Summer’s here, and you might just want to find the time and space to start performing on the road, both outdoors and indoors, to make the most of the warm weather. No matter how you like to put on a show, you’ll need a PA system to run your audio through.
So, let’s explore the 12 best portable PA systems to take with you this summer.
In a hurry?
| Mackie Thump GO | A battery-powered PA speaker loaded with DSP features. | Check the current price |
| Electro-Voice Everse 8 | Electro-Voice's first-ever battery-powered portable speaker. | Check the current price |
| G4M Modular Column PA System | A full-size PA system that's easy to transport - and its modular design allows for your perfect setup. | Check the current price |
| Bose S1 Pro+ | Loaded with advanced DSP and remote mixing features via app control. | Check the current price |
| Boss Cube Street 2 | An updated version of Boss’ iconic stereo PA system, great for busking. | Check the current price |
Best portable PA systems
1. Mackie Thump GO
The best system for performers playing indoor and outdoor venues
- Frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- 200 W Class D amplification
- 115 dB maximum SPL output
The Mackie Thump range is a highly popular series of full-range PA speakers, and the Thump GO is a newer version in the form of a battery-powered portable speaker. Its 8-inch woofers and 1-inch compression driver give it a punchy sound with a full frequency response and enough power to perform outside.
Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to 12 hours of battery life, ensuring you can set up and perform wherever you need. Plus, its two distinct voicings are optimised for indoor or outdoor contexts, so you can make the most of your performance space and be heard anywhere.
The Thump GO is also loaded with DSP features like feedback elimination, app control, signal ducking, and digital crossover alignment. Bluetooth streaming allows for playback of backing tracks too, for simple and adaptive performances.
2. JBL EON ONE Compact
The best system for sound quality
- Frequency response of 37.5 Hz – 20 kHz
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- 120W Class D amplification
- 112 dB maximum SPL output
The JBL EON ONE Compact is also based on a popular range of PA speakers for venues.
Converting the popular sound character of this series into a portable format, the EON ONE Compact boasts an incredibly full frequency response for a speaker in this range, with low-end extension down to 37.5 Hz. This means your voice and instruments will sound excellent no matter what.
The EON ONE Compact is loaded with state-of-the-art app control, built to let you fully mix your whole show from your smartphone or tablet with channel EQ, reverb, chorus, and delay with an 8-band master EQ to prevent feedback and shape your whole mix. It even adjusts its voicing automatically with changes in position.
As well as DSP effects and controls, this portable PA has onboard bass and treble EQ, phantom power for connecting condenser microphones, and music ducking. Rounded out by stereo pairing, the EON ONE Compact is a forward-looking portable speaker that’s equipped for all scales of performance.
3. Electro-Voice Everse 8
The best system for outdoor performance
- Frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- 400W Class D amplification
- 121 dB maximum SPL output
The Everse 8 is Electro-Voice’s first-ever battery-powered portable speaker. The company’s storied history in PA design goes back over 93 years, so you can expect quality right from the get-go. Complete with an attachable weatherproofing cover, the Everse 8 is great for outdoor performances.
Its sound is delivered by an eight-inch woofer with unique Signal Synchronised Transducer ports and a titanium tweeter with a waveguide. This provides a coherent and directionally consistent sound that does well when mounted on poles or kicked back.
Electro-Voice’s QuickSmart app has been updated to become a comprehensive mixing tool with both channel-specific and master output EQ, as well as a range of studio-quality reverbs, delays, and choruses, making it easy to mix your audio from your pocket.
4. Yamaha Stagepas 200BTR
The best system for maximum volume
- Frequency response of 60 Hz – 20 kHz
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- 180W Class D amplification
- 125 dB maximum SPL output
The Yamaha Stagepas 200BTR is a highly compact battery-powered speaker with completely unrivalled sound output for portable speakers of its size. With a rich, detailed sound delivered by its coaxial driver, you can simply plug in and sound great.
Yamaha have also added custom morphing EQ with set curves designed to get the most out of your input sources, with presets for vocals and guitar that you can dial in to taste.
Additional effects like reverb, delay and chorus, with different modes and combinations, let you add depth, space, and movement to your performance.
The Stagepas 200BTR has five channels of digital mixing with three combo jack inputs and app control to adjust settings from your phone or tablet.
