Speakers with USB: pros and cons, model overview

Music has become an integral part of the life of a modern person. Wherever you go, you can hear it everywhere: from phones and speakers in courtyards, in parks and squares, in cafes and even at picnics in the forest. Therefore, one should not be surprised at how popular portable audio systems with a USB flash drive are.

Let's take a closer look at the features of this type of speakers.

The portable speaker is a mini speaker system designed for playing tunes. In most cases, songs are played on a smartphone, tablet or computer, and transferred to the speaker via a wireless interface. However, some time ago, manufacturers introduced new speaker models that play a melody from media.

Their benefits are clear. For to listen to music, you do not need the Internet and a stable connection between gadgets - you just need to insert a USB flash drive and press "play"... At the same time, you can not worry that your smartphone will be discharged at the most unfortunate moment and leave you without musical accompaniment.

There are other advantages to these audio systems.

• Compact dimensions. The device does not take up much space; it can be carried in a regular bag or backpack in order to listen to your favorite music in any convenient place.
• High quality sound. The speakers built into the speaker give a better sound quality than those installed in the smartphone. The quality and depth of sound is achieved through a large speaker, especially well such models produce mid and low frequencies.
• Ability to connect to external systems. Any speaker with a USB flash drive can, if desired, be connected to a phone, tablet or computer via bluetooth - the range is usually 20-30 m.
• Versatility. A modern gadget can become a full-fledged alternative audio headset. Even the most budget models have the ability to receive calls - the call is transmitted to the speakerphone, so you do not have to take out the phone and hold it near your ear.
• Most of the speakers have a Powerbank function. In this case, the gadget acts as a charger for phones.

Most often, the speakers use microSD as an external storage medium; almost all models on the market are equipped with such ports. These memory cards are relatively small and consume little power, so they can be used even in the most budget devices. Almost all existing models are equipped with such ports. These memory cards are small and consume very little power. However, regardless of the size, the memory capacity of such cards should be sufficient to store a large number of audio files.

Please note that the presence of a USB flash drive connector does not mean that you can connect an external 1TB drive. Each model has a maximum allowable amount of external storage memory, it must be indicated in the user manual.

Any column for a USB flash drive necessarily has a set of buttons that are necessary to rewind tracks.

The modern market offers a large number of portable speakers with flash drives.This allows each buyer to choose a model that will best suit his personal preferences and financial capabilities.

Today, the most popular are production columns Xiaomi. Their portable models with flash drives have a stylish design and high sound quality. But the popular choice is JBLThe speakers of this brand were loved by users for their high quality, and the active promotion of the brand played a role.

There are other, equally popular models.

Advantages:

• loud and clear sound;
• ease of use;
• stylish design;
• relatively low weight of the product.

Disadvantages:

• not very convenient control system;
• inability to turn off the backlight.

Advantages:

• good sound reproduction;
• affordable price;
• long period of battery life.

Disadvantages:

• laconic design;
• poor ergonomics;
• when listening to a melody at low frequencies, pronounced hiss.

The column is made of high quality "soft touch" plastic. A metal grill is attached to the front. The battery is capacious, powerful, so that the device can be operated without recharging for up to 9-10 hours. But the fittings are not very reliable.

Advantages:

• high quality sound;
• good work at low frequencies;
• long battery life on a single charge;
• equalizer option.

Disadvantages:

• lack of indication of charging on the display;
• impressive dimensions.

Such a column works without recharging for about 5-6 hours, has an attractive design and an easy-to-use interface. When connecting a flash drive, you can use the "Equalizer" option and set the correct sound for any melody, which is very convenient for all music lovers.

Advantages:

• low cost in comparison with speakers of other brands;
• wonderful sound;
• excellent sound quality at high volume;
• good build.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenient speaker control system;
• short battery life.

This speaker weighs only 400 grams, which is very convenient for portable audio systems. Thanks to such a mass and small dimensions, the speaker can be taken with you on vacation wherever you go. The case is reliably protected from moisture and dirt, microSD is used as a carrier, there is a microphone, it is possible to connect your own headset. However, you will not be able to rest for a long time with such a column - the period of its autonomous operation does not exceed 3 hours, after which the column needs recharging, although you can extend the life of the model with the help of external batteries.

Advantages:

• when turned off, remembers the position of the song;
• good battery;
• the presence of a built-in alarm clock;
• high quality sound reproduction;
• the menu is completely Russified.

Disadvantages:

• the inability to connect the speaker via bluetooth;
• small display;
• lack of your own charger.

This acoustic model reproduces sound well both at low and high frequencies. The kit does not include a charger, but you can always use any other USB charger, for example from a smartphone.

Advantages:

• high volume;
• good battery;
• can catch radio frequencies.

Disadvantages:

• impressive weight;
• display backlight;
• when listening to bass, pronounced wheezing.

Awarded good reviews Defender Atom MonoDrive model. Such a speaker is optimal for use in small rooms, since its total power is not enough for listening in open spaces, the parameter is only 5 watts. An amplifier speaker may be needed for the party. The sound is mono, but for such a compact product its quality can be considered quite acceptable.

Music is played from microSD, the battery allows for autonomous operation for 3 hours without recharging. In general, the model fully justifies its affordable price, while being loud, which is good news.

The opposite of this models - BBK BTA6000. At first glance, it may seem that the user is facing not an ordinary portable speaker, but a full-fledged sound stereo system. This device has quite impressive dimensions, and its weight is about 5 kg - you cannot hang such a model on your shoulder. The column is optimal for celebrations and discos. The power is 60W, the battery is charged both from the mains and through the USB port. It allows you to play a recording from a USB flash drive, but it can also work through bluetooth. There is a microphone.

Before choosing one or another column with an input for a flash drive, you need to take into account important factors.

• The total number of speakers. The logic here is simple: the more, the better. Sound acoustics with one emitter give mono sound and at high volume does not sound as clear as models with two or more speakers.
• The frequency that the speaker can pick up. The best option is considered to be a corridor of 20–20,000 Hz, but in practice this parameter is usually underestimated.
• Power. This parameter does not provide sound quality - it only affects the volume. 1.5-2 W models sound a little louder than a smartphone, so this kind of music can be listened to either as background music or in very small rooms. 16–20 W products deliver volume levels comparable to that of an average TV. But for friendly parties and discos, it is better to use models with a power of 40 W or more. However, keep in mind: the more power, the larger the product will be, the weight of the speakers and its cost. Yes, and the period of active operation of such models is shorter, the most powerful models do work only from the power supply.
• Autonomy. Most often, portable speakers are purchased in order to take them with you on hikes, walks and picnics. Therefore, it is optimal that the minimum operating time on a single charge is 4–6 hours.
• Dimensions. For the same reason as above, you need to take into account the dimensions of the speaker. A speaker system that is too heavy or too voluminous will not be very comfortable. However, this disadvantage is very relative, nowadays very few people go for a walk without a city backpack.
• When choosing a player, you need to pay special attention to the signal level. The closer this parameter is to 100 dB, the better the sound reproduction of the device will be.

See below for an overview of the large column.