The rise of individual sports and home-based practice has led to the development of related equipment. Notably Bluetooth speakers. They offer ideal audio quality and are perfectly capable of playing music at varying volumes for several hours without any additional equipment.
They come in discreet or colorful finishes to match your outfit or interior decor. From the small, ultra-portable model that goes everywhere with you to the powerful speaker capable of producing sound for a group activity outdoors, here’s a comprehensive recap of the best Bluetooth speakers for sports.
Ultra-compact Bluetooth speakers for sports
For solo or duo outdoor sporting activities
Individual outdoor sports require a Bluetooth speaker that’s robust, waterproof and, above all, ultra-compact. As a specialist in portable speakers, JBL has designed a model that is highly prized by sports enthusiasts: the JBL GO 3. The latter is less than 9cm long and 7.5cm high, and features a handy strap for taking it with you on outings. Its 5-hour autonomy and small size make it ideal for individual or duo outdoor use.
Some disciplines require several hours of effort, like hiking or trail running. The athlete may feel the need to get away from it all. In this case, there’s nothing like a small, portable Bluetooth speaker. Some models, such as the JBL Clip 4 and Polaroid P1, feature a carabiner clip so you can take them anywhere.
They can be placed on a backpack to dictate the tempo of a nature outing without disturbing other sportspeople or walkers. Their ultra-compact size and featherweight won’t burden hikers. What’s more, they have 10 hours of autonomy. More than enough battery reserve to enjoy a day in the mountains with some music.
Portable Bluetooth speakers equipped with a strap are also often the preferred solution for this purpose. Japanese manufacturer Sony offers portable speakers in various sizes with carry straps.
These models include the Sony SRS-XB13, which is the most compact (7.5cm in diameter and 9.5cm high). Its small size nonetheless allows 16 hours of autonomy, one of the longest on the market for models of similar size. It features a strap for attaching to a backpack or parasol during a beach sports session.
For solo or duo indoor sports activities
For yoga or fitness enthusiasts at home, a Bluetooth speaker lets you stream the audio of a sports class from a YouTube video or dedicated app. A classic-format model has all the power needed for one or two sportspeople.
Sonos, the market leader in connected speakers, offers the Sonos One SL. With its unobtrusive design and voice commands, it’s ideal for everyday use, especially when exercising. Better still, the Sonos One speaker can be integrated into a multi-room audio system. Designed in a similar vein, the Audio Pro Addon BT C5A connected speaker is WiFi, multi-room and Bluetooth compatible. What’s more, it features Amazon Alexa voice control. Exhaustive and powerful (40W), it’s ideal for a solo or duo workout at home to the rhythm of your favorite tunes.
Compact Bluetooth speakers for sports
Compact Bluetooth speakers for outdoor sports
For small-group outdoor sports sessions, a compact, rugged waterproof speaker lets you enjoy music while you work out. For ball sports, the speaker must be robust enough to withstand the risk of impact. This is precisely one of the strengths of the Soundcast VG1 Bluetooth speaker. Highly resistant and IP67-certified, it is ideal for use near a court during a game of beach volleyball.
What’s more, this ultra-compact portable speaker comes with a carrying strap. Like the models mentioned above, it’s easy to take with you when you’re outdoors. The same applies to the Sony SRS-XE200 portable Bluetooth speaker. Sturdy, dustproof and waterproof (IP67), it’s a real adventurer thanks to its strap and 16-hour battery life.
The Bluetooth speaker’s water resistance is also a major advantage for some sportsmen and women. A waterproof device means you can use it by the pool in summer, at the beach or outdoors, even in the rain. Waterproof speakers can be identified by the second number of the IP certification. Ranging from 1 to 9, it identifies the device’s resistance to water.
- Read: Understanding IP standards.
Above 7, a speaker is considered watertight. It then withstands immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 meter. Models such as the JBL Charge 5, Yamaha WS-B1A and Marshall Middleton are IP67 certified. These three models can then accompany you outdoors for an individual sports session on your terrace, for example, without having to worry about an unexpected downpour. This is also the case for the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen portable Bluetooth speaker. IP57-certified, it boasts an unrivalled size/power ratio and comes with a leather strap for carrying it anywhere, even to the beach!
