Other devices
There are other Bluetooth options, too, such as Belkin's NFC Enabled HD Bluetooth Music Receiver. As its model name states, it uses NFC to facilitate the pairing process between the device and a smartphone or tablet, but of course this means that your smartphone or tablet must also have NFC. The Belkin costs $80, and it can store settings from up to eight paired devices. It also has an optical output, so it's worth considering if you want the best possible audio quality from your stream.
Logitech also has its Bluetooth Audio Adapter (to be available in May 2014), which can connect to a stereo system using either a 3.5mm stereo input or RCA cables. It has automatic re-pairing, and it can pair two devices at once, so you can stream from a couple of different devices with a minimum of fuss (you press a button on the adapter to switch between them). It will cost $50.
All of these devices also work with Windows laptops and tablets that have Bluetooth. Pair to them in the same way as you would on your mobile device: enable Bluetooth, and either scan or wait for the device to show up, and then click on it to pair. For some devices, you might have to punch in a pairing code, but this is usually 0000. It will tell you on the packaging.
Related audio articles
• Bose SoundLink Mini II Bluetooth speaker review
• Aftershokz Wireless Trekz Titanium Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headphones review
• BenQ treVolo portable Bluetooth speaker review
• Lenco's PlayLink6 is the cornerstone of the company's wireless speaker ecosystem, and it also has Bluetooth functionality.
• The Lenco PlayLink4 wireless speaker supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• The Harman/Kardon Aura is a Bluetooth-capable speaker that looks like no other.
• The Divoom Voombox-Travel is a rugged Bluetooth speaker than can be used outdoors.
• B&O BeoPlay A2 portable Bluetooth speaker review.
• Lenco's PlayConnect can add Wi-Fi to your Hi-Fi.
• If you're after a multiroom speaker system that can play music from your phone or tablet, Lenco's PlayLink will allow you to do just that.
• If you want to buy a new Bluetooth speaker rather than use your old stereo, try the Polk Woodbourne. It's one of favourites due to its powerful sound and sturdy design.
• The Braven 855s and 850 are good choices if you want portable Bluetooth speakers, and if you buy two of them you can actually create a truly mobile stereo Bluetooth speaker system.
• Logitech's UE Boom box is also a good option if you want a portable speaker.
• Sony's SRS-X5 bluetooth speaker is a portable 2.1 system with loud sound.
Last update: 13 April 2014 to add information about the Logitech Bluetooth Audio Adapter.
