Finding that perfect new portable PA system can take a bit of time. Whether you’re planning a special event and want the speeches to be heard in all their glory, busking at your local train station, or putting together create the party of the century, you want a ‘proper’ PORTABLE PA, one that won’t let you down when everyone’s watching!
Relax my friend
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’re comparing the UK’s top portable speaker products and digging out the best battery powered PAs you can transport anywhere.
Quick look – the best portable PA we’ve found is…
In This Guide
What are most people using portable PA systems for?
- Wedding and other kinds of speeches
- Busking
- Events where there’s a crowd and you need to be heard
- Music at parties and events
- Fun stuff too – like Karaoke
- Hiring out to generate some income
- For dance teachers or fitness classes
- Bingo calling and quiz nights
Are battery powered PA systems really any good?
It can be a real pain trying to find somewhere to ‘plug in’, even if your event is in a bar or function room – it might not be the right spot. It’s pretty useful having the option of BOTH mains or battery operated.
A good quality battery powered PA will have exactly the same ‘oomph’ as when it’s plugged in as when it’s running on battery.
#1 Choice: QTX -QR Battery Portable PA
About this rechargeable speaker and mic
The QTX-QR portable PAs are and all-in-one rechargeable battery-powered PA system. It has the amp and speaker built in and it’s one of the best-selling speaker and mic systems in 2021. It comes with 2 wireless mics, SD or USB input for music and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
It comes in 3 different sizes, depending on the size of venue and amount of power you’ll need:
- QR10PA – 10″ Version
- QR12PA – 12″ Version
- QR15PA – 15″ Version
One of the most popular portable PAs
If, like us, you like to do some research before buying a product, then you’ll be pleased to know this portable speaker PA has some excellent reviews on Amazon. It’s proved a big hit with anyone from buskers to singers, to people wanting something for a wedding speech. Buyers love how portable and reliable this Mic & speaker is.
Lots of features but easy to get up and running
There’s a lot of depth in the QTX portable PA’s features but, if you just want to turn on and do the job, it will work fine out of the box. This is one of the most straight forward-to-use PAs on the market today. There’s trouble setting up and getting started.
This PA will also play music from a variety of sources too. You get double mic inputs on the rear and you can play music via USB or SD card.
Tough design and lengthy battery life
While you might not get the full 8 hours described in the specs (depending on what you’re doing – and how loud you’re doing it) you’ll find that the battery here will get you a solid few hours heavy use.
This speaker has a professional kind of toughness to it, which we like. The case is an extremely strong plastic and feels like it’s built to withstand any accidental bumps and knocks it might get out there in the field.
Comes with 2 decent quality wireless mics
You get 2 x VHF wireless mics here that are a pretty good quality considering the price. They are prefect for speeches, presentations and karaoke nights. The mics work well and have a good range, with zero distortion or other weird sounds when using them.
Impressive sound quality
You can expect a good all-round sound quality from this portable mic PA system. We’re happy to report there’s no buzzing, distortion or feedback with whether playing music or using your voice. It sounds great outdoors or in large rooms as it does in smaller indoor spaces.
What can it be used for?
- Busking / bands
- Karaoke / Singing
- Speeches
- Outdoor use
- Bass & Guitar
Verdict
BEST ALL ROUND BATTERY POWERED PA MIC SYSTEM
This is easily the best all-round portable PA system out there. It’s a decent price and comes with everything you need for everything from speeches at a wedding to crazy party nights. It’s super-sturdy and, most importantly, sounds fantastic. If you’re after a new PA system you can take anywhere, look no further than one of the QTX – QR PAs.
- Top quality sound
- Good value for money
- two decent wireless mics
- Good play time per charge
- Choice of music inputs
- Wide range of uses
- Solid construction
- No Bluetooth
#2 Busker-10 / 12 / 15
A great little portable PA
Although it’s called the Busker 10, this is a fully fledged PA that could be used for a while host of PA requirements, not just busking.
Having said that… it’s a really good buy if you are going busking!
This rechargeable speaker comes in 3 sizes to suit any sized crowd:
- Busker 10 (10″ speaker)
- Busker 12 (12″ speaker)
- Busker 15 (15″ speaker)
While the stated 6 hours battery life is at the top end, you should get at least 3 hours battery operated busking time from this and the volume is extremely loud (if that’s what you need!)
The sound quality is super-clear and both bass sound and mid-sounds sound extremely good.
This is also a very compact PA that’s ideal for transporting around. To make moving around a bit easier, you’ve also got a handy retractable handle and some transport wheels. It’s very easy to pull around and will happily tackle bumps and gaps in paving stones.
There’s a host of ways to get your music on this battery PA, including Bluetooth, FM radio and trusty old USB. There’s separate volume controls for mic and a special one for guitar.
Mix quality is stable and feedback free. And you also get a nifty little remote control.
Portable PA Features
- 2 mic ports
- Inputs: Bluetooth / USB / SD Card / FM radio
- Echo effect on the mic
- Transport wheels
- Includes 1 wireless mics and remote control
- Available in 10, 12 and 15 inches
Verdict
BEST FOR: Buskers or anyone looking for a cheap transportable PA system.
The Busker 10 is an absolute steal at the price it’s on sale for now. It does everything a good battery powered PA should do and then some. It sounds good, it’s well made and it’s hard to imagine anyone not being pleased with it. It comes in a range of sizes, so there should be a perfect size you.
