The Ubiquity of Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers have become an indispensable gadget for many people. They are used in various settings, such as around the house, in the shower, at the park, on the beach, and even strapped to backpacks or bikes. The use of these speakers has evolved over time, with improvements in sound quality, battery life, and durability. Many people still use old trusty speakers that they have been using for years, but upgrading to newer models can offer better performance.

Choosing the Best Speaker

Selecting the best Bluetooth speaker is not an easy task, as it depends on how you plan to use it. In terms of sound quality, the Bose SoundLink Flex stands out from its competitors. Its engineers have managed to achieve exceptional sound with a single mono driver, delivering expansive sound and genuine bass. The SoundLink Flex also has impressive battery life, lasting around 12 hours, and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. The speaker's EQ automatically adjusts depending on whether it's laid flat or stood upright.

The Bose SoundLink Flex Works Well as a Speakerphone

One of the standout features of the SoundLink Flex is its performance as a speakerphone. Its built-in mics are excellent, making it an ideal choice for hands-free phone calls. However, some users may find the speaker buttons difficult to use or differentiate from one another. Despite this, the overall performance of the SoundLink Flex as a speakerphone is exceptional.

Mono Speakers: A Trade-Off

While the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Charge 5 both have mono setups, they offer different compromises. The Bose SoundLink Flex's sound quality is superior to that of the Charge 5, but at the cost of being unable to play stereo content. On the other hand, the Charge 5 offers longer playback time and can be used to charge other devices via its USB-A port.

The Sony SRS-XB43: Powerful Stereo Sound for Parties

For those planning a party in the backyard, the Sony SRS-XB43 is an excellent choice. This speaker offers powerful stereo sound with deep bass and a light show that complements the music. The EXTRA BASS mode enhances the audio experience, making it perfect for outdoor events. Additionally, the speaker has an AUX jack on the back, allowing multiple people to switch off whose phone is paired without worrying about Bluetooth headaches.

The Sony SRS-XB43: A Heavy-Duty Speaker

While the Sony SRS-XB43 is designed for parties and outdoor events, its bulkiness may make it less portable. It weighs over six pounds, making it difficult to carry around daily. However, this speaker is tailor-made for use in the house or at parties, offering an exceptional audio experience.

The JBL Clip 4: A Tiny yet Impressive Speaker

For those who prefer a compact speaker, the JBL Clip 4 is an excellent choice. Its integrated carabiner makes it easy to attach to bags, bikes, or other objects. Despite its small size, the sound produced by this speaker is impressive, with clear mids and treble. The bass may be slightly recessed, but overall, the Clip 4 offers great value for those looking for a portable speaker.

The JBL Clip 4: A Great Speaker for Adventures

One of the standout features of the JBL Clip 4 is its durability. With an IP67 rating, it can withstand dust and water exposure. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for hikes or other outdoor adventures. The speaker also has a long battery life of 10 hours, ensuring that you can enjoy your music without interruptions.

The Importance of Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth speakers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and versatility. They are no longer just seen as an accessory but a vital part of home entertainment systems. With the advancement in technology, there is a wide range of options available for those looking to upgrade or purchase a new speaker. Whether you're looking for exceptional sound quality, long battery life, or portability, there's a Bluetooth speaker out there for everyone.

