Speakers with power bank: a selection of five portable acoustic models with the function of charging 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 portable model Tribit XSound Mega immerses you in the musical atmosphere not only with a well-developed sound, but also with lighting in the rhythm of the songs. The LED lighting system around the circumference of the front panel of the speaker body shimmers in different colors to the beat of the audio tracks.

The mobile speaker produces loud and high-quality sound with a total power of up to 30 watts. There is only one speaker in the model, so the stereo effect is out of the question here. But in portable acoustics there is an equalizer with three sound presets: music, bass and audio books. The preferred mode is selected by a separate button on the speaker control panel.

The model interfaces with sound sources using the energy-efficient Bluetooth v 5.0 protocol. Other connection ports are not provided in the arsenal of the speaker. The exception to the rule is two USB connectors, but they serve to recharge mobile devices. The Tribit XSound Mega supports power bank operation, during which the speaker shares energy from 8000 mAh battery cells. By the way, a full charge of the battery is enough for about 20 hours of autonomous listening to music.

Portable acoustics weighs exactly 1 kg. The body of the model has all-weather protection against moisture in accordance with the requirements of the IPX7 standard. As a load, the speaker was equipped with an NFC module for quick connection with "chip" mobile gadgets. Tribit XSound Mega is suitable for parties on open dance floors, musical accompaniment for outdoor recreation or listening to music in a relaxed home atmosphere.

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.