While your smartphone or tablet might have a built-in loudspeaker, these should really only be reserved for the occasional YouTube video or hands-free call. You don't want to listen to music through them if you want to do your tunes justice. Bluetooth speakers are a much better alternative and the great news is there are plenty of options to suit different budgets or needs.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows communication over short distances. You might remember it from slightly unreliable handsfree headsets from years gone by. Nowadays, Bluetooth technology has gone through a number of revisions and is more reliable than ever and is capable of carrying enough data for high-quality music. As such, Bluetooth speakers have risen in popularity.
Every smartphone and tablet will have support for Bluetooth, as will most laptops. Otherwise, an inexpensive USB Bluetooth dongle can add support. These will let you connect your music source of choice to your Bluetooth speaker. Whether it's a CD in your laptop's drive, to a locally stored MP3 file or streamed music from the internet - such as BBC Radio via iplayer or the latest tunes on Spotify.
When it comes to different kinds of Bluetooth and codecs, it's worth keeping an eye out for Bluetooth aptX support. The aptX codec is usually only supported on more expensive Bluetooth speakers due to the licensing cost, but it allows for less-lossy streaming from audio devices that also support the codec.
Pairing a Bluetooth device is straightforward. You'll just need to put the speaker into pairing mode (the method will differ based on manufacturer, but it's usually obvious how) and then search for the speaker on your device. Otherwise, NFC (near field communication) can let you pair an NFC compatible device to an NFC-compatible speaker simply by touching the two together, automating the entire process.
Fixed or Portable
If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker you can carry around with you, you'll want one with a built-in battery. Any Bluetooth speaker worth its salt will usually last upwards of at least 8 hours and some will go into double figures. Most speakers will charge over a Micro USB cable, which is handy as you can often get by only carrying one charger for your smartphone, tablet and Bluetooth speaker (unless you're an 'iDevice' owner). Some Bluetooth speakers aren't designed for moving around, so don't have a battery and will instead need to be plugged into your mains. What these lack in portability they should make up with fuller and richer sound.
Ruggedised and Waterproof
Bluetooth speakers make great holiday or outdoor companions, too. You can find waterproof and ruggedised models that are ideal to take beside the pool, or on outdoor adventures, without worrying about them getting damaged. The ruggedised models will have shock-proofing, so they can handle occasionally being thrown around or dropped. Where it comes to water resistance, be sure to check what the IPX rating is as that will tell you to what extent it can survive exposure to water. Some waterproof models will have IPX7, meaning they can survive being submerged in up to 1m of water for at least 30 minutes. Less waterproof models might only be IPX4 rated, meaning they can only handle being splashed.
Speaker Drivers
As Bluetooth speakers vary widely in size, they can have vastly differing numbers of drivers inside. The smaller speakers might only have two drivers but the larger ones can have significantly more. Different sized drivers will handle different frequency ranges. A woofer will handle the lower frequencies, so if you favour bass response look out for a speaker with a dedicated woofer. Mid-range and tweeters will handle the mid and higher frequencies, respectively. In terms of sound quality, it's typically better to have a dedicated driver for each frequency range, rather than fewer drivers performing double duties.
Hands-free Calling
Lots of Bluetooth speakers will also have a built-in microphone, which means you can use them for convenient hands-free conference calling. This means they can serve a useful dual purpose and are usually a better option than putting your smartphone on loudspeaker.
Best Bluetooth Speakers
Cambridge Audio G2 - best portable
The Cambridge Audio G2 is an incredibly classy-looking Bluetooth speaker that can double as a hands-free conference speaker. Its contoured aluminium body makes it look and feel premium. As well as Bluetooth, you can also connect a wired device through the 3.5mm auxiliary connection. With around nine hours of battery life, the G2 should help keep your party going. You can even use it to charge your smartphone through the USB port on its back.
Price when reviewed: £100. Read our full review: Cambridge Audio G2
Speakers: 2, RMS power output: Not disclosed, Dock connector: None, Wireless: Bluetooth (SBC), Dimensions: 189x55x67mm, Weight: 0.65kg
UE Boom 2 - waterproof and ruggedised
Ultimate Ears has made a bit of a name for itself with its Boom range of Bluetooth speakers. Our favourite has to be the UE Boom 2, which is IPX7 rated so can handle a dip, is ruggedised and comes in fun colours. Its cylindrical shape is useful, too, as it'll happily fit into a bottle holder on a bike or in the side pocket of a rucksack. The UE Boom 2 packs plenty of sound and its battery life of around 12 hours is great.
Price when reviewed: £130. Read our full review: UE Boom 2
Speakers: 2, RMS power output: Not disclosed, Dock connector: NOne, Wireless: Bluetooth (SBC), Dimensions: 67x67x180mm, Weight: 548g
Fugoo (Style, Sport, Tough) - best for battery life
With its interchangeable jackets, the Fugoo speaker is a speaker for all occasions. The Sport and Tough jackets, in particular, will be popular for anyone who favours the outdoors, adding increasing levels of ruggedisation. Even the Style will still survive a 1m dip in water, as the inside 'core' is IP67 rated (meaning it's also dust-proof). What really sets the Fugoo apart is its incredible battery life of upwards of 40 hours. Nothing else comes close.
Price when reviewed: £150 (Style). Read our full review: Fugoo (Style, Sport, Tough)
Speakers: 6, RMS power output: Not disclosed, Dock connector: None, Wireless: Bluetooth (aptX), Dimensions: Style: 165x66x54mm, Sport: 187x73x59mm, Tough: 197x73x59mm, Weight: Style: 442g, Sport: 519g, Tough: 624g
Spaced360 - 360-degree sound
The Spaced360 is a genuinely innovative Bluetooth speaker that delivers sound in every direction thanks to OrbitSound's airSOUND technology. Inside are three 2in drivers and support for the less-lossy aptX codec. Its unique design also makes it a talking piece and while you might not want to take it on the go, its eight hour battery makes it easy to carry around the house.
Price when reviewed: £250. Read our full review: Spaced360
Bowers & Wilkins T7 - most stylish
The Bowers & Wilkins T7 is one of the most stylish Bluetooth speakers around. Its honeycomb bracing not only serves an acoustic purpose, it also looks lovely, too. The T7 has a built-in battery that lasts 18 hours but it's too heavy and unwieldy to carry out of the house. As a Bluetooth speaker to use around the home, it does wonderfully, though. Sound quality is what you would expect from an audio company with the heritage Bowers & Wilkins has but then you do pay for it as the T7 is one of the more expensive Bluetooth speakers around.
Price when reviewed: £300. Read our full review: Bowers & Wilkins T7
Speakers: 4, RMS power output: 24W, Dock connector: None, Wireless: Bluetooth (aptX), Dimensions: 210x54x114mm, Weight: 940g
