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The ongoing pandemic has changed a lot of things in our lifestyle. From how we socialize with other people to how we take care of our health. For some of you, staying healthy means keeping up with regular exercises. But what happens when the gym is not an option? Well, I got you covered. In this article, I’ll be giving you my top recommendations of the best folding treadmills for home use this 2021.
Why Should I Get A Treadmill For My Home?
Before we get into the actual products, some of you might be wondering: why a treadmill?
I could have chosen any other gym equipment that would probably take less space in your house and you’re right. But if you’re a runner, doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or just someone who casually likes to run, then you’ll surely appreciate this topic.
I chose treadmills as the main focus of this article for two reasons: one being I already wrote another article about ellipticals for your home gym, which you can read here. The second reason is that a treadmill can easily be used for either intense cardio or more light workouts just by adjusting the settings. Additionally, I like to run as well.
A folding treadmill is your best bet if you really want to keep running as part of your workout routine. Rain or shine, you’ll be in the comfort of your own home and still be able to burn through those calories.
While it’s understandable that a folding treadmill it’s still a pretty big piece of furniture, you have to admit it still saves a significant amount of space compared to a traditional treadmill. There are units out there that can collapse so it fits in a closet for easy storage and you can easily reclaim your floor space.
Apart from that, a folding treadmill is just generally a fun and great addition to your home gym. You can spice up your workouts with a treadmill through different ways by adjusting the settings, increasing your incline from time to time, and some treadmills also offer a personal coach you can interact with through their built-in screens.
Whatever it is you’re looking for in a folding treadmill, this list will surely have something for you.
My Top Recommendations
1. NordicTrack T 6.5s Treadmill
Overview
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to folding treadmills, look no further. The NordicTrack T 6.5s is the one you need to set your eyes on.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the brand, NordicTrack is a very well-known and well-trusted premium personal gym equipment manufacturer for your home. They promise to elevate every workout experience for their users through their impressive personal training programs that are tailored just for you.
The NordicTrack T 6.5s is just one of the best entry-level units in their full home gym lineup and this takes the top spot in our list of the best folding treadmills for home use this 2021.
With their equipped iFit programs, you’ll never get a boring workout session with the NordicTrack T 6.5s. You can also opt to get a personal coach you can interact with in real-time through the screen. Your trainer can auto-adjust your speed and incline through a smart Bluetooth connection.
Additionally, the SMART-Response Motor allows for for effective speed, interval, and endurance training. While the FlexSelect deck cushioning protects your joints so you can solely focus on your workout without worrying about possible soreness and injuries.
The NordicTrack T 6.5s also has an innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist that lets you fold your treadmill after working out in a compact and portable design.
The Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill is a real beast and something you should definitely consider if you want a folding treadmill that is built to last you for several years.
Equipped with commercial grade parts, the F80 will surely provide you with a comfortable workout session due to its excellent shock absorption. This will allow you to run or walk on your folding treadmill daily without the risk of too much soreness.
Unlike NordicTrack T 6.5s, the F80 can easily support trainees who enjoy longer runs as well as individuals on the heavier side who might demand more from their treadmill. This means you can also enjoy more intense and grueling workouts without worrying that this machine will falter. This is all thanks to the F80’s 3.5 HP motor.
If you live with other people in your house and don’t want to disturb them during your exercises, the F80 has you covered. The durable two-ply belt and 2.5 inch rollers will help keep the folding treadmill quiet while limiting tear and wear as you use it over time.
When it comes to comfortability, the F80 has a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck feature that minimized the stress and impact on your joints by 40% compared to when you’re running on asphalt or on any road.
Aside from its top-quality parts and somewhat ergonomic features, the Sole Fitness F80 can also conveniently fold up automatically with a single push of a button. How cool, right? Now you don’t have to worry about putting pressure on yourself to fold your treadmill after a tiring workout session. Just push the button then store!
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 85.43 x 37.01 x 17.32 inches (LxWxH)
Horizon Fitness T101 is an ideal candidate of folding treadmills if you prefer light or moderate workouts or runs. Not to mention, it’s quite affordable too! So if you’re on a budget and don’t want to splurge that much, this is a solid machine to give a thought.
If you’re unaware of the brand, Horizon Fitness provides and distributes low-cost treadmills and other fitness equipment for your home. Their T101 in their treadmill series is their entry-level unit with a foldable and compact design for easy storage.
Due to its incredibly affordable price, the T101 is one of their bestsellers. Because besides its budget-friendly price tag, the machine itself is still pretty high quality and can support up to 300 pounds of user weight capacity.
The T101 has thirty built-in workout programs that offer time, distance, and calorie targets as well as manual, interval, and weight-loss workouts to keep your exercise routines varied and challenging.
Other features of the T101 include a Bluetooth speaker system for people who like audio-listening during workout sessions, heart rate monitoring for your pulse, and built-in cooling fans to keep you fresh as you burn through those calories.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, parts and labor have 1 year.
Extra Features: Built-in cooling fans, Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your device on the T101’s integrated speakers, energy saver mode, device holder, audio input jack, USB charging port, and heart rate monitoring.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Exercise Treadmill
Overview
Another budget-friendly option out there for you is the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603.
Just like Horizon Fitness, Sunny Health & Fitness is known for its affordable and budget-friendly fitness equipment for the home without making any compromises in terms of quality and craftsmanship on its machines.
And staying true to the brand, the SF-T7603 is no exception. In fact, this particular folding treadmill is another best seller from the Sunny Health & Fitness company as you might see in Amazon.
I’d understand if some of you might be skeptical of this folding treadmill’s quality as it’s being sold for under $500, but Sunny Health & Fitness is a pretty reputable brand too so you know their products are reliable and packed with terrific features.
When it comes to performance, the 2.2 horsepower allows its users for light to moderate jogs and workout sessions. This is usually the standard for more budget-friendly machines. Nevertheless, the overall performance is pretty solid for what it offers.
If you’re looking for a folding treadmill with higher horsepower so you can do more grueling routines, it will cost you.
Other noteworthy features of the SF-T7603 include the soft-drop hydraulic mechanism that allows the folded deck to gently lower itself to the floor and multifunction handrails with pulse sensors that let you change up your speed as well as measure your heart rate.
The SF-T7603 also has a Digital Monitor screen that displays your time, distance, speed, calorie, pulse, and chosen mode and program.
Extra Features: The unit comes with a free belt lubrication oil, a digital monitor to display your stats while working out, handrail controls with pulse sensors, a device holder, and a soft drop mechanism when unfolding your SF-T7603.
Pros
Handrail controls are very ergonomic.
Pretty decent workout programs.
Good for beginners who like light to moderate jogs and workouts.
Cons
Takes a bit of time to assemble in comparison to other folding treadmills that come in pre-assembled or almost pre-assembled.
Low incline capability.
Not meant for more intense runs.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Where Can I Buy The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Exercise Treadmill?
