Selecting a portable Bluetooth speaker
It's time to take it outside. Whether you're planning camping trips, extended excursions on the lake, fishing weekends in the mountains or simply lounging poolside -- whatever the outdoor activity, it's always nice to have a little music around. These days, that means taking along a wireless speaker.
But don't think you can simply grab that nifty Bluetooth speaker you use around the house and toss it in with your gear on your next trek into the wilderness. You need a wireless speaker made for the great outdoors -- one that's as rugged as its surroundings.
"When looking at a Bluetooth speaker for outdoor use, take a look at the durability, how rugged the speaker is built. Some other important features are the Bluetooth range, playtime, charge time and, of course, sound quality," says Mike Lacher of REI, Atlanta.
Naturally, you want your speaker to take a beating and keep singing. Chances are, however, that you'll be hauling that speaker near water, so look for one that comes with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating; a system providing formal standards for testing water resistance in mobile gadgets.
Should you go with a Bluetooth speaker that's water resistant or waterproof? They're not interchangeable. Lacher offers a bit of clarity and definition.
"A water resistance rating of IPX5 lets you know that the speaker will resist light rain and splashes. A rating of IPX7 means the speaker will survive water three feet deep for 30 minutes. For boating or to use on a stand up paddleboard, get a speaker with an IPX7 or higher rating. I would also pick one that floats," he says.
Essentially, the higher the IP rating, the drier the speaker.
Here are three examples of portable Bluetooth speakers that can hang with you just about anywhere without missing a beat.
SCOSCHE boomBOTTLE+: Rugged, powerful, portable Bluetooth speaker ideal for streaming music while biking, hiking, camping and more. Price: $179.99 at scosche.com.
Key features include:
- Weatherproof IP67 rated, water and dust proof speaker. (In this case, the number 6 refers to the range of protection from dust.)
- Integrated omnidirectional diffuser channels music in all directions, creating 360 degrees of immersive sound.
- Durable shock absorbing TPU exterior is strong enough to withstand drops or vibrations caused from rough terrain.
- Perfect Charge circuitry in the USB charging port allows users to connect a smart phone or other mobile device to the speaker for convenient, rapid charging without interrupting the music.
- Fits conveniently into most bicycle bottle cages.
- Provides up to 11 hours of streaming music.
Turcom AcoustoShock HR-903 : This powerful Bluetooth speaker boasts big sounds through two drivers, dual speakers and two rectangular passive sub-woofers. Price: $89.99. Available at: TurcomUSA.comAmazon.com
Key features include:
- Durable rubberized casing makes it resistant to drops and harsh environments.
- Extended battery capacity powers the 30 Watt dual speakers and ensures seven hours of playtime.
- IPX5 water and shock resistant.
- Hands-free calls. An integrated digital microphone allows you to convert the speaker to speaker-phone mode.
Braven BRV-PRO + Solar Bluetooth Speaker: With an attached solar panel, the rugged Braven BRV-PRO + Solar Bluetooth speaker streams HD audio continuously using the power of the sun. Price: $149.95 at REI.com
Key features include:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body absorbs bumps and drops while the IPX7 waterproof rating means it's made for enthusiasts looking for their next adventure in any weather.
- Up to 30 hours of wireless playtime on a single charge; capture the sun's rays with the folding solar panel to keep the music going around the clock.
- Two custom extended-range drivers and an omnidirectional passive subwoofer deliver room-filling HD audio.
