Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily require a wired connection – they can wirelessly connect to devices like smartphones and laptops.
Ditching the wires for your Bluetooth speaker? Think again! While wireless audio is all the rage, some modern Bluetooth speakers are taking a step back to the old-school wired connection, and for good reason.
Here we have the eye-catching JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6, as well as the sleek Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) - all portable models delivering top-notch sound for your adventures. But unlike their predecessors, these bad boys now come equipped with a wired audio connection, catering to the demands of audio aficionados craving higher-quality tunes from premium music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Tidal.
JBL listened to its customers' requests and introduced wired listening to its latest models, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio playback from devices like smartphones, laptops, or tablets via USB-C. The trend doesn't stop there; the newest Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) also offers a wired listening option via USB-C.
This new development might seem paradoxical considering the nature of portable speakers. However, it is hard to deny the noticeable improvements a wired connection yields compared to the compressed and lossy Bluetooth connection. Our team can vouch for it - all three speakers sound significantly better when wired to a device with noticeable improvements in sonic clarity, depth, and liveliness.
From our recent Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) review: "Connect the speaker to an iPhone with a cable, and you'll experience noticeable sonic improvements, with the speaker displaying greater clarity, punch, and sprightliness compared to the Bluetooth connection."
It's no secret that wired connections deliver superior sound quality, but the question remains: Will users of portable Bluetooth speakers prioritize sound quality over the conveniences of wireless connectivity? Or is the cable-free lifestyle too tempting to abandon?
Bluetooth's convenience has made it a popular choice for most affordable portable speakers on the market. However, manufacturers like JBL, Sony, and B&O continue to listen to consumer feedback and strive for better audio quality across all their products. Perhaps a balance between outstanding sound and unbeatable convenience will become the new aesthetic for versatile wireless speakers in the future.
If you're ready to elevate your sound game while still maintaining a sense of freedom, investing in a portable Bluetooth speaker with wired options like the JBL Flip 7, Charge 6, or Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) might just be the ticket. Embrace the best of both worlds and enjoy awide range of audio options at your fingertips, wherever you go.
FUN FACT: Did you know that "Bluetooth" technology was named after King Harald Bluetooth, who, during the 10th century, united warring Danish tribes through diplomacy and unification efforts? It's a fitting name for a technology that aims to bring different audio devices together while uniting music lovers with superior audio experiences!
- The JBL Flip 7, JBL Charge 6, and Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) offer a wired audio connection as well as Bluetooth, catering to modern audiophiles' demands for higher-quality tunes.
- JBL's latest models, such as the Flip 7 and Charge 6, support up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio playback from devices via USB-C.
- Our team has noticed significant improvements in sonic clarity, depth, and liveliness when the Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) is wired to a device compared to its Bluetooth connection.
- Manufacturers like JBL, Sony, and B&O are incorporating wired options in their portable speakers in response to consumer feedback, focusing on striking a balance between sound quality and convenience.
- A recent review of the Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) stated, "Connect the speaker to an iPhone with a cable, and you'll experience noticeable sonic improvements, with the speaker displaying greater clarity, punch, and sprightliness compared to the Bluetooth connection."
- When investing in a portable Bluetooth speaker with wired options like the JBL Flip 7, Charge 6, or Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen), you can enjoy a versatile audio experience that offers the convenience of Bluetooth and the superior sound quality of a wired connection.
- The name Bluetooth technology was inspired by King Harald Bluetooth, who united warring Danish tribes through diplomacy and unification efforts, symbolizing the technology's aim to bring different audio devices together while uniting music lovers with superior audio experiences.
