Car stereos have become a must-have component in cars today. To make rides as enjoyable as possible, many people are investing in car stereos.
Good car stereos have exceptional sound quality that gives you a stellar experience when listening to music and different programs make your long travels enjoyable.
However, most cars don’t come with car stereos installed and you have to purchase them on your own. Good car stereos are also expensive.
Therefore, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a car stereo, you can use a Bluetooth speaker as a substitute device that will serve the same purpose.
Can you use Bluetooth Speakers instead of a Car Stereo?
If you have ever asked yourself whether you can use Bluetooth speakers instead of car stereos, then you know there is no simple answer. Though some cars come with installed stereos, the buyers are forced to adjust them to their liking.
You can use Bluetooth speaker instead of your car stereo if it is loud enough and can be powered by your car, Bluetooth speakers are portable devices in your car. They offer excellent quality sound and allow the driver to operate the phone hands-free. This is helpful, especially if the normal car stereo lacks Bluetooth capabilities.
Therefore, Bluetooth speakers can still do a handful of jobs, in the same way, a car stereo would do.
Also, car stereos are expensive while Bluetooth speakers are cheaper everywhere in the market making the search for one that fits your needs easy.
Advantages of using Bluetooth Speaker in a Car
Depending on the type of features the Bluetooth speaker, it will come with the following benefits to you:
1. Noise Cancelation
Roads do not guarantee automatic quietness to your driving experience. It is more sensible to use a Bluetooth speaker that has a noise cancellation feature when you are driving in an environment that is full of noise pollution.
The Bluetooth speaker that has this feature becomes useful when you are making a call. It reduces the amount of noise that the call receiver will hear on the other end.
2. Voice Prompts
Most Bluetooth speakers have voice prompts to promote a hands-free experience. Such a feature allows the user to receive or make calls without touching any button.
The driver will only involve a voice command for the speaker to receive of making a call.
3. Automatic Wake and Pair
The Bluetooth speaker has an automatic wake and pair feature. Such a feature is useful in turning your speaker as you step into your car. In the same vein, the speaker turns off by automatic means when you step out of the car.
4. Sustainability
Many portable Bluetooth speakers can withstand the test of time. The Bluetooth speaker can tolerate accidental drops with breaking or damaging easily.
They have a shockproof cell that shields the speaker from such impacts. They are also waterproof to operate well in humid areas.
5. Audio-Quality
The Bluetooth speakers had quality audio quality just like the one you can get from the car stereo.
They use quality audio drivers and the correct frequency range to dictate the type of audio quality. As a rule of thumb, wider frequency ranges come with better sound quality.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth Speakers
1. Energy
The Bluetooth speaker is not comparable with the car stereo in terms of delivering uncooked energy. They have a weaker sound that lacks the depth and richness of a standard audio system.
2. Compatibility
It is common knowledge that most cell phones will pair with Bluetooth speakers successfully. Unfortunately, many gamers will find it challenging to pair with such speakers.
3. Vary
The audio system must be within a certain range for other devices to operate. It could limit one especially if you want to operate your music system when you are outside the radius range. The distance could be the limiting factor.
Benefits of Bluetooth speakers over car stereo
There are several ways to use Bluetooth speakers. From using Bluetooth speakers in gaming to outdoor parties and many other ways.
This is because Bluetooth speakers help you redefine your music experience to the level of your liking. Even in your car. In fact, Bluetooth speakers compared to car stereos provide the following benefits:
1. Portability
You can place Bluetooth speakers wherever you want, unlike car stereos that are fixed at a specific spot. Once you establish a connection you can place the speaker anywhere in the car.
Also, you can keep it away from your kids when traveling, unlike car stereos most kids like playing with mostly by pressing the buttons.
Additionally, you can carry them to your home for further use, unlike car stereos. Therefore, you can enjoy your music at any time wherever you are. All you need is a Bluetooth speaker and an audio device.
2. Wireless Control
The ability to connect to audio devices wireless is the best advantage of Bluetooth speakers. Therefore, streaming music and programs from your devices without worries about wired connections is enabled.
No installation is needed as you have to do with car stereos. All you need to do is place it anywhere and enjoy your music, shows, and audiobooks.
3. Hands-free calling
By using Bluetooth speakers, you can receive and decline calls without moving your hands off the steering. Therefore, Bluetooth speakers make hands-free calling safer compared to other devices.
All you have to do is receive the call and communicate with the caller. This is enabled by microphones installed in the speakers.
However, the disadvantage of this is that you don’t get to enjoy privacy if you are traveling with several people in your car.
5 Best Bluetooth Speakers for your Car
1. Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Anker sound source could be for you if you prefer using a minimalist design. The speaker features curved edges to offer it a comfortable aesthetic appeal. This breathtaking sound system has deep sound bass with exceptional clarity.
