Portable Speakers: Structure, Features, Applications & Classification

A loudspeaker is a portable audio device, designed to amplify voice or sound in situations where a message needs to be conveyed to a large group of people without the need for a complex sound system. 

According to Dr. James Wilson, Audio Engineering Society (2023), “Advances in Portable Audio Technology”, USA: “Portable speakers have shown a 45% improvement in energy efficiency over the past decade, with modern devices achieving up to 85% energy conversion efficiency through advanced Class-D amplifier technology.”

This article will comprehensively analyze portable speakers through four main aspects: detailed structure from the speaker body to integrated sound technology, advantages and disadvantages, applications and classification. Don't miss it.

What is a portable speaker?

A loudspeaker (megaphone, megaphone, or paging speaker) is a portable audio device designed to amplify sound. It is an improved version of the traditional loudspeaker, characterized by its high portability, compact design, and often battery operation.

Portable speakers are often used to produce loud and clear sound, helping to convey messages to a group of people in situations such as teaching, organizing events, or giving tours. With a convenient handle design, portable speakers do not need to be installed permanently like traditional speakers, but can be easily carried and used anywhere.

This device not only amplifies the voice but can also play music or make announcements, thanks to the integration of modern audio technologies such as noise cancellation and digital signal processing (DSP). Portable speakers have become an important tool in many fields thanks to their convenience and efficiency.

What is the structure of a portable speaker?

Handheld speakers are made up of five main parts: speaker body, sound amplifier, battery, built-in or separate microphone and integrated sound technology.

Speaker body

The speaker body is the outer shell, usually made of ABS plastic or lightweight metal to ensure durability and impact resistance. The design of the speaker body is often compact, has a convenient handle and sometimes has an integrated strap for easy carrying. Some high-end models are also water-resistant to IPX4 or IPX5 standards, allowing use in harsh weather conditions.

Audio Amplifier

The amplifier is the heart of the portable speaker, responsible for enhancing the audio signal from the microphone or source. The amplifier uses semiconductor technology to ensure clear, distortion-free sound. Some modern speakers also incorporate noise-canceling technology to eliminate background noise.

Battery and power supply

Portable speakers usually use lithium-ion or alkaline batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of large capacity, lasting 6-12 hours of continuous use, while alkaline batteries are easy to replace and suitable for low-cost speakers. Some products also support fast charging, taking only 2-3 hours to fully charge.

Built-in or separate microphone

The microphone is a sound recording device that can be built into the speaker or used as a separate microphone connected via a 3.5mm port or Bluetooth. The built-in microphone is often highly sensitive, helping to record sound well even when the speaker is at a distance. Some speaker lines also support wireless microphones, providing maximum convenience.

Integrated audio technology

Many portable speakers today are equipped with advanced audio technology such as surround sound, DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology to optimize sound quality, and anti-feedback capabilities to avoid echoes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of portable speakers?

Portable speakers are a convenient audio device, suitable for many uses thanks to their portability, ease of use and reasonable price. However, users need to consider disadvantages such as limited sound capacity, battery life and sound quality to choose the product that best suits their intended use.

Advantages of portable speakers

Portable speakers offer many benefits thanks to their flexible design and features, meeting the needs of use in many different situations. Here are the outstanding advantages:

• High mobility: Portable speakers are designed to be compact and lightweight (usually from 0.5kg to 2kg), making it easy for users to carry and use anywhere. Some speaker lines are also equipped with shoulder straps or sturdy handles, increasing convenience when moving.
• Easy to use, no complicated installation required: Portable speakers are simple to operate, just turn on the power and use it immediately without connecting to complicated audio equipment. This saves time and effort, especially in emergency situations or outdoor events.
• Reasonable pricing: With prices ranging from 300.000 VND to 2.000.000 VND, portable speakers are suitable for many users, from individuals to organizations. Low-cost speaker lines still ensure to meet basic needs such as amplifying sound and playing music.
• Variety of designs and features: Portable speakers come in a variety of product lines, from mini speakers, high-powered speakers to Bluetooth-enabled speakers. Some models are also equipped with sirens for use in emergency situations, such as fire or rescue.
• Energy saving: Many current speaker lines use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, providing continuous use time of 6-12 hours. This helps reduce battery replacement costs and increases efficiency over long periods of time.

Disadvantages of portable speakers

Besides the advantages, portable speakers also have some limitations that users need to note:

• Limited sound power: Portable speakers usually have a capacity of 10W to 50W, suitable for small groups or moderate spaces. However, for large events or large spaces, portable speakers cannot meet the requirements of powerful sound like fixed speaker systems.
• Limited battery life: Although many speaker lines use rechargeable batteries, battery life is still limited, especially with low-cost lines. Some products can only operate continuously for 3-4 hours, not meeting the needs of long-term use in long events.
• Uneven sound quality: Cheap speakers often have poor sound quality, are prone to distortion or crackling when used at high volume levels. This affects the user experience, especially in situations where clear sound is required.
• Not suitable for all weather conditions: Some speaker lines are not waterproof or dustproof, making it difficult to use in harsh weather conditions or outdoor environments.

What is the use of portable speakers?

Portable speakers are versatile audio devices, suitable for many different fields and situations. From education, events, community activities to emergency situations, portable speakers help convey information effectively and quickly. With a compact design, easy to use and reasonable price, this is an indispensable tool in modern life.

