When do you use speakers?
Speakers are sound boxes that convert an electrical audio signal into audible sound. You can use them in almost any situation where you want to play audio: at home on the couch while listening to music, at your desk as a PC speaker, in the garden during a party, or on the go with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Music speakers are also perfect for home cinemas, meditation, podcasts and gaming. In short, wherever you experience sound and care about quality, a good speaker makes all the difference.
Best-selling speakers
Active and passive speakers
Before you buy a speaker, it's good to understand the difference between active and passive loudspeakers. An active speaker has a built-in amplifier and can be connected directly to an audio source such as a phone, laptop or TV. This makes active music speakers ideal for people looking for a simple, all-in-one solution without separate equipment. A passive loudspeaker, on the other hand, has no amplifier of its own and requires an external amplifier or receiver to work.
Passive speaker boxes are more often chosen by audiophiles and users building an extensive hi-fi setup with separate components. For home use and everyday convenience, an active speaker is your best bet; if you want more control over your sound and you're willing to invest in a complete setup, then a passive system is the better choice.
Various Types of Speakers
Speakers come in many different forms, each designed for a specific use. Below you'll find the most common types, so you can pick exactly the speaker that best fits your situation.
Bluetooth Speakers
A Bluetooth speaker is the most popular choice for anyone who wants wireless sound. Via Bluetooth, you connect the speaker easily to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, with no cables. These wireless speakers are compact, portable, and versatile: from the living room to the campsite, and from the desk to the beach. Most models have a built-in battery for several hours of listening pleasure on the go. In this segment, Xiaomi offers excellent value for money, with models that stand out for their clear sound quality and rugged design.
Wifi Speakers
A wifi speaker connects through your home network instead of Bluetooth, which results in a more stable connection and a greater range. Wifi speakers are ideal for use at home, especially when you want to fill multiple rooms with sound. Many wifi speakers support multiroom functionality, letting you sync several speakers together for music throughout the house. Perfect for anyone who really wants to enjoy a seamless music experience, from the living room to the bedroom.
Smart Speakers
A smart speaker combines audio with a built-in voice assistant like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. With a simple voice command, you can play music, control your smart home devices, or set an alarm. Smart speakers are the central hub for your smart home and, at the same time, a fully-fledged speaker. For anyone who keeps making their home smarter, a smart speaker is a logical and intelligent addition.
TV Speakers and Soundbars
The built-in speakers of modern televisions usually deliver disappointing sound quality. A TV speaker or soundbar fixes this and provides immersive sound that matches the picture. A soundbar is a slim speaker that's easily placed in front of or under your TV and significantly enriches the sound. For a true home cinema experience, choose a system with surround sound, where multiple speakers create a spatial soundscape that puts you right in the middle of the movie.
Outdoor Speakers
Outdoor speakers are designed to withstand the elements. A weatherproof or waterproof speaker with an IPX certification stands up to rain, splashes and dust, so you can enjoy your music outdoors without a worry. Whether it's a barbecue in the garden, a trip to the beach or a weekend of camping: a rugged outdoor speaker comes along with you and sounds powerful, even in the open air.
PC Speakers
External speakers for your computer make a world of difference compared to the built-in audio of a monitor or laptop. Whether you work from home, hold gaming sessions or watch movies at your desk: a crisp-sounding set of PC speakers gives your workspace an instant upgrade. You connect via a 3.5 mm jack or USB, making installation quick and easy to set up.
What should you look for when choosing a speaker?
The market for Speakers is large and the range is broad. To choose the right speaker, it helps to run through a few practical criteria in advance. That way you can be sure the speaker you order really suits how and where you'll be using it.
- Sound quality and power: a speaker's power, expressed in watts, partly determines how powerful and full the sound is. Also pay attention to the frequency range: a wide range delivers a rich sound with deep bass and clear highs.
- Connection and connectivity: do you go for Bluetooth, WiFi, a cable connection or a combination? Bluetooth speakers give you wireless freedom; WiFi speakers perform more stably over longer distances and more often support multiroom.
- Use case: will you use the speaker at home, on the go or outside? A portable speaker needs a battery; for outdoor use, water resistance is a basic expectation. If you want 360-degree sound in the middle of a room, choose a model with omnidirectional sound dispersion.
- Battery life: for portable speakers, the rule is: the longer the battery life, the more listening pleasure without charging. A battery life of twelve hours or more is comfortable for a full day of use outdoors.
- Dimensions and weight: a compact speaker fits easily in a bag or on a small shelf. Larger speaker boxes generally offer more power and bass response, but are less portable.
- Extra features: think of NFC for a quick connection, stereo pairing via TWS, built-in light effects for party use, or compatibility with voice assistants for smart home integration.
- Value for money: a good speaker doesn't have to be expensive. Xiaomi speakers are known for their surprisingly strong value for money in the affordable and mid-range segment.
By running through these points, you'll quickly narrow your choice down to a handful of models that are a real fit for you. Still in doubt? The TechPunt customer service team is happy to help you out by phone, email or WhatsApp.
Buying a speaker at Techpunt
At TechPunt you'll find an extensive range of speakers and sound boxes, from compact Bluetooth speakers to powerful speaker boxes for at home. As an official distributor, you always get original products with a two-year manufacturer's warranty, shipped from our own warehouse in Barneveld.
Ordering before 8:00 PM? Then you'll have your new speaker at home the very next working day, shipped for free on orders over 75 euros. With the lowest price guarantee in the Netherlands and a Kiyoh score of 9.3 based on more than 10,000 reviews, you can be sure you've come to the right place at TechPunt. Check out the full range and order your new speaker today.
FAQ about speakers
Which speakers are a good choice for home use?
Which speakers are a good choice for home use?
For home use, Bluetooth speakers and WiFi speakers are the most popular choices. A Bluetooth speaker works right away without any extra equipment; a WiFi speaker with multiroom support is better if you want to fill multiple rooms with sound. For your TV, go for a soundbar for fuller, more spacious sound.
Which speakers go with my amplifier?
Which speakers go with my amplifier?
With passive loudspeakers, impedance and power are key. The impedance of your speakers, usually 4 to 8 ohms, has to match what your amplifier can handle. The amplifier's power needs to be enough to drive the speakers without structurally being too high. If in doubt, check the specifications of both devices.
How many speakers can you connect to an amplifier?
How many speakers can you connect to an amplifier?
That depends on the minimum impedance your amplifier can handle. If you connect multiple speakers in parallel, the total impedance drops. Most amplifiers are stable at 4 ohms. For more than two channels, you'll need an AV receiver or an amplifier with multiple outputs.
Where should you place speakers?
Where should you place speakers?
Place stereo speakers at an equal distance from your listening position, ideally in a triangle with your seat as the third point, and angle them slightly inward. Avoid placing them right up against walls to prevent unwanted bass resonance. A 360-degree speaker works best standing freely in the middle of a room.