5. Behringer MPA40BT Pro
The best value for money
- Frequency response of 45 Hz – 18 kHz
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- 40W Class D amplification
The Behringer MPA40BT is another highly portable PA speaker with a clear, noiseless sound and Class D amplification to drive its 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. This speaker has an integrated handle and wheels, making it easy to transport.
The rear of the unit offers two combo jack inputs with a stereo Aux channel for Bluetooth or wired streaming, as well as two-band EQ with bass and treble controls. Providing excellent value for money, the MPA40BT Pro has 12 hours of battery life from its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
6. Bose S1 Pro+
The best system for advanced digital mixing
- Frequency response of 62 Hz – 17 kHz
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- 108W Class D amplification
- 103 dB maximum SPL output
The Bose S1 Pro+ is a recent evolution from Bose’s extremely popular portable PA speaker. Coming in even lighter than the original model, the S1 Pro+ shares its sound with its predecessor with a similar frequency response but is made even more portable.
The S1 Pro+ has deep and fast virtual mixing features, all controllable via smartphone or tablet, with ToneMatch EQ presets, manual EQ and reverb effects. Its Auto EQ adjusts its voicing to match its positioning, whether flat, on its side for monitoring, or kicked back for more coverage.
7. G4M Modular Column PA System
The best system for configuring to different requirements
- Frequency response of 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- Crossover frequency of 200 Hz
- 250W Class D amplification
- 117 dB maximum SPL output
Column systems are a great way of getting full-sized PA system performance on the go. The G4M Modular Column PA System is a portable column system that comes comprises a subwoofer, a half-column of multiple smaller full-range speakers, a speaker pole, and a power cable.
Its modular design makes it infinitely expandable between multiple columns, stacked subwoofers, or combined full or half-columns in any configuration you could want. This is a no-brainer for acts playing a wide range of different venues – indoors and outdoors, small and large alike.
These column systems are versatile enough for everything from parties to DJs to mobile entertainers to touring musicians and bands or even the full-range systems of bars, clubs, and music venues.
8. SubZero SZPA-P12
The best all-rounder
- Frequency response of 68 Hz – 19 kHz
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
- 100W Class D amplification
- 109 dB maximum SPL output
The SubZero SZPA-P12 is a Bluetooth-equipped portable PA speaker with an integrated handle and wheels. Its 12-inch woofer and 1-inch compression driver provide a deep, punchy sound with plenty of throw for open-air and indoor performances alike.
This speaker’s graphic EQ also gives you excellent control over your sound, so you can get the most out of it.
The SZPA-P12 is equipped with a media player that can play audio from USB, SD cards, and Bluetooth, making it great for performing with backing tracks. Coming with two wireless microphones, it’s great for karaoke performers, street entertainers, and DJs.
9. LD Systems RoadJack 8
The best system for longer performances
- Frequency response of 90 Hz – 18 kHz
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- 100W Class D amplification
- 94 dB maximum SPL output
The LD Systems RoadJack 8 is a compact speaker with a handle and wheels for easy transportation. Loaded with an eye-watering 20 hours of battery life, the RoadJack is ideal if you’re hosting or running longer events like parties and weddings.
The RoadJack 8 comes with a microphone input, a mic/line input, and a stereo media player with Bluetooth, SD, USB, Aux, and RCA line connections, making it easy to stream backing tracks or keep the audience entertained while you set things up.
It’s also easy to mix with, giving you individual level control over all three channels, high and low-band EQ, a built-in echo effect, and a master volume.
10. QTX QR10PA
The best system for mobile entertainers
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- 100W Class D amplification
- Wireless carrier frequency of 174.1 MHz
The QTX QR10PA is a compact portable PA with a built-in handle and wheels.
It comes with a wireless VHF neckband microphone, making it great for singing and spoken word alike, as well as two microphone inputs, Aux, and RCA connectors.
This versatile set of inputs makes it easy to connect to any instrument, from microphones to guitars to laptops, smartphones, USB drives, or SD cards.
11. Boss Cube Street 2
The best system for street performers
- Lightweight 4.4 kg enclosure
- Up to 14 hours of battery life (in Eco mode)
- 10W amplification
The Boss Cube Street 2 is an updated take on a classic portable PA system. Offering battery power and twice the amplification, the Cube Street 2’s seemingly-modest 10 W amplification packs more than enough punch to make sure you’re heard outdoors.
