What is a Bluetooth Speaker?

Beth Huston Profile image

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Updated March 17, 2023

The best speakers often come with tons of bells and whistles. This can leave you wondering what a Bluetooth speaker is and whether it is worth investing in one. Today we’ll talk about how the best Bluetooth speakers work, what types are available, and even what you should look for when purchasing one. Keep reading to find out more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Technology can feel overwhelming, especially regarding technical details regarding speakers. Today we’ll explain a bit more about Bluetooth speakers.
  • There is a wide range of different Bluetooth speakers. You’ll easily be able to find a Bluetooth speaker that fits your lifestyle and needs.
  • There are a few things to look for in a Bluetooth speaker. The first is sound quality, followed by how many hours of battery life the rechargeable battery can offer.

Explaining Bluetooth Speakers

Put into simple terms, a Bluetooth speaker is simply a speaker that uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your audio source, like a smartphone. While the average portable Bluetooth speaker may not be the best-sounding speaker or have the same audio quality as its wired counterpart, there are plenty of options at an affordable price to meet most people’s needs. We’re going to dive into this a bit deeper, but once we’re done, you may want to learn a little about troubleshooting in case you ever find yourself wondering, “Why does my Bluetooth speaker keep cutting out?” Knowing what causes static noise in Bluetooth speakers will help, too.

Insider Tip

You can easily connect to your mobile device when using wireless speakers.

How Bluetooth Speakers Work

Bluetooth speakers, also known as wireless speakers, have dominated the market for a while. This is because of their convenience and ease of use, making them easily accessible to most consumers. All of these speakers will need you to place them in discover mode or pairing mode and connect them with your source device, like a smartphone. The mobile device and speaker will need to be in the wireless range of the signal to connect, with a typical range being about 30 feet. For more information, read our article on how Bluetooth speakers work. You could even check out how a wireless subwoofer works if you want to take your knowledge further.

Types of Bluetooth Speakers

There are several different types of these versatile speakers out there. They include portable speakers, smart speakers, and party speakers, just to name a few. There are even waterproof speakers and solar-powered ones. Once you do a little research, you’ll be able to find the best Bluetooth speaker for your lifestyle.

Warning

Make sure the battery life and IP rating fit your needs before investing in a new Bluetooth speaker.

What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Speaker?

When looking into a product to purchase, you want to ensure it’ll fit your lifestyle. There are specific criteria you should always keep in mind when shopping for wireless speakers. The first is sound quality, which is a priority for most people as you want your favorite music to sound good. The second is how many hours of battery life the Bluetooth speaker offers on a single charge. Look into reviews, as well, to see if the rechargeable battery lives up to the listed expectations. If you are an outdoor type and like music with you, a portable waterproof speaker may be best for you. However, make sure to check the waterproof rating. Some Bluetooth speakers have cables so you can connect to devices that aren’t compatible with the Bluetooth, like the one in our Oontz Angle 3 review. And if you’ll be out for a long time, don’t forget you can charge your wireless speaker with a power bank. Keep these in mind, and you’ll find the perfect speakers for you.

STAT: As of the fourth quarter of 2017, waterproof Bluetooth speakers have become the highest-selling type of specialty Bluetooth speaker, with unit sales of around 3.16 million. (source)

F.A.Q.

What source devices can I use for my Bluetooth speaker?

A mobile device seems to be the most popular option. However, you can connect using any compatible device with Bluetooth capabilities. This includes gaming consoles, computers, and more.

Should I invest in a waterproof speaker?

If you think it fits your lifestyle, absolutely. This style of Bluetooth speaker is best suited for those who will be partying, hiking, camping, or doing anything else where there’s water or moisture.

How do I ensure great sound quality in my portable speakers?

Investing in a high-quality Bluetooth speaker is the best way to ensure excellent sound quality. Not only do wireless devices increase convenience, but they also provide superior audio quality.

Which wireless speakers are the best for smart homes?

Naturally, you’ll want to invest in smart speakers if you already have a smart home. You can even find Bluetooth speakers that match the brand you use for the rest of your tech.
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