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Portable Bluetooth speaker roundup
Justin Yu
Associate Editor May 17, 2011
The days of blasting music out of a portable boom box are behind us, and while some companies still offer retro jambox wannabes for iPods, the best way to free your music from the aural confines of an MP3 player is with a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Here we've rounded up several wireless Bluetooth speakers for your consideration. They work with all smartphones and tablets meeting the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) spec, including the Apple iPhone and iPad, but we should note that using Bluetooth causes limited loss in audio quality. For most of these devices, you can also play music from a non-Bluetooth device using the 3.5mm line-in port and a direct connection.
All the devices would make excellent companions on your next outing, but we're particularly impressed with the Soundmatters FoxLv2 and the SuperTooth Disco. Both are tough, portable stereos that you can also use as speakerphones--the FoxLv2's small size makes it convenient to carry to the beach, while the Disco is ideal for use indoors by those who want to unclutter desktop space and add music to a room. Whichever you choose, they both feature excellent bass and a rechargeable battery.
Our favorite out of the bunch is the $80 Creative D100, the most affordable compromise of price and output quality. If you're on the hunt for a portable speaker to pair with your smartphone, the D100 is an excellent option that earns our recommendation.
| Product name | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $72.99 to $109.99 | $54.42 to $101.99 | $2,717.02 | $98.06 to $134.99 | $99.99 to $199.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | |||||
| Average user rating |  | ||||
| Release date | November 16, 2010 | ||||
| The Bottom Line | With its durable outer shell, multiple connectivity options, and wide range of sound, the Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 makes a great sidekick for your next backyard barbecue or picnic party. However, if portability isn't your primary concern, you can trade size for sound quality with the Creative D100, another Bluetooth speaker that costs less than the Logitech. | The Creative D100 speaker plays music wirelessly from your Bluetooth-compatible music player with impressive low-end range from its dual 3-inch drivers, making it a worthwhile addition to your next outdoor get-together. Although it doesn't have a remote control or speakerphone functionality, the price is right for this portable speaker and it earns our recommendation. | The Soundmatters FoxLv2 Bluetooth portable speaker offers excellent sound in a compact candy bar design and has the added benefit of phone conferencing using the built-in speakerphone. Despite its lofty price tag, the FoxLv2 is a simple, useful device that lets you ditch wires and bring your music anywhere. | The SuperTooth Disco is an inexpensive cordless Bluetooth speaker that earns our recommendation for its modern design, long-distance range, and impressive sound quality rivaling many midrange computer speakers. | The Jambox is the most stylish portable speaker we've seen, with features and sound quality you won't find in comparable compact designs. |
| Features | |||||
| Audio Amplifier | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Color | Info unavailable | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Info unavailable | 5.1 in x 15.6 in x 5.3 in | 5.6 in x 1.4 in x 2.2 in | 12.4 in x 2.8 in x 3.5 in | 2.2 in x 5.9 in x 1.6 in |
| Battery | Speaker battery | 4 x Standard battery - AA type | Speaker battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion | Speaker battery - Nickel metal hydride | Speaker battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion |
| Speaker System Details | Info unavailable | Portable speaker - 20 - 20000 Hz | 2 - 4 Watt - 80 - 20000 Hz | 2 - 8 Watt 1 x Subwoofer - 12 Watt | Portable speaker - 60 - 20000 Hz |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR | Wired Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR | Wireless - Bluetooth | Wireless - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR Wired |
| Speaker Type | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| Weight | Info unavailable | 3 lbs | 9.5 oz | 2.5 lbs | 11.5 oz |
| Product Description | Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 - Portable speakers | Creative D100 - Portable speaker | Soundmatters FoxL v2 Bluetooth - Portable speaker | Portable speaker SuperTooth DISCO | Aliph Jawbone Jambox Black Diamond - Portable speaker |
| Response Bandwidth | 122 - 20000 Hz | 20 - 20000 Hz | 80 - 20000 Hz | Info unavailable | 60 - 20000 Hz |
| Product Type | Portable speakers | Portable speaker | Portable speaker | Portable speaker | Portable speaker |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | | | | | |
I have no desire to stuff PC speaks in my laptop bag when I'm on the road.
(Most of) these are compact enough to take anywhere you go.
Also, a weird thing about Bluetooth is you can't control the volume. So you out there controlling the songs with your iphone, and the volume with the box. Not acceptable.
Cheapest place to buy the D100 is directly from the Creative store(fulfilled by amazon). Use coupon SPKR25GO for $20 off which makes it $59.99 plus free shipping.