Coming in at the fifth spot of our best folding treadmills for home use this 2021 list, let’s take a look at the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill.
A quick information about the company; XTERRA Fitness is a brand that manufactures cardio fitness equipment based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. They produce high quality fitness equipment that can easily be accessed by everyone while helping you achieve your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home.
The TR150 in the XTERRA Fitness line is one of their entry-level models that are more suited for light to moderate runs and exercises such as jogging or fast-paced walking. It’s great for casual fitness enthusiasts and has really impressive user reviews on Amazon.
Upon opening the box, the machine comes in almost pre-assembled with just a few parts you would need to attach. Despite having a lightweight design, it can still easily support a maximum user weight of up to 250 lbs. or 113 kg.
The TR150 also falls in the smaller spectrum of folding treadmills compared to other folding treadmills in the market and is even smaller and more compact when folded (estimated to be around 29″ D x 28.75″ W).
When in use, the machine sits comfortably at 63.4″ (161 cm) long and 28.752 (73 cm) wide, which might not be suitable for people who are taller due to the deck’s size capacity. If you have longer running strides, you might struggle with your comfortability.
Additionally, you also get 12 preset fitness programs with this running machine as well as a manual option that gives you complete control of your fitness routine.
The biggest downside of the XTERRA Fitness TR150 for me is that you have to manually adjust the incline. Preferably, you need to adjust the treadmill before hopping in to start your workout. So if you like a machine that will let you automatically adjust your incline mid-exercise, this isn’t the one for you.
While it does lack a few bells and whistles so it can maintain its budget-friendly price tag, overall it’s still a pretty solid product.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches (LxWxH)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on the frame, 1 year on the motor, 90 days on the parts, and labor.
Extra Features: Built-in device holder and reading rack, and handgrip pulse sensors.
Pros
Very easy to use and beginner-friendly.
Great for light to moderate workout routines.
Terrific customer support and warranty.
Little to no assembly needed.
The XTRASoft deck cushioning technology on this folding treadmill allows for less impact and stress on your joints.
Cons
Not suitable for more intense workouts.
Manual incline can be an inconvenience for some.
This machine can expose you to chemicals including Toluene and Acrylamide which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Where Can I Buy The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill?
The Echelon Stride folding treadmill will be your favorite in this list if you’re super tight on space inside your house. But it’s definitely on the pricier end of folding treadmills in our list.
It’s compact and not as chunky as other folding treadmills you might come across in the market. It measures 69 x 31 x 49 inches when unfolded and weighs 156 pounds. You’ll find wheels on the base of this machine for convenient transportation and has a unique auto fold feature for easy storage whether it be in your closet or under your bed.
Don’t be fooled by its modest size though, the Echelon Stride is very sturdy and you won’t experience any rocking or faltering when you’re using it. The 1.75 HP continuous power brushless DC motor in this treadmill allows it to go from 0.5 to 12 miles per hour along with 12 levels of incline that max out at a 10% grade.
The Stride also offers an Echelon United class membership, which costs $39.99 per month, $399 per year, or $599 for two years. Admittedly, that’s really pricey for me but if you can afford it, then I think you should go for it. Especially if you like to be competitive and challenge yourself constantly.
The Echelon United class membership allows you to stream live running and walking classes and even compete with other trainees on leaderboards.
The membership also gives you access to endless classes with professional trainers and a wide range of different workouts to choose from that focus on strength training, HIIT, and so much more.
Despite costing over a thousand dollars, the Echelon Stride offers financing options for people who are on a budget but still want a top-of-the-class foldable treadmill so you won’t have to splurge in one go.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 69.3 x 31 x 49.2 inches (LxWxH)
Running Area: 20 x 55 inches.
Product Weight: 179 lbs. or 81 kg.
Material: Steel
Color: Grey
Maximum User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. or 136 kg.
Maximum Horsepower: 1.75 horsepower.
Top Speed Rating: 0.5 up to 12 miles per hour.
Incline: 12 levels with a max incline of up to 10%.
Screen: Digital display.
Preset Workouts / Fitness Programs: 8 preset programs but you have the option to subscribe to their Echelon United class membership.
Warranty: 12 months on limited parts and labor warranty as well as a 100% money-back guarantee for the first 30 days.
Extra Features: Bluetooth (Echelon Fit App access), 2 Water Bottle Holders, Smart Phone Holder, Secure Tablet Holder, and Safety Stop Lanyard.
Pros
Wide range of inclination levels.
Impressive warranty coverage.
Great for small spaces due to its unique folding design.
Easy to set up and store.
Can be used for more intense workouts.
The Echelon United class membership offers an endless range of workout classes to choose from that is suitable for your fitness goals.
Cons
On the pricier end of folding treadmills, especially with the added cost of the Echelon United class membership.
Last but not the least in our list of the best folding treadmills for home use this 2021 is the Bowflex T10.
As you can see in the picture, it’s a beast of a machine. It’s a lot chunkier and bigger than the previous units on this list. So if you don’t have a lot of space to spare in your home gym, then this might not be the folding treadmill for you.
In any case, folding treadmills of this size are great because they usually are a lot more durable, meaning they last longer. They can also support heavier individuals with ease and have better warranty coverages on them.
The T10 checks all those boxes. In addition, the Bowflex T10 has a unique feature of both incline and decline training compared to other machines in this list that only have incline options. You can get up to 15% incline or decline down to -5%.
Overall, this feature is very impressive as it really allows you to have a versatile workout routine and pump up your cardio training. Not to mention, the T10 is also equipped with wireless heart rate monitoring that operates via Bluetooth to give you a more accurate measurement. This way you can monitor your progress without any hassle.
Other terrific features of the T10 include the JRNY Experience subscription, an adjustable 10-inch touchscreen display, a large cushioned deck, easy SoftDrop mechanism, pulse handgrips, incline knobs, a media shelf, and so much more.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 65.3 inches (LxWxH)
Running Area: 22″ x 60″
Product Weight: 323 lbs. or 146.5 kg.
Material: Steel
Color: Black
Maximum User Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. or 181.4 kg.
Now that we’ve covered the best folding treadmills for home use this 2021, here are some quick tips you may want to keep in mind before fully investing in these excellent gym equipments.
Workout Space
Before you make any final purchases on your desired folding treadmill, I highly recommend considering the amount of space you have for the machine. This will also give you an idea what size of treadmill you should go for.
While folding treadmills are pretty compact for storing, that’s not the case when they’re in use. They can still acquire a lot of space once unfolded and the last thing we want is to be crammed up in a corner without much space to move.
Treadmill Size
Once you’ve determined how much workout space you have to spare, it will be fairly easy to know which treadmill size is perfect for you. But don’t forget to take into account your own size as well.
Most treadmills can usually accommodate the average person with their maximum weight capacities. But it’s still much better (and I highly recommend it) to check out how much weight a particular folding treadmill can handle.
