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Article updated on August 13, 2024 at 4:16 AM PDT

Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact Waterproof Wireless Speakers

These pocket rocket portable mini Bluetooth speakers will keep you entertained on the go.

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What to consider

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new Bluetooth speaker.

Be sure to balance size with performance if you're looking for something that's easily portable.

Many Bluetooth speakers are now fully waterproof and some are fully dust-proof. If you're planning on taking the speaker with you to the beach or on a hiking trip, consider a more durable speaker.

Speakerphone Capabilities

Some speakers have a built-in microphone that turns them into a speakerphone when making calls on your cell phone.

What is the best mini Bluetooth speaker overall?

A portable speaker can be great for entertainment on the go, but you've got to be careful when looking to spend money on a mini Bluetooth speaker. Not all small Bluetooth speaker options on the market are worth the money. That being said, there are good quality budget Bluetooth speaker options if you know what to look for. To help you pick the best portable speaker for your needs, we've put together this guide. From looking for the best one to travel with to looking for a speaker on a budget, we've gathered a list of the best mini Bluetooth speakers. It's hard to pick one top model, but some of our favorites include the Bose SoundLink Flex and Tribit StormBox Micro 2 , both of which earned our prestigious CNET Editors' Choice Award. And we recently added the new Beats Pill to the list.

Note that we also have a separate list of the best overall Bluetooth speakers of 2024 , which offers beefier portable wireless speakers and includes wireless Bluetooth boom boxes with built-in handles. This list only includes more compact models, most of which weigh 2 pounds or less. Many are fully waterproof.

Best mini Bluetooth wireless speakers of 2024

Great sound for the size
Waterproof and dust-proof with powder-coated steel grille for durability
Smart position technology delivers optimized sound
Uses old Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0
Not as loud as advertised

Compact and powerful

Bose soundlink flex.

When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. It mostly lives up to the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker for its relatively compact size. Available in three colors -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- the speaker is IP67 dust- and waterproof, and rated for 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels.

It's also equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it's upright, hanging or flat on its back. The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that "won't peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light."

While Bose's SoundLink Micro also delivers impressive sound for its tiny size, this speaker is bigger, weighing just over a pound (0.45 kg) and measuring 7.9 inches wide, 2.1 inches deep and 3.6 inches high (20 by 5.3 by 9.1cm), so the Flex sounds significantly better than the Micro. For some reason, it uses the older Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0, but I didn't have any problems with connectivity.

Bose says it can fill a living room with sound. From my tests, I'd say it would have to be a relatively small living room -- it can only output so much sound as a single speaker. If you pair two of them together in stereo mode, the sound gets to a whole other level and indeed fills a larger room with sound.

Very good sound quality for its size
Strong battery life
USB-C audio and charge-out feature
IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
Speakerphone capability
Integrated lanyard
No auxiliary input
Heavier than Bose SoundLink Flex

Best Bluetooth speaker from Apple

Beats pill (2024).

The Beats Pill has improved in some key ways from its predecessor, particularly when it comes to sound quality, durability, battery life and price point. I do like the form factor and lighter weight of the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the Pill does have a few extras like USB-C audio wired mode and speakerphone functionality that are appealing.

You'll have to decide how important those extras are when weighing the Pill against the Bose SoundLink Flex. But any way you look at it, the Pill is a very good compact Bluetooth speaker. Like the Bose, it's an easy portable wireless speaker to recommend, especially if its price dips by $20 to $30, as the SoundLink Flex's price sometimes does during flash sales.

Good sound for its ultracompact size and modest price
Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
Integrated strap
USB-C charging in/out with 12 hours of battery life
Not as durable as Bose SoundLink Micro
Distorts slightly at higher volumes with certain tracks

Best value micro Bluetooth speaker

Tribit stormbox micro 2.

Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose's excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike's handlebars.

Like the original, it's an excellent value and easy to recommend if you're looking for a super compact portable wireless speaker.

Impressive sound for its small size
Fully waterproof
Excellent battery life
Design is slightly bland

Tribit's take on Bose Flex

Tribit stormbox flow.

Tribit's StormBox Flow is another Bose SoundLink Flex knockoff for less that shares some similarities with the Soundcore Motion 300, including the same list price. The Tribit may actually sound slightly better than the Motion 300, edging it out for bass performance by a tad. But the Anker speaker wins on design.

Like the SoundLink Flex, the Tribit StormBox Flow can be laid down flat with its speaker firing up. You can also wirelessly pair two of the speakers together for stereo sound.

It has an IP67 water-resistance rating, which means it's dust-resistant and fully waterproof. Tribit says it delivers up to 30 hours of audio at moderate volume levels. That's impressive.

Very good sound for its small size
Sounds slightly overdriven with bass boost on

Bose Flex alternative for less

Soundcore by anker motion 300.

Bose's excellent SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker sells for around $150 and sometimes goes on sale for less. The Soundcore Motion 300 is Anker's answer to that Bose speaker. Around the same size as the Bose, it doesn't sound quite as good, but it sounds impressive for its compact size and costs only $80.

Like the SoundLink Flex, the Motion 300 can be laid down flat with its speaker firing up toward the ceiling (or sky), or propped up as shown in the photo above. It's IPX7 waterproof and delivers up to 13 hours of audio at moderate volume levels. There's also support for Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless streaming with LDAC.

The speaker has a bass boost button that does amp up the low end a bit. But I actually thought the speaker sounded a bit better without the bass boost engaged, because it seemed slightly overdriven with the boost on. The bass just doesn't sound that tight at higher volumes. That's where the Bose does better.

Good value mini Bluetooth speaker

Soundcore mini 3 by anker.

The very compact Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker by Anker may not deliver huge sound but it delivers more sound than you'd think (with just enough bass) from a speaker of its size. Available in multiple color options and weighing around 8 ounces or 223 grams, it has an integrated strap and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

The 6-watt Mini 3 sounds fairly similar to the new Sony SRS-XB100 , which retails for $60 or around $20 more, and features good battery life -- up to 15 hours at moderate volume levels. You can wirelessly link multiple Mini 3s together to create a wider sound field, but most people will use this speaker for casual listening on the go. It also makes for a good bathroom or shower speaker and does have speakerphone capabilities with a built-in microphone.

Best mini canister speaker

Sony srs-xb100.

For 2023, Sony's smallest Bluetooth speaker has once again been modestly upgraded, with a new Bluetooth chipset and slightly improved sound and speakerphone performance. This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and, like its predecessor (the SRS-XB13), it's rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and it charges via USB-C. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the AAC and SBC audio codecs, the speaker plays bigger than you'd think for its small size, with some punch to its bass. It's pretty impressive for a mini mono speaker.

Although the 9.6-ounce (272-gram) speaker appears to have the same design as the XB13, Sony says its new sound diffusion processor "realizes richer spread sound," which basically means this has a bit wider soundstage, which I can confirm. It can output only so much sound -- yes, it has its limitations -- but if you add a second XB100, you can get stereo sound. Alas, there's no companion app, but that isn't a huge deal.

The XB100 is available in multiple color options and includes a strap so you can attach it to various objects. It also has speakerphone capabilities with an integrated microphone (as I said, the speakerphone's performance has been improved, and callers said they could hear me clearly indoors).

One of the best-sounding speaker for its size
Good design
Listen to it horizontally or vertically
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
A liittle overpriced

Better-sounding Flip

With each new version of the Flip, JBL makes small improvements, and while the latest model -- the Flip 6 -- doesn't look much different from the Flip 5 on the outside, it does feature improved sound. It has two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter and dual passive radiators that help the Flip 6 deliver much deeper bass than you think it could.

It's fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating. Like the Flip 5, it's rated for up to 12 hours of audio playback at moderate volume levels and charges via USB-C. Available in multiple color options, it's one of the best-sounding speakers for its compact size.

Strong sound for the price
Fully waterproof and durable
Attractive design with tasteful logo
Good battery life
Long charging time

Best sound under $60

Tribit maxsound plus.

The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best-sounding speakers in its size and price class. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and superior audio quality for a Bluetooth speaker. Be sure to activate the instant coupon on the product page for 10% off.

Decent sound for size
Covered in stylish, durable fabric in multiple color options
Waterproof and dust-proof
Shorter battery life

Pocket-friendly

The JBL Bluetooth speaker that received the biggest improvements over the previous model is among the company's smallest. The JBL Go 3 has a completely new look -- it's now covered in durable fabric instead of having the naked plastic design of its Go predecessors -- and that new design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its small size, makes the Go 3 one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.

Available in multiple color options, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can be dunked in water and is dustproof. Battery life is rated at up to five hours.

Small JBL Go 3 speaker resting on a table near a stack of books.

Very good sound for its size with decent bass
Rugged design
Extended wireless range (40 meters)
Waterproof and dust-proof (and it floats)
Micro-USB charging (not USB-C)
Less slim than some micro Bluetooth speakers

Most durable

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

We liked Ultimate Ears' Wonderboom 2 and the third-generation model, the Wonderboom 3, offers some small improvements, including slightly better battery life (up to 14 hours instead of 13, at moderate volume levels) and a new Bluetooth chip that allows for extended wireless range of over 130 feet (40 meters). The design has not changed, although the speaker now comes in different color options.

Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 carries a list price of $100 but sometimes sells for a little less. Its IP67 rating means that it's not only waterproof but also dust-proof (and able to float).

This model retains the special Outdoor Boost mode that boosts treble and you can link two together (or pair a Wonderboom 3 to a Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo sound pairing by simply pressing a button on each speaker. As far as I can tell, the Wonderboom 3 sounds very similar to the Wonderboom 2 and features very good sound for its small size. That said, while there's some punch to the bass (being short yet squat helps it produce more low-end), it can only deliver so much kick.

Alas, Ultimate Ears, which is owned by Logitech, has not upgraded the charging port to USB-C. The speaker still charges with a Micro-USB cable, which is a bit of a bummer.

Very compact
Good sound for its tiny size
Fully waterproof and dust-proof with an IP67 rating
Speakerphone
Only outputs so much sound, particularly bass

Best Marshall micro speaker

Marshall willen.

Marshall's little mono Willen speaker is similar to Bose's SoundLink Micro and other micro speakers like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. Also like those speakers, it has an integrated strap on its base so you can clip it onto a backpack or even to your bike's handlebars. Its 2-inch full-range driver and two passive radiators put out more sound than you'd think it would for its tiny size, and it offers decent clarity as well as just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny (you can choose from three preset sound modes).

Battery life is good at around 15 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels, and the speaker is IPX67 dust-proof and waterproof. The main strike against it is its $120 price -- ideally, it would cost around $80, although right now you can pick it up on sale for $100. It's nicely designed, feels rugged and fits in a jacket pocket, weighing just 0.68-pound (308 grams).

The Willen can stand up vertically or lay down horizontally and has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. It comes in a couple of color options and can be linked wirelessly with other Willen speakers to augment the sound.

Plays pretty loud with decent bass and reasonable clarity
LED light show
Fully waterproof 
A little generic looking

Best value mini Bluetooth party speaker

Tribit xsound mega.

Over the last few years, Tribit has made several Bluetooth speakers that deliver a lot of boom for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the list.

Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as more of an outdoor speaker -- a lanyard is included for toting it around as a sort of mini boombox -- but it works just fine indoors. It has an LED light show that you can turn on or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Additionally, it can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile devices.

In my tests, the speaker compared pretty favorably to more expensive speakers like the JBL Charge 5. There's plenty of bass and the speaker plays loud for its size, with decent clarity. It's a mono speaker with a single driver and two bass radiators -- that's how you get all that bass. So while you can expect big sound, the soundstage doesn't feel all that wide, particularly at lower volumes. It actually sounds better at higher volumes.

Durable with integrated carabiner clip
Good volume and bass
Waterproof in shallow water
Not the best sound
Pricey compared to many micro Bluetooth speakers

Best for clipping onto a backpack

For its first three generations, JBL's Clip micro Bluetooth speaker had a circular design. For the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging. This portable Bluetooth speaker does seem more durable, with a sturdier integrated carabiner clip. Also, it sounds a little better, with more volume, clearer sound and more bass. With an IP67 water resistance rating, it can survive being dunked in shallow water and is dust-proof. The Clip 4 is right up there with the best overall micro Bluetooth speakers.

Great battery life
Only OK sound

Excellent value

Tribit xsound go.

At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has excellent battery life -- up to 24 hours at 50% volume levels.

Factors to consider when choosing a mini Bluetooth speaker

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new Bluetooth speaker. Value-priced wireless speakers continue to improve, so you can find good "cheap" Bluetooth Bluetooth speakers from Chinese brands like Tribit for not too much money (less than $60). If you're looking for a more premium speaker, you can expect to pay $100 or more, especially for larger portable speakers that deliver better sound

Bigger speakers tend to sound better, delivering a bigger sound with more bass. Going bigger means they weigh more, which can make them a little harder to carry around. So you have to balance size with performance if you're looking for something that's easily portable. If you're interested in a larger portable speaker, one feature worth looking out for is a built-in handle.

Many Bluetooth speakers are now fully waterproof and some are fully dustproof. If you're planning on taking the speaker with you to the beach or on a hiking trip, having a more durable speaker is a desirable trait.

Speakerphone capabilities

Some speakers have a built-in microphone that turns them into a speakerphone when making calls on your cell phone. Many speakers don't offer that feature, so choose accordingly if that's something you're looking for.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

In assessing what the best Bluetooth speakers are, we consider the design of the speaker, and particularly how durable it seems, along with sound quality and overall value. The list includes everything from compact mini models and pocket-size micro versions to heftier models with powerful audio. For more, check out our lists of the best smart speakers and the best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems .

Other Bluetooth speakers we tested

Tribit XSound Go : Despite being on the market for several years, the Tribit XSound Go remains one of the top Bluetooth speakers for the money. Besides sounding decent for streaming your favorite music and more, this affordable Bluetooth speaker is also fully waterproof. It has had some small upgrades over the years.

JBL Pulse 5 : JBL's Pulse speaker is now in its fifth generation, and both the sound quality and 360-degree light show have been improved. JBL has "expanded the transparent outer body" so the customizable light show looks more impressive. (There's a companion app for iOS and Android that allows you to alter the colorful lighting effects.) The speaker is also IP67 dustproof and waterproof, and it offers up to 12 hours of battery at moderate volume levels.

Tribit StormBox : The StormBox looks like a cross between a UE and a JBL speaker. We suspect that's not an accident. This fully waterproof speaker costs significantly less than the JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6 and produces a bigger sound. Its rechargeable battery offers up to 20 hours of battery life for playing music and more. Tribit's XSound speakers are probably a better value, but the StormBox is more stylish.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) : A couple of years ago, Bang & Olufsen upgraded its dome-shaped aluminum-clad A1 speaker with improved battery life, better speakerphone performance (it now has a three-microphone array) and slightly improved sound. It's not only the smallest wireless speaker from the Danish company, it's technically the most affordable.

Bose SoundLink Micro : Although a little pricey and due to be upgraded, the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It's a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and is available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find.

Anker Soundcore Motion Plus : Anker's Soundcore Motion Plus came out in 2019, but it remains one of the best-sounding speakers for around $100. It's larger than many mini Bluetooth speakers, but it's still compact. It manages to sound quite a bit fuller than much of the competition in its price range, with bigger bass, more volume and better clarity. It's also fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and has support for the aptX streaming codec for devices like Samsung's Galaxy phones that support it.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore : While it's a little overpriced for the sound quality it delivers, the Beosound Explore is a very good little speaker that has a sleek, eye-catching design, is fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating), and offers excellent battery life, with up to 27 hours of music listening at moderate volume levels.

Tribit XSound Mega : Over the last few years, Tribit has made several Bluetooth speakers that deliver a lot of boom for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the list. Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as more of an outdoor speaker -- a lanyard is included for toting it around as a sort of mini boombox -- but it works just fine indoors. It has an LED light show that you can turn on or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Additionally, it can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile devices.

Bluetooth wireless speaker FAQ

How do i choose a bluetooth speaker.

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, what it really comes down to is size and price. If you're looking for a very portable speaker, you'll want to get something very compact, but remember that smaller speakers usually produce less sound and bass than larger ones. While there are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver a bigger sound than you might expect, they do have their sonic limitations. For a lot of people, it's a question of finding a speaker that's not too big or too small -- one that travels well but also is capable of producing good sound for its size. But finding the best portable Bluetooth speaker also comes down to your budget.

Price can be a limiting factor. You may not want to spend $150 or more for a small speaker. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for $100, and some decent mini Bluetooth speakers can cost less than $50. Also, certain "value" brands that sell primarily on Amazon are strongly worth considering because they do offer a lot for the money.

If you're looking for the best sound quality, as I said, bigger is usually better, and some larger portable Bluetooth speakers -- sometimes referred to as Bluetooth boom boxes -- can put out a lot of sound and have an integrated handle for toting them around.

What is the loudest Bluetooth speaker?

The loudest Bluetooth speakers are the biggest ones. Sometimes they're referred to as boom boxes or "party" speakers. Some of those speakers are portable and have built-in rechargeable batteries while the biggest party speakers literally have wheels on them for transport and need to be plugged in with an AC adapter because they require so much power.

We have a list of the best wireless boom box speakers if you're looking for a bigger Bluetooth speaker. It's also worth noting that Bluetooth speakers from the same company can be daisy-chained together to augment their sound or paired together as a left-right stereo pair. Often, the best way to get a bigger sound is to pair two Bluetooth speakers together in a stereo pair.

Are mini Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Mini Bluetooth speakers are increasingly being made waterproof, which means they can be fully submerged in water. A few models even float. For full waterproofing, look for an IPX rating of IPX7 or higher. Sometimes speakers will also have a dust-resistance rating. For example, an IP68 speaker is fully dust-proof and fully waterproof. The first number is the dust-resistance rating while the second refers to water resistance. So a speaker with an IP68 rating has the same water-resistance rating as an IPX8-rated speaker.

The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers for any budget

Simply the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers you can buy

The Sonos Roam against a multi-colored background

Best overall
Best budget
Best mid-range
Best for sound
Best for parties
Best for charge
Best for battery
Best premium
Best for design
Also consider
How to choose
How we test
Latest updates

The best Bluetooth speakers have become a staple household (and travel) item thanks to their compact size and convenience for listening anywhere, whether you're in the shower, mowing the lawn, chilling in your hotel room, having a house party or cleaning the kitchen.

