WIRELESS SPEAKER BUYING GUIDE

Portable Speakers

Portable speakers can be taken with you wherever you go so you can listen to music, podcasts and more whether you’re at home, in the backyard, at the beach or on a picnic. Battery powered, portable speakers only need to be plugged in to charge. Most models have protective features, such as being water resistant, so they can be used everywhere.

Smart Speakers

Smart speakers have a built-in, cloud-based voice assistant that operates just like the ones on your smartphone. In addition to everything Bluetooth speakers can do, and depending on which smart speaker you choose, when connected to Wi-Fi your speaker can be controlled by your voice to do some of the following:

• Search the internet to provide the information you need such as latest news, weather forecast, your calendar and more
• Play music, podcasts and radio (you can even adjust the volume and skip songs)
• Order Uber Eats
• Control your smart lights, TV and coffee machine

Before choosing which brand of smart speaker you want, remember different speakers have different operating systems and capabilities when it comes to voice assistance and smart home technology. Some smart speakers are compatible with Uber, Dominoes and Virgin, while others can be linked to your Amazon account. Bear this in mind when shopping for your smart speakers to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

“The functions offered in smart speakers are the latest technology when it comes to wireless speakers,” says Christos Boukogiannis, The Good Guys Buyer Audio & Cameras. “They’re designed to make your life a little easier, with voice controls and the ability to search the internet and deliver that information directly to you one of the big advantages and biggest drawcards we see in those looking for a wireless speaker.”

Hi-Fi systems with wireless speakers

Hi-Fi systems with wireless speakers are just like an old-school CD player. The Hi-Fi unit plugs into the wall but your music plays through wireless speakers. You can stream music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop via Bluetooth, access music via USB, listen to the radio and play CDs.

Hi-Fi systems come in two different sizes:

Micro Hi-Fi: These are smaller and less powerful, suiting a lounge or office.
Mini Hi-Fi: Larger and more powerful, these are best for big houses or spaces. Some come with a subwoofer for a better bass.

Connectivity

Wireless speakers can be connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, while some speakers offer both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. But what’s the difference?

WiFi

Wi-Fi speakers run off your internet and generally deliver better audio quality as they don’t compress the audio content before playing it, which can impact sound quality and the level of detail you hear, especially in music.

Wi-Fi speakers allow multi-room audio, which can be controlled via your smartphone, and some come with a mobile app that allows you to switch between apps such as Spotify and Apple Music, and adjust your speaker settings. Many of the new Wi-Fi speakers are compatible with Amazon (Alexa), Google Assistant and Apple (Siri), so can be voice-controlled to search the internet and deliver the news, information, weather and more that you need.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth speakers connect to your smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology that allows you to share data. You’ll need to make sure Bluetooth on your device is switched on, then “pair” it to the speaker by following the prompts. One of the differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers is that Bluetooth requires your device to be close to your speaker (usually the maximum length is approximately nine metres), whereas Wi-Fi connects via the internet and therefore has a longer connection range to your device.
There are many options when it comes to Bluetooth speakers to suit your budget and needs.

Sound Quality

The quality of wireless speakers can vary dramatically depending on how the speakers are designed to direct the sound. Some speakers only project sound in one direction, whereas other models project sound in multiple directions. Choosing a speaker that directs sound in multiple directions, or 360-degree sound, will provide you with a rich, deeper sound. Be sure to check how the models you’re considering project sound before making your decision.

Some smart home wireless speakers can be linked to other speakers around your home or space for multi-room sound.

“Most wireless speakers are compact but they deliver incredible sound for their size and you wouldn’t actually know how small the unit is if you just went off the sound they produce,” Christos Boukogiannis says. “Speakers that produce 360-degree sound deliver the highest quality sound that allows you to immerse yourself in your music.”