While portable speakers have become more and more popular, all of them don’t last that long. That’s the sole reason why audio enthusiasts want to know more about durability.
So how long do portable speakers last exactly?
Portable speakers last 6 hours to 20 hours from a single charge depending on the brand. As for the lifespan, Portable speakers last 2 years at least and 5 years at most. The number primarily relies entirely on how often the speaker is charged and how heavily it is used. But, frequently used at a high volume wears out a speaker a lot sooner. Dust, static electricity, and dampness also have a significant impact on its longevity.
How long does each brand last, though? What maintenance measures can you take to extend the speaker’s life? Well, that’s what I want to talk about.
Let’s dive straight in!
Typical Lifespan of Portable Speakers
The typical lifespan of portable speakers is 2-5 years. The time can be extended by playing the speaker at a lower volume and using the speaker less.
Depending on the quality, design, and maintenance, portable speakers can operate for a very long time. There are actually two different kinds of speaker lifespans.
This kind of speaker lasts the least compared to how long-lasting speakers generally are.
The first is the speaker’s battery life when fully charged. The speaker’s estimated service time is the other one.
Let’s analyze how each of them varies between different brands.
Battery Life of Portable Speakers:
With a full battery, portable speakers typically have a battery life of 6 to 20 hours. With a 1000mAH battery, a portable speaker should have a 10-hour playback time. It usually takes 3 hours to fully recharge.
The battery size of portable speakers might vary, however, they typically range from 1000 mAH to 4000 mAH. Let’s take a look at a couple of famous brands’ battery life
How Long Do JBL Portable Speakers Last?
JBL leads the pack with the highest battery life. For instance, the JBL Charge 5 boasts a 20-hour playback time and recharges in just 4 hours.
But the volume has an impact on the 20-hour playback time. Increasing the volume will cause the battery to drain more quickly. The 3000mAh battery provides 12 hours of playing at maximum volume.
You can also check out the smaller JBL Flip 6!
This one also offers better durability and battery life than its predecessors.
How Long Do Sonos Portable Speakers Last?
Sonos portable speakers typically last 10-11 hours on a full charge. According to Sonos, the batteries in their Portable speakers can be fully charged 900 times.
On a full charge, S2 Bluetooth speakers will provide 10-11 hours of playtime with moderate usage. But you will have about 6 hours of playtime with intensive usage.
How Long Does Bose Portable Speakers Last?
The battery life of Bose speakers can be anywhere from 6 to 20 hours. It depends on the volume setting.
Compared to its rivals, Bose portable speakers charge much faster. It takes between 1-3 hours to fully recharge depending on the model. Bose SoundLink Flex can play music at its loudest volume for 6 hours after a full charge.
How Long Do Klipsch Portable Speakers Last?
Batteries used in Klipsch portable speakers typically last from 10-18 hours. That’s primarily because they have capacities between 1000 and 4000 mAH.
Take the Klipsch Groove Portable for example. This one has a battery life of 7 to 8 hours when fully charged. However, it won’t last more than five hours under heavy use. This is because using a larger volume requires a lot more power.
The Lifespan of the Speaker:
The short lifespan of portable speakers is well-known. Despite a few exceptions, the majority of speakers have a lifespan of 2-3 years.
If played constantly at maximum volume, it will be substantially shorter. Check out these brands’ time differences down below-
JBL Portable Speakers:
Among portable speakers, JBL models are exceptionally durable and long-lasting. These are IP67-rated and can withstand tough environments.
These portable speakers should easily last 2-3 years even under heavy use. And if used minimally they are bound to last for four to five years.
Sonos Portable Speakers:
Sonos portable speakers should last for 4-5 years if you play music at a moderate volume. They also offer a 5-year policy that guarantees a minimum of five years of expected lifetime.
Additionally, the company will provide five years of service for the Sonos S1 series. The speaker will survive 2-3 years, though, if you play them constantly at full volume.
Bose Portable Speakers:
Bose has a terrible reputation for the brief lifespan of its speakers. With maximum use, Bose speakers typically last two to three years.
Compared to other brands, this is a significant decline in battery life. However, with appropriate care and usage, it can last up to 4-5 years.
Klipsch Portable Speakers:
Among portable speaker manufacturers, Klipsch does have a very strong track record. Because, although most speakers last 3-5 years, Klipsch speakers last 7 years. but this timeframe for lightly used speakers of Klipsch.
However, even at full volume, it easily ensures a lifespan of 4-5 years. Which easily outlasts every other brand. This is the reason Klipsch is the best in the industry.
Longevity According to Types of Portable Speakers
The versatility and convenience of portable speakers cannot be overstated. Thanks to their wireless connectivity, your smartphone, laptop, and even vinyl record players can stream music remotely.
Different portable speaker models have varying lifespans and capacities. Let’s take a look at the various timelines for each sort of portable speaker-
How Long Do Bluetooth Speakers Last?
A portable speaker typically has a battery life of 6 to 12 hours. Some, though, can last up to 24 hours. Charging time is usually between 1 and 4 hours.
With a battery of 1000-3000 mAh, a reliable brand will provide service for at least 2-3 years. Even if the blue yeti’s mute button malfunctions, this speaker will most likely still work.
