Update 4/17/22: Amazon is now matching the sale prices on the Roomba j7+ and the Roomba s9+.
If you missed the last sale on iRobot’s latest robot vacuums, you’re in luck. Both the Roomba j7+ and the Roomba s9+ are $200 off at Wellbots when you use the code ENGMOM200 at checkout. That brings them down to $599 and $799, respectively, which are both close to the best prices we’ve seen on both vacuums.
The newer of the two is the Roomba j7+, which came out at the end of last year. It’s technically not as powerful as the s9+, but it has new AI-driven computer vision technology that helps it detect objects and move around them as it cleans. Because of that, iRobot dubbed this their “pet-poop detecting” robot, and the company even has the Pet Owner Official Promise (or P.O.O.P. for short), which states that you’ll get a new vacuum if the one you bought fails to avoid accidental pet poop in your home.
The Roomba j7+ isn’t the most powerful vacuum in the company’s lineup, but it does have 10x the suction power of a standard Roomba, plus smart mapping, dual multi-surface brushes and more. The “plus” model also comes with a clean base into which the robo-vac will automatically empty its dustbin after each cleaning job.
The Roomba s9+, on the other hand, is the top-of-the-line vacuum from iRobot, and it has 40x the suction power of the standard models, a 3D sensor for object detection and a design that helps it clean room corners more easily. Both it and the Roomba j7+ are compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant, so in addition to controlling them from the iRobot mobile app, you can also tell them to clean up your home using voice commands.
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Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 has arrived in the US market today as a 2-in-1 version of the Chromebook 2, with a price and features tailored for students. The key feature is a flip-around 2,560 x 1,600 WQXGA 12.4-inch touch display that can output 340 nits of brightness, making it decently viewable in bright sunlight. Depending on the position, that lets you use it in laptop, tent or flat tablet modes.
It’s designed to be durable and shock resistant and is relatively lightweight at 1.28 kg (about 2.8 pounds), with a relatively slim 16.9mm profile and smallish bezels. Connection-wise, you get a pair of USB Type-C, one USB 3.2 type A, a microSD slot and a headphone/mic port. For any remote learning activities, it offers a decent 720P front-facing webcam.
Samsung
The WiFi 6 feature should deliver fast connection speeds at school or in the dorm. If you want even better connectivity and have a mobile plan that allows for extra devices, you can add LTE connectivity. Samsung also offers some Galaxy-related features like Nearby Share and Phone Hub that lets you control your smartphone, even if it’s buried in a backpack.
Aside from that, the Chromebook 2 360 isn’t exactly a spec monster. It comes with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM (8GB optional), up to 128GB of storage, an Intel Celeron N4500 CPU (with Intel UHD graphics) and a 45.5 Wh battery. Those specs are absolutely fine for Chrome OS and its ecosystem of Chrome and Android apps, however. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 goes on sale today starting at $430 for the 4GB/64GB WiFi 6 model. We don’t have pricing on the LTE model yet, but it’s an £80 (about $100) upgrade in the UK.
Opera launched its dedicated “Crypto Browser” into beta back in January, promising to make Web3 as accessible as any Web2 website. The company released the browser for Windows, Mac and Android users back then, but the version for iOS devices still wasn’t ready for rollout. Now, Opera has announced that the Crypto Browser for iPhones and iPads is out and available for download from its website.
The browser comes with a built-in non-custodial crypto wallet that supports the Ethereum, Bitcoin and other blockchain ecosystems. It will allow users to buy crypto coins with fiat currency and to trade any supported token without needing to install extensions. In addition, the browser will give users access to Web3-based NFTs and decentralized apps, including 7,000 services based on the Polygon ecosystem.
One of the browser’s other features is a Crypto Corner start page, where users can get live information and updates on cryptocurrency, such as the latest prices and events, airdrops and relevant podcasts. Opera says it designed the browser for both veteran crypto users, as well as newbies who still need help navigating cryptocurrencies and Web3.
Jorgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, said in a statement:
“The interest in Web3 is continuing to grow. The Opera Crypto Browser Project was built to simplify the Web3 user experience that has often been bewildering for mainstream users. Opera believes Web3 has to be easy to use in order to reach its full potential and a mass adoption.”
