Two new models made it into the overall top 3. Which ones should you take with you to the cottage, on a trip or to a party? Is it worth overpaying for expensive models? What brands should you pay attention to? The answers to these questions are in the review of portable speakers from Roskachestvo.
The testing program was developed and implemented by Roskachestvo together with international institutes for consumer testing and product quality research. The results of the fan study were simultaneously brought to the attention of consumers in several countries by organizations similar to Roskachestvo.
See the full results of the study HERE
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Criteria for selecting portable speakers
The main parameters for choosing a portable speaker can be: weight and size, power, design, backlight, battery, protection from water and dust, durability, ease of carrying. Accordingly, depending on the specific purposes of use, certain criteria will come to the fore. For example, if you want to often carry the speaker with you, take it on trips, to the beaches, etc., then the key parameters in this case will be weight, resistance to moisture and dust, a comfortable handle for carrying, high durability and a capacious battery.
On the contrary, if you want to use a speaker at home, moving it, for example, from room to room, then the emphasis should be on power, design, and the ability to connect with other devices. There are no universal recommendations for selection. First of all, pay attention to those parameters that will be important in your situation. Then you won't have to overpay for unnecessary features.
JBL Flip 5
nice design;
high-quality assembly;
there is a USB cable;
capacious battery;
body protection;
sufficient power.
heavy weight.
JBL Flip 4
The device is equipped with 2 speakers with a diameter of 4 cm each, which produce a sound power of 16 W. The Bass Radiator technology was used to reproduce low frequencies, resulting in rich and clear bass. Each control element is located behind the speaker, so for the convenience of switching audio and adjusting the volume, it is optimal to place Flip 4 vertically.
The column has a battery full indicator, which works all the time if Flip 4 is turned on. The design has a high-capacity battery (3000 mAh), which ensures continuous operation of the device for 12 hours. The battery will be fully charged after 3 hours. It is also worth noting the presence of a Power Bank option.
The product has effective moisture protection class IPX7. The weight of the device is 0.5 kg, which is not so much. For comfortable control of Flip 4, special software is used, with which you can find the desired song with a voice command, update the firmware, etc.
Convenient control buttons
Best Portable Speakers (2020–2021)
Sony Sony SRS-XB43
3.699
Sony SRS-XB43 is the new leader in our ranking of portable speakers. Despite the ability to be carried, you can no longer take this device with you “just in case.” The weight of the device is 3 kg, and in addition, it does not have a carrying handle or a case included. This is a kind of analogue of a stationary audio system, only without being tied to wires.
The Sony SRS-XB43 should be appreciated by those who want to throw parties at dusk and in the rain. The device has a very bright flashing backlight, and has an IP67 protection level against moisture. And if several owners of such devices gather at once, the speakers can be combined into a chain in Party mode: Sony allows you to connect up to 100 such devices.
Fans of noisy gatherings will be especially pleased that the model not only supports all modern codecs (SBC, AAC, LDAC), but also plays music very powerfully and loudly. What's important: the Sony SRS-XB43 has very good sound quality for a portable device. When playing music, the sound is clear and natural, without rattling. The vocals are especially good, but the bass can sometimes disappear. True, a lot depends on how you place the speaker: the design of the device is such that there is no initial “correct” location, and you will need to experiment.
Conclusion:
An excellent choice for special occasions when the speaker does not need to be carried with you all the time (for example, for a summer house or outdoor events). A party with such a device will be bright and noisy at any time, and the sound quality will please even picky listeners.
Sony Sony SRS-XB23
3.094
Sony SRS-XB23 is the “junior” model in the SRS-XB line. What makes them similar is that the SRS-XB23 also has protection from moisture and dust according to the IP67 standard and supports Party mode, when up to a hundred speakers with this function can be connected into one network.
Then tangible differences begin, the first of which is the price: the SRS-XB23 is almost two times cheaper than the SRS-XB43 (6,800 rubles versus 12,600). This model is much lighter (580 g), which makes it easier to transport. Additionally, unlike the SRS-XB43, the SRS-XB23 has a built-in carrying lanyard. The build quality raised questions among experts: the device looks quite fragile, and the speakers, although recessed inside, are still open, so there is a risk of damage.
Besides the obvious external differences, there are also significant hardware differences. Despite its compactness, the SRS-XB23 is significantly inferior in terms of battery life: it will work for 605 minutes, while the “older” model is 1,625. And in terms of sound quality, it is far from the leader in the rating. The device transmits sound best at mid frequencies. The bottoms and tops are already sagging significantly. And at maximum volume the sound becomes mushy.
