12 Best Smartwatches With Speaker and Microphone

Best Smartwatches With Speakerphone (Speaker and Mic)

When it comes to smartphones and wearable devices, smart watches offer the ultimate user experience. Most smartwatches can perform several different tasks, but only a few of them can record or play audio. That’s because most manufacturers shy away from the added expense that involves adding a speaker and a microphone on a wearable. However, we believe if you are looking for the complete experience, it’s best you look for smartwatches with speakerphones.

While the market is flooding with all kinds of smartwatch brands, it can be difficult to find a product that suits your needs. That is especially if you want a device that has an audio capability, allowing you to listen to music, make calls and set a ringtone for notifications. We have taken the time to prepare this guide to the best smartwatches with speakerphone on the market. Here are the best options that have a speaker and mic:

 

1. Samsung Gear S3

The first on our list of smartwatches with speakerphone is the Samsung Gear 3. Coming with a variety of interesting features, the Samsung Gear S3 rivals major smartwatch brands in the market. Its features include a heart rate monitor, GPS, activity tracking, water resistance, and an altimeter.

This huge timepiece pairs all this together with a nice screen and excellent speakers for audio functionality. This smartwatch also has a great battery life, lasting for about 2-3 days while in use.

The Samsung Gear S3 is available in two designs, offering a classic or a frontier look.

In both cases, the watch feels like a huge sports watch on your wrist and weighs between 59g and 62g.

It’s undeniably a superior quality watch and a great choice if you want to achieve an eye-catching look. Check out all the faces below:

The Gear S3 runs on a Fizen operating system, but it’s compatible with many Android devices. It comes as a complete stand-alone cell-phone on your wrist, with LTE phone services.

This smartwatch can share several applications with your android phone, and you can add a pair of Bluetooth headsets to pick discreet calls. However, you can use the inbuilt speaker and microphone.

 

 

2. Asus Zenwatch 3

Yes, Asus manufactures smartwatches. Built with a solid design, the Asus Zenwatch 3 has an excellent display and a great battery life, lasting for about 3-4 days. The Zenwatch 3 is a major improvement in the Asus line of smartwatches, and it marks a new beginning for this Taiwanese firm.

Its design looks very classy, making it a great alternative for Pebble lovers.

The Asus Zenwatch 3 comes with the latest wearable software, and it’s a major upgrade from the Zenwatch 2. Just like its predecessor, this smartwatch has a high-quality inbuilt speaker, and you can take advantage of its audio capability to listen to voice messages and notifications.

The speaker is also paired with a microphone, and you can easily use it to conduct calls.

The Zenwatch 3 is compatible with various Android devices, and you can stream music directly from Google Play. You can also pair it with Bluetooth headphones for a better audio output while working out.

Keep in mind that this smartwatch is water and dust resistant. It also features wrist gestures, allowing you to browse the notifications with flicks of your arm.

 

3. Huawei Watch

Did you know that Huawei manufactures smartwatches, moreover smartwatches with speakerphone? The Huawei watch might not be the newest smartwatch from this manufacturer, but it’s an excellent choice for the money.

This fine android wear comes with a simple look, with a circular screen display and a number of great features that any smartwatch lover will appreciate. That includes NFC support, a GPS tracking system, and 4GB internal storage.

The battery life is good, and it lasts for about 2-3 days. More importantly, the Huawei Watch comes with an inbuilt speaker that offers loudspeaker functionality for playing music and receiving calls.

The watch also comes with a microphone for picking calls and is compatible with phones running on IOS 9+ or Android 4.3+.

All these features are put together in a bright and vibrant casing that looks nice on your wrist.

 

4. Fossil Q Founder Gen 2

Fossil is already established as a fashionable brand, making high-tech wearable devices that can rival major brands like Huawei and LG. The Fossil Q Founder gen 2 comes in a stylish and minimalistic design, with a simple body and elegant curves.

If you like regular analog Fossil watches, then you will like their smartwatches with speakerphone because they maintain a similar form factor.

This high-quality smartwatch comes in two color options, gunmetal grey, and stainless steel.

When it comes to the features, the Q Founder Gen 2 is comparable to major smartwatch brands on the market, and it has almost the same hardware, put together in an elegant casing.

It has a speaker that can do well in a standard pitch, and an inbuilt mic that interprets a huge percentage of your voice commands. Other features include wireless charging, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and tracking sensors.

However, it does not come with a heart-rate monitor or a GPs tracker.

 

 

5. Fossil Q Marshal

Considering the fact that Fossil has been in the traditional watch-making industry for several decades, their expertise shines in the craftsmanship and design of the Q Marshal.

With its fashionable appeal, this high-quality wearable tech looks like a traditional mechanical watch with a list of desirable features. That includes a superior battery that lasts for a whole day, LCD, an inbuilt speaker, and mic.

This smartwatch is compatible with IOS and Android smartphones, specifically running on IOS 9.3+ or Android OS 4.4+.

The inbuilt speaker on the Fossil Q Marshal is great for alarm, notifications and listening to audio messages, but it may not perform well while picking phone calls.

However, you can pair it with Bluetooth headsets for better sound quality when calling.

This wearable tech on your wrist also has a GPS system, Wi-Fi, and other features. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a highly customizable smartwatch.

 

6. LG Watch Sport

LG combines the latest technology in smartwatches with a sleek design to give you the new LG Watch Sport.

This high-tech wrist wearable features the latest Android wear 2.0 and a great style, to give you an awesome experience. Its design makes it excellent for sporting activities, and it comes with several admirable features.

For example, the LG watch sport allows its users to pair it with different Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi.

This LG smartwatch also supports full LTE phone services, and it works with almost any sim card worldwide.

That means you can make calls directly from this gadget, even without having your phone close to you.

The inbuilt speaker and mic are excellent for making calls and receiving notifications, but you may consider Bluetooth earphones if you want to be discreet.

 

 

 

7. LG Watch Style

Built by LG in collaboration with Google, the LG Watch Style is the face of android wear 2.0, and it comes with a very simple look.

This watch looks like a regular wristwatch, and the interface is easy to navigate.

This smartwatch brand also takes advantage of audio functionality, like other wearable devices on the market, allowing you to hear notifications and alarms through the inbuilt speakers.

While it comes with a 360x360pixels AMOLED display, the LG Watch Style won’t function as a standalone LTE phone, but it’s great while using it together with your phone.

Luckily, it’s compatible with both IOS (9.3+) and Android (4.3+) smartphones. The battery only lasts for about 16-19 hours.

However, this smartwatch comes with an inbuilt microphone that offers a number of tricks, including accepting voice commands and much more. The casing is also dust and water resistant.

 

8. Apple Watch 3

As a replacement for the Watch 2, the Apple Watch 3 comes in two types (one with inbuilt cellular connectivity and one with just a GPS system).

Both types are better than its predecessor, and they come with a cycle and run track system for fitness.

The watch also comes with a water-resistant casing for swimming, but the GPS won’t work well under water.

Like its processor, the Apple Watch 3 has a speaker and a microphone on board.

That means you can pick and make calls with this smartwatch, even without having your phone with you. However, the watch is completely dependent on your phone while making calls, though it comes with a standalone feature.

The speaker gives excellent audio clarity, and the microphone has an excellent sensitivity while making a call.

That means you can comfortably enjoy your conversation, without having to hold it over your head. You may be surprised, but this is a shortcoming of many smartwatches with speakerphone.

