Remember the days of wired speakers? Tripping over cables, unplugging and replugging connections, struggling to maintain a clean aesthetic amidst a tangle of cords?
Yeah, that’s a wired speaker. So what is a wireless speaker?
As you might guess, a wireless speaker is a loudspeaker that receives and broadcasts sound via radio waves rather than a physical audio connection. The debate between wired vs wireless speakers was once one of quality versus convenience—that is, until audiophiles started asking: why not both?
But how do modern wireless speakers measure up? And more importantly, how can you find the right one for you? Read on to find out!
Overview of Wireless Speaker Technology
No two speakers are exactly alike, and that’s especially true for wireless models. We can generally categorize wireless speakers into two groups:
- Bluetooth: This type of wireless speaker allows for a quick and easy connection with devices ranging from desktops to smartphones.
- Wi-Fi: These speakers connect to an established Wi-Fi network, providing a higher-bandwidth connection.
As a general rule, wireless Wi-Fi speakers offer a stable connection that’s great for streaming music from services like Spotify or YouTube.
But that doesn’t mean Bluetooth speakers offer lower-quality audio. In fact, models like Electrotec’s Stage One support advanced Bluetooth 5.3 LE. That translates to better range, better battery life, and better high-resolution audio.
Advantages of Wireless Speakers
Today, top-tier wireless speakers offer equal (if not better) quality than their wired counterparts, with a few extra advantages on top.
For example, wireless speakers are:
- Flexible and mobile: Wireless speakers can be placed anywhere, without the hassle of cords. Move them from room to room, take them on trips, or bring them outside for a spontaneous poolside dance party.
- Easy to set up: Wireless speakers simplify setup, cutting out the frustration of wrestling with tangled power cords and dozens of connectors. This is a huge benefit for multi-room audio since you can control multiple speakers from a single app.
- An improved aesthetic: No one likes the look of a tangled web of wires trailing across their floor. Going wireless creates a clean, modern aesthetic that enhances every experience, from at-home movie nights to live music shows.
- Interconnected: As noted, wireless speakers can connect with various devices through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. But some also include USB, USB-C, and 3.5mm stereo jacks for ultimate compatibility—even with PCs, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Wireless speakers are great for multi-room setups since they can link together for seamless sound wherever you go. The right model can even be portable and weather-resistant, perfect for any outdoor activity.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Wireless Speaker
So, we’ve covered what wireless speakers are, and why they’re amazing. But how can you find the right match for you?
While the answer mostly depends on your degree of audiophilia, here are a few factors to help guide your choice:
Sound Quality
Outside of an actual listening test, there are a few key specs to evaluate the out-of-the-box quality of a speaker:
- Frequency range: A wider frequency range means the speaker can reproduce a broader spectrum of sounds, from the deepest bass to the highest treble.
- Drivers: Woofers and tweeters are important, but that’s just the baseline. The best audio fidelity comes from having a third, mid-range driver to capture fuller sounds.
- Watts: This determines the max output of the speaker, usually measured in RMS (Root Mean Square) power. More watts means more volume—an important factor for larger events, or outdoor settings with lots of background noise.
Battery Life
A party only lasts as long as the speakers stay on. So, it’s good to consider how long your batterylasts before it needs charging. How it charges is also important—Electrotec’s Stage One, for example, is the first speaker with two battery slots that can be “hot-swapped” mid-play. That means you can switch out batteries without turning off the device, which lets you keep the party going for as long as you need. (The potential for 100+ hours of battery life helps, too.)
Connectivity and Compatibility
Your choice of speaker depends on what you want to connect it to, and why. For example, a professional DJ likely has different connectivity needs than a party host seeking ambiance for their backyard barbecue.
That said, there are a few general compatibility settings to check:
- Bluetooth version: Double-check whether your wireless speaker supports, at minimum, Bluetooth 5.0. Even better, Bluetooth 5.3 support represents the cutting-edge for improved wireless range and faster, more stable connections.
- Multi-device pairing: For venues and professional setups (or just a really sweet home theater), the ability to pair multiple speakers to a single device is a must-have.
- Auxiliary options: It never hurts to have options—like the option to blast some classics from your old MP3 player when you feel like it. Or the option to connect to microphones, instruments, or mixers.
Whether it’s home use, professional setups, or just enjoying the outdoors, compatibility is a key consideration.
Size and Portability
This is a tough tradeoff. Larger speakers tend to produce better sound, but at the cost of being less portable. If you need a speaker for travel or outdoor activities, a smaller, more portable option may be preferable.
Durability and Water Resistance
A good wireless speaker should be able to follow you anywhere, from poolside parties to midwinter log cabin stays. Look for features like:
- Non-slip corners or stands
- Durable, high-grade materials
- IPX-rated weatherproofing
Make the World Your Stage with Electrotec’s Wireless Speaker
Wireless speakers have come a long way in just a few years. So, finding the right one ultimately boils down to your priorities on sound quality, connectivity, and portability.
If you've been searching for the perfect wireless speaker but haven't quite found what you're looking for, Electrotec's
Stage One might be the answer. With a triple acoustic chambering system, inputs ranging from mixers to microphones, and an ergonomic yet portable design, the Stage One is set to redefine the audio experience.