Opera didn’t say whether the iOS browser supports the more energy-efficient Etherium Layer 2 standard. It did launch Layer 2 support for the Android version back in February, however, which the company claims makes it the first mobile browser to have the feature.
Don’t worry, yes, there are even more Musk machinations, but first let’s broach something a little different — and possibly lifesaving. A team of MIT engineers is developing a telerobotic system for neurosurgeons. It unveiled a robotic arm that doctors can control remotely using a modified joystick to treat stroke patients.
The arm has a magnet attached to its wrist, and surgeons can adjust its orientation to guide a magnetic wire through the patient’s arteries and vessels to remove blood clots in the brain. Like in-person procedures, surgeons will have to rely on live imaging to get to the blood clot, but the machine means they don’t have to be physically with the patient.
There’s a critical time window after someone suffers a stroke to ensure the best chance of recovery. The robot could make treatment possible even if a neurosurgeon is miles away.
‘Twitter has extraordinary potential. I will unlock it.’
Elon Musk has offered to buy Twitter for $43 billion, telling the SEC in a filing that the deal would be good for free speech. “I invested in Twitter as I believe in its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe, and I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy,” he wrote. If the deal goes through, Musk plans to take the company private.
It was another busy day for Musk: He held a TED talk where he said he wants Twitter’s algorithm to be open source. And hopefully the final Twitter–Musk headline for the week: The Tesla boss is no longer the biggest shareholder of Twitter. At least, for now.
Researchers have revealed a new thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell that converts heat to electricity with over 40 percent efficiency and performance nearly on par with traditional steam turbine power plants. The cells have the potential to be grid-scale “thermal batteries,” generating energy dependably with no moving parts.
That’s on top of the fees they’re paying for Amazon’s fulfillment services.
Amazon will charge US sellers using its fulfillment services a five percent fuel and inflation fee. It will add the fees on April 28th to what it already collects from third-party sellers using the Fulfillment by Amazon service to store, pack and ship their goods.
It can import contacts, calendar, videos, photos and more.
Google has finally countered Apple’s Move to iOS app by releasing Switch to Android for iOS on the App Store, confirming earlier rumors. As the name indicates, it’s designed to help iPhone and iPad users import contacts, photos, calendars and video to an Android device. It also shows users how to turn off iMessage in favor of Android messaging and transfer photos/videos by connecting to iCloud. It’s a big improvement over the current system, which requires users to back up photos, video, calendar and contacts through the Google Drive iOS app.
If you’re looking for a connected speaker, the options are good. And varied. You just need to figure out what you need — and how much you want to spend. We’ve separated our guide into three price ranges, from $50 up to $450 and even higher, while touching on exactly what you need to consider.
The US is still on high alert for more cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Energy Department, FBI and NSA have issued a warning that hackers have developed custom malware to hijack industrial control systems. Nicknamed Incontroller by Mandiant researchers, the “very likely” state-backed code breaches controllers from Omron and Schneider Electric that are frequently used in automation, across power grids, manufacturing and other industries. Mandiant said the malware’s capabilities were “consistent” with Russia’s past efforts and its “historical interest” in compromising industrial control systems.
The Theremin is how Bob Moog got his start building instruments and eventually selling kits for customers to make their own. Which makes it kind of a big deal when the company introduces a new model. The Etherwave Theremin is based on a 1996 design from Bob Moog himself and replaces its Etherwave and Etherwave Plus. It also looks much, much cooler.
Apple may soon release a new set of Mac computers powered by the next generation of its homegrown chip. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant has started the widespread testing of at least nine Mac models with four different M2 chips, which suggests that Apple is gearing up to launch them. While it’s not supposed to be public knowledge, Apple has been testing the machines using third-party apps from the App Store, and those applications’ developer logs give us an idea of what to expect from the company’s upcoming batch of computers.