 

 

9. Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch

The Samsung Gear Sports Smartwatch comes in a simple and sophisticated design, with a huge variety of features. This smartwatch runs on Tizen OS, and it has a super AMOLED display, built-in NFC, and 4GB internal storage.

It also features a GPS tracking system and a heart rate sensor.

Like many smartwatches from Samsung line, the Gear Sports Smartwatch comes with a built-in microphone and speaker.

These functions allow you to make calls directly from your arm when your phone is in the pocket.

You can also make a voice call from this watch if you have an active Wi-Fi connection.

The gear sport also comes with nice battery life, normally running out after 3-4 days.

 

 

10. Samsung Gear 2 Neo

As far as design goes, the Samsung Gear 2 Neo looks the same as the Gear 2 but replaces the metal casing with a plastic one.

This cutting-edge smartwatch comes at a more attractive price compared to its bigger brother, and it offers a good balance of features.

That includes heart rate monitoring, lots of bells and a pedometer.

The Samsung Gear 2 Neo includes a speaker and microphone for making calls, recording voice memos and playing music loudly.

It also has an offline media player, that can load up to 4GB of tracks, and you can pair it with Bluetooth headsets while on the go.

This smartwatch also comes with the Samsung voice recognition features, and you can use it to send commands to your phone. However, you must have a Samsung phone or tablet to use it.

 

 

11. Martian Watch Notifier

When looking for a smartwatch with speakerphone, you may be tempted to only check out the bigger brands. This is not a very good idea if your budget is limited. While smartwatches from companies like Apple, Sony, Samsung, and Pebble tend to be very expensive, the Martian Watch Notifier is an inexpensive substitute.

The Notifier is very simple, and it looks like a strip down analog watch with just a tiny screen for notifications. This watch comes with long battery life, interchangeable bands and a unique vibration alert system.

The Martian Watch Notifier is two devices in one. It’s a typical analog timepiece with a long battery life of about two years, set by a manual stem on the right and a modern smartwatch powered by Bluetooth.

This smartwatch comes with 5-day battery life, a bright notification lamp and simple control buttons on the left side.

As its name suggests, the Notifier comes to life when it’s notifying, and it includes a simple speaker that allows it to offer variable vibration patterns.

That means you can distinguish notifications by the feel alone. However, it doesn’t have an inbuilt microphone, but it offers a huge range of features that most smartwatch lovers will appreciate.

 

 

12. Apple Watch Sport

The Apple Watch Sport is yet another fantastic creation from the Apple smartwatch series. This watch comes with an elegant design, and it’s an excellent choice for those who want an iPhone-tied convenience.

However, this sports watch is slightly faster than its predecessors, all thanks to the high-quality internal drivers and the Bluetooth 4.0 technology.

That also allows it to share notifications and apps from your mobile phone.

With a stylish design and a well-thought interface, the Apple Watch Sport offers a 1.5” display, a speaker, and a microphone.

The speaker has a nice audio output for alarms, notifications and listening to calls, while your phone is in your pocket. You can also expect the mic to offer an excellent sensitivity to voice.

This smartwatch is better than its iPhone compatible rivals, but it might not fit in everyone’s budget. However, it’s a great option if you want something classy.

 

 

Bottom Line:

Smartwatches with speakerphone are some of the most convenient wearable devices that you can use with your mobile phone. The speakers in these watches allow you to set audio alarms, hear notifications from different apps and even enjoy music directly from your wrist. You can try any of the brands that we’ve discussed above, for the ultimate smartwatch experience.

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How To Find Air Leaks And Seal Drafty Windows – Window Sealing

How Find Air Leaks and Seal Drafty Windows – Window Sealing

As the humid and hot summer weather fades away to give rise to cooler temperatures of the winter season, it’s important to be prepared for this seasonal change.

Checking for air leaks and sealing drafty windows are simple solutions to avoid cold spots in your house. That means you can warm your house more easily and minimize your utility bills.

Though you may not know it, drafty windows reduce the efficiency of your heating system by up to 25%.

Besides saving a significant amount of money on your monthly utility bills, sealing all the air leaks in your home allows you to control the cooling and heating system.

However, this can be a little challenging if you don’t know how to check for air leaks and seal drafty windows. Don’t worry though, we will tell you all you need to know.

 

 

So, Why Do Windows Get Drafty?

As you may know, the glazing putty on old windows may dry up and crack over time. The putty can also grow brittle and fall off, leaving the glass rattling in the process. With wooden windows, double-hung sashes may shrink and wear out with age, letting in cold air. Even worn-out weather stripping and broken gaskets can result in drafty aluminum and vinyl windows.

 

How To Look For Air Leaks

To effectively control your house’s cooling system, it’s essential to seal all the air openings in the house.  These leaks can occur at several places, not just windows. This is especially true for houses built with board. So, you need to first check to see where air leaks are occurring in your home.

 

That means you need to regularly inspect your windows, doors and other areas to ensure that there are no water or air leaks. Luckily, you can use several inspection techniques to detect any gaps that may let in cold air and then seal those drafty windows. These methods include:

1. Home Pressurization Test

If you are having a problem identifying air leaks in your house, you can conduct a simple home pressurization test.  This technique focuses on increasing the amount of air getting into your house through cracks and other gaps, making them easy to spot. Here is how to successfully do the test at home:

• On a windy day, turn off water heaters, gas, burning furnaces and other combustion appliances.
• Shut the exterior doors, windows and fireplace flues.
• Using a large window fan, suck the air out of your room or turn on all bathroom fans, clothes dryer, and stove vents.
• Light an incense stick or anything else that can give out smoke and pass it around the areas where leaks tend to occur. The smoke will start wavering and getting sucked out if there is an air leak.
• You can also use your hand to check for air leakage. Any place with an air opening will feel cool on your hand.

 

2. Use A Flashlight

This simple air-leak detection method is mainly suitable for detecting large cracks in your house. You need to shine the light on your house, while your partner looks for any visible rays from the outside. Of course, this method is only effective if used at night. Keep in mind that this method may not help you to detect small holes and cracks.

 

3. Check For Door Leaks

Sometimes you may believe your windows are the problem when the real issue is your doors. As we all know, open spaces on your door may cause air and water leaks. The simplest method to check for air leaks on your door is to hold a lit candle near the seams on a windy day. If the flame wavers or bends, it indicates that air is moving from the outside, pushing through your door.

Other methods of inspecting your doors for leaks include:

• Checking your door for cracks that hinder its ability to prevent air leaks.
• Inspecting your doors for worn out or peeling weather stripping
• Ensuring that the door hinges fit well in their threshold, sealing the door tight.

 

4. Check Out Skylight Leaks

Besides checking your windows and doors for air leaks, it’s important to check your roof or sealing, to ensure that you close all the gaps. To check for skylight air leaks, you need to climb on your roof and look for the following signs:

• Open spaces on the roofing.
• Shingle debris that collects water on the roof.
• Cracked patches that you may have installed during the last roof leakage.

 

5. Check For Drafty Windows

Now that you have checked the doors and skylight, it’s time to check those windows! During cold seasons, it is very common for drafts of cold air to get into the house, through your closed windows. That’s because most windows have small openings around the frame, allowing air leaks in your house. Of course, this means you will waste power while trying to keep your home warm during the low season. However, you can easily identify and seal drafty windows.

 

 

How to Check Drafty Windows

When it comes to inspecting windows for air leaks, you can use various methods. However, it’s advisable to inspect them on a windy day.

