Speak up!

November 2, 2019 6:08 AM

I listen to music streaming from a classical radio station on my android smartphone. I'd like to hear it through better speakers. I listen through the phone in only one room in my house, so portability is not necessary. What are my options? Under $100, if possible.
posted by Dolley to Technology (11 answers total)

The Wirecutter has never done me wrong. Their top pick for portable Bluetooth speaker is $80, and they also have a budget pick for $33.
posted by ejs at 6:49 AM on November 2, 2019 [2 favorites]

I happened upon it by chance when I won it at bingo, but I love my Sony SRS-XB10 Bluetooth speaker. (Its bigger cousin is in the Wirecutter review above.) It's adorable and the sound is solid. I think it's going for around $59.99 currently.
posted by lesser weasel at 7:00 AM on November 2, 2019

This speaker from Ikea+Sonos is surprisingly nice and has no microphone, just Bluetooth + output, $99
posted by zachxman at 7:01 AM on November 2, 2019

I really like my JBL Flip 4. (I know you said portability is not an issue, but you may be surprised at how handy it can be to take around.)
posted by Bron at 7:16 AM on November 2, 2019 [2 favorites]

I have an Anker SoundCore 2 (not reviewed by that Wirecutter review) and I've been pleasantly surprised by the power and clarity of the sound when listening to opera and the like, for under $40.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 7:17 AM on November 2, 2019

I've got the Tribit XSound Go from the Wirecutter review and it is great.
posted by Preserver at 7:21 AM on November 2, 2019

Buying a portable speaker for stationary listening means losing some sound quality. I've got the fancier version of these Edifier bookshelf monitors at home and love them. The brand has a bunch of models you can pick to go up or down in price too. (not all have Bluetooth - beware.)
posted by Wulfhere at 7:58 AM on November 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

I know you said under $100, but for only $30 more you can get a Google Home. It's not going to be the best audio quality you can buy at that price, but it is still significantly better than your phone, and it has all the benefits of being connected to the internet with all the streaming media available there, google assistant etc etc. Of course, you gotta be ok with having that in your house with the privacy concerns but if you are I'd definitely recommend considering it.

I say this after spending hundreds of dollars on random bluetooth speakers (including at least two of the ones recommended above) I've realized the $40 Google Mini is, feature for feature, the best darn bluetooth speaker for me. I have one in every room. But I'm not exactly an audiophile and it's bigger brother the Google Home's sound quality is significantly better if you're only ever going to be in a single location.
posted by cgg at 9:35 AM on November 2, 2019

Response by poster: Yes, it's online only. Thanks to all who have responded so far. Lots to think about.
posted by Dolley at 3:47 PM on November 2, 2019

I have the Wirecutter-recommended UE Wonderboom and like it a lot.
posted by radioamy at 9:32 PM on November 2, 2019

I love my JBL Flip 4 and have given them as gifts to friends. They have all been received well.
posted by jpziller at 1:52 AM on November 3, 2019