The speaker enjoys a 24-hour worry-free battery life. More so, it has a waterproof casing that shields it against liquids.
The user enjoys an instant Bluetooth connection which remains active in a radius of 66 feet.
The designer uses Bass-up Technology that intensifies bass in real-time.
The speaker is lightweight and the user can grab and move to the next destination. Besides car use, it is also ideal for home, yard, or park use.
Pros
- Produces clear and well-balanced sound
- It has an excellent battery life
- Feature a microphone to handle incoming calls
- Waterproof casing for outdoor use
- It is durable and lightweight
Cons
- It has a generic design
2. BESIGN BK06 Car Speakerphone
The product uses the latest version of Bluetooth which is key in consuming less power. In addition, it uses a 1000Ah battery that provides sufficient power to handle music and all calls sustainably.
The speaker has a built-in motion sensor. When you open the car door, the speaker turns on automatically.
The product uses a dual speaker design for enhanced sound quality.
The driver can still enjoy a hands-free call while driving on a noisy highway.
This speaker uses a multipoint technology that allows the user to connect two phones simultaneously.
Furthermore, the speaker has a button to activate Siri or voice commands. Typically, this speaker can work with all platforms including Apple and Android devices.
This is a modern Bluetooth seeker that senses when your car door is open and turns on. It also connects automatically to your mobile phone. Therefore, all you have to do is get in and drive.
Additionally, other than hands-free calling this device is compatible with Apple Siri and Google assistance to make you take care of other things such as making appointments and searching on the internet while still driving.
Also, the battery life is good with up to 20 hours of use before it depletes. This device also can connect to two mobile phones at a time, therefore, enhancing the use of each phone differently. Your passengers can connect too.
Pros
- It uses the most recent Bluetooth technology
- It can support two phones at the same time
- The built-in battery offers a long duration of service
- Uses dual speakers for greater sound output
Cons
- The package lacks an in-car charger
3. COMISO Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
The Bluetooth speaker offers incredible sound thanks to its acoustic drivers. The user can enjoy a louder volume due to its distortion-free design.
The user can stream live music from the phones while in the car, at home, at parties etc.
The cool thing is that one can submerge this speaker at one meter for at least thirty minutes without damage.
That is so because it has a waterproof casing that prevents liquid from causing any harm to it.
Such makes it the right speaker to use during outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Pros
- Longer battery life
- Dual speakers for quality sound and volume.
- Latest Bluetooth version 5.0 for quick and reliable connections
- One-button activation for Siri and other voice commands
- Connects two different phones
- Automatic switch on and off
Cons
- Not compatible with a variety of devices
- 20-hour battery life is not good for some
4. VeoPulse B-PRO 2 Car Speakerphone
This Bluetooth device has a great design and functions well. It automatically powers up when one gets into the car through a vibration sensor that detects the driver.
You don’t have to pair if often with your phone because it connects automatically. It announces the name and the number of the caller while you are driving, therefore, reducing contact with your phone.
The audio quality is also very good for whatever content you are listening to. Also, it has ant-echo technology that makes your voice clear during phone calls.
You can clip this Bluetooth speaker to the sun visor and therefore it can stay completely out of your way while driving hence helping avoid distractions
Pros
- High sound quality with an anti-echo feature
- Compatible with a variety of devices
- Easily attaches to the sun visor to avoid distractions
- Can automatically shut down to preserve the charge
- Switches on once it detects the driver
- Safer hands-free calling
Cons
- Limited battery life
- Difficulty when connecting automatically
5. SUNITEC BC980 Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit
This is a speaker purchased by many car users because of its best value for money. This speaker has quality noise-canceling technology that gives you the assurance that the people you are communicating with will hear you properly during calls.
The powerful background noise cancellation gives you the confidence to make calls even during bad traffic hours.
Additionally, you don’t have to take your eyes off the road once you purchase this Bluetooth speaker.
The complete hands-free experience gets better with the access of Siri, google assistance, and GPS directions from your phone.
The oversized button of this device also helps accomplish the task of pressing them when you need to without paying much attention.
Just like other devices when it detects the driver it turns on. Also, it connects automatically to devices that it has been paired with. This speaker offers more than 22 hours of talking time and 100 hours of standby time.
Pros
- Noise cancellation that provides crystal-clear calls
- It supports Siri and Google assistance
- Hands-free voice operations
- Auto starts once it senses the driver
- 22 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby is one of the best battery life any Bluetooth device can offer
Cons
- Volume is too low even when it is maximum
- Interruptions when establishing connections
I am a tech writer and editor with a special focus on trends, ideas, and updates in tech and IT news. I like to blog about tech and gadgets.