Being a music lover, you must be fanatically hunting for the best Bluetooth speakers in India. I have insights about all pivotal factors like the battery life, sound quality and some special features of each of them.
My curated list of the top 11 Bluetooth speakers will help you find the perfect one suiting your requirements. Whether you are looking for one to gladden your next house party or carry to your next beachy vacation, you are sure to find your companion.
Nowadays, most of us prefer powerful music at our house parties or even when we are in the shower. You can do all of that with this speaker, as it comes with a compact design for easy portability and good sound quality. Yes Compatibility: Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features Clear and balanced sound for an exceptional acoustic experience. A waterproofed body with a rugged exterior will keep the speaker running well for a very long time.
A waterproofed body with a rugged exterior will keep the speaker running well for a very long time. Quality Audio: We can say that you can enjoy the loud and excellent sound from this speaker, with full surety.
We think it would be perfect for backyard parties and small events, based on our test results. You can feel the vibration on the surface in which the speaker is playing, with its thick bass. Although, we did notice a slight loss of clarity when raising the volume too loud in this speaker. Now you can enjoy music under the shower or while bathing without any worry of water spillage over the speaker.
The strap in this device also helps you fit it on anything such as bike handles, bag, poles or your arm, keeping it safer. There’s also an LED light on the side that alerts you to the speaker’s battery status.
Clear Audio Input: Additionally, the built-in microphone of this speaker helps you in answering calls whilst you are listening to music. With reduced ambient noise, you can take calls through this speaker comfortably.
No, you don’t need to open up the Bluetooth menu on your device to connect to it- the process is automatic.
Not only does it use a Micro-USB port for charging, but it doesn’t come with AUX Input, which is a significant letdown.
However, despite the flaws, this Bose Soundlink Micro is an exceptional device in its price range. As long as you’re not someone who likes to listen to music at full blast, this speaker will work out well for you.
If you are a regular beachgoer and love to enjoy some music amidst the breeze, then you’ll be glad to read what we have to say about this device. Yes Compatibility: Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops, PS4, Xbox
Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops, PS4, Xbox Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features High pitch and immersive 360-degree audio offers great surround sound. High pitch and immersive 360-degree audio offers great surround sound. Attractive Design: Let’s start with its look; this model comes in a cylindrical shape, which is why it’s called a tower speaker.
Furthermore, this device takes pride in having high dust resistance, so you can use this speaker while travelling to deserts, beaches or while fishing in the rain. However, you have a limited selection of lists as you can choose only from Apple music if you have an iOS device and from Deezer if you use android.
Battery Life: This speaker assures 15-hours playback after a single charge. From our estimates, you can make it last long enough for a day trip without needing to charge. You might need to take extra care of this product if you’re living in a remote area. The fact that it doesn’t have a mic is a big letdown in terms of convenience.
It performs very well otherwise, and it’s still very convenient to use, but most good speakers on the market come with their own mics. Firstly, this speaker from JBL is the latest addition to this brand’s mid-range selections. It is quite reminiscent of its previous models in terms of look, technical features and overall user experience.
It is one of the best Bluetooth speakers in India, coming with excellent audio quality, fantastic bass and waterproofing.
Yes Compatibility: Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Smartphones (Supports most major Operating Systems), Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Solid Design: This speaker is made with premium materials, and it feels sturdy to touch, too. And it was able to perform just as well as JBL said- we were able to leave it in 1-metre deep water for 30 minutes with no issues. There are also two passive woofers on the sides to enjoy some hip-hop with good bass. And, in the base, there is an LED display indicating the charge details, while behind the unit is the cover that secures the connectors. Moreover, it’s also possible to create an analogue connection using the audio jack and convert this speaker to a power bank using the standard USB. This way, you can have an alternative source of charge for your smartphone in terms of emergencies.
Great Acoustics: This JBL Charge 4 speaker offers a balanced yet booming sound which is a treat for bass lovers. The rich sound and clear details in music will be sure to give you an incredible listening experience.
You don’t need to worry about losing charge- we noticed it takes quite a long time to deplete even at maximum volume.
Although, the absence of a microphone to answer calls is unexpected, as it’s supposed to be the latest successor.
On top of that, despite being cylindrical, this speaker doesn’t offer 360 degrees sound, which is a bit disappointing. We ran a couple of durability tests in our lab, and this speaker didn’t disappoint.
It attracts plenty of users with its latest design and sound quality. Extra bass and punchy sound make this speaker stand out in the crowd.
No, only Splashproof Compatibility: Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players
Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Multi-colour line light and vibrant strobe to add visuals to your music. Multi-colour line light and vibrant strobe to add visuals to your music.
Enjoy deep and punchy bass with the distinct Sony digital signal processor. Portability: It is a perfect choice for parties because its battery lasts upto 24-hours of playtime.
Something else that makes it ideal for a party is the line light and flashing strobe in the front panel.
Sony customer service, in general, is rather lacklustre when it comes to India. Indeed, rich music and strong performance are JBL’s signature features. No, only Splashproof Compatibility: Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players
Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top Key Features Good sound quality in terms of both clarity and bass.
Solid Build Quality: This JBL Flip 5 speaker is water-resistant with an IPX7 rating.
The design is practical- you can hear music differently as you can place it both horizontally and vertically. Decent Battery Life: From our tests, we noticed that it could last at least 10 hours on continuous use, though the description says 12. Speaking of reviews, this speaker is certainly an absolute favourite among the populace- there are more than 100,000 ratings, most of which are 4.5 stars.
