Wireless Speaker Buying Guide

A wireless speaker gives you the freedom to listen to music wherever you want without being constrained by power cords and cables. You can use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect your smart devices to the speaker, then play music from your digital library or using online streaming services and apps like Spotify. This Wireless Speaker Buying Guide outlines the key things to consider when weighing up wireless speakers and makes it easier to choose the best one for you.

1. How will you use it?

Do you want to use it at home, the beach, on holidays or for adrenalin-pumping adventures?

Do you need a wireless speaker that’s waterproof, sandproof or really light so it doesn’t weigh you down when you’re on the go or travelling?

If you’ll be using it at home, how heavy it is won’t be as important as how powerful the speakers are.

2. What do you want to play?

Different wireless speakers can play music from different audio sources:

Smart devices: Bluetooth connect your smartphone, laptop or tablet to play tunes from your digital music library and streaming apps (using your Wi-Fi or data)

USB: Plug in and play music stored on your MP3 player and USB memory sticks

Radio: Most have AM/FM radio and the latest radios have DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio that gives you better sound quality, more radio channels to choose from and interference-free listening

LP records: Some models can play your old vinyl records with the latest technology

CDs: As most of today’s music is digital, only some of today’s Hi-Fis can play CDs

3. Home or Portable

Home Hi-Fi Sound Systems with Wireless Speakers

Home stereo systems that plug into the wall and play music through wireless speakers

Usually have three parts that can be bought separately but are mostly a total package:

Audio source: Bluetooth device (smartphone, tablet or laptop), USB, radio, and CD player (most have a few sources)

Amplifier: Controls the music volume and balance

Speakers: Most have two speakers for stereo sound but some have multiple speakers for surround sound

Hi-Fi sound systems come in two sizes:

Micro Hi-Fi sound systems are smaller and more compact with less powerful speakers (ranging between 10 and 30 watts per channel) so suit a lounge or office space

Mini Hi-Fi sound systems are larger and more powerful with speakers that reach up to 100 watts per channel so are better for big houses or public spaces. Some come with a subwoofer to give you better bass

Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speakers

Light, portable and battery powered so great for travelling

Come with a cable so can be plugged into the wall to conserve the battery life

Some have in-built rechargeable batteries while others use disposable batteries

Great for listening to music around the house and entertaining outside

Perfect for BBQs and picnics

Some models have protective features so they can be used in more extreme conditions

4. Investing in superior sound

The quality of different wireless speakers can vary dramatically

You’ll always listen to music so it may be worth spending a bit more for better sound

Also think about how the speakers will direct the sound – some speakers only project music in one direction, whereas others project sound around the room in multiple directions

5. How long will the battery last

Some portable Bluetooth wireless speakers use disposable batteries and some have a built-in rechargeable battery

How long will the portable battery last before you need to change the batteries or charge the speaker?

6. Do you want to control conveneince

Some wireless speaker models come with a remote control for convenience

For the ultimate in convenience, some wireless speakers have an app so you can control your music using an app on your smartphone, laptop or tablet

7. What extras are important to you?

Some Hi-Fi sound systems can connect to your media player so you can enjoy movies with better surround sound

Do you want radio preset features so you can save channels and switch between your favourite stations fast without having to tune them each time?

Do you want to be able to record music to a USB?

Do you want to be able to use an app control the volume and music selections?

Do you want your portable wireless speaker to be waterproof or sandproof?

Do you want colourful lights in the speaker to create a party atmosphere?

Some speaker brands allow you to connect multiple compatible speakers for bigger, better sound when you have friends or family over.

8. Look after it so it last longer

Read and follow all of the manufacturer’s care instructions so your wireless speaker lasts longer

If it’s not waterproof or sandproof don’t expose your speaker to these elements