Welcome to the Best Bluetooth Speakers Buying Guide: This is TechRadar's expert round-up of the best portable speakers you can buy in 2019.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have device for the summer. It's a perfect companion for days at the beach, nights out by a bonfire and picnics in the park. Having said that, we also think a portable speaker is a great addition to any home for relaxing in the bath or working in the garden when your phone's speakers just won't cut it.
Most of us can't afford a new speaker for each occasion, which means we need to look for one that'll see us from the bath to the beach and everything in-between. That's why we've put together this buying guide, which will help you find the right Bluetooth speaker for you.
There's never been a better time to buy a portable speaker too, with Amazon Prime Day 2019 coming up on July 15. We're expecting many of the best Bluetooth speakers in this list to be discounted heavily during the 48-hour long sales event.
If you want to keep up to date with the best Prime Day deals, make sure you bookmark our Prime Day 2019 page, where we'll be reporting on all the latest discounts.
- Read one of our latest portable speaker reviews: Marshall Tufton review
How to pick out the best Bluetooth speaker
There are so many new speakers on the market these days with great designs and the latest tech built-in that it can be tricky to figure out which one you need. Although it may seem like the choice is endless, there are plenty with unique selling points that'll suit you.
First up, some speakers are built with ultimate durability in mind, others are weather and waterproof for camping and tunes by the pool and some aren't fit for the outdoors and would look pretty inside your home instead.
If you're having trouble figuring out which speaker might be best for you, start by picturing where you're going to use it and find a speaker that matches that setting. That means if you're a beach person, water- and dust-proofing are key. Gta what is jp.
Or, if you're a party person, you might want the ability to connect two speakers together or a speaker with multi-point pairing that allows multiple devices to connect at a time. Battery life and sound quality are paramount for all speakers, and we've done our best to take these in the utmost consideration when creating our list.
That said, here are 10 of our favorite Bluetooth wireless speakers right now, ranked by their price-to-performance ratio, that will surely work for you.
Which Bluetooth speaker is best?
The best Bluetooth speaker right now is the UE Boom 3 - you can see exactly why in our detailed list, but trust us that it's the one we'd choose right now.
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I know this is already an odd question to be asking the community, but I'm in a weird situation of replacing my grandfathers ancient 900mhz wireless speakers and transmitter for his TV that just died after 16 years. My grandfather is about as foreign to technology as I am with speaking Latin, so simple is the name of the game.
Anyways, what I'm trying to accomplish is purchasing a Bluetooth transmitter, attach it to his usb port on the television, and run it to a bluetooth enabled speaker that ALSO has a headphone jack so he can listen to some of his television shows with his plug in headphones. I've tried looking around everywhere and I'm having a difficult time finding something, so if anyone knows of a, preferably single bluetooth speaker that has that capability, I'd be very grateful.
Anyways, what I'm trying to accomplish is purchasing a Bluetooth transmitter, attach it to his usb port on the television, and run it to a bluetooth enabled speaker that ALSO has a headphone jack so he can listen to some of his television shows with his plug in headphones. I've tried looking around everywhere and I'm having a difficult time finding something, so if anyone knows of a, preferably single bluetooth speaker that has that capability, I'd be very grateful.
As everyone knows by now, Apple finally worked up the 'courage' to eliminate the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus smartphones. According to Phil Schiller, head of marketing, the decision was based on three reasons: firstly to show off Lightning's ability to adapt to uses beyond charging and data transfer, secondly to save space and thirdly to explore a wireless headphone option, the Apple AirPods.
The AirPods' W1 chip pairs seamlessly with iCloud, but they're not the only wireless earbuds on the block, and there are plenty of other ways to output audio from the new iPhones, both wired and wireless.
From dongles to Bluetooth to Wi-Fi -- and everything in between -- here are the best options. (And note that most of them will work with most earlier iPhones and even Android phones, too.)
Now playing:Watch this: What headphones, audio devices work without the headphone..
A Lightning-to-3.5mm dongle
Let's get this one out of the way first, because it seems to draw the most ire from readers. Apple thankfully includes a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box to make the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus compatible with 'legacy' headphones. How to download games to ps3 from computer. The catch is a single-port dongle means you can't charge the phone and listen to music at the same time, but guess what? Belkin already released a $40 Lightning splitter to solve that problem, too.
More from Apple's event
My colleague David Carnoy raises another interesting point: Apple could take advantage of the Lightning port to release certified powered accessories -- things like noise-canceling headphones (without the bulky batteries) or maybe a dongle-size headphone amp.
Lightning headphones
Want to split the difference between a dongle and wired headphones? Headphone manufacturers like Audeze and Philips have already introduced models with a Lightning connector in place of the 3.5 plug.
Sure, you'll need to lug around the 3.5mm adapter if you plan to plug into non-Apple sources, but the big advantage of Lightning is that it can supply power and data at the same time, so headphones like the new JBL Reflect Aware can now deliver active noise control in a compact earbud design.
Check out the full list of Lightning headphones you can buy right now.