This will also help avoid any unwanted incidents or issues regarding the size and weight capacity of a certain unit.
Incline
The levels of the incline in your chosen folding treadmill will solely depend on your preference. Some of you might prefer a running machine that has a wide range of inclination levels to choose from to keep your workouts challenging and versatile, while others may not.
I personally prefer the former as well and fortunately, so many manufacturers in the market provide a variety of options for us.
Do keep in mind that some folding treadmills have inclines wherein you can adjust manually or automatically. I would recommend going for the latter as you won’t have to step out of your running machine in case you want to change your incline level mid workout.
Workout Programs
Most folding treadmills have built-in preset programs. Some have more programs to choose from and some have less. More high end brands offer subscription based apps you can sign up in to have access to different live workout classes and even a personal coach to train you.
Treadmills Accessories
This isn’t the most important thing to consider but it is still pretty convenient to have in your treadmill. Not to mention, quite ergonomic too.
Having a water bottle holder is nice so you don’t have to go to the kitchen to get one, a device holder is great so you can put an iPad or your phone to listen to music or even watch some shows to keep you entertained while running. There are more reasons to enumerate but I think you get the idea.
Warranty
Another thing to consider before making any final purchases is the treadmill’s warranty from its manufacturer. Usually, the warranty for a lot of standard folding treadmills are pretty generous. A lot of them even offer lifetime warranties on the frame.
But try not to overlook this factor in case you get a faulty machine or missing parts. One of the worst things we can experience is poor customer support or delayed replacements of faulty machines.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, if you have the budget and enough space to spare in your home, a folding treadmill is pretty much worth the investment. Especially if you really like jogging or running as part of your workout sessions.
A treadmill is just so versatile and we owe it to ourselves to keep our bodies fit and healthy in the best way possible. Especially now that we are currently in a pandemic. Taking care of our health is more important than ever.
Luckily for us, there are so many folding treadmills to choose from in the market right now and I’m sure there’s one you’ll find that will fit your expectations and needs. It’s just a matter of preference and hoping that my list was able to help you figure it out.
Did your favorite folding treadmill for home us make it in our list? Tell me all about your experiences and your suggestions if you have any in the comments section below! I’d love to hear your insights.
Over the years, the popularity of portable Bluetooth speakers had been consistently rising. We are now seeing them as household staples and almost no house doesn’t own one of these. So if you’re reading this article, you’re most likely interested in getting yourself one too. So here’s a helpful guide on how to buy Bluetooth speakers.
There’s a long list of reasons why you should get a Bluetooth speaker for yourself. Personally, just having a Bluetooth speaker in hand is very useful especially when you want to surround your room with music you genuinely enjoy. It really elevates the ambiance when you’re just relaxing.
Aside from relaxation, a Bluetooth speaker can also be used during your daily rinses if you love to sing in the shower like me. You can also make a playlist of podcasts to listen to for yourself while you do your chores or even as you work out. Though I prefer playing high-energy songs as I burn through those calories.
If you’re more of an outdoor person, some Bluetooth speakers are also made to survive the great outdoors. There are speakers in the market that are weatherproof, waterproof, dustproof, sand proof, and even resistant to accidental drops.
Though a lot of Bluetooth speakers are small and portable, don’t be fooled. Some of these can produce loud enough sounds to power up a whole party!
And if that’s not enough, some speakers allow you to pair them up with multiple other speakers (usually within the same brand) for an even bigger party. I’ve seen some popular reviewers do some pretty impressive stuff by connecting more than a hundred speakers at once.
Whatever the occasion is, a Bluetooth speaker will always be a great thing to have in your house.
What To Look For When Buying A Bluetooth Speaker
Now that I have stated the reasons why you should get a Bluetooth speaker, let’s tackle the things you need to consider before and when purchasing these devices.
Test It Out If You Can
Most Bluetooth speakers you find online can also be easily found in physical stores. So testing out these speakers in person before you fully invest would be fairly easy. It would also be more convenient for you so you save yourself the trouble of returning a faulty or unsatisfactory product you might have bought online.
Apart from that, you can also get a closer look of the actual unit before you buy the Bluetooth speaker you wanted. It will help a lot in sealing the deal, whether it’s worth it or not.
Check The Warranty
Whether you’re going to buy your Bluetooth speaker online or in a physical store, it’s best to keep in mind their warranty coverage. This is so you can easily return any speakers that might be damaged or if you need any parts swapped.
No one wants to be stuck with a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t do its job, right? Yikes!
Performance
This is probably the most important factor to consider before you buy Bluetooth speakers for yourself.
But how do you know if a speaker is performing well? The easiest way to tell is by doing a sound test.
Some reviewers would play music with very demanding instrumentals to see if a speaker can keep up and deliver detailed, crisp, and clear sounds. You also have to check if the sound is cohesive and you’re not hearing any kind of distortion at all.
The best Bluetooth speakers produce a very rich and bold sound like the JBL and Ultimate Ears speakers. More premium brands like Marshall are on top of the list too.
With most popular or mainstream brands, you can easily find so many reviews and sound tests of their products everywhere. So if you can’t do a personal sound test in a physical store, you can just look up online reviews with sound tests in them.
Design and Durability
In some cases, form follows functionality. And I have to agree.
For some of you, aesthetics don’t really matter when it comes to buying items but I like my stuff to look good. Luckily for like-minded people, most brands release Bluetooth speakers in a wide range of colorways to choose from. So you’re sure that you’ll find something that will fit your taste.
Apart from aesthetics, portability is also important to factor in. Most Bluetooth speakers in the market are pretty portable and easy to carry around with you. So it’s really up to you what size you’re comfortable with.
As for the speaker’s durability, most models are encased in a rugged design or style. This conveniently protects the actual speakers from any form of damage like slips, splashes, spills, drops, and etc. Though keep in mind your desired speaker’s IP rating to see how much damage it can withstand.
IP Rating
Your Bluetooth speaker’s IP rating can also determine how durable the model is and tell you if it is suitable for certain activities.
If you’re unfamiliar with what an IP rating is, I got you covered. Just click here for an easy-to-understand IP rating chart for your reference.
To summarize for you, the higher the IP rating is, the more it is protected against dust, sand, water, etc.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is your Bluetooth speaker to suddenly stop playing your music in the middle of your jamming session. It can be a total buzzkill, I know.
So to avoid such incidents from happening, it’s best to get a Bluetooth speaker that can last you for almost a day. Most Bluetooth speakers I’ve come to find have an average of around 12 hours of playtime. Some exceed those hours but those come at a cost.
Thankfully, most brands nowadays produce speakers with better performing batteries to make sure that we can jam to our music or any audio content for as long as we can.
Wired Inputs
I understand that we’re slowly moving on to an age where wireless everything will be the norm and most probably, cables and wires will eventually be paced out.
