Bluetooth speakers are the most versatile speakers that you can purchase. Most products in this category are highly portable thanks to their interactive designs and powerful batteries. You can simply use them anytime and anywhere. All you have to do is quickly set them up and they’ll be good to go.
Smart Bluetooth Speakers
Conventional Bluetooth speakers had limited use. People only expected a great sound quality from these speakers. However, this technology has evolved tremendously over the last few years. Modern Bluetooth or Smart Bluetooth Speakers can do so much more as they are packed with so many stunning features. For instance, they have built-in microphones that you can use for calling, singing, and are usually both Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled.
According to Statista, in 2018, an estimated 1.96 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of Bluetooth-only speakers were sold in the U.S. retail market. In 2020, smart wireless speaker sales in the United States were projected to amount to 34.53 million units. In 2021, this figure is likely to increase. These stats show that the market for smart speakers is massive and the demand for these speakers is continually increasing. We can therefore expect further developments in this technology.
Finding the right product online can be a daunting task. There are lots of products that offer lots of features that make it almost impossible to choose the best one. We have saved you from this effort and reviewed the nine best Bluetooth speakers with microphones. So, let’s find out the right product for you.
1. Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
The brand is enough to justify the purchase. We know that Sony is a pioneer in the sounds industry along with many more. This Sony SRS Bluetooth speaker is built to last with its extreme durability, shock, dust, and water resistance, and much more. This is not an ordinary 360-degree speaker. It has tons of features packed in it!
The best thing about buying a branded product is the warranty and compatibility. With these speakers, you get tons of features from Sony such as their apps, software, sound boosting systems, and more. It makes the experience so much richer and easier.
There are bass speakers on both sides along with omnidirectional speakers on the cylindrical surface. IP67 dust and waterproof speakers with 24 hours of battery life in a single charge are all you need to bring your parties to life. These speakers can be controlled by Sony, Music Center, and Fiestable apps. You can also connect multiple Sony SRS speakers and sync light and sound through the apps. There is also a variety of colors available such as red, grey, black, and blue.
Specifications:
- Extreme bass
- Dual speakers with omnidirectional sound technology.
- IP67 dust and waterproof
- Bluetooth with NFC
- 24 hours of battery timing
Pros:
- Gigantic battery timing
- High-quality sound and bass
- Compatible with Sony apps
Cons:
- The sound isn’t too loud
- The 360-degree sound experience isn’t high quality
- High bass kills some of the high notes
2. JBL Flip 4 Portable Speaker
JBL Flip 4 is one of the recent products in the Flip lineup. It is a 360-degree true wireless speaker series offered by leading brand JBL. These speakers are built to withstand rough usage. You can put them in water, and they will float without taking any water damage. You can also take them outside, and use them in extreme weather conditions, thanks to their dust resistance capabilities. They will deliver phenomenal performance in any condition.
JBL is known for its high-quality bass. Their engineers guarantee that this bass does not distort the quality of the sound output. That is the reason they are so expensive as compared to other speakers in this category. Once you start listening to JBL’s high-quality audio, you will never want to settle for something less.
A 3000mAh battery ensures 12 hours of smooth playtime. Furthermore, a high-quality built-in mic, stereo pairing, and hands-free controls are some features that ensure that JBL Flip 4 justifies its presence in the premium price category. The built-in mic can also be used to activate SIRI or Google Assistant from the smartphone it is connected to and command relevant instructions. Also, it has improved sound performance and water resistance as compared to its previous model JBL Flip 3. Lastly, you can also use JBL party boost to connect multiple speakers at the same time.
If you’re wondering why we didn’t include JBL Fip 5 – it’s because it doesn’t have a microphone.
Specifications:
- IPX 7 water and dustproof
- 3000mAh battery that lasts for 12 hours
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Stereo pairing
- Micro USB charging cable
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery
- IPX7 waterproof
- JBL party boost for pairing 100+ devices
Cons:
- Expensive price tag as compared to other options
- JBL Connect app to pair multiple speakers is too difficult
- Charging time is too long for this model
3. Sony SRS-XB13 Compact Wireless Speaker
This is the second Sony product on this list. The first product: Sony SRS XB-33 is priced above $110. This product is even less than that. What we miss by not paying an extra $70 is the size and hence the intensity of the audio output. It also lacks some other features offered with the SRS XB-33 such as Sony’s app compatibility, bigger battery timing, LED lights in speakers, and the charging port for your smartphone.
This is a very small-sized speaker that offers 16 hours of punchy stereo sound with deep bass. Since Sony manufactures it, you can expect the sound and bass to be far better than the competing products.
