What it is:
Whether the speaker has Bluetooth.
When it matters:
When you want to connect to your speaker wirelessly through Bluetooth, and don't want to use other methods like an Aux cable or a Wi-Fi connection.
Our tests
Bluetooth Version
What it is:
The version of Bluetooth protocol supported by the speaker.
When it matters:
The more recent Bluetooth speakers provide additional features such as improved battery life and improved range.
Bluetooth iOS Latency
What it is:
Latency measured with an Apple iPhone 11 using the YouTube app. Note that other apps may have a different latency than the YouTube app. At the moment, iOS devices only support SBC and AAC codecs.
When it matters:
If you want to watch video content on your speaker with an iOS device, this value would be important, since the latency of the same speaker could vary significantly depending on the device.
Good value:
<150ms
Noticeable difference:
30ms
Bluetooth Android Latency
What it is:
Latency measured with a Samsung Galaxy S10e using the YouTube app. Note that other apps may have a different latency than the YouTube app. This phone supports LDAC, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs. If a speaker supports multiple codecs, it's measured with the codec that the phone chooses automatically for that speaker.
When it matters:
If you want to watch video content on your speaker with an Android device, this value would be important, since the latency of the same speaker could vary significantly depending on the device.
Good value:
<150ms
Noticeable difference:
30ms
Bluetooth Range
What it is:
The range that the wireless speaker can reach before dropping any audio when in direct line of sight of the Bluetooth device. This test is performed using an iPhone 11 and Galaxy S10e and is then averaged.
When it matters:
If you can't or prefer not to carry your Bluetooth source on you while listening to your audio in a large and open environment.
Good value:
145ft (44.2m)
Noticeable difference:
3.2ft (1m)
Multi-Device Pairing
What it is:
A Bluetooth profile that allows some speakers to be simultaneously connected to multiple Bluetooth sources and have full call and media support on both/all devices they're connected to.
When it matters:
To quickly switch between your Bluetooth sources. For example, switching from your phone to your home or work PC and still have call and media support on both devices.