The idea is to ensure that there is a significant difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature. Here are a few effective methods of checking for drafty windows:

1. Visual Inspection

Visual inspections are one of the simplest methods to check for drafty windows. Start by inspecting your windows from the outside and checking for areas where air can go through. You should also check to ensure that there are no places where caulking has failed, leaving spaces between the wall and the window.  You should also check for damaged glazing in glass window panes, especially at the edges.

After inspecting your house from the outer side, check the weather-stripping inside the house and look for any sign of damage around the windows. Check for any space or cracks in the window glass, sash, and frame. That will help you to identify all the areas that need new or additional caulking.

 

2. Check For Broken Or Loose Windows

To minimize air leaks through your windows, you need to ensure that they are closing tightly. Here is what you have to do to know whether there are any spaces left when you close your windows;

• Put a piece of paper on the sill, before shutting the window.
• Try to take out the paper when the window is closed.
• If the paper comes out easily without folding or tearing, then you need to install new insulation or replace the window.

If you do this simple test the right way, then you should not have any issues when trying to determine if your window is loose. Keep in mind that some windows only need a quick look to know if they can close tightly.

 

3. Mechanical Test Using A Thermometer

If you can fit in into your budget, you can try to use an infrared thermometer to detect drafty windows. This non-contact thermometer is very effective in checking for air leaks around your frames. It measures the temperatures of your room and helps you to identify any area that may leak. That means you need to compare the temperatures of different areas to know where cold air is passing through. You can expect to read lower temperature levels in areas that need sealing.

 

4. Check The Locks

If the windows locking mechanism has an issue, then cold air will easily get into your house. To avoid that, ensure that double-hung windows slide smoothly into place, sealing the entire gap between both panels. You should also make sure that the top locks grab the latches fully.

In case your double-hung windows have an issue moving smoothly up and down, you can pass a knife around the frame, loosening up any dried paint. You can also consider tightening the cranks on casement windows.

 

 

How To Fix Drafty Windows: Sealing Drafty Windows

While checking for drafty windows, you should ensure that you note down or mark all the areas that have a problem. That ensures that you don’t forget when it comes to fixing them. With that said, you should know that there are several methods to fix air leaking windows. Here are various simple ideas that are worth a try, when sealing your windows:

• Rope Caulking

Rope chulk is a special type of window sealer. It is made of a soft and sticky substance that fits in different gaps, closing all the spaces between your window panels. This form of caulking is readily available in various stores and is very affordable. You can also remove it easily when you need to create air spaces.

 

• Shrink Film

Installed using a double-sided seal tape, this clear plastic film shrinks when heated with a hairdryer, forming a tight seal on your window. This plastic sheeting prevents drafts and seals off any air getting in your house from outside. You can easily remove them using rubbing alcohol, to release the tape without taking off the paint.

 

• V-Seal Weather Stripping

This plastic weather stripping is suitable for use along the window sashes. This sealant is affordable, easy to apply and very effective at keeping out cold air. More importantly, you can close and open your windows after applying them.

 

• Nail Polish

If applied properly, clear nail polish can fill any hole or cracks on your windows, forming an air-tight invisible sealant. After hardening, the nail polish stabilizes your glass, lasting for several months, or until you decide to replace the window pane. You may also consider replacing it with a clear weather-seal tape.

 

• Draft Snake

If you want to seal the space at the bottom of your window to avoid cold air leaks, you should consider buying a draft snake kit. This kit is made of a sealing foam and fabric, which significantly reduces the amount of air getting in through your window.

To install it, cut the 36-inch foam to match the length of your window and add the washable cover on top. Place it on the sill and shut the window. If done correctly, the snake draft kit is very effective at fixing drafty windows and minimizing air leaks.

 

• Replace Missing Or Loose Glazing

With new windows, the glazing putty installed seals off all the openings and helps control the cold air getting into your house. However, the glazing tends to crack and fall off after some time. However, it can be easily replaced. It’s a good thing that it’s relatively cheap.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix or replace missing glazing:

1. Start by removing all the old glazing putty on your window
2. Remove the window pane and put a fresh bed of putty

• Press the glass window pane on the putty

1. Add glazing point to secure the pane into the sash
2. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, push the glazing points into place
3. Apply a thin layer of putty on top and smooth it using a putty knife.

You should keep in mind that window glazing needs to be regularly replaced. That’s because as the putty ages, it tends to loosen its seal around the glass and may fall off.

 

• Consider Storm Windows

If you have old storm windows lying around your garage, you should consider installing them during the winter season. These interior windows attach directly to your frame, providing extra insulation for reducing air leaks. In many cases, this can be a better option to sealing drafty windows.

The best part is that storm windows are economical, and you can take them off come summer. These windows are very effective in cutting drafts, and they only need a few hours to wash and install. However, you should consider repainting and reglazing them, before you install them.

 

• Replace the window

Seometimes sealing a window is not enough. As we all know, a rotten, worn out or chronically rattling window is no longer useful when it comes to sealing air leaks. Even if you seal this window, it might still get drafty. It just won’t last. That means you need to take out the old windows and replace them with new ones. However, you may need to call in a pro, if you don’t think you can handle the installation process. The best part is that this is a long-lasting solution.

 

 

Bottom Line:

As you can see, it’s essential to seal all air leaks in your home, to ensure that you enjoy the maximum benefits from your cooling system. As you can also see, window sealing is not at all difficult. Ideally, you should ensure that there is no space letting in cold air in your house or causing any energy leaks. With the methods that we’ve discussed above, you can easily find air leaks and seal drafty windows.

The post How To Find Air Leaks And Seal Drafty Windows – Window Sealing appeared first on Boom Speaker.

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12 Best Wireless Speakers for Projectors 2018

Top 12 Wireless Speakers for Projectors 2018

When setting up your projector for an important meeting or conference, using quality speakers is crucial towards achieving the desired audio clarity. If you are hosting a lot of people in a large space, then connecting your speakers with wires can be quite cumbersome. All those wires get messy and you might even connect thing incorrectly! Moreover, low-quality cables can even affect the sound and give your system a messy look. The solution? Use wireless speakers for projectors!

With wireless speakers, you can easily connect to your projector in a large space while keeping the area looking nice and without affecting the sound quality. However, you can’t just buy any old wireless speakers. There are specific features which make some speakers excellent for wireless speakers and some not. That’s why we have taken the time to find the best wireless speakers for projectors. These wireless speakers will be an excellent addition to your projector audio system.

 

Why Wireless Speakers For Projectors?

When searching for external speakers for projectors, most people think of wireless speakers. We’ve already mentioned the annoyance of working with wired speakers for projectors, especially in a large space. They are messy, people can trip over them, and damaged cables may affect audio quality and a whole host of other factors.

Wireless speakers for projectors offer the ability to connect to your projector system without the hassle of wires. When we are setting up audio equipment for conferences, seminars and similar events, we always seek to find use a bare minimum of wiring. It’s simple and easy to set up as well as easy to take down and pack up. All in all, when considering external speakers for projectors, nothing beats wireless.

 

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1. Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System

The 7.1 Channel Onkyo-HT540 Home Theater System Speakers is an eight-piece speaker system that comprises of seven multi-driver speakers and a 230-watt powered subwoofer.

This sound system offers excellent connectivity with your projector and the entire sound system. Moreover, the clarity of the sound is excellent which is very important for projectors. For these reasons, the SKY-HT540 has made its way to #1 on this list of the best wireless speakers for projectors.

 

Sound Quality and Performance                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In many ways, the 7.1 Channel Onkyo-HT540 is a powerful speaker system. In fact, if setup right, it can deliver a ground shaking experience. You may believe you don’t need that for a projector, however it becomes important for larger events.

