Power bank speakers: five models of portable acoustics with the function of recharging gadgets

The Chinese company Tronsmart seems to be aiming to become the Xiaomi of the world of portable acoustics, because its speakers are often called “JBL killers” in reviews. And this is not surprising: acoustics from Tronsmart are at the level of fakes that are sold in underground passages, but are not inferior to the original JBL in sound quality and even surpass them in functionality.

The Element T6 Plus model supports modern fifth-generation Bluetooth and is equipped with slots for a flash drive, microSD card, USB type C port. Thanks to it, the speaker can not only be charged from PowerBank, but also distribute energy to a dead smartphone.

Element T6 Plus is an improved version of the popular Tronsmart Element T6. The model captivates with a winning combination of minimalism and unusual functionality. Outwardly, it is a small barrel covered with rubber, ABS plastic and aluminium buttons. At the top of the Tronsmart T6 Plus, you will find a stylish, comfortable and multifunctional aluminium control wheel that allows you to control the volume, basic functions of the player, and switch to the call receiving mode. The case is protected according to the IPX6 standard, that is, it is not afraid of dust and splashes, but it is better not to lower it under water.

The Tronsmart speaker is packed with two independent tweeters and two full-featured 20W stereo amplifiers. It is powered by its proprietary SoundPulse audio technology, allowing its compact speakers to deliver exceptionally deep and powerful bass. At maximum volume, the speaker bass is not childish and begins to “walk” on the table. Fortunately, it also has a horizontal position, so you can simply lay it sideways on the table. I especially liked that the speaker spreads the sound evenly in all directions, the stereo effect is memorable. Well, it's convenient that instead of an overly complicated equalizer, the Element T6 Plus has just three volume switches. Vocal sounds flat and neutral, 3D Deep Bass creates a wide stereo bass (ideal for movies), and Extra Bass is made for house parties. If we talk about the overall sound quality, then it is approximately on par with the excellent JBL Xtreme 2. Only Tronsmart has a slightly softer character. And the price is 3 times lower.

In the mid-budget price category of portable acoustics, the Philips TAS-4807 speaker is of great interest. This is a balanced product, oriented to both outdoor and indoor applications.

The possibility of trouble-free operation of the model in the open air is determined by the reliable dust and moisture protection of the housing according to the IP67 standard. In theory, the speaker is able to withstand even short-term immersion under water, so rainy weather is definitely not a hindrance to listening to music. The sound from mobile gadgets is transmitted to acoustics via a Bluetooth wireless channel with a stable range of over 10 m.

The body of the model is made of durable ABS plastic. The speaker weighs a little less than half a kilogram. In the case of the device, a characteristic eyelet is provided, where the carrying strap is attached. The clear sound of the speaker is provided by a 1.75-inch full-range dynamic driver, which is backed up by two passive resonators to work out the elastic bass. The Philips TAS-4807 delivers a nominal audio power of 10W.

Mobile acoustics is powered by a 4400 mAh battery, which is able to share energy reserves with gadgets from the outside. Among the other features of the portable speaker , a couple of noteworthy technologies are noted: Multipoint - allows you to connect two mobile devices and listen to music from them alternately, as well as TWS to create a stereo pair of two speakers. The Philips TAS-4807 delivers powerful sound in a compact package, making it the go-to companion for camping trips, beach parties and the outdoors.

When it comes to power bank speakers, the line of portable acoustics JBL Charge immediately pops up in mind. Models delegated by her are trendsetters in this subcategory. Was no exception to the rule and the Essential model.

Mobile acoustics is positioned as a slightly simplified version of the JBL Charge 5 speaker. The model differs from its counterpart by a reduced sound power (20 W versus 40 W) and a reduced battery capacity (6000 mAh versus 7500 mAh). The signature sound of the speaker is provided by two two-inch active radiators of 10 W each and a pair of passive radiators that give out rich bass.

Despite the less energy-hungry battery, the JBL Charge Essential's battery life is still respectable. The speaker is able to stay "afloat" up to 20 hours of continuous music playback at an average volume level. The model can share the accumulated energy reserves in the cells of a lithium-ion battery via a USB port.

Connection to portable acoustics of digital audio sources is established via the Bluetooth v 4.1 protocol. The model also has an AUX IN line input used for analog connections. The speaker can be used both indoors and outdoors - the IPX7 waterproof housing protects the "insides" of the model from negative weather factors and splashes of water on the beach.

The Divoom Voombox-Pro is a portable, waterproof speaker with an eye for travel and outings that boasts 360° omnidirectional surround sound.

The speakers in the design of mobile acoustics are directed to both sides of the case. Under the mesh on the front of the device are a 2.5-inch full-range active driver, a small silk tweeter and a 3-inch passive bass driver. The rear panel of the mobile acoustics case has a similar layout. The speaker produces a total sound power of up to 40 W, which is quite enough to organize a local disco in an open space or cover a solid-sized room.

The connection of the speaker with mobile gadgets as audio sources is kept via the Bluetooth network. The built-in NFC chip is designed to speed up the connection of a smartphone to portable acoustics. It is enough to bring the phone to the speaker body and pairing will be established in the same second. Divoom Voombox-Pro can also be used to maintain the charge of dead mobile gadgets - a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery can share accumulated energy reserves via a USB connector (5 V / 1 A). The speaker uses a microUSB port to charge.

The model has acquired a basic IPX5 waterproof housing and support for TwS double up pairing technology, which allows you to combine two speakers to create a stereo effect. As a load, portable acoustics were equipped with a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Divoom Voombox-Pro is a quality product from a well-known audio brand with a good volume margin and a coherent sound character.

The Sony X-Series SRS-XG300 is a real "king of the parties", pumping large dance floors with clear sound with deep bass.

The speaker is assembled in a durable housing made of durable ABS plastic, which has dust and moisture protection according to the IP67 standard. The dimensions of portable acoustics are relatively small (138x318x136 mm), but its weight is about 3 kg. At the ends of the cylindrical body of the model, you can see the active LED-backlight Ambient Illumination, shimmering in different colors to the beat of the music. It is supposed to control the operation of the backlight system through the proprietary mobile applications Sony Music Center and Fiestable.

Six acoustic emitters are responsible for the sound of the speaker at once: two woofers with an optimized non-circular diaphragm, a pair of 20 mm tweeters and two passive resonators. The model sounds particularly bassy in the Mega Bass mode. The Sony Party Chain function allows you to combine compatible wireless speakers into a single speaker system, and the Sony X-Series SRS-XG300 also supports the simultaneous connection of several mobile gadgets.

To interface with signal sources, the model uses a Bluetooth v 5.2 wireless interface with support for popular SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs. The power supply of the speaker is established from a built-in battery with a declared autonomy of up to 25 hours in a row. The battery of portable acoustics can share its charge with external devices, which is useful in nature far from electrical civilization.