Many of those who are not satisfied with a smartphone always with them as a source of music are thinking about how to choose a portable speaker. And they think not in vain: too many parameters need to be taken into account when buying a device that is very simple at first glance.
Pay attention to the appearance of the column, its power, connectivity. Some additional characteristics are also important. In general, the selection can be quite difficult, especially since there are a great many models of such systems today. Well, let’s try to help you.
Choosing a portable speaker in appearance
Consumers are accustomed to focusing on appearance when choosing equipment. People like attractive things. If the device is not very convenient, looks ridiculous or does not fit in size, it will be discarded in favor of a more suitable model. While a stylish thing will be acquired quickly.
Weight and size
When choosing a column, these characteristics play an important role. Carrying a large and heavy speaker is inconvenient, you can’t argue with that. Conversely, if the gadget is compact and lightweight, you can take it almost anywhere.
Usually, dimensions and weight are indicated at the very end of the list of characteristics, and conclusions cannot be drawn from the photo. Maybe it’s a pocket speaker or desktop, outdoor? In general, models of different sizes are presented on the market today, from the smallest ones that fit in a purse to large ones that are installed in the corner of an apartment and are quite heavy.
If the task is to choose a portable speaker for trips to the country or for home use, you can look at larger models, where there are more speakers, and hence the playback is cleaner. But it would be a mistake to assume that the sound quality depends on the dimensions. Size doesn’t matter here.
Body material
This parameter affects the service life. When the case is made of cheap Chinese-made plastic, you should not expect a long service life. There is a risk of damage to it during operation or during transportation.
For home use or indoor listening only, choose an inexpensive portable speaker without fear. When a gadget is purchased for outdoor use or for frequent transportation, you should pay attention to a metal case or a thick-walled plastic one.
Display
Using a device with a screen is more convenient, keep this in mind if you are thinking about how to choose a portable speaker for your home. But there is a caveat – a gadget with a display loses battery power faster. If the presence of a screen is not a critical parameter for you, it is better to refuse it.
Color and design
Of course, a portable speaker does not take up much space, but it will still attract attention. It is worth considering in advance the place where the gadget will stand. Today, the choice of speakers is large enough to pick up an interesting design and color that you will not be ashamed to show off to your guests.
Playback sound quality
This is one of the most important selection criteria. What to look for in order to choose a device with the purest sound? The first thing you should pay attention to is power. The parameter is measured in watts and the volume limit depends on it. The more watts, the stronger the sound. All portable speakers are divided by power into three types:
- 5-2 W – the sound is almost no different from the smartphone speaker
- 15-20 W – the volume of a computer system or a familiar TV
- 40-60 W – speaker, the sound of which is identical to car acoustics
It is important to understand that a high-power rating drains the battery faster. In addition, loud speakers are usually large and inconvenient to transport or take with you on walks or hikes. Of course, it depends on the purpose of use. If the gadget is purchased for stationary use, it is enough to place it near the outlet.
For trips to the country, outdoor recreation or street parties, it makes sense to choose party speakers with a power of 30 watts or more. Its sound will not be blocked by the screams of children, nor the sound of a lawn mower, nor the barking of a dog. You will definitely enjoy your favorite tracks in the bosom of nature. When a speaker is needed for home use, 5 watts is enough. We advise you to purchase a gadget a little more powerful so that you do not have to turn on the sound to the fullest. From working at the maximum, not only the hearing deteriorates, but also the technique. The equipment will last a long time if you operate it at about 80% of the highest volume level.
When thinking about what parameters to choose a portable speaker, consider the frequency range, because the sound quality depends on it. A larger range provides a full, rich sound. The human ear perceives frequencies from 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Column indicators close to this range reproduce sound better.
The next important parameter is the number of speakers and channels. There are 3 audio formats:
- Mono (1.0) – plays music in one channel. Mono systems are often installed in small Bluetooth speakers
- Stereo (2.0) – has two channels, which provides surround sound
- Stereo (2.1) – by adding a subwoofer to the gadget, there is bass in the sound. Their power is also measured in watts and can range from 1 to 150 watts in bluetooth speakers
The next indicator of sound quality is resistance (impedance). The higher it is, the lower the playback power of the speaker. The lower the resistance, the better the sound.
