Bluetooth speakers are the hottest new trend in tech, but they can be expensive and you have to carry them around with you. How do you know if these Bluetooth speakers are worth it?
The question “are Bluetooth speakers worth it?” has been asked by many people. This is because of the high cost and low return that come with these devices. However, there are some advantages to using them despite their disadvantages.
We all love our portable music devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But we also hate having to deal with those annoying wires that always get tangled up. The solution is wireless Bluetooth speakers! They’re affordable, convenient, and offer a better sound quality than your built-in device speaker system.
No matter where you go or what activity you’re doing; listening to music has never been easier thanks to Bluetooth technology. Some of the Bluetooth speaker models have a surprisingly good bass response, crisp highs, clear mids, and overall sounded just as good as much more expensive models.
Today we will focus on how you can use Bluetooth speakers. We have to tackle the Bluetooth technology itself first and then look at the Bluetooth speakers.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that has made the process of connection and sharing of content easier. You will use several devices together without having to look at the connection tables. Some of these devices that work using Bluetooth technology include speakers, computers, phones, and many other devices.
The Bluetooth technology has done wonders when it comes to connecting devices. It has made it easier for many people to share content with other devices and output devices. It is becoming popular because of the features that it comes along with various improvements.
Initially, it started like the simple wireless technology that allows for the sharing of content between phones. It has now grown to allow for the sharing between the various devices. You can now use Bluetooth technology on your television and your Bluetooth speakers.
When the Bluetooth connection is active, you will have an opportunity to share audio and use it as the sound output. Some of the connections work using the mouse, and some will share the audio and the video. This generally happens when you have to use the Bluetooth connection with the displays such as smart TVs.
The coverage of Bluetooth technology is wide and will help to serve a range of over 30 feet. The technology operates under the short-range and uses the 2.45mhz range frequency. It will also serve various devices at the same time, depending on the advancement of the technology.
Once you have paired Bluetooth devices, you will have them connecting automatically to each other immediately after the connection is on. With the advancement of Bluetooth technology, some devices such as printers, slave devices, and others have adopted the technology and using it to make their processes have wireless connectivity.
A Bluetooth speaker will allow for connection from other devices to speakers, headphones to phones and other computers, smartwatches, and other smart devices to phones.
What is a Bluetooth speaker?
A Bluetooth speaker is a portable wireless device that can be used to play music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other digital audio players. The technology enables you to enjoy your favorite tunes without having the hassle of tangled wires and cables.
A Bluetooth speaker is a small wireless device that allows you to play music wirelessly from any digital audio player including smartphones, tablets, and computers. It’s important to note that not all Bluetooth speakers have the same capabilities or sound quality, so it’s important to do some research before buying one. You want something loud enough for parties but also portable enough for travel and outdoor activities like hiking or biking.
Bluetooth speakers are the perfect solution for people who want to listen to music or watch movies on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices without having to use earphones.
Bluetooth speakers are a great way to listen to music in your house, but it can be hard to know which one is best for you.
Differences between a Bluetooth speaker and other speakers?
Bluetooth speakers are like other normal speakers because they use wireless technology for their connection. You may have been wondering why you need a Bluetooth speaker and if it is important in fulfilling your needs.
A Bluetooth speaker is a speaker model that comes with the Bluetooth receiver and allows for sharing content from other devices. Under this connection, you will have devices with transmitters such as phones, computers, televisions, and others to share their audio through the speaker. The outcome is that you will have the speaker deliver the sound independently from the other device streaming to it.
All you do is ensure that the speaker has paired to the device you want to stream content from. The beauty of such devices and the connection is that you will watch the movie or the motion part at a different point and then get the sound from another different point.
If you are watching a movie, you will have the chance to watch from your device and then place the speaker some meters away, making the sound production work to its best.
Features of a Bluetooth speaker
There are several features that the Bluetooth speaker comes with to make it different from the other speakers. One of these features is the presence of the Bluetooth receiver. The receiver is the device that picks the signal and then projects it to the speaker.
