Whether you’re an avid music fan or a casual listener, you’re probably familiar with Bluetooth technology. We’ve all opened the settings on our phones, selected a device from the menu, and cranked up the tunes on a communal speaker.
But have you ever wondered what’s going on beneath the surface? What is a wireless Bluetooth speaker anyway, for that matter?
Those are all great questions. And we’re here to make sure they don’t go unanswered.
Defining Bluetooth Speakers
So, what is a Bluetooth speaker? Simply put, Bluetooth speakers are devices that play audio wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. By eliminating the wires, they eliminate many of the obstacles associated with traditional speakers.
You see, Bluetooth speakers don’t need to be physically connected to the audio source—in this case, your phone, tablet, or laptop. While some may have a power cable connecting them to an outlet, they don’t need to be plugged into your device to play music or podcasts.
Instead, what connects the device to the speaker is almost like magic. Except it’s not magic. There’s a whole lot of science going on behind the scenes.
How Does a Bluetooth Speaker Work?
Bluetooth may be one of the coolest technologies out there—and not just because it’s named after a thousand-year-old Viking king.
Bluetooth is a fully wireless technology that allows devices to communicate seamlessly with each other. When you “pair” two devices together, they transfer information back and forth using ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves. These are the same electromagnetic waves that power traditional radios, GPS systems, and much more. The only difference is that these waves are incredibly short—with Bluetooth, 2.4 billion waves are transmitted per second.
As you may have noticed, Bluetooth is available on more than just audio devices. You’ll also find Bluetooth keyboards, Bluetooth smartwatches, Bluetooth video game controllers—the list goes on. That’s because Bluetooth technology can transmit all kinds of information between devices.
In the case of Bluetooth speakers, that information is the audio data that makes your favorite songs come to life.
Bluetooth Versions
Before we move on, it’s worth noting that not all Bluetooth technology is the same. There are a few different versions, and your device will use a specific version depending on its age and purpose.
Here’s a quick overview of notable versions that your devices likely use:
- Bluetooth 4 – First released in 2010, this version introduced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which consumes far less power than previous versions. Many older wireless speakers are equipped with Bluetooth 4.
- Bluetooth 5 – Since its launch in 2016, this version has become the standard. It allows for a much longer battery life.
- Bluetooth 5.3 – The newest version at the time of writing, 5.3 is the most stable and secure iteration yet. This is the Bluetooth technology that Electrotec uses (5.3 LE).
Different Types of Bluetooth Speakers
Now that you’re an expert in all things Bluetooth, let’s talk about the different kinds of Bluetooth speakers. There’s a wide range of speakers on the market, and for many of them, the only thing they have in common is their use of wireless Bluetooth technology.
We’ve outlined some of the most common types of Bluetooth speakers below.
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Portable Bluetooth speakers are truly wireless—that is, they don’t have a cumbersome power cable. These battery-powered devices typically have a single loudspeaker and are ready to go anywhere with you, including:
- The beach
- The park
- The hiking trail
- Your backyard
In most cases, portable speakers are small enough to toss in a backpack. However, some portable Bluetooth speakers, like the Electrotec Stage One, are larger, professional-quality devices. These large-scale speakers are heavier (you probably won’t want to bring one on a hike), but the extra weight brings improved sound quality.
Home Bluetooth Speakers
Home Bluetooth speakers are slightly larger than their on-the-go counterparts. These speakers are meant to stay in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. As such, they typically have a power cable.
Because they’re stationary, home speakers tend to focus more on sound quality. Unlike portable speakers, they often come in pairs or as soundbar-style devices with multiple woofers and tweeters. These speaker setups give you a stereo experience.
Ultimately, at-home Bluetooth speakers are ideal for the listener who wants to start the living room party at a moment’s notice. Simply pair your phone, and you’re set.
Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
This category of Bluetooth speakers has some overlap with the other speakers we’ve covered. In general, any water- and weather-proof speaker is perfect for outdoor use. With that in mind, many rugged portable speakers fit the bill.
