Image via Complex Original
Bluetooth speakers are what’s popping right now on the consumer electronics scene. High in demand, every major tech player is either coming out the gate with their own line of wireless noisemakers or in the process of manufacturing one just in time for the holidays. With the market forecasted to increase heading into 2014, expect these to be just a common as headphones—becoming fixtures around households, outdoor events, and private gatherings. Staying up on the latest and greatest, we compilied this dope collection of streaming-optimized sound machines to keep that Marshall Mathers 2 LP bumping loud and crystal clear at any house, office, or pool party. Clean out your ears and hear out our recommendations for The Best Bluetooth Wireless Speakers Right Now.
Harman Kardon Esquire
Price: $250
Your boardroom or personal office ain't official without the presence of HK’s luxury speaker. The aluminum and leather-clad Esquire brings elegance and versatility to the audio fold, fitted with dual drives and a built-in port for enhanced sound, plus custom-tuned microphones and noise-cancellation technology to screen hands-free calls. Become the envy of every higher-up in the company.
Beats Beatbox Portable
Price: $400
Most of you are questioning why the Beatbox Portable over the Pill. Simply put, it’s the better value, especially when taking into consideration its richer sonic output and smoother streaming quality. A lightweight design, 15 hours of battery life, and integrated dock for iPhone and iPod pretty much ends the argument. No other ghetto blaster in its price class is delivering bass and treble at the degree of this beast.
Bose Soundlink Mini
Price: $200
Bose squeezes its award-winning audio technology into a sleeker, ultra-compact form factor that trumps most of the competition on build quality alone. The company engineered two custom high-powered transducers to achieve a dynamic soundstage capable of managing solid bass and mid-range levels with ease. It can remember six different devices through a one-time-only synchronization setup as well. Additional protective cases add some color to its plush look.
Vizio S4251w-B4 Home Theater Sound Bar
Price: $298
Home theater conformists looking to bless their mancaves with one of the finest 5.1-channel surround sound systems need look no further. Vizio’s wirelss sound bar and subwoofer combo promotes solid audio quality with great features and controls at a cost-efficient price range. The stereo imaging produced from the sound bar is remarkably impressively and is good enough to fill an entire room with surround sound output, leaving the subwoofer to distribute adequate bass response.
Grain Audio Packable Wireless System
Price: $249
What was once a Kickstarter project is now one of the most in-demand portable noisemakers on the scene. Grain Audio’s sound machine merges function with style, presenting impressive highs and sharp acoustical range in a gorgeous, minimalist walnut enclosure. Expect high-quality sonics across all music genres.
Marshall Stanmore
Price: $400
Marshall’s vintage speaker sports the nostalgic look of the company’s retro stage amplifiers, alongside booming sound and a modern feature set. Backed by a class-D amp that blasts 80 watts of noise, the Stanmore emits crisp highs and terrific acoustics when playing alternative and rock-heavy records. Completing the package are inputs for headphone, optical audio, and RCA connectors.
Braven BRV-1
Price: $150
A husky design met with great sound best describes the damage-proof Braven BRV-1. The build quality on this thing is unrivaled to any portable sound machine out with an ultra-rugged chassis capable of sustaining excessive drops and water splashes. It also comes loaded with a bevy of features: including 12-15 hours battery life, speakerphone functionality, and smartphone charging.
JBL Pulse
Price: $200
On top of blasting hi-fi audio through its 40mm drivers and custom-tuned bass port, the Pulse makes it possible to liven the atmosphere by programming an LED light show on the outer shell. Control up to 10 hours of playback and stream music from any Bluetooth or NFC-enabled device.
Polk Audio Woodbourne
Price: $700
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Polk Audio carries a prestige audio heritage that spans across the automobile and home theater markets. Its latest tabletop sound system falls right in line with the company’s premium offerings. Hidden behind the Woodbourne's beautifully crafted mahogany wood veneer lies a 180-watt amplifier paired with 5.25-inch drivers and two 1-inch tweets that work in harmony to generate marveling resonances.
Edifier Spinnaker
Price: $300
Don’t be fooled or scared off by its bizarre, yet striking form factor. The Spinnaker does pack a mean audio punch. Pushing 90 watts of sonic output from each receiver, this 2.0-enabled system cranks punchy bass response and sharp stereo imaging, good enough to warrant it best computer speaker honors at this very moment.
Ultimate Ears UE Boom
Price: $200
Logitech’s compact blaster seized our eardrums this past summer with its immaculate soundscape, deep low frequencies, and near-indestructible physique suited best for most outdoor activities. The 360-degree design ensures all-around sound no matter the environment at amazing loud volumes. It can also pull up to 15 hours of battery life and be paired with another set of Boom speakers to create a fuller listening experience.
Sol Republic x Motorola DECK
Price: $200
The Deck boasts class-leading Bluetooth technology with fun wireless features and good sound quality that compliment its striking 360-design. Stream music from up to 300 feet or tap into Heist Mode and fighter over the house-party playlist amongst five other users. Cop it in four different colors: Black, Blue, Red, and Yellow.
Cambridge Audio Minx 200
Price: $600
The UK home audio staple crafted a wireless speaker with booming bass extension and stellar mid-range, housed in an attractively designed enclosure. Under the hood is a 200-watt class-D amplifier mated with two 2.25-inch drivers and 6.5-inch subwoofer that produces powerful, sheer sound. Oh yea, it also supports Airplay functionality. Shhhhh.
Boom Urchin
Price: $150
A splash-proof noisemaker befitting for the bathtub, jacuzi, or pool area, the Urchin presents good audio output in a playful design. Its cuddlesome form factor attributes to the speaker's crisper and louder sound profile, helping generate higher frequencies levels. Bundled accessories such as a brushed metal carabiner and swappable skins help keep the receiver sitting pretty in damp areas.
Boston Acoustics MC100 Blue
Price: $150
The more-than-reasonably priced MC100 advocates some of the loudest sonic output of any speaker in its class. Strong bass, solid midrange, and zero distortion at high volumes is guaranteed. NFC and aptX technology support should draw the interest of the Android faithful as well.
Damson Jet
Price: $180
The most portable of the batch, Damson’s wireless speakers take a different approach to sonic output—relying on sound-heavy surfaces such as desks, glass windows, and textile walls to amplify audio. Plus it's also the first stereo bluetooth speakers to come as a pair. Conect the two 20-watt receivers together produces the better listening experience. Gain up to 9 hours of playback, plus stick them anywhere in the crib and take phone calls, also share media via NFC connection.