 

Design

This speaker system is all about minimalism. The set looks simple and elegant. The subwoofer and speakers are finished in black ash which offers that cool, ‘techy’ look.

 

Connectivity

This speaker system allows you connect your projector wirelessly through Bluetooth. Of course you also have the choice of HDMI and regular mono jack ports that let you seamlessly connect to a multitude of devices.

 

Verdict

The ease of use and strong build quality makes Onkyo SKS-HT5407.1 Home Theater Speaker System an excellent choice. This system has a superbly made structure and the sound quality delivered will leave you fully satisfied. Its 7.1 compatibility makes it among the best of its kind, with eight separate channels and a subwoofer. All these delightful features come at a very nominal price.

Pros

• Clear highs and crunchy midrange
• 230-watts active subwoofer with 7-surround speakers.
• Affordable

Cons

• The system may seem a little big
• The box may feel a bit heavy

 

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2. Logitech Z506 Surround Sound Home Theater Speaker System

Second on the list of wireless speakers for projectors is the Logitech Z506. If you are looking for a fully immersive experience for your projector’s sound system, then the Logitech Z506 Surround Sound speaker system is just what you need.

After all, Logitech is backed by years of experience building high-grade audio components. The Logitech Z506 is no exception. This well-designed speaker system pairs with your projector via Bluetooth and delivers excellent sound clarity.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

This 5.1 channel speaker system comes with five speakers and an active subwoofer and offers and immersive surround sound experience. The audio sound system has a maximum power output of about 150watts, giving you an audio experience that you will truly appreciate.

 

Design

The Logitech Z506 Home Theater Speaker is an all-black, simple design, typical of Logitech. Even though the design is simple, is really clean and shows that the speakers are really solid. Again, this is typical of Logitech. Notably, the system has simple controls on the right front speaker, allowing you to tune the bass and volume.

 

Connectivity

The Logitech Z506 speaker system also comes with RCA inputs for wired connectivity, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. In fact, the system offers connectivity to your projector, DVD and other household devices.

 

Verdict

In true Logitech fashion, the Logitech Z506 is a solid, Bluetooth sound system offering excellent surround sound audio quality along with your familiar RCA input.

 

Pros

• Supports several connection options
• Creates a 3D surround sound experience
• Great controls
• Inexpensive 5.1 channel speaker system

Cons

• No wall mounting
• Less interesting than its predecessor

 

 

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3. Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker System

As one of the best audio systems for a surround sound experience, the Logitech Z906 Speaker System offers 500-watt raw power and 1000-watt peak power.

Sound Quality and Performance

This THX-certified sound speaker system offers a holistic cinematic sound experience and can connect a maximum of six devices. Importantly, this speaker system offers powerful 5.1 surround sound which many will appreciate. Additionally, the speakers are DTS enabled. DTS is a surround sound technology that offers a fully-immersive and interactive listening experience.

 

Design

This seven-piece speaker system comes with five black speakers that look minimal with a clean cut design, like most other Logitech speakers.

 

Connectivity

The Logitech Z906 Surround Sound speaker system supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect it to projectors, tablets, and smartphones wirelessly. This stereo system also has AV receivers and RCA jacks to allow wired connections.

Besides offering a six-channel direct input, the 5.1 channel Logitech Z906 Surround Sound speaker system comes with a simple sound control system.  It comes with wireless remote control and a solid control console that lets you personalize your audio experience.

 

Verdict

Another powerful surround sound system from the Logitech brand, the Logitech Z906 offers a mega 500-watt raw power. Unlike many other speaker, it can be easily personalized to your liking.

 

Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Long-range wireless audio connectivity (can connect up to 15 meters)
• Can be connected with up to 6 devices
• Simple control panel and wireless remote control
• 500-watt continuous power and 1000-watt peak power
• THX certified speakers

Cons

• The LED lights on the control console can be distracting
• It’s the most pricey speaker from Logitech
• Setting up individual speakers for the first time can be hectic.

 

 

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4. Onkyo HT-7800 5.1-Channel

The 5.1 channel Onkyo HT-7800 theater package is a powerful speaker set that comes with seven surround speakers and one subwoofer.

Sound Quality and Performance

Notably, the DTS enabled Onkyo HT-7800 offers a unique dynamic sound amplification feature. What does that mean? It means the device amplifies accurate, noise-free signals. Moreover, these signals are processed with high-capacity power for dynamic sound control. This specific design results in a pure, rich sound which is authentic and powerful.

Additionally, the package comes with a pair of Dolby-enabled speakers and two satellite-style speaker units, for an immersive surround sound experience. It supports Dolby Atmos Up to 5.1.2 Channels.

 

Design

The speaker set is of a simple, clean and elegant design. It almost looks like a Logitech. We especially like the subwoofer which looks really cool.

 

Connectivity

When it comes to the connectivity, the Onkyo HT-7800 connects wirelessly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This means that you can place them anywhere in your space, within a range of about 10 to 15 meters.  This home theater package also comes with 8 HDMI inputs, allowing you to connect multiple devices if for some reason you choose to use a wired connection.

Additionally, the controls are straightforward. There is a wireless remote control which allows you to personalize the sound experience.

 

Verdict

The high performance, DTS enabled Onkyo HT-S7800 is a unique speaker that offers a wide feature set. With its Dolby-enabled speakers and DTS readiness, its one of the most versative speakers for projectors.

 

Pros

• Amazing video and audio performance
• DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support at an affordable price
• Great Onkyo user interface
• Simple remote control
• AccuEQ configuration

Cons

• Flimsy speaker wires (However, there is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity)
• A small LED indicates the power button

 

 

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5. Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 800

The Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 800 is a 6-piece home theater system that includes a robust subwoofer, four satellite speakers for a surround sound experience and a matching center loudspeaker.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

In addition to the subwoofer and satellite speakers, the Pro Cinema 800 incorporates pure aluminum tweeters and BDSS drivers with advanced driver technology to give you a high definition sound. Moreover, this sophisticated audio system has an amazingly potent dual 8-inch, 300-watt powered amplifier that provides a delightful surround sound experience when paired with projectors.

 

Design

Finished with a pure black, minimal design, the Pro Cinema 800 offers simplistic style. However, it isn’t as elegant as many other sleek looking speakers on this list.

 

Connectivity

This product is compatible with several different devices, and it has a simple control panel on the right side of the subwoofer. More importantly, this 5.1 home theater system supports wireless connection via Bluetooth and is easy to set up.

 

Verdict

The Pro Cinema 800 will redefine your expectations as to what a small, surround speaker system can offer. It isn’t the most elegantly designed speaker out there, but it offer enough power to easily fill a room.

 

Pros

• 300-watt powered subwoofer
• 1 channel speaker system
• Six-piece speaker system
• Excellent sound from center and Wall-mounted satellite speakers
• Great volume potential

Cons

• Needs to be set up carefully
• Vibrates violently in high volume

 

 

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6. Harman Kardon SoundSticks III Wireless Bluetooth Enabled 2.1 Speaker System

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks is one of the most beautiful speaker systems on the market. These elegant speakers are truly a piece of art, and they combine beauty with performance, giving you a stereo system like no other. When you think of wireless speakers for projectors, you are probably considering bug, black boxes, but this is one the most pristine design we have ever seen.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

This system includes a 6-inch woofer and eight full range speakers, giving a combined power output of about 40-watts of amplification producing rich, realistic sound. The system also offers a strong, punchy bass output. The most important part is that its performance is consistent, achieved by the fact that the down-firing subwoofer amplifiers are carefully matched to the individual speakers

 

Design

We have already said that the SoundSticks III is the most beautiful speaker system we have ever seen. Now, consider this – the design of this speaker line is so amazing that the predecessor to the SoundSticks III was part of the permanent collection at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). How many other speaker have that claim to fame?

