Types of Bluetooth speakers and headphones
Speakers Bluetooth headphones are wireless devices that use Bluetooth to connect to other devices and play audio. Headphones are worn over or in the ears, while headphones are audio equipment that covers the entire head with a band that goes across the top. Both of them come in two styles: in-ear and over-ear.
Bluetooth speakers and speakers with Bluetooth headphones can be classified depending on their size and shape.
- Bluetooth speakers: Smaller versions are pocket-sized so that people can carry them around and listen to music anywhere. Larger models are bigger than palm-sized ones and smaller than hand-held items; however, some can be more giant portable items requiring two people to carry them physically.
- Bluetooth LED bulb speakers: This kind combines a light bulb with a built-in speaker. It can connect to devices via Bluetooth for music playback while providing lighting as well.
- Boombox Bluetooth speakers: featuring larger boxes, these speakers are mostly used by specific generations of people who like to set them down in one place and blast music from them, usually accompanied by a tap.
- Waterproof camping Bluetooth speakers: These kinds are generally made to withstand wetness or water entirely, depending on the level of waterproofing.
Functions and Features
Bluetooth speakers and headphones have complementary sound systems that provide users with audio experiences, whether in the home or on the go. Some common features include the following:
- Wireless connectivity: This is the key feature of both speakers and Bluetooth headphones. Through wireless connectivity, users can connect their music-playing devices to the speakers and headphones to enjoy uninterrupted audio entertainment. Bluetooth technology facilitates this ease of portability and connection between devices.
- Built-in amplifier: The headphones and speakers have a built-in amplifier that increases the audio signal's power, making it louder. This helps produce high volume and ensures clarity, especially at higher volumes.
- Good frequency range: When buying Bluetooth audio devices, it is recommended that buyers observe the frequency range indicated on the product. For good sound production and quality, speakers should have a frequency range between 20Hz to 40KHz, while headphones should range between 20Hz to 20KHz.
- Volume control: Another important feature of Bluetooth audio devices is the ability to regulate the volume either higher or lower. Volume adjustment is done through buttons on the headset or device or through volume control on the music-playing device.
- Good sensitivity and impedance: Sensitivity in speakers shows how loud they can get with a given amount of power. It is measured in decibels; when the decibel rating is high, it suggests that the speaker can be loud. Impedance, measured in ohms, is the amount of power the speaker needs from the amp to make sound. Headphone impedance is different from that of speakers, which range between 16 to 32 ohms.
- Microphone: Many Bluetooth speakers and headphones have a built-in microphone that allows users to receive calls hands-free or voice-activated commands. In headphones, the microphone enhances speech quality and audio experiences such as virtual reality and gaming. In speakers, the microphone can be used equally for smart virtual assistants.
- Noise canceling: This component is extremely important for producing better sound quality. Noise canceling helps reduce or even eliminate background noise and improves the audio quality of calls, music, and other content. Headphones have active noise-canceling technology that uses built-in mics to detect ambient noise. It counters this with anti-noise that cancels out the other.
- Dust and water resistance: Because headphones, in particular, are used during exercise, they need to be resistant to dust and water at certain IP X ratings. Bluetooth speakers also have resistance ratings for waterproofing and dustproofing.
Scenarios
Wireless speaker headphones for everyday life
According to IbisWorld, the global speaker market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of about 6.1% from 2023 to 2030. The market for headphones is also expanding, predicted to reach a whopping $52 billion by 2027. This shows how big and expanding the market is for these audio devices. The growth indicates a steady increase in demand for high-quality audio equipment.
Consumers are looking for convenience, advanced technology, and a great listening experience. Since both markets are growing, it is a good idea to purchase both speakers and headphones for resale. They have overlapping markets, with some consumers purchasing both devices to cater to their listening needs.
Speakers and headphones are used to listen to audio in various personal and professional settings. Here's a breakdown of some key speakers and headphone usage scenarios:
- Gaming: Gamers often use headsets with mics to communicate with others online or to receive in-game audio. Furthermore, gaming speakers can enhance the overall gaming experience by providing immersive sound quality.
- Studying: Students and learners use headphones to listen to educational podcasts, online classes, or study materials. Speakers can also be beneficial for group study sessions, allowing multiple people to listen to the same content simultaneously.
- Entertainment: Whether it's watching movies or TV shows at home, speakers deliver an immersive audio experience that enhances the enjoyment of visuals. Likewise, headphones are perfect for private listening when watching content on portable devices. Music lovers also deeply appreciate their favorite tunes with quality speakers and headphones.