But it’s still nice to have this option so you can plug in another music source. Some of you might still appreciate this feature so it’s best to check if the speaker you want to buy includes this option.
Look Into Reliable & Popular Brands
While it’s true that some of the best products might be the underrated ones, your best and safest option is still the most trusted brands. Such brands could be JBL, Ultimate Ears, Bose, and so much more.
Usually, with the aforementioned brands, you’ll see a ton of reviews about their lineups so you can easily get an idea of how well their product performs.
There are also cheaper alternatives like Anker and Oontz Angle that are still very solid products for some of you who are tight on budget.
Determine What Kind Of Activities Will You Use Your Bluetooth Speaker For
I feel like this part gets left out when you buy Bluetooth speakers but you really have to take into consideration what will be the main purpose of your sound device.
Obviously, it will be mainly for audio listening but will it be for personal use? For social gatherings? For outdoor activities like camping? In the shower? These are just some of the few questions you need to answer yourself.
Your answers for these can also help determine what IP rating you need to look out for in your desired Bluetooth speakers.
Aside from the things mentioned above, here are also some extra features you might want when you finally buy Bluetooth speakers. For some of you, these features or added extras can make or break your purchasing decision. Some might be mandatory for your needs, and some are just simply a nice option to have.
Built-In Microphone
It could just be me but I feel like at this day and age, manufacturers and brands should really start normalizing incorporating built-in microphones in their Bluetooth speakers.
Speakerphone compatibility is really important in terms of convenience. So you don’t have to go through the hassle of pairing your phone again to your speaker when a call comes through. Plus, you get the benefit of hands-free functionality.
Supports Voice Assistance
Another great feature a Bluetooth speaker can have is built in voice assistance. I find that having this option just really increases a speaker’s versatility. So aside from audio streaming, your Bluetooth speaker can also double as a personal assistant that updates you with the latest news, reports, and other things.
Some brands in the market equip their speakers with built-in Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other AI assisting technology.
Connecting With Multiple Speakers
People who are thinking of using their Bluetooth speakers for parties might want to give this feature a big consideration. With this option, you can easily throw a bigger party and seamlessly amp up the music to hype everyone up. No party of yours will ever be called boring!
Conclusion
Overall, there are so many choices in the market right now for Bluetooth speakers. I’m pretty sure you’re bound to find one that will match your needs perfectly.
But if you really want a good quality device that will last you a long time, I would suggest going for the best-valued speaker your budget can give you. I assure you that the performance will be a lot better.
Do you already own a Bluetooth speaker? Or just recently bought one after reading this article? Let me know what you think! I’d love to discuss your experiences and insights with you.
If you’re already familiar with portable Bluetooth speakers, I’m pretty sure you have heard of JBL in one way or another. For quite some time now, JBL has a proven track record of producing the best quality speakers and headphones in the industry, and the JBL Flip 5 is no exception to that.
JBL’s latest iteration of their Flip line is a no-frills, all-purpose speaker you can carry around with you anytime and anywhere. Whether it be for partying, camping, picnicking, or just for singing in the shower and all over your house, the Flip 5 can amp up any music-listening session with ease.
For quite some time, the Flip 4 had been one of my go-to Bluetooth speakers for casual use. I’m not really one for parties or gatherings, mind you. So most of the time, I just use my Bluetooth speakers whenever I’m doing chores or relaxing on my own. But enough about me. You’re here for the Flip 5.
Just how great exactly is this portable Bluetooth speaker is?
Let’s find out what the fuss is all about surrounding the Flip 5 in our dedicated review below.
Usually, when a brand releases a new product into the market, it’s often equipped with better specs and improved features than the unit that came before it. So imagine my surprise when I found out that the JBL Flip 5 arrived with less features than its predecessor, the Flip 4.
Just like anyone else who was anticipating JBL’s latest Flip model, I wondered a lot about why they decided to go down this route and completely removed the AUX input. Personally, it’s a bit of a setback and I always believed it’s better to have that option than not.
Aside from the removal of the AUX input, there isn’t much of an improvement in terms of battery life with the Flip 5 compared to the Flip 4. JBL still maintained 12 hours of playtime with this iteration. However, it is really nice that they are now using USB-C for charging.
This kind of port helps in decreasing the charging time to just 2.5 hours to get your speaker fully charged. That’s an hour quicker than the Flip 4’s charging time even though the Flip 5’s battery is much bigger in comparison. To specify, the Flip 5 has 4800mAh, while the Flip 4 has only 3000mAh.
Despite those little setbacks, the Flip 5 is still a pretty solid Bluetooth speaker and I would still highly recommend this to anyone asking.
Sporting a cylinder shape and with the size almost the same as a regular thermal flask, the Flip 5 is very easy to take with you anywhere you go. It’s pretty lightweight and only actually weighs half a kilo. So I doubt this will cause a strain in your bag.
When it comes to performance, there’s really no doubting JBL’s prowess. They are one of the leading brands for that very reason. The Flip 5 delivers punchy, clear, and crisp sounds while being able to handle bass-heavy tracks with ease and without any kind of distortion in quality.
For its price, you are definitely getting every bang for your buck.
Who Needs The Flip 5?
Like any other product you can find in the market, there will always be a target audience for certain kinds of items. While some of you may think that portable Bluetooth speakers are one in the same and all serve the same purpose, you’re correct to an extent.
It’s best to note that not all speakers are built equally. Many of them differ quite a lot in terms of sound quality, durability, battery life and so much more. So this begs the question: for who is the JBL Flip 5 made for?
After some thorough research, the Flip 5 is the best option for you if you:
With the Flip 5’s IPX7 rating, you’re all covered when it comes to waterproofing your portable Bluetooth speaker. You can take this with you in your daily rinses or pampering sessions without worrying about causing any damage. Now you can sing your heart out and have your own concerts in the bathroom!
2. Are buying your first portable Bluetooth speaker.
The Flip 5 is very suitable for people who are looking to invest in their first-ever portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s great for beginners as this doesn’t have a lot of confusing features. The playback controls are quite specific along with the on/off switch and the Bluetooth button.
Overall, the Flip 5 does its job well and covers all the basics while providing you with one of the best quality sounds in the market. With a pretty affordable mid-range price and the quality you’re getting, it’s definitely worth every penny.
3. Love social activities.
Let’s face it, no social activity can ever be complete without the accompaniment of music. Without music, social gatherings can become dull and awkward. So if you love organizing parties, picnics, or any kind of social gatherings, you might want to take a look at the JBL Flip 5.
With the “PartyBoost” option, you can easily pair up other JBL speakers that have the same feature to amplify your tracks and create a bigger and bolder sound.
Features & Specifications
Dimensions: 3.64 x 3.6 x 8.5 inches
Item Weight: 1.2 pounds or 540 grams.
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: No.
Speakerphone: No.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Batteries Used: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
Battery Life: 12 hours of playtime. This varies by volume level and audio content.
