Bluetooth speakers buying guide
Size and use case decide almost everything with speakers: pool, desk and party speakers are different products.
- Watts on the box are not loudness; reviews that describe bass and distortion at volume are more useful.
- IP67 or IPX7 means it survives dust and immersion; IPX4 only splashes.
- Battery life is measured at moderate volume; expect much less when it is loud.
- Stereo pairing two identical speakers is often better value than one large speaker.
- A 3.5 mm input or USB-C audio is useful for TVs and laptops where Bluetooth delay is noticeable.
Common mistake: Buying the smallest waterproof speaker for a party: it will be quiet and thin-sounding.