How we tested
Mashable developed this guide by sifting through our current and past party speaker reviews. In recent years, we’ve tested dozens of Bluetooth speakers from brands such as JBL, Sony, Marshall, LG, Beats, and Anker Soundcore. Here are the major factors we looked at when compiling our favorite party speakers:
Sound quality: We tested each speaker by playing different media formats, including audiobooks, music, movies, podcasts, and video games. When available, audio codecs and equalizer settings were cycled through to see how they impacted the sound of a speaker. Full volume range was also accounted for to examine balance and potential distortion of sound. Other notable sound features we checked out were adaptive audio modes, digital assistance (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri), mono and stereo, and speakerphone capability.
Battery life: Our reviewers spent one week monitoring power levels through moderate use (4 to 5 hours daily) and a second week monitoring heavy use (more than 6 hours daily). This allowed them to properly assess how often a speaker needed to be recharged. Any models with a built-in power bank were used to portably recharge compatible devices (typically smartphones and tablets). Battery-draining culprits like multipoint, RGB lightning, and volume had been carefully watched as well.
Design: Craftsmanship and size were evaluated to see if a speaker was best suited for a bookshelf, desktop, entertainment system, or outdoor setting (e.g., balcony, patio). We looked at ingress protection (IP) ratings to verify dust-, dirt-, shock-, splash-, and water-resistant/proof claims. Any speakers with attachable or built-in handles were carried multiple times to observe how portable-friendly they were.
Connectivity: Most current party speakers run on Bluetooth 5.0 (or higher). Our reviewers paired each speaker to media devices operating on iOS/macOS, Android, and Windows. This provided a greater sense of compatibility. Range was tested by placing each speaker in different locations at a specified distance (up to 60 feet) from our connected audio source.
Value: Whether you’re spending $100 or $1,000, you want a party speaker that offers the most bang for your buck. Pricier options often come with high-end sound and special features. That doesn’t mean you can’t find less expensive options that perform similarly in certain areas. As we expand our testing pool, we’ll take into consideration how different speakers match up to their competitors.
