Introduction
If you’re in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound quality, compact design, and a reasonable price, you may have stumbled upon the BlueAnt Soundblade. But is it worth your money? In this review, we will explore everything you need to know about the BlueAnt Soundblade, from its design and features to its performance and key specifications.
We’ll also give you a rundown of the pros and cons, current deals, and whether you should consider buying it. Let’s dive in to see if this sleek-looking speaker lives up to its claims!
Design and Features
The design of the BlueAnt Soundblade is minimalistic yet modern. It’s a slim, flat speaker that easily fits into a bag or even a large pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go listening.
The exterior is made from high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel that belies its price. At just 13.5mm thick, it is one of the slimmest Bluetooth speakers on the market, and it weighs only 835 grams. This makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re heading to the beach, the park, or a friend’s house.
The front panel features a metal mesh grille that covers the dual stereo speakers. This grille not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also protects the internal components from dust and debris.
Along the top edge, you’ll find a series of simple, easy-to-use controls for volume, track navigation, and Bluetooth pairing. There’s also a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, which is a thoughtful addition for those who like to multitask while listening to their favorite tunes.
The back panel is fitted with a rubberized strip that helps keep the speaker stable on flat surfaces. Additionally, it has a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections and a micro USB port for charging. Unfortunately, it lacks a USB-C port, which is a bit of a downside in 2024, given that most modern devices have moved to this faster charging standard. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker for most users.
Overall, the design of the BlueAnt Soundblade is both functional and stylish. It’s clear that BlueAnt aimed to create a speaker that is easy to carry without compromising on the audio quality or durability.
The Soundblade is available in two color options: classic black and sleek silver, giving consumers a choice to match their personal style.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Dimensions | 258 x 95 x 13.5 mm |
Weight | 835 grams |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0, AUX input |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Charging Port | Micro USB |
Audio Output | Dual 3W speakers |
Microphone | Built-in for hands-free calls |
Water Resistance | No |
Colors | Black, Silver |
Key Features
One of the standout features of the BlueAnt Soundblade is its Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Although not the latest version, it offers a stable connection up to 30 feet away, ensuring that your music doesn’t cut out even if you move around a room or outdoor space. Pairing is quick and straightforward, with support for multipoint connectivity, which allows you to connect two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for those who like to switch between their phone and laptop without needing to reconnect.
The built-in microphone is another highlight. While many portable speakers include this feature, the Soundblade goes a step further by incorporating noise-canceling technology to ensure clear calls even in noisy environments. This makes it ideal for conference calls or just chatting with friends while doing household chores or working out.
The speaker’s battery life is also impressive. BlueAnt claims up to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge, and in our testing, it largely delivered on this promise. Of course, the actual battery life will depend on the volume level and whether you’re using Bluetooth or the auxiliary input.
However, even at higher volumes, it comfortably lasted for around 8 hours, which is more than adequate for most users.
Another feature worth mentioning is the dual 3W speakers. These deliver a surprisingly rich and full sound for such a compact device.
The bass response is particularly notable, providing deep lows without overwhelming the mids and highs. For those who like to tweak their audio settings, the Soundblade also supports various equalizer presets, allowing you to customize the sound to your liking.
Finally, the speaker’s auxiliary input offers versatility for those times when you want a wired connection, such as when you’re using a non-Bluetooth device or simply want to conserve battery. It’s also a handy feature for audio purists who prefer the sound quality of a wired connection over Bluetooth.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the BlueAnt Soundblade does not disappoint. We tested the speaker in various environments, from small indoor spaces to open outdoor areas, to gauge its audio quality and connectivity.
Indoor Performance: Indoors, the Soundblade shines. The sound is clear and well-balanced, with crisp highs and punchy lows. It handles a wide range of music genres effectively, from pop and rock to classical and jazz. Even at maximum volume, there is minimal distortion, which is a significant plus for a speaker of this size. The 3W speakers manage to fill a medium-sized room with sound, making it ideal for personal use or small gatherings.
Outdoor Performance: Outdoors, the speaker’s performance remains solid, although the bass does lose a bit of its depth in open areas. This is typical for portable speakers, but the Soundblade still delivers a respectable audio experience.
The Bluetooth range is impressive, maintaining a stable connection up to 30 feet away from the source device. We did notice some minor connectivity drops when there were obstacles between the speaker and the device, but these were infrequent.
