highlight worth mentioning is the fact that it comes with a string attached to one of its ends, string that allows you to conveniently hang it for storage or carry it with you.
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CONS
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- JBL Connect feature amplifies music listening experience for those who own multiple JBL devices
- Voice assistant integration allows you to use Google Now or Siri without touching your smartphone
- Bass radiator enhances sound output, allowing you to feel and hear the bass
- Room-filling stereo sound ensures you will hear your music even when you are feet away from the device
- Depending on the volume level and audio content that you pick, it delivers up to 10 hours of continuous use
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- The device is only splash proof, meaning that you cannot submerge it in water
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| VERDICT
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The Flip 3 is one of the lightest models out there, its 1-pound weight making it a cinch to carry the music listening device with you wherever you go. It comes in 7 different color options, and performance-wise, it is hard to beat as it delivers a 33-foot Bluetooth range, and it can be connected to 3 different smart devices at once.
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Although it packs only two 6-watt drivers, the DOSS SoundBox more than impresses with the sound output it delivers. Regardless of how high or low you choose the volume setting to be, you will be pleasantly surprised to notice a complete lack of sound distortion. For music lovers out there who relax when listening to their favorite songs, this is good news as clarity is insured when using the device. After pairing your smartphone or tablet to it, it will automatically recognize so that the next time you use them together, no setup will be required.
As it features the Bluetooth 4.0 technology, it can wirelessly connect to any smart device that is in its range, as long as the distance does not exceed 33 feet. The convenient memory slot it comes with allows you to store music on it so that you may listen to your songs even when you do not have a smart device at your disposal to pair it with. In addition, it features intuitive touch controls that not only give it a modern design, but that make it easy to use as well.
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CONS
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- Sound is not distorted when it is put on the highest volume setting
- Can be paired with any smart device as it boasts a general compatibility
- Built-in microphone that it comes with allows you to use it as a speakerphone
- Performs continuously for up to 12 hours when battery is fully charged
- Convenient to use due to intuitive touch controls
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- Touch buttons light cannot be turned off
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| VERDICT
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Listening to music when you are on the go has never been made easier than with the DOSS. It is lightweight, compact, it provides up to 12 hours of listening time, and it takes less than 4 hours to charge it. Need we say more about it? Just know this – if you do choose this music listening device, you will enjoy a real bang for your buck!
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5. SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3
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Crystal-clear sound that is free of any distortion will be enjoyed if you use the SoundWorks as it features an innovative design, premium quality materials, and parts that exceed market standards. Although it is small in size, it packs a punch as it is capable of delivering a loud sound output. Additionally, regardless of the type of smart device you want to pair it with, there won’t be any difficulties in the process as it uses the Bluetooth technology we all know and love.
Highs, mids, and lows will never sound as clear as they do with the Angle 3, this superiority in sound quality coming from the two neodymium drivers the device features as internal components. What stands out when looking at it is the triangular design that does not only serve as a design booster, but that enhances audio clarity and output as well. Also, know that it delivers an IPX5 water resistance that ensures rain or water splashes won’t affect it.
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CONS
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- Built-in microphone ensures sound clarity when using it as a speakerphone
- 6-inch micro USB cable delivers convenient battery recharge
- Triangular design enhances sound output quality
- Can play music from your smart device when the distance between it and the unit is under 30 feet
- Reasonable price makes it an affordable option
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- IPX5 rating does not allow full submersion in water of the device
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| VERDICT
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With a crystal clear sound output and coming at a much cheaper price than you would ever expect, the OontZ Angle 3 is our recommendation for anyone looking for a bargain. Despite the cheap price tag, it provides as much as 12 continuous hours of music listening, so you should not undermine its capabilities.
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We start off by praising the simplistic yet modern design, its lightweight and compact body making it the ideal buddy when you go on vacation or at the pool. As it is IPX7 waterproof rated, you needn’t worry if the weather turns around and it starts raining as you can continue listening to your favorite music. It is Bluetooth 4.2 equipped, thus ensuring you can connect it with your smartphone or tablet to stream music off of the smart device in a more convenient manner.
The connectivity range it provides is up to 66 feet, so you won’t be disconnected easily. The dynamic sound output it provides is all due to the two 6-watt drivers it features, delivering tight mids and a rich bass. On a full charge of the accompanying battery, it provides up to 24 hours of continuous play time, which is more than enough regardless of the situation you are in. In addition, it is covered by an 18-month warranty against defects in parts and workmanship.
