How to Choose the Right Portable Bluetooth Speaker

To set the mood at the beach, during a picnic with friends, or simply to add a soundtrack to your daily life, the portable Bluetooth speaker has become essential. But with an overwhelming number of options, it's hard to know where to start. Power, battery life, water resistance... what criteria should you use to make the right choice?

Our guide is here to help you see things more clearly. We've broken down the essential features and selected the best models available right now, all without the unnecessary marketing jargon.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Portable Speaker

Before you jump on the first model you see, it's crucial to understand the features that will truly make a difference in your day-to-day use. Here are three key points to consider for an informed choice.

Power and Bass: What Do Watts Really Mean?

Power, expressed in watts (W), is often the main selling point highlighted by manufacturers. In practical terms, it indicates the maximum volume the speaker can reach.

• For personal use or small groups (10-20W): A moderate amount of power is more than enough to fill a room or provide background music for a picnic.
• For parties or larger spaces (40W and up): A powerful Bluetooth speaker is essential to ensure the music remains clear and impactful, even with ambient noise.

But be careful not to get mesmerised by the numbers. High wattage doesn't guarantee high-quality sound. The presence of passive radiators for bass or Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is a much better indicator: it's the secret to a speaker with deep bass and a well-balanced sound.

Water Resistance: Decoding IP Ratings, Your Best Friend Outdoors

For an outdoor speaker, water resistance isn't an option—it's a necessity. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating tells you about its level of durability. It consists of two digits, but for a speaker, it's the second one (protection against liquids) that matters most.

• IPX5: The speaker is protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. This is perfect for withstanding rain or splashes by the pool.
• IPX6: The device can withstand powerful water jets. An IPX6-certified waterproof speaker will give you much greater peace of mind at the beach or during water activities.

Be aware, IPX5 or IPX6 does not mean the speaker is submersible! For immersion, you need to look for an IPX7 rating or higher.

Battery Life and Useful Features: TWS, Power Bank, and Other Bonuses

A portable speaker needs a battery that can go the distance. Battery life is usually stated in hours of playback or by the battery's capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh). A word of advice: rely on the advertised battery life for medium volume playback (around 50%), as cranking the volume to max can cut the battery life in half (or more).

Other features can really enhance the experience:

• TWS (True Wireless Stereo) Technology: A TWS speaker allows you to wirelessly connect two identical speakers to create a true stereo system, with separate left and right channels.
• Power Bank Function: Some models include a USB port to charge your smartphone. A game-changing detail when you're on the move.

Our Portable Bluetooth Speaker Picks

Now that you know the basics, here is our selection of models that tick all the right boxes, for different budgets and uses.

Kodak Wireless Portable Speaker, 2x10W, IPX6

Why it stands out

This Kodak model strikes the perfect balance between a compact size and sound performance. With its 20W of power and a bass radiator, it delivers surprisingly rich sound for its size. Its IPX6 certification makes it the ideal companion for your outdoor adventures, even during a sudden downpour.

Key Features

• 20W RMS power with a passive bass radiator.
• High IPX6 water resistance against powerful water jets.
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
• 2000?mAh rechargeable battery.

Who is it for? The smart choice for those who want a versatile wireless speaker for everyday use, whether at home, in the garden, or on occasional outings.

Kodak Portable Wireless Speaker, 60 watts, IPX6

Why it stands out

With 60 watts, this Kodak speaker takes things up a notch. It's built for those who refuse to compromise on power outdoors. Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, while the TWS technology lets you double the power for an incredible party atmosphere.

Key Features

• Considerable 60W power output.
• IPX6 certification for excellent water resistance.
• TWS technology to pair two speakers for immersive stereo sound.
• High-capacity 3600?mAh battery.

Who is it for? Perfect for those hosting parties or outdoor events who need sound that packs a punch, without sacrificing durability.

Kodak Portable Wireless Speaker, 60W, IPX5, with Power Bank Function

Why it stands out

This model is a true audio Swiss Army knife. It not only delivers 60W of power but also includes advanced features like 3 EQ modes to sculpt the sound and a DSP to boost the bass. Its power bank function makes it the ultimate travel companion.

Key Features

• 60W power with 3 EQ modes and a built-in DSP.
• Power Bank function to charge your devices via USB.
• Comprehensive connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, auxiliary input, and a USB port.
• TWS functionality for stereo sound.

Who is it for? For adventurers and tech enthusiasts who want a do-it-all outdoor speaker that can deliver powerful, customisable sound while also serving as a backup battery.

Never Run Out of Battery on Your Adventures?

A great speaker is one thing. But an adventure is only truly successful when none of your devices run out of juice. To ensure your smartphone, tablet, and even your speaker never let you down far from an outlet, there's only one solution…

Discover our selection of rechargeable portable batteries to stay connected wherever you are.

Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Your Questions, Answered

What power output should I choose for a portable speaker?

It all depends on your use case. For personal listening or small groups in a quiet environment, 10 to 20 watts is sufficient. To liven up a party or fill a large, noisy open space, opt for models with 40 watts or more to ensure the sound remains clear and powerful.

What does TWS technology mean?

TWS stands for True Wireless Stereo. This technology allows you to connect two compatible speakers to each other via Bluetooth. One becomes the left channel, and the other becomes the right. The result is a much wider soundstage and an immersive listening experience, worthy of a true hi-fi system.

What are the must-haves for an outdoor speaker?

For outdoor use, three things are crucial: durability, water resistance, and battery life. Look for a rugged design, a minimum IPX5 certification to handle the elements, and a generous battery for hours of uninterrupted music.