Gadgets: Bluetooth Wearable Speaker


Bluetooth speakers are easily paired with a phone. They allow you to listen to music or podcasts without having to be wired and tethered.


My first experience with Bluetooth speakers was the Oontz Angle 3. A weather proof, portable speaker about the size of a hot dog. This works fine when working out in the backyard or listening when I shower (I have a little shelf that sits above my shower area). I've also taken it on photoshoots (clients are put in a relaxed, comfortable mood and I get better expressions when I play some upbeat pop music). I've also taken it along on picnics, disc golfing (in a side pocket of my backpack), etc. so ya, I like this speaker a lot.

BUT ...

It's a little too big to carry around while: hiking, running, biking, skateboarding, scootering. Those are some situations where a speaker is better than headphones or earbuds. You lose situational awareness when you bike or scooter with earbuds in. Cars or other bikes could sneak up behind you and be a real danger. 

SO ...


I looked around and saw an ad for a wearable speaker made by Noxgear called the 39g. But $70 for this? Hmm ... I figured I could find something that essentially did the same thing for less. Off to Amazon!


I eventually ended up buying a rainproof, wearable speaker made by ANCwear. It's small, discreet and inexpensive (about $20). Sound quality: Good enough. Durability: I've dropped it a few times and it still works just fine. 


The speaker comes with several options on how to wear it: You can clip it to a shirt, wear it on your wrist, or (the way I use it) hang it off a little clip. The clip will let you hang it off a backpack strap, on your belt. I hang it off a lanyard around my neck. This also keeps the speaker close to my ears (than my belt) for better sound. 

I'll power up the speaker before I get going, set one of my (many) favorite playlists to groove and go!

Below are a few more options that I found:


"Shoe horse" style: I'm not sure about these as they might fall off while running, skateboarding, scootering. I'll try one of these out and post about what I find / learn.







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