Portable Bluetooth speakers are the most convenient and cost-effective way to broadcast the sound from your phone or tablet throughout a room, backyard, or your car on a roadtrip to Mt. Ololokwe. Because Bluetooth speakers come in so many different shapes and sizes, it’s hard to say that one model is ideal for every occasion, but still there is a list of what people are actually going for.
How did I come up with the list?
It’s impossible to actually test all speakers available in the market. The list was curated by getting a list of some of the common highly rated bluetooth speakers available in the Kenyan market, watching and reading tons of reviews and asking various retail shops of their opinion (purchase preferences).
The price point was KES 5,000 to KES 50,000.
Tribit XSound Go [Budget option]
The Tribit XSound Go is an excellent pick if you want to spend the least minimum on an all-around good portable Bluetooth speaker.
Its sound is clearly clearer and louder than practically all other low-cost Bluetooth speakers. The XSound Go is small enough to fit into a laptop bag or an already full baggage, and it has a battery life of 10.5 hours. It also has an IPX7 classification, which indicates it’s waterproof enough to withstand a half-hour immersion in 1 meter of water, and it features a speakerphone capability.
Tribit just updated the XSound Go to include USB-C charging as well as stereo pairing.
You can get it here at just KES 5,500.
JBL Flip 5
JBL has released the somewhat improved Flip 6, however the Flip 5 is still available and a great compact speaker. With the arrival of the Flip 6, there are some reductions in pricing on this model.
It has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Tribit’s StormBox is less expensive and has a stronger sound, but I like the Flip 5’s tonal balance.
You will part with KES 13,000 for this speaker here.
JBL Extreme 3
If you want a Bluetooth speaker that sounds bigger and bolder but is still portable enough to go to the beach or tailgate, the JBL Xtreme 3 is a terrific option. The Xtreme 3—which replaces the Xtreme 2—is a good-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker with crisp sound on voices, guitars, and pianos (though its bass tended to get a little quiet at maximum volume).
The IP67 designation means it’s waterproof and dustproof, and the robust carrying strap makes it easy to transport anyplace.
This Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of up to 17 hours.
You can get this beast at Phones and Tablets Kenya for KES 34,999.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
This pricey and unusually built bluetooth speaker has strong bass depth that will appeal to those seeking thunder.
It provides superb sound, room-filling volumes, high-quality materials, and an upscale design at a far lower price than its competitors. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks like a built-in light show, “assistant” integration (which is little more than glorified malware), or bizarre auto-DSPs. The Onyx 7 is large and heavy.
For KES 32,500, you can get the beast here.
JBL PartyBox 110
JBL’s for-2021 PartyBox 110 packs a powerful punch and produces more volume than some of the portable boombox speakers on this list, including JBL’s own Boombox 2. The PartyBox 110 has an incorporated handle for carrying it, but it’s quite heavy, weighing 23 pounds and standing somewhat taller than 22 inches. You can mount it vertically, or horizontally, as it has rubber feet on both sides.
It boasts a new light show that syncs to the beat of your music and is recommended for up to 12 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels; you may modify the light show from the speaker itself.
The speaker may be connected through Bluetooth or a traditional USB connection, and it offers guitar and mic inputs. It’s also worth noting that the speaker is IPX4 splash-proof and that two PartyBox 110 speakers may be wirelessly linked together for stereo sound.
This massive bluetooth speaker will set you apart KES 42,000.
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