In this guide, we'll look at some of the most desirable features for a portable speaker and which features are a must for different user types. So, whether you're an on-the-go professional needing a speaker for your presentations, a holidaymaker wanting to hear the soundtrack to your travel with crisp clarity, or simply an avid listener who wants the option to take their speaker to new locations, this guide will help you to select the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker.
What is a Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
A portable Bluetooth speaker is a compact wireless speaker that can be easily carried to new locations, whether that’s simply to a different room in the home or to exotic overseas destinations. Experience high-fidelity sound as you lounge on a beach, get ready in your hotel room, or camp in the countryside.
Have you ever wished you could bring better sound to a friend’s party? We’ve all been at an event with tinny, low-quality speakers - every music lover’s nightmare - but when you bring your portable Bluetooth speaker to an event, you’ll elevate the sound and the atmosphere with ease.
What is the Best Portable Speaker?
There are a few criteria to consider when choosing your speaker, and it’s crucial to consider them all.
Portability
Not all portable speakers are equally convenient. Differences in size and weight impact how suitable your portable speaker is for travel. At the same time, some smaller sizes can mean sacrificing sound quality, so finding the perfect balance between the two requires care.
Sound Quality
A portable speaker might not provide the same audio experience as a HiFi home setup with subwoofers and surround sound features. But if you choose well, you’ll be surprised just how breathtaking the sound from such a compact piece of technology can be.
Look for a portable speaker with the technologies and features you like from larger HiFi models to find an audio experience you’ll love. You can also book a demonstration of your chosen Bluetooth speaker’s audio before buying to sample the sound for yourself.
Pairing Ability
For total wireless freedom with your phone or tablet, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive provides a stunning, high-resolution audio experience.
Faster pairing is also a highly desirable feature. It lets you connect your speaker to your audio source quicker and easier by using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to discover nearby devices. These include Google Fast Pair for Androids and Microsoft Swift Pair.
Charging and Battery
Part of the beauty of a portable Bluetooth speaker is the fact that it’s not stuck in one place via a wire. Except, of course, when it’s charging. Choose a Bluetooth speaker with minimal charging time, meaning fast charging speeds and a long battery life, so you can listen wirelessly for longer.
What is the Best Portable Speaker for Different Types of Users?
There are many reasons to want a portable speaker, and these affect which features you prioritise. Below, we’ve outlined some different types of listeners and what they should look for in the best wireless speaker experience.
What to look for in a portable speaker for holidays and travel?
Bluetooth speakers for travel should be small and lightweight, as you’ll need to consider luggage weight limits and suitcase space.
Durability is also extremely important for a speaker bound for adventure, so ensure you choose a speaker with drop protection and a water-resistant or waterproof IP rating.
What is the best portable speaker for home use?
When choosing a portable speaker primarily for use in your home, focus on audio quality. You want incredible sound that spreads evenly throughout the space. Multi-room syncing capabilities are also fantastic to look for, whether you have larger speakers in other areas of the home or want to dot multiple speakers around.
What is the best portable speaker for hosting parties?
For parties, portable speakers with a broad connectivity range are particularly preferable, allowing you to connect from your phone without leaving your guests in silence if you nip into another room. Faster pairing is also recommended for party hosting, as guests can easily connect to your portable speaker to share playlists.
What is the best portable speaker for on-the-go professionals?
If you travel for work and require a portable speaker for your conference calls, noise and echo cancellation are advantageous features. These reduce the background audio, allowing you to concentrate clearly in your meetings.
The KEF Muo Portable Speaker
Taking the majesty of the Muon into a portable package, the KEF Muo Bluetooth speaker is exquisitely designed by Ross Lovegrove. With a dustproof and waterproof rating of IP67, alongside extreme operation temperature functionality of - 20 °C to 45 °C, the Muo is ready for jet-set lifestyles. Plus, the sleek carrying strap makes it easy to take with you anywhere.
Compact at a weight of just 710g, yet still able to provide the high fidelity sound you expect from a KEF product, the Muo benefits from KEF’s signature Music Integrity Engine (MIE) for seamless synchronisation between components. The racetrack low-frequency driver saves space while minimising distortion through P-flex technology, while our dedicated tweeter provides a new level of sophistication to high-frequency sound.
Made for work as well as play, the Muo features noise and echo cancellation for conference calls and a USB Type-C to plug into your laptop easily.
Charging is lightning fast so you’re rarely stuck in one place. Enjoy a quick charge of 15 minutes or wait just two hours for full charge. Plus, the connection is simple, with both Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair enabled. The Muo truly provides easy access to phenomenal audio whenever and wherever you want it.
Could the Muo be the portable Bluetooth speaker for you? Book a demo with us to experience the incredible sound for yourself.