Wireless headphones
If you want to cut the cord entirely, Bluetooth wireless headphones are the way to go. While it's true that sending an audio signal over Bluetooth requires further compression and processing that already mar the sound of digital audio files, most people welcome the trade-off if it means they'll never have to untangle a headphone wire ever again.
Wireless headphones come in all shapes and sizes, with features like active noise cancellation, fitness analysis and even augmented-reality access to fine-tune your aural environment. Yes, they have disadvantages: They still don't sound quite as good as wired headphones, and they need to be recharged. But the best models are better than ever, and you can get some great ones at prices below $150 (£110 or AU$200) or even below $100.
Check out a list of our favorite Bluetooth wireless headphones here.
Wireless speakers
Wireless audio is by no means a new medium for speakers, but Bluetooth has become the standard in recent years for its sheer simplicity and low-cost benefits.
On the other hand, if you're at home with a solid connection, Wi-Fi speakers have their own benefits: They generally don't sound as shrill and lifeless as Bluetooth speakers and they're better for streaming music to multiple rooms in the home.
If you're interested in piping audio into two or more rooms, look at the prices and features of other products in the same product 'family.' All Sonos products work together, as do Yamaha's MusicCast, LG's Music Flow and Bose's SoundTouch products, to name a few.
There's also the Amazon Echo, which offers voice-controlled music options (sans iPhone) over Wi-Fi, but also works as a standard Bluetooth speaker, too.
Apple also offers a Wi-Fi standard called AirPlay that offers better sound quality than Bluetooth, but AirPlay-compatible speakers tend to be more expensive. (See 'wireless adapters' below for some better AirPlay options.
If you're ready to shop, here's a quick overview of the Wi-Fi speaker landscape and be sure to consult our ever-updating list of best Bluetooth speakers too.
Wireless adapters
If you're on a budget and hunting for the best deal to free music from your iPhone, our favorite Wi-Fi music player remains the diminutive Chromecast Audio from Google. At only $35 (£30 or AU$49), the tiny streamer turns any stereo with an aux-in port into a wireless music system, with multiroom capability and 24-bit/96kHz playback for the audiophile crowd.
It's worth noting, however, that Chromecast Audio works with a smaller selection of apps on iOS than Android, so be sure your favorite music apps are compatible before you buy it -- thankfully, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, YouTube Music, Deezer and dozens more make the cut, but Apple Music and iTunes don't.
Don't forget you can use Apple's lossless AirPlay to connect an Apple TV or AirPort Express and get music off your phone.
If you're looking for a relatively cheap way to add Bluetooth wireless audio streaming to an existing powered speaker or audio component with an audio input, the Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter is a worthwhile solution. It connects to a source via RCA or 3.5mm inputs and lets you use an iPhone as a remote to stream audio while maintaining control of volume and track selection from the palm of your hand -- no AirPlay or Wi-Fi necessary.
In a similar fashion, you can also buy portable Bluetooth audio receivers like the Wicked Audio Reach and the Outdoor Technology Adapt that bestow the power of Bluetooth to any pair of wired headphones by way of a 3.5mm jack. These little gadgets also incorporate track navigation and volume control buttons that can also answer/end buttons for phone calls, effectively turning headphones into headsets for Skype, Facetime, and voice-over-IP calls.
Apple iPhone Lightning Dock
If you're a die-hard multitasker and want to listen to music while you charge your iPhone, the Apple iPhone Lightning Dock is an analog option that will set you back $39 (£30 or AU$55). The back of the dock has an audio port to connect headphones or external speakers, and it's ostensibly compatible with a variety of cases, although I haven't tested it myself to be sure.
Most of the user reviews express frustration that the actual cable you need to connect it to a power source isn't included in the box, so you'll have to pick one of those up too, or use the one that came with your phone.
Most of the user reviews express frustration that the actual cable you need to connect it to a power source isn't included in the box, so you'll have to pick one of those up too, or use the one that came with your phone.
Superdongle: A USB DAC
For the uninitiated, a digital audio converter (DAC) takes digital output -- like any music file -- and converts it to analog audio, then amplifies the signal to play through headphones or speakers so you get the full detail and definition. (Yes, all speakers and headphones are ultimately analog, at the end of the line.)
If you can't wait for Apple to come out with its own portable headphone amp/Lightning dongle, the AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC paired with a Lightning to USB Adapter adds the bare minimum amount of extra bulk to your portable setup while providing the sweet clarity and razor-sharp detail of a truly great headphone amp.
The DragonFly is powered by a 32-bit ESS 9010 Sabre chip and works with MP3s and CD-standard 16-bit/44KHz to 24-bit/96KHz file formats. It can be used with desktop speakers or a component hi-fi system, or it can directly drive headphones through the Lightning adapter.
If you're willing to make a small investment for a big jump in sound quality, the Black version sells for just $100 (£75, AU$135).
Get Amazon Prime Day deals without being a member: You won’t have to pay a thing -- unless you buy something, of course.
7 best Prime Day shopping tips: Master these to snag the best deals on July 15.