Basically, the brand is famous for high-end manufacturing speakers at a reasonable price. Let’s check out the distinct features Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has to offer- Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players (Not compatible for older iPods) Mounting Type: Table Top Exceptional Acoustics: You can enjoy a powerful soundstage, along with clear mids and highs, as this device comes with 40mm drivers and passive radiators.
This speaker brings everything big from the sound, the dimensions and to the battery life. Irrespective of the frequency, this device delivers a balanced sound and some additional oomph even when the music is at a low pitch. Good Build Quality: Enjoy an array of shades to choose from and maintain your style. Portability Along With Long Battery Life: As you can already see, you are all set to use this speaker at a park, pool and beach with all safety features inbuilt in it.
The sound quality is great in general, so the lack of an equaliser is barely felt. There is something we have to warn it about, though- from our analysis, it turns out getting proper servicing for speakers from this particular brand can be a bit of a hassle.
Sony XB12 is a stylish Bluetooth speaker which comes with some exceptional features. Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features Long battery life makes it perfect for travels. Durability: This speaker from Sony is a highly preferred party partner as it is easily portable and waterproof. Besides, you can also enjoy effects like a soft hit for mild audio, force control volume and hard tap for deep sound etc.
If you want to access your playlist, navigate from one song to another, cue, choose tracks and control lights lit on the speaker – use the Sony music app. The speaker’s audio transmission on the other end is also clear and crisp, so enjoy an excellent hand-free calling experience. It’s highly desirable when it comes to audio quality whilst listening to music.
However, watching movies with it felt like we were using a speaker of average quality. The manufacturer says its average battery life is around 16 hours, which is a bit of a stretch.
That’s still very good compared to the speaker’s competition, but if you listen to it at full volume, it’ll only last you about 6-7 hours. Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features In-built FM radio allows you to enjoy music beyond conventional ways. In-built FM radio allows you to enjoy music beyond conventional ways.
Portability: JBL turner is an easy to carry speaker that comes in a compact size. That being the case, it measures around 66mm by 66mm diagonally and 165 mm in width, making it an easily portable speaker. Ultimately, it has its own special place in our list of the best Bluetooth speakers in India. Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features Compact design makes it incredibly portable. Dual equaliser modes and excellent bass add to the acoustic experience greatly.
Dual equaliser modes and excellent bass add to the acoustic experience greatly. You can hear your favourite playlist in maximum volume level with deep bass and clear vocals. The dual equaliser feature also significantly enhances the audio output of this speaker.
This Bluetooth speaker has taken the wireless mode of listening to music to an entirely new level by offering the latest technology and utmost user convenience.
Enhanced Protection: Next, let’s speak about this speaker’s safety features. You won’t have any worries about water spillage over the speaker as it comes with an IPX7 certification.
The integrated microphone in this device helps you in attending calls and enjoy hands-free speaking by connecting with the phone. Dual Connect: Do you enjoy an atmosphere with powerful and loud music? You can match two Infinity Fuze 100 speakers simultaneously for an effective musical score.
You need to bring it very close to your mouth to transmit audio to the other side clearly.
The brand won’t repair the speaker if something goes wrong- they’ll replace it instead, which will take more time. Besides that, if you want to enjoy an immersive, impressive audio effect, feel free to choose this speaker.
No, only Splashproof Compatibility: Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features Stereo output gives you a better way to enjoy music.
Entrancing Audio Quality: Speaking about the sound, this Bluetooth speaker produces good treble, vocals, highs and mids. Extra Audio Enhancements: Do you enjoy loud surround music? Moreover, you can get even more enthralled with the fantastic sound quality of this speaker as it comes with a new-core integration feature.
Using the “True wireless” option to listen to music may drain the battery a bit quicker, although the reduction of the charge isn’t significant. Clean Design: This Bluetooth speaker is a prime example of the tagline “Basic is Beautiful”. It has rubber-finish plastic corners and fabric coating over the body to offer a premium look.
Multiple Connection Options: The base is built with a micro-USB port for charging the device and an auxiliary input socket.
Storing songs and hearing your favourite playlist is simple, too, because this speaker supports SD cards. Our analysis shows that it’s 12 watts, the product’s outside description is the correct information. From the results of our tests, we can say that you’ll be glad to own this stylish, classy model from boAt that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. To put it in perspective, the sound quality is on par with speakers that are far more expensive than this one.
The speaker produces a very distracting beeping noise when the battery reaches 20% and continues to do so every minute unless it’s put to charge or turned off. Considered a leading brand in this industry, Philips is known to produce some of the best Bluetooth speakers in India. The Philips BT50A/00 is a compact and excellent Bluetooth speaker that has a good connectivity range and reliable audio transmission technology. Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Audio Players Mounting Type: Table Top
Key Features Well-rounded audio output for both regular and bassy music. The great build quality makes this speaker highly durable. It is comfortable to carry and convenient to use outdoors as this speaker is designed ergonomically.
These control keys help in turning the device on/off and connecting Bluetooth.
Crisp and Bassy Audio: Enjoy booming sound effects with the powerful driver. The audio quality of this speaker is extraordinary, with a loud, sharp and detailed tune. The audio reproduction is enhanced in a natural way using the in-built wooden cabinet. Also, this model comes with an anti-clipping feature which plays sound quite loudly and clearly without any distortion.
With around 5-6 hours of playtime at medium level volume, this is a fantastic speaker at a budget price.
If you’re on a really tight budget, and it’s imperative that you get a speaker with decent sound quality, you can go for this one as a last resort. Plus, the three vibrant shades make it quite attractive for running, hiking and outdoor usage. The battery capacity is adequate, too, especially compared to other options you can find at this price.