We've been testing the best portable speakers for years, in all shapes and sizes – and crucially, for all budgets. Audiophile sound quality and a thumping low end is always going to be a big ask if you're looking at something the size of a coffee cup, but you can get a portable speaker that delivers balanced and clear audio outdoors, especially if you go larger. These are our priorities when testing Bluetooth speakers and obviously we balance that with battery life and price – aka value for money.

If your biggest priority is a rugged speaker design that can deal with being dropped and dunked, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers is a great place to look. And if portability isn't a factor, check out our guide to the best wireless speakers .

The quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out which Bluetooth speakers are the absolute best in the business? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices for different needs. You can also jump to a more detailed review of each product, and the best deals on them online.

The best Bluetooth speaker overall

The Sonos Roam delivers powerful sound for a small box, a rugged design that can take a tumble, excellent connectivity features (including Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth) and even smart home control.

The best budget Bluetooth speaker

The most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've tested, with great sound quality. It's not the loudest option, but at this size and price, you can't buy better.

The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker that sticks to the basics, and gets them all right. This rugged model is super simple to use, sounds good and can be linked to up to 100 other JBL speakers to create a big wall of sound.

Bang & Olufasen Beosound A1 2nd Gen in green on white background

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound This sophisticated speaker offers crisp audio performance that makes it ideal for the audiophile: think impeccable balance between bass, mid and treble in a bijou design. Read more below

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties A large speaker packed with features. It sounds great and is well-balanced with powerful bass. It's also waterproof, easy to carry, has top battery life – and is ready to party!

JBL Charge 5 speaker on white background

Best Bluetooth for reverse charging

Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof).

The best premium Bluetooth speaker

This robust, go-anywhere wireless speaker isn't the cheapest option, but the sound will make you overlook its steeper price tag. Want your soirée to go with a bang? Look no further.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom on white background

The best Bluetooth speaker for design

This 2023 starlet looks the absolute business. It's pricey, but if you want that funky Ultimate Ears design aesthetic and sound, it's back – in a big way. Read more below

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.

Recent updates

July 30, 2024 Updated the 'Also consider' section with information about the latest products we've reviewed, and why they didn't make it into this list.

1. Sonos Roam

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You own more Sonos speakers: Given that you can pair multiple Sonos speakers together, the Roam is perfect for a home audio system. ✅ You like your tech to look as good as it sounds: Sonos' minimalist design aesthetic makes it standout in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space.

❌ You're an audiophile: The Roam's sound quality isn't flawless due to the bass being a little unruly. Instead, look to B&O at #4 in this list for the best in portable audio. ❌ You're often far from a plug: With only 10 hours of battery, the Roam offers a lot less than most like the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list , which doubles it at 20 hours.

What you need to know: Since its release in 2021, the Sonos Roam has remained our favorite Bluetooth speaker, winning the TechRadar Choice Awards two years in a row (2021 and 2022). While there are plenty of portable speaker options around, the Roam remains our top pick for its big, room-filling sound, compact design and long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too.

Audio performance: The first thing we noticed about the Roam's audio performance is that it's bass-heavy, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. During our testing, we found that the bass was powerful enough to cut through wind noise but it was a bit overbearing while inside. Despite its small stature, the Roam delivers a powerful sonic performance – even if it does lack the rhythmic accuracy you'd expect from an audiophile speaker.

Design: Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home. But it also has a rugged, waterproof and dust proof build that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn't huge, though. It's enough for a day out, but if that's a priority then check out either JBL Charge at #6 in the list or the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2 at #4 in this list instead.

Value: Compared to similar priced Bluetooth speakers we've tested, you’re getting a lot of features for your money here. Sonos has also now added the Sonos Roam SL to its lineup, which is a slightly cheaper version of the Roam that lacks a microphone – but it's otherwise identical in terms of specs. If you’re concerned about privacy and want to save around $20 / £20 / AU$30, then the Roam SL could be exactly what you want.

Read our full Sonos Roam review

Visit our Sonos coupon page for our latest deals and discounts.

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Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 held in a hand over a yellow table

2. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

✅ You love to listen to music while on the move: As the smallest and lightest speaker on this list, the Stormbox Micro 2 is by far our most portable pick. ✅ You don't want the music to stop: At 12 hours, this doesn't have the longest battery life but it is above average. If you need 30 hours, look to the Stormbox Flow at #7 on this list .

❌ You want the best sound quality: It's a small speaker, which is why it goes for such a low price, don't expect big volume and class-leading detail. ❌ You value a good control app: While Tribit does have an app for some of its other products, this isn't one of them so you won't be able to access settings through your phone.

What you need to know: Considering its extremely small size, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best-sounding and most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've had the pleasure of testing. It's not the most powerful or the loudest out there, but at this size and price you can't currently buy better.

Audio performance: We particularly enjoyed the bass response here, which is where small speakers usually fall down. Tribit is keeping quiet about the exact specifications of the driver in this model but whatever it is, it delivers impressive bass for such a small footprint. And battery life is superb, up from the 8 hours of the original Micro to a travelling or beach day-friendly 12 hours.

Design: The Micro 2 is a brilliantly pocketable portable speaker that delivers a surprisingly loud audio performance, which makes it an excellent option for listening to podcasts or just watching TV shows on a mobile device. It's also a great option if you're looking for a stereo pair of speakers for a small room: you can pick up two of these for what you'd pay for one of its better known rivals.

Value: If you're looking for a speaker to toss in a bag or clip to a bike, you'll find it hard to get a better speaker for such a low price. It's superb, and its flaws are very minor – only that there's no wired connection, really.

Read our full Stormbox Micro 2 review

JBL Flip 6 held in someone's hand by a pool

3. JBL Flip 6

✅ You're a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that's it! ✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.

❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth's limited bandwidth. ❌ You tend to run out of charge often: If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list as it can also charge your phone.

What you need to know: There's not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that's all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we're expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that's something you need.

Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn't have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there's still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.

Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn't have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There's also a wide range of colors to choose from so there's plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don't have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life.

Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you're listening at home or on the go. It's also priced slightly lower than the JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound

the beosound a1 2nd gen portable speaker on a beach

4. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

✅ You appreciate a well designed speaker: Bang & Olufsen is renowned for its Scandi style and the Beosound A1 embodies that minimalist charm effortlessly. ✅ You're an audiophile: This speaker values premium sound quality above all else and really does pull it off. It is by far the best sounding we've come across with Bluetooth.

❌ You want a speaker with big, powerful sound: This is better suited to a more intimate environment. For something bigger, look at the Tribit at #5 here or the Sonos at #8 on the list . ❌ You're known to be clumsy: Yes, it's waterproof and dust proof but it isn't as tough as say the JBL speakers in this list like the Flip 6 at #3 and Charge 5 at #6 .

What you need to know: Bang & Olufsen didn't make too many changes to the second generation of the Beosound. The A1 is quite similar in looks to its predecessor but there are some helpful improvements at the feature level. One of those features is Alexa support, although being a Bluetooth speaker without any Wi-Fi support, this does require you to connect to your phone so can be a bit slow sometimes.

Audio performance: Despite being a small speaker, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) delivers an exceptionally clear and crisp sonic performance. It manages the difficult task of balancing treble with the mids and bass to produce a smooth sound. During our review, we found the sound quality to be so accurate that it was as if we were listening to our favorite songs for the very first time. The way it manages to control the bass, while still delivering a punchy and exciting sound is outstanding for a Bluetooth speaker.

Design: Thanks to its circular shape, it can also achieve a full 360-degree soundstage that is surprisingly immersive for such a small device. It's also simply stunning to look at. It has been designed with a slick, minimalist look that makes it feels very classy thanks small details like a thin leather strap. However, although it has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, it is not the most rugged of Bluetooth speakers we've tested and didn't feel it would be best suited for say a muddy hike.

Value: Bang & Olufsen is known for being a premium audio brand and so the Beosound A1 is a top shelf Bluetooth speaker. Despite this, it is half the price of our top premium pick, the JBL Xtreme 4 at #8 in this list . As a result, we think the Beosound A1 is best suited to hardcore music lovers who appreciate a beautifully designed speaker.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties

JBL Xtreme 4 on a granite table, on pink background

5. JBL Xtreme 4

✅ You want a reliable party speaker: Expect excellent durability thanks to its IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, and it'll play for ages thanks to its 24 hours of battery life. ✅ You want powerful bass: Its bulky size means it packs a punch. Once you've tweaked the speaker's EQ settings enjoy clear low-frequency sound that beats background noise.

❌ You're on a budget: There's a lot to love about this speaker, but it isn't exactly cheap… ❌ You want a small, slim design: It's portable, but it's pretty large still – don't get this if you want something to slip into a backpack.

What you need to know: The latest in JBL's Xtreme range is a large and rugged portable speaker that may look a little dull, but come on, you want your guests and outfits to be the star – and this speaker delivers when it comes to utility. With an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, powerful and high-quality sound, and an excellent battery, it's the ideal do-anything premium outdoors speaker. At $379 / £329 / AU$499, it's not cheap, but it is a great option if you can make your budget stretch.

Audio performance: Expect a strong and well-rounded performance across the frequencies. We were particularly impressed by its mastery of crisp highs straight out of the box, vocals sound great even at high volumes. The bass here is also impressive, which is ideal for outdoor use where you'd expect background noise. During our testing we did have to tweak the app's EQ settings to dial up those lower frequencies, but once we did, we were thoroughly impressed with how the Xtreme 4 handled itself. In our review we wrote: "The Xtreme 4 was very competent at bridging deep bass to the mid-range and maintaining clarity with more demanding audio profiles."

Design: It's not the best-looking speaker, but that's because it's been made with durability and longevity in mind above all else. It's bulky at 4.63lbs/2.1kg with rubber strips underneath for a steady foundation, and a detachable strap for carrying it around easily. As you'd expect from an outdoorsy speaker, it's IP67 certified, which means it's both dustproof and waterproof.

Value: This is undoubtedly a superb speaker, but at this price you have to call it a premium pick. It delivers great sound, an impressive 24-hours of battery and a rugged design. But it's expensive, especially compared to other options in this guide. So is it worth the price? Yes. But you have to really want something this big and tough.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for charging

6. JBL Charge 5

✅ You want a speaker that sounds detailed: Compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5 has an additional tweeter that makes it have better clarity, with more impactful bass. ✅ You tend to need a charger while on the go: With 20 hours of battery life, the Charge 5 can top up your device's battery life thanks to a USB-C port.

❌ You want to play music extremely loudly: It may not have the big sound that the Tribit at #5 and Sonos Move at #8 can deliver, but it holds its own against the loudest. ❌ You want delicate audiophile sound: It sounds great, but it's still made for impact outdoors, not for refined ears. Think fun and energetic, not classy and controlled.

What you need to know: There aren't a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It's priced a little bit more than JBL's more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list , but that's down to the added tech, which we think makes it's a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.

Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn't advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.

Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There's no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).

Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there's no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life

7. Tribit Stormbox Flow

✅ You take long vacations: Going away, don't have the necessary adapter, want music to last the whole trip? You'll get a whopping 30 hours from this. ✅ You like a clean, fuss-free aesthetic: Look, it's not the last word in design, but it's durable, solid, and does the job of playing your music very well indeed.

❌ You like to pump up the volume: the Tribit Stormbox Flow sounds best up to 75% volume, because of its bass-heavy tuning. Crank it up further and things get a little congested. ❌ You're concerned about baggage weight allowance: considering its bijou dimensions, the Tribit is heavy, at 660g, so if you're struggling with flight carrier weight stipulations it may be a little much.

What you need to know: It's one of the newer products in this list, arriving in August 2023 and Tribit's making quite a name for itself in this particular arena – ie. Bluetooth belters at around $79 / £79. It's not winning any awards for design, but it is IP67 water- and dustproof and it has a loud, likeable, bass-heavy sound that'll work for many a summer gathering – at home or on the road.

Audio performance: For a little speaker, the Stormbox Flow can boom out tunes at the pool party, or give you some impressive sound-per-pound audio if you're chilling at home. The bass is arguably the most impressive aspect – although it does get a little cluttered and bloated you turn things up beyond 75% volume.

Pair two of them up in stereo mode (like we did, because they're affordable little speakers, so this is a viable and cost-effective option for a desktop or party) and it’s even more compelling, with a much wider soundstage, just don’t be surprised if you lower the volume a little more than usual. Another tip for the best listen: stick to the XBass sound mode, for the punchiest, crispest sound through the low end.

Design: Tribit's a little hit-and-miss when it comes to design flourishes and, truth be told, you won't be bowled over by how the Stormbox Flow looks. There's nothing offensive or ugly about it, but there's nothing particularly classy about it either. Also the power button takes a bit of getting used to for timing. Other than that, it's a solid home run here – oh, and did we mention the awesome 30-hour battery?

Value: Compared to similarly-priced Bluetooth speakers, the battery life here offers immense value for money. In fact, value for money is one of Tribit's main selling points as a brand, and the Stormbox Flow proves it. Yes, the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 is a great little thing, but if you want a slightly larger, louder product that'll last out your entire trip without needing a charge, you may have found it.

Read our full Tribit Stormbox Flow review

Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth speaker on wooden table

8. Bose SoundLink Max

✅ You fancy big sound no matter where you are… The Bose SoundLink Max is more than ready to fill a very large space with sound – even the great outdoors is no issue

✅ … and you might be in dusty and/or damp scenarios An IP67 rating means the Bose is happy to travel wherever you go

❌ You really do mean ‘quick-charging’ Five hours isn’t an age, but if you’re waiting for your speaker to charge so you can take it to the beach, it'll feel like it.

❌ You’ve got a firm grasp on what ‘portable’ means The handle is useful it's true, but the Bose will start to feel its 2.13kg weight sooner rather than later.

What you need to know: The 2024-issue Bose SoundLink Max is the biggest, burliest model in the company's already well-stocked and well-reviewed SoundLink lineup. It's a rugged (IP67), go-anywhere design with the stamina to keep you entertained right around the clock. The carry-handle can be swapped out for a shoulder-strap (as an additional extra, mind you), and when you’re out and about, the Bose SoundLink Max is a truly enjoyable companion.

Audio performance: Sonically, the SoundLink Max is as big and heavy as the speaker that delivers it, but don't get us wrong – it is by no means a blunt instrument. It’s actually quite a gifted and agile listen for something with as much out-and-out punch as this, and can gesture, albeit only slightly, towards a truly stereo presentation, too.

Design: The silicone element of the build here is tactile and helps the Bose SoundLink Max absorb the bumps and shocks it's sure to get at the shindig. The quoted 20 hours of battery life is both acceptable and achievable – but do note that to go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes five hours via the USB-C socket on the rear when it does run out of juice. There are some nice controls on the top of the speaker – power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause and volume up/down – plus a cutomizable ‘shortcut’ button too.

Value: OK, so a few cents short of $400 / £400 / AU$600 is a fair wedge of cash for a Bluetooth speaker without a hint of smart functionality. But the Bose SoundLink Max is specified to perform beautifully in pretty much any realistic environment. Think big, burly and oh-so convincing sound, which it can churn it out for hour after hour. As long as you accept the SoundLink Max for what it is (a very talented Bluetooth speaker; nothing more, nothing less), this beast of a Bose speake represents very good value indeed.

Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review

Ultimate Ears Epicboom on a navy and orange sofa, held in a hand

9. Ultimate Ears Epicboom

✅ You appreciate UE's iconic aesthetic: If you adored the mug-sized 2019 Wonderboom, you'll love this much bigger version. ✅ You've just redecorated your apartment: Few audio products will look as good next to the clean, chic lines in your newly-updated bedroom, den or kitchen as this speaker.

❌ You want a speaker that'll work over Wi-Fi: No dice here. For all its talents, it is just a Bluetooth speaker, unlike the Sonos Roam or larger Sonos Move 2 . ❌ You're on a tight budget: UE kit doesn't often come with a tiny price tag (the Wonderboom being a notable exception) but this one of the priciest options on this list, owing to its size, newness and talent.

What you need to know: Epicboom arrived in September 2023 and, we mean this, it is finally something to get excited about from Ultimate Ears. It is surprisingly big, very talented and essentially does for big Bluetooth speakers what the Wonderboom 2 did for mug-sized options – level up the game in terms of audio prowess. But this is also a fair wedge of money for a Bluetooth speaker and however likeable it is, it won't play nice with your home Wi-Fi to create a multi-room system, where cheaper options from Sonos (above) can.

Audio performance: It's meaty, it's zealous, it's fun, it's resoundingly tight through the bass even at high volumes. It's basically everything that made Ultimate Ears a household name in this product category. If we were worried, we needn't have been; this is where Ultimate Ears' engineers shine.

Design: Those big tactile plus and minus signs for volume are back along its body, and the flecked rubberised plastic is now much more eco-conscious. The wrist strap is somewhat surplus to requirements (don't allow it to take the full weight of the thing on your arm – it's 1979g and that might hurt) but it's a beautifully crafted thing – and it offers truly omnidirectional sound too.

Value: The Boom companion app here is an excellent addition. That said, at this level we might have expected wireless connectivity using your home broadband (hey, Sonos!). Another fly in the ointment is this: although a fan-favorite feature within UE's Boom app, PartyUp, lets you pair multiple compatible Ultimate Ears speakers to beef up the audio, it's limited to Epicboom, Boom, Boom 2, Boom 3 , Megaboom , Megaboom 3 , and Hyperboom speakers. Want to pair it with your beloved Wonderboom 2 or newer Wonderboom 3 ? Sadly, that's not possible, because PartyUp is not compatible with any Wonderboom, Blast or Megablast UE speaker. Harrumph!

Read our full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review

Other Bluetooth speakers to consider

We've had the chance to review some great Bluetooth speakers this year that were impressive but didn't quite make the cut for this guide. These include the Ultimate Ears Everboom, a Bluetooth speaker we rated but ultimately decided that, for the money, it doesn't offer quite enough value to justify pushing any of the other options out of our list. You can find out more about this Bluetooth party speaker option in our Ultimate Ears Everboom review .

Take a look at our Tribit XSound Plus 2 review for a budget Bluetooth speaker that we rated highly for its big, booming sound. It's great value with an impressive 24 hour battery life. However, like the Ultimate Ears option above, we wouldn't pick it over any of the speakers we've already recommended here.