- Tons of inputs, including Bluetooth
- Really good sound for the price
- Included mic works fine
- No distortion on the sound
- Good design that should last
- Easy to move around
- Some problems getting the Audio out connection
#3 Vonyx Bluetooth Portable PA
A powerful, easy-to-use battery operated system
Vonyx are no strangers to PA systems and their rechargeable portable speaker makes for a sound choice for pretty much all users.
This PA is available in two sizes:
- AP1200 PA (12″ model)
- AP1500 PA (15″ model)
Sound quality is good with both versions and there’s a respectable bass of around 20Hz and an upper range stretching to 15KHz. This means whether you need to get something good for voice, or for growling bass, this unit is versatile enough to cover it.
There’s a 5-band graphic equalizer to allow you to set the sound up just how you like it. And, if you’re wondering if this PA has enough power for your needs, the sort answer is YES! Anyone from stage users to large gym classes through to more intimate gigs will find this a really good choice.
There’s a lot of different ways to get your music onto the Vonxy portable PA. From bluetooth through to USB, and even SD card. They all work quickly and painlessly. This product also has FM radio built in. One of the best things is the LCD panel to the rear that lets you see exactly which tracks or stations you’re putting on.
Everything worked as expected on this PA, from the Bluetooth to the 2 includes radio mics.
Battery powered PA features
- Play tunes through Bluetooth , USB sticks & more
- Built in FM radio
- Includes 2 wireless mics
- 5 band equalizer.
- Separate inputs for mics and guitars at rear
- Remote control
Verdict
BEST PORTABLE PA FOR: Anyone looking for a professional-quality battery powered PA that’s easy to use and packed with features.
- Great quality sound
- Equalizer lets you tweak audio to hearts content
- Solid build quality
- Good range of connection options
- Loud enough for around larger events
- Mouth needs to be close to the mics for best results
- Not the cheapest battery powered PA we’ve seen
Portable PA – BUYER’S GUIDE
Tap tap… is this thing on
There’s nothing more cringe inducing than someone struggling with a portable battery powered PA that’s clearly not up to the job.
Speeches cutting out. Screeching feedback. Inconsistent volumes.
Make it all stop!
There’s enough to sort without the PA throwing a fit and wrecking your day. A good PA should do the job and not require any ‘faffing’ about. Here’s some things to think about when picking the best battery powered PA for your cash.
Above: BUSKER-15 – Amazon UK
How portable is this PA?
It’s easy to get lost in your WATTs and your inputs. But don’t forget you’ll have to lug this bad boy around too. Shoot for some, or prefarably all of these:
- Top carry handle
- Pull out handle (like on a suitcase)
- And wheels to drag it around
- Side carry handle (more rare, but really useful!)
Build quality – how tough is your PA?
Rushing to a meeting, or someone just knocking into your PA. It’s going to need to be able to roll with the punches and not drop to bits the first ‘ding’ it gets. The quality of the cabinet should stand the test of time and be able to take a bit of punishment.
Our guides always look into how well put together a product is.
Is this a kid’s toy, or a serious professional bit of kit?
If you read the description of any portable speaker and mic system on say Amazon, they all sound like the best thing since sliced bread (well, they’re not going to say they’re rubbish, are they?) But there’s a bit difference in quality between PA systems, with some that just don’t have what you need from a professional standpoint.
It’s one thing having something to play with at a party, but for proper stuff you’ll need to get the right portable speaker. Realistically, anything under £100 might give cause for concern, although there are some bargains to be found. But just be mindful that as the price drops under this level, you’ll have to take a hit on the quality of the PA.
How much of the battery life is HYPE?
If you’re going for a decent portable PA then the battery life has to be up to the job. The trouble is it’s hard getting a sense for how much play time you’ll actually get from a full charge. Just because a battery powered PA states it’s an 8 hour play time, doesn’t mean it will do that. Depending on the kind of use, it could go as low as 2 – 3 hours actual time.
Feedback and sound quality
It’s got to be loud enough to fill your space. Whether that’s a huge hall, or a corner of a bar on a speed-dating night! It’s also got to sound good. No screechy feedback or bouncing blurting bass distortion. A good PA has to sound good with high and low volumes and be able to play music and voice just as happily.
We look at all of these things when reviewing battery-powered PAs.
What kind of mics come with the PA?
You’ll be hard pressed to find the old-style wired mics (thankfully!) so you’ll be looking at some nice new wireless mics with your PA. Mic quality is definitely something to keep an eye on. Some portable PAs will come with two mics.
The bundles mics that come with portable battery PAs can be a mixed bag. Realistically, unless it’s an extremely top end setup, the mics may just be OK to Good. You can of course upgrade the mics at a later stage and get a serious mic, especially if you’re a singer and need something better.
Checking your mic and speaker work outdoors
It’s super-easy to get something to sound ‘loud’ in an enclosed indoor space, but is it going to fade away in an open-air situation, with a bunch of ambient noise like traffic, people and other instruments? For you buskers and street performers you need a decent PA that has some serious power (especially if you’re using it for bass guitar).
What distance do the wireless mics work from?
Whether you’re doing a wedding speech, or just getting people’s attention at an event, you might not need to stray too far from the amp.
Bluetooth streaming
You’d think everything would have Bluetooth these days. But nope. Not everything! You’ll have to weigh up wgat yoiu’re planning to use your new battery powered PA for and if you need bluetooth streaming. Some so offer this or usually USB input at the least.