However, there are still much better options available at slightly higher prices, hence why we consider this one to be a last resort. We have explored the list of best Bluetooth speakers in India, now let’s move on to the factors to keep in mind while choosing the right model. You can go through the guide if you want to pick an excellent Bluetooth speaker that serves your musical expectations. This means near-field communication technology that lets you pair or connects two gadget in a specific distance, usually within a range of 10 meters at times slightly more.
Next, search and tap on the Bluetooth setting menu in your smartphone or any device you want to connect/pair. Most of the latest gadgets support Bluetooth; you don’t require internet facility or Wi-Fi signal to use this tech. You can enjoy good sound quality through Bluetooth, but if you are looking for exceptional audio output, Wi-Fi technology may be a better choice. However, Bluetooth technology is performing good and is improving at a fast pace, narrowing the difference in quality comparisons with Wi-Fi and Wired connections. Contrary to Bluetooth, there is no limited range on the distance between the speaker and audio source. Further, to connect the speaker, turn it on and detect it in the Wi-Fi settings option in your smartphone or other devices.
Alternatively, Wi-Fi set up is also done through the app designed for the speaker which you may have to install in your smartphone or other devices. In all honesty, sound quality is better, which is why many home wireless speakers come with Wi-Fi.
Besides, connecting through Wi-Fi offers you better functionality, for instance, using music streaming apps like Spotify, accessing voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, which lets you control your speaker with your voice. You may connect your smartphone as a wireless hotspot, but this will drain your mobile data subscription rapidly.
Both speakers and soundbars are sound gadgets which you may connect as an extension to the TV’s audio and improvise it in various ways. You can use them in all places within a specific distance range and connect it to multiple such speakers to your TV to give a surround-sound effect. Latest Bluetooth speakers are designed with weather resistance that comes with long battery durability and is comfortable to carry while travelling. In addition to this, two or more different brands of Bluetooth speakers can be mixed and matched to create a good surround-sound system. As a result, you don’t have to spend money on buying a complete set for surround sound effect. In fact, the audio from soundbars gives a feeling of the sound being heard directly from the TV.
Consequently, the actual difference depends on the price, audio quality and practicality. So Speaking about the price of the soundbars, it is slightly cheaper compared to the Bluetooth speaker.
As a result, buying multiple speakers becomes costly to get an excellent audio effect, so one soundbar in its place is more beneficial. It is because they can be placed all over the space, whereas soundbar can be kept only in one location, which is not great for bass and pitch effect.
As you can place them in all four nooks of the room, the speaker helps in emulating the direction of every audio effect on the TV. This gives you a feel of being a part of the action and helps in filling the room with good sound effect. Speakers and soundbars both are simple for setting up and requires nothing more than a power cable to plug and charge the device. Soundbars being a single piece and longer occupy more space in a particular area under or above the TV.
Bluetooth is a universal wireless connection adapted in many electrical gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras, printers, household equipment and also cars. That being the case, it is no more a tiny plastic device popping out of the ears of businessmen and women across the globe.
In short, Bluetooth speakers help you in playing music wirelessly from one gadget to another paired device. Firstly, the significant advantage of Bluetooth is that it is a widely accepted technology used in various devices and operating systems.
Hence, you can see Bluetooth devices that work on Android and Windows phone, not specifically in Apple’s iOS software.
Secondly, using Bluetooth, you can manage the volume of the source device from where the music is streaming. For instance, stands good not just with Standard Bluetooth Codec (SBC) but also AAZ or aPtX. Subsequently, if your phone or computer operates on AAC or aptX, then the audio is transmitted, received and processed with the help of higher grade codec instead of SBC.
Contrary to Airplay, devices paired using Bluetooth technology has to be in nearby proximity. As a result, you can move around as long as you are in a Wi-Fi network the music keeps playing. So here we have certain essential aspects you need to check before selecting a Bluetooth speaker for yourself.
Firstly, the purpose of the purchase is one of the prime factors to consider before buying any gadget.
It is easier to connect different devices such as mp3 player, iPod or compact musical system using this technology. Features such as waterproof, dustproof and shockproof are few factors that shouldn’t be missed.
If your speaker has the best features but comes with average sound quality, the entire purpose of buying the device may fail. So choose a speaker that has the best technologies in it to offer excellent audio output that is clear and loud. In fact, the latest Bluetooth version V4.2 has consistent connectivity that ranges to around 35 feet distance.
So based on the features, your need and purpose, you may fix a budget and choose the best Bluetooth speaker in India within that range. Although, these speakers occupy less space and are compact if you have thought to place them in an open showcase, pick a design that suits your interior aesthetically. On the other hand, If you are going to use it outdoors buy vibrant shades or multiple colour designs that may look catchy.
Besides, style and design depend on individual liking, so choose accordingly without compromising on quality. On the other hand, the bigger size speakers provide good sound quality.
Also, you may choose to attend or reject the call and continue enjoying your music. Scroll ahead to check out some of the best Bluetooth speaker brands in India recommended by our expert panel.
Together with the marvellous sound effect with 360° output and long-lasting battery life, Bose Bluetooth speakers are a great buy. Easy to carry Bluetooth speakers from JBL is designed with long battery life, bass, ports and water-resistant build.
The fantastic sound quality isn’t to be missed, which is the reason the speakers from this brand are famous. The brand offers portable wireless speakers with multi-dimensional sound and fantastic connectivity. The Bluetooth speakers from this brand are trendy and zesty with the latest technology and excellent audio quality.
The enhanced bass mode and clear beats have made Bluetooth speaker’s from Infinity a hit amongst new generation music lovers.