We've also got our hands on the Beats Pill, a Bluetooth speaker that boasts great sound and oodles of style. The problem? There's no dedicated iOS app. This isn't a deal-breaker in itself, and the speaker could make up for this with plenty of on-device controls… but they're just not there. This means some of the simplest things, like turning it on and off, become unnecessarily frustrating. You can find out more about Beats' latest speaker in our Beats Pill review .

The Bose SoundLink Max has made its debut in this guide for July 2024 and the older Tribit Stormbox Blast has gone. But we'd still recommend that as a viable option. Take a look at our Tribit Stormbox Blast review to find out why we awarded this big speaker that delivers meaty, room-filling, talented sound 4.5 out of 5 stars.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker

What's the best bluetooth speaker brand.

The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too.

JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.

If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.

Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.

Is JBL or Bose better?

Both JBL and Bose produce a range of speakers, some are small and compact whereas others are big enough to fill a room with sound at a party. Bose tends to make products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of both excellent audio performance, design and price. JBL is more affordable and its products tend to fall in the mid-range when it comes to quality.

The brand you choose is all about what you're looking for. If you value quality sound above all else, pick a Bose option, like the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the JBL Flip 6 pushes this speaker out of our list because it's a fantastic all-rounder, sounds good and handles drops, knocks and splashes well. Bose might be the better audio tech brand, but we think JBL outperforms in the portable Bluetooth speaker competition, especially when it comes to sheer value for money.

Is Bose better than Sonos?

Both Bose and Sonos create excellent-sounding audio tech that tends to be at the premium end of the spectrum. We love Bose products and often recommend them, but in terms of the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers, we think Sonos is the better option.

The Sonos Roam has been sitting at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list for some time now and we love that it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, too.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

We've tested and thoroughly reviewed all of the Bluetooth speakers in this guide ourselves by listening to them on their own and by comparing them to the current class-leaders. Basically, if it's listed here, you know we think it's worth it over the myriad rival models we've reviewed (because plenty do not make it here, believe us).

We test countless portable speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the battery life and connectivity is as good as the brands say they are.

We test each Bluetooth speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you know that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.

On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and stream from various sources, to ensure that these speakers can handle everything from thumping dance tracks to softly-spoken podcasts.

With more years in this game than we'd care to admit behind us, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the Bluetooth speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it.

The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide

July 1, 2024 Removed the older Tribit Stormbox Blast and added the JBL Xtreme 4 as our recommendation for best party speaker. Added the new Bose SoundLink Max as our pick for the best premium buy. Removed the quick menu, updated the copy throughout.

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Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.

Amelia Schwanke Senior Editor UK, Home Entertainment

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The 8 Best Portable Speakers, Tested and Reviewed

Never miss a beat with these high-quality portable speakers.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re looking to host parties pool-side or just want a reliable way to listen to music while getting ready for a night out, a portable speaker can be a great accessory for your next trip. Many portable speakers are dustproof and waterproof so you can truly take them with you wherever you go. Plus, the enhanced sound quality and customization provides a better way to listen to your favorite music.

To determine the best and most reliable portable speaker, we reviewed nearly a dozen options from top brands like Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Bose. We tested each portable speaker to evaluate how easy it is to use, how far the Bluetooth range can reach, how long the battery lasts, and then assessed its overall value. The compact and vibrant Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is our favorite option after weeks of tests. Whether you’re an audiophile or looking for a simple way to share your music on-the-go check out our lists of the best portable speakers for every occasion.

Testing, testing! Sony released their latest travel-friendly model — the ULT FIELD 1 Bluetooth Wireless Portable Speaker — on April 11. The Travel + Leisure team is testing it and will update this article with our results accordingly.

Best Overall

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

Design 5 /5
Sound Quality 4.5 /5
Useful Features 5 /5
Setup Process 5 /5
Overall Value 5 /5

It connects to your phone almost instantly for easy setup.

It isn’t the easiest to pair with other Wonderboom speakers.

When you want to guarantee you can hear your favorite music wherever you go, be sure to pack the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable mini speaker. It comes in four colors (with two additional web-exclusive shades ), so you can mix and match, pairing the devices for an even more powerful sound. We tested this speaker in a variety of different environments, including at the beach and camping and never had any issues losing a connection.

This speaker connects to your phone almost instantly without issue or complications. It’s also easy to charge and comes with the necessary USB cord, so you don’t have to worry about sharing cords. And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case, this was one of the most durable portable speakers we tried as it’s both waterproof and dustproof. We also love that it doesn’t require any additional apps, making setup and use an absolute breeze.

Best Clip-on

The lightweight design and convenient clip is perfect for hiking or walking long distances.

The battery doesn’t last quite as long as other portable speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect option for lightweight packers and hikers alike. When you turn it on, it connects to the nearest phone almost automatically just like wireless headphones and is easy to switch devices if you want to give your friend a turn picking the music. While it does not have a carrying case, it does feature a cute and convenient clip so you can attach it to a picnic basket , backpack, bag, and even belt loop for constant listening. For how small this portable speaker is, we love the sound quality, which is great even in crowds and on windy beaches.

The Details: 10 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 0.53 pounds

Best for Parties

Treblab hd77 ultra premium bluetooth speaker.

It’s one of the loudest portable speakers we’ve tested.

It’s heavier than other similarly sized portable speakers.

When you know you’re going to spend your vacation hosting parties or entertaining friends poolside, the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth Speaker is an absolute must. This speaker can overpower any noise, even in a crowded room or busy outdoor space. When you turn it on, we found it automatically pops up in your device’s Bluetooth settings, so you just click connect and get the party started quickly. There are even color-coded LED lights to indicate the speaker’s status (i.e., on, searching for connection, low in battery, etc.), and they all pop up in different colors so you can easily know what it needs.

The connection never changed throughout our use, even when we walked into the water with the attached phone and the speaker stayed connected on the beach. There was no static or interruptions in the music, plus we could still hear the tunes in the water over the sound of the waves. We also love that it can last a couple of days without charging, depending on how much you use it.

Best Budget

Dosmix retro bluetooth speaker.

The sound quality is better and louder than most phones of similar size.

We wouldn’t recommend this for outdoor or party use.

This teeny tiny speaker takes “portable” to a whole new level — it fits right in the palm of your hand like a phone, but has a stronger speaker for better quality music. We are absolutely in love with the retro vibe down to the working, light-up knob to adjust volume. For looks alone, we recommend this for anyone who wants something more than just a phone speaker, but that also looks cute sitting out. While we don’t think it’s a great option for on-the-go use (the battery and connectivity range are not as strong as other portable speakers), it’s a great small speaker for when you’re lounging or getting ready for a fun day out.

The Details: 6 hours of battery | 32.8-foot range | 2.8 x 4.3 x 2 inches | 0.43 pounds

Best Splurge

Ultimate ears epicboom.

The sound quality is unmatched.

The one-touch playlist feature doesn’t work with Spotify.

The minute you turn on this speaker for the first time, a voice welcomes you and tells you to download the app that then walks you through the simple setup instructions. You’re then able to easily switch between phones (and even connect it to an Apple TV for the ultimate listening experience). The connectivity range is also so strong that you can easily walk away from the speaker up to 180 feet without losing the signal. This is also the best sounding speaker we tested by far, and there are custom settings like bass boost and cinema mode so you can adjust for the perfect sound quality to match whatever you’re listening to. While this is certainly a pricier option, audiophiles and party-throwers alike are sure to love this high-powered speaker.

Most Durable

During testing, this speaker fell out of a bag and tumbled down the stairs and there’s not a single mark, dent, or scratch on it.

We would love to see the exact charge percentage left on the speaker.

Leave it to Sony to create a high-powered portable speaker that can withstand a fall down the stairs and still provide excellent sound for any occasion. While it didn’t automatically connect to devices, once we turned it off and on, and turned the phone’s Bluetooth capabilities off and on, we were able to pair the devices. Once connected the first time, it was instantaneous to connect for future use. The first time we used it, we charged it for about 15 minutes and it then worked for two hours straight. It’s also seamless to switch from phones to this speaker when playing music and also simple to swap to other devices without hassle. The Sony XB 100 comes with a little carrying sack, but we especially love that the speaker itself has a strap that can be used to attach it to the outside of any bag.

The Details: 16 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches | 0.61 pounds

Most Versatile

Bose soundlink flex bluetooth speaker.

We dropped it into a pool and the speaker still works and is undamaged.

It’s a bit big for a portable speaker, but it can still easily fit in carry-on and tote bags.

Whether you’re lounging poolside or at the beach, this portable speaker is the perfect addition to your day of relaxation. It’s not a small speaker, but it’s still a good size for fitting into backpacks and totes to take with you on a variety of trips. Considering it’s not an Apple product, we were surprised by how quickly the speaker paired to iPhones and easily switched between devices. The speaker takes just a few hours to charge with the included USB-C cord. The battery also lasts up to 17 hours on one charge and it still plays music when it’s charging, so you never miss a moment of music. And while you don’t need the Bose app to use the speaker, it has so many sound customizations, you may want to utilize the app to get the best listening experience for your environment.

The Details: 12 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | 1.3 pounds

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

It’s a smart speaker that’s perfect for making your Amazon Echo a portable device.

With just a five-hour battery life, this isn’t the best for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Yes, Alexa is normally only used inside, but this base turns your Echo Dot into a portable speaker. The device pairs instantly after you connect to your Amazon account and it doesn’t need to be operated using a phone (as long as your music services are linked to your Amazon profile). The speaker itself is connected to Wi-fi so your device doesn’t even need to be near a phone at all once hooked up to the internet. While the sound quality is good, our favorite part of this portable speaker is the ability to use Alexa. In fact, we find that the addition of this base makes your existing Echo device even more useful.

The Details: 5 hours of battery

Our team tested nearly a dozen portable speakers, evaluating each one on ease of use, range, sound quality, battery life, portability, and more. Testers were first asked to pair their speakers with a device to determine the ease of setup and then work with required apps or device settings to test the speaker’s range, customization, and sound quality. Each portable speaker was then brought out and tested in a variety of conditions from hiking trails to poolside and more. Throughout the testing period, we took careful note of the speakers’ durability and waterproofing if applicable.

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Decide how much sound you need.

Not all portable speakers are designed to overpower a room full of party people or even the sound of crashing waves. When selecting a portable speaker, think about where you intend to use it so you can prioritize a speaker that gets loud enough to suit your environment. If you are just looking for a speaker to enhance your music to a higher quality than your phone’s speaker, you may not need something as powerful as a speaker designed for outdoor use.

Consider size and portability

When selecting a portable speaker, obviously, the size and weight of the device should be your top priorities. If you’re looking for a device that simply doesn’t need to be plugged in, but just moved around your home, the portability may not matter quite as much as if you plan to bring your speaker hiking. Know what you have in mind (and what weight you’re willing to carry) when you look into purchasing a portable speaker. Also, keep in mind that most portable speakers connect via Bluetooth; if you want to be able to connect to your home’s internet, or use voice assistants, you’ll likely need a speaker that also has Wi-fi capabilities.

Prioritize durability

Since you’ll be taking this speaker with you on hikes, to the pool, or just over to your friend’s house, you want to make sure your portable speaker is durable. Consider opting for a speaker that is not only waterproof, but dustproof as well to ensure it can withstand your travels. You may also want to prioritize a portable speaker that comes with a carrying case, dustbag, or strap to make transportation a breeze.

Some portable speakers require a specific app that allows you to adjust the settings and check on the status of your device while other speakers just need to connect using your phone’s Bluetooth. Be sure to read all manufacturer’s instructions to determine exactly what you need in order to use your specific portable speaker.

Portable speakers are allowed inside your carry-on or personal item. However, you are generally not allowed to play music or movies outside of headphones, so if you plan to bring your portable speaker on board, be sure it stays off and tucked away in a safe place.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she researches, reviews, and writes about a wide range of products. To select the best portable speakers, she called on her own experience as a traveler and worked with editors and T+L testers on a series of lab and real-world insights.

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Electronics

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

By Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a writer dedicated to audio gear. He has been reviewing speakers and other audio products for more than 30 years.

Portable Bluetooth speakers are the easiest, most affordable way to spread music and podcasts across a room, backyard, or beach blanket. Because these speakers come in a variety of designs and sizes, no model is perfect for every situation—but the excellent sound and rugged design of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 made it the favorite in our tests.

Everything we recommend

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

The best portable bluetooth speaker.

This small, round speaker has a natural sound and a cool design, and it’s built to survive outdoor adventures. But it’s a little chunky.

Buying Options

Soundcore Motion 100

If you prefer a more traditional, slender design.

This speaker is not as rugged as our top pick, but the slender, rectangular form may fit more easily into certain spaces, and its sound quality is comparable.

May be out of stock

Upgrade pick

Larger and louder, yet still portable

This speaker plays very loud while maintaining its clear, full sound, and it has a long battery life. But it’s larger and a little less rugged than our top pick.

Budget pick

Tribit XSound Go

Very good sound for under $40.

This is the best speaker we’ve heard in its price range, and it’s compact and waterproof to boot. But it can’t play as loud as our larger, more expensive picks.

The best tiny, ultra-portable speaker

This speaker is small enough to fit in a pocket, yet it still sounds good. It doesn’t really have any bass, though, and the battery life is short.

How we picked and tested

We tested Bluetooth speakers with expert listeners, and we concealed the identities of the speakers to eliminate bias.

The speakers we tested ranged from tiny travel models to 40-pound backyard blasters. All of them included rechargeable batteries.

We continue to spend many hours with our recommended speakers to make sure they survive day-to-day use.

To give readers a full picture of the category, we tested models priced as low as $10 and as high as $500.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has been our top pick for more than seven years, and the newest iteration, the Wonderboom 4 , finally makes the switch to USB-C charging to keep up with the times. This small, round speaker has a clear, spacious sound that our listeners and editors have consistently ranked above the competition in brand-concealed tests.

It’s also one of the most rugged audio products we’ve ever tested. With an IP67 water-resistance rating , it can handle immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Plus, it’s dustproof, it can survive a 5-foot drop onto concrete, and it floats. We got 11 hours of battery life in our tests, and the speaker is available in four colors.

Although the simpler, more rugged design of the Wonderboom 4 won the day with our listening panel and staff, the Soundcore Motion 100 is a great alternative that has comparable performance, a slimmer (but longer) form, and a lower price.

The sound quality is similar between the two, but the Motion 100 plays a few decibels louder, sounds a little fuller, and has a bass boost button that makes it easy to tune the sound. It has USB-C charging and comes in three colors.

This speaker is IPX7-rated, so it can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes but is not dustproof. The battery ran for 12.5 hours in our tests.

The W-King X10 is an astonishingly affordable upgrade for those who need a larger, louder speaker with a long battery life. It plays almost 8 dB louder than the Wonderboom 4, so it can easily be heard over a roomful of chatty partygoers. Even when cranked full-blast, this speaker sounds clear and doesn’t seem to lose any bass. We got 24 hours of playtime from the internal battery—less than the claimed 42 hours but still impressive.

The X10 is about the size of a football and weighs 6.5 pounds. It doesn’t travel as well in a backpack or suitcase, but the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. The IPX6 rating means it can withstand being sprayed by a hose, but it can’t be safely submerged in water like some of our other picks.

If you want to spend less than $40 on a good portable Bluetooth speaker, the Tribit XSound Go is the best choice. It’s been our budget pick for five years because it still clearly beats almost all of its similarly priced competitors with its loud, full sound—though it can’t play as loud as our larger, more expensive picks.

The XSound Go is small enough to slip into a laptop bag, it runs 10.5 hours on a charge, and it charges via USB-C. Plus, it has an IPX7 rating, so it can survive a half-hour dunking in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

The JBL Go 4 is by far the smallest of our picks, easy to slip into a laptop bag, purse, or even a pocket. But unlike most of the ultra-compact Bluetooth speakers we’ve tried, it produces a satisfying, reasonably full sound.

The Go 4 maxes out at a little under 80 dB, which is about 10 dB more than the speakers built into most smartphones, so it’s worth carrying with you—especially considering it weighs about the same as a typical smartphone. Like our top pick, this speaker is IP67-rated, which makes it both waterproof and dustproof. It has USB-C charging and comes in lots of colors.

The battery life is just 5 hours in standard mode. The Playtime Boost mode increased this to almost 9 hours, but produced a slightly thinner sound.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, our pick: ultimate ears wonderboom 4, runner-up: soundcore motion 100, an upgrade pick for larger spaces: w-king x10, best budget portable speaker: tribit xsound go, best for people who want a tiny, ultra-portable speaker: jbl go 4, other portable bluetooth speakers worth considering, the competition.

Several portable Bluetooth speakers sitting on a patio.

I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, currently handling 12 guides on audio products and providing technical measurements for our headphone guides. I’ve worked as an editor or writer in audio publishing for more than 30 years, and I’ve previously served as a consultant on speaker tuning and measurement for some of the world’s biggest tech companies.

For this guide:

I spent 41 hours testing 30 new models. To date, I’ve tested 423 speakers for this guide.
I brought in another listener—drummer and audio production student Kage Shissler—to provide a second opinion. For past tests, I’ve consulted with many additional listeners for past tests, including senior staff writer Lauren Dragan.
For listeners other than myself, I concealed the identities of the products to avoid bias.
I ran technical tests on the products to find flaws that our listening sessions might have missed.
Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards .

Anyone who owns a smartphone or tablet is likely to enjoy owning a portable Bluetooth speaker, which usually has a rechargeable battery and is often waterproof and/or dustproof. Bluetooth support is available in every current smartphone and tablet, as well as in most laptop computers, so you don’t need additional equipment.

Unlike smart speakers and Wi-Fi speakers, Bluetooth speakers don’t require a network connection, and most don’t require the use of special apps—whatever you play on your phone will play through the speaker.

If sound quality and volume are your top priorities, and you don’t plan to take your speaker out of your house, you may want to check out the larger, more powerful speakers featured in our tabletop speaker guides:

Our five picks for best portable bluetooth speaker on an orange background.