XB-13 is made to carry everywhere. It is small-sized and offers multiway strap support to hold onto. It is meant to look like an accessory that goes with you everywhere you go. Furthermore, you also get an IP67 rating to protect the speaker against dust and water splash so that you can enjoy a worry-free experience. The built-in mic also provides a truly hands-free experience.
Specifications:
- Deep punchy bass
- IP67 rated
- 16 hours of battery timing
- Built-in microphone
- US Type-C port
Pros:
- Small compact size with the multiway strap
- 16 hours of long battery life
- IP67 rated
Cons:
- Not a true 360-degree experience
- Incompatible with Sony’s music apps
- Not as loud as other speakers in this lineup
4. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Anker Soundcore 2 is one of the best choices overall. A speaker with loud intense bass, a built-in microphone to take calls, portable, compact in size, and unbelievably loud for just $40 is a dream come true.
The design of the speaker isn’t too flashy or too decent. It is a normal cuboid with round edges and a huge speaker drive on the side with Anker’s branding on it. It doesn’t provide a 360-degree experience as compared to other speakers but the quality of sound and bass that it does provide is phenomenal. Dual sound drivers, advanced digital signal processing, and exclusive bass technology make the beats even harder and crunchier!
Its latest Bluetooth technology provides a stable connection up to 66ft range. With a 5200mAh battery, it lasts an entire day and can also charge your smartphone alongside. The enhanced bass, IPX7 rated proofing, and fast charging are some of the distinct features that make this speaker worth more than its price.
Specifications:
- Dual 12W neodymium drivers
- IPX 7 rated
- Built-in microphone
- 5,200mAh battery
- AUX cable support
- Wireless stereo pairing
Pros:
- 24 hours of playtime
- IPX7 rated
- Immense bass
Cons:
- No claimed noise reduction in mic
- Some customers have claimed connectivity issues
- Not a true 360-degree experience
5. Hadisala Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If you are looking for a true value for money wireless speaker, the Hadisala Bluetooth speaker is supposed to be your regret-free choice. It not only lives up to expectations but exceeds them in such a low-price tag. It is a true wireless stereo speaker with 360-degree surround sound.
The portable-sized speaker is packed with two round speakers, a high-quality microphone, TF card support, a 1000mah battery, and a bass booster. At $25.99, you are going to experience a high-quality 360-degree surround sound with exceptional bass and sound quality. Furthermore, you get the TWS function to connect both speakers at once and individually. The Bluetooth 5.0 technology is used in this device, which provides 66ft of range and high quality with a wide range of compatible devices.
The design of this portable speaker is pretty sleek and minimal. This is the speaker that perfectly fits the definition of portable. It barely weighs two hundred grams and can be packed and carried anywhere for picnics, beaches, swimming, skiing, diving, boating, and much more. That is all possible due to its IPX 7 rating which provides the speaker with water and dust proofing.
Specifications:
- 360° surround sound
- IPX7 rated
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- 15 hours of playtime
- High quality and boosted bass
- 100ft of barrier-free transmission range
Pros:
- Low price
- Lightweight and minimal
- IPX7 water and dustproof
Cons:
- Not the best quality microphone
- Modest battery timing
- Audio quality with high bass isn’t good
6. Innotrik Bluetooth Conference Speaker
The Innotrik conference speaker is designed to serve a large audience along with a very specific niche: business. This conference speaker is a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that has a noise-canceling omnidirectional microphone built into it. That means that you can keep it in the center of the table and make it accessible for everyone in the conference room to hear high-quality audio and transfer a noise-free sound.
But the problem is that it costs almost triple the price of the previous product. So what’s the major difference here? This speaker has upgraded voice technology to allow for the best audio experiences in any environment. The audio processing is faster than ever and that saves you from the nightmare of audio disruption during a conference. The dynamic noise cancellation technology can detect sounds from all sides and use its intelligent cancellation to filter keyboard clicks, kids crying, conditioner sounds, and more. With all these features packed, you get 8-10 hours of continuous communication with one charge!
When it comes, the best part about this round and premium-looking speaker is that the wire is rolled inside the speaker. You can pull it out, connect to a PC, and roll it back in when done. The buttons feel stylish and modern. The minimal look has been achieved with this product!
Specifications:
- Industry-leading noise canceling omnidirectional microphone
- Super clear sound with omnidirectional speakers
- Full-duplex call technology for more natural calls
- 1.1m USB wire for wired connections to PC
Pros:
- Omnidirectional microphone
- Excellent noise cancellation
- USB wire for wired connections
Cons:
- Low-quality bass
- Slightly expensive
- The noise cancellation range is exceptionally low
7. SONGLOW Portable Outdoor Wireless Speaker
Songlow has provided us with the ultimate choice for 360-degree outdoor speakers at such a tiny price. $50 for a cinema-grade speaker? Definitely worth it. 20-watt high-performance dual drivers provide excellent, deep, and rich sound for outdoor experiences. The loudness on this thing is just massive. Thankfully, it is also accompanied by high-quality bass and strong lows with zero noise disruption or Bluetooth lag.