Another thing is the codecs that allow for sound conversion. After picking the audio, the codecs do the compression and the conversion that makes the speaker deliver exactly what is playing. On the part of the conversion, you will notice that the interpretation of the audio takes place and then gets channeled to the speaker.
The other part we have is the speaker. The speaker is nice because it picks the sound that has already undergone production and conveys the sound that will match the one coming from the speakers. If you have the best speaker system, you will have the best sound and channel the sound signals.
What technology should you look for in a Bluetooth speaker?
Bluetooth Technology
There’s so much confusion about Bluetooth technology that it can be hard to tell if your speaker offers a good experience or not.
Bluetooth speakers are great for listening to music but can be hard to understand. Many consumers don’t know the difference between version 1 to version 5.
The Bluetooth technology determines several features of the connection. For example, Bluetooth 5 supports a connection range of 120 Metres while version 4.2 has a range of 30 Metres.
The technology also differs in the ability to connect to multiple devices at once. It also affects if the Bluetooth speaker remembers your most-used connections and pair them automatically. What about sound quality, the technology affects sound quality.
The difference between 4-point-something and 5 is pretty significant. Each newer version offers a longer range, better sound quality, and more functionality than the last one.
Almost all speakers sold today use either 4 or 5 but if you want the best experience possible with your music then choose a speaker that uses the latest technology available.
If you’re not careful, you could end up with an outdated model that doesn’t have all of the latest features!
Near Field Communication (NFC)
The best portable Bluetooth speakers come equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet by simply tapping them together.
This is much more convenient for most users than having to turn on Bluetooth and pair devices each time they want to play their favorite songs – especially when it comes to streaming music at parties, tailgates, BBQs, etc. where there may be dozens of smartphones all wanting access in a very short period of time.
Is it waterproof?
Bluetooth speakers are highly portable. It is better if you can use them in wet places or all weather conditions. Therefore, it is worth getting waterproof Bluetooth speakers.
The IP rating system was created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a standardized method for evaluating the degree of protection provided against intrusion from solid objects (i.e., dust), liquids, and debris, as well as from accidental contact with live parts. This standard is used by manufacturers worldwide when describing product specifications and features such as durability, shock-proofing, etc.
Waterproofing is important because we all know that dropping your speaker in the toilet or leaving it out on the beach will lead to an expensive repair bill. Waterproof Bluetooth speakers won’t break if you get caught in a sudden downpour or forget them by the poolside.
Some Bluetooth speakers can even be used in the shower. The best Bluetooth showerheads will give you entertainment and the ability to pick calls as you take a shower.
They’re also great for kids’ rooms as they’ll still work after being dropped from table height! You can even take these with you into the bathtub where most other wireless speakers would be destroyed by water pressure alone.
Is it smart?
The problem is that most Bluetooth speakers are designed to be used as simple streaming devices, which means they don’t have the smart features you need.
Most people don’t realize that their Bluetooth speaker is capable of so much more than just playing music. They can be used as a virtual assistant, or even have an app installed on them.
This means you can ask Alexa to play your favorite song by simply saying “Alexa, play ‘I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd”. This is instead of having to pick up your phone every time you want to hear it. You can also control other smart home devices like lights and thermostats with some models of Amazon Echo products (you’ll need the right equipment).
Having an aux input
Bluetooth speakers are great, but sometimes you want to connect your speaker to a non-Bluetooth component. Some wireless speaker manufacturers have added a line-in socket (aka aux-in) as a standard feature.
This allows users to connect their devices via cable rather than wirelessly; this is particularly useful for older equipment such as turntables and cassette players which may not offer Bluetooth connectivity.
Some wireless speakers don’t have an aux input – so if you want to enjoy your favorite vinyl or CD collection on the move, that’s not possible.
A Bluetooth speaker needs to support aptX HD
Which Bluetooth speaker should I buy? If it supports aptX HD that would be better! But what about other audio codecs? How do they sound compared to each other? Is there any way of knowing before buying?
