Sony's Bluetooth speaker boasts a robust design, yet a £50 discount fails to make it a compelling recommendation.
The summer season is here, and it's time to upgrade your outdoor audio setup. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available, including the JBL Charge 5, Sony ULT Field 3, B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen), and more.
First up, the JBL Charge 5. This multiple Award-winning speaker is currently available at Amazon for just £93, a discount of £67. With its IP67 waterproof rating and 12-hour battery life, the Charge 5 is a strong competitor for outdoor use. Its sound performance is solid, making it a great choice for music lovers.
Another option worth considering is the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). Known for its musical sound quality and ruggedness, this speaker is also IP67 rated. If you're looking for premium sound and build quality, Bose models might be the way to go, although they come at a higher price point.
If you're on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Boom 3i could be the perfect fit. Offering powerful bass, a long battery life (about 30 hours), and an IP67 rating, this speaker provides excellent value for money. Plus, it comes with a customizable light show, adding a fun touch to your parties.
For those seeking a compact and portable speaker, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 could be just what you need. With a waterproof rating of IP67, USB-C charging, and a 11-hour battery life, this speaker delivers balanced sound in a small form factor.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tribit StormBox Mini+ could be the answer. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, app-controlled EQ, and an 8-hour battery life, this speaker offers robust volume and portability at an affordable price.
Lastly, the W-King X10 is a loud speaker with a 24-hour battery life, IPX6 rating, and USB-A charging port. If you're after a speaker that can deliver robust volume and portability, this could be the one for you.
Now, let's talk about the Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker. While it offers a long battery life (up to 30 hours) and IP67 rating, its sound quality could use some improvement. The reviewer found that the sound lacked clarity, punch, and proper texture in the bass reproduction, and dynamics were not well-rendered.
In conclusion, if battery longevity and ruggedness are your top priorities, the JBL Flip 7 and Anker Soundcore Boom 3i are great choices. For compactness and portability with solid sound, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 or Tribit StormBox Mini+ are recommended. Bose models are preferable if you seek premium sound and build quality within a higher price range.
It's worth noting that Sony is behind the curve when it comes to wireless speakers, and there are better value alternatives for those looking for the best Bluetooth speaker. The Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker's design and performance did not convince the reviewer that Sony understands this side of the market well.
Lastly, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is a refined and entertaining speaker, currently available at Amazon for £158, a discount of £41. While it's a great speaker, it has been superseded by a newer unit.
So, whether you're looking for a party-ready speaker, a compact and portable option, or something in between, there's a Bluetooth speaker out there for you. Happy listening!
- The JBL Charge 5 speaker, priced at £93 on Amazon, is a strong contender for outdoor audio due to its IP67 waterproof rating, solid sound performance, and 12-hour battery life.
- Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a rugged, IP67-rated speaker with excellent sound quality, aimed at those willing to invest in high-end build and sound.
- Anker Soundcore Boom 3i offers powerful bass, long battery life (about 30 hours), and an IP67 rating, making it a cost-effective choice with a customizable light show.
- For a compact and portable speaker with balanced sound, USB-C charging, and a 11-hour battery life, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 might be the ideal option.
- Tribit StormBox Mini+, an affordable speaker with an IPX7 waterproof rating, app-controlled EQ, and 8-hour battery life, provides robust volume and portability.
