The best portable speakers of 2020

This category contains low-cost models that support one channel. When collecting mono-columns, we focused not only on the minimum characteristics, but tried to highlight the best devices among the entire variety of products in this segment. Of course, on sale you can find simple gadgets with a power of 1.5 watts, despite the fact that many flagship smartphones give out high volume to one speaker. Given modern standards, we do not focus on such devices. Even among inexpensive speakers, you can find models for 16-20 watts with support for radio and other "goodies."

Opens our top portable speakers, the budget model from Xiaomi - Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 with a 12-month warranty. This Bluetooth speaker is made of high quality polycarbonate and ABS plastic. This combination guarantees a compact device with a long service life. In addition, the low-cost gadget features support for AI technology for voice control. Good sound at low frequencies while providing a thoughtful design, as well as support for dynamic compression DRC. There is a microphone for voice communication. At medium frequencies, the sound quality is less rosy, but the device fully justifies its cost.

Quite an interesting experiment was conducted by another Chinese company Huawei. As a result, it was possible to create an inexpensive, but good portable speaker in an unusual form factor. As you can understand from the photo, the speaker of this device is not hidden behind a metal grill - it is visible in a spherical body. At the same time, the device attracts with a pleasant backlight, which perfectly complements the soft sound of a mono speaker. At the top you can find simple controls that make it extremely easy to change the volume, change tracks, turn on / off the device. On the side is the charging port. Despite the small size, the power of this gadget is 1.8 watts.

Among the variety of good budget Bluetooth speakers in the budget segment, the Sony SRS-XB10 Black mono model has definitely worthy parameters. This gadget, according to a statement from the manufacturer, is capable of reproducing sound in frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. However, the battery life is 16 hours, which is a worthy result for this price category.It is worth adding that the device has a 3.5 mm jack and a Bluetooth connection of 4.2 series. The radius of the device in this case reaches 10 meters. Among the advantages include the NFC One-touch function, as well as protection against moisture class IPX5. The kit includes a strap, a USB cable.

If you plan to buy a stylish portable speaker, pay attention to the model Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Speaker 2 Black. Let’s not the newest gadget, but quite relevant to this day. The model is implemented in the form of a cylinder, and is offered in black. The case of the device is made of a plastic frame with a tenacious and pleasant additional coating to the touch. At the same time, the gadget attracts with its compact size and fairly good sound. The battery capacity is 1200 mAh, which is enough for battery life for 7 hours. The speaker system connects to any sound source via Bluetooth 4.1.

The best budget portable speaker of 2020 is the JBL GO 2, which weighs only 184 grams. In addition to the stylish design and IPX7 protection class, the gadget pleases with a rather rich sound, regardless of its cost. Among the advantages it is also necessary to include a variety of modifications of the equipment: the manufacturer offers 12 options for colors and shades. At the same time, the portable speaker from JBL differs in a long service life and the strong case. Based on customer comments, the gadget is fully consistent with its price. Great for sports, hiking and more.

This segment presents models with the widest frequency range, powerful sound and a rich set of useful functions. At the same time, we focused on the presence of gadgets with a battery life of 5 hours or more. It is worth noting that representatives of the flagship class can differ not only in sound quality, power and options, but also in size. Here a lot depends on the scope of use of technology. Obviously, a 3-5 kg ​​unit from Marshall is not suitable for walking in the park. We tried to choose different models, taking into account the needs of different customers.

The portable speakers rating of 2020 is supplemented by the SONY SRS-XB31 model with support for EXTRA BASS technology. In addition, there is a backlight, lively, clear sound, interesting effects. The model definitely deserves its place on this list. Also noteworthy is the LIVE SOUND mode, which provides three-dimensional sound. Another plus is Party Booster technology for playing a variety of effects, including bass drum sounds, scratch, and cowbell. Sound control is carried out with a light touch. Powerful sound can be activated by popping. Managing a party is extremely simple thanks to the proprietary application Music Center, which can be downloaded to your smartphone for free.