Conclusion:
A fairly light model with a good battery and average sound will find its fans by the summer season. At the same time, the speaker leaves an ambiguous impression: you can find cheaper alternatives with a similar set of characteristics, and in this case the price is everything. Whereas the SRS-XB23 also falls short of its more advanced peers, primarily due to its average sound quality.
JBL Xtreme 3
excellent sound;
effective moisture protection;
ease of control;
belt included;
"Powerbank" option.
USB-A does not read flash drives;
autonomy is lower than specified.
JBL PartyBox On-The-Go
The Partybox On-the-go home audio system will be a real find for music lovers and lovers of loud music. The model has quite a wide functionality, equating it to a real music center. The device plays files from flash drives, reads an audio sheet from a smartphone, and has a jack for connecting a guitar.
The speaker is equipped with high-frequency (4.4 cm) and low-frequency (13.3 cm) speakers. The device operates from the network and from its own battery. PartyBox On-The-Go lasts no more than 6 hours on a single charge. The device syncs with any Bluetooth-enabled device, so you can access music libraries and online streaming services.
The PartyBox On-The-Go comes with a wireless JBL microphone with a range of up to 10 m. The device is equipped with IPX4 moisture protection, which will ensure reliable operation even in the rain. A bottle opener is attached to the shoulder strap.
Good sound
The best manufacturers of portable speakers
The top five in our overall ranking of portable speakers were made up of models from four brands: Sony, JBL, Fender and Audio Pro
. For example, Sony and JBL speakers are scattered throughout the rating, from the top five to the very bottom. This suggests that you shouldn’t rely only on the brand when choosing: one manufacturer can have both successful and unsuccessful models. In addition, model lines can vary greatly in design, price, features and battery. When choosing, it is better to take into account the entire set of factors. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of each model in the product cards.
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Blue)
sound quality;
compact dimensions;
light weight;
nice design;
have a microphone;
build quality.
lacks bass.
Xiaomi Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
The speaker harmoniously combines stylish design, reliable assembly and functionality. Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker provides high-quality sound and allows you to enjoy clear vocals, sound effects in movies and deep bass in audio tracks.
The body is made of plastic and metal, the total weight of the model is 380 g. Thanks to the build quality, the Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker is highly resistant to external damage. The speaker with a diameter of 5.2 cm provides volume and richness of sound frequencies. A 2600 mAh battery allows the speaker to operate on a single charge for up to 8 hours.
The speaker easily connects to Android and iOS devices. The design includes a Bluetooth 5 module, which provides a reliable connection and stable communication with various gadgets. The integrated microphone will allow you to receive calls and use the device for conversations.
Convenient volume control
The best budget speakers with good sound (up to 5,000 rubles), 2020–2021
JBL JBL GO 3
3.475
JBL GO 3 is one of the lightest JBL devices on the market. The speaker weighs only 210 g, which makes it an optimal option for various trips. For even more convenient carrying, the manufacturers have made a small loop with a rubberized element for reliability. The IP67 level of protection against moisture and dust means that the model can be used on the beach, and support for the Bluetooth 5.1 standard means that the connection with another device will be more reliable.
At this size and weight, you shouldn't expect sound quality from the JBL GO 3 that would reach audiophile standards. The music lacks depth and detail, and the sound can click and rattle. In addition, when played at maximum volume, the bass becomes blurry.
Conclusion:
GO 3 is suitable for anyone who would like a lightweight, waterproof device that is easy to carry for the summer season. You can even choose the color of the speaker for summer – JBL offers a large palette. You will have to put up with the sound quality, but if you are just planning to listen in the background, then this will be enough.
Alexander Chechelev
Publisher of the portal Hi-Fi.ru, expert in the field of audio technology since 2001
The mere fact of having a wireless module today does not affect the price. But then the same factors come into play as with conventional speaker systems, that is, the quality of the speakers and built-in amplifiers, the element base, and housing materials. Of course, the skill of the engineers who tune the “voice” of a particular model plays a big role. This is exactly what manufacturers ask for extra money for. Of course, taking into account the form factor of such speakers and their purpose, there is still a certain reasonable price limit, beyond which you begin to pay not for sound, but for prestige, but today the number of such models on the market has sharply decreased: it is not possible to transfer Bluetooth speakers to the luxury segment happened. However, by purchasing a more expensive model from a reputable audio manufacturer, the buyer usually receives higher sound quality, more power and reliability.