We use the following criteria to help us decide which portable Bluetooth speakers to call in for testing:

Portability and battery life: We focus on models that have rechargeable batteries and are designed to take a trip to the beach or the park with no hassle. In selecting our top pick, we prioritize speakers that are compact and easy to toss into a backpack or beach bag.
Ruggedness and waterproof design: We give priority to speakers that are built to survive the knocks and bumps of travel. We prefer speakers with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating , which tells you exactly how dustproof and waterproof a speaker is.
Price: We set a bottom price of $10. Less-expensive models often don’t sound better or play much louder than a phone’s built-in speakers.
Playback controls: Because you can control the playback from your Bluetooth source device (usually a phone or tablet), we don’t require the speaker itself to have playback controls, but it’s a convenient perk.
Bluetooth codecs: We don’t award extra points for inclusion of additional Bluetooth codecs beyond the standard SBC codec found in all Bluetooth devices. The sonic differences among these codecs are insignificant next to the easily heard differences among the speakers themselves.
Special features: Bluetooth speakers may offer extra features, including speakerphone capability, multi-speaker pairing (the ability to play the same material through two Bluetooth speakers at once), and built-in lighting. We don’t consider any of these features essential, but they can be convenient add-ons.

For each new round of tests, I begin by comparing the new models with each other and with some of our previous picks. I measure the maximum output of each speaker indoors at a distance of 1 meter, using an NTi Minilyzer audio analyzer and a calibrated NTi MiniSPL test microphone and playing a 34-second section of ZZ Top’s very loudly mastered tune “Chartreuse” (video) .

The chart below shows the maximum output for our current speaker recommendations, plus a few other models we’ve tested. For more details, see our results and our explanations of our testing process .

Portable Bluetooth speaker maximum output

A graph comparing price and volume for some of the portable bluetooth speakers we tested.

From these tests, I narrow down the group of contestants to the models that have a real chance to impress our listening panel, in addition to all of our past picks. To prepare for our brand-concealed panel testing, I hide the speakers behind black fabric and divide them into four groups: ultra-compact, small, medium, and large. To make the test fair, I set the volume within a particular group to the same approximate level by using a shaped-noise channel-balancing test tone recorded from a Dolby Digital receiver.

During our brand-concealed tests, our listeners pay particular attention to:

how clear the speakers sound at normal levels
how the speakers balance bass to midrange to treble
how loud the speakers are able to play when cranked up
how clear they sound when cranked up

Last, I check the battery life of each of our top picks by repeating Steely Dan’s “Aja” (video) at an average level of 75 dB (measured at 1 meter) over and over until the power runs out. For the larger Ultimate Ears Hyperboom speaker , I increased the level to 81 dB.

I also measure the maximum Bluetooth range of all our picks by placing my Samsung Galaxy S10 phone indoors, in a window, and carrying the speaker away in my backyard until the connection becomes unreliable. There are no industry-standard methods of testing these functions, but our methods have worked well through 11 years of testing more than 400 portable Bluetooth speakers.

With each model that offers speakerphone functionality, I try placing a call to Wirecutter senior staff writer Lauren Dragan. I note how the speaker sounds to me, and she tells me how my voice sounds on her end.

Our pick for best portable bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is the closest thing we’ve found to an ideal all-around portable Bluetooth speaker, thanks to its great combination of performance, ruggedness, and portability. It’s essentially identical to our previous top pick, the Wonderboom 3, but it has USB-C charging instead of the previous model’s outdated Micro-USB connection.

It sounds great for its size. The Wonderboom speakers have been consistent winners in our brand-concealed tests, with listeners praising a more “open, 3D sound” than its competitors offer. The Wonderboom 4 sounds and measures like the Wonderboom 3, with the same natural balance of bass to midrange to treble—which means no instruments or voices are unnaturally boosted.

We measured maximum volume at 84.0 dB at 1 meter; that’s enough to fill a bedroom or kitchen with sound. The Outdoor Boost button kicks up the level by about 3 dB, which makes the speaker a little louder but sacrifices bass.

The design is tough, practical, and fun. This IP67-rated speaker is dustproof, can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for a half hour, and also floats. When we dropped it from 5 feet onto a backyard deck and then onto concrete, it kept playing and exhibited just a couple of small scuff marks.

We measured its Bluetooth range at an impressive 100 feet, and we got 11 hours of battery life—not quite the 14 hours that Ultimate Ears promises, but still plenty. An elastic loop on top lets you hang the speaker from various objects. You can pair one Wonderboom 4 with another to create stereo sound or to deliver sound in a second nearby room.

This round speaker is available in four color schemes—black, pink, light gray, and blue.

How the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has held up

The Wonderboom sitting on a table outside along with laptop and coffee

Numerous Wirecutter staffers have bought some version of the Wonderboom. Our editor-in-chief selected it from the thousands of top picks on Wirecutter to write about in our “ 52 Things We Love ” series, and it’s still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s light on bass. In terms of sound quality, the one consistent flaw we hear with the Wonderboom is that it doesn’t have much bass oomph for hip-hop or heavy rock. If you like more bass, you may want to try out our runner-up pick instead.

It’s chunky and lacks a few features. This speaker’s 3.75-inch diameter makes it too stout to fit comfortably in a briefcase or laptop bag, but it’ll fit fine in a backpack.

The Wonderboom 4 has neither a speakerphone function nor an analog input, but we seldom use those features.

Our pick for runner-up portable bluetooth speaker, the Soundcore Motion 100

The Soundcore Motion 100 is a great choice for those who need a slimmer Bluetooth speaker to slip into a large purse, laptop bag, or briefcase. It also has a somewhat fuller, bassier sound than the UE Wonderboom 4 , and it plays a bit louder.

The design is only 2.4 inches thick. This speaker fits more easily into places where the rotund, 3.75-inch-diameter Wonderboom 4 might not, such as a car’s glove compartment.

However, the Motion 100 is a little on the heavy side: 1.3 pounds, versus 0.9 pound for the Wonderboom 4.

The speaker comes in three colors: black, light blue, and light green. The short strap on the end can hang on a hook or a carabiner clip.

It sounds excellent for its price and size. In our most recent testing round, our panelists split on which sounds better, the Motion 100 or the Wonderboom 4. The Motion 100 doesn’t sound quite as clear with voices as the Wonderboom 4 does, but it has a somewhat fuller sound, especially in Xtra Bass mode, which is activated by pressing the Bass button on top.

The Motion 100 also plays about 3 dB louder, which is loud enough to fill a typical living room. The Wonderboom 4 can match this volume in Outdoor mode, but the speaker sounds a bit blaring in that mode. Other sound modes are available in Soundcore’s app. If none of those work for you, there’s a Custom mode with a nine-band equalizer.

The Motion 100 is the only one of our top picks that includes Bluetooth codecs other than the standard SBC: AAC (used most notably in Apple products) and Sony’s LDAC. LDAC allows the transmission of higher-quality sound if you have an LDAC-equipped Android smartphone. However, with inexpensive speakers like these, the Bluetooth codec has a negligible effect on sound quality.

The illuminated top buttons on the Motion 100.

You can leave it out in the rain. The Motion 100 is IPX7-rated, so it can survive 30 minutes of submersion in 1 meter of water. The 12.5-hour battery life was slightly better than that of our top pick.

At 120 feet, the Bluetooth range in our tests was impressive. You can pair two Motion 100 speakers for stereo.

The Motion 100 is basically a smaller version of the Soundcore Motion 300 , a previous pick. We still like the Motion 300; it has a fuller sound than the Motion 100 and plays about 1 dB louder. But we find the Motion 100’s smaller size more practical for travel.

It’s not as rugged as our top pick. The Motion 100 is not dustproof, and it lacks the impact resistance of the Wonderboom 4—both of which would have been nice features to have on a small, highly portable speaker like this one.

It’s missing a couple of common features. Like the Wonderboom 4, the Motion 100 doesn’t include a speakerphone function or a 3.5 mm analog input.

Our pick for best upgrade portable bluetooth speaker for larger spaces, the W-King X10

The W-King X10 is the best portable speaker to use in larger areas, such as at a picnic, a small beach party, or a yoga class. This speaker costs only a little more than the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 , but it sounds about as good as, and plays louder than, our previous upgrade pick, the much more expensive Sony SRS-XG300 .

It’s larger and louder than our top pick. The X10 maxes out roughly 8 dB louder than the Wonderboom 4, which is about the difference between talking normally and raising your voice to address someone 30 feet away.

Even at that loud volume, during our tests it sounded smooth and balanced, with clear voices and plenty of bass. The Outdoor mode cut the bass some but didn’t boost the volume. (Unfortunately, the speaker has no indicator to tell you which mode it’s in.)

The X10 is about the size of a football and weighs 6.5 pounds, a manageable weight when you use the included shoulder strap (which sports an integrated bottle opener)—but it’s not a speaker that you can easily toss into a purse or suitcase. Once you reach your destination, you can lay the speaker down horizontally or stand it on end.

The battery life is impressive. In our tests we got 24 hours, which is excellent—although short of W-King’s claimed 42 hours.

The back panel offers a USB-C charging port, a 3.5 mm analog audio input, an SD card slot for playing MP3s, and a USB-A output for charging mobile devices. You can pair two X10 units for stereo audio.

We measured the speaker’s Bluetooth range at 70 feet, which is more than adequate.

It isn’t quite as rugged as our top pick. The X10 has an IPX6 rating, which means it can withstand spraying from a hose but not submersion in water, and it’s not dustproof.

Also, its buttons are a little stiff. They might prove daunting for small or arthritic hands; the similar but slightly less powerful W-King D8 has bigger buttons that are easier to use.

Its speakerphone function isn’t great. Its speakerphone function worked okay in our tests, but for both Lauren and me, it sounded dull and somewhat noisy, as if we were both in our cars.

Our pick for best budget portable bluetooth speaker, the Tribit XSound Go.

If you want a great all-around portable Bluetooth speaker for under $40, the Tribit XSound Go is a terrific choice. Five years after its debut, it still consistently bests similarly priced competitors in our tests.

It sounds surprisingly good for its size and price. When the XSound Go accompanied me through four weeks of travel, I continued to be surprised by how clear and full its sound was. Voices were natural and distinct, never bloated or hoarse, as they can be on most inexpensive Bluetooth speakers.

In our tests, the XSound Go didn’t sound as full, or play quite as loud, as the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 , but all of our panelists thought it delivered amazing sound quality for its price.

It has a thorough list of features. In addition to top-panel controls, you get a 3.5 mm analog input to connect external audio sources that lack Bluetooth support, plus a usable if somewhat noisy speakerphone function.

You can pair two XSound Go speakers for stereo audio. We measured its Bluetooth range at about 50 feet, which is good for a speaker in this price range.

How the Tribit XSound Go has held up

The Tribit XSound Go sitting outside on a planter

Several Wirecutter staffers have purchased the XSound Go since it was introduced, and they have reported being satisfied with the sound, size, and battery life.

It sounds a little thin compared with larger, pricier speakers. The bass of the XSound Go was too weak to get our feet tapping. A few comparable models, such as the Treblab HD-Mini , have a slightly fuller sound, but it’s at the expense of a bulkier design.

Its battery life is adequate for its size but less than claimed. Tribit rates the battery life at “up to 24 hours,” but we averaged 10.5 hours in our tests.

Our pick for best portable bluetooth speaker for people who want a tiny, ultra-portable speaker, the JBL Go 4

If you love traveling light but want to listen to music and podcasts everywhere you go, the JBL Go 4 is a superb choice. It’s one of the few ultra-compact Bluetooth speakers that sound good, and it’s so small and light that it could go almost unnoticed in a laptop bag, purse, or coat pocket.

It’s small and tough enough even for backpacking. At just 3.7 by 1.7 by 2.9 inches and weighing just 6.85 ounces, the Go 4 might find a place in the pack of even the most minimalist traveler.

The IP67 rating means it’s dustproof and can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. A loop at the top lets you hang the speaker from a strap or a carabiner clip.

It sounds good for its size, but you should keep your expectations in check. The Go 4’s tiny size prevents it from producing much bass, but the bass you do get is well-balanced with the treble and midrange, so the sound is satisfying.

This speaker plays loud enough for a bedroom, bathroom, or tent, maxing out at 79.8 dB in our tests—about 4 dB less than the Wonderboom 4 , but 3 dB louder than most similarly sized models we’ve tested.

Our picks for best portable bluetooth speaker next to a soda can for scale.

It’s surprisingly sophisticated. The Go 4 is one of the first portable Bluetooth speakers on the market featuring Auracast Bluetooth technology, which lets you broadcast a signal to multiple Auracast-equipped speakers and headphones from a single source. Auracast is just rolling out, though, so we’re not yet sure how useful or reliable it’ll be. Even without using Auracast, you can pair two Go 4 speakers for stereo audio.

We only got about 5 hours of battery life out of the Go 4 in its standard mode, which isn’t great. But activating the Playtime Boost mode in the JBL Portable mobile app kicked this up to about 8 hours 45 minutes, which is much better for such a small speaker. The Playtime Boost mode has a little less bass but still sounds pretty good; if you’re listening to podcasts or background music, you probably won’t notice.

Bluetooth range measured about 85 feet, and the Go 4 is available in nine color schemes.

It has very little bass compared with larger portable speakers. There’s only so much bass you can produce from such a small cabinet. Even though the Go 4 didn’t distort when we cranked up Audrey Nuna’s “damn Right” (video) , much of the rhythmic drive and kick of your hip-hop, R&B, and EDM favorites will be lost.

If you want something louder: The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is a great choice if you need loud volume for outdoor parties, or if you want fuller, clearer sound than smaller Bluetooth speakers can provide. It maxed out at 99.1 dB, so it’s loud enough for a big pool party, yet it produces the clear, robust sound we’re used to hearing from a good small stereo system. It’s IPX4-rated, which means it can tolerate a splash of water, and it played for 27.5 hours in our tests, at a volume 6 dB higher than we usually use in our tests.

If you want a powerful portable speaker with Wi-Fi and smart-speaker functions (and don’t mind paying a premium): The Brane X is about 50% more expensive than the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, but it’s half the size and offers similar sound quality and maximum volume. In addition to Bluetooth, it works as an Amazon Alexa device. It can stream many services directly through Wi-Fi, including Spotify, Pandora, Prime Music, TuneIn Radio, and iHeart. It’s IP57-rated, so it’s better armed against the elements than the Hyperboom. It requires a separate AC adapter for charging, and in our tests it typically ran for 11.25 hours on a charge.

If you want smart-speaker functions or a speaker that works with a Sonos system: The Sonos Roam 2 , a new version of the original Sonos Roam (covered in depth here ), is technically a portable Bluetooth speaker with a travel-friendly, IP67-rated design—but it’s so much more. It offers Wi-Fi support and can join a Sonos S2 multiroom speaker system . It also works as an Amazon Alexa smart speaker. On top of all that, the Roam sounds smoother and more natural than any small Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried. The new version adds a separate button for Bluetooth and can pair directly with a Bluetooth source without going through the Sonos app. The downsides are a somewhat short 7.5-hour battery life (in Bluetooth mode) and a high price.

If you want the least-expensive portable Bluetooth speaker that still sounds decent: The Rofall D68F sounds fuller and more natural, and plays louder (an impressive 84 dB), than any other under-$25 Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried. Plus it has cool-looking internal lights that can be switched off, and it even offers stereo pairing.

We’ve reviewed hundreds of Bluetooth speakers for this guide. Below are capsule descriptions of some of the models that might be of most interest to Wirecutter readers. If you don’t see a certain model you’re interested in, check out our running list of portable Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested .

The new version of the Beats Pill sounds much better than the previous model, but it plays only about 2 dB louder than the less-expensive UE Wonderboom 4 , and it sounded a little bright and edgy to us.

The Bose SoundLink Max sounds good and has excellent maximum output for its size (96.3 dB), but it has less bass than some competitors and is comparatively expensive.

For its tiny size, the JBL Clip 5 plays surprisingly loud and sounds good (if slightly blaring), so it makes a great ultra-portable speaker—but it’s very pricey. We prefer the similarly sized JBL Go 4 , which doesn’t play as loud but sounds a little better and is much less expensive.

At 24.4 pounds, the JBL PartyBox Club 120 is probably more speaker than most people want to haul around, but it plays 5.6 dB louder than the UE Hyperboom , which is a significant advantage at a large pool party. An optional spare battery extends its roughly 12-hour play time. The IPX4-rated speaker has jacks for a guitar and microphone, so it’s good for karaoke and busking.

Above about 85 dB, the JBL Xtreme 4 has a blaring, bright sound that emphasizes snare drums; our listeners didn’t like it. And it’s very expensive for its size.

The Outdoor Tech Bolt has a cool, convenient design with an internal magnet that lets you stick it securely to metal objects, but for its size, the bass response is weak.

The Sony ULT Field 7 is a big, powerful, expensive speaker that sounded too boomy and bloated in one of its sound modes and too muddy in the other.

The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus plays about as loud as the UE Hyperboom , but it costs much less. However, in the stock EQ mode, it sounds pretty bassy and not as clear as some competitors.

The Treblab HD-Mini has a somewhat fuller sound than our budget pick , the Tribit XSound Go, and it’s priced about the same. However, its chunky design isn’t as portable.

The Tribit StormBox Blast is a great value if sound quality and volume are most important to you, and if you don’t mind lugging around a 12-pound speaker. This affordably priced speaker provides excellent sound quality, and it plays about 5 dB louder than the W-King X10 .

The Tronsmart Bang Max delivers the most decibels per dollar (100.2 dB) of any large portable Bluetooth speaker we’ve found. It sounds less smooth and you can hear more bass in the midrange than the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, but for outdoor parties, it might be better. As one of our listeners said, “I’d prefer the UE for indoor listening and the Tronsmart speaker for dancing or playing music by the pool.”

The UE Boom 4 is a great-sounding speaker with a balanced sound and impressive clarity, but it can’t compete with the volume and bass power of the less-expensive W-King X10 . The bigger, pricier Megaboom 4 played only 0.8 dB louder, and sometimes it sounded distorted on deep bass notes.

The Zvox AccuVoice AV70 has a voice-boosting mode that, as with other Zvox models, does a nice job of making voices sound clearer for those with hearing issues. It can’t match the volume or bass output of our top picks, though.

This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.

Meet your guide

Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a senior staff writer covering audio and musical instruments at Wirecutter. Since 1989, he has served as an editor or writer on audio-focused websites and magazines such as Home Theater, Sound & Vision, and SoundStage. He regularly gigs on double bass with various jazz groups, and his self-produced album Take2 rose as high as number three on the Roots Music Report jazz album chart.