One of the devices reportedly being tested is a MacBook Air with an M2 chip) that has eight CPU cores and 10 cores for graphics, up from eight in the current model. Previous reports suggest that the next MacBook Air will feature a major redesign, which may include a thinner frame, more ports and MagSafe charging. Apple is also apparently testing a couple of Mac minis powered by an M2 and an M2 Pro chip, as well as an entry-level M2 MacBook Pro with the same specifications as the aforementioned MacBook Air.
Apple just released its 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros in October, but Gurman says the company has started testing new 14-inch and 16-inch laptops with 64GB of memory powered by M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. The M2 Max apparently has 12 CPU cores and 38 graphics cores, up from 10 and 32 in the current models. Finally, there’s the new Mac Pro that will reportedly be powered by the M1 Ultra’s successor. The M1 Ultra, which was just recently launched, is Apple’s most robust chip yet and currently powers the Mac Studio. Gurman warns that there are no guarantees that the company will release all the models it’s currently testing. That said, he believes the new MacBook Air and Mac mini, as well as the new entry-level MacBook Pro will be released sometime this year.
Viewers have long complained about the early HBO Max app’s tendency to crash, and its lack of discoverability features. There have been a number of overhauls and fixes since then. Now we know why. Turns out that HBO Max launched its apps before they were ready in order to keep up with its competitors. The apps were initially built with the same backbone as older HBO apps, which were “never intended to go global” or to suit the needs of a direct-to-consumer market, according to an interview that Sarah Lyons, HBO Max’s head of product experience, gave Protocol. The network wanted to build an audience first, and then fix the app’s flaws as the service scaled up.
While Lyons admits that the early days of HBO Max were rocky, she thinks the company made the right decision. We’ve been changing out the engine of the plane while we’re flying the plane,” she said. “I do think it was the right decision to try to balance both,” said Lyons.
HBO Max first released its app in May 2020, to join an already saturated streaming ecosystem that included Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+ and others. At the time, both HBO Go (the network’s on-demand app for cable subscribers) and HBO Now (the standalone app for cord-cutters) were still available, a fact that confused many subscribers. The network has since retired both apps.
Viewers have flocked to Reddit since the app’s initial launch with complaints that spanned platforms and devices. “We’ve been trying to watch the Harry Potter movies and literally every 15 min or so we get an ERROR message and have to force close the app. Another time it froze completely. It’s absolute garbage. I don’t have this problem with any other app or streaming service,” wrote one user in a thread on the r/HBOMax subreddit from January 2021 entitled “Why does this app suck so hard?”
For many viewers long-accustomed to advanced recommendation algorithms on Netflix and other streaming platforms, it was hard to get used to HBO Max’s lack of discoverability features. Lyons said the HBO Go app tried to address this by putting every new show on the app’s home page. “You didn’t have to go find anything, because whatever [show] you were looking for was going to be at the top of the home page,” said Lyons.
While Engadget’s early review of HBO Max detailed its flaws, we pointed out that it was still a “smart bet” for the company. Since then, the service has made many improvements, including a new Apple TV app and updates to its apps for Roku, Playstation, Android TV and others. But following a recent $43 billion merger with Discovery, the biggest change is yet to come. The plan is to merge both Discovery Plus and HBO Max into one unified platform.
HBO Max ended 2021 with 46.8 million US subscribers, when combined with the network’s cable subscribers of HBO who also have access to the streaming service. It’ll soon absorb at least another 22 million subscribers from Discovery Plus. While there could be more bumps down the road, viewers can at least be assured that HBO Max has more experience under its belt now.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about today’s Bluetooth speakers, it’s that for general consumers, the options are pretty good. However, that doesn’t make the process of sifting through the dozens of choices any easier. So I set out to test out some of the most popular models in different price ranges. Most of the speakers I tried sounded good on first listen; it was only through side-by-side comparisons that I began to suss out the nuances. Just reading the spec sheets only goes so far. As such, we’re focusing a bit more on audio quality and dynamic range, while also taking into consideration other factors like utility and price. Ultimately, there isn’t one best Bluetooth speaker out there, but we’ve found plenty of good options that will fit a range of use cases and price points.