Speakers from boAt are excellent with impressive sound quality and audio clarity. This brand designs stylish speakers in vibrant colours that are great to carry around.
Philips manufactures Bluetooth speakers in India that best suit the local requirement. The designs from Philips usually suit the expected Indian style with a classy look, and its energy-efficient technology is appreciable. Enjoy loud, deep music anywhere anytime with Philips Bluetooth speaker.
Actually, you may choose to wireless mode through two different technologies- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You may connect Bluetooth devices directly to gadgets such as smartphones or tablets. With our expert advice, we have enlisted a few hacks for you to enhance the loudness in your Bluetooth speaker.
Consequently, the vibrations trigger naturally giving you clear and loud audio. You may pair your TV to the Bluetooth speaker through a simple process without any cable connection.
Ceratin models have frequency catching technology, so when you don’t have any pairing device to connect for listening to music, you can enjoy FM.
Bluetooth speakers are an excellent choice if you enjoy music both indoors and outdoors. In family gathering and parties, these speakers are a handy gadget to play loud music. Our experts have focused on the various features of the speakers such as sound quality, lastest Bluetooth version, range, battery life, design and have selected the best Bluetooth speakers in India.
We hope we have made your task of choosing a Bluetooth speaker for you easy with our expert-recommended products and tips.
Best Speakers Under 5000 in India (5th December 2021)
On this page, we list speakers priced below Rs. Next to each speaker, you will find its key specifications, such as Speaker Type, Features, Colour, Connection, Configuration, Power Output, and Power Source.
Best Speakers Under 3000 in India (5th December 2021)
Alongside each speaker, we also list its key specifications, such as Speaker Type, Features, Colour, Connection, Configuration, Power Output, and Power Source.
Best Bluetooth speakers 2021: portable speakers for every budget
It’s nothing to do with shortage of options – every online manufacturer from Apple to Ultimate Ears is vying for a bite of the Bluetooth cherry and by association, your hard-earned cash. We’ve done the heavy lifting and rounded-up our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers across all shapes, sizes and prices to ensure you discover a product you’ll be over the moon with. It may sound obvious, but the number one piece of advice we always offer when looking for a Bluetooth speaker is to avoid opting for the first model that catches your eye.
JBL Xtreme 3 JBL’s rugged wireless speaker serves up a sonic surprise Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.9 x 29.8 x 13.4cm Power: 100W Features: Bluetooth v5.1, PartyBoost for multiple connections to PartBoost enabled JBL speakers, IP67 rated Connections: 3.5mm, USB-C, USB-A out TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £279 View at Amazon £299 View at Richer Sounds £299.99 View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Rugged build + Impressive detail and dynamics + Strong sense of timing Reasons to avoid – No smart features – No hands-free for phone calls
Yes, it’s rugged, it’s IP67 dust- and waterproof certified and you’d be forgiven for thinking at first glance that it might be more preoccupied with the amount of bass it’s producing rather than musical quality. The JBL Xtreme 3 gained five stars across the board during our rigorous in-house testing, never appearing out of its depth no matter how complicated the musical arrangement. Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.8 × 26.9 × 4.7cm Power: : 2 x 25W Features: Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, apt X HD, USB-out for device charging, battery life of 30 hours Connections: 3.5mm aux, dedicated mains charging port and adapter with UK, EU and US adapter plugs TODAY’S BEST DEALS £299 View at Richer Sounds £299 View at Peter Tyson Low Stock £329 View at Audio Visual Online Reasons to buy + Excellent clarity + Impressive bass weight + Classy build and finish Reasons to avoid – No daisy-chaining for multiple Katch G2s Although portable enough to be your travel speaker (and boasting a stylish retractable travel handle and a 30-hour battery) the Katch G2’s dedicated mains charging port and adapter with bundled UK, EU and US adapter plugs makes it an easy fit for your lounge too – and once there, it’ll sound as detailed, clear and expansive as this money can buy. It’s at the pricey end of the market, yes, but it’s a stone cold stunner, delivering excellent clarity, impressive bass weight and good looks in spades – so much so that we recently handed it a What Hi-Fi? If all you want is a portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds as good as you can currently buy for around £100 ($100, AU$119), you’ll be hard-pressed to better the fantastic Flip 5.
Assuming you don’t mind the lack of an aux-in port or inbuilt microphone (as seen in the Flip 4), you’ll almost certainly be wowed by this speaker’s sonic chops. Tribit Stormbox Micro A fun and bubbly Bluetooth speaker that’s serious when it comes to sound Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 9.8 x 9.8 x 3.5cm Power: 9W Features: water/dustproof, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo-pairing mode Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £42.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Mature, musical sound + Surprisingly weighty bass + USB-C charger Reasons to avoid – Short battery life
It’s hard to imagine a home decor, backpack or personal taste that the Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro couldn’t merge in with happily. Although a speaker of such dimensions is obviously limited in terms of bass weight, it does remarkably well; close your eyes while listening and you’ll picture a bigger product. Take note, Ultimate Ears: a little-known brand called Tribit Audio just produced a budget belter of a Bluetooth speaker. JBL Charge 5 Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.6 x 9.4cm Power: 30W + 10W tweeter Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v5.1, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: USB-C, USB-A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £159 View at Amazon £159 View at Richer Sounds £159.99 View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Clearer and more detailed sound + Wider soundstage + Updated dustproofing Reasons to avoid – Nothing at this level
Its predecessor carried an IPX7 rating, meaning it could handle being submerged in water to a depth of 1.5m, but the IP67-rated Charge 5 builds on that durability by also being fully dustproof. Thanks in part to a new 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, the Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker design for under £200 ($200, AU$300).
