Portable speakers for portable beats
What is the best way to select a portable speaker?
- Battery life: If you plan to take your music on the go, look for a Bluetooth speaker with 10-24 hours of playtime for all-day listening.
- Durability: When using a speaker outdoors, it's a good idea to choose one that is splashproof or fully waterproof (look at the IP ratings). In addition, a number of the models have silicone or rubberised bumpers to protect them against drops.
- Sound quality: Look for active woofers, dual passive radiators, and advanced audio technology, as these allow for clearer sound, deeper bass, and balanced audio at all volume levels.
- Connectivity: Most speakers use Bluetooth, and a few models also provide an AUX input, USB ports, or support multipoint pairing so that you can link multiple devices such as your phone, tablets, laptops, and TVs.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight speakers are easy to carry, while larger models may include carry handles or straps, making them ideal to use in a park, beach, campsite, pool, or for outdoor entertainment.
- Voice assistant support: Selected speakers support voice control, allowing you to control your music, check the weather, set reminders and run smart home devices hands-free.
- Custom EQ and companion apps: Control your sound profile with dedicated apps offering customisable equaliser settings, firmware updates, pairing multiple compatible speakers, and ambient lighting controls for RGB models.
Looking for a more permanent audio setup? Explore our range of Home Speakers, Soundbars, and Smart Speakers for immersive sound throughout your home.
Shop leading speaker brands
Explore portable speakers from popular audio brands including
- JBL
- Sony
- Sonos
- Bose
- Ultimate Ears
Whether you are after a rugged speaker for your next outdoor New Zealand adventure or a premium portable audio solution for everyday listening, you will find a model to suit your lifestyle and budget at Harvey Norman. Don’t forget to pair your portable speaker with a Power Bank for extended listening on the go.
Order portable speakers online right now and enjoy wireless sound no matter where you are.
Can I play music without Bluetooth?
Certainly. Although Bluetooth is a standard feature in many portable speakers, these devices also include AUX inputs for wired connections (for example, with microphones), as well as USB or microSD slots that allow for direct MP3 playback and Wi-Fi streaming.
Which is better, JBL or Bose?
The best choice depends on your needs, but here are our recommendations from our Audio Specialists:
- Because of their durable design, strong bass response, and good battery life, JBL speakers are an excellent choice for use outdoors, when travelling and at parties.
- Bose speakers are well suited to use in homes and are a good choice for people who value high sound quality, well-balanced audio, and a neat appearance.
When deciding between the two brands, you should consider your budget, your preferences for what you like to listen to, and how you intend to use them.
What is the best portable speaker for outdoor use?
Portable speakers that are waterproof, have a durable design, and offer a long battery life are well suited for use when outdoors and on trips.
There are smaller models such as the JBL Go, Grip, Clip, or the Soundcore Select Go, which attach to backpacks, and larger boombox types (e.g., the JBL PartyBox or the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom), ideal for use at backyard barbecues and parties.
Are Bluetooth speakers waterproof?
Certain portable speakers are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, which makes them appropriate for use near pools, at the beach, at a campsite, or when engaging in outdoor activities.
Can I connect a portable speaker to my phone?
You can wirelessly connect using Bluetooth to broadcast music, podcasts, and other audio directly from your smartphone.
Can I pair multiple speakers together?
Many brands offer speaker-pairing features that enable you to link two or more compatible speakers for stereo sound or wider audio coverage.
