The Best Bluetooth Speaker - 2021

Sound systems have evolved drastically over the last couple of decades. For many of us, it seems like just last week we were fretting over what kind of speakers to match up with the custom-built stereo rig that took up an entire corner of our bedroom. Now, most households play their music from a device that fits in their pocket — and the speaker they play it through isn’t much bigger.

Yes, Bluetooth speakers have always been convenient. From the start, they were a compact way to boost the audio output from our smartphones, though the quality left something to be desired. But the new generation of wireless audio equipment can compete with the biggest hi-fi sound systems, and the battery life on these devices is getting better all the time.

If you haven’t used a Bluetooth speaker before, you should know a little about the technology that drives them. In a nutshell, Bluetooth is a form of wireless technology that’s ideal for short range communication between two devices. Bluetooth-enabled devices send radio signals to each other within a specific frequency range, changing the exact frequency in tandem on a constant basis so as to avoid any interference from similar devices. There have been several updates to Bluetooth technology over the years, with the latest version (Bluetooth 5.2) announced in March 2020. Bluetooth 4.0 is still fairly common though, and don’t worry: The technology is backwards compatible with older versions. Users that have the newer versions of Bluetooth in their gear can expect greater range and speed, as long as both the sending and receiving device are up to date.

Yes, it’s great to be able to connect to your music player wirelessly, but the main selling point of a speaker should always be the sound. This can vary quite a bit among Bluetooth speakers, which tend to be small. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pack a big punch. As far as volume goes, look for the power in wattage. 5 watts is good enough for most households. 10 watts is impressive, and can be loud enough for outdoor parties, but you might expect some loss of quality at the high end.

For audio quality, there are a lot of factors to consider. A single Bluetooth speaker can’t precisely replicate the stereo sound experience, but those with multiple drivers can produce a reasonable facsimile if you’re listening close by. Frequency response is a good general metric as well. If you find this information listed for the speaker, it will be a range of frequencies — 150 Hz to 15 kHz, for example. The first, lower number is the low end, or bass. The high end is the treble, and the bigger the difference between them, the better.

Good Bluetooth speakers can connect to paired devices anywhere in the same room, or even further in most cases. Around 33 feet is the standard, though modern speakers are touting longer connectivity all the time. If you’re using your speaker around the house, range usually isn’t an issue, but  speakers with a weaker signal can be a real buzzkill if you’re planning to use them outdoors.

Speaking of outdoor use, consider the durability of the speaker. The wireless nature of Bluetooth just begs to be used on the go, and most of the more portable speakers are designed with that in mind. The cases should be made o some kind of high-impact material, and waterproofing is a must. Water-resistant speakers that are worth their salt typically carry some level of IPX rating. That rating number determines the length and amount of water exposure they can stand up to, and the higher the better. If you’re using your speaker around the pool, IPX7 ratings mean the speaker can survive immersion in shallow water for 30 minutes, which is a good level of quality to shoot for.

One other big selling point is battery life. Again, this might not be such a consideration if you plan on keeping your speaker plugged in. But most Bluetooth units can go fully remote, and their longevity varies widely. You can find speakers that will last on a single battery charge anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, playing uninterrupted. (Higher volumes and other factors might use up the battery quicker, mind you.)

• Most people will use their Bluetooth speakers for listening to audio from their smartphone, but what if you get a call? In those cases, it’s nice to have a model that has speakerphone capability. This will allow you to take a call and get right back to the music afterwards.
• Another good perk is having a Bluetooth speaker that’s also a smart speaker. This means you’ll be able to turn it on, off or switch tracks by voice command.
• Finally, if the lack of true stereo sound from your Bluetooth speaker is a dealbreaker, it may be time for an upgrade. Some speakers with updated versions of the technology can allow your device to connect with two or more speakers simultaneously — a real game-changer for audiophiles.