While dedicated home theatre sound systems are cool and offer a decent sound experience for your home entertainment, they are not very useful when you want to take the entertainment outdoors. This as they need a dedicated power source, something that is not always accessible outdoors.
That’s where portable Bluetooth speakers come in handy and boy do we have a whole plethora of these in the market today. In this post, we shall be looking at our top picks for Bluetooth speakers that you might want to try out in 2024.
Related:
- Top 5 Portable Bluetooth Speakers That Support Amazon Alexa
- The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Keyboards to Buy in 2023
To keep things simple, we shall be looking at speakers that go for less than KES 10,000, the idea being that you might not be looking to fork out an arm and a leg for something like this because chances are that you have a more elaborate system at home.
With that out of the way, here are my top picks.
Oraimo Bass Go Boom
Unless you’re really out of touch with tech and consumer products in Kenya, you know about Oraimo. This company has, over the past couple of years, offered users really high-quality accessories like chargers, powerbanks and TWS at reasonable prices. This is the brand to go for is value for money is your goal.
The company has no shortage of TWS options for you and in the spirit of foraying into adjacent market segments, they also have really good quality Bluetooth speakers and my pick for this list is the Oraimo Bass Go Boom.
Related:
- Oraimo TWS Buying Guide: Which Oraimo Wireless Earbuds should you buy?
- Oraimo Bass Go Boom Wants to Give You Premium Party Sound on a Budget
This is a 30W Bluetooth speaker with big promises in terms of battery life although many reviews urge prospective owners to tame their expectations on this one. The Bass Go Boom has LED lights to further enhance the experience and detachable straps for easy carrying.
You can also pair two or more Bass Go Boom speakers for an immersive stereo setup. However, there have been reports of distortion at high volumes with this product so that’s something else to keep in mind. In Kenya, this speaker is pretty sought after and will set you back between Ksh. 7500 and Ksh. 9000 depending on where you source it from.
Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) was released back in February 2021 so it is pretty old by now. But it sure does deliver what it is meant for, especially for the price.
Pros:
- Affordable: Widely praised for its budget-friendly price.
- Compact and portable: Lightweight and small, making it easy to carry around.
- Decent sound quality: Suitable for casual listening, with clear highs and balanced mids.
- IPX7 waterproof: Able to withstand splashes and even temporary submersion.
- Long battery life: Offers up to 13 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- Built-in microphone: Allows for hands-free calls.
- True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing: Lets you connect two speakers for wider stereo sound.
Cons:
- Lower power output: At 16W, it may not be loud enough for large gatherings or outdoor parties.
- Limited bass: Bass response is decent but not powerful, not ideal for bass-heavy genres.
- Simple design: Lacks advanced features like a light show or multi-pairing capabilities.
- Some complaints about build quality: A few reviewers mentioned concerns about the durability of the buttons and fabric covering.
There is no official information about Xiaomi releasing a sequel to the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W). As it’s still actively sold and relatively new, a direct replacement seems unlikely shortly. However, Xiaomi may release similar speakers with updated features or specifications in the future.
The Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (16W) offers good value for the price, making it a decent option for casual listening and outdoor use. However, if you need a more powerful speaker with richer bass or advanced features, other options might be more suitable.
Vision Plus Level Up
I have a Vision Plus Soundbar in my home entertainment setup and I am pretty happy with it. My brother has a Vision Plus TV and he seems to be happy with it as well so we have all agreed that the public opinion of this brand notwithstanding, they do offer solid products.
So when I saw an ad for a Bluetooth speaker from Vision Plus, I was mildly excited, to say the least. So what does this have to offer? Well, it is a 12W speaker so maybe not the punchiest of this lot.
Pros:
- Solid audio quality: Suitable for gatherings or office use.
- Durable design: Waterproof (IP66) and made from durable materials.
- Easy to use: Big buttons and straightforward controls.
- Versatile: Can be used for playing music, making calls, and charging other devices.
- Multiple connection options: Bluetooth, AUX input, NFC, and USB play.
However, it’s important to consider some potential downsides as well:
Cons:
- Limited information: No official specifications or price information readily available online.
- Brand awareness: Vision Plus might not be as well-known as some other speaker brands, so researching quality and warranty options is crucial.
- Sound signature unknown: No reviews or information available about the specific sound signature, making it difficult to gauge bass response or sound characteristics.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly speaker with the mentioned features and don’t mind researching the brand further, the Vision Plus Level Up could be a good option. However, if you prioritize brand recognition, detailed specifications, or specific sound quality, you might want to compare it to other speakers in the same price range with more readily available information.
Related:
- YouTube Music and YouTube Premium Finally Available in Kenya: Here are the Prices
- 5 Best Offline Music Players for Android in 2024
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is known for its powerful sound, 360° light show, and IPX7 waterproof rating. Delivers 20W of power with BassUp technology for enhanced bass, suitable for small parties or outdoor gatherings.
It supports Bluetooth 5.0, AUX input, and microSD card playback for versatility. Connect up to 100 Flare 2 speakers for synchronized sound and light show, ideal for larger gatherings. It advertises a 13-hpur playtime but this is clearly overambitious.
You can use the Soundcore app to customize the light show, adjust EQ settings, and control playback remotely. Yes, it comes with a dual light rings that pulse, phase, and shine to the beat of your music, creating a festive atmosphere.
However, keep in mind that the Flare 2 isn’t the most pocket-friendly option, and its bass response, while decent, might not satisfy serious bass lovers. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and budget. Do you prioritize a portable party starter with impressive visuals? Then the Flare 2 could be your shining star.
Oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker
The Oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a portable speaker with a 12W output and an IPX5 waterproof rating. It has a beat-driven lightshow, FM radio, and AUX input. The speaker has a battery life of up to 6 hours with the lights on.
Here are some of the key features of the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker:
- 12W output for powerful sound
- IPX5 waterproof rating for protection from rain and spills
- Beat-driven lightshow for a more immersive experience
- FM radio for listening to your favorite stations
- AUX input for connecting to wired devices
- Battery life of up to 6 hours with the lights on
Overall, the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a good option for those looking for a portable speaker with a powerful sound, IPX5 waterproof rating, and a variety of features.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker:
Pros:
- Powerful sound
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Beat-driven lightshow
- FM radio
- AUX input
- Good battery life
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- The lightshow can be draining on the battery
- Not the most portable speaker on the market
If you are looking for a portable speaker with a powerful sound, IPX5 waterproof rating, and a variety of features, then the oraimo Rover 12W FM Wireless Speaker is a good option for you. However, if you are on a budget or looking for a more portable speaker, then there may be better options available.
Conclusion
There are many options in the market for whatever budget you are working with but let’s be honest, many of the options below Ksh 10,000 are knockoffs or don’t quite deliver on the promise. Reputable brands in the west like Anker and JBL are also available in Kenya but the price is well above reach for many Kenyans who just want something decent.
In Kenya, Oraimo is really making a name for itself and aside from the Bass Go Boom, there are other really solid options to check out and their prices are pretty fair for Kenyan standards. Those are my go-to but I appreciate that you might have other preferences.
I’d love to hear about them. What’s your go-to Bluetooth Speaker?