LG LG XBOOM Go PL2
2.789
Among the entire line of portable devices, LG XBOOM Go PL2 is the lightest and most compact. The speaker weighs only 350 g, the picture is spoiled by the fact that it does not have a handle, and the device itself is quite slippery, so extra care in use will not hurt.
Like many similar devices, the XBOOM Go PL2 can be paired with another similar device to get more surround sound. The sound as a whole rather disappointed experts than pleased them: the sound is too thin, with flat bass, no volume, and sometimes hissing slips through.
Now we should say who the XBOOM Go PL2 is definitely not suitable for. Firstly, these are iOS device owners, since the management application is only available for Android devices. Secondly, for those who need a loud device: even at maximum power, the XBOOM Go PL2 will play quite quietly.
Conclusion:
Lightweight and waterproof (IPX5 waterproof rating), the device is suitable even for “wet” travel. Not suitable for noisy parties - rather for quiet meditation and relaxing rest.
Stanislav Polubinsky
Director of the Analytics Department of Roskachestvo
– Before the start of the study, Roskachestvo conducted a survey among readers to find out whether users were willing to sacrifice the sound quality of their speakers for the sake of device mobility. The results showed that users prioritize sound over portability: 72.9% of respondents do not want easily portable devices with poor sound quality. Our research found that among the lightest and most portable devices, sound quality can vary greatly from model to model. When choosing portable speakers, don't rely solely on the weight and durability of the device.
JBL PartyBox On-The-Go
high-quality assembly;
good sound;
sufficient power;
deep bass;
there is a backlight;
nice design.
insufficient battery capacity.
JBL Pulse 4
A functional and stylish speaker that has an ergonomic design and supports backlighting. The Pulse 4 case is made of durable plastic and is protected from moisture (IPX7), which allows you to use the device even in bad weather. The power of Pulse 4 is 20 W, and it is connected to devices using Bluetooth 4.2.
A characteristic feature of the product will be the ability to combine with similar speakers in order to obtain stereo sound. The original design of Pulse 4 will allow the sound to diverge in different directions, which is possible thanks to the massive speakers. Function buttons make it possible to adjust the sound volume.
A battery with a capacity of 7260 mAh will allow the speaker to work for 12 hours: all this time, the music is accompanied by a bright LED show. Using the JBL Connect app, you can change the color response to sounds, change lighting modes, and more.
Stylish design
The best speakers for battery life
Portable speakers are designed to be used away from electrical outlets and are expected to last a sufficient number of hours on a single charge. If your device's battery is too weak, your party may be left without music prematurely. The range in battery life between speakers is very large. For most cases, it is true that the larger the device, the more powerful its battery, which means it will last longer. We have compiled a list of the longest-lasting devices.
Xiaomi Mi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
convenient volume control;
effective moisture protection;
compact dimensions;
high-quality assembly;
sufficient autonomy.
bad high frequencies.
Xiaomi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Mini
Convenient wireless mini speaker for walks and long trips. Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Mini features rich sound, sufficient battery life and a shock-resistant housing. The integrated 2000 mAh battery allows the speaker to operate continuously for 10 hours, which is quite a good indicator for this class of devices.
Universal Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility ensures the device is easy to pair with mobile devices running on different OSes. A noise-cancelling microphone allows you to use the speaker's Bluetooth speaker as a loudspeaker to receive calls. A characteristic feature will be a modern USB Type-C charging port. Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Mini supports the TWS wireless connection option, so you can make a pair of 2 similar speakers for surround stereo sound.
The speaker has effective dust and moisture protection class IP55 and a shock-resistant housing. Thanks to its compact dimensions and shape, the device will easily fit in your bag. The weight of the model is 185 g, so you will not experience discomfort even on long trips.
Light weight
Which speaker is better to buy?
If you plan to take the speaker on a trip or move around with it often, then it is better to choose a light and compact model (up to 500 g). The JBL GO 3, Sony SRS-XB23, LG XBOOM Go PL2 or JBL Clip 4 are suitable for this. With the exception of the XBOOM Go PL2, they are also suitable for small parties. If the problem of transportation is not acute, then you can choose heavier and larger devices, which will most often be able to provide higher quality and louder sound. The best choice here would be the Sony SRS-XB43, and as an alternative, the proven models of past years, Fender Newport or Marshall Kilburn II. For convenient sorting, use the rating filters, and if for some reason portable speakers are not suitable for you, you can always see the current rating of speakers for the home there.