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A selection of outdoor speakers that we tested to find the best.

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Our three picks for best bluetooth audio receiver, shown next to a white Triangle speaker.

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We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound

Mose Hayward

Travel Nerd

I’ve been travelling the world for a decade and a half, and no matter how much I whittle down my luggage to the bare essentials, I always have room for a small speaker. I love to follow my podcasts, to share and discover music with people from all over the world, and to improvise occasional mini-dance party on the go. My phone’s speaker just doesn’t cut it.

It’s pretty vital to travel with good sound.

We’ve tried out dozens of different Bluetooth speakers for this site, and we also continue to read all speaker reviews from top consumer test organizations, tech sites, and bloggers around the world. It’s not easy to pick just one travel Bluetooth speaker from the heap, but if we had to do it, here’s the current winner we’d take on any trip.

The Best Travel Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is our favorite travel speaker.

Why: An even mix of punchy, dynamic sound in a small, nearly indestructible waterproof cylinder; the overall best portable replacement for a full speaker system

But: While we think the Boom 3 is the best speaker for its size and price, there are also cheaper, smaller options discussed below that are quite worthwhile (though with less loudness and bass)

Our first Bluetooth speaker article was published way, way back in 2015. It has since been updated every few months with additions, changed recommendations, and new speakers. On April 14, 2017, we started logging these changes here; we added the UE Wonderboom to the recommended cheaper speakers. On May 3, 2017 we made a few changes and added the Etekcity RoverBeats T3. On May 8, 2017 we added the CRDC Life. On May June 2, 2017 we added a discussion of the JBL Flip 4 and made a few other updates. On June 21, 2017 we updated the discussion of the CRDC Life. On August 11, 2017, we updated the information on the Fugoo and Bose Soundlink Revolve speakers. On August 15-16, 2017, we removed speakers that were no longer available, updated the descriptions of our main pick, added some great alternate recommendations that have been recently released. We also rewrote the dumb parts. On Nov. 2, 2017, we added the AOSM speaker. On Nov. 3, we added the Bose Soundlink Micro. On Nov. 7, 2017, we added the supercheap tiniest speaker. On July 18-20, 2017, we did a major overhaul of the whole article with some updated recommendations concerning new speakers and eliminating those that are no longer available. On July 22. 2018: removed the no-longer-available the AOSM Portable TWS Bluetooth speaker, CRDC Life and Etekcity RoverBeats T3. Complete overhaul with updated recommendations on October 23, 2018. April 8, 2018: Updated with more opinions on the sound of the Boom 3 and better photos. Updated on Oct. 1, 2020 with a much better cheap pick. Added the JBL Flip 5 on Nov. 5, 2020. Updated with some minor changes to cheaper picks on July 21, 2022. Updated to remove older speakers and fix links on May 2, 2023. Similar update to remove outdated speakers but keep our main recommendation, with updated photos of it, on July 11, 2023.

This site (and our travel adventures) are rather meagerly funded through affiliate links; this means that when our readers click on shopping links to Amazon or pretty much anywhere, if they buy something, like it, and keep it, we get a small percentage. So we’re not particularly incentivized to recommend any one brand over another, but rather to have people find what they will like and use. We have received free speakers on occasion from manufacturers (who have no input on what we write) for review. Some of of those speakers sounded terrible, as noted below (Dodocool, Rise, etc.). Some of them sounded good. Ultimate Ears, for its part, only woke up and sent us a free speaker after we had been buying them with our own money and recommending them for years.

Why the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Is Our Favorite Travel Speaker

We’ll discuss its main road-worthy features first, then its sound — including a meta-take on critics views of this versus other portable speakers.

Features of the Boom 3: Rugged, Ready to Travel

This is not a feature-rich speaker, but it does include everything we find essential for use anywhere.

Waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof

No you’re not actually going to listen to your speaker underwater. But with the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, you could. The IP67 waterproof rating means that the unit is rated to be immersed under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes with no damage. This is a specific and meaningful claim (with legal implications) under the conditions of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standards .

In our test it sounds fine in the bathtub, but really, just put it next to your bath, shower, or pool. We do like knowing that we can easily wash it when needed, and that the odd splash of water won’t hurt it, but the 7 rating in waterproofing (meaning it can be submerged) is a bit overkill.

The 6 in the rating also means that it is “dustproof” and meets the standards for keeping dust out of the unit — an extra level of protection that is rare in such speakers, even those that are rated as waterproof.

The “drop-proofing” is a vaguer claim from Ultimate Ears that meets no specific standards, but the company claims that the Boom 3 passed various drop and durability tests. We were not so interested in testing this particular claim, but clumsier Amazon reviewers report that they’ve dropped it with no problems or even scratches . (The same was reported with its predecessor UE Boom 2 .) And prior to picking up a Boom 3, I myself was using, dropping, and bumping an (ancient-model, long discontinued) UE Mini speaker from the same manufacturer for many, many years and to this day it plays perfectly. The battery still works great too.

Convenient Charging and a 15-hour Battery for Long Parties Away from a Power Source

This is not the longest battery life for a quality small travel speaker (the Fugoo Tough described below goes for 40 hours) but the Boom 3 has more battery time than most reasonable people will ever need. (We also recommend carrying a backup battery for devices when on the road, which could be used to charge a speaker in a pinch.) The Boom 3 lasts for 15 hours of constant use. In the real world, I used it without charging for a two-week trip that included several spurts of use in (3-4-hour) car trips, and use in hotel rooms, showers, little improvised dance parties, and more with more battery to spare at the end.

The Boom 3 charges via a standard mini USB-B port, and you may be traveling with other devices using the same cable, like a Kindle for your language learning or your headphones. It’s too bad that the Boom 3 doesn’t use USB-C, like modern phones, but most other Bluetooth speakers are still on USB-B (micro) ports as well.

If you’ve seen our commentary on toiletry kits , you know that we’re obsessed with the utility of being able to hang things while travelling, and staying in cramped quarters.

Gold Lion Gear Aluminum Carabiner with Lock 3' - Carabiners - D Shape Heavy Duty Buckle - Locking Carabiner Clip - Key Ring - Backpack Clip - D Clips - Key Holder for Belt - Key Clip - Back Pack Clips

You can use a carabiner —or, my favorite, a travel hook —to attach your Ultimate Ears Boom 3’s hang loop to a backpack, a fence, a chair, a towel hook when you’re the shower… this is a very small but incredibly convenient feature. At least I think so; I always seem to run out of space to set stuff out on when I’m staying in weird corners of the world.

The Boom 3’s Dedicated Apps: Equalizer, Pair Multiple Speakers, and More

You can use the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 without installing any special apps as a simple Bluetooth-connected speaker. But you’ll want the relevant Android or iOS app for your phone as they add quite a bit of functionality.

The “block party” features allows three people to share/fight for DJ-rights to the speaker.
You can remotely turn the speaker on and off, which turns out to be quite convenient for making sure you save battery when the speaker is a bit further than you’d like to reach, or for turning it on to find it by sound if misplaced.
Customize the EQ to your taste.
Use the speaker as a musical alarm.
Connect multiple Boom 3 speakers for bigger sound. You can also connect 150+ Ultimate Ears Boom, Boom 2, Megaboom, and Megaboom 3 and have them all blasting music from your little old phone.

Portable Size and Weight

The Boom 3 is a very packable 2.9-in. (7.3 cm.) diameter cylinder and is 7.2 in. (18.4 cm.) tall. It weighs 1.34 lbs. (608 g.).

The Feature It Lacks: The Boom 3 Is Not a Smart Speaker

If you want a speaker you can chat with (ask about the weather, news, control a smart home) that is similar to the Boom 3, you can see our comparison of it with the Ultimate Ears Blast . But note that we wouldn’t really recommend any smart speaker, at least in terms of travel, as all smart speakers currently only work when connected to WiFi.

We also think that smart speakers are a bit gimmicky and not all that useful; if you want an assistant we’d just talk to the one built into any modern smart phone. And for a home unit, go instead for a (much more useful) unit with a screen like the Echo Show or Google Home Hub for your home.

How the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Sounds

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is, as you may expect, the third in a series. The previous versions, the UE Boom and UE Boom 2, were both revolutionary hits with reviewers when released with tech press , audiophiles , and international consumer and testing organizations. These were the first speakers to really do 360-degree audio and they packed an incredible punch for their small size.

The competition has caught up, definitely, and plenty of other portable Bluetooth speakers sound wonderful. But the Boom 3 has improved over the Boom 2 too . Thus far the critics have been heaping praise on the new portable party guy from Ultimate Ears, saying that its sound has a bit better performance at top volumes. Since speaker tastes are subjective, our meta-take is always to look for an overall consensus in this way rather than taking just our ears or any other one critic’s tastes as gospel.

And overall the experts think that the Boom 3 sounds fantastic. Its 2-inch drivers and 2×4-inch passive radiators punch out powerful sound and relatively deep bass for such a small unit with little risk of distortion. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and it doesn’t — like certain competitors, hike up the bass end to try to cover sloppy performance. The sound is balanced and rich, clear and sweet in the mids, and often described as “punchy” or “dynamic”.

Of the many Bluetooth speakers that I’ve personally listened to, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is the best sounding of its size, and certainly has the most convincing bass — not quite as deep and pleasing as high-end home bookshelf speakers, but it’s getting well close, which to my mind is fantastic for someone who is rarely in my living room enough to enjoy those.

The speaker goes quite loud (up to 90 dBA) and doesn’t have issues with distortion or odd mix effects when it gets up to its limits. Pushed to the max it was uncomfortably loud in a large interior living room/dining area, and could certainly serve as the sound system for a house party if needed.

Also crucial for good sound in practical outdoor settings or larger rooms is the Boom 3’s 360-degree output . No matter which side of the speaker you’re on, it sounds the same. The speaker is designed to be placed in the center of the action, and be equally enjoyable from any side. This means you can take a party to go and place the speaker in the center of the action, and it will sound great to everyone.

Downsides of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 (But Not Enough to Hold Us Back)

There is always a trade-off between a speaker’s size and its ability to deliver convincing bass and volume, so of course some larger Bluetooth speakers do sound better, especially on the bass end. In this article we focus on portable units and compare the Boom 3’s sound to them; we separately cover bigger, less portable Bluetooth speakers here . The Boom 3 is to most ears the best-sounding speaker with the features and the size that a traveller wants, but you might also compare it to the Megaboom 3 if you’re willing to carry about twice the weight.
It’s a bit expensive. You can certainly spend less and still have a great-sounding and robustly durable travel speaker (see below ).

Buying Options for the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Scoring the Best Prices

In addition to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 at Amazon , you can check for it on Best Buy , although we haven’t thus far seen better prices there. Amazon sometimes has different prices depending on which color you buy, so you may want to click around to different colors if you’re flexible.

We wouldn’t recommend buying a used Boom 3 —or any other battery-containing electronic device — as there is no telling how many cycles the battery has already been through at the time of purchase. You may end up having to replace the battery too soon (though our experience with Ultimate Ears batteries has generally been quite good).

Protecting Your Boom 3: Carrying Cases

The Boom 3 is an incredibly rugged speaker and we don’t think it really needs a case (we do travel with our cables neatly stored and protected in a Skooba Cable Stable however).

But we know that lots of our readers do buy cases. Such cases do at least provide a nice way to organize and protect the charging cable and keep it alongside the speaker. Our readers’ top three picks are below.

co2CREA Hard Travel Case Replacement for Ultimate Ears UE BOOM 4 / BOOM 3 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (Black Case)

A Larger Travel Speaker—with Even More Volume and Bass: The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

We’re all about travelling light so we’ve focused this article on speakers that are about the size and weight of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

If you think you can carry more, you’ll also be able to get more volume and better sound — this is a basic law of speaker tech.

Our rugged, larger travel speaker recommendation is the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 . In our direct comparison of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 we note that they’re almost identical in terms of design but the Megaboom 3 offers a bit more soundstage and performs better on the bass end. It goes deeper, and its lows on bass-heavy tracks are more full and convincing.

Otherwise it’s nearly the same as the Boom 3, so if you’re willing to carry a bit more weight (and pay a slightly higher price), this would be the one to go for.

The Most Rugged Bluetooth Speaker We’d Recommend—and with a Crazy Long Battery Life

The Fugoo Tough is designed to withstand snow, mud, shocks, and submersion underwater. It has an IP67 rating just like our main pick and a removable jacket that suggests it’s going into war — It’s not going to have any issues with being dropped, bumped, or kicked around.

Of the speakers we recommend it also has the most battery life: 40 hours.

Overall it doesn’t get near as many accolades for sound as our main pick, but it’s not too bad either. Several reviewers quite like how it handles music, while another faults it for lack of bass and volume.

Fugoo sells basically the same speaker in Sport , Style S , and Fugoo Style versions, but the Tough version is the only one that might make sense for some travellers as it is the most indestructible of the lot, and that’s what Fugoo has going for it in comparison to other options. We have done a full analysis of the differences between these Fugoo speakers . And we have a more complete comparison of the Fugoo, UE, and Bose lines of speakers .

The Best Smaller Bluetooth Speaker (Slip it in a Pocket, Clip it to Your Pack): Bose Soundlink Micro

At about half the size and weight of our main pick, the Bose has introduced a clippable, pocketable marvel that still somehow manages to deliver signature Bose evenness and clarity, and even enough loudness to fill a room or work for outdoor listening.

The Bose Soundlink Micro measures 3.87 inches (9.8 cm) square and is 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) thick; it weighs 0.64 pounds (.29 kg), making it one of the lightest speakers we’ve ever recommended. It’s fully IPX7 waterproof and has a very durable rubberized chassis.

The tech critics and audiophiles who have reviewed it tend to agree that its clarity is great and there is even somewhat of a soundstage and a solid bass end; it’s widely held to be the best-sounding small speaker of its size.

The main complaint it gets is its price; this costs more than most such tiny speakers. And the battery life of six hours may deter some (though if you’re carrying your own spare USB battery in your pack you don’t have to worry).

Overall, if you’re someone who is into extremely light packing and you need your tunes on the go, this is the speaker to go for.

See also our comparison of the Micro with the Bose Soundlink Color II .

The Best Cheap, Small Clip-on Speaker for Travel: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is half the price of the Bose Soundlink Micro above, and to some sounds even better. I personally have loved listening to most music on it, as it really excels in delivering a full, well-rounded impression of the mid-range that you’d normally get from a much larger speaker.

It’s also significantly cheaper and more portable than my top-choice Boom 3. While it can’t come anywhere near delivering the powerful bass and immersiveness of my top travel speaker pick, if I were just slightly less snobby about sound, or if I needed to lighten my load, I’d happily carry the Stormbox Micro 2.

It charges via USB-C (how modern), so you can use it with the same USB-C travel charger that you likely already use for your phone and perhaps laptop and other devices. The new version adds to that the ability to charge a phone or other device off of the speaker’s battery—a lifesaver after a long flight.

Add to that Bluetooth 5.0 and full IP67 waterproofing, and it’s hard to find any objection.

Other Travel Speaker Options (Not Our Top Picks)

A quieter but excellent-sounding travel bluetooth speaker: bose soundlink color ii.

The Bose Soundlink Color II is the small-to-mid-sized Bluetooth speaker to get if you want a decent soundstage and the smooth mids and trebles that the Bose universe tends to provide.

The Color II not as loud, and doesn’t kick out as much powerful bass as some of the other options, but the critics and consumer organizations report that holds it own and is excellent for filling a room with clean, detailed sound. We offer a full comparison of the Soundlink Color II with the other Bose speakers .

The Color II is directional, meaning that it sounds best when you’re right in front of it, and it’s spash-resistant (but not waterproof) and has a rubberized body so is expected to survive drops well. Overall, that makes it a nice-enough speaker to travel with, but the Boom 3 seems like a better deal to us.

The Bose Soundlink Color II measures 2.2 x 5.0 x 5.2 inches (5.6 x 12.7 x 13.2 cm) and weighs 1.2 pounds (.544 kg).

Generally Well-Liked: The JBL Flip 6

JBL Flip 6 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker, powerful sound and deep bass, IPX7 waterproof, 12 hours of playtime, JBL PartyBoost for multiple speaker pairing for home, outdoor and travel (Blue)

We think that the JBL Flip 6 is a good speaker and a slight improvement on the JBL Flip 5 (see this review for full thoughts) . It could be a decent in-between-priced pick if your budget falls between our main pick and the cheaper pick above.

A Few More Notes…

AYL Mini Speaker System, Portable Plug in Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Audio Input, External Speaker for Laptop Computer, MP3 Player, iPhone, iPad, Cell Phone (Black)

The AYL Portable Mini Capsule Speaker System is not actually a bluetooth speaker, but connects via a mini cable. It’s really small and really cheap, and considering that sounds decent according to some . If you have a modern smartphone or tablet, though, your sound may already be better directly from that.

Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Wireless Water-Resistant Speaker with 360° Sound, Black

We completed a comparative meta-review of the differences between the Bose Soundlink Revolve II and Bose Soundlink Revolve + II , which we think are both quite fine Bluetooth speakers but perhaps not what we’d want to take on the road, as they’re not as waterproof and dustproof.

OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker, up to 100 ft Wireless Range, Plays All Day, Portable Small Speaker for iPhone, Android Phones, Crystal Clear Sound, IPX5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black

As of this writing there are a couple of reviews out there of the Oontz Angle 3 , but no serious comparisons to other speakers by anyone who is an expert in audio. This speaker is quite popular on Amazon, and most reviewers there seem to be enjoying their purchase as a functional and loud-enough option for “rocking out in the shower” or listening to audio books. We can’t recommend this over the other cheap options (above) until we see more written about it or try it out ourselves, but it may be another good option at the lowest price point.

The Rise MiniBoom Wireless Speaker is a tiny, palm-sized and well-built speaker that would be a great road companion if it sounded better. Unfortunately, I found the sound at high volumes to be so harsh and unpleasant that I didn’t even want to use it for listening to podcasts — the sound from my Pixel phone itself was actually more even and listenable. If you lower the volume and listen to music, there is a bit more body and presence than a cell phone’s own speaker, but unsurprisingly not the clarity of the larger speakers we review here, and the sound is muffled. I wanted to love this speaker for its small footprint and obvious convenience as a minimalist travel accessory, but unfortunately the sound quality for me is overall not worth adding to one’s bag (or even pocket).