What to consider
Weather-proofing
IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are the alphanumeric indicators you often see in a product’s spec sheet that define the tested resistance of a product to both solid objects (dirt, dust, fingers?) and water. It’s usually a combo of two numbers with the first indicating solid object ingress and the second being water. The former goes from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust tight). Water protection goes from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against immersion and high pressure jets). When an X is used instead of a number, that means the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it may have some innate resistance to solids, but there’s no guarantee.
IP67 is a common rating these days indicating highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers. These are safe for quick dunks in the pool or tub and should be more than OK in the rain or in the shower. They’re also good options for the beach, playground and other rough environs.
Additionally, speakers with ports and a high rating will often include a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product’s rated ability to fend off the elements.
Consider the IP rating and also how you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker when making your decision. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.
Battery life
The focus of this guide is on portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.
That said, be careful when looking at battery specs, as they frequently list a maximum runtime (“up to” x amount of hours). This usually means they tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your tunes loud, it can often end up cutting the expected usage time in half or more. Luckily, some manufacturers also list the expected battery life when used at full volume and that transparency is appreciated.
Additionally, if your Bluetooth speaker also happens to have WiFi connectivity, they’re usually designed for always-on functionality. Unlike normal Bluetooth speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly run down the battery. If you’re out and about, you’ll want to remember to turn these speakers off manually when not in use to maximize battery life.
Range
Bluetooth range is tricky business. Some companies list their product’s longest possible range, usually outdoors and in an unobstructed line-of-sight test environment. Other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be running Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That’s likely underselling the speaker’s potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there’s little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.
I’ve seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue across several devices regardless of their listed range.
If you’re hosting a patio party and duck inside, it’s wise to have the source device remain close by just in case. It’s hard to gauge what aspects of any environment may interfere with a Bluetooth signal. In general, take range specs around 100 feet or more as a perfect-world scenario.
Latency
This is a minor mention for those out there who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setups like a monitor and streaming box. It’s annoying to find that your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Luckily, it seems that most speakers these days don’t often have these problems. Only a handful of the few dozen speakers I tried had persistent, noticeable lip-sync issues. Aside from occasional blips, all of our picks worked well in this regard.
If you plan to frequently use a speaker for video playback, look for devices with the most recent Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and lower latency codecs like aptX. Also make sure the speaker is close to the source device as distance can play a factor. To avoid the issue altogether, though, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.
Price: $50 to $200
Tribit StormBox Micro 2 ($60)
Bluetooth: 5.3 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: 70Hz – 20kHz App: No
If you’re just looking for an ultra-portable speaker that can kick out some decent volume, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 fits the bill. The audio quality here is fine; it doesn’t stand out in terms of fidelity, but the volume you get from this affordable little speaker is what makes it a good choice. If you’re bopping about outdoors on your bike or chilling in the park, it’s usually more about portability and volume anyway. The rubbery rear strap works well on relatively thin things like belts, backpacks and bike handlebars.
While it’s small and affordable, the speaker doubles as a USB-C powerbank to charge your devices in a pinch and you can wirelessly connect two of them for party mode or stereo sound. It also supports voice assistants for both iOS and Android users.
Bluetooth: N/A Battery life: Up to 13 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: 75Hz – 20kHz App: No
The UE Wonderboom 2 is a tiny yet powerful portable, delivering the biggest sound in its size range that we tested. This cute, barrel-shaped speaker has a nubby little strap that probably needs a carabiner to help attach it to most things. And with an IP67 rating on top of the company’s 5-foot drop test durability, it can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.
The audio quality, meanwhile, is punchy and bright enough for what you’d expect at this scale and price range. Although there’s no app support or connectivity with the rest of the UE speaker lineup, you can easily pair it with a second Wonderboom for stereo sound. There’s also an outdoor mode button on the bottom that boosts the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Rating: IPX7 Aux inputs: 3.5mm Frequency range: 50Hz – 40kHz App: Yes
This nondescript wedge of a speaker could easily slip under your radar, but it’s worth a listen. It has a bright and bassy output, which is helped along by Qualcomm aptX support for hi-res audio. This device has a solid, slightly heavy build with a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch rubberized exterior (that loves your greasy fingerprints) and IPX7 water resistance. While it’s not the lightest or most portable, the sound is respectable, especially for the price. Plus the app offers EQ customization, so you can fine tune to your liking.
