While dedicated home theatre sound systems are cool and offer a decent sound experience for your home entertainment, they are not very useful when you want to take the entertainment outdoors. This as they need a dedicated power source, something that is not always accessible outdoors.
That’s where portable Bluetooth speakers come in handy and boy do we have a whole plethora of these in the market today. In this post, we shall be looking at our top picks for Bluetooth speakers that you might want to try out in 2024.
Related:
- Top 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers That Support Amazon Alexa
- The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Keyboards to Buy in 2023
To keep things simple, we shall be looking at speakers that go for less than KES 10,000, the idea being that you might not be looking to fork out an arm and a leg for something like this because chances are that you have a more elaborate system at home.
With that out of the way, here are my top picks.
Oraimo Bass Go Boom
Unless you’re really out of touch with tech and consumer products in Kenya, you know about Oraimo. This company has, over the past couple of years, offered users really high-quality accessories like chargers, powerbanks and TWS at reasonable prices. This is the brand to go for is value for money is your goal.
The company has no shortage of TWS options for you and in the spirit of foraying into adjacent market segments, they also have really good quality Bluetooth speakers and my pick for this list is the Oraimo Bass Go Boom.
Related:
- Oraimo TWS Buying Guide: Which Oraimo Wireless Earbuds should you buy?
- Oraimo Bass Go Boom Wants to Give You Premium Party Sound on a Budget
This is a 30W Bluetooth speaker with big promises in terms of battery life although many reviews urge prospective owners to tame their expectations on this one. The Bass Go Boom has LED lights to further enhance the experience and detachable straps for easy carrying.
You can also pair two or more Bass Go Boom speakers for an immersive stereo setup. However, there have been reports of distortion at high volumes with this product so that’s something else to keep in mind. In Kenya, this speaker is pretty sought after and will set you back between Ksh. 7500 and Ksh. 9000 depending on where you source it from.
- Buy the Oraimo Bass Go Boom – Oraimo Online Store
Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) was released back in February 2021 so it is pretty old by now. But it sure does deliver what it is meant for, especially for the price.
Pros:
- Affordable: Widely praised for its budget-friendly price.
- Compact and portable: Lightweight and small, making it easy to carry around.
- Decent sound quality: Suitable for casual listening, with clear highs and balanced mids.
- IPX7 waterproof: Able to withstand splashes and even temporary submersion.
- Long battery life: Offers up to 13 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- Built-in microphone: Allows for hands-free calls.
- True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing: Lets you connect two speakers for wider stereo sound.
Cons:
- Lower power output: At 16W, it may not be loud enough for large gatherings or outdoor parties.
- Limited bass: Bass response is decent but not powerful, not ideal for bass-heavy genres.
- Simple design: Lacks advanced features like a light show or multi-pairing capabilities.
- Some complaints about build quality: A few reviewers mentioned concerns about the durability of the buttons and fabric covering.
There is no official information about Xiaomi releasing a sequel to the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W). As it’s still actively sold and relatively new, a direct replacement seems unlikely shortly. However, Xiaomi may release similar speakers with updated features or specifications in the future.
The Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) offers good value for the price, making it a decent option for casual listening and outdoor use. However, if you need a more powerful speaker with richer bass or advanced features, other options might be more suitable.
- Buy Mi Portable Speaker 16W – Ksh. 6500
Vision Plus Level Up
I have a Vision Plus Soundbar in my home entertainment setup and I am pretty happy with it. My brother has a Vision Plus TV and he seems to be happy with it as well so we have all agreed that the public opinion of this brand notwithstanding, they do offer solid products.
So when I saw an ad for a Bluetooth speaker from Vision Plus, I was mildly excited, to say the least. So what does this have to offer? Well, it is a 12W speaker so maybe not the punchiest of this lot.
Pros:
- Solid audio quality: Suitable for gatherings or office use.
- Durable design: Waterproof (IP66) and made from durable materials.
- Easy to use: Big buttons and straightforward controls.
- Versatile: Can be used for playing music, making calls, and charging other devices.
- Multiple connection options: Bluetooth, AUX input, NFC, and USB play.
However, it’s important to consider some potential downsides as well:
Cons:
- Limited information: No official specifications or price information readily available online.
- Brand awareness: Vision Plus might not be as well-known as some other speaker brands, so researching quality and warranty options is crucial.
- Sound signature unknown: No reviews or information available about the specific sound signature, making it difficult to gauge bass response or sound characteristics.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly speaker with the mentioned features and don’t mind researching the brand further, the Vision Plus Level Up could be a good option. However, if you prioritize brand recognition, detailed specifications, or specific sound quality, you might want to compare it to other speakers in the same price range with more readily available information.
- Buy the Vision Plus Level Up – KSh 3,295
Related:
- YouTube Music and YouTube Premium Finally Available in Kenya: Here are the Prices
- 5 Best Offline Music Players for Android in 2024
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is known for its powerful sound, 360° light show, and IPX7 waterproof rating. Delivers 20W of power with BassUp technology for enhanced bass, suitable for small parties or outdoor gatherings.
It supports Bluetooth 5.0, AUX input, and microSD card playback for versatility. Connect up to 100 Flare 2 speakers for synchronized sound and light show, ideal for larger gatherings. It advertises a 13-hpur playtime but this is clearly overambitious.
You can use the Soundcore app to customize the light show, adjust EQ settings, and control playback remotely. Yes, it comes with a dual light rings that pulse, phase, and shine to the beat of your music, creating a festive atmosphere.
However, keep in mind that the Flare 2 isn’t the most pocket-friendly option, and its bass response, while decent, might not satisfy serious bass lovers. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and budget. Do you prioritize a portable party starter with impressive visuals? Then the Flare 2 could be your shining star.
- Buy Anker Soundcore Flare 2 – Sweech Kenya
Oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker
The Oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a portable speaker with a 12W output and an IPX5 waterproof rating. It has a beat-driven lightshow, FM radio, and AUX input. The speaker has a battery life of up to 6 hours with the lights on.
Here are some of the key features of the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker:
- 12W output for powerful sound
- IPX5 waterproof rating for protection from rain and spills
- Beat-driven lightshow for a more immersive experience
- FM radio for listening to your favorite stations
- AUX input for connecting to wired devices
- Battery life of up to 6 hours with the lights on
Overall, the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a good option for those looking for a portable speaker with a powerful sound, IPX5 waterproof rating, and a variety of features.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker:
Pros:
- Powerful sound
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Beat-driven lightshow
- FM radio
- AUX input
- Good battery life
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- The lightshow can be draining on the battery
- Not the most portable speaker on the market
If you are looking for a portable speaker with a powerful sound, IPX5 waterproof rating, and a variety of features, then the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a good option for you. However, if you are on a budget or looking for a more portable speaker, then there may be better options available.
- Buy the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker
Conclusion
There are many options in the market for whatever budget you are working with but let’s be honest, many of the options below Ksh 10,000 are knockoffs or don’t quite deliver on the promise. Reputable brands in the west like Anker and JBL are also available in Kenya but the price is well above reach for many Kenyans who just want something decent.
In Kenya, Oraimo is really making a name for itself and aside from the Bass Go Boom, there are other really solid options to check out and their prices are pretty fair for Kenyan standards. Those are my go-to but I appreciate that you might have other preferences.
I’d love to hear about them. What’s your go-to Bluetooth Speaker?
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.
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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]
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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]
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