Motorola X Sol Republic Deck Bluetooth NFC Wireless Speaker - Gunmetal - 89641N

The SOL Republic Deck was pretty well-liked by some reviewers , though they weren’t in completely in love with it or anything. It is long and thin, and its price has dropped significantly, so it could now be considered a decent cheap option, but still not as good as our other cheap picks above.

Wrap-Up: And the Best Speaker for YOUR Travels Is…

With Ultimate Ears speakers especially, it’s very worth clicking over to Amazon and checking out prices for various colors in order to get the best deal, as they vary widely at times.

About The Author

31 thoughts on “We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound”

I’d like to see Minirig Mini and Wonderboom 2 compared, they’re both smaller than Boom 3 and sound quality would be at least close.

I’d agree that Wonderboom 2 (or previous version, both reviewed here) is excellent and an in-between spot for a small, great-sounding travel speaker. I haven’t heard the Minirig Mini yet but others’ reviews for it have not been good at all.

I recently purchased two Creative Muvo 2c speakers as my go to travel speakers. They connect as a stereo pair and the sound is great, not overly bass heavy (which I prefer) but the mids and trebles are crystal clear and they don’t distort at maximum volume. Priced at around Euros 35 each they don’t break the bank and are easily portable. Wonder if you would review a set and see what you think?

Great reviews. Can you recommend something that’s small and flat like the jbl go 2 or altec lansing h20 3, that can pair with another, that sounds decent? Neither of these get loud enough. I have a pair of oontz angles, but they’re too big for a pocket and won’t pair to each other.

Thanks, you’re all so sweet. In your shoes I think I’d go for two UE Roll 2s, as mentioned above. They’re flat-ish, but not quite pocket-sized. You really do have to trade off larger size for larger sound, I’m afraid.

Creative Muvo 2c Buy two, pair them up and you won’t be disappointed.

This is one of the best reviews I’ve read about any item. It’s given added credibility because you draw on third party opinions. I’m seeking lightweight, stereo and good battery life. Still deciding, but you’ve given plenty of food for thought Thanks!

I think leaving out any Marshall product is a terrible oversight in this otherwise very useful roundup!

I own the 1st gen Kilburn, and it still pumps out more bass than almost anything listed here, boasts a carry handle, solid highs and mids with very pleasing, warm sound, and excellent battery life. It falls right in line with the price of several entries in this list, and has great build quality.

The only negative is the weight, but if you’re traveling by vehicle to your campsite (or other destination) the weight is less of an issue, and you are rewarded with shockingly good sound for the size of the speaker.

They make a smaller portable BT speaker, in addition to the Kilburn.

Agreed. We love the Marshall Kilburn II too, but it’s much larger than the speakers in this article. We cover the larger speakers like the Kilburn here: https://minimalist.travel/en/reviews/big-loudest-bluetooth-speakers/

Nice job. You say that some critics say the Charge 2+ sounds better than the 3, and you give a link. 3 links indeed. Well, in none of them there is such a statement. The Charge 3 isn’t mentioned at all. Wrong links?

You’ll want to look at the links reviewing the Charge 3 in the paragraph above that; several reviewers made that comment though it was a mixed sentiment. Thanks for your careful reading, hope you find the right speaker for you!

How can it be voice controlled with google home?

Edit (Oct 23, 2018): Nope. Voice-controlled speakers need to be connected to wifi to work and we’re discussing travel speakers here. We’d recommend checking out our smart speaker reviews .

What a fantastic review!

Which bluetooth speaker has the smallest form factor because portability is my main requirement. Thanks

Hi Akshat, we have a separate review of the smallest speakers . Enjoy!

I was wondering. Would two UE Roll 2’s in stereo be better than one UE Boom 2?

In a word, yes. The two UE Roll 2s can provide stereo separation or simply more sound. On the other hand, it’s more to carry around than if you get a single UE Boom 2 . The best speaker is the one that you have with you; you may be more likely to carry a single UE Boom 2 more often than if you have two UE Roll 2s.

Attention Aussie customers …

The Fugoo Style is available on the Official US site for $89US The same item in the AU site is $289AU

You do the math… (not great value for money for the Aussies)

What about JBL Flip 3? No mention of that?

I realisre the article must have been written before Flip3 was released. So if you could give an opinion now?

Frankly, an oversight from our last update. We’ve now updated our coverage from the JBL Flip 2 to JBL Flip 3. As we describe in our update (above), it’s pretty well liked by critics and not a bad option, but most people will frankly prefer our other budget picks. It’s a decent speaker though. Thanks for commenting.

I purchased the phk brick sounds really good its punchy and clear !

Awesome article. I love your thorough, meta style. Q: any word on the UE Megaboom? Given the fine coverage you give of the Boom 2, surely the Megaboom deserves some discussion, and a comparison of its sound with the Boom 2. Thx!

Thanks! We’re glad you found it useful. Perhaps a bit late for you, but we now have a comparison of the UE Boom 2 and UE Megaboom . The Megaboom was considered too large for this article.

No mini rig?

? How can you not have JBL Extream and Fugoo XL in this list?

We certainly considered them; both the JBL Xtreme and the Fugoo XL are quality speakers, but far too bulky (I’ve added them just now to that list).

In this analysis, we focus on options that are small enough that you are always tempted to throw them in your bag, and yet they still deliver on great audio. Our bigger, chunkier recommendation would be the Bowers & Wilkens T7 , which we think is a bit of a step up from those two…

Our recommendations are very much focused on portable options. It sounds like the Bowers & Wilkens T7 would be the best option for you, however.

This article is fantastic — thank you!

I’m looking for something self-powered that gets produces good sound and gets loud — that’s my main requirement. Cost, portability etc are less important. Do you have any recommendations? The only really loud option I could find is the Soundboks, but review sites indicate that the sound quality isn’t very good. What’s the next loudest option out there that has good sound quality?

This site focuses on portable equipment at this time; it sounds like you want battery-powered loudspeakers like these — you might start your search there.

Our Reviewers’ Picks of Underrated, Useful Travel Gear

My Favorite Travel Speaker of Many Dozens Tested

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Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best portable bluetooth speakers - summer 2024 reviews.

A good portable Bluetooth speaker can bring your favorite music wherever you go. Whether you're looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker to take with you when you're outdoors in your backyard, at the beach or park, or even in different rooms of your home, there are countless models to choose from that are currently on the market. Ideally, you'll want a well-built speaker with a long-lasting battery life and an IP rating for water resistance to withstand getting wet when you take it outside. That said, it's important to note that smaller speakers are more likely to struggle to get loud and reproduce a thumpy and rumbling low bass.

We've tested over 140 speakers, and below are our recommendations for the best portable speakers. For more options, check out our picks for the best Bluetooth speakers , the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers , or the best small Bluetooth speakers .

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Boombox 3 is the best portable Bluetooth speaker we've tested. This mid-size speaker is a little larger than the other picks on our list, but it's a fair trade-off for you if you want the best possible sound. Thanks to its heftier build, this speaker reproduces a deeper and more extended low bass, so you really feel the rumble in bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. The rest of the range is quite balanced, so you get clear and accurate voices and instruments in the mix. Plus, its 3-band graphic EQ lets you customize its sound.

Thanks to its built-in handle, this speaker can easily move from room to room. It's even rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so you can take it outside and with an almost 30-hour battery life, it easily lasts through long days on the go. Music lovers and audiophiles alike will want to look at this stand-out speaker, but if you're looking for something more lightweight with a more immersive sound, it's worth checking out the Bose SoundLink Max instead. The Bose can get louder, though there's a fair bit more compression as you crank the volume. Users who prefer a marathon battery life will find that its 15-hour battery life doesn't cut it compared to the JBL's impressive 30 hours, though.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM is another portable Bluetooth speaker that is offered at a more affordable price. Thanks to its relatively portable design, this device is suitable for listening at home or while out and about. It's a little on the heavier side, but its built-in strap helps you transport it wherever you go. Plus, it's sturdy, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance to protect it against the elements, and you can get it in either black or white color variants.

As for the sound, this speaker has many features to make the most of your listening experience. Its Adaptive EQ feature automatically adjusts the device's sound to your room's unique acoustics, which is a nice touch, and its graphic EQ and presets let you perform some manual tuning. However, compared to the more premium JBL Boombox 3 , it doesn't reproduce as much low bass. Its 7.8-hour battery life isn't quite as impressive and may be limiting for longer days outside. Still, it's worth a look if you want a speaker with a great sound for less.

Best Mid-Range Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is an even more affordable option that's smaller and more lightweight than our top picks. This cylindrical Bluetooth speaker is easy to take on the go, and you can even attach it to your bag with its built-in carrying hook. If you want to use your speaker at the pool or the lake, it's a great choice since it floats in water and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It also comes in many color variants, so you can find one that best matches your style.

Given its smaller size, it's unsurprising that this speaker's low-frequency extension is less impressive than that of the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM . You'll notice less low bass in the mix, but it's still well suited for most dialogue or instrument-focused content, like podcasts or folk and pop music. Plus, its companion app has a lot of customization options to make the most of its sound, including a graphic EQ and presets. It has a small design and great sound, so it's worth checking out, especially if you want to spend less on your next speaker.

Best Budget Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best portable speaker we've tested in the budget range. This speaker offers great sound quality for the price, with a small and lightweight design that's ideal for listening on the go. Since it can float in water, it's also great to use at the pool, and its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance keeps it safe when exposed to the elements. Environmentally conscious shoppers will appreciate that this speaker is made of recycled plastic. Since it's available in many different colors, you can easily pick a model that suits your style.

As for the sound, this speaker's clear and accurate reproduction of voices and other lead instruments makes it a great choice for listening to lots of different genres. Its Outdoor Mode makes audio clearer and crisper when you listen in larger, more open spaces like your backyard. That said, it has fewer sound customization features than more premium speakers like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 . If you want a budget-friendly speaker with a graphic EQ and presets to switch up your sound, check out the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 . While its battery life doesn't last as long as the Ultimate Ears, the Anker is still a solid option if you want more control over the mix.

Best Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Sony SRS-XB100 is an incredibly small speaker—in fact, it's one of the smallest we've tested. This portable Bluetooth speaker is lightweight enough to bring with you wherever you go, and its included strap makes it easy to attach to your bag or wrist. Plus, it boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and it can float in water, which is great if you want to take it to the pool. It's also available in a few different colors to fit your style.

This speaker's size means its sound quality isn't quite as impressive as our top picks, but that might be a fair trade-off if you want something small and portable. It's still suitable for listening to most music genres, albeit with less rumble in the low bass with genres like EDM. Unlike the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 , it has to downmix stereo content into mono to play it back, which isn't ideal for music lovers. Still, for its size, it does a solid job. You can even check out our recommendations for the best small Bluetooth speakers if you want to look at similar options.

Best Smart Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Want hands-free control of your speaker? Check out the Sonos Roam 2. It's a portable smart speaker with built-in Alexa and Sonos Assistant. The pocket-friendly Roam is designed for days on the go, as it's easy to slip into a bag or backpack to take around with you. Plus, it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and it floats in water, so it's protected a bit against the elements. Building on a very similar Blueprint to the Sonos Roam/Roam SL , this version adds dedicated Bluetooth and power buttons. It also comes with a TruePlay room correction feature that can adapt the sound to the acoustics of your listening space.

This speaker is also a great addition to your existing Sonos ecosystem at home since you can pair it up with compatible devices to spread audio throughout the room. It's especially useful since the smaller Roam doesn't get as loud as some of the larger speakers on our list, and pairing it with another device can help. If you want a bigger portable smart speaker that gets louder, you can always check out the Sonos Move 2 . However, its larger size means it takes up more space in your bag when transporting, and the speaker weighs more, which isn't ideal for everyone.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker: The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is larger and heavier than the Sonos Roam 2, but it's worth a look if you want a portable smart speaker with better sound. The Bose gets louder and brings more rumble in the bass, but it doesn't have room correction like the Sonos. See our review
JBL Flip 6: The JBL Flip 6 is another portable Bluetooth speaker that's a good alternative to the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 if you're willing to pay slightly more. Its graphic EQ lets you customize its sound to your liking. However, its battery life isn't as impressive as the Ultimate Ears'. See our review
Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex is a well-built portable Bluetooth speaker that's great for those who love the manufacturer's signature sound. It has fewer customization tools than similarly priced speakers like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3. See our review
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus: The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus is a portable speaker with a great, intuitive control scheme. It's a good alternative to the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 if you need more volume to soundtrack your next backyard BBQ. The Anker also has voice assistant integration, but it's not as well-built and has a shorter continuous battery life. See our review
Sony SRS-XG500: The Sony SRS-XG500 is a sturdy portable speaker that can get loud enough to soundtrack parties and outdoor occasions. While it's not as well-built as the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM and has worse directivity, it can get louder and has a more impressive battery life of just under 26 hours on a single charge. See our review
Brane X: The Brane X is a portable smart speaker ideal for those who want a lot of low-end in a portable package. This lunchbox-size speaker has a better bass extension than the Sonos Roam 2 and can get louder. However, it's not as portable and is quite a bit more expensive. It does come with smart features, like Wi-Fi and Alexa integration. See our review

Aug 15, 2024: We've replaced the Sonos Roam/Roam SL with the Sonos Roam 2 as our 'Best Smart Portable Speaker' and added a mention of the Bose SoundLink Max in our 'Best Speaker' pick.

Jun 19, 2024: We've checked all our picks to ensure pricing remains consistent. We've made minor changes to the text for clarity.

May 21, 2024: We've checked our picks and have made no changes. However, we've added the Brane X speaker as a Notable Mention due to its powerful bass and high output for its relatively small size.

Apr 22, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure all our picks are in stock and up to date. We've also added a mention of the Brane X, which we've almost finished testing.

Mar 25, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks are still relevant and in stock. We've also added the Sony SRS-XG500 as a Notable Mention due to its superior battery life performance compared to the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Bluetooth speakers for portability. We factor in the price (cheaper speakers win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no speakers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to see more products, here's the list of all our Bluetooth speaker reviews sorted by their outdoor performance. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect speakers. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.

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The Best Bluetooth Speakers

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Best Overall Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Read more

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Best Smart Speaker Sonos Roam 2 Read more

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Best Small Speaker Sony SRS-XB100 Read more

Biggest Battery Tribit Stormbox Flow Read more

The best Bluetooth speakers have a place near and dear to our hearts, even as we've seen smart speakers improving their sound and portability. It's convenient to ask an Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker to play your favorite track or tell you the weather, but smart speakers require stable Wi-Fi and updates to do their best tricks. By (mostly) forgoing voice assistants and Wi-Fi radios, Bluetooth speakers are usually ultraportable, able to venture into the world, and can withstand rugged conditions like a sandy beach or steamy Airbnb jacuzzi. They'll work with any smartphone, and the top options sound just as good or better than the average smart speaker.

We've tested hundreds of Bluetooth speakers going back to 2017 and they improve every year. Here are our favorites right now. Be sure to check out all our buying guides , including the Best Soundbars , Best Wirefree Earbuds , Best Smart Speakers , and Best Bookshelf Speakers .

Updated August 2024: We've added the Bose SoundLink Max, Sonos Roam 2, Tribit StormBox 2, JBL Clip 5, and Beats Pill.

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Best Overall

We've had an Ultimate Ears Boom speaker atop our list for years now, and for good reason. The middle child of the UE portable lineup is fun and convenient, and puts out some of the most pleasant and balanced sound for its size on the market. The Boom 4 is our latest pick, with the most notable difference from 2018's Boom 3 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) being a USB-C charging port. Why mess with near perfection, right?

We've spent a few days listening to the latest version, and even as the world has changed around it, the latest Boom still hits all the right notes for smooth, clear, and groovy sound. As before, the waterproof cylinder comes in multiple colors, is as durable as a chunk of wood, and gives you over 100 feet of Bluetooth range. It has a two-year warranty and connects to the UE app to unlock an EQ, connection to other Ultimate Ears speakers, and more. — Ryan Waniata

15-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

★ Also Great: If you like to shake the room even if the “room” is the Great Outdoors, the latest Charge from JBL ($180) is an ultra-portable banger. The speaker is IP67-rated against dust and moisture and offers a great battery life. It has up to eight different finishes and the ability to charge your phone while off the grid. Its tubular shape is designed to fit neatly into your hand, and just as important, it’s capable of kicking the party right off if you want it to. It’s not a blunt instrument, but its prodigious and frankly unlikely low-frequency response never stops surprising. If it’s portable party time you’re after, JBL has you covered in fine style. — Simon Lucas

20-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

Best Smart Speaker

The larger Sonos speakers are great if you want a speaker that usually lives inside, but they aren't the kind of thing you'd want to throw in a backpack. That's where the Roam 2 comes in ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). This tiny tube has all the same smarts as its bigger Sonos siblings but with an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating and 10 hours of listening time. It's about the size of a 16-ounce beer can and easily fits in cup holders and knapsacks alike. Sonos recently updated it with easier Bluetooth pairing via a dedicated button. —Parker Hall

10-hour battery life, USB-C charging (available wireless charging pad), IP67 dust/water resistance

★ A bigger portable Sonos: The Sonos Move 2 costs $449 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) and is a larger version of our top pick, the Sonos Roam. It's good if you're trying to fuel a real dance party, or if you want a mostly indoor speaker you can take onto the patio for get-togethers.