Compact Bluetooth speakers for indoor sports
While the lockdown has accelerated the practice of sport at home, Bluetooth speaker manufacturers have long been developing devices designed to integrate harmoniously into the living room. The vintage look of the Marshall Acton 3 BT portable Bluetooth speaker blends perfectly into any interior. Both elegant and powerful, this speaker is perfect for playing music during a home gym class. In a completely different style, the Devialet Mania 95 dB speaker also has a lot going for it.
For other sports enthusiasts, connecting their phone or computer to a compact speaker is enough. Like the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore, Sonos Roam or Marshall Emberton, the power developed by these speakers means you can easily hear your sports class during exercise. Portable and battery-powered, they can also follow you from room to room, depending on your needs.
The Roberts Beacon 325 Bluetooth speaker features a striking vintage design, making it ideal for small-group indoor sports sessions. It features a 1.8″ neodymium driver and two passive radiators. Its practical 3.5mm mini-jack input also enables you to connect a non-Bluetooth compatible source for a home sports session.
Party speakers for group sports sessions
Party speakers for outdoor sports
Sports can also be enjoyed outdoors and in groups. In this case, a party speaker has all the features needed to meet the requirements of a sports group and their coach. In a group session, the speaker must be powerful enough to make the music audible to all the athletes. The models in the JBL PartyBox range are extremely powerful. From this series, the JBL PartyBox Encore speaker even features a microphone. This accessory enables a sports coach to dictate tempo and give instructions during exercises, for example.
Other models, like the Soundcast VG7 portable Bluetooth speaker, are designed for 360° sound diffusion. For example, they can be placed in the middle of a group to play music during a team sports lesson.
What’s more, party speakers have the advantage of being more portable and versatile than outdoor speakers. Often fitted with wheels, like the Eltax Voyager BT 15 MKII and JBL PartyBox 310 speakers, they are easy to transport. They also feature a wide range of connectors that allows the connection of one or several microphones.
Party and hi-fi speakers for indoor sports
For an indoor fitness session with a group of 10, a connected speaker or a party speaker will also enable you to follow the class in optimal conditions. The Escape P6 BT party speaker delivers 60 watts of power, features 3 drivers and a 360° sound diffusion design. It can therefore be installed in the middle of the group to dictate the tempo of the sports session.
In a more sophisticated style, thanks to its leather finish, the Audio Pro Drumfire MKII connected speaker is a real winner. Powerful (300W) and equipped with 4 drivers, it can be installed in a space reserved for dance or yoga classes to provide the music. Multi-room, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 compatible, it can integrate a stereo system to cover a very large area and ensure clear, precise sound diffusion.
In the same vein, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 5th Gen connected speaker boasts an elegant, futuristic design. Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast compatible, it can be installed in a dance hall to play music during rehearsals. With its 7 drivers and total power of 950 watts, it is designed for large spaces.
What’s the best sports speaker?
Throughout this comparative guide, we’ve gone over the essential criteria for choosing a portable Bluetooth speaker for sports. Based on these elements, we have compiled a non-exhaustive selection of the best portable Bluetooth speakers for sports use according to different budgets:
The best sports speakers under €100
- JBL Flip Essential 2: 1 driver, 20W, IPX7, 10h battery life, 520 grams
- Soundcast VG1: 2 drivers, IP 67, 15h battery life, 453 grams
- Sony SRS-XB13: 1 driver + passive radiator, IP67, 16h battery life, 253 grams
The best sports speakers between €100 and €250
- SRS-XE200: 2 drivers, IP67, 16h autonomy, carrying strap
- Yamaha WS-B1A: 1 driver + 2 passive radiators, IP67, 12-hour battery life
- Sonos Roam: 2 drivers, IP67, WiFi, control app, 10h battery life
The best sports speakers between €250 and €500
- Marshall Middleton: 4 drivers, IP67, 20h battery life, 360° sound
- JBL PartyBox Encore: 3 drivers, 10h battery life, wireless microphone
- Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen: 2 drivers, 18h battery life, strap
- Soundcast VG7: 5 drivers, IP64, 20h battery life, 360° sound
The best sports speakers for over €500
- JBL PartyBox 310: 4 drivers, 240W, 18h battery life, handle and wheels
- Escape P6 BT: 3 drivers, 60W, 16h battery life, IPX4, 360° sound
- Audio Pro Drumfire MKII: 4 drivers, 300W, 2.1 system, WiFi and AirPlay 2
