Three Bluetooth Speakers Reviewed: Can Portable Music Break the Curse?

People often say that Bluetooth speakers are always Bluetooth devices, and compared to traditional speakers, they still have a long way to go in terms of sound quality. Even the most famous speaker brands can easily create a resistance to purchase in consumers when they see the word “Bluetooth” attached.

So, in today’s world where Bluetooth technology and transmission technology are constantly upgrading, can Bluetooth speakers break the curse?

This issue of “Consumer Electronics” testing room will test three portable Bluetooth speakers. Will the previous doubts about sound quality be swiftly dispelled? Will Bluetooth speakers continue to grow on their path? Let’s observe further.

The sound quality of the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker is sincerely impressive in the handling of heavy bass effects.

Its appearance is mature and stable, exuding a commanding presence.

The rubber casing on the surface feels very grippy.

The dazzling lights add a lively musical atmosphere to the surrounding environment.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker continues the “simple and elegant” design style of the Sony XB series.

The corners of the body are designed with scratch-resistant textures, combined with the rubber coating on the surface, giving a sense of security when held.

Upon pressing the power button, the built-in colored line lights, speaker lighting, and flash automatically illuminate, creating a colorful light effect reminiscent of a night music festival, very dazzling.

The top of the speaker has buttons from left to right: EXTRA BASS heavy bass effect button, call button, play/pause button, ADD pairing button, volume button, and power button.

The interface of the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker is hidden on the back, including a charging DC interface, reset button, 3.5mm audio interface, and USB interface.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker has an IPX5 waterproof rating, allowing users to spray water on the product from multiple angles without affecting its functionality or sound quality. Combined with the rubber coating on the surface, it provides a certain amount of grip when held, making it enjoyable for pool parties.

The introduction of NFC technology has become a boon for Bluetooth enthusiasts. To keep up with the trend, the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker has placed an NFC module on the top of the speaker, allowing users to simply place their phone on it for instant pairing and connection.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker can connect to up to 10 XB series wireless Bluetooth speakers, and users can achieve multi-device music synchronization by pressing the “ADD” and “+” buttons for 2 to 3 seconds, creating an immersive musical experience.

If you are a DJ enthusiast, you will definitely love this feature.

Users can control the playback, light colors, and DJ sound effects of the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker through the Music Center and Fiestable apps on their smartphones, allowing them to simulate a DJ night by themselves.

(Above is the light control, holding the middle music disc allows you to control the DJ sound effects)

According to the official website, the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of up to 24 hours and can also be used as a power bank to charge smartphones and other smart devices.

Sony has its own “music magic”.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker has innovatively created the “EXTRA BASS” button, which, when pressed, presents varying degrees of bass effects. Combined with the passive diaphragm and two full-range speakers, it creates a bass field that fills the surroundings with powerful music, which is simply wonderful.

Moreover, the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker connects two external speakers to add a surround sound effect to the heavy bass.

(The buttons on the top of the speaker from left to right are: EXTRA BASS heavy bass effect button, call button, play/pause button, ADD pairing button, volume button, and power button)

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker uses Bluetooth version 4.2 and employs Sony’s LDAC technology, achieving a data transmission speed of up to 990kbps, which is almost three times that of traditional Bluetooth audio.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker targets passionate young people with its sound quality and appearance, with its “EXTRA BASS” button and speaker combination providing excellent performance in low frequencies, delivering a rich metallic sound.

The cool appearance, dazzling lights, high waterproof rating, and rubber coating create excellent conditions for pool parties, and its various connectivity options offer plenty of fun for young people.

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker, as the strongest in the XB series, is currently priced at only 1169 RMB online. Consumers who pursue low bass and atmospheric effects should consider this purchase.

Due to its appearance resembling a medical capsule taken when sick, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker is also referred to as the “music pill”.

The Beats Pill+ app offers various functionalities.

The simple interface design allows for quick mastery, making it fun and easy to use.

According to the official website, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker has excellent surround sound effects.

Although the Beats Pill+ is the first Bluetooth speaker after Apple acquired Beats, it still follows the cylindrical design. Due to its capsule-like shape, consumers prefer to call it the “music pill”.

The overall design of the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker is compact and simple, with only the front speaker and top buttons, without any unnecessary designs. The speaker is 2.72 inches thick, made of all-metal material and a relatively full cavity, allowing it to be held comfortably with one hand.

The interface is designed on the back of the speaker, with the Lightning interface, 3.5mm stereo jack, and USB interface from left to right.

The Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker can charge iPhones and iPads; users only need to connect their smart device to the speaker’s lightning interface to charge.

In terms of battery life, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker can be used for 12 hours on a full charge.

Users can also download the “Beats Pill+” app from the App Store to experience more functionalities.

From the screenshots, the “Beats Pill+” app features a simple and intuitive interface, with a clear battery display at the bottom.

The Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker offers three modes: amplification, stereo, and DJ, allowing users to choose based on their preferred mode.

It is worth mentioning that when using the “Beats Pill+” app for the first time, users must first connect their smart device to the speaker via Bluetooth.

The “stereo” mode separates the left and right audio channels between two Beats Pill+ speakers to create a wider soundstage and immersive stereo sound effects;

while the DJ mode allows different devices to serve as audio sources, connecting to the Beats Pill+ speaker, allowing users or friends to take turns playing their favorite music and creating their own music playlist.

The Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker is well-prepared for stereo sound effects, equipped with an active two-way crossover system that allows users to enjoy ideal dynamic range and clarity across all types of music. The speaker’s high and low-frequency units are designed separately, providing studio-level acoustic technology for users.

