What is a portable PA system?

In a nutshell, a portable PA system is a set of active PA speakers or a single active speaker with a mixer and power amp built in. They’re lightweight and compact, and they use powered speakers, allowing you to simply turn up to a venue, plug into an electrical socket or internal battery, connect your music, instrument and best wireless headset or microphone, and mix the sound directly on the speaker.

You don’t need a mixing desk with a portable PA system or speaker as they have a mixer built-in, making things a lot simpler when you need to set up quickly! 

In a hurry?

Here are our top 3 portable PA systems:

The best portable PA systems for fitness instructors

1. Yamaha Stagepas 600BT

All-in-one powerhouse complete with two speakers, onboard mixer with Bluetooth connectivity, and a whopping 680 watts of power

Pros

• An industry-standard portable PA speaker
• 10-input mixer
• Bluetooth connectivity

 Cons 

• Slightly more expensive
• Not battery powered

The Yamaha Stagepas 600BT is an awesome portable PA system for fitness instructors who need a larger setup for bigger classes or outdoor sessions.

With a power output of 680 watts and a 55Hz – 20kHz (-10dB) frequency response, the Stagepas 600BT is powerful enough to fill medium-sized venues – so your class will absolutely love the high-quality sound on offer here. Motivating your spin class will not be a problem!

This portable PA system also makes the life of a beginner PA user a lot easier too, as the 1-Knob Master EQ and master volume allow you to just plug in and turn it on. A feedback suppressor also kicks in if the speaker starts to feedback, so you won’t have to worry – it’s beginner friendly!

Be advised, this portable PA system comes with two speakers and a removable mixer with 10 input channels, including four mic/line inputs, two stereo line inputs, and a Bluetooth input which may be more than you need. Having said that, it’s always good to have options, especially if you run multiple classes and have multiple microphones or wireless headsets.

You also have the usual connections like AUX as well as USB charging ports – perfect for charging your phone!

Overall, the Yamaha Stagepass 600BT is a high-quality speaker option with Bluetooth connectivity and more power and connections than you’d ever need!

Shop now | Yamaha Stagepas 600BT Portable PA System

2. RCF ART 710-A MK4 Active Speaker 

High-performance 1400-watt PA speaker that’s built for the road!

Pros

• 1400 watts of power
• FiRPHASE technology eradicates dead spots
• Rugged construction

Cons

• Only two connections
• No Bluetooth or battery

When sound quality is paramount, you can trust the RCF ART series! What you lose in connectivity options, you make up for in power as you have 1400 watts of peak power to play with here. Couple that with the innovative FiRPHASE technology and you have a portable PA speaker that will not only provide gig-like sound quality but reach every single person in your class! 

The RCF ART 710-A MK4 boasts XLR and line-level connections for your microphone headset and music source (you just need a 1/4” jack adapter for your phone, MP3 player, or tablet) and a power source and you’re ready to go in a matter of minutes.

This makes our best PA systems list for fitness and yoga instructors as it weighs in at only 14.2kg/31.31lbs, has a durable, rugged casing with a built-in handle, and won’t break the bank!

Another key factor to consider is its ease of use. With the ART 710-A, Innovative DSP takes care of the crossover, EQ, phase control, soft limiting, and feedback protection, so you don’t even need to know how to mix your signal! Just connect your mic and get the class started.

Shop now | RCF ART 710-A MK4 Active Speaker

3. Bose S1 Pro+ Multi-Position Battery Powered PA System 

Bose sound quality in a rugged PA system built for all gym environments

Pros

• 11 hours of battery time
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery included
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Multi-angle positioning 

Cons

• Not the best option for large outdoor classes

When portability meets industry-leading sound quality, you get the Bose S1 Pro+ Multi-Position Battery Powered PA System. This is definitely one of the best portable PA systems for fitness instructors as you have multiple options for connectivity, extended battery life from a built-in rechargeable battery, and an extremely user-friendly design.

Straight out of the box, the Bose S1 Pro+ PA speaker gives you a 3-channel mixer for complete flexibility. You can run two microphones or headsets at the same time and use the AUX connection to play music from your phone or tablet.