While most sound systems use knobs and dials, the SoundSticks III uses a simple touch-based control system that makes these speakers more refined.

 

Connectivity

The SoundSticks III doesn’t just offer good looks. This system is also compatible with several other audio components. Firstly, it has a 3.5mm stereo audio connection which means you can connect it to several devices including MP3 players, CD players, tablets, phones or anything else with stereo line-level outputs.

Of course, we know you are not interested in wired connections, you are looking for wireless speakers for projectors, so you will be happy to know that thanks to the Bluetooth connectivity, this speaker system can be placed anywhere in your office or living room. Your audio will sound wonderful, just as it does with a wired connection.

 

Verdict

The SoundSticks III is a truly magnificent work of art, from the conceptual design to the actual finish. If you are looking to add a certain spunk to your space while getting sustained and consistent performance from your projector’s audio system, then this is the one.

 

Pros

• Has a 6-inch woofer
• Elegant and eye-catching design
• 40-watts phenomenal sound
• Touch-based controls

Cons

• It’s a little fragile and delicate
• Limited bass

 

 

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7. Monoprice 5.1

Do you believe size matter? I bet you do! Though most people believe that size matters when it comes to delivering a surround sound experience, the Monoprice 5.1 speaker system will prove you wrong.

Sound Quality and Performance

This home theater system includes four satellite speakers, one 200-watt subwoofer, and a single center speaker. This 8-inch subwoofer delivers strong bass, and the speakers perform in a very admirable manner.

The 5.1 channel satellite speakers have a 3-inch mid-range driver, providing a 100-watts raw power for your audio-listening pleasure.

 

Design

Simple, is the best way we can describe the Monoprice 5.1. It actually reminds me of a Klip Xtreme sound system I had back in college.

 

Connectivity

The setup is also simple, and you only need a few cables to make the Monoprice 5.1 speaker system work. This system also has a Bluetooth connectivity feature for pairing with your projector.

 

Verdict

If you are looking for something elegant or bling, this is not it. If you are looking for a simple system to connect to your projectors in a small room, then this is the one.

 

Pros

• 200-watts subwoofer with a deep base
• Few cable connection
• Four 5.1 channel speakers

Cons

• Small speakers
• A little voice distortion in full volume

 

 

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8. Yamaha NS-SP1800BL

Yamaha is a big name in the music business, so you would expect only the best from them. The NS-SP1800BL is no exception. The Yamaha NS-SP1800BL is a 5.1 channel home theater system that uses four pairs of satellite speakers and a single center channel speaker.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

These speakers are powered by an 8-inch high-quality subwoofer to give you a wonderful surround sound experience.

The six speakers of the Yamaha NS-SP1800BL home theater system combine to give a constant output of about 75 watts and a 5.1 surround sound.

 

Design

Yamaha isn’t known for great design, they are known for durability and performance. While the build quality of the speakers is excellent, pointing to its durability, the design is quite simplistic. It’s 6 boxes, that’s the best way we can describe it. It’s clear that Yamaha out all the development budget into performance and durability.

 

Connectivity

These wireless speakers come with traditional plug-ins to connect to various devices, but the audio cable is a little short. Fortunately, these speakers have a Bluetooth adapter that allows you to connect your projector or television, with a 50 feet range.

 

Verdict

If you don’t care about fancy designs are just looking for a wireless speaker that will work well with your projector and last long, this is the one.

 

Pros

• the sound performance is surprisingly good
• great bass response
• cost-effective 5.1 channel home theater system
• cinematic audio experience while watching movies

Cons

• Audio-fidelity could be improved
• Rear speakers are a little weak for volume output

 

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9. Vizio SB3851-C0

The Visio SB3851-CO is a budget-friendly speaker system that comes with a soundbar design. This speaker was specifically included in this list because we know many people are looking for wireless soundbars for projectors.

This classy piece of audio equipment comes with satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, for an amazing surround sound experience.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

When it comes to audio clarity, the Vizio SB3851-CO gives you a crystal-clear sound quality, with very little harmonic distortion (less than 1%). Moreover, the rear satellite speakers and wireless subwoofer creates a true 5.1 surround sound experience.

These speakers simply offer best in class audio performance, we are talking about 100 dB of room filling, powerful sound.

Finally, the system offers premium audio with Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround decoding. Added to that is DTS TruVolume, DTS Studio Sound and DTS Circle Surround audio post processing. Powerful stuff.

 

Design

As we mentioned before, the Vizio SB3851-CO wireless speakers are of the soundbar type design. The soundbar weighs about 6.6pounds and is about 38.2-inches long. This speaker system also comes with an LCD remote control that makes it easy for you to personalize the audio setting.

 

Connectivity

This 5.1 channel system also features Bluetooth connectivity that lets you connect it to different devices, including projectors, smartphone, TVs and others.

 

Verdict

Ofering excellent audio performance in a soundbar style, the VIZIO SB3851-C0 is an excellent wireless speaker for projectors.

 

Pros

• Simple LCD remote controls
• Great sound output in a simple setup
• Encourages various mounting options
• Wireless Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Prone to minor interference
• Not your typical surround sound system

 

 

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10. Acoustic Audio AA5170 Home Theater 5.1 Bluetooth Speaker System

 

Sound Quality and Performance

As one of the finest 5.1 channel stereo systems, the Acoustic Audio AA5170 Bluetooth speaker system has five large speakers and a woofer unit paired with a tweeter.

This sound system is large, and the speakers require dedicated shelve units to handle the weight. However, the quality of the sound is worth it.

 

Design

We just love the big, bright orange speaker cones in the Acoustic Audio AA5170. It looks really fierce and cool. These speakers are great for movie rooms, small theatres or similar rooms. It will really add some spunk to your space.

 

Connectivity

As the name suggests, the Acoustic Audio AA5170 Speaker system connects to your TV or projector system using Bluetooth. The speakers give a combined output of about 700-watts, and you can connect them to other audio devices using audio cables. In addition to that, this home theater system features plug and play connections, as well as SD and USB card readers.

 

Verdict

 

Pros

• 1 channel sound system
• Six audio speakers
• 700-watts combined output
• USB and SD card plug and play options

Cons

• The sound quality doesn’t match the 700-watt power output
• It’s a bulky stereo system

 

 

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11. Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II

Bose is a renowned brand in the audio industry, with a strong reputation dating to over 50 years. The company is known for producing outstanding audio devices, and the Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II is no different.

This small and portable audio speaker is a great travelling companion, and the sound quality is surprisingly great.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

From the Soundlink Micro to the SoundLink Mini and now the Color II, we will always support Bose speakers. Simply put, like the others, the Bose SoundLink Color offers good sound quality for its size, offering good dynamic range and noticeable bass impact.

 

Design

The Bose SoundLink Color looks simple, in fact, it looks so simple, so simple you would probably believe it’s not a good speaker for projectors.

However, the SoundLink Color speaker offers good sound quality and tons of excellent features in a compact body. Its advantage is that it is portable and therefore a good choice for portable projectors, especially if you expect to travel around with your equipment.

The speaker is rather durable. Not only will it survive bumps and scrapes, but it is built with silicone to allow it to withstand dust and moisture. It has an average battery life, lasting for about 8-12 hours while in use and you can recharge it with a USB power cable.

