Bowers & Wilkins A5

Silence your audiophile mates by playing your MP3s through the Audioengine A5 – a pair of hefty speakers with built-in amps

A masterclass in wireless speaker design

Bowers & Wilkins A5 / A7 (Speaker): 4 out of 5 stars from 7 genuine reviews on Australia's largest opinion site ProductReview.com.au.

The Bowers & Wilkins A5 delivers excellent wireless audio via AirPlay at moderate levels, but struggles at top volumes on some deep bass material.

The A5 may be the smaller of Bowers & Wilkins' two new AirPlay speakers, but this impeccably designed 80-watt rig has no trouble delivering the natural, refined sound the company is known for.

Bowers & Wilkins’ A5 doesn’t come cheap, but premium design and almost unbelievably big bass distinguish it from the scrum of less expensive competitors.

The best Bluetooth speaker is the one that can fill any room with rich, full sound without distortion. It also features portability and convenience as it connects to any other device that’s Bluetooth enabled. They’ve also got great battery life and can be used with devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo. Sale Bluetooth Speaker, DOSS SoundBox Touch Portable... Check Price Sale JBL Flip 4, Black - Waterproof, Portable &... Check Price Bose SoundLink Color II: Portable Bluetooth,... Check Price While these are some of the best speakers you can buy, they won’t produce the same high-quality sound as a traditional speaker. That said, they’re ideal for people who want the flexibility of something portable on a budget. If you’re someone who likes to take your speaker with you, Bluetooth speakers with high IP ratings for dust and water resistance should be high on your list. Keep reading this buying guide to learn more about choosing a Bluetooth speaker that meets your needs. Top Bluetooth Speakers  #1   DOSS Soundbox Touch Portable Bluetooth Speaker Sale Our #1 Pick is the DOSS Soundbox Touch Portable Bluetooth Speaker Check Price Award: TOP PICK WHY WE LIKE IT: Its waterproof rating allows it to be taken to a pool, and with up to 20 hours of playback, its battery lasts long enough to get through a day of listening. It can also be connected to a phone via Bluetooth to receive calls since it also has a built-in microphone. Pros Built in microphone to answer calls Offers up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge IPX5 Waterproof for handling gentle splashes Cons Not fully waterproof From its looks, the Doss Bluetooth speaker seems like it has been made for users who prioritize both looks and portability. The little speaker looks pretty good and packs quite a punch since it can deliver up to 20 hours of playtime. The speaker is pretty well-built thanks to its aluminum casing, and it delivers stereo sound thanks to its dual full-range drivers. The speaker’s top panel is touch-enabled so that users can change the volume or switch between pause and playback with a tap of their finger. The speaker also has a built-in microphone, so once connected with a phone via Bluetooth, owners will also be able to receive and answer phone calls. Unfortunately, some may not like that it is not fully waterproof. Weighing only 1.23 pounds, this Bluetooth speaker should be pretty easy to carry around, and it has a battery that’ll take only 3 to 4 hours to get to full charge. The speaker also offers the great sound quality, as it has been certified to produce less than 1% harmonic distortion. It can also handle a little bit of a splash since it is IPX5 waterproof, so owners shouldn’t be afraid to carry it to the pool every now and then.  #2   JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker Sale Our #2 Pick is the JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker Check Price Award: HONORABLE MENTION WHY WE LIKE IT: It is an ideal option for anyone who would need to submerge their speaker underwater every now and then. It can also be connected to other JBL speakers for amplified sound and has a battery that only takes 3.5 hours to get charged to full capacity. Pros Can be submerged underwater without any consequences to its functioning It has a noise-canceling feature for clear calls Connect+ feature that allows it to connect more than 100 JBL speakers Cons Cannot produce low bass JBL has an outstanding reputation for producing some of the most sought-after Bluetooth Speakers on the market, and the JBL Flip 4 is no different. Released in 2017, the Bluetooth speaker offers up to 12 hours of continuous streaming, and because of its IPX7 rating, it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without any consequences to its functioning. The speaker is powered by a 3000mAh battery, which takes up to 3.5 hours to get charged to full capacity. The speaker can also be integrated with both Google Assistant and Siri through a smartphone, but its inability to produce low bass may turn off some people. The JBL Flip 4 also features JBL’s Connect+ feature, where users will be able to connect more than 100 other JBL speakers to amplify the sound produced. The speaker can also handle up to two smartphones or tablets, so users will be able to alternate the different music sources. Its noise-canceling feature lets users enjoy crystal clear sound when taking calls, and weighing only 1.1 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight for easy portability.  #3   Bose SoundLink Color II Bluetooth Speaker Our #3 Pick is the Bose SoundLink Color II Bluetooth Speaker Check Price Award: BEST FOR COLOR VARIETY WHY WE LIKE IT: It is available in up to five colors and can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. It also has a power-saving feature that will have it shut down after 18 minutes of not being in use and can be connected to other Bose speakers for stereo sound. Pros Can be connected to other Bose speakers through the Bose Connect App Lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge Available in a variety of colors Cons No equalizer for tuning sound to a listener’s requirements The Bose Soundlink Color II is a square-shaped Bluetooth speaker with silicone covering that makes it pretty easy to hold and dual passive radiators that amplify its bass notes. Its water resistance rating is rated as IPX4, meaning it shouldn’t have any issues with gentle water splashes. Its battery life will last up to 8 hours on a single charge, and when integrated with the Bose Connect App, owners will be able to pair it with another Bose speaker to create a stereo sound or amplify audio content. Still, it does not have any Equalizer for tuning sound to a listener’s requirements. The battery on this speaker will take slightly more than 4 hours to get charged to full capacity. It also comes with a power-saving feature that will have it shut down automatically after about 18 minutes if there isn’t any audio output connected to it. It also has a micro-USB charging port, and since it is available in a soft black, aqua blue, citron, polar white, and coral red trim, buyers will have a variety of options to choose from depending on their taste and interior decor.  #4   MusiBaby M68 Portable Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers Sale Our #4 Pick is the MusiBaby M68 Portable Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers Check Price Award: BEST FOR 360° SURROUND SOUND WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for creating a 360° full-range sound and is also waterproof to the extent of handling splashes. It has an impressive Bluetooth range of up to 100 ft and can pair with another Bluetooth audio device for stereo sound. Pros Produces 360° sound for full range listening Can handle light splashes of water Long range Bluetooth connection of up to 30 meters Cons Speaker cannot be integrated with voice assistants The MusiBaby M68 portable speaker is a cylindrically shaped speaker that is 4.9 inches tall and is capable of up to 1500 minutes of playback. The Bluetooth speaker delivers 360° sound with rich bass, and since it is IPX5 waterproof, it is largely resistant to any light splashes of water. The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and has a connectivity range of up to 100ft. It can also be connected to non-Bluetooth devices thanks to a 3.5mm audio cable, and since it also has support for dual wireless pairing, owners will be able to connect two of them together for a stereo sound. Still, the speaker cannot be integrated with any voice assistants. The battery on the M68 will only require about 2 hours to get charged to full capacity, and its sound quality is also pretty good since its bass, mids, and highs sound very well balanced. The speaker also comes with an AUX port for private listening and features a USB and SD card slot that owners can plug in to play content from their devices.  #5   Oontz Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Sale Our #5 Pick is the Oontz Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Check Price Award: BEST FOR PORTABILITY WHY WE LIKE IT: Weighing only 0.7 pounds, the speaker is reasonably lightweight so moving around with it is fairly easy to do. It also has an IPX5 water resistance rating and is available in up to 10 color trims. Pros 0.7 pound weight makes it ultra portable Available in up to 10 color trims Speakerphone functionality Cons No voice assistance support No microphone The Oontz Angle 3 Bluetooth speaker has a unique triangular design and can easily fit into one’s hand. Weighing only 0.7 pounds, it is one of the most portable options on the market, and since it has an IPX5 waterproof rating, it can easily withstand light splashing. The speaker’s battery life will last up to 16 hours on a single charge, and this is pretty fair considering that it’ll take about 4 hours to get to full capacity. It also comes with a power-saving setting, where it turns off after 15 minutes in case there isn’t any audio playing. However, it has no voice assistant support, and it also does not have a microphone. The speaker can easily be stood up vertically or laid down horizontally, and since it comes with a built-in microphone, it can be used as a speaker once connected to a phone via Bluetooth. The speaker’s sound quality is also pretty decent, as it uses a Digital Signal Processor to prevent any instances of sound distortion, especially at high volumes. It has an impressive 100 ft Bluetooth range for good connectivity and is powered by a fairly large 2500mAh rechargeable battery.  #6   Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Our #6 Pick is the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Check Price Award: BEST FOR OUTDOOR USE WHY WE LIKE IT: Its IP67 rating means it can withstand water and dust, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. It can also be configured through an app to finetune its sound quality. Pros IP67 rating makes it ideal for outdoor use Sound quality and output can be adjusted through the Boom app Can be connected to as many as 150 other speakers Cons Large + and – controls tend to get difficult to press The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 portable waterproof speaker is a uniquely designed alternative with an exceptional IP67 rating that makes it dust and water-resistant. It comes with a built-in hook for easy carrying and is available in a wide range of two-tone fabric finishes. The speaker’s controls are situated on its top casing, where there is an off/on button and a ‘magic button’, which can be used to play, pause or skip tracks. The + and – volume controls are embedded onto its fabric grille, but some users have complained that they tend to get a little difficult to press. The Boom 3 speaker can get as loud as 90 decibels and features two 2-inch drivers and 4-inch passive radiators to create a room-filling sound. Through the Boom app, owners will be able to adjust the Equalizer, personalize the sound produced to their taste, and connect one speaker to as many as 150 others to create a surround sound experience. Beginner’s Guide to the Best Bluetooth Speaker What are Bluetooth Speakers? Bluetooth speakers are devices that allow you to stream audio wirelessly from any of your Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. They’re great portable solutions for listening to your favorite music from any device in any location. Speakers that are Bluetooth-enabled come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of features and prices. You can find everything from a tiny, battery-powered speaker that is perfect for taking with you on the go to a large, powerful speaker that can fill an entire room with bold sound. Bluetooth speaker designs have come a long way in recent years, and there are now some really stylish and attractive options available. However, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function — many of the best Bluetooth speakers are also very well designed. Their portable design and wireless charging capabilities make them the perfect speaker for a wide variety of uses. Some include a built-in mic, water resistance, detailed sound output, great audio quality, many hours of playtime, and great IP ratings. Bluetooth Speakers vs Traditional Speakers Bluetooth speakers offer several advantages over traditional speakers. The first and most obvious is the Bluetooth functionality that allows you to stream audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. This means you can listen to your music, movies, and games without having to worry about pesky cords getting in the way. They are also typically much smaller and more portable than traditional speakers. This makes them perfect for taking with you on trips or using in small spaces. Many Bluetooth-enabled models also include built-in batteries, so they can be used without being plugged in. Finally, Bluetooth speakers are typically much less expensive than traditional speakers. This means you can get fantastic sound quality without spending a fortune. Some models also have additional features that you can’t find in traditional speakers. These features can include things like built-in amplifiers, NFC connectivity, and 360-degree sound. How Bluetooth Speakers Work Bluetooth speakers work by streaming audio wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled device. The audio is transmitted as a digital signal that is then decoded by the Bluetooth speaker, whether it uses Bluetooth 5.0 or another version. Most of these speakers have a range of about 30 feet, so you can easily keep your device in one room and the speaker in another. However, some high-end expensive speakers have a range of up to 100 feet. These speakers work by connecting to your device via Bluetooth. This allows you to control the audio from your device, as well as any other connected devices. For example, if you have a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth headphones, you can control the audio from both devices using your phone. Connecting a Bluetooth speaker is a very simple process. First, make sure the speaker is turned on, and then make sure your device is Bluetooth-enabled. Next, open the Bluetooth settings on your device and find the speaker’s name. Once you’ve found it, select it and wait for the connection to be made. The process usually takes only a few seconds. Once the connection has been made, you can start streaming audio from your device. The Bluetooth speaker will automatically play whatever is being streamed from your device, so you don’t have to worry about changing the song or volume level. If you want to stop streaming audio, simply disconnect the Bluetooth connection. This can be done by turning off the Bluetooth connection on your device or by pressing the power button on the Bluetooth speaker. Some Bluetooth speakers also double as smart speakers, which means they can be used to control other smart devices in your home, such as your lights, thermostat, and locks. Just connect them to your voice assistants, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This versatile speaker has long-lasting battery life and a balanced sound. Why Should You Buy a Bluetooth Speaker? If you want a speaker that you can take with you on the go, you might consider getting a Bluetooth-enabled speaker so you can listen to your music wherever you are. If you do have a wireless Bluetooth speaker, you’ll also find that the