Alternatively, you can use Bluetooth connectivity to play music wirelessly – and the Bose Music App lets you achieve the perfect mix from your smartphone or tablet, altering ToneMatch EQ presets, manual EQ, and reverb options

One of the best things about the S1 Pro+ is its Auto EQ functionality. This means that whichever way you have your PA system set up – vertical, tilted back, horizontal, or on a stand – the speaker will automatically adjust its response, projecting the best, well-optimised sound.

You also get 103dB of sound – which is almost as loud as a jet engine, so your class will definitely hear you!

The onboard Li-Ion rechargeable battery gives you up to 11 hours of use. Plus, it weighs just 6.5kg/17.7 lbs, meaning it’s one of the lightest portable PA options and a contender for the best portable PA of all time!

Shop now | Bose S1 Pro+ Multi-Position Battery Powered PA System

4. Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA System

Line array system with 180-degree horizontal sound coverage and built-in mixer

Pros

• Change sound settings on your phone or tablet
• Line array system for greater sound coverage
• Bluetooth connection

Cons

• Price may be a barrier – but it’s worth it

The benefit of the Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA System comes down to its line array setup.

The bass is taken care of in the bottom section and the treble and high frequencies are found in the top section. This means you get a really good 180-degree sweep of sound, so everyone can hear you. Best of all, you don’t need speaker stands – because it is a speaker stand!

You have Bluetooth connectivity here as well as two more channels at your disposal via the 3-channel mixer. But the interesting feature which fitness instructors will love is that the L1 Pro8 connects with the free L1 Mix app which lets you control the mixer from your phone. This means you don’t have to get off your spin bike or move across the room to make sound changes on the PA system!

At just 17.4kg/38.2lbs, the Bose L1 Pro8 is lightweight, and the two-channel Class-D amplifier pumps out 112dB of sound which makes it a good option for outdoor fitness classes too! The one downside is that it’s not battery-powered, but it’s a fair trade when you look at the power on offer, connectivity options, and lightweight construction.

It’s loud, easy to set up, and you can control it on your phone – what’s not to love?

Shop now | Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA System

5. JBL Professional EON ONE

Highest volume in its class at 112dB, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-hour battery

Pros 

• Rechargeable battery built-in
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• 112dB of pure power
• 7-year warranty

Cons

• External battery charger sold separately

If you need a highly portable PA system that is loud, easy to set up, and has an extended warranty, the JBL Professional EON ONE is an excellent option.

The main USP here is that it’s loud. In fact, it’s the loudest in its class at 112dB, so you will have zero problems trying to motivate the people at the back of the fitness class!

The 4-channel mixer allows you to hook up your wireless microphone system alongside your AUX or Bluetooth signal with two connections to spare. The 12-hour battery life gives you enough time to get to multiple classes before charging again and the 8kg net weight makes it one of the lightest portable PA systems on our list.

Another key USP here is the 7-year warranty, which, for a travelling fitness instructor, is a breath of fresh air as you can rest easy (in between sets) knowing that JBL have got your back.

The rugged construction, 8” woofer for deep low-frequency performance down to 37.5Hz, and 8-band output EQ with customisable presets mean you can turn up, switch the EON ONE on, set your sound depending on the environment, and you’re ready to go!

Best of all, you can control the built-in DSP and your mix via the intuitive EON Control App for Android and iOS.

The JBL Professional EON ONE is loud, lightweight, and easy to use. And for an additional £50 you can also get a stand, too!

Shop now | JBL Professional EON ONE

6. LD Systems MAUI 5 GO 100 Battery Powered Column System

An impressive Bluetooth-enabled line array system with 12 hours of battery and 800 watts of power

Pros 

• 800 watts
• 12 hours of battery life from a single charge
• Designed for classes of up to and over 100 people

Cons

• Slightly less robust than other options

If you like the sound and look of a line array system but you’re on a budget, the LD Systems MAUI 5 GO 100 Battery Powered Column System is a great option.

