{"id":33603,"date":"2023-10-02T13:14:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T11:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/?p=188634"},"modified":"2023-10-02T13:40:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T11:40:09","slug":"best-portable-speakers-for-enjoying-your-music-indoors-and-outdoors","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/best-portable-speakers-for-enjoying-your-music-indoors-and-outdoors\/","title":{"rendered":"Best portable speakers for enjoying your music indoors and outdoors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our audio expert Chris Haslam chooses the best portable speakers for enjoying your music inside the home and in the great outdoors <\/p>

By Chris Haslam\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 02 October 2023 at 11:14 AM<\/p>

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If you like to enjoy your classical music in a variety of different environments \u2013 inside and out, in the kitchen and in the garden \u2013 then a portable speaker that can perform in both indoor and outdoor settings could be just the bit of audio kit you need.<\/p>\n

But what should you be looking fort when choosing an indoor\/outdoor portable speaker, and what are the best options at each price point?<\/p>\n

What sort of portable speaker do I need?<\/h2>\n

You can take some inside speakers outdoors, but it\u2019s often not advised as speakers designed for indoor use can be quite delicate and not resistant to the worst that the British weather can throw at them.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re a classical music lover and you like to enjoy your music in a variety of settings, a decent portable speaker should be just what you need. And, if those settings include outdoors \u2013 the garden, a walk, a picnic \u2013 you should check out our recommendations for the best outdoor speakers<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0Speakers designed to be used outdoors get tested against moisture, dirt and temperature fluctuations before going on sale.<\/p>\n

If, however, you\u2019re just looking for a speaker you can take into the garden on a nice day, you may not need a dedicated outdoor speaker \u2013 just a decent portable speaker that can manage some outdoor duties. Among other things, you should look out for the IP (Ingress Protection) rating.<\/p>\n

What do the IP ratings mean on portable speakers?<\/h2>\n

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the first number indicates a speaker\u2019s ability to keep out dust, the second describes the waterproofing. An IPX4 speaker hasn\u2019t been tested for dust resistance, and will only be splashproof, but not resistant to any bigger water ingress.<\/p>\n

If a speaker is IPX7 that means it hasn\u2019t been tested for dust but can get wet in the rain without harm. IP67, meanwhile, will have the same waterproof rating, but will be dustproof as well. For a pool party, IP68 rated speakers can be fully submerged for 30 minutes without damage.<\/p>\n

How long should a speaker battery last?<\/h2>\n

Technology has improved immeasurably in recent years, so I wouldn\u2019t choose a portable design with less than 10 hours of battery life. Look for those with USB or wireless charging as they can also top up your phone battery remotely.<\/p>\n

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speakers?<\/h2>\n

Bluetooth is ideal for most casual listening, especially in the garden where Wi-Fi signals may struggle to reach. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 version also boasts a garden-friendly 120m range. If, however, you\u2019re moving the speaker from inside to out, a combination of Wi-Fi (for better audio quality) inside and Bluetooth outside would offer the most versatility.<\/p>\n

Best portable speakers<\/h2>\n

Best luxury portable speakers<\/h3>\n

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A 5<\/h4>\n

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best portable speakers<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Some have teased that it resembles a hi-tech picnic basket but, trust me, get up close and the use of on-trend woven paper cladding (or solid wood slats on the Dark Oak finish) and the steam-bent solid oak handle on aluminium casing is nothing short of exquisite. It is unashamedly expensive, but the combination of premium looks, poised performance and portability is everything I expect from Bang & Olufsen.<\/p>\n

360-degree audio is generated via a 130mm bass driver, two 50mm mid-range drivers and a 20mm tweeter, all powered by a generous 280watt Class D amplifier. Whatever I played over Bluetooth (outside) or superior Wi-Fi connection (typically, inside the house) had a presence far greater than its size would suggest.<\/p>\n

From the sleepy minimalism of Ludovico Einaudi to the earth-shattering orchestral sound of Stravinsky, this compact speaker manages to translate the feel of the concert hall \u2013 and the scale of orchestration \u2013 with deftness and drive. There\u2019s no need to push the volume for the A5 to fill even large spaces without a hint of exertion, but if you do play it loud, it remains refined and balanced.<\/p>\n