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Speaker 2
stylish design;
compact dimensions;
capacious battery;
purity of sound;
build quality.
there is no option to switch tracks;
There is no option to play from other media.
Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Blue)
A functional speaker with compact dimensions and low weight. The body of the product is made of durable metal, which makes it highly wear-resistant. Equipped with 2 stereo speakers with a total power of 16 W. The case has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which will allow you to immerse the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker in water up to 1 m for 30 minutes.
To connect the speaker to devices, the Bluetooth 5.0 interface or standard AUX is used. If necessary, Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker can be combined with another similar one for more surround sound. The speaker is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops and TVs.
Thanks to the presence of a Bluetooth interface in the model, ease of product control is achieved. The design of the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker comes with a 300 mAh battery, which will allow you to work without interruption for 4 hours. The device is charged via the USB Type-C port.
Light weight
About brands
Buying any equipment begins with finding out which brand is better. Nobody wants to buy a no-name device that is not insured against sudden breakdowns.
We list the best portable speaker companies on the market today.
- Xiaomi is a Chinese manufacturer known for mobile technology. Models from this company combine good quality, inexpensive price tags and beautiful appearance.
- JBL is a leader in consumer audio. JBL is of American origin. The brand boasts a wide range of models with different prices. Key qualities characteristic of the company are practicality, sound quality and reasonable prices.
- SONY is a Japanese company that has long established itself for high quality. Sony works in different areas, including being popular for its acoustic devices - from stereo systems to portable speakers. The downside is that there is an overpayment for the brand. Devices from previous companies with similar parameters are often cheaper.
- Marshall is an audio professional. A company from England makes equipment for professional musicians and relatively recently appeared in the consumer segment with speakers, players, and headphones. It features high-quality sound and an expensive price tag.
- SVEN is a representative of the budget segment. The company is registered in Finland, but founded by Russians. For those who are looking for good quality acoustics with great functionality and at the same time inexpensive, it is better to buy a speaker from SVEN.
Important! In addition to the above-mentioned companies, Harman/Kardon, Creative, and Bose deserve attention. They do not offer a large number of models and are quite expensive, but they are guaranteed to provide excellent sound, premium appearance and appropriate quality.
Xiaomi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Mini
light weight;
sound purity;
build quality;
capacious battery;
nice design;
ease of use.
not very clear bass.
Xiaomi Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2
An improved and ergonomic model, which is distinguished by compact dimensions. It will be an excellent solution for long trips as it takes up very little space. The body of Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 is made of reliable ABS plastic, which guarantees long service life.
The built-in microphone allows you to receive incoming calls and communicate handsfree. A lithium battery with a capacity of 480 mAh will provide 4 hours of continuous operation of the Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2. In standby mode, one charge lasts for 45 days.
The device supports connection via Bluetooth 4.2, which guarantees a stable connection that is not subject to interference. You can connect your phone, PC, TV and other devices to Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 in a few steps. The speaker is also equipped with AI technology with the option of smart voice control, without the need to directly control it.
Sound clarity
Buying Tips
Buying Bluetooth speakers is considered an unnecessary whim, an unnecessary and unjustified waste of money. There is already a stereotype in society that portable boomboxes are bought mostly by teenagers or original individuals. Let's look at places and situations where a column can be useful:
- Outdoors. Trips outside the city involve one type of recreation or another. Whether it’s sports exercises in the garden, a hike in the forest or to the river with friends or family, the peace and quiet soon becomes tiresome. Especially for this occasion, have a compact stand-alone speaker in stock so that, if you wish, you can play your favorite track or arrange a disco in the rays of the setting sun.
- When cleaning the apartment. A TV or smartphone sounds quiet, but when you connect a speaker via Bluetooth, the mood and volume immediately double.
- Manual boomboxes have become a salvation for workers in kindergartens and schools. Constant events in the hall or on the street require musical accompaniment, and carrying a bulky music center is difficult. So small speakers made the work of teachers easier and contributed to the emergence of new, cool ideas for entertaining children.
In our home today there are dozens of digital and household appliances. Some of them are useless acquisitions, for example, a juicer or a slow cooker. But the Bluetooth speaker will be in demand, and for each family member.