There’s also a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections. That’s fortuitous, as we found that this speaker works well as a mini soundbar alternative and the wired input offers a foolproof connection.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 24 hour Rating: IPX7 Aux inputs: 3.5mm Frequency range: 55Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
If you have a large indoor space, backyard or similar and want something with powerful long-throw sound in an affordable package, the Soundcore Trance Go may surprise you. This barebones speaker is bigger than most others in this price range and would weigh down a backpack a bit at about six pounds, but offers a carry strap, up to 24 hours runtime, a port for charging your devices and an aux input.
If you’re close by, you’ll hear the thump of its low-end and some decent highs. It’s generally tuned for covering big spaces, though, and its sound won’t work for every situation. This performs like a mini loudspeaker, putting out up to around 98dB, albeit with a slightly thinner sound that won’t overpower the environment. You can also use Soundcore’s app to apply EQ presets or customize as you see fit. If you have two of these, they can pair for stereo sound, or connect 100 or more Trance Go speakers via the app’s PartyCast feature.
Bluetooth: 5.1 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: 63Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
JBL’s Flip 6 deserves high marks for overall sound quality, durability and volume considering its size. As with most JBL speakers, it has a good dynamic range from solid lows to crisp highs with volume tipped towards higher registers. The cylindrical shape works well on its side or even standing on its end to save desk space. It has a capable carrying (or hanging) strap and raised buttons you can discern in the dark.
The JBL Portable app gives you a 3-band EQ to customize the sound profile if desired and if you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can run them in stereo mode. If you happen to have a mix-and-match assortment of different PartyBoost-enabled JBL speakers, you connect them all for a bigger sound.
Bluetooth: 4.2 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: N/A App: Yes
While the $99 SoundLink Micro is half the size, we found that it’s definitely worth the extra $50 if you trade up to the Bose SoundLink Flex. While it’s still not a room filler, the speaker offers some bright, dynamic finesse to your tunes, along with a significant amount of bass for its size. It’s similar to the scale of a small clutch bag, with a very small strap for carabiner-type hanging. Much of the exterior is sheathed in soft-touch silicone, except for the powder-coated steel speaker grilles. Like others in this range, the speaker is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements and sound good doing it.
Setup and connecting to the speaker should be done from within the aptly named Bose Connect app. You can also turn off voice prompts (which can become annoying) and pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo.
Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.
Bluetooth: 5.1 Battery life: Up to 20 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: 60Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
If you’re willing to spend a little more for bigger sound, longer battery life and a USB-C port to charge your devices, the JBL Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6. It has the same bright output and capable low end, but in a slightly larger package. If you’re looking for a smallish portable, but something capable enough to entertain a few guests, this works.
Bose Revolve+ II (left) and Bose Portable Smart (right)
Bluetooth: 4.2 Battery life: Up to 12 hours Rating: IPX4 Aux inputs: N/A Frequency range: Undisclosed App: Yes
We did test a couple smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart and I decided to compare it with its closest Bluetooth equivalent: the Revolve+ II. While that’s best suited for portability, has a loud bright sound that will carry outdoors and long battery life, its low end is a little less pronounced than its smart companion. If you’re willing to spend more and appreciate bass, the Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big improvement. It has a well-rounded low end and a bright dynamic sound with plenty of nuance that makes for a great listening experience.
This 360-degree portable comes as a combo WiFi/Bluetooth speaker primarily geared toward smart home use with the occasional outing. It’s rated IPX4, so not the most weatherproof, but good for casual outdoor listening. The battery is rated for up to 12 hours, but since this is an always-on smart device, you’ll need to be more attentive at keeping it topped up. There’s a charging dock accessory for use around the house, but as an away-from-home portable, you should power it down when not in use.
Smart features: WiFi, voice and app control, support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Chromecast (built-in), Apple AirPlay 2 and SimpleSync connectivity with Bose Bluetooth speakers.
Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.