The best thing about these speakers is that you can purchase multiple units of these up to two hundred and connect all of them in sync to provide a sound never experienced before. Since this speaker is designed for outdoor use, it has excellent durability and resistance against dust and water. The IPX7 rating means that you can play it in showers, swimming pools, beaches, and more without worrying about the damage. Furthermore, it is also covered by an 18-month warranty.
Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides 131 feet of connectivity range along with a 6000 mAh battery that can run for 12 hours. The built-in mic has active noise cancellation and can provide a hand-free calling experience!
Specifications:
- Loud and clear 360-degree sound
- IPX7 waterproof and dust resistant
- Massive battery with 12 hours of playtime
- Noise-reducing built-in mic for hands-free calling
Pros:
- Tiny price tag
- Noise cancellation with mic
- Cinema grade sound quality
Cons:
- Battery timing is lower than advertised
- The connectivity range is lower than advertised
- It takes too much time to connect
8. Amazon Echo Dot(4th Gen) with Clock and Alexa
If we are talking about Bluetooth speakers with a built-in microphone, how can we ignore Amazon’s top product: Echo Dot. You might have seen videos of this product online where people are interacting with Alexa to control their lights, locks, thermostats, and more. This is not just a speaker, it’s a smart speaker.
Echo Dot (fourth-gen) speaker with a clock is the most popular and highest selling product in the smart speaker’s category. Since Alexa supports it, it can play any song you want from the internet without needing to connect it through your phone. Everything is perfectly made to suit voice control. It has an excellent mic that intelligently detects the vocals and acts accordingly.
Apart from sitting at your table, showing time, ringing alarms, informing you about your calendar meetings, and playing high-quality bass audio, Alexa can also tell a joke, call your friend, and even turn off the compatible coffee maker. All of this is controlled by the comfort of your bed. Just say the word and get a hands-free experience!
Although this isn’t just an ordinary speaker, it’s a product that you should definitely keep in your house, especially if it is cheap and durable. Recently, Amazon has been marketing its smart speakers to be environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled material and the packing that it comes in is also completely recyclable and organic.
Specifications:
- Wide Range of Compatible Products
- Connects to the Internet
- A completely hands-free experience
- Alexa Guard Feature Protects Privacy
- Low Power Mode to Increase Battery Timing
- Clock Display
- Excellent Microphone Quality
Pros:
- Built-in Alexa support
- Clock display
- Controls smart home
Cons:
- Bass isn’t high quality
- Not specifically for music
- Frequently gets the wrong voice command
9. iHome iBT234 Speaker and Alarm with Voice Control
Just like Amazon Echo, iHome is another smart speaker that claims more than Echo. It is packed with features and utility. To start with the best thing about this device, it can support Apple’s Siri and Google assistant. You can easily carry all kinds of tasks using Google assistant or Siri e.g., checking the calendar for meetings, weather, setting an alarm, and more.
iHome speaker has a dual alarm with four built-in tunes that you can set. It is up to you whether you want a single alarm or dual speaker alarm. It has FM radio support and delivers phenomenal sound quality. It also displays time and provides an excellent hands-free calling experience. You can make speaker calls with just a voice command or push of a button.
If you consider buying a speaker and you think that iHome is going to fulfill your needs, let me tell you why you should proceed with it. It has a built USB port that can charge your smartphone or iWatch. The design is minimal, and the size is compact. This means that it will look pleasing on your side table and disappear in the background with its minimal look.
Specifications:
- FM Radio – 4 dedicated station presets
- Dual Alarms – Separate wake times and alarm sources
- 7-5-2 Dual Alarms – Dual alarms to wake to various sources at contrasting times
- Battery Backup for an Alarm In case the Battery Runs Out
- Voice Control Button to Enable Siri and Google Assistant
- Speakerphone – Digital echo canceling an talk/end button
- AC Adapter – 100V – 240V universal voltage
- Dimmable Backlit Display
Pros:
- USB port to charge a phone
- Google Assistant and Siri support
- LED clock and alarm clock
Cons:
- The display is too bright at the dimmest level
- Volume is too loud at the lowest level
- Buttons are unresponsive for some customers
10. Donerton Bluetooth Shower Speaker
Donerton Bluetooth speaker is made to withstand rough use. The shockproof silicon casing offers excellent grip, durability, and water, and dust resistance. It is claimed to withstand high water pressures, which makes it a perfect speaker for a shower.
