Ideally, you should consider the output of a speaker before buying it, to be sure that it meets your usage needs.
However, it is all too common for people to ask, “How do I make my speaker louder?”
By this point, it is too late to buy a louder, higher-output speaker. Instead, we need practical workarounds and ways to amplify the sound and maximize the volume output of your speaker.
Here, we have compiled a guide that is filled with tips and tricks to make your speaker louder. If you want to increase the volume of a portable bluetooth speaker, we have you covered!
Quick Answer: How to Make Speakers Louder
Let’s start with the obvious – be sure that the volume is properly adjusted on your speaker and connected device. This means you need to verify that there is no volume limiter affecting the device, and that all connected devices (wired and wireless) are properly adjusted.
If the settings and connections are correct yet your speaker is still too quiet, there are a few ways to increase the speaker’s volume.
First, position the speaker properly. This means it should have no physical obstructions, it should point in the correct direction, and there should be some manual amplification of sound provided by the speaker’s surroundings (more on this below).
Next, consider downloading a third party app that allows further manipulation of your speaker’s sound profile, including volume. These apps essentially function as a “cheat code” – while your speaker can only be turned to a max volume of 100%, these apps allow you to exceed the factory settings and take the volume to 150% or even higher. However, these apps come with some inherent risks (more on these below).
If none of these workarounds adequately increase your speaker’s volume, you will likely end up having to purchase some additional gear, such as a second bluetooth speaker to wirelessly pair to your portable speaker.
How to Make a Bluetooth/Portable Speaker Louder: Every Method We Know
Volume settings, connected device, & connection strength
As mentioned above, you should start with the obvious. Be sure that your bluetooth speaker’s volume is turned to the maximum, and also be sure that your connected device (phone, TV, computer, etc.) has the volume turned to the maximum. Lastly, verify that the connection strength is adequate, regardless of whether you are using a wireless or a wired connection.
Speaker positioning & orientation
This point is somewhat obvious as well, but it is important to double-check the little things before moving on to more challenging solutions.
First, you want to be sure that the speaker is unobstructed. This means it shouldn’t be pointed towards a wall or tilted too far upwards or downwards. It shouldn’t be too close to fabric (like carpet or furniture upholstery), which can dampen sound waves.
Many speakers have passive radiators on the ends which contribute volume, so be sure these aren’t obstructed either.
Lastly, for a rectangular or cylindrical speaker that can be played either horizontally or vertically, try adjusting the orientation (from vertical to horizontal, or vice versa) to see if this increases volume.
Equalizer adjustment
By adjusting the speaker’s equalizer, you can increase the total output of sound. Generally, this would be done by increasing bass and/or mid-range, but it may be easier to scroll through the pre-set options.
Some settings amplify and boost different tones, which will result in the sound feeling louder to listeners. This is an inexact science, so the key here is to play around with settings until you find a sound profile you enjoy.
Amplify sound manually
There are a few physical methods to amplify sound (beyond what can be accomplished by speaker positioning, alone).
One easy way is to position the speaker in the corner of a room (with the speaker facing away from the wall), which will allow sound waves to bounce off of the walls.
Another way is to set the speaker in a cup, bowl, or dish which will function similarly.
Third-party app
If the above methods don’t get you sufficient volume, downloading a third-party app is like a “cheat code” for your speaker. My favorite is “Bass Booster & Equalizer,” but there are many applications that function similarly.
Essentially, these apps remove the limit on your speaker and compatible device that prevents the volume from going beyond 100%. By downloading the app onto your phone (or other source device, such as a computer), your speaker will be able to exceed its normal volume limit.
Perhaps this is also an obvious point, but there are risks in removing a volume limit from your speaker. By increasing volume beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation, there is a risk in blowing your speaker or otherwise damaging it. For this reason, you should use caution with this method.
Consider TWS (true wireless stereo) and party mode pairing options
Most modern bluetooth portable speakers now have a “party mode” of some sort that allows you to pair multiple speakers together.
If your portable speaker lacks the necessary volume, it may be a good time to consider purchasing a second speaker.
With two speakers, you will be able to pair the speakers for double the volume. Many newer models also allow for stereo pairing – meaning you can have a right and left channel – which increases the soundstage and overall sound quality.
Unfortunately, wireless pairing and party modes often experience compatibility issues. For this reason, it is important to verify that your new speaker is compatible with your old speaker. Keep in mind that even if the products are made by the same company, older and newer software is still frequently incompatible.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous ways to make a portable bluetooth speaker louder.
Start with the obvious, simple fixes like verifying the connection and audio settings while also being sure that the speaker is properly placed in its environment. Adjusting the equalizer can also help crank the volume a couple notches higher.
If these fixes don’t give you enough volume increase, you will need to download a third-party app to a connected device. For those of us that use a phone to connect to a portable speaker, this process is easily accomplished by downloading the app and then controlling it via the phone.
Just be aware that these apps allow you to exceed the manufacturer’s volume recommendations, so you should be cautious not to go overboard and blow a speaker!