The majority of Bluetooth speakers today support aptX, which transmits music at a ‘CD-like’ 16-bit/44.1kHz. However, some of the more audio-focused Bluetooth speakers don’t support aptX HD – and if you care about sound quality or listen to a lot of high-resolution audio (such as 24 bit FLAC), then this is something you should consider before buying your next speaker.
Related post: How to Use FM Mode in Bluetooth Speaker- The Ultimate Guide
Things to check when using Bluetooth speakers with other devices
You will need to look at the various thing that will make the connection to Bluetooth speakers work or refuse to work. Some of the areas that you need to have a clear idea about are as noted below.
Compatibility
The compatibility of the speaker and the device you want to use must be active. If you are connecting a smart tv, phone, or adding a speaker, the two must be compatible. Compatible devices easily pair and share content.
Part of compatibility is the kind of content you want to share with the Bluetooth speaker. Audio is the only thing that the speaker is compatible with. You have to ensure that you have used high-quality audio to have proper usage.
Number of devices
You need to ensure that you have added the number of devices that the speaker will accommodate. If you surpass the number of devices, then you will have some not functioning.
Range
Each speaker has its range of coverage. The device you connect must always operate within the range. If you move out of the range or try to connect a device, not within the range, they will fail.
Functions
The functions of the speaker and the other device must always match. Whatever you do on the other device gets amplified in sound from the speaker. If you play music, then the speaker peaks it. If it is a video or movie you are watching, the speaker picks the sound, which also happens when you make calls.
How Bluetooth speakers work
There are several aspects that we can use to approach the working of the Bluetooth speakers. We have first to see how the speakers connect and then see the various functions that the speaker has and how they work.
Connecting the Bluetooth speaker to another device
The connection of the Bluetooth speaker to another device varies with the device that you intend to connect. Some devices have a completely different process.
The general connection process of the devices is as in the text below.
- Switch on the Bluetooth device and the Bluetooth speaker
- Open the connection settings of the device and then select add device
- Allow the device to scan and until you locate the speaker
(you should have known the name of the speaker before you connect it) - Select the speaker from your device and then pick the pairing option
- The speaker will give a sound signal that it has connected successfully. You can test the connection by playing some audio on the device that you are using for the connection
- Every time you open Bluetooth on your device and the speaker is within the range, they automatically connect.
Compatible devices should easily connect. You have to ensure that the speaker and the device you are connecting are within the range. Piconet, a short-range network, is responsible for the connection, and once the device is out of range, the connection becomes ineffective.
What happens immediately you connect your device to a Bluetooth speaker
The working of the Bluetooth speaker and the device once connected is simple. It means that the two devices have the freedom to share audio and other content. You will use one device to do the function of the other. The things that you will conveniently do include;
Streaming music
You will have the opportunity to stream the best music that is on your device. If you use the computer or the phone, you will easily watch from the devices and have sound going to the speaker. The outcome is that you will have the speaker delivering the exact sound you want to get.
Receiving calls and conference meetings
Using the Bluetooth speaker, you will not need to get many phones to have a conference meeting. You will use a single device to make the call and then use the speaker for communication. It can pick sound from arranging, making it easier for several people to use the same speaker for communication.
Each person can speak from their location as their sound will get loud and very clear to the person on the other side. It saves on the cost and effectiveness of having conference calls and meetings.
You can also receive calls at your comfort with a Bluetooth speaker. You will press the receive button and then continue to communicate without having to hold any device. If you have an activity a little bit far from the phone and the speaker is closer, you will pick the call and communicate without touching your phone.
Seamless movement
You don’t need to limit your movement when you have a Bluetooth speaker. So long as you are operating within the range, you will do your activities without worrying about the music you will play next. Using your phone or remote control, you will select the music that you want to play next.
Operations take place everywhere, and you carry the most portable device. The connection will remain stable so long as there are fewer obstacles and you are within the range.
Pair more speakers and additional devices
The advanced Bluetooth speakers are now coming with features that make the connection better. For instance, you can now pair two Bluetooth speakers and have a stereo sound. You can also use Bluetooth multipoint pairing to use two devices over the same connection.