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In this section you can find Audio Field & Portable Recorders and Microphones as well as audio accessories, which we recommend for professional video work. Regardless of your budget or the camera you are using whether it’s a DSLR, or a large sensor camcorder you can find what’s right for you in the list below.
If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcomed to get in touch with us and we’ll try and recommend the most suitable microphone or field audio recorder for your needs.
FIELD & PORTABLE RECORDERS
- Portable Audio Recorders for Budgets Up to $100
ZOOM H1N DIGITAL HANDY RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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ZOOM H1 ULTRA PORTABLE DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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Portable Speaker With Microphone Jack Cable
TASCAM DR-05 PORTABLE HANDHELD DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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- Portable Audio Recorders for Budgets of $100 – $200
ZOOM H4N PRO HANDY PORTABLE 4-TRACK RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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ZOOM H4N HANDY PORTABLE 4-TRACK RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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SONY PCM-M10 PORTABLE AUDIO RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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ROLAND R-05 PORTABLE 24-BIT DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER | B&H
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TASCAM DR-40 4-TRACK HANDHELD DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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TASCAM DR-100 MARK II PORTABLE 2-CHANNEL RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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TASCAM DR-60D 4-CHANNEL LINEAR PCM FIELD RECORDER | B&H; Amazon
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TASCAM DR-60D MARK II 4-CHANNEL RECORDER FOR DSLR’S | B&H; Amazon
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- Portable & Field Recorders for Budgets between $200 – $400
ZOOM H5 HANDY RECORDER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE MICS | B&H;Amazon
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ZOOM H6 HANDY RECORDER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE MICS | B&H; Amazon
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TASCAM DR-70D 4-CHANNEL RECORDER FOR DSLR’S & VIDEO CAMERAS | B&H; Amazon
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TASCAM DR-44WL PORTABLE HANDHELD RECORDER WITH WI-FI | B&H;Amazon
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- Field Recorders for Budgets over $400
ZOOM F8 MULTI TRACK FIELD RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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TASCAM DR-680 8-CHANNEL FIELD RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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ROLAND R-26 6-CHANNEL DIGITAL FIELD AUDIO RECORDER | B&H
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SONY PCM-D100 HIGH RESOLUTION STEREO RECORDER | B&H;Amazon
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FOSTEX DC-R302 3-CHANNEL AUDIO MIXER & STEREO RECORDER | B&H
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EDIROL/ROLAND R-44 SOLID STATE 4-CHANNEL FIELD RECORDER| B&H;Amazon
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MICROPHONES & ACCESSORIES
- Microphones for budgets up to $100
RODE VIDEOMIC GO – ON CAMERA SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H;Amazon
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POLSEN SCL-1075 CAMERA MOUNT SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H; Amazon
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VIDPRO XM-55 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE KIT | B&H;Amazon
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Portable Speaker With Microphone Jack Audio
- Microphones for budgets between $100 – $400
RODE VIDEOMIC WITH RYCOTE LYRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM | B&H;Amazon
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RODE VIDEOMIC & BOOMPOLE KIT WITH WINDSHIELD | B&H
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RODE VIDEOMIC PRO COMPACT SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H;Amazon
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RODE NTG-2 XLR SHOTGUN MICROPHONE WITH BATTERY POWER | B&H;Amazon
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RODE NTG-2 XLR SHOTGUN MICROPHONE KIT | B&H
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AUDIO-TECHNICA AT897 SHORT CONDENSER SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H;Amazon
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AUDIO-TECHNICA AT897 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE – BASIC KIT | B&H;Amazon
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RODE NTG-1 CONDENSER SHOTGUN MICROPHONE KIT | B&H;Amazon
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SENNHEISER MKE 600 SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H; Amazon
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SHURE VP83F LENSHOPPER SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H;Amazon
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- Microphones over $400
RODE NTG-3 PRECISION RF-BIASED SHOTGUN MICROPHONE (SILVER) | B&H;Amazon
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SENNHEISER MKH-416 – SHORT SHOTGUN INTERFERENCE TUBE MIC | B&H;Amazon
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AUDIO-TECHNICA BP4029 (AT835ST) – STEREO SHOTGUN CONDENSER MICROPHONE | B&H;Amazon
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AKG C568 CAMERA MOUNTABLE SHORTt SHOTGUN MICROPHONE | B&H
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- Wireless Radio Mic Kits
SENNHEISER EW 112-P G3 CAMERA MOUNT WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM | B&H;Amazon
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SONY UWP-D11 INTEGRATED DIGITAL WIRELESS BODYPACK LAVALIER MICROPHONE SYSTEM | B&H;Amazon
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AZDEN WLX-PRO WIRELESS LAVALIER SYSTEM | B&H;Amazon
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AZDEN 310LT UHF ON-CAMERA LAVALIER SYSTEM | B&H;Amazon
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SONY UWP-D16 INTEGRATED DIGITAL PLUG-ON & LAVALIER COMBO WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM | B&H; Amazon
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