Charging Time: 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Waterproof: Yes, for up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Dustproof: No.
Sandproof: No.
IP Rating: IPX7.
Warranty: To know this product’s warranty, you’ll need to directly contact their customer support team.
JBL has remained on top of its game for many years now and that’s because they only continue to pump out products that are terrific in quality with each passing time.
No surprise here when the Flip 5 have inherited those same factors (or what I call “JBL’s signature sound”) and was able to deliver an impressive performance. You get very crisp and clear highs and will hear no distortions of any kind once you play tracks that are more bass-heavy.
I found my music-listening experience with the Flip 5 overall pleasant. The sound quality I got was rich and cohesive with just enough texture and definition.
Rugged & Durable Design
If you’re looking to bring your Flip 5 to the outdoors, you’ll have no problem with this portable speaker in terms of durability. I think the same thing can be said to almost every JBL speaker, actually. Aside from high-quality sounds, JBL is also the go-to if you want a device that will last you for several years.
JBL is known for their products’ toughness, especially with their Bluetooth speakers. The Flip 5 is encased in a thick, durable fabric to survive any minor accidents.
With the IPX7 rating on the Flip 5, your device is 100% protected from any kind of water-related incidents. This speaker will still continue to work even when fully submerged below 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Affordability
Personally, I think that the Flip 5 has a pretty competitive price for the quality it delivers. Especially when you compare it to more premium brands.
While the Flip 5 is admittedly not the cheapest portable Bluetooth speaker you can find, it is still great for its value when you take into account what you’re getting from this speaker.
My Least Favorite Thing About The Flip 5
No Speakerphone Or AUX Input
Much to my disappointment, the Flip 5 doesn’t have a built-in mic or speakerphone to let you take your calls and also completely removed the AUX input. Even though the Flip 4 was equipped with the latter feature.
For some of you, these are probably not too big of a deal and that’s fine. As we head further in the future, the more we get accustomed to wireless products anyway.
So I guess JBL was thinking of the same thing and had foregone the AUX input.
Doesn’t Support Voice Assistance
Speaking of the future, you would think JBL would at least equip the Flip 5 with voice assistance. But alas, that did not happen.
I think having a voice assistance feature would’ve made a whole difference with this model and put it miles ahead of other competitors in the same range.
Perhaps, the next iteration would have voice assistance. But we’ll cross that bridge once it’s here.
In A Nutshell
Let’s dive into my narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Flip 5.
Pros
Easy to use and beginner-friendly.
Has USB-C charging.
Great value for its price.
High-quality sound and performance.
IPX7 rating makes it perfect for pool parties and other outdoor activities.
Wide range of colors to choose from.
Cons
Uses Bluetooth 4.2 only.
No speakerphone, built-in mic, Wi-Fi connectivity, AUX input, or support for voice assistance.
You can find better alternatives in the market if you want high-tech features.
Final Verdict
All in all, I think the Flip 5 is a pretty straightforward, portable Bluetooth speaker.
There are no frills, no high-tech or gimmicky features, just an unparalleled performance of impressive sound quality for your everyday use. If you don’t mind its simplicity, then you’ll absolutely enjoy this product.
Do you already own the JBL Flip or planning to buy one? Let me know what you think about this portable Bluetooth speaker in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your insights!
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 has always been a huge fan-favorite ever since its release. And for a lot of good reasons.
I’m sure just by reading the headline of this article you already know I absolutely love this portable speaker. I actually use it on the regular and I highly recommend this to anyone looking to buy a portable Bluetooth speaker. So I can fully attest to just how awesome this product performs.
This tiny yet powerful Bluetooth speaker promises big bass sound with its cylinder shape and 360-degree design. All the while, being almost indestructible with its IP67 rating.
Have I caught your attention yet? Curious as to how well this speaker performs? Then just keep scrolling to read my complete review of the Wonderboom 2.
For quite some time now, portable Bluetooth speakers have become so popular among the masses. I mean, what’s not to love? These devices are so easy to carry around they almost fit snugly in the palm of your hands, you can listen to and share music with anyone, and/or even start a party anytime and anywhere you choose.
And those are exactly the qualities the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 has to offer and more!
Manufactured by Ultimate Ears, they are a company that started way back in 1995 and initially produced what they claim as the “most kick-ass in-ear monitors the music industry had ever seen or heard”. I have not personally tested it yet myself (would love to, though) so that remains to be seen.
Some decades later, Ultimate Ears progressed to crafting portable Bluetooth speakers that are equipped with 360 degrees of sound with unparalleled quality and ruggedness in design. Then fast forward to where we are now, we have the Wonderboom 2, the latest iteration of their Wonderboom line.
Almost just like their other speakers in their lineup, the Wonderboom 2 also sports a 360-degree sound with impressive sound quality and rugged design.
But that’s pretty much where the similarities stop as the Wonderboom 2 had undergone upgrades, improvements, and tweaks that led it to be on top of everyone’s favorite list.
Aside from its top-tier design, the Wonderboom 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that can fit comfortably in the palm of your hands. It has a fabric loop on top so you can easily carry it or attach it to your bag by using a clip.
On its bottom, you’ll find the new “outdoor boost” button that enhances your listening experience to suit any outdoor environment you’re in. In addition, you also get a supposedly magic button. As interesting as that may sound, it’s actually just a button that can navigate and control your tracks.
Apart from the intuitive controls, the Wonderboom 2 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gives you up to 13 hours of playtime. And you only need to charge it for less than 3 hours to get a full battery.
Unfortunately to my disappointment, the Wonderboom 2 still uses a micro-USB port for charging. You can find this behind a waterproof cover on the speaker.
While IP67 is slowly becoming the standard for portable speakers, it’s still a pretty impressive feature to have for the Wonderboom 2 nonetheless. The Wonderboom 2 is 100% protected from accidental drops, dusts, sands, and can float to the surface of the water.
Features & Specifications
Dimensions: 3.68 x 3.68 x 4.02 inches
Item Weight: 15 ounces.
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Wireless Range: Mobile range for music playback is up to 100 ft (30 m).
Voice Assistance: No.
Speakerphone: No.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: 13 hours of playtime with a single charge.
Waterproof: Yes.
Dust and Sandproof: Yes.
Floats On Water: Yes.
IP Rating: IP67.
Warranty: 2-year limited hardware warranty.
Special Features: Noise cancellation, outdoor boost mode, double stereo, and a magic button that can play, pause, and skip your music or any content you’re listening to.
Check out Ultimate Ears’ preview of the Wonderboom 2 below.
When it comes to sound quality, there is no doubt that Ultimate Ears is one of the leading brands to look for. This applies to their full lineup of speakers and earphones and the Wonderboom 2 is no exception. That’s why this portable Bluetooth speaker remains to be my top favorite.