Best Small Speaker

This sub-$100 speaker from Sony has become a go-to when riding to gatherings, thanks to a clever built-in strap, and the fact that it sits flat in a bike basket. It's got excellent battery life, is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, and you can even link two of them together for stereo sound. It comes in a variety of awesome colors—my favorites include bright blue and bright orange—so you'll never be lost in the crowd. At just under 4 inches tall, it's small enough to take virtually anywhere, and it sounds a lot better than a speaker this size has a right to. —Parker Hall

16-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

Biggest Battery

Tribit has been raising its game in the portable audio category lately, and the Stormbox Flow ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) is another great example of the brand’s portable prowess. The headline here is a rival-stomping 30 hours of max battery life, but the Stormbox Flow has plenty more to give, from an elegant yet weatherproof design to clear and punchy audio with thumpy bass to match. Maybe the speaker’s best feature is its low price of $80 or less, making it a fine fit for budget shoppers seeking a versatile speaker that keeps rocking long after the party is done. — Ryan Waniata

30-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

Small round and circular speaker clipped to the waistband of a person's pants

JBL’s Clip 5 speaker is on the pricier side for a micro-size portable, but this is a classic case of getting what you pay for. I came to think of the sound as “fat” in a good way, with fuller bass and midrange frequencies than expected. The warmer sound still gives up rich detail and definition, and you can easily adjust it to taste in the JBL Portable app. I love using the speaker in the shower or even clipping it on a belt loop for yard work with its wide carabiner. Its stout body is dust and water resistant, and you’ll get a few advanced features like the ability to stereo-pair two Clip 5s or connect to other JBL speakers in Party Mode. Battery life is still middling, but a two-hour boost over the previous Clip (up to five hours with the Playtime Boost) provides a solid upgrade that makes the latest version more versatile than ever. — Ryan Waniata

12-hour battery life (15 hours with Boost), USB-C Charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

TriBit StormBox Micro 2 bluetooth speaker

Handlebar Ready

We loved the first generation of the Tribit StormBox Micro for its easy-to-use silicone strap, which firmly held it against bicycle handlebars. In this update, Tribit has maintained the rugged IP67 rating against water and dust, and given us more battery life (around 12 hours) plus better bass. Also, the new Bluetooth 5.2 tech allows it to cast a wider signal than its predecessor, for when you're wandering around the yard or house. —Parker Hall

12-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

★ Also handlebar-ready: Bose also makes a great speaker of a similar design called the SoundLink Micro ($119) , which was previously our top bike handlebar pick. It sounds about the same but is twice as expensive as the Tribit.

Black cylindrical speaker with large white symbols on the front

Best Bargain

Tribit’s line of Bluetooth speakers sound a lot better than they should for the price. The StormBox is our favorite linel. The new StormBox 2 is largely the same as the original model, with dual-firing drivers and passive radiators in a 7-inch-long pill shape, but now it comes with upgraded controls and about 6 watts more output (up to 30 watts from 24). No, it can't fuel a trance dance party on its own, but its clarity is impressive, and it has a fun extra bass button that adds some surprising, if slightly muddy, thump.

With 24-ish hours of battery and an IPX7 waterproof rating —which means it's not dust-proof but can be submerged in water—it's a great companion for backyard tunes, a trip down the river, or other informal gatherings. —Parker Hall

24-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IPX7 water resistance

Black oval shaped speaker with handle on top and icons on top sitting in woodchips beside small plants

Brane Audio's Brane X speaker ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) may seem like a shockingly pricey choice for a list of portable speakers, and it certainly is that. But this lunchbox-sized speaker has something no other portable we've tested has: a true, fully functional subwoofer. Thanks to Brane's mystifying RAD (Repel Attract Driver) technology, this speaker hits all the notes in your music, with unadulterated bass to bring more punch, gravitas, and sheer emotionality to everything you play. The physics-defying subwoofer is joined by five drivers up top for impressive stereo expansion from a portable package. You'll get both Bluetooth streaming and Wi-Fi for plugging in at home, with support for AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The speaker lasts for 12 hours per charge, and gets an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance. You'll pay a lofty price, but the Brane X's clear and fantastically full sound gets you very close to the performance of a home audio system virtually anywhere you roam. — Ryan Waniata

12-hour battery life, proprietary charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

A Bluetooth Guitar Amp

Positive Grid's Spark Mini ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is one of our favorite portable tools for musicians. You can pair your phone and play music via the cube-shaped speaker, but also plug in a guitar and blend yourself in to jam along. It's a perfect playing tool for campfires and backyard barbecues (8 hours of battery), and it even doubles as an audio interface if you need to scratch down an idea quickly. Because it's a guitar amp, the thing is much louder than it looks, easily able to fuel sing-alongs and shredding interpretations of The Star-Spangled Banner on Independence Day. —Parker Hall

8-hour battery life, USB-C charging, no labeled water resistance

★ Miniaturize it: Looking for a smaller way to shred on the go? The Spark Go ($129) is about half the size of the Spark Mini and comes with all the same great sounds, making it perfect for those who don't need much volume (or who plan to practice with headphones anyway).

A Modern Boombox

The Bose SoundLink Max ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) has quickly become my favorite speaker to drag along to outdoor events. It's not quite as big as the boombox that John Cusack would hold over his head in the 1980s, but this robust, rubberized speaker has bold sound and gets loud enough to woo your sweethearts with a love song. I also like that you can plug in your phone while it plays music, which is nice for those of us who are forgetful on our days off. Bold bass, even when outside, makes this good for dance parties in the middle of nowhere, and the handle is easy to tie up to packs, kayaks, or tents. —Parker Hall

For Porta Parties

With 24 hours of battery life, a rugged design, and a huge yard-filling sound, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the perfect speaker for a party. Intelligent algorithms use data from a built-in mic to analyze where you've placed the speaker, ensuring the best possible sound, much like the Sonos Move. This is a better option than the Sonos if you have no interest in a future home network of speakers.

It doesn't have lights or cup holders like some other party speakers, but this is the best-made large Bluetooth speaker we've tested. It's been dropped from trucks, left out in the rain, and used at summer barbecues. It's even got a big silicon strap, inviting you to take it everywhere. —Parker Hall

24-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IPX4 water resistance

3 ovalshaped portable speakers in black gold and red

Easiest to Pair

Quick one-touch pairing for both Apple and Android devices makes this an excellent speaker for folks in mixed phone homes, or for anyone who just hates having to sit there forever and tell folks how to pair.

New drivers help keep the slick and polished treble and hefty bass you expect from Beats, but with a refined clarity and punctual definition to soup up everything you play. Beats didn’t stop there, adding a massive 24-hour playback time, great dust and water resistance, and features like the ability to charge other speakers and even play hi-res audio over the USB-C input. The design isn’t quite as robust or versatile as our top pick, but if you’re looking for big, polished sound and plenty of extras, the latest Pill delivers. — Ryan Waniata

24-hour battery life, USB-C Charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

An Elegant Accessory

Bang & Olufsen's round, IP67-rated Bluetooth speaker has a luxe price, but it's one of the best-sounding small speakers we've ever heard. With an included leather strap, excellent controls, and a super-durable build, it quickly became a favorite. If you're willing to spend up for a gorgeous portable in every sense, this is the tiny luxury option to beat. Plus, now that it's been around a bit, you can often find it on sale as low as $200, making it all the more enticing. —Parker Hall

18-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance

Honorable Mentions

Here are some other good speakers we've tested that didn't quite make the cut for our top picks for one reason or another:

Urbanista Malibu for $150 : We're not the biggest fans ever of the Urbanista Malibu's sound ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), but it is notable in that it can be charged using solar power. That makes it a great speaker for those of us who are forgetful beach bums, or who only use a speaker like this on rare outdoor occasions, but stick to smart speakers or earbuds at home.
Sony Ult Field 1 for $130: The smallest of Sony’s Ult line speakers is a solid tubular portable up against very tough competition. It offers good sound with the “Ult” bass key engaged, but its midrange is less defined and dynamic than some of our favorites like the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 or JBL Charge 5, and it offers less battery life than either. Even the smaller JBL Flip 6 provides more presence and punch, and the Ult Field 1 is larger and more unwieldy, making it a solid but not outstanding choice.
Dali Katch G2 for $600 : Danish specialist Dali's second generation of its remarkably elegant Katch speaker is a balanced, open, and extraordinarily positive listen. The Katch is able to extract a stack of information from even the meanest Bluetooth stream. Thanks to a choice of three finishes, a leather handle, and some typically Scandi industrial design, it looks the part as well as sounding it, but its price is very high.
Marshall Stockwell II for $200: If you're a music fan or just love the classic Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. This small, relatively pricey speaker serves up smooth, balanced, and refined sound. The durable exterior is splash-resistant, the front and back have a steel grille, and the batter lasts around 20 hours depending on how much you tweak the stylish volume knob.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom for $300-350: The Epicboom is another excellent speaker from UE, with a curvy, pill-shaped body that's easy to transport for its size. It projects sound well in medium-sized outdoor spaces and can connect to other Ultimate Ears models inside the Boom app, potentially creating a party channel of up to 150 speakers. We also like the fact that this speaker is made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabric and 59 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
DemerBox DB2 for $399: The DB2 is a great companion for your boldest outdoor adventures, in large part because it serves two purposes: It's a loud portable speaker with 40 hours of built-in battery life, and it's also a crushproof Pelican case. Load it up with any particularly fragile items, plug the bass port with an included rubber stopper, and you've got yourself an everything-proof box to keep your stuff safe.
Tivoli Model Two for $450 : This radio has a gorgeous midcentury modern feel, and can sit both vertically and horizontally. It has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming options, works with Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, and gets plenty loud. It’s almost a little too minimalist, with its single button and surrounding LED light to control and indicate modes, and it’s pricier than it needs to be, unless you’re looking for a design statement first.
Oontz Angle 3 Speaker for $40: This speaker has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and is pretty great for a dirt-cheap Bluetooth speaker based on our testing. If you just want something to sing along with in the shower—and you're not a stickler for great audio quality—snag one of these.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level for $2,000: Bang & Olufsen takes a “buy once, cry once” policy for wireless listening. The Beosound Level is a crazy expensive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, but it is modularly designed and aims to be repairable forever. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, as are the wood and cloth elements. The gorgeous and great-sounding speaker could be a lifetime audio addition that can be upgraded as time passes.
Bose's SoundLink Revolve II for $219: Both this speaker and the Soundlink Revolve+ II ($329) aren't the cheapest, cutest, or most waterproof speakers, but we like their sound and their aesthetics. If you're not hard on your speakers, they're worth considering.
Sony SRS-XG500 for $498: This is a very loud boom-box-shaped speaker with up to 30 hours of battery life. It sounds and works great, but it just doesn't sound as good as the Ultimate Ears model on our main list, and we don't love the aesthetics.

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The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 16 portable options for every price range

In an overcrowded space, we narrowed down the best speakers in every price range..

Choosing the best portable Bluetooth speaker can be a daunting task with the amount of options available today. Whether you're gearing up for a camping trip, a beach outing, or a backyard barbecue, finding the right speaker that delivers on sound quality, durability, and portability is crucial. We've tested dozens of Bluetooth speakers across various price points to help you navigate this crowded market. While many of them sound impressive, comparing them head-to-head allowed us to identify the features that make certain models stand out. If you’re looking primarily for a speaker that works with a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, check out our top picks for the best smart speaker s. However, for those seeking a versatile portable Bluetooth speaker, we've put together a selection of top performers that cater to a wide range of use cases and preferences. Whether you're after powerful bass, long battery life or rugged design, our recommendations will help you find the best match for your needs.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Soundcore motion 300, ue wonderboom 3, anker soundcore motion+, bose soundlink flex, marshall emberton ii, jbl charge 5, marshall middleton, bose portable smart speaker, jbl xtreme 3, marshall tufton, ultimate ears hyperboom, soundboks go, table of contents, best portable bluetooth speakers: $50 to $200, best portable bluetooth speakers: $200 to $450, best portable bluetooth speakers: $450 and higher, factors to consider in a portable bluetooth speaker, other portable bluetooth speakers we tested, bluetooth speaker faqs.

If you’re just looking for a small, cheap Bluetooth speaker that can kick out some decent volume, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 fits the bill. The audio quality here is fine; it doesn’t stand out in terms of fidelity, but the volume you get from this affordable little speaker is what makes it a good choice. If you’re bopping about outdoors on your bike or chilling in the park, it’s usually more about portability and volume anyway. The rubbery rear strap works well on relatively thin things like belts, backpacks and bike handlebars.

While it’s small and affordable, the speaker features a USB-C charging port for your devices in a pinch and you can wirelessly connect two of them for party mode or stereo sound. It also supports voice assistants for both iOS and Android users, and if you want to take calls on your phone via speakerphone, that’s easy to do as well.

Soundcore has been releasing some very able speakers lately and one of its newest is a quality personal portable. The Motion 300 is of the pint-sized variety, but offers 30-watts of punchy and bright output. It’s IPX7 rated so it can handle a bit of water, and it works with the Anker Soundcore app that allows a fair amount of customization from EQ settings to button brightness. It also supports hi-res audio using the LDAC codec for Android users with a compatible device.

The Motion 300’s size and frequency range don’t quite allow for a ton of bass, but it’s relatively loud and thumpy, especially when it has surfaces to reflect off of. Soundcore has even extended its high-frequency range to 40kHz, and while its utility is debatable, the Motion 300 does sound crisp in the high-end spectrum. You can also enable adaptive audio, which helps optimize its sound delivery depending on the speaker orientation (on its back, standing up or hanging from its removable button-fastened strap).

The speaker’s design merges a funky style with office-machine chic, from the playfully speckled soft touch exterior to the metallic, logo-emblazoned grille. Its 1.7-pound weight and clutch-purse size makes it better as a handheld or stowed in your bag rather than hanging from a backpack or bike handlebars. Ultimately, you get great sound in a small package with features you can tweak to your liking, all at an approachable $80 price tag.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a tiny yet powerful portable, delivering the biggest sound in its size range that we tested. It’s still a cute, barrel-shaped small speaker with a nubby little strap that probably needs a carabiner to help attach it to most things. This model offers up to 14 hours on a single change, and underneath, you can easily access the protected micro-USB port whenever you need to refill. But this refreshed model includes a couple of bright new colors, an extra hour of battery life and improved wireless range. With an IP67 rating on top of the company’s five-foot drop test durability, it can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.

The audio quality is punchy and bright enough for what you’d expect at this scale and price range. Although there’s no app support or connectivity with the rest of the Ultimate Ears speaker lineup, you can easily pair it with speakers like the Wonderboom 2 or Megaboom 3 for stereo sound. There’s also an outdoor mode button on the bottom that boosts the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.

Features: IPX7 waterproof, custom EQ settings using companion app | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

This nondescript wedge of a wireless speaker could easily slip under your radar, but it’s worth a listen. It has a bright and bassy output, which is helped along by Qualcomm aptX support for hi-res audio. This Anker Soundcore device has a solid, slightly heavy build with a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch rubberized exterior (that loves your greasy fingerprints) and IPX7 water resistance. While it’s not the lightest or most portable, it has good sound, especially for the price. Plus the app offers EQ customization, so you can fine tune to your liking.

There’s also a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections. You can use it as a speakerphone when taking calls as well, or easily play music from your devices. That’s fortuitous, as we found that this small speaker works well as a mini soundbar alternative and the wired input offers a foolproof connection. Aside from that, you can easily charge the Motion+ thanks to its standard USB-C charging port and it should last up to 12 hours on a single charge.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.2 pounds | USB charging: Yes

JBL’s Flip 6 deserves high marks for overall sound quality, durability and volume considering its size, and those features make it the best JBL speaker for most people. As with most JBL speakers, it has a good dynamic range from solid lows to crisp highs with volume tipped towards higher registers. The cylindrical shape works well on its side or even standing on its end to save desk space. It has a capable carrying (or hanging) strap and raised buttons you can discern in the dark.

The JBL Portable app gives you a 3-band EQ to customize the sound profile if desired and if you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can run them as a stereo pair. If you happen to have a mix-and-match assortment of different PartyBoost-enabled JBL devices, you can connect multiple speakers for a bigger sound. And with a USB-C charging port, it’s a versatile device that’s easy to take with you on the move.

While the $99 Bose SoundLink Micro is half the size, we found that it's definitely worth the extra $50 if you trade up to the SoundLink Flex . While it’s still not a room filler, the speaker offers some bright, dynamic finesse to your tunes, along with a significant amount of bass for its size. It’s similar to the scale of a small clutch bag, with a very small strap for carabiner-type hanging. Much of the exterior is sheathed in soft-touch silicone, except for the powder-coated steel speaker grilles. Like others in this range, the speaker is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements and sound good doing it.

Setup and connecting to the speaker should be done from within the aptly named Bose Connect app. You can also turn off voice prompts (which can become annoying) and pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo.

Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.

Read our full Beats Pill review

eatures: IP67 waterproof, lossless audio over USB-C | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Assistant support: Yes | Weight: 1.5 pounds | USB charging: Yes

The new Pill has impressive bass performance due to the company’s decision to increase the size of the woofer rather than keep its previous arrangement that included two smaller ones. The speaker struggles at its loudest volumes, but it’s plenty loud enough well below that. The IP67 rating is more rugged than the Pill+ and over 24 hours of battery life will keep the tunes going for a long time. Plus, there’s lossless audio over USB-C and the ability to top off your phone or earbuds with the speaker’s battery.

This is a solid choice for anyone seeking crisp clarity with true low-end thump if a track demands it. The addition of lossless is also nice for times you’d like a little more quality in your tunes. And you can also put two Pills together for bigger sound or use them as a stereo pair. — Billy Steele, Senior Reporter

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 30 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 0.26 pounds | USB charging: Yes

The recently released Emberton II Bluetooth portable from Marshall has a bumped up set of specs that make it a better value than the previous gen. This clutchable rectangular slab still has a pair of 10-watt full-range drivers and passive radiators to deliver the brand’s signature sound. It may not be the loudest in its size range, but it focuses more on balanced output than raw power. There’s still 360 sound as well, making it a good companion for small get togethers. Although, with its 60hz low end threshold, you’ll find a better bass response when there are surfaces to reflect off of, and not so much if it’s in the middle of a table.

This new model now offers up to 30 hours of listening on a charge (10 hours better than before) and a more rugged IP67 rating. There’s also a new ability to pair with another Emberton II or Willen II using the new “Stack Mode”. The range between them is limited, however, so stacking them probably is the best way to go. Additionally, Marshall is offering a more environmentally friendly product than before, using 50 percent post-consumer plastics in its construction.

Features: Built-in power bank to charge other devices, IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.1 pounds | USB charging: Yes

If you’re willing to spend a little more for bigger sound, more hours of battery life and a USB-C charging port to charge your devices, the midrange JBL Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6. It has the same bright output and capable low end, but in a slightly larger package. If you’re looking for a smallish portable speaker, but something capable enough to entertain a few guests, this works.

Features: Retro design with carry strap, 3.5mm aux input | Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 6.6 pounds | USB charging: No

The Orange Box portable Bluetooth speaker from legendary guitar amp maker Orange is essentially a no-frills product with great analog sound and ‘60s-era bohemian chic. For Orange Amp fans, it’s a faithful mini-version of a classic (although you can’t plug in your guitar). It’s not particularly heavy, but it is a bit chunky and the wooden frame means there’s no waterproofing or ruggedness rating. Battery life is average with up to 15 hours run time and you’ll want to keep track of that DC power cable since it doesn’t offer a USB charging port.

