Bluetooth battery speaker

[Lurking]

i wanted to upgrade my old Blackweb BT speaker (is this,  from 2016). Main issues i like to resolve:

- should have USB-C charging (my old one has micro-USB)

- maybe a bit better sound (listen to mp3 from my phone). Definitely not worse.

- controls that at least set the volume with physical buttons. the one i have has touch sensors on top (it is different than the picture I linked above!). so in the bathroom with wet fingers it is hard to set)

- volume should start with last setting or at least a lower setting. The one i have always starts at maximum volume and i then have to turn down the volume. 

- IPX rating is nice, but not essential

- compact, but not too small to compromise sound

- battery life isn't crucial since i use it in the house and can plug it in a lt. But a modern battery life would be nice

- should be easy to turn off (so sound transfers back to my BT headphones. i used to have small Sony BT speaker and it was a pain procedure to disconnect it. 

- Modern BT that reaches further than the official 10m. My old device literally cuts off at 10m. i noticed more modern BT devices reach further (My phone is a Pixel 6Pro, and future phones also will be flagship phones, so the phone side will have modern BT)

- Don't need speaker phone or other features. in fact, fewer such features is better for easier use. 

- battery level indicator ( through phone BT setting would be fine)

 

I don't even know which brands are good, and obviously hard to read specs about sound. i do like sound to be like the music. So the devices that provide (extra bass" etc. may not be what i want. On amazon i came across anker. is that a god starting point? i also saw Sony and other historical brands have offerings. We used to have a Bose BT speaker which had extra bass, and it sucked sound-wise. 

 

I'm not cedied if a vertical or horizontal one is better. Vertical obviously is nicer to find space. Not sure if one could place them safely vertically or horizontally. 

 

Some have apps, which may be nice. But ideally i can use it without installing apps (i see every added app as a potential problem). Some have powerbank function, which is nice, but not necessary. but if it has it and the battery is large, sure, that is nice. 

 

budget wise really depends on what i get. $50 is fine, but also could be $100 if it really is better. 

 

so, what are good starting points? 

 

 

[Lurking]

After lots of research and listening to samples of these speakers on YT, I decided i like one that has quite some better sound than my current speaker. I'm also open to buying "renewed" speakers (I'm in the US, BTW and Amazon sells renewed items).

i kind of narrowed it down to these (Prices are regular/renewed)

- Anker Soundcore Motion+ for $100/$76

- JBL Flip 6 for $90/$80

- JBL Charge 5 for $140/$112

 

There also is a Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 ($129 renewed), They also seem to be designed for 360° sound. I think the 360° is BS marketing since the tweeters aren't al around. I'm not sure if the volume buttons ont he speaker work well for me (they look like a Cristian cross....). The regular Boom 3 is $98 renewed. Here a review that makes the MegaBoom sound like s$$t

 

I've seen several reviews that put the one before the other, some says the Flip 6 sounds better than the Charge 5 and so on. The Motion+ has stereo speakers, which may be nice if it is in front of me on the desk. The others are just mono, which may not matter for that size in a distance (but may matter right in front?). for JBL they say it sounds better without applying Equalizer. i do like no-EQ sound since i listen to a wide variety of music and wouldn't change EQ all the time (ideally i don't even install an app). Size would dictate the Charge 5 should be the best. 

 

I guess any of the above will sound much better than my old one. If anyone knows one, two or ideally all of them, please weigh in. 

 

 

 

[saintlouisbagels]

I have the JBL Flip 4 and I love it.

Stereo doesn't really matter since it's such a small distance between drivers.

 

edit:

I do want to clarify that it's the only Bluetooth speaker I've ever owned.

But... it sounds a lot better than everyone elses I've heard (they're all probably in the ~$40-$60 range though).

Edited August 14, 2023 by saintlouisbagels

[Lurking]

2 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

I have the JBL Flip 4 and I love it.

Stereo doesn't really matter since it's such a small distance between drivers.

 

edit:

I do want to clarify that it's the only Bluetooth speaker I've ever owned.

But... it sounds a lot better than everyone elses I've heard (they're all probably in the ~$40-$60 range though).

Thanks for the reply. I use them on my desk in front of my monitors. So begin that close, maybe the stereo matters a bit? Probably only one way to find out.... the reviews only mention the motion+ being stereo, but never say it impacts sound. 

Found some more comparison videos by Alan Ross:

Motion Plus vs Charge 5

Flip 6 vs Motion+

Flip 6 vs Charge 5

 

He also uses the equalizer.. there probably are million reviews that will say the one sounds a bit better than the other... I think at $76 the Motion+ is my current favorite. Msot reviews put the sound a bit over the Flip 6 and it is cheaper. For Charge 5 vs. Motion plus some reviews are inconclusive. but at $76 vs.  $112 and a bit slimmer look, the motion plus again is better. but you probably won't go wrong with either. 

