2019 BLUETOOTH SPEAKER BUYERS GUIDE
Who says you have to choose between a day on the course and jamming to your favorite music? In last year’s speaker test, we learned that there are plenty of you who believe it has to be one or the other. We don’t. So we did some testing in our studio and on the course and what we discovered is that we still can’t dance, but there are some awesome speakers on the market that can provide the soundtrack for your golf game.
With all those options, finding the right Bluetooth speaker to fit your needs can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top speaker devices on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.
Whether you’re looking to buy a Bluetooth speaker today, some buying advice to get started, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right device to fit your needs.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Sound
(Omnidirectional vs. Directional) Listening to music should be an immersive experience. Sound quality shouldn’t fade because you’re on the wrong side of your speaker. The sound from directional speakers is limited by the direction the speaker happens to be facing. We found that omnidirectional speakers are better suited for the golf course. Speakers such as UE WonderBoom and Anzer Soundcore Flare are great examples of quality omnidirectional speakers. Directional speakers such as the JBL are not as well-suited for the 360° challenge of the golf course.
Connectivity
No matter how great a speaker sounds, it’s only as good as its connection. The best speakers for golf allow you plenty of room to wander. The JBL Clip 3 and the Zoeetree offer superb Bluetooth connectivity. Connectivity was maintained despite 40+ yards of separation. If you carry your phone while playing, especially if you find yourself wandering far from your cart, maximizing your connectivity distance is essential to keeping the music going.
Battery Life
How long does your golf speaker last when it’s unplugged and paired with your Bluetooth device? Typically, Bluetooth speakers last from 8-12 hours per charge. For a day that starts at the course and ends at the pool, an extra couple of hours can come in handy.
EXPERT TIP - Finding the Right Speaker for How You Travel the Course
Golfers who walk should favor smaller and lighter speaker options. The ideal solution is likely one that clips to your bag. Golfers who prefer to ride, should take advantage of sound-rich speakers which easily fit in the car's cup holders.
2019 Bluetooth Speaker Features
Name | Colors | Waterproof | Shockproof | Linking Multiple speakers | Battery | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anker SoundCore Flare Check Price | 1 | N | Y | Y | 12 Hours | |
BagBoy Bluetooth Speaker Check Price | 1 | N | N | N | 5 Hours | |
BagBoy Mini Soundbar Check Price | 1 | N | y | N | 8 Hours | |
Bose SoundLink Revolve Check Price | 1 | N | Y | Y | 12 Hours | |
JBL Clip 3 Check Price | 12 | Y | Y | N | 10 Hours | |
Polk Boom Swimmer Duo Check Price | 4 | Y | Y | Y | 8 Hours | |
PUMA SoundChuck Mini Check Price | 3 | N | Y | N | 12 Hours | |
SONY SRS-XB10 Extra Bass Check Price | 4 | N | Y | Y | 16 Hours | |
UE MegaBlast Check Price | 4 | Y | Y | Y | 16 Hours | |
UE WonderBoom Check Price | 7 | Y | Y | Y | 10 Hours | |
Zoeetree S1 Check Price | 1 | N | Y | N | 10 Hours |
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - The Versatile Lightshow
The Anker Soundcore Flare is equally adept for use at home and on the course. It offers excellent sound quality, and while it works well outside, its strength is admittedly indoor performance - making it ideal for the home. The Anker has changing lights on the bottom of the speaker to spice up your mood when you're having a bad day. With a 12-hour battery life, it's good for a full 18 with some juice to spare.
More Tips
- Bigger doesn’t always mean better (or louder). Some smaller speakers outperform their large competitors and fit better in a cart’s cup holder.
- Nearly all Bluetooth speakers are portable, meaning you can take them anywhere without needing a cord for them to play music.
- Some Bluetooth speakers can also be used for phone calls. The added versatility can be helpful, especially if you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality to get it.
- While most speakers are water-resistant, some, like the like Polk Boom Swimmer Duo, are fully waterproof. So even if you get rained on during your round or your speaker takes a soggy tumble at the pool, the music will keep playing all day long.
2019 Bluetooth Speakers Results
Name | Durability | Sound Qualty | Ease of Use | Features | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UE MegaBlast Check Price | 6th | 1st | 1st | 1st | 94.5 | |
UE WonderBoom Check Price | 3rd | 2nd | 1st | 4th | 92.5 | |
Polk Boom Swimmer Duo Check Price | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 11th | 90.5 | |
JBL Clip 3 Check Price | 2nd | 4th | 1st | 11th | 90.5 | |
SONY SRS-XB10 Extra Bass Check Price | 6th | 4th | 1st | 8th | 88 | |
Bose Soundlink Check Price | 8th | 3rd | 1st | 3rd | 87.5 | |
Anker Soundcore Flare Check Price | 8th | 4th | 1st | 8th | 87 | |
PUMA SoundChuck Mini Check Price | 3rd | 8th | 1st | 4th | 86.5 | |
Zoeetree Megabass A2DP Check Price | 10th | 10th | 1st | 1st | 84.5 | |
BagBoy Mini Soundbar Check Price | 11th | 11th | 1st | 4th | 81.5 | |
BagBoy Bluetooth Speaker Check Price | 11th | 11th | 11th | 4th | 74.5 |
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - Good Things Come In Small Packages
The Polk Boom Swimmer Duo is deceiving small but packs a punch. It's loud but clear, and the sound projects throughout the cart and onto your fairway. Its true strength, however, isn't its powerful sound, it's the innovate Loop It Design that allows it to attach to nearly anything that's round. Being fully waterproof up to 3-feet takes all the concern out of getting caught in a downpour.
What do I need to know about Bluetooth Speakers?
Q: How do I charge my Bluetooth speaker?
A: Most up to date devices have USB ports that charge your speaker. Some older, less advanced speakers still require batteries to keep the music going.
Q: What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Water-resistant speakers allow a few drops of rain or a quick tumble in the pool and still work effectively. Fully waterproof speakers can tackle the harshest of weather conditions and be submerged underwater for an extended period of time and still not falter.
Q: Are speakers allowed on the golf course?
A: While we’d wager some courses have explicit rules against speakers, we’d hope it’s not common. Golf is a game, right? Aren’t games meant to be enjoyed? Yes, there is a rule prohibiting music during competition (something about using the rhythm of the beat in your golf swing), but, if you’re respectful of others on the course, listening to music with your buddies on the weekend shouldn’t be an issue. Keep it at a reasonable volume, and it’s all good. Go ahead and post your scores. We won’t tell.
Jeff
5 years ago
We live on a course and were shocked how often we had two or three bluetooth speakers audible from our back yard at the same time. Different genres or even a game competing with each other.
Our solution? Outdoor speakers connected on the deck and patio to our game room and living room sound systems. I’ll see your puny coke can sized speaker and raise you….