Evaluated: Top 7 Compact Bluetooth Speakers for On-the-Go Music Enjoyment Anytime, Anywhere
Camping is a great opportunity to break free from the trappings of modern life and enjoy the natural world. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the tunes that keep your spirits high. With the advancements in Bluetooth technology, choosing the right portable Bluetooth speaker for your camping trip no longer means forgoing the musical experience. In this guide, we'll identify the factors to consider when shopping for a portable Bluetooth speaker and provide recommendations for some of the best options available on the market today.
What Makes a Great Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Camping?
1. Intended Use
Since you'll be taking your portable Bluetooth speaker out in the wilderness, think carefully about the environment and conditions in which you'll be using it. If you're planning on trekking through the woods or hiking rugged trails, a compact, lightweight, and durable speaker will be your priority. On the other hand, if you're planning on hosting a weekend party at your campsite, a more substantial speaker with better bass and louder volume might be more suitable.
2. Size and Weight
Portability is key when selecting a portable Bluetooth speaker for camping. A compact and lightweight speaker will make it easier to haul along without weighing you down. If you plan on taking the speaker with you on longer hikes or backpacking trips, a smaller, more lightweight speaker is essential. For camping trips at a designated campsite, a larger speaker that offers better sound quality might be more appealing.
3. Music Playback Time
Since you'll likely be away from a power source for extended periods, the music playback time of your portable Bluetooth speaker is crucial. Aim for at least 10 hours of playback time, but if you can find a speaker that lasts up to 20 hours or more, even better. It's also essential to consider any additional features that can conserve battery life, such as an auto-sleep mode or the ability to charge your smartphone via USB.
4. Recharge Time
In addition to music playback time, the recharge time of your portable Bluetooth speaker is equally important. A speaker with a quick recharge time means fewer hours spent waiting for your tunes while you're out in nature. Aim for a recharge time of no more than 3 hours.
5. Materials and Construction
Since you'll be taking your portable Bluetooth speaker out in the elements, materials and construction are essential considerations. Look for speakers with a durable design, preferably made of waterproof or water-resistant materials. Speakers with rugged designs and reinforced casings will also offer added protection against drops and impact.
6. Ruggedness and Waterproofing
When camping, your Bluetooth speaker will be exposed to the elements, so it's essential to choose a speaker that can withstand the elements. Look for speakers with an IPX7 rating or higher, which offers waterproof protection against submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. For added durability, look for speakers with reinforced casings and shockproof materials.
7. Sound Quality
While sound quality may not be the top priority for some campers, it's still worth considering. Look for speakers with a well-balanced frequency range that offers clear highs and rich lows, and a decent level of bass. If you plan on using your portable Bluetooth speaker as your only sound source during your camping trip, you'll want a speaker that sounds great in a variety of environments.
8. Manufacturer
Brand reputation can be a useful indicator of sound quality. Some of the most reputable manufacturers in the Bluetooth speaker industry include Bose, JBL, and Sonos. While these brands tend to offer higher pricing, their speakers often provide exceptional sound quality and durability.
9. Extra Amenities
Some portable Bluetooth speakers come with additional features such as LED lights, integrated microphones for taking calls or hands-free music control, and built-in power banks for charging your smartphone. These features can enhance your camping experience, so it's worth considering whether they're important to you.
10. Industrial Design
Finally, consider the overall aesthetic and industrial design of your portable Bluetooth speaker. Since you'll likely be taking yours out in nature, it's important to choose a speaker that's compact, rugged, and sporty. Some speakers also come in bright colors that can help make them easier to spot if dropped or misplaced.
Top Recommendations for Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Camping
1. UE Wonderboom 4
The UE Wonderboom 4 is an excellent choice for campers looking for a compact, durable, and waterproof speaker. Weighing less than one pound, this speaker is small enough to fit in a pocket but delivers a surprising amount of sound for its size. Its three audio modes, including Outdoor Boost and Podcast, make it suitable for a variety of environments, and its IP67-rated design offers protection against dust and water. While the volume buttons can be hard to press without holding the speaker, the UE Wonderboom 4 offers great sound quality for the price and is a no-brainer for campers on a budget.
Specifications:
- Pros: Lightweight and very small, super durable, great sound for the size, three audio modes.
- Cons: Volume buttons hard to press without holding device.
- Battery Life: 14 hours
- Charge Time: 2.5 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
- Size: 4.09" x 3.72"
- Weight: 14.81oz
- Price: $99
2. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
If you're looking for something more luxurious and high-end, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen is a fantastic choice. Featuring a sleek, minimalist design, this compact speaker offers superior sound quality and an IP67-rated waterproof design. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa for easy voice control, making it an excellent option for hosting parties or gathering around the campfire. While the price tag is steep, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen delivers on all counts for those seeking a premium portable Bluetooth speaker for their camping trips.
Specifications:
- Pros: Super attractive, slim and lightweight, really accessible EQ customization via the app, Alexa-compatible with voice control, blends sounds very well inherently.
- Cons: Won't sound as good with bass-heavy music, pricey considering limitations, buttons could be more straightforward.
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
- Size: 5.24" x 1.83"
- Weight: 1.23lbs
- Price: $299
3. Marshall Middleton
The Marshall Middleton has a classic, retro aesthetic that's sure to attract campers who appreciate the landmark brand's iconic style. Despite its compact size, this speaker delivers impressive sound quality that's versatile enough for a variety of music genres. Its four-speaker design provides 360-degree sound, making it suitable for gatherings in a variety of settings. While the lack of a carrying handle and slow charging speeds are drawbacks, the Marshall Middleton offers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price.
Specifications:
- Pros: Sounds great with different music types, straightforward operation, can adjust bass and treble on the speaker, can connect to other Middleton speakers for bigger sound, sound comes from four sides, preventing blockage, great vintage look.
- Cons: No carrying handle, phone app is a bit unnecessary, slow charging.
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- Charge Time: 4.5 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
- Size: 4.29" x 9.06" x 3.74"
- Weight: 4lbs
- Price: $300
Conclusion
Choosing the right portable Bluetooth speaker for camping is essential for ensuring that your music-loving self doesn't miss a beat while enjoying the great outdoors. By considering factors such as size, weight, music playback time, recharge time, ruggedness, waterproofing, sound quality, manufacturer, extra amenities, and industrial design, you can find the perfect speaker to enhance your camping experience. Whether you're seeking a compact, budget-friendly speaker like the UE Wonderboom 4 or a high-end, premium option like the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, you're sure to find the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker for your next camping trip. Happy trails!
- For those who enjoy more than just nature during their camping trips, sports enthusiasts might appreciate a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers the flexibility to listen to sports broadcasts or engage in sports-betting discussions.
- The UE Wonderboom 4, with its compact size and waterproof design, could be a suitable option for sports fans looking for a speaker that can withstand the elements without compromising on sound quality.
- On the other hand, music and sports analysis aficionados might prefer the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen, with its superior sound quality and compatibility with Amazon Alexa for easy access to sports updates and discussions, even while enjoying their camping trips.