The Wonderboom 2 provides a much richer bass that I find is an improvement from its predecessor. The sound you hear is detailed and cohesive enough as far as listening to my playlists goes. You can easily notice the crisp instrumentals and vocals which is really awesome if you enjoy listening to ASMR like me.
The overall experience is just spine tingling.
All in all, it’s a solid performance and what you could expect for a Bluetooth speaker at this price range.
Durability
Just like with the Wonderboom 2’s sound quality, this speaker’s durability is as tough as it gets. The rugged design helps with that a lot and you’re assured that this will last for many years to come.
With an IP67 rating, your device is completely protected against particles such as dust and sand. You also won’t have to worry about accidentally dropping this to a pool or any body of water as this will surely float for your convenience.
Outdoor Boost Button
The outdoor boost button is a welcome addition to the Wonderboom 2. This makes the speaker a lot more suitable for outdoor activities such as camping, picnics, or even pool or beach parties!
If you’re skeptical whether such a tiny device can power up a party, then you’ll be happy to know that the “double-up” feature lets you pair up your Wonderboom 2 with another one to level up any party or listening sessions with your friends.
Battery Life
Depending how you’re using the Wonderboom 2, the battery life can either be enough or mediocre for you.
Personally, 13 hours of playtime is more than enough for me as I only tend to use my speaker for music and ASMR listening. Plus, you only ever need to charge this for about less than 3 hours to get a full charge and you’re ready to go.
Overall Design And Colors
The Wonderboom 2 sports a really adorable design in my opinion. It’s a chunky, cylinder shape that is really pleasant to hold in your hands. It’s lightweight and you can also opt to use the fabric loop on top of the speaker to carry it around with you anywhere you go.
The rugged exterior also helps in making this portable speaker safely protected from rigorous outdoor activities.
While aesthetics might not be a very important factor to some of you, it’s still pretty nice to have multiple colorways to choose from and have an aesthetically pleasing accessory around with you.
Least Favorite Things
The Wonderboom 2 Still Doesn’t Support USB-C Types
This factor can be a big deal breaker for some of you. Admittedly, this is the biggest flaw the Wonderboom 2 has.
In an age where our devices are moving on to using USB-C as the industry standard, it’s really troublesome and quite disappointing that Ultimate Ears still decided to use a micro USB port to charge this device.
The only saving grace is that they at least included a charging cable so you don’t have to buy one for yourself.
No Other Physical Inputs
While it’s not my biggest concern with the Wonderboom 2, it might be for some of you. If your primary source of music or podcasts or any content you want to listen to is just through Bluetooth connectivity then you’ll be fine with this speaker.
But if you’re looking to plug in your AUX for any additional audio, then you’ll be quite disappointed.
In A Nutshell
Here’s a narrowed down list of the good and the bad with the Wonderboom 2.
Pros
Portable and nice, rugged design.
Reasonable mid-range price.
High-quality 360-sound.
IP67 makes it suitable for a ton of other activities outside of showering. It’s also drop-proof, sand-proof, dust-proof, and it floats on the surface of the water.
The outdoor listening button enhances the user’s experience when they’re using the speaker outside of their homes.
A lot of fun and vibrant colorways to choose from.
Cons
It does not support voice assistance. For some, this might not be a big deal but to people who rely on this, it’s a huge downside.
No physical inputs like an AUX slot.
You don’t get software updates from the Ultimate Ears app.
Still doesn’t use USB-C for charging.
Final Verdict
I’ve already mentioned how much I love this product and how much I use it so you already know what I’m going to say. For such a tiny, portable Bluetooth speaker to produce a deep, rich bass with powerful yet crisp sounds while also being life-proof should be enough to convince you that this is one of the best of the best.
Overall, it’s a fantastic portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers on its promises.
But does that mean you should go out and buy it too?
Not at all.
At the end of the day, it is still up to you whether the Wonderboom 2 fits your preference and what you are looking for. My review is just here to help you have options and have the means to weigh them for consideration. I only hope I was able to do those and have been a great help in your purchasing decisions.
But if you ask me, this is where you should put your money in.
Do you already own the Wonderboom 2? Let me know about your experiences in the comments section below. I’d love to have discussions with you!
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two.
Do you love to sing in the shower? Do you like listening to good music while you do your daily rinse? I know I do. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of the best Bluetooth speakers for the shower this 2021.
For some of us, our daily showers can be a therapeutic and relaxing time. While to others, they just hop in and wash quickly before continuing their day. But however you prefer to do your daily rinse, I’m sure each of us has sung in the shower at least once in our lives.
For some unknown reason, we always seem to sound better in the shower too. It must have something to do with the acoustics. But hey, no complaints here though. Whatever it is, no need to get embarrassed by having sung in the shower before! There’s no judgment here.
However, as technology continues to progress, we are now at an age where Bluetooth speakers are a thing. Some of them come with waterproof technology too. Which makes playing music and bringing them in the shower with us so much more convenient. Thus, the creation of this article.
Let’s face it, our smartphones just don’t cut it anymore and most of them are too quiet against the loud noise of falling water. So if you’re on the lookout for the best Bluetooth speakers for showers for 2021, your prayers have been answered as the speaker gods have brought you to me.
Jokes aside, just continue reading to find out my top recommendations for you.
My Top Recommendations
1. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2
Overview
Ultimate Ears is one of the best manufacturers and brands you can buy from in terms of speakers. Period.
For years, they have delivered and provided us with the best Bluetooth speakers in the market. Whether you’re in a budget or looking for something more premium, Ultimate Ears have the perfect options for you.
So it’s not a big surprise they have taken the top spot on our list. This model is also a personal favorite of mine. I actually own this Bluetooth speaker even before writing up this article and have been regularly using it. I guess you can say I’m a big fan as well as I can attest to this speaker’s greatness.
Despite its small and portable size, the WONDERBOOM 2 packs a punch in terms of sound quality. This particular Bluetooth speaker provides a bigger 360 sound and additional bass for its users.
In addition, this speaker has a new “outdoor boost” button as well. By pushing this button, your speaker instantly increases in loudness and clarity for outdoor listening. This feature also makes it absolutely perfect for shower listening as the falling water can sometimes drown out our music.
Some other noteworthy features to mention as well are its long-lasting 13-hr battery life and its IP67 rating. This means it’s waterproof, dustproof and it floats! So yes, it’s not just suitable for shower use. You can also use it for big adventures and outdoor trips like camping or pool parties without worrying about your speaker breaking.
So whether it be their speakers’ high-quality sound, durability, or even the wide range of colorways to choose from, Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is truly the best option out there for your daily rinse.
JBL is another leading manufacturer in the Bluetooth speaker industry. It’s actually quite popular among many people, and I see many of them see JBL as their go-to brand.
This comes as no surprise as JBL puts out one of the best speakers in the market as well. That’s why their Flip 5 took our second spot on our best Bluetooth Speakers for the shower 2021 list.
