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When you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speaker, it’s not just about size or design — understanding the power output is crucial. Portable speakers are a staple for our music, podcasts, and audio when on the go.
But how many watts should you be looking for in a Bluetooth speaker to match your needs? Here’s everything you need to know about watts and decibels and how to choose the right speaker for your lifestyle without draining your energy sources.
Watts in Speakers Explained
When purchasing a speaker, expectations are high. A consumer wants their Bluetooth speaker to produce a great sound that fills the room, offering deep bass, rich mid-tones, and clear treble notes. But know this – if excellent sound quality is what you’re after, wattage is an important measurement to understand.
In audio, watts refer to the electrical power needed to drive sound at a particular volume. More watts mean more power, which theoretically translates to being able to play music louder. However, the relationship between wattage and volume isn’t linear. And higher wattage doesn’t always equate to better sound.
The formula for wattage is: W = Volts x Amps. Most of the time, a speaker’s user guide will tell you the watts it uses, making things easier. You can also convert watts to amps if you need that measurement.
Other factors, such as decibels, frequency, and levels, can impact the perceived loudness and wattage needed. To avoid damaging your speakers, any amplifier connected to it must only provide wattage the speaker can handle. Typically, power levels fall into one of two categories: nominal and peak power.
Nominal power refers to the amount of energy a speaker can take on over time without damage. Peak power, on the other hand, refers to the maximum level of power that a speaker can handle at brief intervals without causing harm to it.
How Many Watts Does The Average Bluetooth Speaker Use?
A Bluetooth speaker will use an average of between 3 and 10 watts of energy at any time. More compact speakers might use 3-5 watts and are ideal for personal use or small indoor gatherings where high volumes aren’t typically desired.
Larger, more powerful options can range from 6-10 watts, which is most suitable for larger parties or outdoor events where ambient noise levels are higher, or you need the sound to travel farther. The larger speakers will not only be able to go louder but also provide a fuller sound.
How Do Decibels, Levels, and Frequency Affect Speaker Wattage?
Understanding the relationship between decibels and watts is essential for speaker performance. Decibels measure the perceived loudness of the speaker. Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) can also affect speaker wattage, as it refers to the efficiency and sensitivity of the speaker’s overall volume.
Typically, a larger Bluetooth speaker with a higher wattage can produce a higher decibel level, meaning it can play music louder. But the relationship of the change between wattage and decibel level isn’t linear. A speaker with a 10-watt power rating won’t produce half the decibels of one with a 20-watt power rating – there may be just a difference of 3 or so decibels.
Frequency can also impact wattage. The frequency response range, measured in Hertz (Hz), allows the speaker to create a broader range of frequencies, creating a sound perceived as more detailed and accurate when translated through the speaker. More power is needed to achieve lower frequencies, so the wider a frequency response range is (and the lower its low frequencies are), the more energy it will consume.
Choosing a Power Source for Your Speaker
Since most speakers only use a few watts of power, you can get away with a small power source like a battery bank or solar generator like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series, such as the EcoFlow RIVER 2. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 is small and compact, a perfect match for an equally small and compact Bluetooth speaker. It provides up to 300W of running power, more than enough to power nearly any portable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 50-watt Bluetooth speaker can be loud enough for a party, depending on the party’s size and the space’s acoustics. You could augment the sound with additional speakers or a quality amplifier if you expect a larger group or need sound to carry over a large area. Remember, it’s not just about the wattage but also the speaker’s decibels and frequency range.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Bluetooth speaker with the correct wattage is just one component of ensuring an enjoyable listening experience. You’ll also want to consider the speaker’s sensitivity, decibels, frequency range, the environment’s acoustics, and personal sound preferences. Look into innovative power solutions like EcoFlow’s portable power stations to ensure your Bluetooth speaker has the energy it needs to stay charged during listening sessions.