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CONS
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- The lithium-ion battery it utilizes provides with up to 24 hours of continuous use
- Provides a hearty 66-foot range, thus allowing you to move the connected smart device away from it without the connection being interrupted
- Tough construction protects it from scratches and ensures it won’t be damaged if dropped
- Provides distortion-free sound for an excellent music listening experience
- IPX7 waterproof rating allows you to use it outside even when it is raining
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| VERDICT
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Providing up to 24 hours of continuous play time, sound output clarity like you have never encountered before, a 66-foot connectivity range with the paired device, and an IPX7 waterproof rating that allows you to use it even when it is raining outside, it comes as no surprise that this is the best-selling product on market.
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Compatible with absolutely all devices that are Bluetooth-enabled, the Touch is the ideal companion for modern music lovers. Besides its broad connectivity and the fact that it can accommodate a distance range of up to 33 feet between it and the device off of which it is streaming the music, it comes at a cheap price, so you won’t have to empty your pockets to buy it. One of its most appealing upsides is the fact that it provides up to 12 hours of continuous music listening time on a full battery.
The sensitive touch buttons of this 4.0 Bluetooth compatible device make it easy and intuitive to use, while the superior sound quality provided by its smart design and concept ensure that you will have incomparable experiences when listening to music from now on. Furthermore, it features dual high performance drivers which provide a 360-degree stereo sound coverage so that music quality does not drop when you move.
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CONS
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- Cheap price makes it an affordable acquisition
- Takes only 3-4 hours to fully recharge the battery with the help of the micro USB cable
- On a full battery, it provides up to 12 hours of playtime
- Intuitive use granted by the sensitive touch controls it features
- Make and receive calls without walking around with your phone up to your ear
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- Although it is light enough to be portable, it indeed weighs a bit more than other entries on this market
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| VERDICT
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An undoubtedly smart acquisition not only due to the cheap pricing, but the impressive sound quality it outputs, the Touch is our top recommendations for those who are on a strict budget. Some of its biggest upsides include a 12-hour continuous playing time, exceptional durability granted by the metallic design, and 360-degree stereo sound.
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Bose SoundLink Revolve 739523-1110
8. Bose SoundLink Revolve 739523-1110
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Engineered to deliver high-quality audio in all circumstances, the Bose Revolve is one of the few entries on this market that stand out not only through its performance but through its design as well. Its tower design not only delights visually, but it plays an important role in sound output as well as it ensures it will go in all directions. Thus, everyone around you will be able to enjoy the music at its fullest. By installing the companion app, you get to switch between Bluetooth devices more conveniently.
As it is IPX4 rated for water resistance, you can breathe easy knowing that a few splashes of water won’t damage it. On a full charge, it provides a staggering 12-hour continuous operation, so you can rely on it for full-day use. It even allows Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts for a more convenient operation. Another mention-worthy feature is the possibility of pairing two devices for stereo sound. The wireless range it delivers is of up to 30 feet when there are no obstacles in its way. Furthermore, it is covered on parts and labor for 1 year.
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- Drag and drop interface of the app for easy switch between Bluetooth devices
- Battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous listening time on a full charge
- Waterproof design ensures that splashing it won’t cause any harm
- Connection to other audio sources is possible with the help of the auxiliary input
- Comes with a USB cable that you can use to recharge it
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| VERDICT
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Stunning through its modern design and providing a portable solution to listen to your favorite music no matter where you go, this Bose entry is worth every cent. Add to its wonderful features the fact that it is waterproof, and there are no limits to how and when you can use it.
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Noteworthy Info About Portable Music Listening Devices
Normally, speakers require cables in order to connect to audio sources. This is not the case with portable models because, as the name suggests it, they do not require a direct, physical connection to audio sources like smartphones or tablets. This portability enhances their usability and convenience, making them necessities rather than luxury purchases for people who enjoy listening to music in order to relax and have fun.
With the many uses that Bluetooth devices can serve and that we will talk more about later, there is no wonder that these small devices have become so popular among modern people. Their main purpose is to enhance your music and other media listening experience, intensifying sound levels when you are using the smartphone or tablet. Higher end devices even boast waterproofing, thus maximizing versatility in use as they become fit for use in more circumstances than you initially imagined.
As luck would have it, the price range for these devices is rather reasonable, so there are few chances that you won’t be able to afford a top of the line model. What you must take away from what we taught you so far is that the key traits are portability, versatility in use, and convenience, these three traits making your life easier and your music listening session in circumstances like swimming or backpacking more pleasurable.