The Personal Preference

In conclusion, each of the Bluetooth speakers mentioned has its unique features and strengths. The Bose SoundLink Flex stands out for its exceptional sound quality, while the Sony SRS-XB43 offers powerful stereo sound for parties. The JBL Clip 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and portable speaker. Ultimately, the best Bluetooth speaker is one that meets your specific needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a very good speaker. With so many options available in the market today, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for exceptional sound quality, long battery life, or portability, there's a Bluetooth speaker out there that fits your needs and budget.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(electronic music)- Bluetooth speakers.They've become ubiquitous,indispensable gadgets.Everybody's got onesomewhere by now, right?Whether you use yourspeaker around the house,or in the shower,or bring it to the park or the beach,or maybe you're one of those folkswho straps it to theirbackpack or their bike,and shares their musicwith everyone nearby.(cycle bell dings)Now, I know a ton of peoplewho have old trustee speakersthat they've been using for years,and if that's you,there's no immediate reason to upgrade,but these things have gotten very goodover the last few years:sound quality gets better and better,battery life has stretched to new highs,and these speakers aremore reliable and durablethan ever before.Now, choosing the best speakeris not so easy, honestly,because we all use thesethings in different ways.In terms of the bestsounding Bluetooth speaker,that's the Bose SoundLink Flex.I don't know what kindof engineering sorceryis going on over there,but to my ears,Bose's speakers have always sounded betterand more clear than anycompetitors in the same size range.And for $149,the small portable SoundLinkFlex sounds phenomenal.Despite only having a single mono driver,which isn't uncommonfor Bluetooth speakers,the SoundLink Flexdelivers expansive soundwith a genuinelysurprising amount of bass.(speaker plays music)And, crucially, that lowend isn't muddy or boomy,instead, everything aboutthis speaker is rich, clear,and detailed.You can expect around 12hours of battery life.And the SoundLink Flex is rated IP67for dust and water resistance.Whether you lay the speaker flat,or stand it upright,the EQ automatically adjustsfor either orientation.And the SoundLink Flexworks much better than mostas a speakerphone,thanks to its really good built-in mics.Not everything is perfect, mind you.The speaker's buttons can be hard to useor differentiate by feel.And it's weird thatBoes chose Bluetooth 4.2instead of a newer, moremodern version of the spec.But if those are my biggest gripes,it's fair to say that theSoundLink Flex is a winner.Having said that,let's not forget aboutthe legendary UE BOOM 3.It's frankly a little mind bogglingthat this thing is even stillaround in the year 2022.It came out back in 2018,and Ultimate Ears has beencoasting on it ever since.Maybe that's a sign of howstagnant this market's become,or maybe it's a testamentto just how good this$150 speaker really is.It checks off all the important criteria.With 15 hour battery life,a fully waterproof designthat floats in swimming pools,and those giant foolproof volume buttons,the UE BOOM 3 still holds up.Compared to older models,the standout trick of the BOOM 3is the so-called Magic Button.You just press and hold the button on topand it'll play whateverplaylist you assign it.But what's really given theBOOM 3 such staying power,I think, is its simplicity,rugged build,and good enough sound.Music fires in all directions,and that makes for a nice soundstage,even if the BOOM 3 can lack the detailand sharpness of some competitors.But, as an all-rounder,it still gets the job done,and then some.(speaker plays music)These days affordablespeakers are getting smarterthan ever before,and the Sonos Roam is agreat example of that.It's a Bluetooth speaker, sure,but the real selling pointsof the Roam are its smartsand tight integrationwith Sonos's multi-room audio platform.When you're at home,the Roam plays music over Wi-Fi,so, better quality than Bluetooth.You can seamlessly handoff playback from the Roamto another Sonos speakerwith a press of a button.And it's a cheap way to get a turntableonto your Sonos system,as long as your turntablesupports Bluetooth that is.You could group the Roamwith other Sonos speakersto play music throughout the house.Or to use it as a smart speaker,take your pick between Amazon Alexaor Google Assistant forhands-free voice commands.Just make sure to havereasonable expectations.Sonos's bigger speakersoften stand more powerfulthan you would think,but that's not really thecase with the tiny Roam.It's detailed and its crisp,but it's not gonnablanket a room in sound.But for a desk,or in the shower?it's perfect.(spears plays music)But, sometimes, you do want more power,and in that case, JBL'sCharge 5 is a great pick.It's larger than the UE BOOM 3in terms of both size and sound.I'm not a fan of JBLputting a supersized logoon its newest speakers,so much for subtlety,but it makes up for that with stamina,offering up to 20 hoursof continuous playback.Even better,you can charge otherdevices with the Charge 5.There's a USB-A port around the back,so you can charge your own phoneor a friend's while you play tunes.My main disappointment with the Charge 5is that it's a mono speaker,which means you're downmixing a stereo contentand some instruments or parts of a songmight not be as prevalentas they would be on a stereo speaker.And since the Charge 5 isn't as detailedor pristine as Bose's SoundLink Flex,which also has a mono setup,it's more noticeable here.(speaker turns on)(speaker plays music)What about those of you who want a speakerfor a party in the backyard?In that case,Sony's SRS-XB43 givesyou powerful stereo soundwith deep resounding base.Plus, you get a light showto go along with the music.This speaker is more than capableof handling soundtrackduty for any outdoor party,especially, once you turnon the EXTRA BASS mode.But my favorite thing about Sony's speakeris the AUX jack on the back,which is pretty rareamong Bluetooth speakers.That means you and your friendscan just switch off who's playing musicwithout worrying aboutwhose phone is pairedor all the usual Bluetoothheadaches and hasslesthat we so often deal with.It's old school,but I'm here for it.Now, this speaker weighs over six pounds,so it's not especially portableor the kind of thing you're gonna tossinto your bag every day.But it's tailor-madefor use around the houseand for parties.And yes, you can download an appand take full control of those lights.- Bluetooth connected.(speaker plays music)- And finally,let's go in a complete opposite directionwith a teeny-tiny adorable speaker.JBL's Clip 4 has an integrated carabinerwhich makes it effortlessto attach to your bag,bike, or who knows what else?And for a compact speaker,I was pretty impressed by its sound.The bass is a bit recessed,obviously, but mids and treble are clearand very nice.Just like our other picks here,it's rated IP67 for dustand water resistance.And combined with its diminutive sizeand 10 hour battery life,you're looking at a really great speakerfor hikes or other adventures.(speaker plays music)So far in this video,hopefully, you've gotten a senseof how each of thesespeakers sound on their own.Now we're gonna run throughall of them back-to-back,and I know it's not as goodas hearing them in person,but this should make thedifferences a bit more clear.(speaker plays music)Those are just a fewof our very favorite Bluetooth speakers.My personal pick is stillthe Bose SoundLink Flex.It's just such good sound for the size,but there are so manygood choices right now.Marshall makes great speakersif you're a fan of thatrock and roll vibe.And if saving money ispriority number one,you really can't go wrongwith anything from Anker.But the bottom line is:you don't have to spend a lot of moneyto get a very good speaker,and that's a pretty great thing.(electronic music)\n"