Below is the longevity table of some reputable brands-
| Brand | Bluetooth Speaker Longevity | Charge Longevity |
| JBL | 2-3 Years | 20 Hours |
| Sonos | 5 Years | 10-11 Hours |
| Bose | 2-3 Years | 6-20 Hours |
| Klipsch | 7 Years | 10-12 Hours |
Factors That Damage Your Portable Speakers
Every electronic device has a lifespan. Portable speakers are not an exception to this. However, you can shorten your speaker’s life by making the following mistakes:
Dust & Moisture:
Your portable speakers’ biggest enemy may very well be dust. Dust can get into the wire connectors of your speakers. As a result, electric signals may be disturbed. In addition, over time, the dust may damage the wiring of the speakers.
Moisture may form if you operate the gadget near water, causing damage or failure. Some individuals carry the speakers in their pockets or use them in the rain.
But, using a speaker in the rain could easily result in malfunction. The water can easily get into the speaker and damage the internal structure.
Check the charging area for water or moisture before plugging it in. Make sure to secure the USB port cap on your speakers after charging.
Heat:
Another adversary of your speakers is direct sunlight. Speakers can overheat from prolonged sun exposure, partly because of their small size. The electromagnetic voice coils of the speaker will be harmed as a result.
These coils are essential for maintaining constant electrical flow. Additionally, without these, your portable speakers could degrade more quickly.
Non-Stop Playtime:
The speaker shouldn’t be left on for a long time. The battery life can degrade more quickly as a result of this. Using it all day also damages the speaker.
Speakers played at maximum volume over works the internal components. It will quickly deteriorate the speaker. Allow your speakers to cool down between uses.
On Charge Playing:
Never use your speakers while they are charging. This causes the speaker’s components to heat up. This can potentially burn some integrated circuits.
Be cautious if you want to maintain 80% efficiency when using it. Continuously filling it to capacity will ultimately deplete it. The battery must be fully charged before being totally discharged once.
Dropping the Speaker:
The handheld option is not available on all portable speakers. Some are so little that they can fit in your pocket. Therefore, dropping the speaker in any situation is quite normal.
However, the speaker’s voice coil can be severely damaged by the drop’s initial pressure. This has a significant negative impact on sound quality. The battery is also damaged because of the drop.
The damage may not be too serious if the speaker is still functional and intact after being dropped.
These are all the causes of a speaker’s short lifespan. What can you do to change the situation?
Tips to Increase the Longevity of Portable Speakers
Maintaining your portable speaker is quite easy yet necessary to keep it running for a long time. The advice provided below will assist you in maintaining the functionality of your speaker –
Minimize the Playtime:
Avoid using the speaker for an extended amount of time. The longer you use it on a regular basis, the less likely it is to last.
Minimize the playtime and try to keep it on a moderate volume level. It is best to avoid using the speaker all day.
Limit the Volume:
Running your speakers at maximum volume is more detrimental than anything else. This has the same effect as listening to music too loudly with your headphones. Long-term use on maximum volume makes the condition worse.
Try to use it on a volume of 50% instead. You’ll be preserving the interior parts this way. Additionally, you’ll be able to increase the speaker’s lifespan. Allow your speakers to cool to room temperature between periods of intensive use.
Avoid Liquid Cleaners:
Avoid cleaning your portable speaker with liquids. Liquids can enter the speaker and cause internal damage.
To remove dirt and other debris, a basic cloth will work well. You can also clean your speaker using a small hand-held vacuum cleaner.
Dust & Magnet Free Area:
Another piece of advice is to keep your speaker in a place that is clear of dust. Store your portable speaker in a case or bag while not in use. It will protect the components from dirt and debris.
Magnets can damage your speakers’ internal mechanics. In order to avoid damaging your speaker, keep it away from any metal or magnetism-attracting sources. A wooden barrier can keep the speaker safe at all times of need.
Proper Ventilation:
Make sure your speakers have enough ventilation. While in heavy use, a compact fan can keep the dust at bay and keep it cool. This will preserve the speaker in top form for a considerable amount of time.
Also, keep the speaker a couple of inches from the wall. This will ensure moderate temperature throughout the playing time.
An owner’s manual is included when you purchase a portable speaker. You can find more instructions for maintaining your portable speaker in the manual. Try to follow those to make your speaker last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Is Better: Bose or JBL Bluetooth Speaker?
Because of its powerful bass and greater sound effects, the JBL is the frontrunner. The music is great and distortion-free thanks to the deep boom effect. Even though the Bose has superb sound quality, there is audible distortion at higher volumes.
Does Louder Music Take More Battery Power?
Yes, listening to music at a higher volume would discharge the device’s battery life faster. Input or power must be increased to produce more output. The device will require more power to maintain the higher volume level.
How Loud Is A 100 Watt Speaker?
It is impossible for a 100W amp to sound double as loud as a 50W amp. It will only be 3 dB louder assuming the speakers are identical. This is audible, although it is by no means a doubling of the expected sound quality.
End Words
That concludes our discussion on how long do portable speaker last. The durability of a speaker is determined by how well it is maintained throughout. Neglected ones won’t endure as long as well-kept and cared-for ones.
Its longevity is also influenced by the brand’s quality and the speaker’s own durability. Follow the basic guidelines and keep your speakers away from the things we warned you about.
These are sufficient to maintain the smooth operation of your portable speaker for a very long time.
Until next time!
