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\When using a portable speaker indoors, prime positioning can improve

sound quality and loudness. Always choose a flat, hard surface – floorboards are great for bass – and position it a few inches from a wall so sound

can bounce off it. Corners can create a wider sound space, and cylindrical speakers are best placed upright in the centre of a room.

SPEAKERS TO GO! Portable Bluetooth speakers are cool, convenient, and highly affordable, offering mobile music and quality sound at home and wherever you may roam. Words Bec Summer

Feature full Portable speakers with internal microphones conveniently double as a speakerphone when a call comes in, and may also offer

voice control for quick access to favourite tracks. Some will even add a lightshow to your party. Tough stuff

One of the main things to consider is durability. An IP

number indicates resistance to dust/sand and water, and most portable speakers are built tough with an IP67 rating. Some can even float in the pool or hang in the shower. Power to last Most portable speakers are designed with continuous use in mind and will generally give you all-day play, and often more, on a full charge. Always check that the battery life is sufficient for your needs.

P ortable Bluetooth speakers provide the flexibility of taking your music wherever you need it. They come in a variety of funky shapes, sizes and colours to match your style, and are simple to set-up and use – just pair them with a smartphone or compatible device using Bluetooth and press play.

Compact in design but big in sound Sound quality can of course vary depending on size, brand and price. Go big if you like it loud, or choose a dedicated party speaker to really rock (see page 26). You can also expand the sound by pairing two compatible speakers for true stereo, or connect a chain for multi-room audio.

Portable Bluetooth speakers for all lifestyles and budgets

Sony SRS-XB100 Compact Wireless Bluetooth Speaker This ultra-compact speaker boasts big sound and bass. IP67 durability and a 16- hour battery make it the perfect companion beachside or for a picnic in the park. Pair it

Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker Boasting up to 12 hours of power, IP67 durability and a unique design, the Flex is built for outdoor adventure. Powerful and well-balanced sound is optimised according to the speaker’s orientation, and there’s a built-in mic for taking calls. Connect it to other speakers in

360° sound and booming bass for up to 14 hours. Sound can be boosted for outdoor use, or pair it with another for true stereo boom. IP67 rated for the pool or shower, it’s an ideal all-rounder.

powerful multi-directional stereo, and can also be stacked with other Middletons for even bigger sound. Enjoy 20+ hours of play, and easy bass/ treble control from the speaker or remotely with the app. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

Sonos Roam SL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

From sound and bass, to speaker size and 24-hour battery life, we’re talking BIG here. Designed for indoor and outdoor use (with IPX4 splash resistance), its adaptive EQ adjusts sound to suit

the Bose family for extra sonic oomph. Marshall

Roam if you want to and never miss a beat with this go

with another for stereo sound, or use it as a speakerphone for hands-free calls. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Middleton Portable Bluetooth Speaker The iconic Marshall aesthetic and signature sound comes to a

anywhere speaker that’s rated IP67 for outdoor use, and will also blend nicely into a bookshelf. Position it upright or horizontal and the sound will adapt to the orientation. Connect using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Airplay 2 and enjoy up to 10 hours of tunes.

the surroundings. Switch between audio from different devices via dual Bluetooth inputs, or plug external ones into the AUX and optical ports.

Compact, colourful and floatable, this mini marvel delivers

compact portable speaker that pumps out

22 JULY 2023

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