But favoritism aside, the JBL speaks for itself. And I think a lot of reviewers across different platforms will agree. You really have to test it out for yourself to know just how awesome this Bluetooth speaker is. Especially inside your bathroom.
Falling within the $100 price range, it’s quite hard to find a Bluetooth speaker that performs just as well as the Flip 5. It has an IPX7 rating with very solid bass and a great sense of acoustics. Additionally, you also get 12 hours of playtime and you can easily pair up multiple speakers with the party boost feature.
For some people, the 12 hours of playtime that you’re getting with the JBL Flip 5 in a single charge is a little underwhelming. However in this case, if you’re only using it for your daily rinses, I would say that is more than enough.
Taking the third spot in our best Bluetooth speakers for the shower list is the Bose SoundLink Color II.
Bose is no stranger when it comes to producing top-of-the-line speakers. Whether you’re a speaker enthusiast or not, I’m sure every one of us has heard of Bose. They’re practically a household name in terms of creating good quality speakers, headphones, and other tech gadgets.
They’ve been in the game for so many years now and that only gave them the advantage of constantly improving their craft to attain perfection. Or at least the highest quality of sound they can provide with their speakers.
Don’t be fooled by its tiny design though as this portable Bluetooth speaker is equipped with innovative Bose technology that fits bold and loud sounds into a small, water resistant speaker.
Aside from that, the Bose SoundLink Color II also has built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference or personal calls out loud with a wireless range of approximately 30 feet. While I doubt you’ll answer phone calls during your showers, it’s still a pretty handy feature to have. Especially in case of emergencies.
If you’re only using this particular speaker during showers, the 8-hour battery life shouldn’t be much of a problem. Though if you want to also use this for other activities, you’ll find this quite mediocre or even below average.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: Only if you connect it to your phone and use the Bose app.
Speakerphone: Yes.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IPX4
Pros
Very portable and sleek design.
You get the option for voice assistance by connecting your phone and installing the app to access it.
It has a built-in mic as well to access your speakerphone.
Cons
A little expensive compared to other speakers within its range.
Another product from Ultimate Ears is their MEGABLAST speakers.
Undoubtedly, the MEGABLAST speaker from Ultimate Ears is probably one of the most rich-sounding speakers I’ve ever heard in my life. And that is no exaggeration. With the 360-degree design, this speaker provides you with stunning clarity and heart-pounding bass with up to 12 hours of battery life.
The MEGABLAST is not necessarily built mainly for shower use, but with that kind of sound quality, you will surely feel like you’re having your own concert in your bathroom. This can also be used for other activities requiring powerful Bluetooth speakers.
Aside from the great sound quality, you also get a built-in Amazon Alexa, which is one of my favorite features from this speaker. Amazon Alexa allows you to have hands-free voice control for easy access. Just simply ask her to play your music from any app on your phone or change tracks, or ask for weather updates, and a lot more things!
Ultimate Ears also boasts that the MEGABLAST is virtually indestructible with its IP67 rating.
If that’s not enough to convince you, you can also update your MEGABLAST with the Ultimate Ears app as new features become available over time.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: Yes.
Voice Assistance: Yes, with the built-in Amazon Alexa.
Speakerphone: Yes.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of battery life.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IP67.
Pros
Really great and powerful sound quality along with a very rich bass due to the 360-degree design.
The built-in Amazon Alexa allows for diverse features and functions with the speaker.
IP67 makes the MEGABLAST very durable and sure to last for many years.
The last speaker I will be including from the Ultimate Ears line is the Boom 3.
I understand if you tell me you want to see other speakers from other brands but I promise there’s plenty of good reasons as to why the Boom 3 takes the fifth spot in our best Bluetooth speakers for the shower 2021 list.
At first glance, you might think the Boom 3 and the previously mentioned MEGABLAST are quite the same. And I agree. They don’t stray very far from each other when it comes to structuring. They both sport cylinder designs with 360-degree speakers for an immersive and crystal-clear music-listening experience.
Though keep in mind they do have very distinct differences such as the Boom 3 doesn’t come with a built-in Amazon Alexa but it does have a battery life of up to 15 hours. They also differ in size with the Boom 3 being a little more portable than the other as well as having more color options to choose from.
So if you have concerns with how big the MEGABLAST is, the Boom 3 could be the better option for you. Either way, both speakers perform solidly and are undeniably one of the best Bluetooth speakers in the market right now. It all comes down to your preference.
Not to mention, the Boom 3 also comes with an all new “magic” button wherein you can conveniently play, pause, skip, and control any streaming music directly on the Bluetooth speaker with one touch of a button. if you’re using an Android device, you can also set up custom one-touch playlists for Spotify.
Just like the MEGABLAST, the Boom 3 also gets a rating of IP67. So you are rest assured that this speaker is not only life-proof but will also last you for a very long time.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: No.
Speakerphone: No.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IP67.
Pros
Aesthetically pleasing design with multiple unique colors to choose from.
Rich and immersive sound quality.
A good alternative to the MEGABLAST from Ultimate Ears.
Up to 15 hours of battery life or playtime.
Intuitive controls with the “magic” button.
IP67 rating for a durable and life-proof model.
You can sync this model with previous Ultimate Ears models and pair it up with over 150 speakers and create the ultimate surround sound experience.
Cons
On the pricier side in comparison with its competitors.
If you’re on the hunt for a heavy-duty Bluetooth speaker with a rugged design that can last you up to 20 hours of playtime, then the JBL Charge 4 might exactly be what you’re looking for.
The Charge 4 is probably one of the most durable Bluetooth speakers I’ve come across with. And since it’s manufactured by JBL, you already know that the sound quality will be top tier.
Usually made for outdoor activities such as beach parties or camping, you can still bring this speaker for your daily rinses without a fuss as it’s waterproof with an IPX7 rating. Now, who says you can’t have your own party of one in the shower?
Adding to its list of impressive qualities, the JBL Charge 4 is equipped with a built-in rechargeable li-ion 7800mAh battery that you can charge for 4 hours to get a full 20 hours of playtime. If that’s not enough, the high-capacity battery also doubles as a power bank for charging your devices efficiently.
Using the JBL Connect Plus technology, you can seamlessly and wirelessly connect more than a hundred speakers to amplify any party or if you wish, your shower sessions.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: No.
Speakerphone: No.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of playtime.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IPX7.
Other features: Can double as a power bank for your devices.
Pros
It’s more affordable when you compare it to other brands that offer the same features.
You can also use this as an alternative for your power bank to charge up your other devices.
You get 20 hours of playtime in a single 4-hour charge.
Durable and rugged design.
Cons
Not as portable compared to other speakers in this list. You might need a larger perch for this particular Bluetooth speaker.
If you’re willing to spend on a more premium product, why not try setting your sights on the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Series II?
