Buying guide for best voice amplifiers
For years, people have used megaphones to be heard in a crowd, but modern technology has given us a much more elegant solution. A voice amplifier is a small speaker that links to a microphone or microphone headset to make your voice louder. These devices are ideal for any situation where you need to address a mid-sized room or a spread-out group — during a work presentation or group lecture, for example.
If you're shopping for your first voice amplifier, it can be tricky to know which one is best, as the majority of models look extremely similar.
To help you out, we selected and highlighted our favorite voice amplifiers on the market right now. We also compiled some useful information about voice amplifiers to help you on your buying mission. Read on to learn more.
Key considerations
Sound coverage
A critical factor when choosing a voice amplifier is how far it will amplify your voice. The majority of manufacturers list the device's sound coverage in square feet. This generally ranges from several thousand square feet to as much as 10,000 square feet. Note, however, that the listed sound coverage reflects how far the product would project a voice in ideal conditions. In truth, a voice amplifier with a listed sound coverage of 5,000 square feet could probably only achieve this indoors with no obstacles to block or dampen the sound and little, if any, background noise. In a noisier space, the same product might not even manage to project your voice for 1,000 square feet.
Battery life
Adequate battery life makes a big difference in the usefulness of a voice amplifier. The majority can last between five and 12 hours on a full charge, but there are a small number of outliers. Consider how you'll be using your voice amplifier. If you want to use it for a full day of lectures, you'll need one with a battery life of at least eight hours. If you only want the voice amplifier for the occasional meeting or quick event, you could get away with a much shorter battery life.
Portability
If you'll be using your voice amplifier while out and about, you'll want something portable. Even for indoor use, in fact, you might need to keep the amplifier on your person — unless it's compatible with a wireless mic. Therefore, it should be fairly small and lightweight. The majority of voice amplifiers measure four inches wide, five inches tall, and two inches deep (or less) and weigh no more than a pound. However, you will find some slightly larger and heavier models.
To enhance portability, plenty of voice amplifiers come with a carrying strap and/or a belt clip, so you can easily wear the device as you move around.
Input
Your voice amplifier will need some kind of input to receive the sounds it amplifies. Every voice amplifier across the board has at least one auxiliary (aux) input. This takes a small headphone-size jack and is usually used for plugging in your headset or microphone (unless it's wireless). However, you can also use it to plug in an MP3 player to play music or a pre-recorded speech.
Some voice amplifiers also have other input types. For instance, some have USB ports for flash drives or SD card ports.
"A battery life indicator is a useful feature for a voice amplifier, as you can see how much talk time you have left before you run out of juice."
STAFF
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Voice amplifier features
Headset
The majority of voice amplifiers come with a microphone headset, so you can amplify your voice hands-free. The headset may be wired or wireless. Wired headsets need to plug into the amplifier's aux input. They tend to be reliable, and there's no chance of connection issues, but you will need to carry the body of the amplifier with you at all times.
With a wireless headset, there's no need to worry about getting tangled up in wires. If speaking in a stationary location, you can set the amplifier down rather than carry it. However, there can be connection issues with a wireless headset, so there's a greater chance of technical difficulties.
Controls
Most voice amplifiers have a volume control, so you can adjust the loudness of your voice. Some have controls that allow you to play, pause, skip, and fast forward or rewind tracks that you're playing via an MP3 player or other device.
Wireless capabilities
Some voice amplifiers are compatible with Bluetooth, so not only can you use a wireless headset or microphone, you can also connect the amplifier to your smartphone or other Bluetooth-capable device to play music or voice tracks.
Sound quality
Don't expect stellar sound quality from your voice amplifier. It should sound fine for the spoken word, but if you'll be using it for singing or playing music, expect some loss of audio quality. You may find that the sound quality is better at lower volumes but starts to become somewhat distorted as you crank up the sound.
Expert Tip
STAFF
BestReviews
Voice amplifier prices
How much you should spend on a voice amplifier depends on your specific needs and how regularly you'll be using it. Basic voice amplifiers cost as little as $20 to $30. These are fine for speaking in smaller spaces or for occasional use, but they don't render the greatest sound quality or overall performance. Mid-range voice amplifiers cost roughly $30 to $50. You can find some excellent models in this price range, though they might not have all the bells and whistles of their pricier counterparts. High-end voice amplifiers cost between $50 and $120. In this price range, you'll find feature-rich models that are highly durable and able to withstand daily use.
Tips
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Decide whether you need a waterproof voice amplifier. If you'll be using your voice amplifier outdoors, it's best to choose a waterproof model in case of inclement weather.
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Think about recording capabilities. Some voice amplifiers can record as you talk, which is ideal for recording your own lectures or anything else you might want to review at a later date or save for posterity.
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Check the charge time of your chosen voice amplifier. Many models can reach full charge in three to six hours, so you won't need to wait too long before you can use the unit again after running down the charge.
- Consider the color of your voice amplifier. The vast majority of voice amplifiers are black, but you can find them in a handful of other shades.
FAQ
Q. Who might need a voice amplifier?
A. Many people find they need a voice amplifier, but they're commonly used by teachers, lecturers, tour guides, and people at rallies and protests. Anyone who needs to give a speaking presentation in a sizable space could benefit from a voice amplifier.
Q. Can I use my voice amplifier to play music?
A. Yes, you can use a voice amplifier as a portable speaker to play music either wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection or using an aux cable. A handful of voice amplifiers even have a built-in AM/FM radio. That said, not all voice amplifiers give you great audio quality when playing music.
Q. Can I adjust the levels on my voice amplifier?
A. Unfortunately, the majority of voice amplifiers don't let you adjust bass, treble, gain, and so on. You can generally only adjust the volume.