- Office use: In professional settings, computer speakers are essential for virtual meetings, webinars, and multimedia presentations. Headphones, especially those with noise-canceling features, are beneficial for focusing on work tasks and participating in calls without distractions.
- Health and fitness enthusiasts: During workouts or outdoor activities, individuals rely on headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or fitness apps. Portable speakers are also handy for group workouts or outdoor exercises, providing energizing music for everyone involved.
- Traveling: when people travel by public transport or long journeys in cars, they use headphones to entertain themselves. Otherwise, they can be bored for the entire journey. When on a plane, the speakers can come in handy for those traveling together. Portable Bluetooth speakers are great for hotel rooms or other travel destinations, allowing users to enjoy music or audio content with friends or family.
From the above scenarios, it is evident that both ***speakers*** and ***Bluetooth headphones*** have universal applications across diverse industries, indicating that their markets are interconnected. There are overlapping applications for both devices in the personal audio space, and purchasers will benefit from stocking both to cater to the audio needs of varying clientele. At the core of this overlap is the consumer's desire for a personalized audio experience, whether for solo listening via ***Bluetooth headphones*** or shared listening via speakers.
How to choose speakers Bluetooth headphones
When looking for Bluetooth headphones for sale, buyers will want to know how to choose headphones that are Bluetooth speakers that will suit their customers' needs. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting Bluetooth headphones:
- Audio quality and drivers: The audio quality of Bluetooth headphones is significant; hence, buyers must pay attention to the drivers' size and type. The driver size usually ranges between 8mm and 15mm, with a larger driver capable of producing better sound than smaller ones. However, the audio quality depends on more than just the size, as the headphones' overall design and acoustic also matter.
- Water resistance: If buyers intend to sell Bluetooth headphones that are ideal for users with active lifestyles or gym goers, then they should consider water-resistant ratings. The water-resistant rating of headphones indicates how well the headphones will perform against sweat and rain. For instance, an IPX4 rating shows that the headphones are splash-resistant.
- Comfort: Buyers should consider the comfort of the headphones and how they're going to wear them. Headphones usually come in two general styles: ear over the ears and ear pods. Over-ear headphones are larger and cover the entire ear, while ear over the ears are smaller and fit inside the ears.
- Connectivity: Buyers should consider the headphones' Bluetooth range. A good Bluetooth range is between 32 and 100 ft without interference. Although this range may vary, it depends on factors such as obstacles and the Bluetooth class of the device. Generally, the lower obstacles and Bluetooth class of the device are, the shorter the range will be.
- Battery life: Buyers who want to purchase long-lasting Bluetooth headphones need to consider their battery life. The battery life affects how long the customers can listen to music before they need to charge the headphones.
- Charging options: It is essential for buyers to know how the Bluetooth headphones can be charged. Most of them come with a micro-USB charging, but some may feature a USB type C or a proprietary charging dock.
- Noise cancellation: Noise cancellation is a lengthy process that involves active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that reduces background noise. Therefore, buyers should know if their customers want noise-canceling headphones or not.
Q&A
Q: How long can Bluetooth speakers play for?
A: The playing time of Bluetooth speakers depends on their battery capacity and charging options. For instance, ETYMOTIC's Bluetooth speaker with a 1800mAh battery can play for up to 15 hours, while many models offer 8-20 hours of playtime on a full charge. Some home Bluetooth speakers without batteries need to be plugged into play.
Q: Which is better, wired or wireless headphones?
A: Wireless headphones offer greater convenience because of their wireless connection, but audio quality can sometimes be compromised due to latency issues. Aboeuf's wireless over-ear headphones feature the Apt-X low-latency codec, which minimizes latency for improved audio quality. Wired headphones, on the other hand, provide the best audio quality because of the direct physical connection to the device. However, they can be less convenient and limit movement and range.
Q: What materials are used for speaker grills?
A: Speaker grills can be made from different materials, including metal, plastic, or cloth. Metal grills offer the best protection, but they can also add weight to the speaker. When using plastic grills, buyers must ensure the plastic quality is high so that the grills are durable and long-lasting. Cloth grills are less durable, but they offer better acoustics.
Q: How far is the range of Bluetooth?
A: The typical Bluetooth range is around 10 meters, but this distance can be affected by walls, doors, and other obstacles. Newer Bluetooth versions, like Bluetooth 5.0, offer a longer range of up to 30 meters.