How to decide what you want and need:
I recently looked into buying a new portable speaker for myself, but I quickly found out that it would not be an easy task. There are so many different companies out their making very good quality speakers whether it be in the higher or lower price bracket, there is just so many different things to looks for in a portable speaker.
You need to first decide how much you actual want to spend and what you are using the speaker for.
The list of speakers I am going to compile will contain only speakers I have owned or used, because I think it is tricky to tell the quality of a speaker when not in person.
Points of focus for a portable speaker;
Sound quality
Battery life
Strength
Decibels
Base
Size
This is why choosing a speaker can be so hard because they often don’t fit every criteria, especially if you want to spend a bit less money.
Size:
Small Speaker:
I wouldn’t recommend the small very cheap speakers as the small size compromises for quality, so the cheaper ones really aren’t as good. However if you go for the higher end small speaker they can be surprisingly good.
Medium Speaker:
I think the medium sized speakers are the way to go with portable speakers. With these speakers you will still be spending a reasonable amount of money, however you can really get what you want without spending a huge amount on something you may not use to its full potential.
Large speaker:
I also wouldn’t recommend the large speakers, not because a lack of anything but because I think if you are spending that kind of money you might as well go all out and buy a home speaker system. This way you will end up getting more for your money.
Three Speakers I would recommend:
The Bose SoundLink mini II:
Price: £150.00+
Size: 180x58x51mm
Battery life: 10hrs
Decibels: 85
I have a few friends who own this speaker and I have to say I absolutely love it. The main stand out point is the speakers base. The base comes out completely clearly without the rattling and tinny sounds other speakers get, and it stays as smooth even on full volume. This base is the best base you will get for any portable speaker of a similar size.
This Bose is however not perfect because it isn’t water proof/resistant, also it isn’t the sturdiest speaker so if you drop it a few times it will likely start to break.
If you are looking for good quality base and good quality sound alone this is the speaker for you, it has the best base of any similar sized speaker. So if that’s what you are looking for this speaker would be perfect for you. However it is not water resistant and not being specially made for strength means it isn’t the best for regular outdoor use.
Minirig:
Price: £129.99+
Size: 76mm tall
Battery life: 50hrs
Decibels: 100
The stand out point is the speaker’s battery life, with such a long battery life you can be out using this speaker for a few days without having to worry about recharging. The sound quality is also very clear and crisp with okay base.
Something I think is a great aspect is that you can link up multiple of this speaker to make a larger sound system, along with this you can also buy a portable subwoofer for the speaker that costs £129.99. This will add more base better overall sound and of course more volume.
The Minirig is quite sturdy so you won’t need to worry about dropping it too much, however you will still need to keep it away from water.
I think the Minirig is such a good speaker because it is one of the best all round speakers of its size. It may not sound and as good as the Bose, however its battery life, strength and ability to link with more speakers makes it perfect for people who are always on the go.
Sony SRS-X11:
Price: £49.99
Size: 61x61x61mm
Battery life: 12hrs
Decibels: 40
If you are looking to spend a little less on a speaker but still want good quality the Sony is a great option, it is one of the best sounding speakers of its size and has a surprisingly good base.
The sound quality is also surprisingly good even at full volume you don’t get a tinny sound, however you can’t hear as many layers as stronger speakers.
For such a small speaker it is surprisingly sturdy, I have a clumsy friend who owns this speaker and they have dropped it multiple times leaving only miner scuffs on the edges. The Sony however isn’t water resistant.
You can also connect two of these speakers together meaning you and a friend can both get one to use together if you want to make it a little louder.
If you are looking for something that isn’t too expensive and still want good quality I would say this is a one of the best options.
If you don't think any of these speakers are for you comment on what
you are looking for and i will be happy to help and try to find what you are
looking for.