Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Smartphone and tablet speakers are pretty low-quality, so you cannot rely on them as sources for your favorite music when you are relaxing at the poolside or doing another type of activity you enjoy. As luck would have it, there are more than enough Bluetooth speakers out there to aid fix this issue, speakers that wirelessly bust out jams stocked on your smartphone or tablet.

This mend is perfect for those in need of a portable solution as you cannot really take the home sound system you have at home when you are out having fun. Find out what are the top options at the moment and more details about these fascinating devices from our article.

Top 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers Comparison

	1. JBL Charge 3	2. JBL Flip 4	3. JBL Flip 3	4. DOSS SoundBox	5. SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3
	BEST MODEL			OUR CHOICE	BEST SELLER
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
General Info
Manufacturer	JBL	JBL	JBL	DOSS	Cambridge SoundWorks
Dimensions (H x W x D)	3.5″ x 8.4″ x 3.4″	2.7″ x 6.9″ x 2.8″	2.5″ x 6.7″ x 2.5″	3″ x 7.4″ x 1.9″	2.6″ x 5.3″ x 2.8″
Weight	1.76 Lbs	1.14 Lbs	1 Lbs	1.06 Lbs	0.56 Lbs
Materials	Fabric, Rubber	Fabric, Rubber	Fabric, Rubber	Fabric, Plastic	Fabric, Rubber
Color/Finish Options	5	6	7	4	3
Technical Specifications
Bluetooth
Version	4.1	4.2	4.1	4.0	N/A
Range	33′	33′	33′	33′	30′
Transmitter Frequency Range	2.402 – 2.480 Ghz	2.402 – 2.480 Ghz	2.402 – 2.480 Ghz	2.402 – 2.480 Ghz	N/A
Transmitter Power	0-9 dBm	0-9 dBm	20 dBm	N/A	10 dBm
Transmitter Modulation	GFSK, 8DPSK, π/4-DQPSK	GFSK, 8DPSK, π/4-DQPSK	GFSK	GFSK	N/A
Battery
Type	22.2Wh Lithium-Ion Polymer	3.7V, 3000mAh Lithium-Ion Polymer	3.7V, 3000mAh Lithium-Ion Polymer	3.7V, 2200mAh Lithium-Ion Polymer	2200mAh Lithium-Ion Polymer
Charge Time	4.5 Hours	3.5 Hours	3.5 Hours	3-4 Hours	5-6 Hours
Maximum Music Play Time	20 Hours	12 Hours	10 Hours	12 Hours	12 Hours
Audio&Speaker Specs
Rated Power	2 x 10W	2 x 8W	2 x 8W	2 x 6W	2 x 5W
Power Supply	5V/2.3A	N/A	N/A	5V/1A	15V/2A
Transducer	2 x 50mm	2 x 40mm	2 x 40mm	2 x 38mm	N/A
Frequency Response	65Hz – 20kHz	70Hz – 20kHz	85Hz – 20kHz	80Hz – 20kHz	60Hz – 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>80dB	≥80dB	≥80dB	≥75dB	≥80dB
Support	A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2	A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2	A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2	A2DP	A2DP, AVRCP, HSP
Features&Accessories
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7	Splashproof		IPX5
Simultaneous Connection to Multiple Devices	Up to 3 Smartphones/Tablets	Up to 2 Smartphones/Tablets	Up to 3 Smartphones/Tablets
Distortion-Free Sound
Speakerphone
Bass Radiator
Other Features
	JBL Connect	JBL Connect	JBL Connect	Multiple Playing Modes	Built-In Microphone
	Voice Assistant Integration	Voice Assistant Integration	Voice Assistant Integration	Intuitive Touch Control	Triangular Design
				Built-In Microphone	2 x Precision Neodymium Drivers
				Memory Card Slot
Accessories
	USB Adapter	Micro USB Cable	Micro USB Cable	USB Charging Cable	Micro USB Cable
	Micro USB Cable				3.5mm Audio Cable
Warranty&Support
Product Warranty	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year
User Manual
Customer Support
Telephone Support	(800) 336-4525	(800) 336-4525	(800) 336-4525
E-Mail Support				[email protected]
Online Chat Support

Bluetooth Portable Speakers Reviews

1. JBL Charge 3

Allowing you to wirelessly connect up to 3 different devices to it simultaneously – smartphones or tablets – the JBL Charge 3 stands out as being the best portable speaker with Bluetooth technology not only due to this feature but due to its overall performance. Without a doubt, it is most prominent feature is the IPX7 waterproof rating that ensures you can submerge in it water when you are at the pool, without worrying that the music listening device will malfunction or receive any sort of damage.