When using the stereo system, you will use two or more compatible speakers and then pair them up. After pairing, they will all do the same function at once. They will pick the sound and project it further if you are playing music, making a powerful stereo sound.
We also have Bluetooth multipoint pairing, which means that you can use two devices under one speaker. You can connect a phone and a computer or two phones under the same speaker and then play music in turns. The coordination of the two connected devices is such that they will work together without disconnecting.
When connecting, you will have to do a manual connection as the Bluetooth speaker remembers the last device to get to the connection. If you add more devices than the capacity of the speaker, then one gets automatically disconnected.
How to choose the Bluetooth speaker for your needs
Benefits of Bluetooth speakers
Wireless devices have become a necessity for everyone these days as they offer huge benefits over traditional wired devices like higher convenience, mobility, flexibility, and many more. Furthermore, there are several other advantages of using wireless products.
Bluetooth speakers are portable and wireless
Having to untangle wires is a problem that has been around for a long time.
The best way to solve the problem of tangled wires is by using Bluetooth speakers. These devices are wireless and portable, making them very convenient in every sense.
There’s no need to worry about any kind of cord tangling or getting entangled while you move your speaker from one place to another since it will be totally free from all those worries with this device.
If you want convenience when listening to music on your PC or laptop then it would be better if you use these small yet powerful Bluetooth speakers instead of having wired ones because they are much more convenient and easy to carry along wherever you go as well as there’s no hassle at all especially if it comes down to untangling cords.
Bluetooth speakers are Energy- Efficient
Energy efficiency has been taken seriously by manufacturers and consumers alike. Nowadays you can find Bluetooth devices that are very energy efficient as well as powerful. You don’t need to worry about your speaker running out of juice while you are listening to music.
These devices are very convenient because they don’t require any wires or cables which make them ideal for outdoor use such as picnics where there is no access to electrical outlets.
Bluetooth wireless speakers offer an ideal solution by allowing users to listen uninterruptedly without having to worry about their devices running out of charge mid-way through their favorite song!
These portable Bluetooth devices are powered by rechargeable batteries and don’t consume much power which makes them energy efficient too! However, you can also charge the Bluetooth speaker without a charger.
Sound Quality
There’s no denying that Bluetooth technology has come a long way since its inception, and this improvement is evident in the sound quality produced by modern-day Bluetooth Speakers. These days, they produce crisp and clear sounds which make listening to music more enjoyable than ever before.
They come in all shapes and sizes
Bluetooth speakers come in different shapes and sizes which makes it easier for anyone who wants one to find something suitable according to their preferences. For instance, if portability is what matters most, then choosing small-sized models would be your best option.
Thus, Bluetooth speakers are worth the investment since you can choose the device that suits your style or home.
No need for installation
Unlike most of the other speakers in the market today, Bluetooth speakers do not need installation. This is because you will connect them to the music source wirelessly instead of through wires.
In addition, portability is made possible by making them easy to use. You can easily connect them to a phone, laptop, computer, tablets, music players among others.
The ease in installation makes Bluetooth speakers an investment worth making. Some of the speakers may even connect to several music sources at once.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth speakers
The Bluetooth speakers are worth all the hype for your indoor and outdoor activities. Depending on the type chosen, most can withstand shocks, foul weather, dust, and even water spills.
However, they also have disadvantages including:
Range of connection
The Bluetooth range of some of the speakers is wanting. Some may require your source of music and sound to be at most 30 feet away. This makes it hard to listen to music if you are not in the same room with the Bluetooth speakers.
However, current technologies have improved the range. Thus you can listen to music from another room. In addition, the convenience has improved.
Compatibility
The compatibility of Bluetooth speakers may be a challenge in some of the speakers. This is because some music devices are not Bluetooth-enabled.
Bluetooth speakers without an AUX input may not connect to some of the devices. However, some devices have an AUX-in to connect such devices to the Bluetooth speakers.
For example, you will need to check for compatibility if you want to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a smart TV. This is because of the technology and settings for both the speaker and the TV.