Throw in its classy, well made design, easy to use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and you’re looking at a Bluetooth speaker sequel that has very much been worth the wait. JBL Go 3 JBL’s newest soap-sized speaker sounds good – but the finish and battery life won’t wash with today’s class leaders Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.8 x 7.5 x 4.1 Power: 4W Features: Water/dustproof IP67, Bluetooth 5.1 Connections: USB-C TODAY’S BEST DEALS £29.99 View at O2 Mobiles £34 View at Richer Sounds Prime £34.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Sensible treble + Fuller bass + More volume Reasons to avoid – Poor battery life – Not very durable finish
Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.5 x 9.3 Power: 30W Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 148 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Rugged and water resistant + USB port for charging + Great sound quality Reasons to avoid – Perhaps too subtle for some Not only is this one of best-sounding Bluetooth speakers around at this end of the market, it serves up a whopping 20 hours of playback from a single charge and, thanks to the arrival of its newest sibling, you’ll find this slightly older model discounted across several retailers. Ultimate Ears has really made a splash in the Bluetooth speaker market with a number of colourful, fun-sounding and portable models. When pressed, it restricts the bass frequencies, allowing the UE to play louder through the midrange, which in turn makes the sound easier to hear when the unit is used outdoors.
Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth and wi-fi Power: 250W (mains powered) Inputs: analogue audio jack, Toslink optical digital audio Battery life: N/A Dimensions (hwd): 20 x 66 x 18.5cm : Weight: 5.4kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive, weighty and accurate + Great for larger rooms + Top-notch build Reasons to avoid – No AirPlay 2 – No Spotify Connect While the Award-winning Naim (below) just edges it for both subtlety and a slightly livelier sound, there isn’t much in it – and the Dynaudio Music 5 boasts superiority in other ways. Open up the Dynaudio app and you’ll discover NoiseAdapt, a feature that helps sound cut through a noisy room – useful during loud parties.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII Audio Pro adds Google Cast and AirPlay 2 to a winning recipe Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.6 x 32 x 18cm Power: 2x20W + 40W Digital class D Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 Connections: RCA, sub out TODAY’S BEST DEALS £349 View at Electricshop Prime £349.62 View at Amazon £359 View at Richer Sounds Reasons to buy + Levelled-up streaming support + Greater clarity + Cleaner and tighter bass Reasons to avoid – Lacks the fun of the original
The 2021 update (sensibly titled MkII) to the three-time Award-winning Audio Pro C10 (also listed, below) adds AirPlay 2 and Google Cast to complete a multi-room home run – and gets itself a What Hi-Fi? We’re happy to report that it’s still the case today – if £500 ($500) is your maximum budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a speaker that comes close to the Audio Pro C10 MkII.
We miss the leather handle and fun, slightly rock’n’roll aesthetic and sonic presentation of the original, but we can’t argue with three options for multi-room streaming (AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Audio Pro’s own slick and functional app) or the levelled-up grippy bass and improved hi-fidelity performance. The Audio Pro Addon C3 isn’t just the best Bluetooth speaker at this price, it’s a stylish, wi-fi connected, multi-room capable centrepiece – plus it’s a What Hi-Fi?
It has an fantastic sense of refinement for such a small speaker, not to mention a rear-firing bass reflex port that delivers plenty of low-end grunt.
This model won’t charge your smartphone but it does feature an ethernet port, giving you the option to hardwire it to your home network. The C3 supports streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music, and while there’s no built-in voice assistant, you can control the speaker via the Alexa app. Remove whatever colour grille you’ve gone for and you’ll be rewarded with upgraded and optimised midrange and bass drive units, all powered by a total of 300W of amplification.
Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 Power: 2x 5W + 15W Digital class D Features: Bluetooth V4.0 Connections: 3.5mm stereo, USB TODAY’S BEST DEALS £179 View at Currys Check Amazon 411 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Full sound + Expressive and dynamic + Faultless build Reasons to avoid – Size won’t suit everyone Audio Pro tends to ignore gimmicks in favour of high-quality sound but this speaker does have the facility to charge up your smartphone or tablets via a USB port.
Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth Power: Battery Inputs: 3.5mm Battery life: 15hrs Dimensions (hwd): 13.6 x 28.8 x 13.2cm Weight: 2.39kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £241.90 View at Amazon 8 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clean, clear sound + Balanced bass + Robust build Reasons to avoid – Hefty design – No wi-fi or multi-room smarts
The rugged, IPX7 waterproof exterior, 15 hour battery life and ability to charge your phone from its USB port mean it’s a great option for the beach – and you’ll probably find deals on this model thanks to the arrival of the latest iteration, the Xtreme 3 (above).
And it won’t let you talk to Alexa or Google Assistant, just set a button to activate them in the manner of an earphone’s in-line remote. You get Bluetooth, wi-fi and Alexa smart assistant voice controls, meaning you can turn up the volume or play songs through Amazon Music Unlimited without lifting a finger.
The 360-degree sound and bass output is far better than one might expect for this kind of money; throw in Alexa smarts and you have a fun, energetic speaker that offers plenty of bang for your buck. Yes, it is intended to get us all invested in its virtual assistant, Alexa, but where much of the Alexa-enabled kit out there is audio based and concentrated on the Bluetooth speaker market in particular, the Echo Show 5 embraces both sound and video in its abilities to communicate. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth and wi-fi Power: Battery Inputs: N/A Battery life: 16hrs Dimensions (hwd): 23.7 x 8.8 x 8.8cm Weight: 1.19kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 338 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Dynamic, detailed sound + Enthusiastic, punchy rhythms + Precise, taut basslines Reasons to avoid – Presentation is slightly lean – Not fully featured just yet
The Roam works perfectly well as a standalone Bluetooth speaker but it’s also designed to be immersed in the company’s burgeoning multi-room ecosystem. Features includes support for AirPlay 2, voice controls and Sonos’ Trueplay tech, which uses the built-in mic to tune bass and treble to suit your surroundings. Other Bluetooth speakers offer a more expressive and detailed sound but if you’re invested in the world of Sonos, the Roam is a smart buy.