 

I just ordered the Motion+ for $76 and then be done with analyzing.... 

 

 

[Lurking]

I got eh Motion+. All sounds fine and so and i could be happy with it. but one huge issue.

 

On the app you can choose a few pre-set equalizers, or set your own. I found out i like the "Original" the best that is just flat. Here is the problem, when you push the "Bass" button on the unit, it turns on the "Bass Up" EQ profile, which is expected. When you push that button again to turn off "Bass", it doesn't go back to the original setting ("Original" in my case), it goes to the "Bass Off" EQ, which raises the mids (not neutral). 

 

I sent support an email. But I found this 2(!!) year old thread describing this problem. So i fear they won't solve the problem. 

 

I don't really use the "Bass"and it sounds horrible. But inadvertently I may use it and then always have to use the app to check the setting. After setting the EQ, and upgrading firmware i actually wanted to de-install this app. Unless Support tells me a trick how to solve this, I'll return it and get the flip 6 or Charge 5.

 

This is exactly why I wanted a simpler unit with fewer features...... 

 

 

[saintlouisbagels]

4 hours ago, Lurking said:

I got eh Motion+. All sounds fine and so and i could be happy with it. but one huge issue.

 

On the app you can choose a few pre-set equalizers, or set your own. I found out i like the "Original" the best that is just flat. Here is the problem, when you push the "Bass" button on the unit, it turns on the "Bass Up" EQ profile, which is expected. When you push that button again to turn off "Bass", it doesn't go back to the original setting ("Original" in my case), it goes to the "Bass Off" EQ, which raises the mids (not neutral). 

 

I sent support an email. But I found this 2(!!) year old thread describing this problem. So i fear they won't solve the problem. 

 

I don't really use the "Bass"and it sounds horrible. But inadvertently I may use it and then always have to use the app to check the setting. After setting the EQ, and upgrading firmware i actually wanted to de-install this app. Unless Support tells me a trick how to solve this, I'll return it and get the flip 6 or Charge 5.

 

This is exactly why I wanted a simpler unit with fewer features...... 

 

 

Kind of sounds like a self-control problem.

Don't use the extra features if you want a simple product lol. It's like people who complain about Smart TV software... just don't use them..?

[Lurking]

6 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

Kind of sounds like a self-control problem.

Don't use the extra features if you want a simple product lol. It's like people who complain about Smart TV software... just don't use them..?

When you sit in front of the speaker, the buttons are facing away. So you don't see them and find them by touch. So, there is a chance to touch it. Or when carrying it. Someone else in my family also could use it. 

 

Even if I never touch it, I will never be sure and have to check in the app (which I plan to de-install).

 

Their support responded (quick, so that is good) and said that it is what it is. but since this is an issue dating at least 2 years back (see link to Reddit post above), i doubt they will ever fix it. 

 

An app should be optional, but not necessary. Firmware upgrade is only done once, maybe try the EQ once. But beyond that, it shouldn't be needed. I'm already using my music and podcast app. I try to keep my phone as clean as possible.

 

I've been watching some more flip 6 / charge 5 reviews. It seems for the flip 6 most recommend using the EQ for higher volume (but not for low volume). Makes me think the charge 6 with a flatter curve even when louder is better for me. Just connect to my phone and good sound comes out at all volume levels without adjusting stuff.

 

My old speaker is fine. So, any new device has to be at least equal or better in all properties. Not saying I can't compromise.But I know myself that it will bother me. I know it is a 1st World problem. But it is a non-essential purchase. So there has to be an actual improvement compared to the functioning old device.

 

Edit: another thought on the app  Let's say this device is 10 years old. Then I have a new phone, and they may have discontinued the app or not updated to work on Android 24. Then I will be stuck between 2 EQ settings I don't like if I push that button one single time.

[Bitter]

+1 For a JBL Flip, have an older one here and it's an absolute rock star. Bought it for my partner and it gets loud, stays clear, works every time, plays for a decent length of time on a charge, and actually sounds very good for it's size. Might be worth picking up a used 3 or 4 on eBay as they're cheap these days, lots of info online about how to open them and replace the battery if it's gone weak.

[Lurking]

7 hours ago, Bitter said:

+1 For a JBL Flip, have an older one here and it's an absolute rock star. Bought it for my partner and it gets loud, stays clear, works every time, plays for a decent length of time on a charge, and actually sounds very good for it's size. Might be worth picking up a used 3 or 4 on eBay as they're cheap these days, lots of info online about how to open them and replace the battery if it's gone weak.