I personally tested it, and within a 10-meter testing environment, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker still delivers a rich and clear sound, with strong penetration.

As the first product after Apple acquired Beats, the Beats Pill+ embodies minimalism to the fullest. This small “music pill” packs a big punch, and its stereo sound can penetrate every corner.

The Beats Pill+ app further enhances the speaker’s playability, improving user experience. Currently, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker is priced at 1349 RMB online, and consumers who enjoy stereo sound should consider this purchase.

The JBL Charge series has developed over the years and has now become a street music trend.

The JBL Charge 3 is the third generation of the Charge series Bluetooth speaker.

It focuses on waterproofing, charging, and JBL Connect features.

The iconic cylindrical shape and crisp, powerful passive radiator leave a deep impression.

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker still adopts the classic cylindrical design.

The speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, with a surface made of durable splash-proof fabric and rubber material, combined with the top “floating island” buttons, ensuring excellent waterproofing while also being aesthetically pleasing.

(Floating island buttons)

The bottom of the JBL Charge 3 speaker is designed in a tray shape, and with its rubber material, it provides strong grip even when wet.

To better accommodate harsh environments, the speaker’s interfaces are hidden on the back.

The speaker features iconic passive radiators on both sides, and its sealed design ensures that even if the speaker is submerged, the internal hardware will function without issue.

The slightly protruding feet on both sides provide excellent support for vertical placement while also protecting the diaphragm.

(Sealed design with a solid feel)

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker uses Bluetooth version 4.1 for quick connections with smart devices, although it lacks the popular NFC feature.

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker supports multi-device connections, allowing up to three devices to connect via Bluetooth.

By downloading the JBL Connect app and pressing the “JBL Connect” button in the app, users can synchronize music content.

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker has a built-in lithium-ion polymer battery with a capacity of up to 6000mAh. According to the official information, the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of 20 hours, which is generally sufficient for a day’s use.

Additionally, it can serve as a power bank to charge phones, with USB output supporting a maximum of 5V/2A, allowing it to charge a smartphone 2-3 times.

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with two 50mm speaker units, each with an output power of 10W and a frequency response range of 65Hz-20kHz, characterized by a long stroke that can drive airflow in the surrounding environment and enhance frequency energy.

The JBL Charge 3 adopts an integrated cavity design paired with a mature tuning of the sound units, providing rich yet distortion-free sound. I could still hear the full sound from the JBL Charge 3 from over 100 meters away.

Additionally, the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker has a built-in microphone, allowing users to make calls while playing music.

It also features echo cancellation technology, effectively eliminating echo/noise, allowing users to hear each other clearly even in noisy outdoor environments.

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker demonstrates sufficient commitment to waterproofing in both material and design. Its low-frequency units have a long stroke characteristic, delivering rich yet distortion-free sound, making it very suitable for warm music.

The 6000mAh large-capacity battery can meet users’ charging needs, offering great value for money.

The current online price for the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker is 1399 RMB, making it a must-consider for consumers pursuing good looks and mid-low frequency sound quality.

To test the sound quality of the three Bluetooth speakers,

I used:

The Eagles’ “Hotel California”

Cai Qin’s “Crossing”

Mayday’s “Leaving the Earth’s Surface”

to conduct tests with three different types of music.

Sony SRS-XB40 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker:

In “Hotel California”, the Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker’s vocals were slightly lacking, but after pressing the “EXTRA BASS” button, the singer’s breathing details became clear.

In the listening of “Crossing”, the sound stage extended well, with a wide range, and the low frequencies were significantly deep during the drum intro.

Meanwhile, “Leaving the Earth’s Surface” performed excellently.In the music, the speaker’s strong explosive power could be felt through three presses of the “EXTRA BASS” button, with outstanding performance in heavy bass.

Beats Pill+ Bluetooth Speaker:

Thanks to its active two-way crossover system, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker performed well across all three songs, with high frequencies remaining undistorted, and mid-range vocals clear and powerful. In “Crossing”, the drum sound had explosive power, and in “Leaving the Earth’s Surface”, the electronic music had good musical expressiveness.

JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth Speaker:

The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker presented the surround sound effects of “Hotel California” very well, with high vocals clear and ethereal, and low frequencies powerful. In “Crossing” and “Leaving the Earth’s Surface”, the vocals performed adequately, while the instrument expressiveness was good. Due to the long stroke of the speaker, I could still feel the energy from the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker from 50 meters away.

Looking at the three Bluetooth speakers, each has its own characteristics:

The Sony SRS-XB40 wireless Bluetooth speaker is colorful, the Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker is mini and cute, and the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker is young and trendy.

In terms of sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB40 has strong explosive bass, the Beats Pill+ leans towards mid-high frequencies, while the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker handles low, mid, and high frequencies well.

The careful waterproof design and 6000mAh large-capacity battery of the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker offer high value for money.

Celebrity Interviews:

Pan Yueming|Liang Tao| Zhao Liying|Yang Zi|Zhang Bo|Wang Ou|Mao Xiaotong|Jiang Xin|Yang Rong| Jin Dong|Hu Jing|Jiang Kaiti| Jiao Junyan| Yin Tao|Wang Ziwen| Guo Jingfei |Zhang Xinyu More……

“Consumer Electronics” magazine is a large-scale consumer electronics information publication supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China and hosted by the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, integrating interviews, product reviews, industry trends, and consumer guides.