Best Bluetooth Tower Speaker for the Money
The tower speaker is quickly becoming the preferred choice for home theatre systems. Why? It offers an all-in-one audio solution that reduces the need for various speakers. Standing at 3 to 4 feet tall, the tower speaker sports multiple drivers that deliver the performance of all other home theater speakers combined with top audio quality.
If that’s not awesome enough, modern Bluetooth tower speakers feature an attractive aesthetic that plays up your home décor.
If you’re looking for the best Bluetooth tower speaker that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. Apart from reviewing top choices, we’ve also prepared a detailed buying guide that helps you understand what to look for in quality speakers.
Bluetooth Tower Speakers 101: The Lowdown
While it may not always be possible to test your floor-standing speaker before buying, having a decent understanding of its specifications and features will improve your chances of buying a quality product that meets your needs.
To help you out, we’ve put together a checklist of options for you to consider before you commit to a Bluetooth tower speaker.
Size and Weight
Where do you intend to use your Bluetooth tower speaker? For most people, the speaker is typically not set on a fixed spot in their living rooms but moved around the house depending on what they’re up to.
While sound towers will have a loud sound with deep resonating bass, the audio quality is not dependent on the size. Therefore, weight for portability is a factor to consider. A slim design fits more snugly in any corner of your home.
Speaker Cabinet
Apart from size and weight, consider whether the speaker cabinets can withstand vibrations with little sound interference to the audio drivers. A Bluetooth tower speaker cabinet typically includes a cone, a permanent magnet, and an electromagnetic coil sitting between the two.
Want to know how it works?
Well, the coil creates a magnetic field when electric currents pass through it and causes a back and forth vibration due to the permanent magnet attracting and repulsing it. The oscillating coil creates a sound that the cone amplifies, while the pitch is determined by how fast it vibrates.
There are two types of speaker cabinets: the sealed/ acoustic suspension and the ported/ bass-reflex cabinets.
The sealed cabinets are airtight enclosures that create more air pressure when the sound drivers vibrate, and it requires additional power to overcome that pressure. That means a sealed enclosure speaker may need a 200W amplifier to produce the same sound output as a 100W amplifier in a bass-reflex cabinet.
On the plus side, the extra air pressure causes the drivers to vibrate faster and with more precision, which produces a clear, more dynamic sound.
However, the bass-reflex cabinet is a more efficient option because it can significantly reduce the power requirements of your portable speaker. It features a hole/ port at the front or rear of the cabinet through which the extra air pressure created by the vibrating diaphragm gets fired out of the enclosure.
This increases the cabinet’s efficiency because the ports help equalize air pressure inside and outside the cabinet. Cool, huh? Keep in mind, though, that while the sound waves are augmented as air pushes through the port, the bass sound is less precise and not as loud.
Rear Vs Front Ports
The most distinctive feature of a bass-reflex cabinet is the port through which the speaker’s sound is emitted. Floor standing speakers may come with front or rear-facing ports, and they may slightly affect how they reproduce the bass sound.
Generally, low-level sound frequencies are omnidirectional, which means you get the same listening experience regardless of where you locate your tower speaker and the placement of the port.
Just remember that audio quality can be affected by walls, so we recommend leaving a bit of space between the wall and your speaker to keep the port from getting stuffed.
Drivers
Floor-standing speakers offer better sound quality than portable or bookshelf speaker models in part because they’re the focal point of the home theatre system. Most Bluetooth tower speakers feature three-way drivers. These are bass/ woofer, midrange/ squawker, and high-end/ tweeter drivers that combine to deliver a frequency range of between 20Hz to 20KHz.
Woofers have longer sound waves with a low-frequency sound range of 40 – 1000Hz, while subwoofers produce a small audio range of 20 – 200Hz.
The midrange is the most fundamental frequency range since most musical instruments fall within the range of 250 – 2000Hz. On the other hand, tweeters produce sound at a frequency range of 2kHz – 30kHz and are on the uppermost sound limit of what a human can hear.