Best soundbars 2021: the best TV speakers you can buy
Have you noticed that despite flat-screen displays continuously getting brighter, sharper and more vivid, the variation between the dazzling quality of new a TV’s picture and its poor sound performance is becoming ever more apparent? You don’t want it to be dwarfed by the screen, but then again, it could look strange partnering a huge bar with a small TV – like a tiny head perched atop overly broad shoulders.
But if you’re streaming the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR, you’ll want to squeeze out the best possible audio quality to make sure your content sounds as good as it looks. Sony HT-A7000 Powerful and muscular room-filling Dolby Atmos from a single soundbar Specifications Connectivity: eARC, 2*HDMI 2.1, optical, USB, WiFi, Ethernet Sound format support : Dolby Atmos/ Dolby AudioTM/ DTS:X/ DTS-HD/ PCM Streaming : Chromecast, Bluetooth 5, Apple Airplay 2, WiFi Voice control : Google Assistant, Alexa Dimensions (hwd) : 8 x 130 x 14 cm Weight: 8.7kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS £1,199 View at Sevenoaks £1,199 View at Richer Sounds Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Robust low-end + Excellent Atmos performance + Feature-rich Reasons to avoid – No VRR or ALLM at launch – EQ controls would be nice – Slightly confused styling
A 7.1.2 slab of sound, this Dolby Atmos soundbar packs in two up-firing speakers, two beam tweeters, five front-facing drivers and a built-in dual subwoofer into a single chassis. Using a combination of driver placement and psychoacoustic techniques, the Sony HT-A700 delivers a broad and high soundstage, whether you’re watching immersive content or not, while retaining musicality, presence and detail.
Alongside two HDMI 2.1 pass-through sockets capable of handling 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, and Dolby Vision HDR, there are ports for eARC, analogue and optical audio inputs and USB type-A. There’s also an analogue output for Sony’s Acoustic Center Sync, which lets a compatible Bravia TV become part of the soundbar’s centre channel when the two are connected using the supplied cable. With its hefty processing power, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology to give the impression of height without needing to get vertical. While genuine overhead sounds are perhaps a stretch too far for this petite performer, its virtual delivery of the Atmos format outstrips any similarly priced soundbar and even a few that are more expensive. Not that many soundbars at this price point come with networking capabilities, but this being a Sonos product, the Beam Gen 2’s ability to integrate into a wireless multiroom system is fundamental to its design. There are touch-sensitive play/pause and volume controls on the bar with LEDs that indicate status and when you’re talking to the built-in Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
The Sonos Arc uses 11 drivers to create your soundfield, several of which are upfiring and angled into your room to bounce sound off your walls and ceiling. Judging on a sound-per-pound basis, the five-star Sonos Beam is currently the best soundbar you can buy, but sadly not for much longer as it has just been supplanted by a newer model. Inside, four full-range drivers, one tweeter, three passive radiators and five class-D amplifiers help drive sound around your room for a more immersive, cinematic experience. Sony HT-A9 speaker system The HT-A9 redefines accessible home cinema sound with an innovative, immersive and flexible sound Specifications Connections : 1 x eARC, 1 x HDMI input Video pass-through: 4K@60fps; Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5: Yes Voice Control : Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Audio formats : Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Dual mono, DTS, DTS HD High-Resolution Audio, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS ES, DTS 96/24, DTS:X, LPCM Dimensions (hwd): Speakers: 31 x 16 x 14.8cm; control hub: 5 x 15 x 15cm Speaker weight : 0.45kg Today’s best Sony HT-A9 deals Amazon UK View Similar Amazon No price information Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Not fussy about positioning + Entertaining, detailed, cinematic + Strong feature set Reasons to avoid – The additional sub is pricey – Slightly bright with stereo music – Appearance is a bit bland Sony’s HT-A9 offers the same compact, plug and play convenience and streaming features of a top-quality soundbar but has the integration and immersive sound of a traditional surround package. Consisting of four identical-looking grey wireless speakers and a hub that connects to your TV, the Sony HT-A9 is a flexible, complete Dolby Atmos cinema in one box. The latter is a spatial technology intended to surround the listener, with compatible content available from Tidal, Amazon Music HD, Nugs and Deezer. When watching or listening to more standard stereo fare, the ‘Immersive AE’ setting on the remote can be engaged to up-mix content to create a 3D version that uses the height speakers and the rears.
The sound is solid and punchy; connectivity includes a single ARC-enable HDMI output, an optical digital input and Bluetooth.
The result is that the Sennheiser delivers a sound big enough not to need its own subwoofer, with clear, direct dialogue and detail and subtlety in spades. To get the full Dolby Atmos effect, you’ll need to wall mount or position the soundbar on the top shelf of your rack so the upward-firing speakers aren’t obstructed. For those who want convincing 3D sound without the speakers, this is the best soundbar with a premium price tag that we’ve ever tested, which is why it retained its title once again at the 2021 What Hi-Fi Awards.