MARSHALL is one of the undisputed leaders in the production of powerful portable speakers. The model is implemented in a brand design for the brand. It is worth noting that Woburn II is currently the largest stereo speaker in the range of the manufacturer. The entire power of the device is supplied to two 1-inch speakers and two 5.25-inch subwoofers that produce 110-W sound. It is worth saying that the device works on the basis of Bluetooth 5.0 technology with Qualcomm® aptX ™, which provides quick remote connection to the sound source. I would like to recall that this brand has existed since 1962, which reduces the desire to doubt the quality of the assembly to a minimum.

Another well-known brand offers its target audience a good stereo speaker for walking. The device supports an interesting option - the ability to connect two smartphones at once. At the same time, the battery capacity is 20,000 mAh, which is enough for 24 hours of battery life. It is worth adding that the battery can be charged via two USB ports. Thanks to the IPX7 protection class, the surf can be taken with you to the pool, at sea, walks in the rain. The manufacturer offered quite a few sound modes, including deep bass and others. Judging by customer reviews, the bottoms are transmitted superbly, which cannot be said of the solo.

In terms of price / quality, the Stockwell model deserves attention, attracting a rich sound, despite the small case. This time, the manufacturer decided to use the Blumlein Stereo Sound design: a single speaker guarantees equal sound. The battery life of the device is 20 hours. This model supports Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and transmits a signal from any paired device to a distance of 10 meters. The advantages include an excellent silicone case, which is not afraid of moisture. It must be added that this gadget supports fast charging: in 20 minutes you can increase battery life up to 6 hours.

The best portable speaker of 2020 is the JBL PartyBox 300 stereo model with chic lighting effect and excellent sound quality. The device is equipped with two PartyBox speakers that can be controlled wirelessly. In addition, the TWS function is implemented, which is responsible for bright lighting effects for organizing a party at home. There are inputs for connecting both a microphone and a guitar. To combine both speakers wirelessly, just use the True Wireless Stereo function when connecting via Bluetooth. At the same time, the device attracts with the reproduction of live sound. The model is charging via USB.

Thus, there is no ideal formula for choosing “sound”, and it cannot be. You can only talk about the standards of relevant characteristics, so that you have an idea which model to choose is definitely not worth it due to outdated parameters. If you do not know how to choose a portable speaker, consider the following:

1. The frequency range - the wider the better. The high frequencies of modern models reproduce in the range from 10 to 25 thousand hertz, and the higher the juicier. For the bottoms, optimal from 20 to 500 hertz, and the lower the range, the richer the sound;
2. Number of ports - ease of use and the scope of application of the equipment depend on the number of supported connection types. You can get by with one port for charging, but it’s much more convenient if you can connect the device to headphones, agree;
3. Battery capacity - depending on the power and additional options, the battery life of such equipment may vary. However, we do not recommend targeting devices with a battery of less than 1000 mAh. Today optimally from 5 hours of continuous operation. The maximum can be up to 20,000 mAh and 24 hours of work per day without recharging;
4. Protection class - the cases of most modern models are protected against moisture and dust. It's comfortable. If you plan to use the equipment in different weather conditions, we recommend that you focus on models with a class from IPX3 to IPX7;
5. Additional functions - the pleasant trifles of such devices include a speakerphone (microphone for communication), an equalizer (for adjusting the frequency of the range), the presence of Wi-Fi (a more cost-effective method of synchronization than Bluetooth), an FM tuner, and panoramic audio.

It's no secret that premium stereo speakers can be used everywhere today.Nevertheless, they differ, and not only in capabilities, but also in size, power, form factor. Therefore, different conditions affect the efficiency of certain devices in different ways. When deciding which portable speaker to buy, start from where you will use the equipment and what budget you have. To summarize:

• The best budget portable speaker - JBL GO 2;
• the most powerful gadget - MARSHALL Woburn II;
• stereo speaker for price and quality - MARSHALL STOCKWELL;
• The best stereo model is the JBL PartyBox 300.

Friends, in the end, I would like to add that the choice of such a technique is always individual, due to the peculiarities of the perception of sound by different users. Do not forget about it, if there is an opportunity to purchase a gadget in the store. Buying on the Internet, of course, you should pay attention to the reviews, ratings and reviews of other users who are not interested in advertising this or that brand.