Thanks. I looked a bit around, but didn't find good used options of the older models. At least none significantly cheaper than a "renewed" Flip 6 or Charge 5. The Flip 4 doesn't have USB-C. That left used Flip 5 / Charge 4. But they only have Bluetooth 4.2. And the prices weren't that great. It seems BT 5 introduced the 40m (instead of 10m) distance. I figured this will bite me since for my current speaker, I have to carry it with me all the time or lose contact. A while ago i got better BT headphones (and they must be BT5) and noticed how much better they work if i walk around my house and leave the phone at my desk. So the BT 5.1 really will be good for my use.

 

I also re-thought my use case. My original hesitation (besides price) with the Charge 5 is it would be harder to carry around with me in my house or on vacation. but then I thought for trips etc. i can just use my old BT speaker (and then I'm also less worried about theft). that's why i decided to just go for best sound and ordered a renewed Charge 5. 

 

Before starting this thread I didn't realize how much better a new speaker will be. I compared my old speaker to the Motion+ and the Motion+ was quite a bit better even at low volume (so, at high volume the difference will be even bigger). I'm sure the Charge 5 won't be worse. adn BT 5.1 also will help me a lot. So we are at a technological threshold where upgrading my 2016 speaker really makes sense and will be noticeable in multiple aspects. Probably/hopefully good for the next 10 years. 

 

FWIW, I buy a lot of "renewed" items and so far all items (inc. the above Motion+) arrived in pristine condition. and you still can easily return them or get warranty. For my price comparison, I treat the "renewed" items like a new one. 

[saintlouisbagels]

You could always try Bose. Their stuff always pops up in like Amazon sales or eBay Refurbished.

Idk if their stuff actually meets all of your requirements though.

[saintlouisbagels]

Oh, I just remembered.

TheWireCutter has the EarFun UBoom L as one of their top choices (runner-up to be precise)

I was strongly considering this as an upgrade (side-grade ?) to my Flip, but I decided to with a different much bigger, much more expensive purchase lol (Audiopro Addon T3)

 

Anyways, it's only $80 for the EarFun

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/

[Lurking]

5 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

Oh, I just remembered.

TheWireCutter has the EarFun UBoom L as one of their top choices (runner-up to be precise)

I was strongly considering this as an upgrade (side-grade ?) to my Flip, but I decided to with a different much bigger, much more expensive purchase lol (Audiopro Addon T3)

 

Anyways, it's only $80 for the EarFun

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1PJ5SQ7/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/

Sounds like a good competitor and maybe better than the Flip 6?

 

I may not like all the additional settings (like the video mode for less latency - why not low latency all the time?). Some reviews mentioned firmware upgrade issues, but those may have been old. 

 

The Charge 5 still seems to be a bit better. But really only makes sense at the "renewed" price. 

 

Even when I made up my mind and ordered my final choice, feel free to contribute more thoughts. Might be helpful to someone else.

 

[Lurking]

I finally got my "renewed" Charge 5. It came in a JBL box labelled as "refurbished", but looked pristine, I had to update the firmware, which also added the equalizer function. It isn't as large as i expected (or feared?) 

 

Sound is good. I switched during an hour of music between my old and this speaker and there definitely is a large difference in clarity etc. The old speaker basically has no bass. I'm also able to listen to podcasts. I listen at 2.1x speed on headphones. but in my car, or the old speaker it is hard to hear. But the Charge 5 is fine with that. 

 

BT also is great, i never lost signal despite moving my phone away from the speaker. Whatever you buy, buy BT 5 or higher. 

 

The JBL app IMHO is better than the soundcore app. The soundcore app had a lot of what looked like ads and wanted you to sign in (it works without signing in, but it entices you to create an account). The JBL app just works and isn't annoying about signing up.

 

I tried the EQ, and that is subjective. I tried the Bass + 1 as Adam Ross suggested, but this is too much bass IMHO. and for my wide variety of music, quality, and rooms I use this, just using the "flat" is easiest. I'm generally more a "make it sound like the artist intended" person. YMMV. I plan to de-install it. The app also allows party-boost (I only have one). I don't expect to need frequent firmware upgrades. 

 

I'm no audiophile, but i liked Adam Ross reviews showing the response curves and i liked the relatively flat response (making it sound, like it ... sounds). If you like simple UI, and sound that sounds good at low and high volume and sounds like it was recorded, for $120 this is a great option. 

 

 

[saintlouisbagels]

Glad you found something you liked!