It comes with dual external passive radiators that have the role of empowering the speakers, making you feel and hear the bass as if you were in a disco. When connected to your smart device, the speaker can access your two favorite assistants, Siri or Google Now, with the simple push of a button. The full effect of its 20 watts endorses the ultimate experience when listening to music regardless of the circumstance. It doubles as a speakerphone so that you can conveniently take calls when you are having fun at the pool or at a party. Additionally, it delivers quality distortion-free sound in any environment.

PROS	CONS
Compact, lightweight design makes it the ultimate portable solution for listening to music	There are no downsides to this product
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
VERDICT
With one single spec this portable speaker 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.

2. JBL Flip 4

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 portable speakers 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.

PROS	CONS
Intuitive design ensures ease of use	There are no downsides to this product
Good volume settings endorse the capability of customizing the music listening experience
Powerful bass response provides sound delivery of the most exceptional quality
Pairing distortion is eliminated by the two radiator design of the device
Integrated microphone gives you the capability of taking calls with the speaker
VERDICT
With a high IPX7 waterproof rating and allowing a simultaneous connection to up to 2 different smart devices at once, this JBL speaker 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.

3. JBL Flip 3

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 portable speakers on the market. One of the features that make it highly desirable is the noise and echo cancelling capability that allows it to double as a speakerphone. For sound amplification, in case you have other JBL speakers 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 the speaker 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.

PROS	CONS
JBL Connect feature amplifies music listening experience for those who own multiple JBL devices	The device is only splash proof, meaning that you cannot submerge it in water
Bass radiator enhances sound output, allowing you to feel and hear the bass
Voice assistant integration allows you to use Google Now or Siri without touching your smartphone
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
VERDICT
The Flip 3 is one of the lightest portable speakers 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.

4. DOSS SoundBox

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 the portable speaker, 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.

PROS	CONS
Sound is not distorted when the speaker is put on the highest volume setting	Touch buttons light cannot be turned off
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
VERDICT
Listening to music when you are on the go has never been made easier than with this DOSS speaker. 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!

5. SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3

Crystal-clear sound that is free of any distortion will be enjoyed if you use the SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth speaker 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.

PROS	CONS
Built-in microphone ensures sound clarity when using it as a speakerphone	IPX5 rating does not allow full submersion in water of the device
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
VERDICT
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.

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 speakers 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 portable Bluetooth speakers 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 of Bluetooth speakers 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.

Bluetooth Speaker Troubleshooting Tips

There are quite a few issues that you might encounter down the road even if you invest in a quality Bluetooth speaker. 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
Speaker won’t turn on	Battery is out of power	Simply recharge the speaker’s battery with the help of the micro USB cable that accompanies it
Pairing difficulty #1	Speaker pairs to another device	When pairing the speaker 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 speaker from the list of Bluetooth devices in its proximity once it restarts
Pairing difficulty #3	Speaker thinks it is paired with another audio source	Repeat the procedure explained in the previous section, only this time applying it to the portable speaker instead of the audio source device
Difficulty/impossibility to pair with computer	Desktop or laptop doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity to speakers	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 speaker is not at fault for the issue is to perform a test by pairing it to a smartphone or tablet.
Lower Bluetooth range than noted on spec sheet	Obstacles are causing interference between the speaker 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 the speaker and the audio streaming device. These obstructions that you keep the two devices away from include crowds of people, other wireless signals, and walls.

Operation and Uses – Getting Better Acquainted with Bluetooth Speakers

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 portable Bluetooth speakers by talking about their operation and seeing how difficult it is to maneuver them, and by listing some of their main uses.

• Basic Operation

Incredibly easy to use, Bluetooth speakers, 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 speaker, 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 the speaker in the Bluetooth device list found in the proximity of the audio source. Simply select the speaker 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 speaker. 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 speakers 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 the speaker.
• Speakerphone: Not all portable speakers 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 over the speaker, simply select the speakerphone option that allows your phone’s audio during conversations to relocate through the speaker.

• Common Uses

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 speakers feature waterproofing and enhanced durability, thus becoming usable in a wider array of circumstances. Obviously, the most prominent situation is using the portable speaker 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 rain starts pouring, and other similar situations.
• Conversations: Group conversations are allowed with the Bluetooth speaker as long as the device 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 the portable speaker 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.

Portable Speaker Buying Guide – Making an Informed Purchase

Although a portable Bluetooth speaker 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 speaker 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 portable speaker, 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 the speaker 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 the speaker’s 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 Speaker 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 Bluetooth speaker capable of pairing with other similar devices.

• Water Resistance

The last feature that we strongly recommend you look into when purchasing the Bluetooth speaker 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 speaker 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.