Like midrange drivers, tweeters come in different types. Cone tweeters are the most common type available, and dome tweeters are generally found in the newer model of tower speakers. The horn tweeters tend to be in more expensive speakers since they produce clear sound with a dynamic range and significantly reduced distortion.
Driver Configurations
Bluetooth tower speakers also come in different configurations and are dependent on the number and type of drivers it has.
Two-way speakers come with woofers for the bass sounds and tweeters for high-end trebles. These speakers will produce a focused sound with a weak midrange frequency.
Three-way speakers include mid-range drivers, which results in a high-fidelity audio experience that covers most of the sound spectrum. The mid lows and high tones will have detail and clarity because each driver delivers its frequency load with less distortion in low frequencies.
High-end three-way speakers typically use woofers that are more than 8 inches in diameter with a small diameter midrange driver that produces a more dynamic sound.
If you want something truly epic, some premium quality tower speakers feature four-way configurations with super tweeters that combine to deliver an acoustic cinematic experience.
Frequency Response
Frequency Response is the range of frequency in which a speaker can produce sound. Tower speakers with a wide sound range are best because they bring purer sound and an enhanced audio experience.
When looking through the key specifications of the Bluetooth tower speakers reviewed here, you will notice the frequency response listed with numerical values from Hz to kHz.
However, a better determinant of frequency performance may be whether the speaker can reproduce all the audible tones at the same volume they were recorded.
In a perfect world, the speaker should reproduce a flat frequency response value. In plain English, this means that you will hear the natural sound quality. However, today’s technology is not perfect, so most tower speakers will feature a standard plus or minus 3dB variance from the transparent sound, which is considered reasonably accurate.
Features
Bluetooth tower speakers include additional features that allow wired connectivity, such as the Aux-In feature for better sound quality. Other features may include HDMI and Analog RCA ports to enable you to connect the speaker to your old iPod that doesn’t support Bluetooth technology.
Some floor-standing speakers, such as the ABRAMTEK E600, have USB-C charging for their built-in batteries, while wired Bluetooth speakers come with charging adapters.
So, Which Are the Best Floor Standing Speakers?
1. Rockville ONE-Tower All-in-One Tower Bluetooth Speaker
With an attractive modern design, the Rockville One-Tower has stylish fabric covering the MDF cabinet, rounded edges, and a sleek digital display. The rotary volume knob sits on the top of the speaker along with the function and power buttons.
Measuring slightly over 5 inches on its base, the One-Tower is a compact floor-standing speaker that fits into tight living room spaces without obstructions. Sadly, it’s not battery operated and requires plugging into an outlet for power.
This quality speaker features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 to stream your favorite music from Bluetooth-supported devices, while USB input allows you to play back music from a USB memory stick. It includes an HDMI port and optical input that hooks up to your television and RCA input for connecting with older devices that don’t support Bluetooth and remote control.
The MDF cabinet encloses two 4-inch woofers with a rear port tuned to 32Hz that delivers a loud, clear bass quality without much distortion. It also features two 4″ full-range drivers for high and midrange tones and a built-in class D amplifier that brings high-quality sound.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 5.31″ x 5.31″ x 33″
- Weight: 11.1 lbs
- Features: Bluetooth 5.0, RCA Inputs, HDMI Input, Optical Input, USB
- Frequency Response: 32Hz – 19kHz
Pros
- Powerful sound with no distortion
- Compact design with a small footprint
- RCA inputs for non-Bluetooth devices
Cons
- Poor quality construction
2. ABRAMTEK E600 High Power Wireless Speaker
Up next we have the Abramtek E600 wireless Bluetooth tower. This bad boy has a sophisticated cylindrical design and is lighter than the Rockville One-Tower, clocking in at 8.16 pounds. It’s also a high-end tower speaker with a built-in rechargeable battery that delivers 4.5 hours of playback time on a single charge.
The E600 features an exquisite two-part design: a top dome is suspended from the bottom cylinder by a slight gap with a soft LED night light, which we thought is a nice touch. It features a blended fabric mesh covering available in black and purple colors.