Outdoor speakers are ultra-convenient for the on-the-go listener, but they often underperform sonically compared to larger, more robust speakers. Still, if you’re a rain-or-shine music fan, you can’t go wrong with a well-made outdoor Bluetooth speaker.
Smart Speakers
If you can talk to it, it’s a smart speaker. These speakers have built-in virtual voices, like Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant.
While you can listen to music via Bluetooth on these speakers, the quality is okay at best. After all, these devices are designed to broadcast simple reminders, not rock the house. You’ll find that bass is especially lacking on these small-scale speakers, leaving your favorite songs sounding tinny and harsh.
The bottom line? If you want a virtual assistant that can turn off your lights and occasionally play some light music, a smart speaker is worthwhile. Otherwise, you may want to look at other Bluetooth speakers for at-home entertainment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bluetooth Speaker
With so many Bluetooth speakers to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Well, it all depends on what matters most to you. Make a list of your must-have features, then seek them out.
In general, if you’re after the “best” Bluetooth speaker, here’s what you’ll want to look for.
Sound Quality
First and foremost, a Bluetooth speaker needs to sound good. Whether you’re blasting your favorite songs, enjoying podcasts on your patio, or performing live in front of an audience, you want the best possible sound quality.
If you can’t hear a speaker before buying it, you can still get an idea of its sound. You just have to know what to look for. The three main specs to study are:
- Frequency range – A speaker’s frequency range hints at how faithfully it will reproduce your favorite songs. The wider the range, the lower the lows and the higher the highs. For example, the Stage One has a range of 28Hz–20kHz thanks to a built-in subwoofer, giving you deep, throbbing lows and sparkling highs.
- Drivers – The drivers are the actual “loudspeakers” that produce sound. As a rule of thumb, bigger drivers will sound better. Additionally, speakers with three drivers will more accurately reproduce low, mid, and high ranges than two-driver setups.
- Wattage – Watts have more to do with volume than sound quality, but a high-watt speaker will still sound better when played loud than a low-watt alternative. Anything over 300 RMS (the measure of continuous power output) should be sufficient for larger events.
Battery Life
If you’re eyeing a portable speaker, a long battery life is a must-have. The problem is that sound quality and volume are often at odds with battery life. The more power a high-quality speaker outputs, the faster its batteries deplete.
The real question is: How long do you need your speaker to last? If you’re bringing speakers to the beach, you may only need a few hours. If you’re going camping or playing multiple sets at a festival, however, you might need more than 100 hours.
Did you know? Electrotec’s One Stage speaker provides up to 120 hours of playtime on a single charge!
Connectivity and Compatibility
All Bluetooth speakers will have Bluetooth connectivity. But what if you need more?
Some speakers, like the Stage One, give you several other ways to plug and play. Along with Bluetooth, you have:
- A 3.5mm input
- A USB input
- Instrument/mic line-ins
If you only want a speaker to play music in the backyard, you may not need the extra inputs. But a speaker with more ways to connect is more versatile—and that’s never a bad thing.
Size and Portability
For those planning to bring their speakers everywhere, smaller is better. Unfortunately, smaller speakers lack sonic “oomph,” while larger ones aren’t exactly portable.
The trick, then, is to find that happy medium. You want something that sounds incredible but also doesn’t break your back. Luckily, speakers like that exist.
Durability and Water Resistance
Finally, if you’ll be bringing your speaker on adventures, you want it to survive. With that in mind, look for water-resistant Bluetooth speakers. These devices will withstand the wind and rain, so you can play music anytime, anywhere.
The Bluetooth Speaker That Blows All Others Away
Exceptional concert-like sound quality, an extended battery life, weather-proofing—it’s a lot to ask for from a Bluetooth speaker. You might believe that no speaker could tick all those boxes.
But you’d be wrong.
The Electrotec Stage One is set to blow all other Bluetooth speakers out of the water. With three state-of-the-art drivers, over 100 hours of battery life, a 50-meter communication range, and more, the Stage One meets—and exceeds—all your sonic needs.
To be one of the first to get your hands on this next-generation speaker, sign up for our waiting list today.