How to Connect Multiple Bluetooth Speakers Together

One speaker is great, but two or more can transform your audio experience. Whether you want stereo separation for better soundstage, louder volume for bigger gatherings, or synchronised music throughout a space, connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers together unlocks new possibilities. This guide walks you through the process for all major speaker brands and pairing technologies.

Modern Bluetooth speakers use various proprietary technologies to enable multi-speaker connections. While the general concept is similar across brands, each has its own process and terminology. We'll cover the most popular systems and provide step-by-step instructions for each.

Understanding Pairing Modes

Stereo Mode

Stereo mode pairs two identical speakers to create left and right channels, mimicking traditional stereo speaker setups. This provides genuine stereo separation with distinct left and right audio channels, creating a wider, more immersive soundstage. Stereo mode works best when speakers are positioned 1.5 to 3 metres apart, equidistant from the listener.

Party Mode

Party mode (sometimes called Amplify or Double Up) connects multiple speakers to play the same audio simultaneously. Unlike stereo mode, all speakers receive identical mono audio. This is ideal for filling large spaces with sound or placing speakers in different areas while maintaining synchronised playback.

JBL PartyBoost

JBL's PartyBoost technology is found on speakers including the Flip 6, Charge 5, Pulse 5, and Xtreme 3. Here's how to connect:

For Stereo Pairing (Two Speakers)

1. Power on both JBL speakers
2. Connect your phone to one of the speakers via Bluetooth
3. Press the PartyBoost button on the connected speaker (the button with two connected circles)
4. Press the PartyBoost button on the second speaker
5. The speakers will automatically link
6. Open the JBL Portable app to select stereo mode and assign left/right channels

For Party Mode (Multiple Speakers)

1. Follow steps 1-5 above
2. Add additional speakers by pressing their PartyBoost buttons
3. The JBL app allows control of all connected speakers

Ultimate Ears PartyUp

UE speakers like the BOOM 3, MEGABOOM 3, and HYPERBOOM support PartyUp for massive multi-speaker parties:

1. Download the UE BOOM app on your phone
2. Power on all speakers you want to connect
3. Connect your phone to one speaker via Bluetooth
4. Open the UE BOOM app and tap "PartyUp"
5. The app will scan for nearby UE speakers
6. Select each speaker you want to add
7. For stereo mode, tap the stereo option and assign left/right

PartyUp supports connecting over 150 speakers simultaneously, though most practical applications use two to ten units.

Sony Party Connect

Sony's Extra Bass speakers like the SRS-XB43 and XB33 use Party Connect:

1. Connect your phone to the primary speaker via Bluetooth
2. Press and hold the Party Connect button on the main speaker
3. The LED will flash, indicating pairing mode
4. Press the Party Connect button on additional speakers
5. Speakers will connect and synchronise automatically
6. Use the Sony Music Center app for additional control options

Bose SimpleSync and Party Mode

Bose speakers like the SoundLink Flex and Revolve series support their SimpleSync technology:

1. Download the Bose Connect app
2. Power on both speakers
3. Open the app and connect to the first speaker
4. Tap "Party Mode" or "Stereo Mode"
5. Select the second speaker from the list
6. For stereo, assign left and right channels in the app

Anker Soundcore PartyCast

Anker's Soundcore speakers like the Motion Boom and Soundcore 3 use PartyCast:

1. Connect your phone to the main speaker
2. Double-press the Bluetooth button on the main speaker to enter PartyCast mode
3. Press the Bluetooth button on additional speakers to join
4. The Soundcore app provides additional group controls

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Speakers Won't Connect

If speakers refuse to pair, try these steps: power cycle both speakers; forget them from your phone's Bluetooth settings and reconnect; check that both speakers are running the latest firmware; ensure speakers support the same multi-speaker technology (e.g., both must have PartyBoost).

Audio Out of Sync

Synchronisation issues can occur when speakers are running different firmware versions or when there's significant distance between units. Update all speakers to the same firmware version and bring them closer together. If issues persist, unpair and re-pair the speakers.

Volume Imbalance

In stereo mode, one speaker may sound louder than the other. Use the manufacturer app to check individual speaker volume levels and balance them. Also verify that speakers are placed equidistant from walls, as room acoustics can affect perceived volume.

Maximising Your Multi-Speaker Setup

Once connected, consider speaker placement for optimal sound. For stereo, create an equilateral triangle with the speakers and your listening position. For party mode, distribute speakers evenly throughout the space. Remember that more speakers don't always mean better sound—focus on even coverage rather than maximum quantity.

With your speakers successfully paired, you can enjoy enhanced audio whether you're hosting a party, enjoying music at home, or taking your setup outdoors. The flexibility of modern multi-speaker systems means your audio experience can adapt to any situation.