Bluetooth Speakers UK: A Complete Buying Guide to the Best Portable & Outdoor Speakers
Selecting the right Bluetooth speaker can be surprisingly difficult once you start considering the differences in size, battery, sound quality and intended use. This guide is aimed at Bluetooth speakers UK buyers, from those looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker UK buyers’ rate highly, to those seeking the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers UK has to offer for camping and festivals. It covers what sets apart the best Bluetooth speakers UK shoppers will want to consider, the best portable Bluetooth speaker UK options available for different uses and where to buy speakers online UK-wide.
Why Bluetooth Speakers Have Become a Household Essential
Not so long ago, having decent music in the home meant buying an entire home entertainment system. Now, a Bluetooth-enabled speaker costing under £50 can provide significantly better sound than many standard systems while being much lighter and more versatile. Whether it's background music in the kitchen, a Bluetooth speaker for the garden or something to take on holiday, Bluetooth speakers are now one of the UK's most popular tech categories - and for good reason.
The market has seen an explosion in choice too, with many more options offering far better value. Gone are the days when you had to choose between cheap and tinny and expensive and exceptional. Now even mid-range Bluetooth speakers can offer remarkable bass, decent battery life and water-resistant construction at very reasonable prices.
What Makes the Best Bluetooth Speakers UK Shoppers Actually Want
When looking at the best bluetooth speakers UK-wide, shoppers will usually want to balance between some different criteria rather than being swayed by any one attribute:
Sound quality and bass
While overall sound quality and volume are self-explanatory, most Bluetooth speakers with good low-end will offer significantly better bass performance.
Portability
How much you need to carry around is obviously very important. This varies enormously from extremely compact personal speakers to trolley-sized outdoor models.
Battery life
While less of an issue for home use, portable Bluetooth speakers need to last through the day. Some can even be charged on the go via USB.
Durability
For speakers used outdoors and away from home, water and dust resistance are essential.
Additional features and speaker size
Built-in microphone, LED lights, handles or wheels for large models can all be important too depending on the intended use.
It's also important to match expected use with the most suitable Bluetooth speaker type:
Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker UK - Compact for Everyday Use
For portable Bluetooth speakers, UK buyers usually want to balance between overall size and desired volume. Most will find the best portable bluetooth speaker UK buyers purchase fall into the entry-level category, usually taking the form of small square or round Bluetooth speakers.
These tend to be light enough for everyday use, have decent bass for personal listening and are easily transported so they can be taken anywhere from the office to the local park and back.
Mid-sized Bluetooth speakers with built-in handles or arm straps also fall into the same category but offer more volume without the increased size of a large party Bluetooth speaker.
Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers UK - Larger with Better Bass for Garden Parties
While overall volume is still important for outdoor Bluetooth speakers, there are other considerations. The best outdoor Bluetooth speakers UK-wide tend to be larger and more robust to withstand the elements. Additional considerations for outdoor Bluetooth speakers include wheels for easier transport and built-in microphones for use as karaoke machines.
For garden parties or casual music during family gatherings, large high-bass Bluetooth speakers fit the bill. They are usually supplied with wheels to aid transportation and can produce powerful low-end without damaging the treble. Trolley-style Bluetooth speakers take this one step further by also including a handle for easier carrying, especially when climbing up or down stairs.
Karaoke Bluetooth speakers with built-in wireless microphones represent another variation on the outdoor Bluetooth speakers’ theme, with the addition of a microphone allowing these larger Bluetooth speakers to double as a karaoke machine for entertaining family and friends.
Other Portable & Outdoor Speaker Types Worth Knowing About
Within the larger Bluetooth speaker category, several sub-types have specific use cases:
Compact/personal Bluetooth speakers
These are the smallest Bluetooth speakers and are usually optimised for personal listening rather than general room use.
Medium Bluetooth speakers with straps or handles
Represent an upgrade in terms of volume over personal Bluetooth speakers while remaining reasonably light and easy to carry.
High bass Bluetooth party speakers
These larger Bluetooth speakers are more suited to filling a room rather than personal listening. Many also feature LED light effects.
Trolley/wheeled Bluetooth speakers
Usually the largest Bluetooth speaker category, these powerful outdoor Bluetooth speakers are optimised for maximum bass and usually feature wheels and sometimes even a handle for transportation.
Karaoke Bluetooth speakers with wireless microphones
As their name suggests, these are Bluetooth speakers designed specifically for use with microphones, usually featuring one or more built-in microphones.
Sound bars
A completely different category of music and movie playback devices, sound bars are optimised for use in the home rather than on the go.
By understanding the different Bluetooth speaker categories, you are much less likely to make a mistake when choosing one of the many Bluetooth speakers UK-wide that fit your budget and intended use.
How to Buy Speakers Online UK-Wide with Confidence
When looking at how to buy speakers online UK wide, consider the following pointers:
Check the advertised wattage and bass, focusing on the technical specifications rather than the marketing speak
Review the battery specifications if intending to use outdoor Bluetooth speakers
Also review the overall size and weight if intending to use it on the go, as many potential buyers are surprised by just how big some Bluetooth speakers can be
Check how much it costs to deliver the Bluetooth speaker, especially if considering UK-wide options, as many retailers offer free delivery over a minimum spend
Review the returns policy if applicable, as the ability to return the Bluetooth speaker if it proves unsuitable is always a good option.
When looking at how to buy speakers UK online, it's always better to purchase from a retailer that offers a wide variety rather than just 1 or 2 generic Bluetooth speakers, as this significantly improves the chances of getting exactly what you want.
Buyers Guide to the Best Portable & Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
Across the UK, Panther Force stocks a variety of the best portable Bluetooth speakers and high bass outdoor Bluetooth speakers, as well as karaoke Bluetooth speakers perfect for music and entertainment. Shop our full range now at: Panther Force - Bluetooth Speakers
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker UK-wide, or want to compare the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers UK has to offer for use in festivals and large parties, it's clear that selecting the appropriate speaker type is key to getting the best overall value. There is a huge variety of Bluetooth speakers UK retailers offer, so it's always worth knowing what to look for when considering how to buy speakers online UK-wide so you get exactly what you need without spending too much.