Support in the field of education

Portable speakers play an important role in teaching and presentation activities, especially in large or outdoor spaces. Teachers and lecturers can use portable speakers to ensure clear sound, helping students or listeners easily receive information. Save energy, increase the effectiveness of information transmission, especially in crowded classrooms or open spaces.

Real-life example: During extracurricular or field trips, teachers often use handheld speakers to instruct students, ensuring everyone can hear the information clearly without having to gather too close.

Applications in outdoor events

Portable loudspeakers are an indispensable tool for outdoor events such as fairs, street performances, or cheering sessions. With a power of 6W to 30W, portable loudspeakers can transmit sound to a large group of people in an open space. Ensure the message is clearly conveyed, attracting the attention of the crowd without the need for a complicated sound system.

Real-life example: During street performances, organizers often use handheld loudspeakers to announce schedules or call attention from the audience.

Support in community activities

Portable loudspeakers are commonly used in community activities such as tour guides, sports events, or cheering. This device helps organizers easily coordinate and effectively convey information to the crowd. Increase the interaction between the guide and the audience, ensuring that information is not missed.

Real-life example: Tour guides often use handheld loudspeakers to introduce tourist attractions to tour groups, even in noisy or crowded environments.

Use in emergency situations

Handheld loudspeakers are an important tool in emergency situations such as firefighting, rescue, or crowd control. Some models also have a built-in siren or alarm for use in situations where a quick warning is needed. Ensuring that emergency information is transmitted quickly and effectively helps to minimize risks in dangerous situations.

Real-world example: Firefighters use handheld loudspeakers to instruct people to evacuate a dangerous area or announce safety measures.

Serving personal and entertainment needs

In addition to professional applications, portable speakers are also used for personal purposes such as karaoke, playing music during picnics, or organizing family gatherings. Bringing a convenient entertainment experience without having to carry a bulky sound system. Some portable speakers have integrated Bluetooth for easy connection to phones or tablets to play music.

Practical example: During picnics, users can use portable speakers to play music or organize group games.

Support tools in specific industries

Handheld loudspeakers are also used in specific industries such as police, security, or swimming pool management. This device helps coordinate activities, manage crowds, or announce regulations effectively. Ensure safety and order in crowded environments.

Real-world example: At public swimming pools, lifeguards use handheld megaphones to announce safety regulations or instructions for handling emergency situations.

Classification of popular portable speaker lines

Popular portable speaker lines today include mini speakers, high-power speakers and integrated Bluetooth speakers, each suitable for different usage needs.

Mini portable speaker

Mini portable speakers are compact in size, light in weight (usually under 1kg), easy to carry and use. The power of this speaker line usually ranges from 5W to 15W, suitable for small spaces or small groups of people. Suitable for individual activities such as tour guiding, teaching in small classes, or use in group meetings.

For example, a mini speaker like the Sony SRS-XB12 is not only compact but also delivers powerful sound, suitable for picnics or personal use.

High power portable speaker

This speaker line has a capacity of 20W to 50W, providing stronger and clearer sound, suitable for large spaces or large groups. Some products are also equipped with sirens for use in emergency situations. Use in outdoor events, fairs, sports cheering, or street performances.

For example, TOA's high-power speaker series is designed for use in outdoor activities, ensuring clear sound even in noisy environments.

Portable speaker with built-in Bluetooth

Portable speakers with integrated Bluetooth allow wireless connection to devices such as phones, tablets, or laptops. The power of this speaker line is usually from 10W to 30W, with the ability to play music and amplify voices. Suitable for picnics, karaoke, or use in small events.

Real-life example: Some Bluetooth speaker lines like the Sony SRS-XB13 not only have a compact design but also provide a high-quality sound experience, meeting personal entertainment needs.

FAQ about portable speakers

What are the common waterproof standards for portable speakers?

Portable speakers are typically rated IPX4 (protected against splashes of water from any direction) or IPX5 (resistant to low-pressure water jets). Some high-end models can reach IPX7, allowing them to be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.

What is the frequency range of the portable speaker?

The typical frequency range of portable speakers ranges from 100Hz to 15kHz, which is enough to reproduce clear speech. High-end models can extend up to 20kHz for high-quality music playback.

How to choose the right portable speaker for your intended use?

• Teaching, small groups: Choose mini speakers with 5W-15W power.
• Outdoor events: Choose high power speakers 20W-50W.
• Personal entertainment: Choose a speaker with built-in Bluetooth, 10W-30W capacity.
• Emergency: Choose a speaker with a siren and a large capacity rechargeable battery.

How long can the portable speaker be used continuously?

Usage time depends on battery type:

• Lithium-ion battery: Typically lasts 6-12 hours.
• Alkaline battery: Operates for 3-6 hours, depending on speaker capacity.

How to properly store portable speakers?

• Avoid exposing the speaker to water unless it is water resistant.
• Charge the battery properly, do not let the battery run out completely.
• Clean the speakers regularly, especially the microphone and speaker grilles, to prevent dust from reducing sound quality.

What devices can the portable speaker connect to?

Bluetooth-enabled speakers can connect to phones, tablets, and laptops. Some models also support 3.5mm AUX or USB ports to play music from external devices.

Does the portable speaker support wireless microphone?

Some high-end portable speakers support wireless microphones via Bluetooth or UHF frequency connection, allowing users to move flexibly without being tangled in wires.

Which portable speaker brand is trusted today?

Portable speaker brands such as TOA, Sony, Bosch, JBL, and DB are trusted by users for their superior sound quality, high durability, and modern features. Depending on your needs (entertainment, events, or community activities), you can choose the right brand to ensure the best efficiency and experience.