You may be scrambling to find a Spin bike [1], dumbbells, or resistance bands [2] for your makeshift home gym — but a great speaker system is at the top of my must-have list.
That's because nothing kills a workout quite like silence. Anytime my music or podcast cuts out mid-sweat, I become hyperaware of every sore spot and body ache and call it quits soon after.
For that reason, I've compiled unique, highly reviewed speakers, each fit to elevate different workout [3] vibes.
From wearable devices to LED electronics to voice-compatible options, you won't skip a beat (or a rep) during your next session.
Bose Soundwear Companion Wireless Wearable Speaker
Bose's Soundwear Companion Wireless Wearable Speaker [4] ($300) offers a unique listening experience that could be worth the splurge. This sweat- and weather-resistant speaker sits on your shoulders, so your music travels with you mid-barre or walking workout — while still allowing others to enjoy it, too.
After three hours of charging, these speakers should last up to 12 hours. Plus, it's fitted with buttons that play and pause tracks, make calls, and prompt your phone's Siri or Google Assistant, too.
JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker [5] ($140) can connect to two smartphones or tablets at once, so you and your roommate can take turns curating your workout playlist. According to the brand, this device (which comes in 12 colours) is waterproof, so there's no need to stress over a water bottle spill or some light rain during an outdoor workout.
Kunodi Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly device that follows where you go, check out Kunodi's Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker [7] ($17). For a lower price than the Bose wearable device, you can clip this speaker onto your lanyard, water bottle, clothing, or keys and move freely.
This shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof sound system can even project your playlist during a post-sweat shower, too.
Clever Bright Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers LED Lights
Bring the party vibes of your favourite Zumba or Spin class to your home workouts with the Clever Bright Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers LED Lights [8] ($30). Blasting your pump-up tracklist while switching between the device's seven light patterns can offer an audiovisual experience reminiscent of those fun group workouts you miss dearly.
Sonos One SL Microphone-Free Smart Speaker
Who wants to be mid-circuit when your playlist goes rogue? You have to stop what you're doing, grab your phone, and switch from that slow ballad back to an upbeat song.
With Sonos One SL Microphone-Free Smart Speaker [9] ($179), a simple Siri command will solve that issue. No more interrupted workouts — making the voice control feature of this speaker a total game-changer.
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