Straight out of the box, you have a whopping 800 watts of power to play with, making it the loudest battery-powered line array system on the market which has been specifically designed for crowds of over 100 people. This means that everyone in the room or in the near vicinity of an outdoor fitness class will hear you loud and clear.

The ultra-light, portable 4-piece design weighs only 12.4 kg, making it a breeze to transport and set up while the intuitive 4-channel mixer with Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect everything you need and stream music from your phone.

One of the main benefits of the MAUI 5 GO 100 is the increased range and broader coverage courtesy of its line-array design. This means you can go from classes of 20 to classes of 100+ with ease, getting the same sound quality each time. There are no dead spots to worry about, and the volume and clarity are unmatched at this price point and power level.

If you’re wandering through the class with your headset on, you also don’t need to worry about unwanted feedback creeping in – the feedback resistance of this system is top-notch.

Finally, the 12 hours of continuous operation with a plug-and-play lithium-ion battery means you’re ready for multiple classes in one day.

Shop now | LD Systems MAUI 5 GO 100 Battery Powered Column System

7. Mackie Thump GO Portable Battery Powered Speaker

Powerful bass, 12 hours of battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity on a cool-looking portable speaker

Pros

• Designed for travel
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 200 watts is great for class and small outdoor sessions

Cons

• I really can’t think of any!

The Mackie Thump GO Portable Battery Powered Speaker probably wins the award for best looking portable PA speaker for fitness instructors, because let’s face it, you want it to look good too!

Fortunately, the aesthetics of the PA speaker match the performance. You have 200 watts of power to play with here, which at first glance may not seem like a lot – but its 112dB max SPL means it can get close to a jet engine. That’s way more power than you need.

The rugged construction has been specifically designed with outdoor use and transport in mind, so you can travel in confidence, while switchable voicing modes optimised for indoor or outdoor usage ensure you’re ready to take the class outside if the weather permits

The intuitive digital mixer with two channels and an XLR mix output gives you flexible control. and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity means you can stream music, taking advantage of the powerful 8” custom-made woofer for low-end thump.

Finally, the included Lithium Ion battery gives you 12 hours of playtime after one charge, and the battery life indicator makes it easy to keep an eye on when you need to charge it next.   

The Mackie Thump GO is hard-wearing, designed for travel at just 8kg and custom-made for outdoor and indoor use with specific settings to match the environment. If you’re a beginner when it comes to PA, this is a great choice.

Shop now | Mackie Thump GO Portable Battery Powered Speaker

8. QTX QR10PA Portable Active PA Speaker

An entirely self-contained PA unit with a wireless headset system included for less than a year’s gym membership!

Pros

• Self-contained PA unit
• Comes with a VHF neckband wireless microphone (headset)
• Handle and wheels built in

Cons

• No XLR inputs
• Only 50 watts – which is perfect for indoors

The QTX QR10PA Portable Active PA Speaker is probably the ultimate portable PA system for fitness instructors, especially if you’re on a budget. At under £200, it certainly won’t break the bank, and the major benefit here is that it comes with a VHF neckband wireless microphone and a built-in receiver at no additional cost – it’s everything you need, wrapped in a highly portable PA.

There’s a built-in mixer with extra connections if you need them, a built-in rechargeable battery gives you up to 8 hours of playtime, and the integrated wheels and handle make it a breeze to transport. It also weighs just over 10kg, so transporting it to your next venue or between gym classes won’t be a problem.

One thing to note is that you do only get 50 watts of power per speaker, totalling a max of 100 watts – so it’s probably best suited to indoor applications or small outdoor classes.

If you’re on a budget and need something very portable, and an included wireless headset designed for fitness applications appeals to you, the QTX QR10PA Portable Active PA Speaker is a great choice.

Shop now | QTX QR10PA Portable Active PA Speaker

9. SubZero L410X DSP Column PA System with Bluetooth

An easy-to-set-up, budget-friendly line array system with 1000 watts of power

Pros

• 4 speakers and a 10” woofer
• Single, slimline design
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Needs mains power

Straight out of the box, the SubZero L410X DSP Column PA System with Bluetooth can turn a fairly lifeless gym session into an inspiring class thanks to its 1000 watts of power, four speakers, and impressive 10” subwoofer. Best of all, the line array design ensures you can set up inside or outside and everyone will hear you!