 

Connectivity

The speaker system plays the audio through a Bluetooth connection, and it has an inbuilt microphone for you to communicate with the Siri guide. Bose has included a 3.5mm headphone jack for you to use with legacy audio devices.

 

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Color II is another great speaker in the Bose line of speakers. You can clearly see that it screams simplicity – simple form factor and just about zero flashiness. However, the beauty of this speaker is for those occasions when you are on the go. They are excellent for use with portable projectors.

 

 

Pros

• Easily portable
• Made of durable silicone material
• Water and dust resistant
• Lets you talk to Siri using the built-in microphone

Cons

• Needs a better battery life
• Doesn’t have speakerphone capabilities

 

 

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12. All-New Echo (2nd Generation)

Just like its predecessor (original Amazon Echo), the 2^nd generation Amazon Echo is a mains-powered smart speaker with the Alexa voice assistant. It is the second speaker in the line of Amazon Echo speakers.

 

Sound Quality and Performance

The All-new Echo provides a crisp unidirectional sound and a nice bass kick, especially compared to the original.

This audio system includes a 0.6-inch tweeter and a 2.5-inch woofer, for a healthy sound level.

Amazon recently entered the smart speaker market with a few notable mentions including the Echo Dot and of course the Echo. The main benefit of these devices is of course, the Alexa voice assistant.

Alexa is particularly important for cases when you will need to control the audio system without using on-speaker controls or even a remote.

This will come in handy when giving a multimedia presentation, for example. Very few speakers can claim the kind of ease of control that the Echo claims. It takes the title as the easiest to control wireless speaker for projectors.

The Amazon Echo is also an excellent choice for the Beam, a smart projector that fits any light socket. Sound too amazing to be true? You can check it out here. The beam offers several cool features including responsiveness and control from a smartphone or tablet using the Beam app.

 

Design

Preserving the general original design of its big brother, the All-New Echo speakers look very classy. The only difference is that this version is shrunk-down and looks less industrial. It also has swappable shells so you can change how it looks. Considering that this speaker is just a little bigger than a pint glass, it’s very portable and a great option for use while on the go.

 

Connectivity

It connects to the cloud-based Alexa app, YouTube, Pandora, Amazon music account, Spotify and other music streaming platforms. More importantly, you can connect it to your projector or smartphone via Bluetooth.

 

 

Verdict

The Amazon Echo is a versatile little speaker that offers the popular Alexa voice assistant. This speaker is excellent for conducting presentations in which you will need hands free audio control.

 

Pros

• Crisp sound experience
• Features booth tweeters and a woofer
• Comes with Alexa system for music streaming
• 50 feet Bluetooth connectivity range

Cons

• the speaker volume could be better

 

 

Bottom Line:

When considering wireless speakers for projectors, there are several great options for you to consider. These Bluetooth speakers help you to eliminate unnecessary cables in your space, without having to forego good sound quality.  Hopefully, you have found a brand that suits your needs, using the information that we have provided.

The post 12 Best Wireless Speakers for Projectors 2018 appeared first on Boom Speaker.

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20 Best Handheld Ham Radios Of 2018

20 Best Handheld Ham Radios Of 2018

If you are in the market for a ham radio to use as a hobby, it will surely bring you hours of education, socializing and fun. If you are looking to purchase one to use during times of disaster, it will be your number one companion when disaster strikes. Whatever reason you are looking for a ham radio, we have taken the time to round up a list of the best handheld ham radios on the market.

 

Why Use Ham Radios?

If you aren’t an audiophile, then you may be wondering ‘why use ham radios in today’s modern age?’

Well, there are several reasons people still use ham radios. Of course, it’s a hobby for many people, but there are many other reasons:

• In the event of natural disasters such as a hurricane, earthquake or tsunami, when phones are out of service, ham radios will still work.
• Handheld ham radios are great for camping in remote areas where phones don’t work.
• Besides the joy of having a non-failing communication device, handheld ham radios are known lifesavers in case of emergencies.
• Handheld ham radios are great for hiking in areas where phones don’t work or would get damaged easily.
• It’s a good way to escape the modern gadgets while still staying in touch. Yep, handheld ham radios are a fun way to communicate while staying away from smartphones and the internet.

Having showed you all the benefits of ham radios, let look at the best handheld ham radios out there.

 

 

How To Choose The Best Handheld Ham Radio

Before we go on to the list of the best handheld ham radios on the market, let’s explain the critera we used to choose the best ham radios out there. When searching for best handheld ham radios, you will find that there are several makes and models on the market to choose from.

Ham radios not only come in different designs, but offer a variety of different features as well. Having said that, the ham radio you choose should depend on what you are looking for. Are you looking for a very long range ham radio or are you looking for a ham radio with a very long battery life? Think about these things before purchasing. This is why we have chosen to present the best handheld ham radios in different categories.

Regardless of what you are looking for, we have put together a list of the best handheld ham radios on the market. Take your time to go through the list and find the best handheld radio that suits your requirements.

 

1. Yaesu FT-60R Handheld Ham Radio

The Yaesu FT-60R handheld ham radio is the best handheld ham radio for hiking and camping. In fact, it is possibly the best handheld ham radio for survival.

This water-resistant portable ham radio features a plastic frame and a sturdy aluminium case that won’t crack easily when you drop it.

The battery life is also very good for those long days in the woods, with a single charge lasting for about 3-4 days.

This ham radio is inexpensive, yet it is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market offering 5 watts of raw power and comes with an audio alarm to notify you when the battery is low.

More importantly, the Yaesu FT-60R can receive about 1000 memory channels. In addition to that, its receiver has a wide coverage.

It also comes with a password feature to restrict unauthorized access and a backlit keypad to go with the alphanumeric display.

Pros

• Well-built, solid design
• Inexpensive price
• Excellent battery life
• Water-resistant casing

Cons

• The stock antenna could be a little better
• The volume knob is awkwardly positioned.

 

 

2. BaoFeng BF-F8HP Handheld Ham Radio

With a custom design that offers convenience and a delightful user experience, the BaoFeng BF-F8HP is a big step up from the UV-5R. The all-new state-of-the-art chipset comes with more transmission power, offering 6 watts on UHF and 7.4 watts on VHF.

This handheld ham radio has a 2000 mAh battery that allows you to enjoy listening to the built-in FM radio and still have enough power to last for a whole day.

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP offers 128 programmable memory channels. You can add or remove channels from the scanning list as you please using the free computer software.

This ham radio also comes with a flashlight and a handy manual to guide you through the customization options and its capabilities.

Pros

• A lot of power in a handheld device
• Compatible with all accessories used for the BaoFeng UV-5R
• Affordable price
• Great audio quality
• Built-in FM-radio and flashlight
• Bright and customizable 3 color display

Cons

• You need to download some information from a CD to the radio
• No water resistant cover

 

 

3. Baofeng Black UV-5R V2+ Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng’s unique approach to making high-quality ham radios is evident in the UV-5R V2+. It is easily one of the best handheld ham radios on the market.

This handheld ham radio comes with a multiband FM transceiver that has huge frequency coverage and can support two-way communications. It also comes with a tough metallic casing that ensures its internal parts are well-protected if you drop it.

Another great feature that comes with the BaoFeng UV-5R V2+ is the all-new advanced auto-band detection that eliminates the need to use the band button. It also comes with a two-color LED screen that offers a high-quality display.

All these high-tech features and durability gives it unmatched superiority among its competitors.