Battery Performance: The battery life is another area where the Soundblade performs well. With moderate use (about 50% volume and a mix of Bluetooth and aux input), it easily lasted for a full day. Charging takes around 2-3 hours, which is acceptable, although a faster USB-C charging port would have been preferable.
Call Quality: The call quality is surprisingly good for a portable speaker. The built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology ensures that your voice comes through clearly on the other end, even in moderately noisy environments. However, in very noisy areas, such as a crowded cafe, the performance is less stellar, which is to be expected.
Overall, the BlueAnt Soundblade offers a balanced audio experience with good clarity, strong connectivity, and decent battery life. While it may not be the most powerful speaker on the market, it certainly holds its own for its size and price range.
Pros & Cons
Latest Deals
If you’re interested in purchasing the BlueAnt Soundblade, Amazon frequently offers discounts and bundle deals. As of the latest check, the speaker is priced at around $79.99, with occasional sales dropping the price to as low as $69.99. Amazon Prime members may also benefit from free two-day shipping and additional discounts. Always check the product page for the most up-to-date deals and availability.
Should You Buy It?
The BlueAnt Soundblade is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a compact, stylish Bluetooth speaker that offers good sound quality and easy portability. Its slim design and lightweight make it ideal for travel, and its versatile connectivity options cater to a range of devices.
While it may lack some of the latest features, such as USB-C charging and Bluetooth 5.0, these omissions do not significantly detract from its overall performance. If you need a reliable speaker for both indoor and casual outdoor use, the BlueAnt Soundblade is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The BlueAnt Soundblade strikes a balance between design, performance, and affordability. It may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end Bluetooth speakers, but it delivers where it counts: sound quality, portability, and ease of use. For its price, it’s a great buy for anyone needing a reliable speaker for personal use or small gatherings , whether at home or on the go. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it an easy addition to any bag, while its decent sound quality ensures that you don’t have to compromise on audio enjoyment. The addition of multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling further enhances its practicality.
That said, the lack of water resistance and a more modern charging port might be a downside for some. If these aspects are critical to your needs, you might want to consider other options. However, if you’re primarily focused on finding a reliable, affordable Bluetooth speaker that delivers good audio performance and is easy to carry around, the BlueAnt Soundblade is definitely worth your consideration.
How We Test
To provide an accurate and comprehensive review, we tested the BlueAnt Soundblade under various conditions. The speaker was evaluated indoors and outdoors to assess its sound quality in different environments. We measured the Bluetooth connectivity range by pairing it with multiple devices and tested the stability of the connection at varying distances. Battery life was tested by playing music at different volume levels until the battery was completely drained, and the charging time was recorded.
We also assessed the call quality by making and receiving calls in different environments, such as quiet rooms and noisy areas, to see how well the built-in microphone performed with its noise-canceling feature. Additionally, we checked the durability of the speaker by using it continuously over several days and inspecting it for any signs of wear and tear.
All these tests helped us provide a detailed and balanced review of the BlueAnt Soundblade, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision.
FAQs
Is the BlueAnt Soundblade water-resistant?
No, the BlueAnt Soundblade is not water-resistant. It’s best suited for indoor use or outdoor activities where it won’t be exposed to water.
Can I connect multiple devices to the Soundblade simultaneously?
Yes, the BlueAnt Soundblade supports multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect two devices at the same time.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The battery life can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, depending on the volume level and usage.
Does the speaker support USB-C charging?
No, the speaker uses a micro USB port for charging, which be slower than the more modern USB-C standard.
What is the Bluetooth range of the BlueAnt Soundblade?
The Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet (about 10 meters) in open spaces, but this may vary depending on obstacles and interference.
Is the BlueAnt Soundblade suitable for large outdoor gatherings?
While the speaker can perform well outdoors, its compact size and 3W speakers are more suitable for personal use or small gatherings. It may not provide enough volume for large outdoor events.
Can I use the BlueAnt Soundblade with non-Bluetooth devices?
Yes, the speaker has a 3.5mm auxiliary input that allows you to connect it to non-Bluetooth devices using a standard audio cable.
Does the speaker have an equalizer feature?
Yes, the BlueAnt Soundblade supports various equalizer presets, allowing you to adjust the sound according to your preference.
Is it easy to carry the BlueAnt Soundblade around?
Absolutely! The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to slip into a bag or even a large pocket, making it highly portable.
What colors are available for the BlueAnt Soundblade?
The speaker is available in two color options: classic black and sleek silver, allowing you to choose one that matches your style.
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