With a multitude of soundbars competing in the budget-to-midrange market, the fact the Yamaha YAS-207 manages to excel in some areas of sonic performance that others don’t makes it pretty special. The YAS-207 is a natural entertainer and features YSP (Yamaha Sound Projection) technology designed to emulate a surround-sound experience from a single soundbar. The bar also comes with a wireless external subwoofer and plenty of features, including Bluetooth, an app to cycle between surround sound modes and an HDMI socket that enables 4K HDR passthrough. There’s plenty to talk about with the Dali Katch One, a soundbar that offers five different audio inputs, three ways to mount it and ten drivers all working together to deliver an immersive sound experience. The Danish company has crammed in four mid/bass drivers, four passive radiators and two tweeters inside the soundbar, and it serves a great dynamic performance with a broad, clear soundstage that works well for movies. Specifications Sound formats: MultiBeam, Dolby Virtual Atmos Subwoofer: No Connectivity: HDMI in, HDMI out (HDCP 2.3 compliant, eARC & 4K HDR passthrough), Ethernet, Optical Streaming: Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast Dimensions: 5.8 x 71 x 10cm (HxWxD) TODAY’S BEST DEALS £249 View at Richer Sounds £249 View at Currys Prime £249.95 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Big, full-bodied presentation + Dolby Virtual Atmos + Multi-room options Reasons to avoid – Could be more detailed – Dynamic expression poor – Slovenly sense of timing We could ask for a little more clarity and detail, especially in the considerable bass frequencies and a more open treble response, but this is a full-bodied presentation that’s unlikely to fatigue you, even when listening at high volume. The feature count on this Sony soundbar is impressive too, with three HDMI inputs, USB, Bluetooth and high-res audio support.
If you’ve been looking for a hassle-free way to get Dolby Atmos into your home, and your budget won’t stretch to the Sennheiser Ambeo, this is a fantastic option. Samsung HW-Q800A This Dolby Atmos soundbar packs a punch Specifications Connections: eARC, HDMI, optical Sound formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM 8Ch, Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2 Dimensions: (hwd) 6 x 98 x 11.5cm (bar); 40 x 21 x 40cm (sub) TODAY’S BEST DEALS £590 View at Amazon £699 View at John Lewis £699 View at Richer Sounds Reasons to buy + Spacious presentation + Weighty, articulate sub + Good range of features Reasons to avoid – Could be more insightful – Height channel lacks precision The Q800A is priced to compete directly with the Sonos Arc, and while the latter is crisper and more precise, especially when handling height elements, the Samsung offers a present and compelling listen as well as an epic sense of scale and bass that a solo soundbar couldn’t hope to match. For high-quality music streaming, there’s aptX Bluetooth, plus two optical inputs, micro USB (so you can hardwire it to a Mac or PC and access high-res tracks) and a sub socket, should you feel the need to hook up a subwoofer.
The bundled remote is splendid, and for an out-of-the-box boost to TV audio and older sets’ smart features, the Roku Streambar is extremely low risk for this price. If your budget can’t stretch to the class leaders such as the Sonos Arc, then the Harman Kardon is a solid alternative. So, if you’re after a dedicated bit of home cinema kit on a budget, the powerful-sounding HT-700 serves up a seriously cinematic performance at a nice price.
LG SP8YA A mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar that proves less is more Specifications Sound formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby AudioTM, DTS:X, DTS-HD, PCM Connectivity: eARC, 1x HDMI, optical, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Chromecast Dimensions: hwd: 5.7 x 106 x 12cm (bar); 39 x 22 x 31cm (sub) TODAY’S BEST DEALS £699 View at Hughes Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Extensive feature set + Room-filling soundscape + Easily expanded with surrounds Reasons to avoid – Sub lacks definition and impact – Missing some height precision
This Dolby Atmos soundbar with a wireless sub is bang smack in the middle of the range in terms of price and size but retains the connectivity features of the higher-end models. Alongside Bluetooth and wi-fi, there’s Chromecast and Apple Airplay 2, and if you have access to hi-res content, you’ll be pleased to know the soundbar can handle audio of up to 24-bit/192kHz quality. Sonically this 3.1.2 package also punches above its weight with a broad, vibrant soundstage that can easily match the cinematic scale of larger screens. There are better performers in terms of height available, like the Sonos Arc, and the low end is a little loose and undefined but for those looking for a reasonably priced Dolby Atmos soundbar with a high tech spec and a detailed, room-filling sound, the SP8YA is worth considering. With a generous 22 drivers delivering 11.1.4 surround sound, the HW-Q950A offers the greatest number of channels of any soundbar on the market right now, as well as 3D audio format support from both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Q950A has two HDMI inputs and one output (with support for eARC), an optical-in and the power socket while the soundbar’s microphone allows for commands to the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant and can also be used to monitor background levels, as the Q950A has a nifty feature to boost the centre channel for more transparent dialogue if ambient noise increases – though we doubt you’ll feel the need to use it.
The separate sub houses a single 8-inch speaker while the wireless surround units each contain three drivers – one facing towards the front of the room, one upwards and the last one towards the listening position. While it’s not the most nuanced or spacious performer, those looking to splash out on a Dolby Atmos soundbar that can deliver big, punchy audio and supremely clear vocals will likely not be disappointed by the Q950A.
Specifications Sound formats: Dolby Digital 5.1 Connectivity: 1 x optical digital, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Voice control: No Dimensions: 8.5 x 90 x 14cm (HxWxD) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £389 View at Amazon 696 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Delivers a brilliant Sonos experience + Wide, deep and detailed soundstage Reasons to avoid – No HDMI connections – No DTS support The most impressive aspect of the Playbar is the wide, expansive soundstage which does a great job of filling your room with a surprising amount of bass weight. The smaller, cheaper Beam features voice controls, but if you’re after a simple, powerful device that will significantly improve the sound of your TV, the Playbar is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a simple, constructive step up in sound from your TV’s in-built speakers, Sony’s SF150 offers a significant sonic enhancement for little outlay.