Pros

• Advanced auto-band detection
• High-quality display
• Durable

Cons

• Only 2 frequency ranges
• Can’t access some stations without authorization

 

 

4. Baofeng-UV5RA Handheld Ham Radio

The UV5RA-Ham from Baofeng is a basic low-cost two-way ham radio that supports dual reception and perception.

Its power reaches up to 5 watts, and it offers a range of other delightful features at a low budget.

These extra features include a battery save function, a selectable frequency, built-in flashlight and key lock.

With the Baofeng-UV5RA-Ham, you can enjoy regular FM broadcasts, through special VHF receive band.

The casing is solid and you can detach the antenna.

Besides that, you will be impressed by the high-quality screen display that allows you to see the graphics from any angle. The keyboard is also easy to use.

Pros

• Its solid casing makes it very durable
• Great service at a budget price
• Largely simple to use
• 2-way communication

Cons

• It can be hard to program
• Not suitable for communication over long distances

 

 

5. Baofeng UV-82X Handheld Ham Radio

As a revamped version of the successful BaoFeng UV-5, the UV-82X is an awesome addition to this manufacturer’s line of radios. This handheld ham radio comes with a dual band transceiver and a LCD panel to display the menu.

The body is built with a heavy-duty plastic material that can withstand rough conditions and make the radio last for a very long time.

The BaoFeng UV-82X features a 1800 mAH rechargeable battery that lasts for about 3 days after charging. This ham radio comes with a built-in voice- operated transmit that gives you fantastic hands-free operation.

It also comes with an FM broadcast station, and you can still monitor other radio frequencies in the background.

Pros

• Has over 220 channels
• FM broadcast radio station
• Affordable price
• The antenna easily picks up the signals

Cons

• This handheld radio can be a little heavy
• Manual programming can be a bit tricky

 

 

6. Yaesu VX-8DR Handheld Ham Radio

If you are a survivalist looking for a ham radio that will help you in case of a disaster, the Yaesu VX-8DR is the one. This is really the best handheld ham radio for using during those tough times.

This handheld ham radio has an armored shell around it, allowing it to withstand a heavy impact. Its body is waterproof, and it features an optional GPS antenna add-on that will guide you to safety, in case of a catastrophic event.

Designed to be the perfect communication tool for a survivalist, the Yaesu VX-8DR has a wide frequency range. It can also pick up public service channels, AM/FM stations, audio aircraft and analog TV stations, as well as short-wave frequencies.

The best part is that you only need one hand to operate it, with the exception of a few commands.

Pros

• Integrated compass display
• One hand operation
• Extra-tough shell to survive disasters
• Built-in environmental sensors to monitor temperature and pressure

Cons

• The user manual is bulky and time-consuming to read.

 

 

7. TYT MD-380 Handheld Ham Radio

Although it’s TYT’s first DMR digital handheld ham radio, we have found that the MD-380 is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market. Kudos to them!

It is a two-way portable radio which comes with a revolutionary LCD display and a unique DTMF keypad.

This high-resolution display gives you high-tech graphics and clear text messaging. This handheld ham radio has the capability to receive about 1000 channels and is very easy to use.

As you can tell, the TYT MD-380 has a lot of great features, and they are available at a fraction of the price of its competitors. The audio quality is fantastic and you can program the radio using the keyboard.

These high-tech features are offered at a very attractive price.

Pros

• The antenna uses SMA connection
• Well-built body
• Excellent audio quality and volume
• Attractive price

Cons

• Needs a software polish
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• The desktop charger takes too long to charge the radio

 

 

8. Baofeng Yellow BF-F9 V2+ Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the most impressive handheld ham radios from Baofeng and one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, the Yellow BF-F9 V2+ comes with 8 watts of transmission power.

It has an extended frequency range like the BaoFeng UV-82 and it offers a whole lot of other features. This includes a tri-color LCD display and a noise reduction feature that comes with the new chipset.

With an automatic scanning feature, the BaoFeng Yellow BF-F9 V2+ allows you to scan for a particular frequency and channel easily.

More importantly, this lightweight radio comes with a handy keypad lock feature that helps you avoid pressing the keys accidentally.

The BF-F9 V2+ can accommodate about 128 channels and it comes with a dual reception feature that lets the radio work with two different frequencies.

Pros

• Can be used a repeater
• Powerful 3800 mAH rechargeable battery
• Rugged and durable construction
• Simple to use and install

Cons

• Manual programming can be a bit challenging

 

 

9. Midland GXT1000VP4 Handheld Ham Radio

The GXT1000P4-2 is one of the finest ham radios from Midland and one of the best handheld ham radios on the market. This device offers a two-way radio communication system.

This system has a wide coverage area, reaching up to 36 miles (50 kilometers) in open fields. Aside from the normal 22 communication channels, this handheld ham radio comes with 28 more channels.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 comes with a standard rechargeable battery that gives you 2-3 days of battery life, but you can also use 4 regular AA batteries.

Apart from that, it comes with an automatic scan feature that displays all the available channels on a LCD display.

This handheld ham radio is suitable for treasure hunting, trekking, camping and other outdoor activities.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Excellent signal reception
• Superb audio quality
• The build quality is perfect for rough usage

Cons

• Heavy battery drain after several years
• The VOX button needs a little improvement
• Too many controls

 

 

10. Wouxun KG-UV8D Handheld Ham Radio

The Wouxun KG-UV8D is a nice dual band ham radio that will fit well in your arms, giving you a comfortable feel. This top of the line radio is powered by a 7.4V 2600mAH rechargeable battery that lasts for about 12 hours, while in use.

The unit also comes with a battery saver feature to increase the efficiency of the battery, allowing it to last longer.

Wouxun has designed the KG-UV8D to look quite cool (cool for a ham radio), allowing it look as good as it functions.

This ham radio comes with a big LCD display, a hands-free operation feature and a high illumination flashlight.

Other great features include 999 programmable memory channels, stopwatch, removable antenna, and a user manual.

Pros

• Easy to program
• Big screen LCD display with nice graphics
• Dual capability
• Cross band repeat

Cons

• The manual could be a little better
• Low output transmit audio
• The display can be a bit annoying during sunny days

 

 

11. Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the finest and most popular ham radios from BaoFeng, the UV-5R has a maximum power output of about 8 watts and a 700mw speaker output.

This unit loads up a lot of great features in a strong and lightweight handset, making it easy to use and carry around.

Asides from having an ergonomic design, the BaoFeng UV-5R rocks a rechargeable Li-ion battery, lasting for 2-3 days after charging.

This device has a nice coverage area, with the antenna transmitting within a 7 miles range.  Finally, it comes with a small LED flashlight that can be used in case of emergencies.

Pros

• Excellent frequency range
• High-definition 2-color LED display
• Inbuilt speaker and microphone
• Great frequency range
• Extremely strong and durable

Cons

• Manual programming can be a pain
• Scanning could be better
• No PPT lockout function

 

 

12. Wouxun KG-UV6D Handheld Ham Radio

If you are looking for a ham radio that gives you great features at an affordable price, the Wouxun KG-UV6D is your best bet. Its one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, that is relatively inexpensive.

This dual-band radio features 199 memory channels, an LCD display, and a backlit keypad. The radio also includes a voice prompt feature that allows you to enjoy a hands-free operation.

With a strong and water-resistant body, the Wuoxun KG-UV6D is excellent for camping and all sorts of outdoor activities. The radio also features a high illumination flashlight, FM radio, battery meter and a keypad lock to prevent changing the settings accidentally.