On the performance side, it offers crystal clear sound with unexpectedly high-quality bass. Since it comes in a $30 price range, it offers more than its price. Donerton shower speaker has a built-in mic to take calls without having to reach the smartphone. It comes with a range of buttons on top of it, making it easier to control everything from the speaker.
It is a true 360-degree audio experience driven by Bluetooth 5.0 technology within 33 ft. of range. But that isn’t it. The multicolor LEDs on top of the speaker provide a modern funky touch to the product. You can even put it on a wall, window, car dashboard, cupboard, etc. with the aid of its suction cup. The cup sits on the bottom of the speaker, providing it with excellent grip support on a table or at a wall. So, while you are in the shower, it will grip the wall and play loud bass!
Specifications:
- 7 Hours of Playtime
- Colorful LED lights
- Wireless Dual Stereo Pairing
- Rugged and Durable Silicone Casing
- IPX7 Rated to Withstand High Water Pressure
Pros:
- Durable silicone casing
- Colorful LED lights
- Suction cup to stick to walls
Cons:
- Battery life is lower than advertised
- Volume and light controls are reset when you turn off
- The suction cup can fall off under rare circumstances
11. Jabra Speak 710 MS Speaker for business Meetings
Unlike other products on this list, Jabra Speak 710 MS targets a niche market. It is made especially for conferences and business meeting rooms. Every feature has been designed by keeping the niche’s requirements in mind.
Jabra Speak 710 MS offers omnidirectional microphone support with high-quality audio. It covers up to six people in a conference for up to 6 hours while being in 100ft range of the Bluetooth adapter. Yes, it has a Bluetooth adapter with it that is attached directly to the laptop to connect the speaker. You also get a choice for Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone or a tablet.
A round disc-shaped speaker comes with a built-in stand folded under it. It can be unfolded, and the speaker can be set up without any prior knowledge of IT. It is a very lightweight and durable speaker with HD voice recording and intelligent noise reduction.
Specifications:
- Omnidirectional 360-degree microphone
- 6 hours of playtime
- 100 ft. of connectivity range
- Jabra Link 370 adapter
- Retractable USB wire cord
Pros:
- Perfect product for business meetings
- Intelligent noise cancellation
- Bluetooth adapter and foldable stand provided
Cons:
- The battery timing is modest
- The sound quality isn’t for music
- Users get sound interference when connected with a USB
FAQs
What Is the Average Range of Bluetooth Speakers?
Bluetooth speakers have a range of around ten meters on average. It depends on the brand and the quality of the antenna used. Most of the time, the range is not even close to the advertised figure. However, if you are getting a range fewer than thirty feet, that means a low-quality antenna.
Can You Increase the Range of Your Bluetooth Speakers?
The radio modules are built into Bluetooth speakers so there isn’t much that you can do to alter the range. You should do your research on the product’s wireless range before buying it and it can’t be changed much.
How Can You Improve the Sound Quality of Your Bluetooth Speakers?
Apart from a few settings, there isn’t much that you can do as the sound quality mainly depends on the speaker. You should use the device of the same Bluetooth technology that the speaker supports. Make sure that you play a high-quality sound with a rich voice range. Keep your speakers clean!
What Are Some of the Drawbacks of Using Bluetooth Speakers?
Bluetooth speakers have only one drawback and that is the connectivity issue. You have to stay in a certain range to get an uninterrupted experience. Interruption in Bluetooth transmission can cause sound lag and delay. Furthermore, if the device isn’t using the latest Bluetooth technology, there could be a significant lag in the sound played by the speaker.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering buying a speaker with a microphone, you should first sort out your preferences. When it comes to music we really enjoy Sony, whether it’s headphones, earbuds, or speakers with a mic. It feels like Sony is always one step ahead of its competitors. Of course, everyone has different preferences, but overall the best speakers we tried was Sony SRS-XB33 although Sony SRS-XB13 was great as well even though it’s a budget class speaker.
Every decision depends on your choice and this article has all the products for all kinds of people. So, decide for yourself based on your needs and budget! If you are looking for speakers with a microphone for the office in that case we would recommend Jabra Speak 710 MS.
Editor’s Pick
Best Budget Performance: Sony SRS-XB13
Given the wide variety of choices we have, Sony SRS-XB13 is definitely worth a purchase if you have a limited budget. Although it’s not super cheap it’s $48, but you won’t find any other budget speakers with a mic and such quality in sound. It’s also very small and compact and perfect if you like to travel and take some music with you. The battery life can hold up to 16 hours.
Best Performance: Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
Sony SRS-XB33 is built to last. It is totally worth its price because not only has it excellent durability against shocks, water, and dust, it has excellent performance and bass you’d expect from a renowned brand. It has tons of features that you can access through Sony’s music apps. Furthermore, if one 360-degree speaker isn’t enough, you can connect up to one hundred of these in sync.
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