We think it’s a great contender for the best portable PA system for fitness instructors as it has Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music wirelessly as well as additional XLR/Line-level combi jacks so you can hook up your wireless headset.

The L410X includes a range of built-in presets that let you sculpt or improve the sound depending on your venue/environment. Taking a class outdoors? Hit the “Live” setting. Taking a class indoors? The “Club” setting will pump up the bass and get your class motivated!

The SubZero L410X is truly portable and is designed to collapse into a small package for easy transport and storage between classes. Weighing just 18kg, it’s incredibly easy to transport from car to gym and the satellite column units pack into the shoulder carry bag included. With a quick set-up time, easy sound sculpting, and a lightweight build, you’re ready to get a class going moments after you arrive!

Shop now | SubZero L410X DSP Column PA System with Bluetooth

10. LD Systems RoadJack 10 Portable PA Loudspeaker with Mixer + Bluetooth

100-watt portable PA system with onboard mixer and Bluetooth

Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Rechargeable battery
• Weighs just 16.2kg

Cons

• 100 watts may not be enough for larger venues

The LD Systems RoadJack 10 Portable PA Loudspeaker with Mixer + Bluetooth is another highly portable, compact Bluetooth speaker. It’s perfect for fitness instructors, gym class teachers, and yoga instructors who need something that sounds great and is easy to set up. 

You have 100 watts to play with here, multiple connections including XLR, line level, and Aux connectivity, and Bluetooth functionality, so you’re covered for all types of wireless headsets and additional sound sources.

It weighs just 16.2kg and has a built-in handle and wheels, so transport won’t be an issue. The major benefit for instructors is the remote control, which allows you to change settings anywhere in the room. You can also use an SD card or USB stick to play your tracks. So even if your phone dies, you have options for playing music.

The 10” custom woofer with a 3” custom tweeter will handle all your favourite music, pumping it out at 65 – 18,000 Hz which is gig-level quality. Plus, the onboard rechargeable battery provides up to 20 hours of playback, so you don’t have to worry about charging in between classes.

Easy to control, easy to transport and easy on the budget – the RoadJack 10 is a great portable PA system for busy gym and fitness instructors on the move.

Shop now | LD Systems RoadJack 10 Portable PA Loudspeaker with Mixer + Bluetooth

11. Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery Powered PA Speaker

A weatherproofed battery-powered PA speaker for all environments

Pros

• Weatherproof construction
• Bluetooth control
• 400 watts

Cons

• 6 hours of operation at max volume but that’s still pretty good!
• Price may be a barrier

Last but not least, we have the Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery Powered PA Speaker, which packs a whopping 400 watts of power and intuitive features designed to make your life as a fitness instructor way easier.

This makes our list as the Bluetooth connectivity not only allows you to stream music through your device, but you can also use the EV QuickSmart Mobile app to wirelessly configure your system and make changes to the sound on the fly!

The 8” woofer and 1” titanium dome tweeter are not as large as some options here, but the fact you get 121dB of sound and a frequency response akin to a live festival is still pretty amazing.

Another feature that fitness instructors will love is the weatherproof construction that makes the speaker less susceptible to sweaty environments and light drizzle if it ever starts to rain outside when you’re leading a class.

The onboard rechargeable battery gives you six hours of playtime at full volume or 12 at moderate and the fact it’s only 7.6kg means you won’t have trouble carrying it between sessions.

The Everse 8 is another incredible option for fitness instructors in need of a portable PA system.

Shop now | Electro-Voice Everse 8 Battery Powered PA Speaker

What are the most popular portable PA system brands?

Some of the top portable PA system brands include:

Yamaha: An industry-standard PA brand, Yamaha are renowned for creating high-quality portable PA systems that deliver impressive sound quality. Their StagePas series is one of the best in the world.

RCF: RCF is renowned for its professional-grade audio equipment and is found in venues and festivals across the globe – you’ve definitely seen one before. Their portable PA systems provide exceptional sound performance and durability; they’re designed to last forever.

