Music lovers know the transformative power of a great speaker. Whether it’s the soundtrack for a beach getaway, a background boost for focused work, or the lifeblood of a lively party, having a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers is a game-changer. But with so many options on the market, finding the ideal fit requires some careful consideration.
To help you navigate through the sea of choices, I have compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the key factors that I consider when shopping for a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Related:
- These are the Best Bluetooth Speaker Under Ksh 10,000 to Buy in Kenya in 2024
- How to use Nest Mini as a Bluetooth speaker
These are the features that I look out for and I appreciate that many people might have different preferences and priorities, or constraints so this is a subjective list.
Sound Quality
Let’s start with the most critical aspect – sound quality. After all, what good is a speaker if it doesn’t deliver great sound? When evaluating sound quality, pay attention to factors such as clarity, balance, and bass response.
In this department, here are some of the things that I look out for.
- Power: A speaker’s wattage hints at its potential volume. More watts generally indicate a louder speaker, but it’s a starting point, not a guarantee . A 15W speaker is adequate to fill a room without being obnoxiously loud.
- Frequency Response: Think of this as the range of tones your speaker can handle. A wider range ( like 20Hz-20kHz ) means better representation of everything from rumbling bass to crisp highs.
- Drivers Matter: Speakers use drivers to generate sound, and their size matters. A larger woofer usually delivers more satisfying bass, while multiple drivers can help create a spacious stereo experience.
Look for speakers with a wide frequency response range and large drivers to ensure rich, immersive sound that fills the room. Anything from 15W and above is adequate but if you want to use it for a rave, you need at least 30W.
Portability
One of the main advantages of portable Bluetooth speakers is their ability to go wherever you go. Consider the size, weight, and design of the speaker to ensure it fits your lifestyle . If you plan to take it on outdoor adventures or travels, opt for a compact and lightweight model that won’t weigh you down.
Some speakers even come with convenient carrying handles or straps for easy transport. In my opinion, carry handles or straps transform a speaker from a countertop companion to a true travel partner. More speakers need to come with these.
Battery Life
There’s nothing worse than your speaker dying in the middle of a jam session. To avoid such frustrations, I want to look into the battery life of the speaker before making a purchase. I look for models with long-lasting batteries that can provide hours of playback on a single charge.
- Battery Capacity (mAh): The higher the number, the longer potential playtime you’ll get. Aim to match your estimated usage to battery capacity.
- Charging Time: Fast charging means less time tethered to an outlet and more time where the music matters most.
This is especially important if you’ll be using the speaker away from power sources for extended periods. As such, look at these factors.
Connectivity Options
While Bluetooth connectivity is standard for portable speakers, it’s worth considering other connectivity options as well. Look for speakers that support auxiliary input or NFC pairing for added versatility. Additionally, features like multipoint pairing or voice assistant integration can enhance the user experience and make connectivity seamless.
Water Resistance
If you plan to use your speaker outdoors or near water, opt for a model with water-resistant or waterproof features. This ensures that your speaker can withstand splashes, spills, or even brief submersion without being damaged. Whether you’re by the pool, at the beach, or caught in a sudden rain shower, a water-resistant speaker will keep the music playing.
A portable speaker should be able to handle the rigors of daily use, whether you’re tossing it into your backpack or setting it up at a campsite. Look for models with rugged construction and shockproof casing to withstand bumps, drops, and other accidents. A durable speaker not only lasts longer but also gives you peace of mind during your adventures.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making a purchase, do some research on the brand and read reviews from other users. A reputable brand with a history of quality products is more likely to deliver a reliable and satisfying speaker. Pay attention to user feedback regarding sound quality, durability, battery life, and customer support to make an informed decision.
Related:
- JBL Charge 4 review: The outdoor party speaker besides the pool
- Is the JBL GO 3 Worth the Hype? My Honest Review
Additional Features
While sound quality and durability are paramount, don’t overlook additional features that can enhance your listening experience. Some speakers come with built-in microphones for hands-free calling, customizable EQ settings for personalized sound, or even built-in power banks to charge your devices on the go. Consider which features are important to you and choose a speaker that meets your needs.
- Seamless Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth versions (5.0 and up) deliver wider range and greater connection stability. Some speakers even have an AUX input for wired connection flexibility.
- Speakerphone Functionality: Take those calls hands-free! A built-in microphone keeps the conversation flowing.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Control your tunes with just your voice when your speaker plays nice with Siri or Google Assistant.
- Party Mode: Some speakers feature light shows that sync with the music or the ability to link up with multiple compatible speakers for a true surround-sound experience.
Price
Last but not least, consider your budget when shopping for a portable Bluetooth speaker. While it’s tempting to splurge on the latest and greatest model, remember that higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality.
Consider these factors:
- Value, Not Just Price: Remember, features and sound quality play a huge role in value. It might be worth spending a little more for a speaker that ticks all your boxes.
- Set Your Limit: Before you start browsing, have a price range in mind to focus your search.
Compare prices across different brands and models to find the best value for your money. Ultimately, choose a speaker that offers the features and performance you need at a price you can afford. However, in my opinion, it doesn’t make sense to spend anything over $100 on a Bluetooth speaker. there are tons of good options below this price.
Conclusion
Before you splurge, do your homework. Reviews are Your Friend. Tap into the experience of others! Read expert and user reviews to uncover hidden gems and avoid potential duds.
Where possible, Ensure you test out a product first. If you can, try before you buy. Pop into an electronics store to get a real feel for the sound of different speakers.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
