The last two decades, manufacturers seem to compete among themselves, who will create a smaller device, but at the same time high-tech, beautiful and ergonomic. Acoustics was no exception. Small portable speakers break all sales records.
In this review we will tell which portable speaker is better to buy and why.
How to choose a portable speaker
When choosing portable speakers, you should pay attention to several key points.
Power
Ideally, it should be at least 10-20 W, because acoustics of lower power will be hard to hear in a normal living room, not to mention larger rooms or a summer cottage. If plans are 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 the charge as well as it was written in the technical characteristics of the product. And this often happens, especially when it comes to inexpensive Chinese speakers.
Ideally, if the speaker, in addition to the battery, has the ability to be powered from the network, whether it be a wire with a plug or the ability to connect to a computer via USB.
Transportability
The captain declares evidence: the portable speaker is designed to be carried from place to place. Therefore, the column should have a convenient carrying handle. And if the device is really quite tiny, then it should have a loop or eyelet, with which it can be attached to a bag or belt.
Useful Options
- AUX - 3.5 mm input. Bluetooth is good, of course, 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. With a cable, this is easier than combining all the party participants into a single Bluetooth network. In addition, a Bluetooth connection spends a charge, but a cable does not.
- Wifi. Best of all, 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.
- NFC module. A very convenient thing for smartphone owners: you don’t have to press buttons to start music, just touch the speaker with the device.
- Water and dust protection. An indispensable characteristic if you often go outdoors. The speakers will withstand dust, dirt and splashes of water without harming the work, and if declared waterproof, they will also survive immersion in water. True, the defense has its drawbacks; As a rule, the sound from tightly sealed speakers will be quieter and duller.
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. Even better if there is an equalizer and noise reduction system. If the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 45 per 100 dB, high-quality sound will not work.
The best low-cost portable bluetooth speakers
3. Ginzzu GM-984G
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable stereo speakers
- power 2 × 10 W
- powered by batteries, from USB
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from a USB drive
- microSD memory card support
- waterproof housing
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 were up 70%. Moreover, the trend does not lose significance until now.
Ginzzu GM-984G is one of the participating portable speaker 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 outdoors.
pros: functionality, usability, volume.
Minuses: large and heavy.
2. Xiaomi Mi Round 2
The average price is 1,600 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers mono
- power 5 W
- powered by batteries, from USB
- Bluetooth
This mono speaker immediately attracts attention with its rigorous design. The device is one of those that is not ashamed to take a gift, while it is small and compact, so that it is easy to carry around with you.
The baby's sound is good, clear, loud enough for a small room. True, you can’t get the bass from her, which is not surprising at this size. By the way, the device’s autonomy is at a height - it fulfills the stated 6-8 hours regularly.
pros: price-quality ratio.
Minuses: when worn in a bag, it can be involuntarily switched on from contact with other objects.
1. Xiaomi Bluetooth Wireless Computer Speaker
The average price is 5,300 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable stereo speakers
- power 12 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
Another device from Xiaomi, beloved by Russian customers, but already a little more expensive. These are portable speakers that successfully combine both Bluetooth connectivity and good sound. In general, this is an excellent ratio in terms of sound / price - for other manufacturers the same sound will cost more.
Of course, it is 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 claimed. At the same time, the compact case will allow you to place speakers anywhere, even on the windowsill in the kitchen, if only there is enough communication.
pros: price-quality ratio.
Minuses: not.
Best portable speakers (stereo)
3. JBL PartyBox 300
The average price is 22,200 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable stereo speakers
- mains, battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from a USB drive
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 unscrew the sound to the maximum, then in an ordinary living room it will become impossible to be. If desired, the sound can be adjusted to your taste with an equalizer.
And this device also has a real light music! Which can be turned off if you do not want to put the battery too quickly.
pros: Clear, rich sound.
Minuses: heavy case, high price.
2. Hopestar A6
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers 2.1
- power 2 × 8 W
- subwoofer power 18 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- microSD memory card support
- waterproof housing
In addition to stereo speakers, this small and inexpensive device also has a subwoofer, so its sound is generally better than similar speakers in a similar price category. The lightweight case allows you to carry speakers wherever you want, and the volume is enough to cover a room, office or listen to music behind nature.
This stereo effect can be achieved by connecting two speakers to the network - this allows the device’s interface. And if you want, you can not bother and attach the device to the belt.
pros: light weight, volume, sound, convenient belt mount.
