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5 things to consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker

For those who enjoy music, listening to their favorite tunes in the highest quality possible is important. One way to do this is to upgrade to the latest sound tech, such as Bluetooth speakers. However, each Bluetooth speaker brand and model comes with its pros and cons, which makes choosing one not as easy as one would think. To help one get started, here are things to look for when buying a Bluetooth speaker:

1. Battery life
As a Bluetooth speaker is a wireless electronic, its battery life is a crucial aspect to consider. If one needs to use the speaker regularly without connecting it to a power outlet in between, they should look for options with at least 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. This can be more expensive than other options. However, if one plans on using the speaker mostly at home, they could go for an equally powerful speaker with a shorter battery life (per charge) to save some money.

2. Ports
A speaker will be equipped with some type of charging port. However, one should check the precise version of this charging port. A USB-C port can help the speaker charge quicker than older MicroUSB ports. Further, one should check if the speaker has additional ports, such as an aux-in (line-in) socket. If Bluetooth connectivity ever acts up, one could always connect the speaker by plugging in a cable in the aux port.

3. Size
Certain Bluetooth speakers are designed for outdoor use, which is why they are usually lightweight. However, some models might be heavier, which could make them not as portable as one would like. Further, some are specifically designed for indoor use and so are bulkier and bigger, taking up a lot of room. So, one should assess their requirements and check the dimensions of the speaker and the available space before choosing a speaker.

4. Audio quality
Brands are bound to claim that their speakers offer good audio quality, but that might not always be true. Further, budget speakers often compromise on audio quality. There could be other issues in terms of audio. For instance, a speaker with good bass might not offer clear, high notes. On the other hand, a speaker with good treble output might mess up sounds of lower frequencies. So, if one wants a specific kind of audio quality, apart from relying on a top-quality product and brand, one should test the speaker at the store before making a purchase.

5. Bluetooth version
The version of Bluetooth could influence the speaker’s range and audio quality. Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest and offers a range of up to 800 feet in open space. One should look for speakers with the latest version so that they can easily connect without any audio lag. However, one should note that the quality of sound depends on the build of the speaker and not the Bluetooth version.

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