Bluetooth speakers may have a weaker sound and also lack the richness and depth of sound found in regular speakers
Bluetooth speakers are convenient, but they don’t have the same sound quality as regular speakers. Wired speakers offer better sound quality than wireless models, so if you want to listen to your favorite music on high-quality speakers then this is the way to go.
You need to use an amplifier for your Bluetooth speaker. This will give you much better sound quality than what you’re used to hearing from your device by itself.
The good news is you can overcome the weaknesses of Bluetooth speakers by pairing them with a subwoofer or an amplifier for better sound quality. This will also give you more flexibility when it comes to placing your speaker system in any room of your home or office as well as outdoors on patios and decks.
What makes the Bluetooth speakers different
There are specific things, such as the Bluetooth receiver’s presence, that make the Bluetooth speakers different. They have a single connection to one device that they communicate together and share some processes with. For instance, when your phone is connected, you will have a chance to pick the call from the Bluetooth speaker.
You need to note that the Wi-Fi speakers and the Bluetooth speakers are two different things. They can both serve as smart speakers, but the Bluetooth speaker will have Bluetooth technology guiding it to deliver the products. Wi-Fi speakers also use wireless technology but will have an active internet connection for them to function.
Additional reading: Tips to Start a Car Audio Store
The Bluetooth speakers sometimes have bad reviews, especially if their sound is compared to the Wi-Fi speakers. However, the case is different because the Bluetooth speakers are designed to deliver good sound. You also need to know that you have to pick the best speaker to have high-quality sound.
Wi-Fi speakers are nice models, too, but they work depending on the signal stability. Once the connection lowers, and there is some latency, the sound quality of the Wi-Fi speaker lowers. On the other hand, the Bluetooth speaker will cause problems when you are out of range or connecting too many devices.
If the speakers have not properly connected, you are likely to have a challenge of service instability. But the speakers are brilliant that when you attempt to add one more device that is out of the capacity of the Bluetooth speaker, then it rejects. If it accepts to add, then the first device to connect will get automatically disconnected.
Conclusion
As discussed above, Bluetooth speakers are worth the investment. This is because they give you excellent performance and compatibility. The other factor is portability and energy efficiency.
Getting a Bluetooth speaker is a nice thing. Understanding what the speaker can do and how it works is the best thing. Our guide has brought you the things you have to learn about Bluetooth speakers and how to use them.
We all love our portable music devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But we also hate having to deal with those annoying wires that always get tangled up. The solution is wireless Bluetooth speakers! They’re affordable, convenient, and offer a better sound quality than your built-in device speaker system.
Expensive Bluetooth speakers are not worth it if you’re listening to low-quality audio. If the space is not large you may get an echo at a high volume. For the best sound placement will affect sound quality greatly.
Bluetooth speakers worth FAQs
Are Bluetooth speakers worth it?
yes, Bluetooth speakers are worth it because they are powerful, small, and mostly portable. Even with the small size, Bluetooth speakers are able to pack a punch that you can use indoors or outdoors without worrying about cables. Thus, you do not need to move your stereo system to the patio to enjoy the finer things in life.
Does Bluetooth ruin sound quality?
With the current Bluetooth technology, you do not get a noticeable change in music quality as compared to wired systems. The current compression techniques (codec) do not cause any loss of sound quality and thus Bluetooth does not ruin the sound quality as the codecs transmit the encoded audio unaltered.
Why would I want a Bluetooth speaker?
Bluetooth speakers give you excellent sound with increased portability and at a good price. The speakers give you full-range audio into any room in your house or outdoors and thus makes travel time or time spent in your home worthwhile. You will find that most Bluetooth speakers are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and are powerful with excellent battery playtime.
How long does a Bluetooth speaker last?
We can think of this in two ways: Battery life and speaker’s life span. For battery life, most Bluetooth speakers have a playback time of between 6 to 24 hours on a full charge. The playback time is dependent on the volume the music is being played at and the capacity of the battery. On lifespan, any good quality speaker can last up to 40-50 years with good care.