Bluetooth: 5.1 Battery life: Up to 15 hours Rating: IP67 Aux inputs: 3.5mm Frequency range: 53.5Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
If you’ve enjoyed any of the smaller JBL speakers out there and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to warrant a shoulder strap, but still only about the size of a football. There’s a pleasant dynamic sound here with hefty lows and a lively high end that seems slightly better balanced at this size than the smaller options from JBL in this range.
This is easily a favorite if you want something under $400 with a little more gusto than your average portable, but still being IP67 weatherproof. It has enough output to breathe life into a small soiree or backyard hang, although while it’s quite loud, it’s best when it’s close by or indoors where the bass can resonate to its fullest.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 20 hours Rating: IPX4 Aux inputs: 3.5mm, USB thumb drive listening, Guitar, Mic Frequency range: N/A App: Yes
Sony’s big SRS-XP700 Bluetooth speaker is a great deal for fans of loud, thumping beats given its current extended sale price of $400. The unit has the look of a futuristic stereo speaker at 2.25 feet tall and about 37 pounds, with pleasing lighting effects on the inside of both top and bottom grab bars. You’ll also find USB charging ports and LDAC support, while the app offers customization including light controls.
The XP700 remains portable enough for many people to shuffle around without too much effort and its IPX4 rating means it can handle spills and splashes. The exterior is hard plastic with some rubberized feet, but it’s not the type of speaker you want to treat carelessly. It’s mostly a homebody that can fire up parties in lofts, garages, basements or backyards. You can also wirelessly pair two for a more powerful experience.
While the sound is big and bassy, it comes up short on handling the lowest registers well. Also, the high end isn’t as pronounced as it could be, so it may not be for everyone. It’s more of a loudspeaker style, so it’s better in bigger rooms and shines at louder volumes. But in terms of power for price, the $400 Sony XP700 works.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 24 hours Rating: IPX4 Aux inputs: 3.5mm, Optical Frequency range: 45Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
The UE Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portability, plenty of connectivity options and a loud and punchy (albeit compressed) output. The technical fabric exterior lets it live among your furniture without screaming “party box,” while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large capacitive buttons on top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent Bluetooth connections or a hardwired input (3.5mm or optical). On the edge with the silicone carrying handle there are the wired ports, plus one for charging USB devices and another for power. Battery life is rated for up to 24 hours and the Hyperboom is good at holding a charge on standby.
This capable and loud (roughly 100dB) speaker will please most people as long as the party is of primary concern over fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device on or off using the UE app is also a welcome feature. Plus you can easily expand the sound to other Boom speakers (except Wonderboom) using the PartyUp feature. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won’t hassle it, but it’s not the best choice for all-weather adventures.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 20 hours Rating: IPX2 Aux inputs: 3.5mm Frequency range: 40Hz – 20kHz App: No
If you didn’t know about Marshall’s history in amplifiers and rock music, the design should clue you in. The Tufton is the largest portable Bluetooth speaker from the company, looking much like an amp itself (as do most of them). It has physical knobs at the top and a carry strap to help move it about. While it may appear as rugged as concert gear, it’s less impervious to the elements as some with just an IPX2 rating, so it’s protected from light splashes from above.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the brand, the rich and distinctly thumping output may make you one. We felt pulled into the sound while listening to the Tufton, a bit more than most other speakers we tested at this scale. It’s dynamic, warm and, dare we say, analog in its audio presence. It’s also multi-directional with a supplemental driver on the back along with a bass port.
There’s no app to adjust the EQ, just the physical controls including a Bluetooth connect button, a power/volume knob and two for bass and treble. Once powered on, you can use the volume knob to set a max headroom and adjust volume on the fly from your source. The bass and treble knobs help you choose the tone of your adventure, from a purely flat soundscape to an enhanced one. We just wish you could see the dial indicators in the dark. Other features include aptX support and quick-charge capabilities that provide four hours of listening time in just 20 minutes, plus great standby battery life.