Bose: Internationally recognised as a leader in sound innovation, Bose’s portable PA systems offer an excellent balance between portability and sound quality while still remaining affordable for fitness instructors.

JBL: JBL’s portable PA systems are suitable for fitness instructors seeking powerful sound in a portable package and their line array systems are widely regarded as leaders in the industry. 

LD Systems: LD Systems are known for their innovative designs and high-quality audio products that won’t break the bank. Their predominantly portable PA systems cater to various needs, from small gatherings and parties to mobile DJs and fitness instructors with options for larger venues.

SubZero: Although relatively new to the PA scene, SubZero is a trusted brand that offers a range of portable PA systems designed to provide great sound quality and performance at a price anyone can afford with standalone and line array PA options.

7 things to consider when buying a portable PA system for fitness classes

As a fitness instructor, there are a few key things you should consider when shopping for a portable PA system.

I’ll make it short and snappy!

1. Power output – how loud should my portable PA system be for fitness classes?

As a fitness instructor, you need at least 100 watts of power for your classes to be heard, especially over a spin class.

If you’re leading outdoor classes, you need around 250 watts or more – how loud you need to go is up to you, but anything past 1000 watts is totally fine for outdoors. I advise buying the best you can afford first, which is usually the loudest, as you can always turn the volume down!

2. How many inputs do I need?

You need at least two inputs – one for your music via AUX or Bluetooth and another for your wireless headset microphone, because you will need a wireless headset system. Read about the best wireless headset mics for fitness instructors here!

Most active PA speakers and portable PA speakers in this list will have a minimum of two inputs and some will have Bluetooth connectivity. 

3. Do I need a battery-powered PA system for my fitness classes?

Ideally, a battery-powered PA system is the best as it’s the most portable option which means you can take fitness classes outside or to other gyms. But if you’re hopping from gym to gym and have access to power, battery power is not essential. Again, plan for the future here, as you may be asked to take a class outside and you won’t always have access to power.

4. How much should my portable PA system cost?

Our list showcases a variety of different options, from as little as £249. How much you want to spend is entirely up to you, but rest assured, these are all quality speakers that will provide great sound and are entirely reliable. More expensive speakers are usually bigger and more powerful. 

5. How big should my portable PA system be?

When thinking about how big your portable PA system should be, for portability’s sake, don’t go much over 20kg, otherwise, you may struggle moving it around.

Always think about the trunk of your car and having to carry your portable PA system with you when considering the size. Again, thankfully these PA systems in this list have handles and are easy to transport, set up and, pack down without too much effort.

We’ve gone for portable options here, so they won’t weigh much more than 20kg!

6. Sound quality

Each option in this list has been picked for its portability and sound quality. We recommend getting a portable PA speaker with low and high-frequency drivers so your class can really feel the bass and enjoy the music while hearing clearly when you’re giving instructions.

The frequency response of all these PA speakers will be comparable to those that you’ll hear at a live event or gig, so you’re in good company!

7. Do I need Bluetooth on my portable PA system?

If you want to cut down on the number of wires needed then yes, you need Bluetooth. Ideally, you’ll just want to set up with your PA speaker, your wireless headset, and a music source – like your phone. If you have Bluetooth, you don’t need an AUX cable. This is optional, but just consider the gear you want to carry around with you.

What PA equipment does a fitness instructor need?

The main PA equipment a fitness instructor needs is a wireless headset with a receiver like a Shure GLXD14+/SM31 and a portable PA with either Bluetooth or AUX connections for music and an XLR connection for your wireless system. A speaker stand is optional, of course!

Final thoughts 

These are our 11 best portable PA systems for fitness instructors and they offer a wide range of connectivity options. They’re designed to suit different needs, budgets, and environments; from ultra-portable systems like the SubZero L410X to all-in-one powerhouses like the Yamaha Stagepas 600BT, there’s something for everyone.

The right one for you depends on the power you need and your budget. Just make sure you get yourself a good wireless headset system like the Shure GLX-D+ range to keep your vocals sounding good! 

Whichever one you choose, your new PA system is sure to breathe new life into your fitness classes!