Lightweight, portable, and with two speakers for stereo signal, the Cube Street 2 is a definitive choice for street performers, buskers, and public speakers.
Built-in effects like a vocal harmoniser can give you instant backing vocals, while there’s also guitar amp emulation, chorus, delay, reverb, looper, and two EQs to shape your sounds and make your performances come to life in the open air.
12. Behringer B105D
The best starter system
- Frequency response of 80 Hz – 18 kHz
- 50W Class D amplification
- 95 dB maximum SPL output
The Behringer B105D would be easy to underestimate, but don’t let its diminutive size fool you. Giving you a 5-inch speaker with 50 W of Class D amplification to drive your sound and a maximum output of 95 dB means that this speaker can hang with many of the others on this list.
Two switchable combo-jack inputs for mics, guitars, and other line or instrument-level signals offer plenty of flexibility alongside the media player with USB and Bluetooth compatibility.
Three-band EQ and level controls all housed on the front of the unit make your mixing fast, easy, and incredibly accessible. A main input and Thru output add further flexibility, with the possibility to expand your B105D into a stereo system.
Unlike many of the other offerings on this list, however, this speaker requires mains power for operation, but at a mere 3.05 kg, it’s ultra-portable.
What to consider when buying a portable PA system
Power requirements
Different PA systems have different power requirements, and they’re all worth considering.
If it’s operable via mains, does it run off IEC or Powercon? Powercon is a great connector system for daisy-chaining multiple speakers, making it better for larger venues where expandability is a consideration, or for permanent installation.
Houses of worship, cafes, bars, clubs, theatres, and music venues are all great for these connectors. However, they’re not always as easy to use as IEC cables, which just need a mains connection. This is better in most scenarios but doesn’t usually give you the option to expand.
Of course, the third option is battery operation, where you’ll only have to worry about remembering to charge it. We recommend considering a backup battery just in case!
Battery vs. non-battery operation
A lot of portable PA speakers in recent years offer a battery-powered option of some kind, but not all of them do. So it’s worth making sure that the system you have your eye on can be operated the way you want to.
On the other hand, if you have a system that can only be operated via batteries, what do you do if you don’t get the chance to charge it up before your next show? Think about what suits you. The most flexibility will come out of a PA that can be operated via both battery and mains power, giving you a backup option if the battery dies before or, worse, during a show.
However, you might not need the extra cost of both if you’re only ever playing outside without access to mains power or are only playing indoor venues with ample power options. Think about what fits you best!
Inputs
Inputs dictate what instruments you can connect to your portable speaker, and this can help you narrow down your search very easily.
Most systems will have some connectors for microphones, typically XLR or a combo jack, so you can plug in a mic no matter what cable it has, 3-pin or 1/4-inch.
XLR connectors are for microphones only, jack connectors let you connect jack signals like guitars or keyboards and synths, but combo jacks offer total flexibility, letting you hook up either – just make sure it’s switched to mic or line mode so you don’t clip your input.
Then there are aux connectors. RCA connectors are ideal for DJs, as most controllers, turntables, and CDJs operate on RCA cables. 1/8-inch jacks are great for connecting headphone jacks from smartphones, tablets, or laptops, for example, and USB or SD card readers provide another way of playing MP3s without having to worry about the rest.
Specific features you might need
Do you want optimal coverage and sound output for larger venues or outdoor performances? Be sure to check the specs for SPL output to make sure your sound carries.
DSP mixing features are becoming more common, these are great for the more seasoned performers who really want to dig into their sound and get a professional mix before they start. A recent trend is app control, where you can mix from a smartphone or tablet.
However, for the non-tweakers, sometimes the onboard effects, EQ, and level controls will get you most of the way there. It’s good to check whether or not the system you want gives you some way of controlling your sound.
Media players are ideal for DJs, street performers, karaoke singers, and anyone who might need a backing track or to play external signals live.
What else do I need?
How and what you use these portable speakers for is completely down to your style, but here’s some more portable gear to jumpstart your creativity!
