Bluetooth speakers are the latest innovation in wireless sound technology. While this technology is still in its nascent stages, it has already shown a lot of promise.

If you own a bluetooth enabled phone, you've already seen this technology in action as it allows wireless transfer of data between two phones remotely. The same principles work with bluetooth speakers.

In this article, I will talk about some of the best bluetooth speakers available and their salient features.

Bluetooth speakers are generally used as 'replacement' speakers. Currently, they do not have the power to replace a set of 5.1 surround sound system, or enough bass to liven up a big house party.

Nevertheless, what they lack in power, they more than make up for in portability. Because they are wireless and relatively small in size, you can carry them around anywhere. In fact, a lot of manufacturers make speakers designed specifically for use with laptops that you can just toss into your laptop bag.

Some of the best bluetooth speakers are made by major electronics manufacturers, namely Sony, Samsung, Philips, etc. Bose, Altec Lansing and JBL - three important speaker manufacturers have an extensive lineup as well.

Prices can range from less than $50 for a set of cheap, lightweight set to $400+ for a high quality Bose speaker system.

The first step to picking the best bluetooth speakers is understanding your own needs. If you just want a set of cheap, lightweight speakers you can use with your laptop, then an entry level Samsung or Logitech set would serve you well. But if you want something that you can lug around in your car, on picnics, and which can also serve as a desktop speaker replacement, you will have to shell out a few hundred dollars.

Some of the best bluetooth speakers available in the market today are:

1. Tenqa SP-109

This is an entry level offering from Tenqa that delivers 5 watts of stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and is great for use with iPods and mobile phones. Just don't expect it to bring down the house with its volume. Prices start as low as $44.90

2. Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade Bluetooth A2DP Speaker

This offering from Altec Lansing delivers clear, high quality audio without compromising on portability. It connects automatically to your mobile phone or bluetooth enabled device. Small and lightweight, this mid-range bluetooth speaker delivers a great performance. Prices start at $149.

3. Sony SRS-BTM30

An entry level offering from Sony, the SRS-BTM30 runs on 3 AA batteries and doesn't compromise on quality. The two speakers work on bluetooth, and weigh in at just 1.6lbs. Prices start as low as $69.

4. Creative D100

This Creative offering weighs in at just 2.2lbs and works on 4 AA batteries that can play non-stop for 25 hours straight. It is compatible with all bluetooth enabled devices. The sound quality is uniformly high. Prices start at $76.

5. Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

This Bose system is probably the best set of bluetooth speakers that you can buy. It is compatible with not just your bluetooth enabled devices, but also older iPod models. Like the various other offerings from Bose, this speaker system too offers almost life-like sound. If you have the extra cash and want a high quality speaker set that will make guests green with envy, the SoundDock 10 is the system for you. The price, however, is a hefty $599, though it is worth each and every cent.