technology is rapidly changing, and it just may be time for an upgrade. Are Bluetooth Speakers Worth Buying? They’re convenient: Bluetooth speakers are perfect for listening to your music without having to worry about pesky cords getting in the way. These lightweight, rugged speakers make great outdoor speakers that are easy to handle. They also make some of the best bookshelf speakers. They’re portable: Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes, making them perfect for taking with you on trips or using in small spaces. They make a great party speaker because they can produce a powerful sound in a rugged design. They’re affordable: Bluetooth speakers are typically much less expensive than traditional speakers. They have added features: Some Bluetooth speakers include additional features that you can’t find in traditional speakers, like built-in batteries, amplifiers, and 360-degree sound. You’ll also find smart features like built-in mics, touch control options, a play or pause button, a built-in carrying handle, auxiliary input, and more. They’re easy to use: Connecting a Bluetooth speaker is a very simple process, and most speakers have a range of 30 feet or more. No matter the audio source, most Bluetooth speakers make it easy to control your audio with manual controls on the unit. Why Bluetooth Speakers Might Not be for You They don’t produce the same quality sound as traditional speakers: If you’re looking for high-quality audio, Bluetooth speakers may not be the best option. You won’t get the same rich bass output from a portable model as you will from a larger stereo speaker or the best bass Bluetooth speaker. They can’t connect to every device: Not all devices have Bluetooth capabilities, so some Bluetooth speakers may not be able to connect to your device. How Long Will a Bluetooth Speaker Last? Most Bluetooth speakers come with a rechargeable battery, which means you can use them without having to worry about plugging them in. How long the battery will last depends on the speaker’s size and type. Smaller Bluetooth speakers typically have a battery life of around six hours, while larger models can last for up to 20 hours. If the speaker has an amplifier, it will use more power and the battery life will be shorter. In terms of lifespan, a Bluetooth speaker could last for up to 10 years if you care for it properly. Be sure to keep the battery charged and don’t leave the speaker in extreme temperatures, as this could damage the battery. How to Choose a Bluetooth Speaker If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, it’s important to consider a few things before making your purchase. First, think about what you’ll be using the speaker for. Second, think about the size of the speaker. Third, decide on a budget. And lastly, decide on what features you want the speaker to have. Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to find the perfect Bluetooth speaker for your needs. Best Bluetooth Speakers’ Key Factors 1. Does it matter how I use the Bluetooth speaker? If you intend to use the Bluetooth speaker mostly at home, you can invest in something a little larger and less portable, for a more robust sound. However, if you plan to travel with it, you may want to look into something a bit smaller. You’ll also want to consider the space you’re using it in. If you’re pumping loud music into a small room, a smaller speaker will give you plenty of loud volume. However, if you’re in a large open space, you’ll want something with more kick. 2. Does it matter what size speaker I buy? The size of the Bluetooth speaker does matter. You’ll want to think about where you’ll be using it and how portable you need it to be. If you’re looking for a portable speaker to take with you on trips, a small, lightweight model would be ideal. However, if you’re mostly using it at home, a larger speaker may provide a better sound. Keep in mind that a larger speaker will also require more power, so the battery life may not be as long as a smaller model. If you’re looking for a larger model, find a wireless speaker that has a built-in handle, making it easier to get the listening experience you want, even if you do take it with you. 3. What is my budget for a Bluetooth speaker? Bluetooth speakers come in a wide price range, so you can find one that fits your budget. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so if you’re looking for a high-quality speaker, you may need to invest a bit more. 4. What features do I want my Bluetooth speaker to have? Once you’ve answered the first three questions, you’ll know what features to look for in a Bluetooth speaker. Do you need one with a rechargeable battery? One that’s waterproof? One with a built-in amplifier? Decide what’s important to you and narrow down your options. A rechargeable battery may be inconvenient for some who don’t want to have to worry about keeping it plugged in. Waterproof speaker features are nice if you plan to be using them near water, like by the pool, because they can be submerged in up to a meter of water without sustaining damage. You can also enjoy a waterproof design as a shower speaker or outdoor speaker. Along with a waterproof rating, you’ll also want to opt for a high IP rating for dust. If you’re musical, you may want to look for input options like a guitar input, so you can play your own music through your speaker.

Can the B&W A5 make us fall in love with Airplay all over again?