Small Bluetooth Speaker Limitations

Out of all the bluetooth speakers I’ve had, ranging from real mini little $30 ones to much more expensive $200-300, all of them have been quite crappy. It is simply science that the sound will not be as good, even with using the same technology, in such tiny speakers when compared to a full, good-sized speaker. I have one from 2000 and it sounds MILES better than even the most expensive tiny little one I have, and was almost just as cheap. I guess what I’m getting at here is I don’t know why companies are starting to make more and more little tiny speakers. When that’s not what the customers want, at least me, anyways! In addition, Bluetooth, even while being around for countless years, it, to be honesty, really crappy. The range and reliability are TERRIBLE. Speaking of Bluetooth, Anker’s SoundCore Sport XL claims it will go 60 ft. HAHA. Do NOT buy that speaker if you think you’ll be getting that range out of it. I struggled terribly just to get 30. It just really puzzles me why companies are spending so much money into these things that are, before long, not going to be thought of as cool by consumers and just ending up unsuccessful. Anyways, I’m done with my little rant, and tell me what you guys think? Do you own any Bluetooth, mini speakers, and, if so, do you think they’re even close to being worth it in comparison to your traditional speakers. Let me know. Also, please not that I’m not targeting Anker in any way whatsoever with this. I just wanted to get my thoughts out there about ALL Bluetooth speakers in general. By no means am I just talking about Anker’s, which are some of the best ones out there for the price, but in general I just don’t think this concept is going to be going very far. I look forward to all of the input you guys have!

Thanks, however I never said Anker lies haha and I was just using that as an example to show how Bluetooth isn’t there yet. Every company has their own marketing fluff, and I would like to refer you back to my original post where I specifically say that I’m not targeting Anker. Also if you look at SoundGuys review on YouTube, they say much of the same. It’s also unfair to accuse me of no proof and the lack of proper testing a equipment when you provided me with none either, haha. AnywYs, do you agree with my points or disagree because I kind of got a mixed message. I’m perfectly fond of there are a few people out there who don’t agree, so long as they make a good argument!

Simple thing is anything Bluetooth (or just signal based) will not fully meet up to the manufacturers range estimation in average indoor environments, as you have walls and various materials to contend with that will impact the signal. If you have line of sight, you have a good chance but can still get issues, again due to materials in the area.

As for their 66ft range estimate, I would say it’s on the money, I can have the speaker in the rear garden and be stood at the front of the house (around 19-20 meters) and no one mentioned audio issues as long as their was a line of sight to the speaker, put the house between the phone and the speaker, a whole other ball game :smile:

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Well here we are once again. Did you even read my original post!?!? I’ve told you twice to, but NO. Well let me tell you, if you had, you would no that I WASN’T bashing on Anker whatsoever, just simply explaining my thoughts on small Bluetooth Speakers in general and how they just aren’t there!!! Please man read what I said, lol.

Haha yes I would also like to direct you to my original post where I’m not bashing Anker, but I think you understand better anyways. I suppose these manufacturers should also put a range for indoors and between walls, which is probably 80% of the time. But my main complaint involved in this thread was not to bash manufacturers but rather to complain about the products that EVERYONE’S making. Heck I don’t even mini speakers that much. I believe bigger speakers are WAY better and you don’t even have to pay as much, but they still have a BT option!

Can’t say I’ve had a problem with any bluetooth speaker or headset to be honest. Bluetooth range is inherently different on each phone/device. Due to what they are made of and how they are constructed.
It’s a bit like car manufactures stating MPG on new cars. Always assume you’ll get at least 10 below what they state due to variations in driving, road conditions etc.
So long as you keep that in mind, and your devices is capable of the correct bluetooth version there should be no problem.

My little SoundCore Mini is currently sitting on top of the kitchenette wall at work, providing Christmas songs to 6 offices and an open plan hot desk area with ease (Everyone in this area can connect to it).
Already a few people have picked it up and taken a note of what it is for Christmas gifts today. So clearly people are liking it sound wise. As for people connecting to it, noone has reported an issue and we use a variety of devices.

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Nice comparison. As far as any sort of Bluetooth audio device, I’ve had almost next to no issues myself, perhaps the occasional re-pair / re-set when I’ve had several different devices connected…that’s it

Slightly off topic, but, probably one of the tidiest kitchenette areas I’ve seen for a workplace, no mountains of washing up or food stuck to the walls :grin:

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It does get pretty bad some times, but my boss takes annoyance at it every week or so and cleans it all.
Her opinion of clean is way higher than anyone else in IT :smiley:

hmmm… Maybe that’s why I created this thread. Haha also I never told anyone not to buy that speaker for that issue, ever, not even close. Finally, this thread was not really made to specify Bluetooth range on one speaker too (clearly you keep ignoring that part lol) but rather to see how far Bluetooth has come as a whole and not only that but small speakers’ performance in general, not just their BT function. Could you clarify for me what you meant by business concept… this is the very first time you’ve brought that up. And then you say you’re not even going to try to have me understand it… what even dude?

They make them because they enjoy making money. It’s not that hard of a concept. Cheaper to package and ship and they cost very little to make and they will be able to retire earlier. You can still buy big speakers just not very much offered online due to logistics.
If you want big speakers go buy them at a store that deals with high end audio but trust me they are not cheap unless you think the cheap ones sound as good. I personally agree with a lot of what you say about big speakers sounding more full but I used to own a $2000 Bose acoustimass system with tiny speakers and equalizer and sub and it was unbelievable good sound and the imaging was superb but not Bluetooth. I love my Bluetooth speakers for the convenience as I don’t want big speakers in my kitchen, on my deck or by the fire when I am camping. I also love my Polk audio floor standing speakers for my theater room and I have a Bluetooth connected Sub that sounds awesome with them. I am a little confused if your main complaint is Bluetooth or small speakers as they are two separate discussions.

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FYI @cava3395 , your battery is getting low. Get that powercore working!

Get a new hobby, please and Merry Christmas!

Agree. Also we have a Sonos speaker system in our house and thank goodness they don’t use BT!!! Never once had an issue!

Ok I’m very curious how many people would agree with what you just said. You seem to be quite bias. I think people would appreciate me letting them know my experiences with the product and identify marketing fluff, not saying I don’t like Anker, at all though. It seems as though you would review a product as one of the ‘worst’ power users out there. If you completely disagree with me though that is fine! May I also inform you that I would consider Anker to specialize in Customer Service, so if you’re going to say it’s my responsibility as a power user to advertise / promote Anker, you might want to check with them on that subject first. Also perhaps people like you are why Amazon has banned reviewers that are getting their products for free to review. I am interested on whether or not you would like to provide any input on large speakers vs tiny ones though and the simple science that goes into. It would be quite the coincidence if you came up with something there, too. Anyways you have a nice day.

Who were you talking to, haha? Regardless, you have a Merry Christmas too! Any input on the topic though?

What battery app do you use?

I’m sorry. I have now updated my post that reflects your comments!

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Who needs to be 66 ft from their phone/speaker and vice versa. Use it how its intended and we’ll all sleep well at night.

I guess I am not passionate enough about Bluetooth too know specs, stats or better alternatives.

I’ve got Bluetooth in my Regal Turbo, Logitech Speaker, and just got Plantronics Back beat fit. All seem to work fine enough for me, my cell is usually close enough to not have issues.

I hope the technology advances enough for all of us.

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