There are quite a few issues that you might encounter down the road even if you invest in a quality device. Luckily for you, most of these issues can be easily bypassed if you are aware of basic notions regarding troubleshooting the device. Check out our table below to learn how you can fix various problems yourself. If the malfunction of the device is caused by direct damage, know that these tips won’t help as they focus solely on operational defects and unfavorable but fixable circumstances, not destruction of the device.
| Problem |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
| It won’t turn on |
Battery is out of power |
Simply recharge its battery with the help of the micro USB cable that accompanies it |
| Pairing difficulty #1 |
It pairs to another device |
When pairing it to the audio source you intend to use, make sure that the two devices are as close to each other as possible, no other object that features the Bluetooth technology standing in their way |
| Pairing difficulty #2 |
Audio source thinks it is paired with another device |
In this circumstance, you should reset the Bluetooth setting of the audio source, and choose your device from the list in its proximity once it restarts |
| Pairing difficulty #3 |
It thinks it is paired with another audio source |
Repeat the procedure explained in the previous section, only this time applying it to the speaker instead of the audio source device |
| Difficulty/impossibility to pair with computer |
Desktop or laptop doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity |
Most desktops and laptops include Bluetooth chips, but their primary purpose is that of detecting your mouse, keyboard, or other similar devices. These chips are not suitable for pairing the device with speakers for streaming audio use, and there is no fix to the situation. What you can do to make sure that your device is not at fault for the issue is to perform a test by pairing it to a smartphone or tablet. |
| Lower range than noted on spec sheet |
Obstacles are causing interference between the device and the audio source |
You can minimize this interference and benefit from the full range of the Bluetooth function by making sure that there are no obstacles between it and the audio streaming device. These obstructions that you keep the two devices away from include crowds of people, other wireless signals, and walls. |
As aforementioned, these devices can be used in different ways as they are designed to serve more than to simply amplify your music listening experience. Sure, this is their main trait, but it is not the sole one that you need to focus on. In this section of the article, we will get you better acquainted with these products by talking about their operation and seeing how difficult it is to maneuver them, and by listing some of their main uses.
Incredibly easy to use, these are stress-free devices in terms of handling. Learn how to perform the three main actions with them, pairing, changing volume settings, and using the speakerphone option, by reading the following lines:
- Device pairing: To begin with, you must ensure that both devices, the speaker as well as the smartphone or tablet, are charged to an adequate point. Among the settings of the audio source of your choice, you will find the Bluetooth function that you must turn on. When it comes to the device, you will most likely have to press a button that activates this function. With both devices having their Bluetooth function enabled, you can now proceed to search for it in the device list found in the proximity of the audio source. Simply select the device from that list, click pair, and you can now wirelessly listen to music with the portable device’s help.
- Volume controls: There are two methods that you can turn to when it comes to controlling volume while listening to music with a portable device. First, you can change these settings by touching the volume up or down buttons that the portable device features on its exterior – this is the most common design that Bluetooth models boast. The second method that you can use is to change volume settings as you like over the audio source device that you have paired with it.
- Speakerphone: Not all products feature built-in microphones that allow speakerphone use, but high-end ones do, and considering the fact that you most likely want to enjoy the best experience possible with the device, it is best to know how you can put this function to good use. If you want to carry conversations in a more convenient manner, simply select the speakerphone option that allows your phone’s audio during conversations to relocate through it.
There are many routine settings where you will find that using the portable speaker makes your life easier. Here are the three main common uses for Bluetooth speakers that you will surely consider to be worth your attention:
- Quality audio in any circumstance: High-end products feature waterproofing and enhanced durability, thus becoming usable in a wider array of circumstances. Obviously, the most prominent situation is using it when you are at the pool, taking a dip in the water. Alternative circumstances where waterproofing comes in handy and allows you to use the device include – during a hiking or backpacking trip when the rain starts pouring, and other similar situations.
- Conversations: Group conversations are allowed with the device as long as it features the speakerphone function. Just activate this function while you are in the middle of a call, and the whole room will be able to hear what the other person is saying over the phone and converse with him/her. This use is especially important for business people who are looking for a convenient manner to chat with associates during board meetings.
- Enhancing movie watching experience: You have probably experienced this bothersome situation at least once – watching a movie and losing track of the action that is developing as you cannot really hear what the actors are saying. This most often happens when you are watching a movie on the tablet or smartphone, the audio output of these devices not being of the best quality possible. Here is where it comes in to save the day as it enhances audio quality and volume without distorting sounds, thus giving you the chance to clearly hear all the actor’s lines.
Although it is not the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime, it is still important to make sure that the model you buy is qualitative. Otherwise, you will be faced with the unpleasant surprise of having bought a device that does not actually enhance audio quality, that does not ensure a distortion-free music listening experience, and that won’t last in the long run. Find out what you need to look for in order to make a qualitative purchase by reading our buying guide.
