Portable speakers are great for the beach, a picnic in the park or for entertaining friends on the deck while grilling some hamburgers. They are especially great for those work trips that require you stay in hotels nights on end and for holiday parties. Listening to some quality tunes before heading to a bar or club is nice too. Heck, with a portable speaker you can listen to good music anytime, anywhere!
Lucky for us, manufactures have finally figured out how to make quality speakers. There have been significant improvements to the product line as of late. I’ve even noticed some real standout speakers with impressive sound. Most of the portable speakers have similarities, like built-in batters and a relatively low price tag. However, some of the newest models can be used via Bluetooth with smartphones and tablets. While others are two-piece affairs, which are more suitable with laptops.
That being said, here is a list of, what I consider, the best portable speakers on the market:
iLuv Boom Cubes
While these speakers may be small stature, they produce a big sound. Great for social gatherings, these speakers sound a lot bigger than they look. Unlike the other speakers on this list, the iLuv Boom Cubes are a two-part stereo system that resembles satellite speakers found in a compact home cinema package. These pint-sized speakers can attach to a laptop or desktop computer via USB or 3.5mm jack. As the least expensive item on this list ($32), this balanced stereo sound is an excellent value.
Gear4 StreetParty Size
This portable speaker has an ultra-slim design that works as a traditional iPod/iPhone dock, charging included. Running on four AAA batteries, you can fold up this speaker until it’s completely flat and take it essentially anywhere. For instance, the beach, tailgating before a concert or even a nice game of Kan Jam. For it’s size, the Gear4 can is the best pound-for-pound portable speaker around. The price is around the middle of the pack at $55. Totally worth the investment.
Sound Science QSB
Designed to beat most desktop speakers, the Science Sound QSB is top notch. With its 30w two-cubed system, this heavy-duty sound system will attach to a laptop or PC via USB for both power and music. Science Sound QSB is relatively easy to travel, making perfect for holiday parties and entertaining indoors. For $175, you can’t beat the sound quality. The Sound Science QSB has plenty of detail and enough bass to make even a movie convince.
Bose SoundLink
For a little music streamer, this portable speaker packs a powerful punch. If you have a mobile phone or mp3 player, you can stream music wirelessly from 30 feet away. The Bose SoundLink works with Apple, Android and Blackberry devices, as well as your tablet or laptop. This is the future of portable speakers—it provides music when you want and where you want. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this speaker will keep the party going for up to eight hours. But it doesn’t come cheap. The Bose SoundLink Bluetooth mobile speaker will cost you about $299.
Laura Wolfe is a freelance writer for several music publications. She loves listening to new music, especially when she works out. Laura uses mp3 to wav from KoyoteSoft to convert music from her desktop to her iPod or iPhone. It’s quick and easy!