MinusesA: As with many Chinese products, the build quality may vary between products.
1. JBL Charge 4
The average price is 7,500 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable stereo speakers
- power 30 W
- powered by batteries, from USB
- line input
- Bluetooth
- waterproof housing
One of the best portable speakers on the market. JBL Charge 4 justifies its price with both a chic modern design and excellent sound, stable performance and long playability.
Another plus of the device is its modern interface, USB-C support. The sound at medium volume at the device is excellent, but if you add volume, the small size makes itself felt. There will be an increase in only the upper tones and the middle, and the bass will be muffled.
pros: appearance, moisture resistance, long working time.
Minuses: No quick charge function.
Best portable speakers (mono)
3. Max MR 372
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers mono
- power is 15 W
- battery powered
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from a USB drive
- microSD memory card support
The top of the portable mono speakers opens up a small bright device designed for a teenage audience. Perfect for introducing a young child to the world of technology - the sound is good enough, the device is quite simple. And it looks pretty.
He catches the radio, stations can be stored in memory. If the backlight seems too bright, you can turn it off. There is both a linear input and a wireless connection. And although this speaker is not too powerful, for a child with good hearing it is not so important.
pros: appearance, ease of use.
Minuses: low volume.
2. JBL GO 2
The average price is 1,600 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers mono
- power 3 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
For its size, this baby is capable of producing quite a good sound. Therefore, JBL GO 2 will be an indispensable thing for trips out of town or to the country. She has a long service life for her money, it looks solid. True, the energy intensity leaves much to be desired, but what else to expect from a small case?
pros: compactness, appearance, usability.
Minuses: Charges quickly, no loop to attach to anything.
1. JBL CLIP 3
The average price is 2,400 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers mono
- power 3.30 W
- battery powered
- line input
- Bluetooth
- waterproof housing
One of the most popular devices on the market. It looks stylish, and is equipped with a metal eye, with which the device can be mounted anywhere. For its size, the baby has a good loud sound, and a high-quality assembly allows you not to be afraid of splashes and dust.
The energy intensity of the JBL CLIP 3 speaker is excellent, it can play up to 10 hours in a row. All connections work like a clock. Of course, mono and low power hint that you can’t wait for the full-bodied bass from the device, but for such a price it is excusable.
pros: compactness, usability, auto power off function.
Minuses: Multiple columns cannot be networked.
Best portable speakers with subwoofer
3. Ginzzu GM-886B
The average price is 2 100 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers 2.1
- power 2 × 3 W
- subwoofer power 12 W
- battery powered
- radio
- line input
- Bluetooth
- playback from a USB drive
- SD card support
A small and inexpensive model opens the list of portable speakers with a subwoofer. You have to pay for everything, and for cheapness, too, so her low range is not as good as we would like.
But this drawback is forgiving, taking into account other advantages: for example, there is an equalizer with which the sound can be brought to an acceptable level. The speaker can play from a memory card, flash drive, and, of course, through a wireless connection. She also catches the radio. The battery column works, but if desired, an external battery can be connected via the USB connector.
pros: volume, usability, long work.
Minuses: Sound at high volume is poor.
2. Harman / Kardon SoundSticks Wireless
The average price is 16,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers 2.1
- power 2 × 10 W
- subwoofer power 20 W
- mains power
- line input
- Bluetooth
In addition to the stunningly futuristic appearance, the Harman / Kardon speaker can surprise you with its sound quality. In its price segment, it has virtually no competitors. She can calmly play both classical tracks and death-metal, Korean pop and electronica. She has enough range for everything. A great option as computer speakers.
pros: sound, appearance.
Minuses: Buying a device on the territory of the Russian Federation is not so simple, look in foreign online stores.
1. Marshall Acton II
The average price is 15,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- portable speakers 2.1
- power 2 × 15 W
- subwoofer power 30 W
- mains power
- line input
- Bluetooth
If the previous position in the rating relied on futurism, then Marshall Acton II - on the good old traditions. The device is solid, a bit old-school looking. By the way, this is one of the most powerful portable rating columns - its strength is enough to cover not only a residential apartment, but also an office building.
At the same time, she does not lose sound quality; it is well-developed, lively, dense, which is called “thoroughbred”. Tracks can be listened to both via a flash drive and wirelessly. And Marshall Acton II, you can adjust the equalizer, backlight and many more useful little things.
pros: sound, appearance, there is a radio.
Minuses: Android application is not too convenient to use.