I can say wholeheartedly the SoundLink Revolve+ Series II is one of the best sounding speakers in the market right now as well as in Bose’s line of portable Bluetooth speakers. The only thing holding it back is the steep price tag attached to it. So I guess that’s why I don’t see as much rave about it as the other products I’ve already mentioned.
Apart from the powerful and deeper 360-degree sound it delivers, the SoundLink Revolve Series II is quite multi-functional. It’s equipped with a lot of fun features that makes the overall user experience much more impressive.
Such fun features include a built-in microphone for you to take calls or accessing your device’s default voice assistant straight from your SoundLink Revolve+ Series II. You can also opt to connect the speaker to an Amazon Alexa-enabled device, like the Echo Dot, for even more hands-free control of your music, podcasts, and etc.
In terms of portability, you will appreciate the flexible fabric handle attached to it for easy grabbing and moving around when you want to use it in different places and for other purposes outside of showering.
With an improved battery life of 17 hours, you get a longer playtime compared to the original SoundLink Revolve+. The only downside is that it uses a Micro-B USB port for charging. This could be a bit of a step back if most of your devices are currently using USB-C.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: You can activate voice assistance by connecting your speaker to your Amazon Alexa or Echo Dot. It also has Siri and Google Assistance.
Speakerphone: Yes.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of playtime.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IP55
Other features: Bose Connect app allows you to update your speakers for future software updates over time.
Pros
You get a lot of features such as a built-in mic for taking calls, you can get voice assistance by connecting to Amazon Alexa or Echo Dot as well as access to Google assistance and Siri.
17 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Your speaker gets future software updates through the Bose Connect app.
Durable and portable design while maintaining a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
Cons
This model uses a Micro-B USB port. Quite a step back since most devices nowadays are supporting USB-C types.
Very expensive.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II)?
If you’re looking for something quite different, you might want to check out the Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead by Kohler.
This particular Bluetooth speaker is perfect for people who are only looking to invest in a speaker primarily for showering. The unique design is a hybrid between a showerhead and a speaker which you can magnetically dock onto your existing showerhead to use during your daily rinses.
Admittedly, when I first heard about this product, I was skeptical and found it gimmicky. But to my surprise, it actually works pretty well.
With sound quality designed by Harman Kardon, the Moxie speaker was made and tuned for the acoustics of your shower space. This is so you don’t have to turn up the volume to hear your music against the falling water or sacrifice the sound quality.
If you want to use the speaker separately, you can easily remove it from the showerhead and play it anywhere in your house or on the go. Additionally, when the speaker is attached to the showerhead, you won’t experience any dropping, drooping, or disruption of the water flow during your showers.
In terms of battery life, you get up to 9 hours of playtime in a single charge.
Features & Specifications
Bluetooth: Yes.
Wi-Fi: No.
Voice Assistance: No.
Speakerphone: No.
Battery-powered: Yes.
Battery Life: Up to 9 hours of playtime.
Waterproof: Yes.
IP Rating: IPX7
Other features: The speaker can be magnetically docked onto your showerhead or used separately.
Pros
Really unique and one-of-a-kind design.
Portable and you can separate the speaker easily from the showerhead whenever you want.
You get a 2-in-1 product that provides the optimum shower experience for you.
Cons
Not the most budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker on this list.
IPX rating is pretty mediocre. Be careful not to spray the front of the speaker with too much water.
Battery life is below average.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
Where Can I Buy The KOHLER Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead?
What To Look For In A Bluetooth Speaker For Your Shower
Now that we’ve covered the best models of Bluetooth speakers to use during your showers, let’s dive in to discussing the things you need to consider and look for in a Bluetooth speaker before you make that purchase.
IP Rating
Of course, when your primary use for Bluetooth speakers is during your daily rinses then getting a waterproof speaker should be common sense.
That being said, an IP rating will determine just how waterproof and durable your Bluetooth speaker is.
When you see a Bluetooth speaker that has a rating of IP67, it means it’s 100% protected from solid objects like dust and sand as well as protection from accidental drops. It also has been tested to work for at least 30 minutes while being fully submerged from 15cm to 1 meter of water.
Usually, an IP rating lower than that just means your device is only protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction, as well as condensation and water sprays. Any dust or sand particle might potentially damage your Bluetooth speakers.
Luckily for us, a lot of manufacturers are setting a standard of IP67 ratings on their Bluetooth speakers nowadays. So if you can get one with that IP rating, I would highly recommend it.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the most important things to consider before completely investing in a Bluetooth speaker. Especially when you’re using it in the shower, you would want to clearly hear and jam to your music as loud as possible without drowning in the noise of the falling water.
It can be quite difficult to fully assess a speaker’s sound quality if you’re purchasing online, though. Even with the help of online reviews from YouTube, the actual sound it produces will be vastly different in real life. So I would recommend going out to try the actual device in a physical store instead if you can.
Voice Assistance
Voice assistance can either be a big deal for some especially when they’ve come to rely on this function a lot. And I have to say, while I don’t necessarily use this regularly, it’s a pretty useful feature.
Depending on where your speaker will be placed in your bathroom, voice assistance can help a lot in controlling your music or podcasts while you shower so you won’t have to move around the area a lot.
Some Bluetooth speakers offer this feature by having a built-in Amazon Alexa or letting you connect the device to a smart AI device like Echo Dot.
Portability
Most Bluetooth speakers in the market are already quite portable. But keep in mind not every device is built equally. You will come to find that some are lighter than others and easier to move around in different places.
If you’re just going to use your speaker primarily during your daily rinses, then a slightly bigger speaker won’t be too much of a problem as it will most likely just be perched on top of a shelf or a counter.
At the end of the day, it’s really up to you how much weight you’re willing to carry in terms of a Bluetooth speaker.
Battery Life
If you will just be using your Bluetooth speaker for showering, a 12-hr battery life is more than enough in my personal opinion. After all, most of us only use the shower for less than an hour.
However, longer battery lives are still a great bonus as this means less charging for us and more hours of playtime for us. This also makes your Bluetooth speaker more versatile as you can use it for other activities like outdoor or indoor parties, camping, workout sessions, and so much more.
Conclusion
Overall, I have to say that Bluetooth speakers, in general, have been a growing prevalence in our homes and day-to-day activities. Whether it be listening to music, podcasts, for parties, or anything else, a good Bluetooth speaker just positively enhances our daily experiences.
No wonder we have caught the habit of bringing our speakers during our showers as well. Your daily rinse doesn’t have to be a chore and you can easily make it more fun by investing in a Bluetooth speaker.
It is an absolute necessity? Of course not, but it does help a lot in many ways. That’s why the market for Bluetooth speakers is increasing every single day. This is a great plus for us as this means we have endless access and options in finding the right Bluetooth speakers to take with us in the shower.
So if you have the budget to spare, getting a Bluetooth speaker is very handy to help enhance your relaxation and daily rinses.
Did you favorite Bluetooth speaker make it to the list? Let me know what your thoughts and insights are with the list in the comments section below!