Bluetooth: 5.1 Battery life: Up to 24 hours Rating: IPX7 Aux inputs: 3.5mm Frequency range: 50Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
If you’re keen to up your speaker game without – at least visibly – crossing over into loudspeaker territory, the JBL Boombox 2 is more than up to the task. This 160-watt big brother to the Xtreme 3 provides that familiar JBL sound design but in an even louder profile. The output has bright and dynamic highs and floor shaking sub-bass that may benefit more from an indoor environment (with surfaces to bounce off) to really shine. This is a dance party tool for your basement rumpus room, garage hangout or poolside craziness.
The integrated handle, IPX7 waterproofing and 13-pound weight offer a convenient grab-and-go speaker for most occasions when you want the music to be the star of the show (or at least not disappear into the background). With a battery that boasts up to 24 hours runtime, you can expect to party at full volume for several hours, at least.
One thing to keep in mind is that the newer JBL Boombox 3 is slated to arrive this summer 2022. If you’re interested in the Boombox, I’d keep an eye out for sales on the current version unless you want to wait for the newest release, which promises full IP67 weather-proofing, Bluetooth 5.3 and a slight uptick in all aspects of the sound.
Bluetooth: 5.0 Battery life: Up to 40 hours Rating: IP65 Aux inputs: 3.5mm (in/out), 2x ¼-inch mic/instrument Frequency range: 40Hz – 20kHz App: Yes
The Soundboks 3 is a top performer if you’re looking for a portable, yet more professional Bluetooth option for big sound and big spaces, although it comes at a price. This unpretentious black rectangle packs in two 10-inch woofers and one 10-inch tweeter powered by three 72W RMS amps for massive sound and chunky bass. While big, this 34-pound loudspeaker is fairly easy to lug around. It has large steel handles on either side right next to a large bass port that runs through the whole unit. It’s a reinforced poplar cabinet with a steel speaker grille, aluminum framing and silicone ball corners for durability. The IP65 rating also marks it as a resilient device in most environments.
The sound and connectivity make a big statement here, adding value for your money. Output levels are rated at 96 to 104dB, with dynamic mids and highs projecting clearly to cover long distances. The low end also has a significant presence at a distance, matching up with 40Hz frequency response. It’s definitely capable enough to support large gatherings.
The speaker is easy to connect to via Bluetooth and the partner app allows EQ customization and firmware updates. You can plug into the Soundboks Gen 3 via 3.5mm stereo in and even daisy chain to others through a 3.5mm stereo out. You don’t need to, though, since you can connect up to five more Soundboks 3 speakers wirelessly using the built-in SKAA wireless support at the touch of a button. There are also two combo (XLR or ¼-inch) microphone/instrument inputs. You get EQ control for these additional inputs inside the app.
Lastly, the battery pack is removable, swappable and also long-lasting for a speaker this size; at low to mid volume, it’s rated at up to 40 hours runtime. For transparency, Soundboks also lets you know to expect around five hours of play at full volume.
It’s no-nonsense, big sound in a rugged box with lots of connection options for real-world applications. The price is rather high, but the product is worth it for those who fit the use case. You can also keep an eye out for the company’s newly announced Soundboks Go, which halves the size and doubles the runtime, but we have yet to test it out.
You may be surprised that JBL’s PartyBox series, one of the more ubiquitous loudspeaker-style devices out there, isn’t properly represented in this guide. The company had sold out of most mid-sized speakers in this line and there were none for us to test. However, we did check out one of JBL’s larger models: the PartyBox 710. It’s neither battery powered nor really ‘portable’ considering its two tiny wheels, lack of carrying handles and roughly 69-pound weight. That said, if you don’t need something to go very far (ideally without stairs) and will always have a power outlet nearby, this thing is a beast.
The PartyBox 710 has a bit of flare with lighting effects surrounding its dual 2.75-inch tweeters and 8-inch woofers. It’s also a karaoke-focused device with guitar and mic inputs and line volumes, along with dedicated effects and controls on top. While it looks good, the real star here is its capable audio output. It has 800 watts of power and you can tell. This is a party rocker you can feel, helped along by its rear bass reflex port. It’s competitively priced at $800, although as we said, this isn’t a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Some of the mid-sized models like the PartyBox 110 ($400) and PartyBox 310 ($550) seem to be worth a listen — if you can find them — considering what we’ve heard from this larger sibling.
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