Choosing the Best Wireless and Bluetooth Speaker

If you opt for WiFi when you’re shopping for a speaker, you’ll come across terms such as Apple AirPlay, DLNA, and DTS Play-Fi. These are the wireless standards a speaker uses to access content on a network. Many speakers can use more than one. But be sure that the speakers you want to link together all share at least one standard. The main things you need to know are:

• Apple AirPlay can access content from Apple mobile devices and any computer with iTunes installed on it. For Android devices, you’ll have to use a third-party app. The same goes for streaming to multiple AirPlay speakers from an iPhone or iPad. You do not, however, need the third-party app when you’re using a computer.

• The other standards—including DLNA, DTS Play-Fi, Heos, and Sonos—can usually work with iOS and Android devices, plus PCs and some Mac computers.

• If you want to play music on multiple speakers, those speakers can come from different brands. However, they have to use the same wireless technology standard. In other words, if you have one speaker that uses AirPlay and another that’s Play-Fi only, they won’t play together nicely.

Before you choose a speaker, think a little about where you’re going to be using it.

If you’ll be using your speaker outdoors, consider a portable Bluetooth model that can sit near the barbecue grill while you flip burgers, then follow you around the yard if you want to listen to a podcast. Pick a compact model and you’ll conserve space on the patio or picnic table, or choose one that comes in a fun color that matches your tablecloth. And if you're listening al fresco, a rugged model that’s water-resistant can reduce your worries about accidental damage.

If your new speaker is likely to live indoors, consider its proximity to electrical outlets and a robust WiFi network before deciding on an AC-powered WiFi model. 

Placement can also affect a speaker’s performance. You’ll typically want the music source to stay within 33 feet of a Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth models also work best with a clear line of sight to the source. Walls, large objects, and even people between your speaker and the music source can cause those annoying sonic dropouts.

WiFi is better at handling greater distances and physical obstructions between the router, music source, and speakers. Under ideal conditions, you might be able to maintain a connection with a speaker that’s more than 200 feet from the router, but 100 to 150 feet is a more typical range.

Whether you’re all about the bass or you prefer a more refined sonic presentation, you’ll want certain functions so that you can take control of your wireless speaker.

Inputs and Outputs
Most wireless speakers have auxiliary audio inputs that can be used to connect gear such as a portable audio player or a TV directly to the unit via a cable. Some speakers can even charge other devices via a USB port. An optical digital audio input can connect to devices such as a Blu-ray/DVD/CD player. Outputs allow you to add a subwoofer when you’re watching video from a docked iPad on your TV. 

Connectors and Docks
Depending on the model, you may also get an iPod dock or the ability to connect an iPhone, iPod, or other device via USB. Some units have connectors or docks that accept the 9-pin Lightning connector found on newer iPhones.

Remote Control and Voice Recognition
Voice recognition seems like a fun way to control the volume when you don’t want to leave the dance floor, but in reality it can be hit or miss; a standard remote or an app on a smart device often provides a more reliable way to operate your speaker from a distance. Some new models are taking voice recognition to the next level with full-blown smart-speaker functionality. Though many early generation smart speakers seemed to dismiss audio quality as an afterthought, many newer models feature seriously good sound. 

Online Music Services
In addition to streaming digital audio from a computer, some WiFi models offer direct access to streaming music services, such as Spotify and Pandora.

Hands-Free Speakerphone Functionality
Available only on certain Bluetooth models, this feature lets you take phone calls on your speaker.