- Presence of the Speakerphone Function
This is a feature that we made a point to mention many times in our article as it enhances the usability of the device, allowing you to take clearer phone calls in situations where you need the speaker function of the mobile device. What the person on the other end is saying will be heard in the entire room, so if you are the type of person who finds themselves in meetings where conversations need to be had over the phone, it is a function that you cannot afford to skip on.
- Battery Specs – Charging Time and Lifespan On a Full Charge
As this is a portable device, it relies on battery power to work. Thus, it is important for you to look into two battery specs before making a purchase – battery charge time and battery life. The ideal option to go with would be a model that does not exceed a 4-hour period when it comes to charging the battery, and that delivers up to 20 hours of continuous use once the battery is fully charged.
- Bluetooth Signal Strength
For you to be able to use it in the most convenient manner possible, it should remain paired with the audio source device even when you are far away from it. Thus, you must look into the signal strength of its Bluetooth function. Products that use the 4.0, 4.1, and 4.2 Bluetooth versions generally deliver 33-foot signal strength, and we recommend that you look for one of these versions to witness a problem-free operation of the device.
- Multiple Pairing
If you are an avid consumer of quality music, you definitely want a large collection of audio devices. Thus, you would like the capability of pairing your collection of speakers to each other in order to enhance audio quality and sound output. In case this sounds like a good plan to you, make sure that you purchase a product capable of pairing with other similar devices.
- Water Resistance
The last feature that we strongly recommend you look into when purchasing it is its water resistance. Preferably, you should go for a waterproof model that boasts a high IPX rating, preferably over 5. The reason why we make this recommendation is that a device that is IPX rated for water resistance allows you to submerge it in water, thus being able to listen to music even when you are relaxing in the pool’s water.
What Rating System We Used
If you took a glance at our comparison table, you probably got a bit lost among the numerous pieces of information provided by it. Each spec displayed in our top plays an important role in the overall process and performance of the portable Bluetooth speaker, so there’s no actual skipping any of them when ranking the device. However, there are a few ratings that stand out in importance when compared to the others, and in the following, we will show you what our main focus points were when we rated and ranked the portable speakers.
| Criteria |
Impact/Importance |
| Bluetooth – Version and Range |
All of the products that appear in our top use a certain Bluetooth version, this aspect being made obvious by the fact that they are actually called Bluetooth speakers. However, it is important what Bluetooth version each of them uses as it shows how qualitative they are. Also, the Bluetooth version they use shows the transmission range of these devices, a spec of great importance as it shows how far away you can take the speaker from the audio source device. Our winner, the model that received the best rating when it came to these two elements, is the JBL Flip 4 that uses Bluetooth 4.2 and it boasts a transmission range of 33 feet. |
| Battery Charge Time |
Knowing that time is of the essence for each and every one of us, we made it a point to list in our top only speakers that don’t take long to fully charge their batteries. However, while all of the products we ranked as being the best did well in this testing category, two prevailed as clear winners – the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Flip 3 models that take only 3 and a half hours to completely charge their batteries. |
| Maximum Music Play Time |
The maximum music play time spec shows how long you can continuously use the Bluetooth speaker when the battery is fully charged up to the point where it gets depleted of power. Our number one ranked product, the JBL Charge 3, is the one that made the best impression and that received a higher rating as it delivers up to 20 hours of continuous use on a single battery charge. |
| Waterproof Ratings |
The capability of the devices to withstand contact with rain, splashing water, or even full submersion in liquid bodies is another rating element that we consider to be of a great importance and that we took into consideration. When it came down to this spec, two speakers received higher ratings as they are rated IPX7 for their water resistance, meaning that you can fully submerge them in water 1 meter in depth for approximately 30 minutes. These models are the JBL Charge 3 and the JBL Flip 4. |
| Simultaneous Connection to Multiple Devices |
The device’s capability to connect to multiple devices at once shows that you can stream music or other audio media with it from more than a single device at once. The JBL Charge 3 and the JBL Flip 3 received the best ratings as they are both capable of simultaneously connecting to 3 different audio source devices. |
| Bass Radiator |
The bass radiator feature maximizes the sound output of the portable speaker. This means that it participates in enhancing audio quality when using the device, allowing you feel and hear the bass as clearly as possible. All of the Bluetooth models that we ranked as being the best options on the market at the moment come with this feature, so you needn’t worry about the quality of their sound output. |
| Distortion-Free Sound |
Discernibly, we had to rate the products according to the quality of the audio that they output as well. This leads us to the last rating element that affected our ranking system, more precisely whether or not the device is able to provide distortion-free sound. As you can see, all of the products featured in our top feature this important function, so regardless of what model you pick and how loud you set the volume setting, audio quality will be perfect. |