The power saver feature included comes in handy when trying to maintain long battery life (there is a battery-meter as well as a low battery alert).

Pros

• Audible button beeps
• Customizable display options
• Hands-free operation using the VOX feature
• Backlit keyboard and LCD display

Cons

• Scanning speed is a bit slow
• Modifying an existing entry can be a bit hectic

 

 

13. Yaesu Original VX-6R Handheld Ham Radio

The Yaesu Original VX-6R is one of the finest handheld ham radios that features several beneficial features. This tri-band radio is waterproof and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and climbing.

It has an emergency function that will convey your call signal on a UHF channel.

When it comes to functionality, the Yaesu Original VX-6R features 1000 memory channels. This gadget mainly transmits 430 MHz as well as 144.220, while the receiver gets 0.5-999MHz.

More importantly, it comes with a good speaker and a readable screen display. This small unit also has a great power output (5 watts) and an excellent airband scanner.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Great power range selection
• Emergency automatic ID
• Password lock feature
• 1000 memory channels

Cons

• Long alpha tags (six letter tags)
• Manual programming can be a pain
• Poor quality belt clip

 

 

14. BaoFeng BF-888S Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng BF-888S is a full-featured handheld radio that has a coverage range of up to 6km on open ground. This two-way unit comes with a high-quality antenna, charger and a user manual. The rugged construction gives the radio a very attractive look.

Its exterior is made of dense moulded plastic to make it durable.

Aside from having a great construction and a comfortable design, the BaoFeng BF-888S has a 1500mAH Li-ion battery that gives you a full day’s worth of charge. Even better, it takes only 3 to 4 hours to recharge the battery.

The sound is crystal clear and you can enjoy a broadcasting range of about 2 miles under optimum conditions. You can also boost the range by installing a higher quality antenna.

Pros

• Fantastic sound quality
• Compact and comfortable design
• Great broadcasting range
• FM radio reception after you reprogram

Cons

• Not compatible with other FRS radios
• No automatic beep or alert after transmission

 

 

15. TYT UV8000E Handheld Ham Radio

The TYT UV8000E is one of the best handheld ham radios on the market, with a maximum transmission distance of about 6km.

This unit not only comes at an affordable price, but it also includes a whole range of unique features that many of its competitors don’t have. That includes a cross-band repeater function, dual display, and 128 channels.

This radio offers a tri-color background light which you can customize to suit your taste. The emergency alarm function also comes in handy in case of a disaster. Its 3600 mAH battery lasts about 2 days.

It also includes a VOX transmitting function, FM radio, hands-free scanning and reverse frequency function.

Pros

• Can store up to 25 radio channels
• Pocket-friendly price
• Tri-color background light
• Cross-band repeater function
• Easy to use

Cons

• Tends to overheat while on use
• Bulky user manual

 

 

16. Hesenate HT-UV8R Handheld Ham Radio

Built with a very classic design, the Hesenate HT-UV8R is an upgrade version of the HT-UV5R and it comes with more advanced features. The upgrades make the HT-UV8R best handheld ham radios out there right now. This small ham radio is easy to hold.

Moreover, it comes with a belt clip as well as a hand strap. The unit also comes with an 1800 mAH battery that lasts for about 2-3 days, without the need for a recharge.

The Hesenate HT-UV8R is a great two-way radio that comes in three power levels, with the maximum being about 8watts. This tri-power radio comes with a nice dual display and an attractive keypad that makes it easy to use.

The HT-UV8R also features a flashlight, mic and a high-tech speaker.

Pros

• Long lasting battery life
• 8watt high power output
• Excellent display
• Dual-band antenna
• Small and strong build

Cons

• Programming can be difficult

 

 

17. Btech GMRS-V1 GMRS Two-Way Handheld Ham Radio

The Btech GMRS-V1 is a top quality ham radio that features a tri-color adjustable display and a superb dual watch receiver. That means that the GMRS-V1 can monitor two different frequencies, giving priority to the one that receives a call.

You can also listen to an FM broadcast station, while still ensuring that you don’t miss an incoming call. With these features, it has earned its place on this list of the best handheld ham radios out there.

For those who like having a lot of information about a specific channel, the Btech GMRS-V1 is just what you need. You can easily synchronize the displays and configure them to show the frequency and channel name.

Finding a new channel is also very simple and you can add or remove the ones you don’t like from the list.

Pros

• Easy to add channels
• FM radio broadcast
• High-quality belt clip and wrist strap
• Can monitor two channels simultaneously

Cons

• No programmed NOAA channels
• GMRS locked to 23 channel locations
• Slow scanning

 

 

18. Amcrest ATR-22 Baofeng Two-Way Handheld Ham Radio

The Amcrest ATR-22 BaoFeng is a two-way radio and a handheld receiver that gives you excellent service in different climatic conditions. This 16-channel radio comes with a high-tech Li-ion battery that lasts for about 12-24 hours.

The unit also features a built-in LED flashlight that will help you survive in the dark.

Boasting an ergonomic design, the Amcrest ATR-22 Baofeng is easy to hold and use for a long duration. Its sturdy design allows it to withstand roughness, bumps and scratches.

All these features will comfortably meet your personal and professional needs at a very friendly price.

Pros

• Automatic battery saver function
• Hands-off monitoring while scanning
• Bright flashlight
• High pitch Emergency alarm/ siren
• Multiple color options

Cons

• No screen display
• You need a programming cable

 

 

19. BaoFeng UV-82HP Handheld Ham Radio

The BaoFeng UV-82HP is a great update of its predecessor, the UV-82 model. This unit retains the original rugged design of its predecessor and comes with a whole lot of improved features to make the user experience much better.

With these upgrades, the UV-82Hp is worthy of this list of the best handheld ham radios available. That includes a 7watt transmission power, 12hour battery life and an improved antenna for good reception.

With the UV-82HP, you can listen to FM radio, while your favourite repeater is idle. Like other BoaFeng products, this lightweight ham radio comes with a nice LCD display and a backlit keyboard that makes it easy to use at any time.

The unit also comes with a power saving feature all at an affordable price.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Rugged construction
• High-quality antenna
• Simple keypad buttons
• FM radio reception
• Superb receiver sensitivity

Cons

• No clock
• Doesn’t come with a USB programming cable

 

 

20. BaoFeng UV-82L Two Way Handheld Ham Radio

As one of the latest products from BaoFeng, the UV-82L two-way radio comes with a nice circuit-design, anti-inference ability, and strong stability.

This fine ham radio features a high-tech SMP speaker that delivers perfect audio quality, similar to major brands like Motorola. Its performance is as good as the design and you won’t be disappointed with the way it feels on your arm.

The BaoFeng UV-82L two-way radio comes with a dual push-to-talk button and a 18cm booster antenna supporting a longer distance of coverage.

It is also very stable when it comes to receiving signals, and comes with two signal indicators, one for sending and the other for receiving. The unit also comes with an LED flashlight and a large LCD display.

Pros

• Manually programmable
• Large 2-line LCD display
• 128 memory channels
• FM radio reception
• 1800mAH rechargeable battery

Cons

• Boring user manual

 

 

Bottom Line:

There you have it, the best handheld ham radios on the market. Though buying a handheld ham radio can be a little tricky, you can easily find one that you will truly appreciate. All you need to do is to ensure that the device suits your needs ranging from the design to the coverage range. After going through the list, we hope you found the best handheld ham radio for your own needs – one that offers beneficial features that you will enjoy.

The post 20 Best Handheld Ham Radios Of 2018 appeared first on Boom Speaker.

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