STACK #213 July 2022

FEATURE LIFE TECH

PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS

The freedom of mobile music extends to a backyard catch-up, a pool or beach party, or adding beats to a picnic in the park.Wireless speakers combine terrific sound quality with portable convenience. Simple to use and set up, the portable Bluetooth speaker has revolutionised where we listen to music, and become an essential device for the modern household.

ENTRY-LEVEL

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth Speaker This compact, single-driver speaker packs plenty of punch, with a focus on mid-range and an Extra Bass passive radiator to enhance low-end. And there’s the option to connect another XB13 speaker for even bigger sound. Connectivity includes Google Fast Pair for Android devices and an in-built microphone for hands-free calling sans smartphone. The XB13 is durable and portable with a carry strap included, an IP67 rating for outdoor use, and up to 16 hours battery life from a single charge. At a glance Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery life: 16 hours IP rating: 67 Charging: USB-C

This small speaker delivers big sound using a custom designed transducer and silicone passive radiators. It also doubles as a convenient speakerphone for calls, with a multi-function button to access Siri and Google voice assistants from a smartphone. The Bose app offers further connectivity – add two additional Micros in Party Mode. The rugged Micro is conveniently portable with a strong strap to hold it between a bike’s handlebars or hook it to a backpack, and with a high IPX7 rating and silicone seal protecting the internal tech, it’s built to withstand the elements. At a glance Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery life: 6 hours IPX rating: 7 Charging: Micro-USB

The Flip 5 is a terrific little go-anywhere speaker that’s lightweight and rugged, with a durable fabric and rubber housing and an IPX7 rating for pool parties and the beach. It sounds good, too, with a high output driver and booming bass. 12 hours of battery life provides ample party time and there’s pairing support for two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers, or more if you’re throwing a big bash. At a glance Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery life: 12 hours IPX rating: 7 Charging: USB-C

MID-RANGE

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker The lightweight Flex resembles a clutch with a strap that can be looped over a finger or a hook, with PositioniQ tech maintaining sound quality in any position. Buttons on the top control power, volume, Bluetooth pairing and multi-function. It also has a built-in mic for taking calls. The Flex‘s sonic backbone is all about the bass – there‘s a real weight to the low-end – and sound is balanced at the higher end of the volume scale. Despite its compact design, it will fill a big room with ease. Sporting a rubberised coating and IP67 rating, it‘s a robust speaker designed to weather the elements, with a 12-hour battery life. At a glance Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery life: Up to 12 hours IPX rating: 67 Charging: USB-C

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker This cylindrical speaker throws out 360 degrees of spatial sound and features a large woofer for thumping bass, giving you plenty of Boom for buck. Encased in super tough fabric and boasting an IP67 rating, the Megaboom 3 is virtually indestructible and will even float if accidentally dropped in the pool. Battery life is a massive 20 hours from a single charge. It’s a colourful character, too – available in Night Black,

Marshall Emberton Portable Bluetooth Speaker Small in stature but big in sound, the Emberton is covered in durable rubber with a metal speaker grille sporting the distinctive logo. A brass button on the top controls volume and skips tracks, an LED light indicates battery life, and connectivity is via Bluetooth. The Emberton throws out a big and well-balanced soundstage for its size, tuned with a rock slant in mind. At a glance Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Battery life: 20 hours IPX rating: 7 Charging: USB-C

Ultraviolet Purple, Sunset Red, Seashell Peach and Lagoon Blue – to match every mood and location. At a glance

Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery life: 20 hours IP rating: 67 Charging: Micro-USB

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