The SF150 also features Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology, which applies processing to give the acoustic impression of a more encompassing sound stage. Sonically the SF150 paints with fairly broad brushstrokes, meaning dialogue can sometimes feel a touch muffled, and transients lack impact, but that should come as little surprise at this almost ridiculously low price.
LG SP11RA An enjoyable and immersive top-end soundbar package Specifications Sound formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby AudioTM, DTS:X, DTS-HD, PCM Connectivity: eARC, 2x HDMI, optical, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2, Chromecast Dimensions: 6.3 x 144 x 14.6cm (bar); 39 x 22 x 31cm (sub); 21 x 13 x 19cm (rears) TODAY’S BEST DEALS £999 View at Hughes £999 View at PRC Direct £1,199 Preorder at Laptops Direct Reasons to buy + Detailed top end + Large, well-spread soundscape + Comprehensive feature set Reasons to avoid – Looks don’t match the price tag – Lacks a little punch – Sub feels one dimensional However, you’d be hard pushed to build a true home cinema system that could match the LG’s 7.1.4 channels of excellent Dolby Atmos action for price and convenience. We can confirm that all those drivers aren’t going to waste; the SP11RA is a big improvement from previous LG models, which up until recently have proven to be a bit of a mixed bag. For streaming, alongside Bluetooth and wi-fi, there’s Chromecast built-in and, if you have access to hi-res content, you’ll be pleased to know the soundbar can handle audio of up to 24-bit/192kHz quality.
The best Bluetooth speakers 2021: the top portable speakers for any budget
The best Bluetooth speakers of 2021 are must-have devices for any music lover, thanks to their portable, durable designs and fantastic audio performances. Marshall Kilburn II Small and mighty Specifications Weight: 2.49Kgs Output: 36W Battery life: 20 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clear top notes + Rugged and portable + Cool retro aesthetic Reasons to avoid – Slightly muddy bass – Can feel heavy For those who plan on taking a portable speaker to an outdoor party, Marshall Kilburn II will be a perfect companion. While the bass can be a little muddy at times, it’s excellent for playing guitar music, and its portability means the Kilburn II is great for taking on the road. The loudness of the portable speaker is best suited for festivals and parties as it comes with multi-directional sound and backfiring tweeters. Marshall Kilburn II definitely stands out from the crowd with its retro look and portable feel, and of course, it all comes at a hefty price tag. It offers thumping and loud audio without distortion at high volumes; is light enough to carry on a camping trip but remains durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. There are certainly more detailed speakers out there, but at a price that’s relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row.
Google Nest Audio Specifications Weight: 1.2Kgs Battery life: Always connected Aux-in: No Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Subtle and unassuming design + Picks up voice commands very well + Better sound than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Missing detail in the mids and trebles – Can sound harsh at higher volumes
While Google promised better sound quality over the Home speakers, the Nest Audio doesn’t deliver the jump in performance we were hoping for.
The three microphones also did a good job of picking up our voice, amid both loud music and other noise in the room. It is also worth mentioning that this speaker is not made for outdoor usage as it needs to be plugged into a power outlet all the time.
The Nest Audio is good enough for the kitchen or a bedroom, but it doesn’t deliver enough volume to fill a bigger space. Amazon Echo(2020) Specifications Weight: 970g Battery life: Always connected Connectivity: Bluetooth BLE, Wired Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Futuristic look + Improved, adaptive sound + Alexa responds faster + Zigbee hub integration Reasons to avoid – Max volume isn’t loud enough – Not as clear as the Echo Studio – No Chromecast or Home Kit support To make things fancier, Amazon has wrapped the new Echo in a fabric grille and light ring around the base. While it might not be the best sounding speaker, the additions like a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and a new AZ1 neural edge processor, the Echo provides 2x faster voice processing.
Sony SRS-XB23 Specifications Weight: 570g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Competitive price + Stereo pairing and Party Mode Reasons to avoid – Lower peak volume – Unclear battery level alerts While the Sony SRS-XB23 doesn’t have the best sound quality in its class, it seems like an affordable outdoor speaker that most people will love. In terms of battery life, Sony promises about 12 hours of playback on a full charge but that’s the average when listening to music at 50% volume. BoAt Stone 1400 Specifications Weight: 1.8Kgs Battery life: 7 hours Output: 30W Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon
Soundcore Anker Flare Specifications Weight: 531g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IPX7 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Impressive sound for the size + Waterproof + Excellent mobile app Reasons to avoid – Bass boost and EQ are very mild – Average battery life – Harsh at max volume One of the best looking speakers on the list, the Anker Soundcore Flare brings the best features of its competitors into an affordable package that’s tough to beat. For the price, the Flare offers good sound, a tough waterproof build and an excellent user experience. Sony SRS-XB13 Specifications Weight: 253g Battery life: 16 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Relatively affordable + Diffused sound + Balanced sound quality + 16-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Low max volume – Four-hour charge time – Awful microphone
On the brighter side, you get a pretty portable design, and in terms of sound quality, the SRS-XB13 is far better balanced than it was in years past. The Mi Smart Speaker comes with two mics with far-field voice wake up support which means you will be able to trigger the Google Assistant.
Top 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers in India (2021)
Piyush Kashyap is a Ph.D student at Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur. Piyush Kashyap is a Ph.D student at Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur. Piyush Kashyap is a Ph.D student at Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur.
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