The top panel features the power and play buttons with the USB-C charging port and auxiliary ports running down the side of the dome. It’s worth noting that several users had problems charging their wireless speakers, while others had their floor-standing towers fail after a year.
The E600 wireless speaker uses exclusive sound technologies to deliver a phenomenal three-dimensional listening experience akin to stereo. DPAC technology is an innovative sound technology that combines driver configuration with air pressure to produce full-range sound with deep clear bass from the passive radiator.
The speaker includes Vocal Tract Delay, which is a 3D sound effect integrated into the E600 to create an omnidirectional sound that’s balanced no matter where you are in the room. Other notable features include a built-in acoustic system that produces rich and detailed audio and optional Movie Mode and Music Mode Equalizers.
The E600 is compatible with Bluetooth 4.2, which offers a stable signal at a 10-meter range. It also supports stereo pairing with up to two speakers via True Wireless Stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, or the 3.5mm audio cable that comes in the box. Overall, the E600 is an excellent portable Bluetooth tower with an elegant and robust construction and powerfully detailed sound.
Key Specs:
- Peak Output: 100W
- Dimensions: 5.3″ x 5.3″ x 23.6″
- Weight: 8.16 lbs
- Features: Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm Aux In/Out, USB-C charging, 10mm Bluetooth range
- Frequency Response: 30Hz – 20KHz
Pros
- Loud omnidirectional audio fills the room
- Has a deep low bass with clear, detailed sound
- Wireless speaker with built-in battery for portability
- Attractive design with night light
- Supports wireless stereo pairing
Cons
- Not durable, will last about a year
- Does not come with a remote control unit
3. VENLOIC 2.1 Bluetooth Tower Speaker
The Venloic 2.1 Bluetooth floor-standing speaker towers over 3 feet and features an attractive dark wood finish. The speaker comes at a reasonable price compared to the E600 and is the best option if you’re on a budget. The Venloic is a versatile speaker since it allows analog and Bluetooth connectivity with various devices for music, movies, and gaming.
The tower speaker is slightly larger and heavier than the Rockville One-Tower, and it comes with a remote control and is wired for power. If you love a classic look, then you’ll enjoy this design that has straight lines and sharp edges. The top panel features the control buttons and a rubber slot to support small devices when charging them or playing your favorite music from your phone via a USB port to conserve battery.
The USB ports for charging and slotting your memory stick and the SD/ MMC memory card expansion slot for MP3 playback are situated on the side of the top panel, while the LCD panel is at the front. The Venloic speaker sports a bass-reflex cabinet design with a rear-firing port and comes with a built-in subwoofer that delivers an accurate bass response.
The Venloic is a two-way configuration with 2 bass radiators and a treble driver that use the speaker’s Dynamic balance technology to deliver an immersive sound with a high-frequency response. However, without a midrange driver, the audio quality may just miss the mark.
Other features include the 3.5mm Aux-In port, Analog RCA port, the power switch, and power input for the adapter situated on a rear panel. The Venloic also includes built-in radio as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
We also like that this tower speaker offers stereo pairing with Bluetooth. On the downside, some customer reviews show that the construction is not durable, and the radio has poor reception.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 6.1″ x 6.41″ x 40.35″
- Weight: 11.77 lbs
- Peak Power: 180W
- Features: Aux-In port, Analog RCA, USB, Built-In Radio
- Frequency Reception: 38Hz – 24kHz
Pros
- Delivers a weighty bass and vibrant highs
- Attractive and stylish design with woodgrain
- Versatile connection options
- Good value for your money
Cons
- Construction isn’t robust
- Poor signal on the radio
4. GOgroove BlueSYNC STW Bluetooth Tower Speaker
Like the Venloic, the GOgroove is an affordable, entry-level Bluetooth tower speaker that offers a nice sound with plenty of low-frequency sound. It has that classy, clean line aesthetic of the Venloic, but it has a larger footprint and weighs less.
