Speakers with USB flash drive and radio: model overview and selection criteria

Questions about how to choose speakers with a flash drive and a radio are regularly asked by lovers of a comfortable stay away from home - in the country, in nature, or on a picnic. Portable devices are presented on the market today in a huge assortment: you can find an option to suit every budget. An overview of models with Bluetooth, large and small wireless speakers with USB-input will help you understand the range and not overpay for unnecessary functions.

The portable speaker with USB flash drive and radio is a versatile media device that doesn't require a constant network connection. Such gadgets are now successfully produced by most manufacturers of equipment - from the budget Defender or Supra to the more respectable JBL, Sony, Philips. Among the obvious features of portable speakers with FM tuner and USB are:

• autonomy and mobility;
• the ability to recharge the phone;
• performing the function of a headset (if Bluetooth is available);
• support for wireless connection in different formats;
• a large selection of body sizes and shapes;
• ease of transportation, storage;
• the ability to use external media;
• long-term work without recharging.

There are quite a few varieties of portable speakers. There are several of the most common criteria for their division.

• Corded and rechargeable... The first differ only in the convenience of transportation. Battery-powered models are not only portable, they also do not depend on an outlet, and sometimes do not even need to be connected to external devices. Wireless speakers most often have several supported communication types. For example, models with Bluetooth may also have Wi-Fi or NFC.

• With and without display. If you need a technician with a clock, a choice of functions, switching tracks, a programmable set of radio stations, it is better to choose a model equipped with a small screen. Among other things, it helps to monitor the battery level.

• Large, medium, small. The most compact models look like a cube with edges less than 10 cm. Full-size models start at 30 cm in height. The middle ones have a horizontal orientation and are quite stable.

• Low-power and powerful... A radio speaker with an FM radio may well have 5 W speakers - this will be enough in the country. Medium-sized models up to 20W provide volume comparable to a phone speaker. Produced for parties and picnics, portable speakers sound bright and rich. This is achieved using speakers of 60-120 watts.

The best portable speakers with support for FM-radio and a USB port are usually divided by price, size, and purpose. The musical component in such devices often fades into the background - the main ones are mobility and the duration of autonomous operation without recharging. It is worth considering the most popular speaker options in more detail in order to fully appreciate their capabilities and features.

Let's take a look at the best compact models first.

• Interstep SBS-120... Compact speaker system with radio and USB charging port. The most expensive compact and also the only one with stereo sound. The model has a very large battery capacity, stylish design. Includes carabiner for attaching to a bag or backpack.Supports Bluetooth connection, there is a port for memory cards.

• JBL Go 2. Rectangular portable speaker for home use. The model has one drawback - a 3W speaker. Otherwise, everything is fine - the design, the sound, and the implementation of the control system. The equipment works in mono mode, the charge lasts up to 5 hours of battery life, there is Bluetooth, a microphone, and moisture protection of the case.

• Caseguru gg box... Compact version of the column of cylindrical shape. The model looks stylish, takes up a minimum of space due to the dimensions of 95 × 80 mm. The device has a USB connector, built-in FM tuner, Bluetooth support. The set includes a built-in microphone, 2 speakers of 5 W each, and a waterproof case. This is a mono single-way speaker only.

Medium to large speakers with FM tuner and USB are also noteworthy.

• BBK BTA7000. A model that is as close as possible to classic speakers in terms of size and sound. It features a stylish look, built-in lighting, equalizer, support for external microphones, and a special function for playing low frequencies.

• Digma S-32. Inexpensive, but not bad, mid-sized speaker with a full range of ports. Cylindrical shape, built-in backlight, support for USB sticks and memory cards, Bluetooth-module make this speaker an excellent choice for home use. The device weighs only 320 g, its dimensions are 18 × 6 cm.

• Sven PS-485. Portable speaker with shoulder strap, original cabinet configuration, stereo sound. The model has an equalizer, various ports and interfaces for connecting external devices. There is a Bluetooth module, a broadband speaker, and a built-in microphone. The backlight and echo function are focused on karaoke use.

• Ginzzu GM-886B... Compromise model with stable legs, cylindrical body, convenient carrying handle. The model is equipped with a built-in display and an equalizer, and has a long battery life. Mono sound and power of only 18 W do not give this speaker an opportunity to compete on equal terms with the leaders, but in general it is very good.

Even portable acoustics should be comfortable to use. High sound quality is one of the important criteria for choosing such a speaker, but far from the only one. Consider what to look out for before buying.

1. Price. This factor remains fundamental and largely determines the class of available gadgets. Budget speaker models cost from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles, quite coping with their tasks. The middle class can be found at a price of 3000-6000 rubles. More expensive equipment should be considered only if you plan to host parties or hold large-scale Open-Air, listen to classical concerts in high quality.
2. Brand. Despite the abundance of new brands, there are still undisputed leaders on the market. Manufacturers that deserve special attention include JBL and Sony. When choosing between them and Ginzzu or Canyon, other things being equal, it is worth focusing on the status of the brand.
3. The number of channels and speakers. The single-channel technique produces mono sound. Option 2.0 - speakers with stereo sound and two channels, allowing you to receive surround reproduction of music. The number of speakers must match or exceed the number of bands, otherwise the sound will mix high and low frequencies, making the melody something illegible.
4. Power. It does not affect the quality, but it determines the sound volume of the speaker. The minimum is considered to be 1.5 watts per speaker. In inexpensive speakers, there are power options from 5 to 35 watts. High-quality, loud and clear sound is provided by models with indicators from 60-100 W, but portable acoustics often sacrifice this to extend battery life.
5. Place of installation and use. For cycling, there are hand-sized handheld gadgets. For outdoor recreation, you can consider medium-sized options. Larger speakers are best used as a home speaker. In addition, you can find speakers with mode switching - for full disclosure of sound in nature and in 4 walls.
6. Working frequencies. The lower limit should be in the range from 20 to 500 Hz, the upper one - from 10,000 to 25,000 Hz. In the case of "lows" it is better to choose the minimum values, so the sound will be juicier. “Top”, on the other hand, sounds better in the range after 20,000 Hz.
7. Supported ports. It is optimal if, in addition to radio and Bluetooth, the equipment supports reading USB flash drives, microSD cards. The AUX 3.5 jack will allow you to connect the speaker to devices without Bluetooth, to headphones.
8. Battery capacity. In portable speakers, it directly determines how long they can play music without interruption. For example, 2200 mAh is enough to work at an average volume for 7-10 hours, 20,000 mAh is enough to work non-stop for 24 hours - the most powerful BoomBox are equipped with such batteries. In addition, the presence of a USB port allows you to use such a speaker as a Power Bank for other devices.
9. Options. In addition to the FM tuner, it can be NFC support, Wi-Fi, a speakerphone, or a microphone jack that allows you to connect to karaoke mode. Support for applications with settings also provides good opportunities for adjusting the work of the column "for yourself".

See below for an overview of the wireless portable speaker.