Hartwood Sonata
A compact electro-concert ukulele, the Hartwood Sonata is a great starting point for any aspiring singer-songwriter.
Whether you’re intending to start performing with the ukulele itself, a six-string guitar, or just want to use it as a learning tool to start out, the Sonata feels comfortable to play and sounds better with age thanks to its koa body.
Sennheiser e945
The Sennheiser e945 is a great pick for live vocal performances.
Known for its gritty midrange and extra detail, the e945 is a handheld dynamic microphone that shines on all kinds of live vocals, from pop to rap to metal and everything in between.
Artiphon Orba 2
The Artiphon Orba 2 is a handheld sampler and MIDI controller with a unique, gesture-based control system. A great way to incorporate synthesizers and other audio clips like drums and recorded percussion, this battery-powered sampler can play back entire song instrumentals for you or be used for creative looping and chopping
You could also harness its built-in sounds and use it as a songwriting tool. The Orba 2 pairs excellently with other small instruments like kalimbas.
Meinl Sonic Energy Sound Hole Kalimba
For percussion, you can’t go wrong with a Kalimba. Taking their experience with designing drum cymbals, the Meinl Sonic Energy Sound Hole Kalimba offers a warm tone and longer note sustain compared to kalimbas without sound holes.
This makes for great, bouncy-tuned percussion with a warm and inviting tone. Its notes are tuned to the C Major scale for adaptable performance. This pairs excellently with samplers like the Artiphon Orba 2.
Casio CT S100
The Casio CT S100 is a portable piano keyboard with a built-in handle. This makes for a great way to integrate piano and keyboard sounds into your live performances if you’re a keyboard player.
With 122 different tones to switch between, you’re guaranteed to find the accompaniment you want.
Dubreq Stylophone S1
The Dubreq Stylophone S1 is a compact synthesizer and one of the very first of its kind. A true classic, the Stylophone has seen used by musical legends like David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and Pulp. Its stylus-based keyboard is unique and responsive, making it great for creating gliding leads and deep basses to accompany you.
Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 MKII
A powerful starter DJ controller, the Hercules Inpulse 200 MKII is a two-channel controller that works with the extremely popular Serato DJ software or Hercules’ own included DJUCED software to help you learn the fundamentals of DJing and start performing through your portable PA the second you’re ready.
A revised control system provides a more comfortable feel in your hands, while its jog wheels, EQ, channel faders, crossfader, pitch faders, and cue and play buttons give you instant control. It even offers stem separation, letting you create your own mashups of songs to put a unique spin on any performance.
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe
The Crosley Cruiser Deluxe is a great pick for both home and portable vinyl listening. And it’s easy to pair with portable PA systems.
Hosting a party at home? The Cruiser’s Bluetooth output can connect to your PA system to transmit your vinyl wirelessly.
Want to bring your records out in the open? You can still do the same thing.
Its included RCA output allows for a wired connection for portable PA speakers that don’t have Bluetooth inputs or a more stable connection.
Coming in a sleek briefcase format, with a useful carrying handle and a wide range of colours, this turntable is great for home and portable vinyl playback.
FAQs
How do I choose a portable PA system?
The best way to pick a portable PA system is by looking at the features and inputs and working out if you need them to perform. Consider the number and types of inputs, what instruments you can connect, if you need or want a media player, and what formats of media you want to play. Then, consider power and if you require batteries or mains power. Out of the systems that have these features, consider their sound quality and their maximum SPL output; you want something you like hearing and that kicks out enough sound for your shows.
How much does a good portable PA system cost?
A good portable PA system for most applications will tend to cost around £300 to £1000. However, for some use cases, you can find cheaper options with fewer features or more expensive options with bigger sound and even more features or inputs to choose from.
How many watts do I need in a PA system?
Rather than watts, it’s a better idea to look at the maximum SPL output ratings to give you a more accurate picture of how loud PA systems can get as wattages of PA systems don’t directly relate to their output volume anymore. The higher the SPL, the louder the speaker.
Final thoughts
There’s a broad range of features available in portable PA speakers, so we’ve had a lot of ground to cover, but there are options for all budgets, output volumes, and connectivity requirements.
No matter what and how you want to perform, at least one of our picks for the very best portable PA systems is sure to suit you and accompany you during the summer!
0 Comments