How to Make a DIY Bluetooth Speaker for Under $10

Making your own Bluetooth speaker is an easy and inexpensive way to get great sound. With just a few basic components, you can build a Bluetooth speaker for under $10 in less than an hour.

What You'll Need

• Empty cardboard box - This will serve as the speaker enclosure. Opt for a small- to medium-sized box.
• Bluetooth audio module - This component ($8-$10 on Amazon) contains the Bluetooth receiver, amplifier, and audio connections.
• Speaker drivers - Small 2-4" speaker drivers provide the sound. Salvage these from an old device or purchase inexpensive drivers.
• Wires - Regular copper speaker wire works well.
• 9V battery - Power the Bluetooth module.
• Hot glue gun
• Craft supplies - To decorate the speaker (optional).

Steps to Build a DIY Bluetooth Speaker

1. Prepare the Speaker Enclosure

First, flip your cardboard box upside down so the open side is facing up. This side will become the top of the speaker. If needed, cut away any unnecessary flaps or pieces so the top is flat.

Decorate the outside of the box if desired with paint, markers, glitter, etc. Just leave the top flap free of decorations - this will remain movable to access the electronics inside.

2. Add the Bluetooth Module

Most Bluetooth audio modules have screw terminals for the speaker connections. Unscrew these terminals and set the module in the center of the cardboard enclosure. Use hot glue to adhere the module in place along its edges.

Be sure not to get any glue on the components or in the screw terminals.

3. Connect the Speakers

First, strip about 1/2" of insulation from the ends of your speaker wire. Twist the copper strands together to prevent fraying.

Next, connect one end of the speaker wire to the positive and negative screw terminals on the Bluetooth module. It doesn't matter which wire goes to positive or negative.

Finally, connect the other end of the speaker wires to the positive and negative terminals on the speaker drivers. Make sure to maintain polarity - positive to positive, negative to negative.

Use hot glue to adhere the speaker drivers to the inside walls of the enclosure near the top flap.

4. Connect the Battery

The Bluetooth audio module likely requires a 9V battery for power. Snap the 9V connector onto the battery terminals.

Then, connect the battery to the power terminals on the Bluetooth module, making note of the polarity. Often the power terminals are labeled with positive (+9) and negative (-G).

5. Power On and Pair

Turn on the Bluetooth module using the small power switch on the board. The module will enter pairing mode and should be visible to nearby Bluetooth devices.

On your phone, tablet, or computer, turn on Bluetooth and select the module from the list of available devices. The device will often be listed as something generic like "BT Speaker".

Once paired, you can start playing music! Adjust the volume on both the source device and the speaker for the ideal listening level.

The small Bluetooth speaker is ready to enjoy anywhere within range. When not in use, make sure to turn off the module to conserve battery life.

Customization Ideas

• Add an auxiliary input - This allows wired connections from devices like MP3 players.
• Integrate a USB charging port - Lets you charge a phone from the 9V battery.
• Include LED lights - For visual effects synced to the music.
• Build a stand - Fashion a stand from cardboard to angle the speaker upward.
• Waterproof the enclosure - Seal the box and speaker drivers to make the system water resistant.

With just a little time and effort, you can build an inexpensive but surprisingly good-sounding Bluetooth speaker! The project is also very customizable, so you can tweak the design to fit your needs.