The GOgroove design features a charging cradle for your phone on the top panel, which also houses the control buttons and power button. It comes with a USB port for your 32GB flash drive, USB 1A charging port, and a 3.5mm Aux-In port for devices without Bluetooth.
Alternatively, you can use Bluetooth to connect to the speaker and stream from your favorite music app on your phone or tablet. The speaker also offers digital FM radio with a memory scan function that makes storing local stations easier.
The tower speaker has a two-way configuration that includes two 3-inch tweeters plus a 30w woofer and a built-in subwoofer that delivers crisp trebles and booming bass for an enjoyable listening experience. Although it may disappoint audiophiles since the mid-range sound is not detailed, it’s great for most users who need an affordable sound tower with decent audio quality for music and general TV watching.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 9.87″ x 8.5″ x 38.3″
- Weight: 10.1lbs
- Peak Output: 120W
- Features: Aux-In, USB port, USB 1A port, Bluetooth
- Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20kHz
Pros
- Decent sound quality with 3 bass levels
- 3 audio inputs for various devices
- Features a phone cradle for charging
- Has an easy startup process
- Affordably priced for its class
Cons
- Has low volume levels
5. Naxa NHS-2009 Water Dancing Tower Speaker
The Naxa NHS-2009 is a unique Bluetooth tower speaker that incorporates water and color effects that keep up with the beat and volume of the music. Generally, water dancing sound towers have two distinct parts in their construction: a top part that features vibrant water jets and lighting effects visible through transparent fiberglass cover, and a bottom part that houses the sound drivers.
The NHS-2009 is the least expensive speaker on our list, costing about a quarter of the price of the ABRAMTEK E600. It also boasts a compact, lightweight design that weighs 3.2 pounds and stands at 21 inches, which allows it to double as a floor standing and a tabletop speaker. It’s also portable, so you can carry it to functions outside your home.
Unfortunately, it requires a power source, and it comes with an AC adapter in the box. It doesn’t have a top panel like the other speakers on this list, so the control and power buttons are on its front face, while the Aux-In and AC power charging port are on the rear.
The water dancing speaker supports Bluetooth to stream music from your smart device, and you can use the 3.5mm Aux-In audio jack for a strong, high-speed connection or plug in your analog devices. Also notable is that it comes with a built-in mic, so you can use the speakerphone function to make and receive calls on your phone and a built-in FM radio.
An attractive speaker design should be secondary to the sound quality, which is the fundamental attribute of any Bluetooth tower speaker. The NHS-2009 features two high-performance full-range drivers that deliver a dynamic sound effect. However, some users have noted that the sound quality is not impressive, while for others, the water effect in the speakers didn’t work.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.33″ x 4.33″ x 21.65″
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Features: 3.5mm Aux-In port, Bluetooth connectivity, FM radio
Pros
- Full range drivers deliver clear, dynamic sound
- Compact and lightweight construction for portability
- Fun design with water and light effects
- Comes with a speakerphone feature
Cons
- The water feature doesn’t work for some users
Best Bluetooth Tower Speaker Buying Guide
A key factor for buyers is how much a product costs. Although you can get decent quality speakers at a low price, some are worth the splurge.
We’ve tested tons of products on the market, and our list highlights the best Bluetooth tower speakers for the money.
Below is a summary of the floor-standing speakers we’ve reviewed above.
Best Choice:
The Rockville ONE-Tower is our top pick. It offers high fidelity sound at a reasonable price and includes four audio options to connect to various devices.
Best Budget Option:
If budget is a concern, you can’t really go wrong with the Naxa NHS-2009. However, it’s smaller than the average tower speaker and may not be ideal for home theaters.
Alternatively, you can consider the Venloic 2.1 Bluetooth speaker or the GOgroove BlueSYNC STW. In the same price range and offering similar features, they’re both two-way configuration speakers that produce clear high notes and deep bass sounds.
Best Premium Option
The ABRAMTEK E600 is a three-way configuration that delivers the full range of sound, and is definitely the superior option. If you’re concerned about sound quality, this one’s for you.