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Portable (Personal) Bluetooth Speakers

bbodb1

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I know we range far and wide on the topics here in the lounge so I thought I'd stretch us a bit further. Question: does anyone have a positive recommendation about a personal speaker that connects with their phone via bluetooth but does NOT charge via a flimsy plug in?

I've tried a couple of low end portable speakers that sound pretty good, but both suffered from a charging failure after a bit of use. The micro USB plug in port on the speaker was (is) so cheap that it fails to make a proper connection after a few month of uses.

I'd like to find a decent portable speaker that does NOT depend on a flimsy port - anyone have any suggestions?

For the record, I have tried Blackweb speakers to date and both of them eventually suffered the same fate....
 
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pittle

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I know we range far and wide on the topics here in the lounge so I thought I'd stretch us a bit further. Question: does anyone have a positive recommendation about a personal speaker that connects with their phone via bluetooth but does NOT change via a flimsy plug in?

I've tried a couple of low end portable speakers that sound pretty good, but both suffered from a charging failure after a bit of use. The micro USB plug in port on the speaker was (is) so cheap that it fails to make a proper connection after a few month of uses.

I'd like to find a decent portable speaker that does NOT depend on a flimsy port - anyone have any suggestions?

For the record, I have tried Blackweb speakers to date and both of them eventually suffered the same fate....

We have an OontZ Angle3 that we use on vacation and recently my husband has confiscated it for playing in a van he drives for a part-time job sometimes. This is a Bluetooth and has good sound - he can connect his phone to it easily. It also has a built-in microphone and can say Hey Siri and who to call. It has a decent charging cord - we use our Kindle one (micro-USB) when on vacation with no problems. It is not very expensive - I think I paid about $25 for this one. Keeps a charge for at least 20 hours.

I also have a Bose Bluetooth speaker that I use with my daily laptop and phone in my home office. It is nice, but pricey.
 

Sea Six

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I got an EcoStone from Ecoxgear several years ago and it still works like a champ. That model isn't available anymore, but they have a nice variety depending on what you want to spend.

https://www.westmarine.com/ecoxgear
 

Chrispee

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We have a Bose Sound Link Color which has decent sound and is very durable/portable for travel. We also have a Klipsch The One for the house and patio. It’s beautifully crafted with wood and metal, and sounds great for its size.
 

Glynda

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I have the Bose Mini Soundlink that I use twice daily and toss in the suitcase when traveling. I have no desire to trade it in for another.
 

bbodb1

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One of the key points of importance to me is how do your personal favorite / suggested speakers recharge?

My problems have been with a speaker manufacturer using a cheap mini USB connection for recharge purposes.
To those of you who have answered this thread thus far (thank you!) but how would you rate the recharge plug / port? Is it solid and durable or do you have to be careful with it?
 

rhonda

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My husband enjoys his bluetooth Goal Zero with solar charging.
 

pittle

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The Bose Soundlink Mini has a charging platform that has a mini USB in the back. I keep the platform plugged in all the time on my desk. The speaker can charge on the platform or with the USB. The Bose is fairly heavy.


upload_2019-6-24_17-12-8.jpeg



The OontZ Angle 3 has a Micro USB that plugs in on one of the edges. Hubs has ours in his work truck, so I took a picture of the instruction sheet. The OontZ is not nearly as heavy as the Bose.

You can see this model on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3MZ9OASDBBRES&keywords=oontz+angle+3+portable+bluetooth+speaker&qid=1561422913&s=gateway&sprefix=OontZ,aps,318&sr=8-4

upload_2019-6-24_17-29-34.png
 
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artringwald

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I think the OontZ Angle 3 has great sound quality, the battery stays charged a long time, and the USB connector seems very sturdy. The only complaint of heard is that the sound is rather directional. That's okay with me because I use it when I listen to music, not for group listening.
 

Sandy VDH

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Have you look at the Echo tap. It comes with a base that is a charger. So not only do you have Alexa if you want but it also just functions as a bluetooth speaker. It is discontinued but you might be able to pick up a cheaper refurbed on. It just sits atop the plate to charge. It comes with the plate, I just thought I would show you a picture.

s-l640.jpg
 

BJRSanDiego

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I'm using a JBL Charge 3 wireless speaker. And like most of the others, it uses a micro USB for charging. So it is potentially a weak point. I suppose if the connector craps out (and it is on speaker end rather than the cable or the charger end), that I'll attempt to repair it. Alternatively, I could either rewire the charging wiring to the unused (for me) USB (output) connector or add a small power jack. But I am comfortable doing things like that.
 

Glynda

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One of the key points of importance to me is how do your personal favorite / suggested speakers recharge?

My problems have been with a speaker manufacturer using a cheap mini USB connection for recharge purposes.
To those of you who have answered this thread thus far (thank you!) but how would you rate the recharge plug / port? Is it solid and durable or do you have to be careful with it?

The Mini SL Bose sits on a recharging cradle. I've had it for years and have had no problem. There is a newer model but reviewers seem to agree that the sound is not as good.
 

csxjohn

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I have a JBL Flip 4 that I bought for vacation because a friend had a Flip 3 that sounded great and this one is water proof. I never gave the charging cord a second thought until I read this thread. I've had it 2 years and never had a problem. The cord looks similar to the one pictured above by Pittle. The rubber connected to the business ends are very sturdy. I highly recommend this speaker

I bought it on Amazon for around $75.
 

Free2Roam

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I also use Oontz Angle (not version 3 though...I've had it a few years, I think I have version 2.) Great sound for my needs and reasonably priced.
 

x3 skier

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I have a JBL Clip (2, I think) that I’ve used in my hangar for a couple of years. Not had a problem with the Charge port and it has good sound for such a small unit.

Cheers
 

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csxjohn, I also have Flip4 for about 2 years....Sound is Great...My problem is: It won't hold a charge very long...Even while connecting USB directly to power source...Talked to people online and they say there's a glitch....I'm pissed
 

Carta

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Flip4 doesn't have a glitch...Just found that I need to replace battery...Never knew there was a replaceable battery til now..
 

csxjohn

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Flip4 doesn't have a glitch...Just found that I need to replace battery...Never knew there was a replaceable battery til now..
At least it's replaceable.
 
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