That said, we like this speaker in part for its natural charm and unique design (at least as far as Bluetooth speakers go). There’s a 3.5mm aux input, a mechanical power toggle switch, a cool domed power light and several dials for volume and EQ. The front-facing grille is audio transparent fabric emblazoned with the classic Orange logo. It’s also a proper piece of kit built for a long life, with authorized repair centers across the globe.

Most importantly, you get both analog and digital amps pushing 50 watts of bright, clear and unadulterated output with plenty of low end, at least for nearby listeners. It also supports aptX, so if you have high-quality files or hi-res streaming, you’ll get the most out of it.

This speaker is ideal for Orange Amps fans or those who like no-fuss operation, natural analog sound quality and generally want a mid-sized device they’ll keep close to home. Most styles of music sound great on the Orange Box, but the speaker really shines with songs that have live instrumentation or anything that can benefit from an analog touch.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 3.9 pounds | USB charging: Yes

Marshall launched the Middleton in January 2023 and positioned it as the new flagship for its portable Bluetooth speaker line. It’s the largest of the company's IP67 rugged portables (measuring 4.3 x 9 x 3.75 inches) and offers a significantly louder output, with 50-watts of 360-degree sound. There are dual woofers and tweeters for the front and back, with passive radiators along each side. It also offers Stack Mode, which lets you pair with any other Middleton, Emberton II or Willen speakers nearby to expand your listening experience.

The Middleton can be managed through the Marshall Bluetooth app, but it also includes most of those same controls on the top. There’s a Bluetooth button (which doubles as the Stack Mode control) and a multi-use joystick for power on/off, volume control and track selection (forward or back). You also get bass and treble controls, which are a welcome addition and a first for one of Marshall’s speakers without physical knobs.

It has that traditional Marshall look, made with a soft-touch exterior composed of 55-percent post-consumer recycled plastic and is 100-percent PVC free. It also has a carry strap you can easily fit your hand through. Any dust, dirt or prints on the outside can be scrubbed off with a damp cloth, and even the exposed USB-C and 3.5mm input port components are waterproofed. That USB-C port can be used to recharge the speaker, or power up your other devices with its 9,600mAh battery.

Of course audio purists should know that it only supports SBC, but the sound quality is still top notch for most people. And while Marshall devices are usually priced at a slight premium, the good sound quality and decent low-end capability definitely makes this model worth checking out.

Features: IPX4-rated design, Wi-Fi connectivity | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: Alexa, Google Assistant | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

We did test a couple smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart and I decided to compare it with its closest Bluetooth equivalent: the Revolve+ II . While that’s best suited for portability, has a loud bright sound that will carry outdoors and long battery life, its low end is a little less pronounced than its smart companion. If you’re willing to spend more and appreciate bass, the Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big improvement. It has a well-rounded low end and a bright dynamic sound with plenty of nuance that makes for a great listening experience.

This 360-degree portable comes as a combo WiFi/Bluetooth speaker primarily geared toward smart home use with the occasional outing. It’s rated IPX4, so not the most weatherproof, but good for casual outdoor listening. The battery is rated for up to 12 hours, but since this is an always-on smart device, you’ll need to be more attentive at keeping it topped up. There’s a charging dock accessory for use around the house, but as an away-from-home portable, you should power it down when not in use. To take the odd call and use the speakerphone function, it’s easy to navigate and produces clear sound, whether you’re at home or away.

Smart features: WiFi, voice and app control, support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Chromecast (built-in), Apple AirPlay 2 and SimpleSync connectivity with Bose Bluetooth speakers.

Features: IP67-rated design| Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 4.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

If you’ve enjoyed any of the smaller JBL speakers out there and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to warrant a shoulder strap, but still only about the size of a football. There’s a pleasant dynamic sound here with hefty lows and a lively high end that seems slightly better balanced at this size than the smaller options from JBL in this range.

This is easily a favorite if you want something under $400 with a little more gusto than your average portable, but still being IP67 weatherproof. It has enough output to breathe life into a small soiree or backyard hang, although while it’s quite loud, it’s best when it’s close by or indoors where the bass can resonate to its fullest.

Features: IPX2-rated design, support for multi-host functionality | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 10.8 pounds | USB charging: No

If you didn’t know about Marshall’s history in amplifiers and rock music, the design should clue you in. The Tufton is the largest portable Bluetooth speaker from the company, looking much like an amp itself (as do most of them). It has physical knobs at the top and a carry strap to help move it about. While it may appear as rugged as concert gear, it’s less impervious to the elements as some with just an IPX2 rating, so it’s protected from light splashes from above.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the brand, the rich and distinctly thumping output may make you one. We felt pulled into the sound while listening to the Tufton, a bit more than most other speakers we tested at this scale. It’s dynamic, warm and, dare we say, analog in its audio presence. It’s also multi-directional with a supplemental driver on the back along with a bass port.

There’s no app to adjust the EQ, just the physical controls including a Bluetooth connect button, a power/volume knob and two for bass and treble. Once powered on, you can use the volume knob to set a max headroom and adjust volume on the fly from your source. The bass and treble knobs help you choose the tone of your adventure, from a purely flat soundscape to an enhanced one. We just wish you could see the dial indicators in the dark. Other features include aptX support and quick-charge capabilities that provide four hours of listening time in just 20 minutes, plus great standby battery life.

The UE Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portability, plenty of connectivity options and a loud and punchy (albeit compressed) output. The technical fabric exterior (which now includes a white option) lets it live among your furniture without screaming “party box,” while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large capacitive buttons on top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent Bluetooth connections or a hardwired input (3.5mm or optical). On the edge with the silicone carrying handle there are the wired ports, plus one for charging USB devices and another for power. You can expect to get up to 24 hours of battery life, and the Hyperboom is good at holding a charge on standby.

This capable and loud (roughly 100dB) speaker will please most people as long as the party is of primary concern over fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device on or off using the UE app is also a welcome feature. Plus you can easily expand the sound to other Ultimate Ears Boom speakers (except Wonderboom) using the PartyUp feature. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won’t hassle it, but it’s not the best Bluetooth speaker choice for all-weather adventures.

Features: App connectivity with custom sound profiles, swappable battery | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 20 pounds | USB charging: No

The Soundboks Go is a great speaker if you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth option that provides a big sound for larger spaces, although it comes at a price. This unpretentious black rectangle is half the size of its more professional sibling the Soundboks Gen 3. It packs one 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch domed tweeter, both powered by two 72W RMS amps for massive sound and chunky bass, even at a distance.

At 20 pounds, this party speaker is fairly easy to lug around and looks about the size of carry-on luggage. You can even get the optional shoulder strap, which helps for longer missions. It has a flexible TPE handle on top, silicone bumpers around the edges and ABS+Polycarbonate exterior and grill. The IP65 rating also marks it as a resilient device in most environments.

The sound makes a big statement here. Output levels are rated at up to 121dB, with clear mids and highs projecting clearly across large areas. The low end also has a significant presence at a distance, matching up with 40Hz frequency response. It's definitely capable enough to support large gatherings.

The speaker is easy to connect to via Bluetooth and the partner app offers EQ customization, audio profiles and OTA firmware updates. There’s a solitary 3.5mm stereo input on the Go, but its wireless expansion shines, letting you connect up to five Soundboks Gen 3 or Go speakers at the touch of a button with its built-in SKAA wireless support.

Lastly, the battery pack is removable, swappable and also long-lasting for a speaker this size; at low to mid volume, it’s rated at up to 40 hours runtime. For transparency, Soundboks also lets you know to expect around 10 hours of play at full volume. You can also run this while charging, but there are strict warnings about keeping the volume low while doing so (it’s not recommended unless you're desperate).

Weather-proofing

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are the alphanumeric indicators you often see in a product’s spec sheet that define water and dust resistance. It’s usually a combo of two numbers with the first indicating solid object ingress and the second being water. The former goes from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dustproof). The water-resistance rating goes from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against immersion and high pressure jets). When an X is used instead of a number, that means the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it may have some innate resistance to solids, but there’s no guarantee.

IP67 is a common rating these days indicating highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers suitable for outdoor adventures. These are safe for quick dunks in the pool or tub and should be more than OK in the rain or in the shower. They’re also good options for the beach, playground and other rough environs.

Additionally, speakers with ports and a high rating will often include a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product's rated ability to fend off the elements.

When looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker, consider the IP rating and also how you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker when making your decision. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.

Battery life

The focus of this guide is on the best. portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.

That said, be careful when looking at battery specs, as they frequently list a maximum runtime (“up to” x amount of hours). This usually means they tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your tunes loud, it can often end up cutting the expected usage time in half or more. Luckily, some manufacturers also list the expected hours of battery life when used at full volume and that transparency is appreciated. Bear in mind, however, that not all of the best portable Bluetooth speakers use the same charging port. Some support USB-C charging while others use micro-USB.

Additionally, if your Bluetooth speaker also happens to have WiFi connectivity, they're usually designed for always-on functionality. Unlike normal Bluetooth speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly run down the battery. If you're out and about, you'll want to remember to turn these speakers off manually when not in use to maximize battery life.

Bluetooth range is tricky business. Some companies list their product’s longest possible range, usually outdoors and in an unobstructed line-of-sight test environment. Other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be running Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That’s likely underselling the speaker's potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there’s little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.

I’ve seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue across several devices regardless of their listed Bluetooth connectivity range.

If you’re hosting a patio party and duck inside, it’s wise to keep any wireless Bluetooth speakers relatively close by just in case. It’s hard to gauge what aspects of any environment may interfere with a Bluetooth signal. In general, take range specs around 100 feet or more as a perfect-world scenario.

This is a minor mention for those out there who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setups like a monitor and streaming box. It’s annoying to find that your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Luckily, it seems that most speakers these days don’t often have these problems. Only a handful of the few dozen speakers I tried had persistent, noticeable lip-sync issues. Aside from occasional blips, all of our picks worked well in this regard.

If you plan to frequently use a speaker for video playback, look for devices with the most recent Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and lower latency codecs like aptX. Also make sure the speaker is close to the source device as distance can be a factor. To avoid the issue altogether, though, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.

While there's a lot to like about the Sonos Roam , there are plenty of other Bluetooth speakers with more features and better battery life. In our review , we gave the Roam a score of 87, praising it for its good sound quality, durable waterproof design and ability to work well within an existing Sonos speaker ecosystem. But the price is just fine at $180, and we found Bluetooth speakers that offer more at lower price points. Plus, the Roam taps out at 10 hours of battery life, and all of our top picks can run for longer than that on a single charge.

Monoprice Soundstage3

The Monoprice Soundstage3 offers relatively big sound at a midrange $250 price, with a variety of inputs rarely found on a portable Bluetooth speaker. The boxy, minimalist design is no nonsense, even if it's more of a less-rugged, bookshelf-styled homebody. While the speaker puts out crisp highs alongside booming lows, we found the bass can overpower the rest of the output, so it's not for everyone. And after using the speaker for many months, we also found the low-slung, poorly labeled button panel along the top can be a bit annoying to use. If you want a speaker for road trips, favor mids and highs, and plan on using physical buttons for volume control and input selections, there are better options out there.

JBL Boombox 3

Fans of JBL’s bluetooth speaker sound profile who want to crank up the volume, but also want a rugged and portable option, may enjoy the JBL Boombox 3 . It’s a decent grab-and-go speaker with a very loud output, although it's not as good as some of the loud-speaker styled options for long-throw sound and big outdoor areas. However, the price for this speaker line remains prohibitively expensive compared to other options with big sound that cover a bit more ground. If the JBL brand is your thing and you like the rugged, portable form factor, we recommend looking for discounts, or shopping around and exploring the available options including the (less portable) JBL PartyBox series.

Soundcore Motion X500

Soundcore speakers have generally been good and often reasonably priced. The Motion X500 loosely falls into that category. It has a tall, metallic lunchbox vibe with a fixed handle and pumps out a respectable 40 watts of crisp, clear sound for its size. It can get pretty loud and serves up a good dose of bass, although its primarily a front-facing speaker.

There’s LDAC hi-res audio support for Android users, but the main selling point on this is spatial audio. This is done through an EQ change and the activation of a small, up-firing driver. There’s a slight benefit from this if you’re up close and directly in front of it, but it’s not a total game changer for your listening experience. The original pre-order price of $130 made it a decent option in terms of bang for your buck. But it went up to $170 at launch, making it less appealing even if it’s still a good middle-of-the-road option if you want small-ish, clear and loud. If you can find one on sale for the lower price , it’s definitely worth considering. There’s also the larger and louder X600 ($200) if the overall concept is working for you.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth technology lets devices connect and exchange data over short distances using ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves. It’s the frequency range that’s carved out for industrial, scientific and medical purposes, called the 2.4GHz ISM spectrum band. This range is available worldwide, making it easy for companies to use with devices for global markets.

Bluetooth speakers include this tech, which lets them communicate with source devices like smartphones, tablets or computers in order to exchange data. The two devices pair by sharing a unique code and will work within the proscribed range for the device and Bluetooth version.

Ever since Bluetooth 4.0 was released over a decade ago, new iterations usually improve on range, use less power and offer expanded connectivity with features like multipoint (allowing more than one device to be connected at the same time, for instance).

Who should buy a Portable Bluetooth speaker?

If you want to play music while you’re out-and-about on something other than headphones, a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably what you want. There’s a broad range of devices for all types of circumstances. Many adventurous people will want a relatively lightweight portable that’s rugged enough to handle the elements while also packing enough charge to play for hours on end. Others may simply need a speaker they can move around the house or use in the backyard. In this case, you can choose larger less rugged models that may offer better sound.

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Best Small Bluetooth and Smart Speakers of 2024

These models from Amazon, Apple, Bose, Google, JBL, and Sony may be petite, but they perform in a big way in our labs

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Three small bluetooth speakers made by Apple, Ultimate Ears, and Bose

Size does matter, at least in the world of speakers. For reasons that have a lot to do with physics—speakers are essentially machines that create vibrations by moving air—bigger models tend to sound better than smaller ones.

But there are plenty of good reasons for wanting a more petite speaker. Maybe you’re tight on space. Maybe you want to carry your music with you. Or maybe you just like tiny things. With that in mind, here’s a selection of small wireless and smart speakers that have performed well in our testing.

The wireless models have rechargeable batteries, which means they can be tucked into a backpack or even attached to a bike and used on the go. The smart speakers need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in a space with WiFi access.

All the models below—listed from most to least expensive—endured our rigorous testing program. Each was purchased through normal retail channels and evaluated in our labs by trained technicians for sound quality, ease of use, and versatility. Please note that the testing protocols for wireless speakers and smart speakers are slightly different, so you shouldn’t compare scores directly across the two categories.

Best Small Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers

Bose soundlink micro.

Who should buy it: A podcast-loving fan of itsy-bitsy speakers.

What’s to like: The tiny SoundLink Micro is cute and hyper-portable, and comes with a strap that allows you to attach it to a bicycle, backpack, or stroller. Bose claims that it’s water-resistant, too, with a IP67 rating, so it’s a good choice for wet-and-wild action.

What’s not to like: If the Micro’s palm-sized profile isn’t super-important to you, check out the Bose SoundLink Color II ; it offers much better sound quality for not much more money, albeit in a package that’s less water-resistant. The Micro works best if you’re close to the speaker and listening to spoken word content or background music.

Sony SRS-XB13

Who should buy it? Someone looking for a small, cheap speaker to give as a gift or to just toss in a bag and bring to the park.

What’s to like: The Sony SRS-XB13 is a great value, offering solid performance for about $50. The model comes in six fun colors, ranging from basic black to coral pink, and the lanyard-style strap makes it easy to carry around. The speaker features IXP67 water resistance, which means it can survive a modest dunking and should repel dust. The SRS-XB13 also delivers enough volume to fill a small room.

What’s not to like: Given the price tag, it’s not surprising that the Sony has a few sonic limitations. The bass, as you might expect from a speaker so minuscule, isn’t very strong, and the midrange and the trebles lack the smoothness and detail you get from more expensive models. That said, the SRS-XB13 sounds significantly better than its predecessor, the SRS-X12 , which had a constricted, nasal quality that knocks it down a notch in our sound-quality ratings.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

Who it’s for: A listener looking for music by the handful.

What’s to like: The Wonderboom 2 is short and squat, and fits nicely in your hand. The sound quality is on a par with most portable models. The bass could be stronger, and the midrange, which isn’t particularly rich, has a trace of an echo. Our testers find the model to be easy to use, with large buttons and a user-friendly Bluetooth pairing mode. It also has an IPX67 rating, which means it’s water- and dust-resistant, according to Ultimate Ears.

What’s not to like: The Wonderboom 2 is a solid performer, but consider how you’re going to use it before you buy it. Among the truly portable models that you’d listen to on the go, it’s relatively large and has a small mesh loop at the top in lieu of a more substantial strap or handle. And if you’re just going to mostly place the Wonderboom 2 on a picnic table or a beach blanket, there are slightly larger models, like the Sony SRS XB-23 or the JBL Flip 5 , that offer better performance for nearly the same price.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a cheap, cheerful companion for a hike or a bike ride.

What’s to like: This tiny speaker fits easily into your palm and features a carabiner that can clip onto a backpack or beach bag. JBL claims an IP67 rating, which means the speaker is both water-resistant and dustproof. Our testers find the Clip 4 to be easy to pair, and the prominent controls make it easy to adjust the volume.

What’s not to like: Sonically, our testers report the Clip 4 to be somewhat challenged. The highs are a little sizzly, the midrange is a bit nasal, and there’s not much bass to speak of. The performance falls well short of the similarly sized but significantly more expensive Bose SoundLink Micro .

Best Small Smart Speakers

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) Who it’s for: A smart speaker newbie looking for an inexpensive way to see whether it really makes sense to add a digital assistant to their home.

What’s to like: Despite the small size and low price, the Dot offers the same smart speaker functionality as its far more expensive brethren. The Dot can also serve as an inexpensive way to introduce smart speaker functionality throughout your home in an Alexa-based multiroom system. You can even pair an Echo to a Bluetooth speaker you already own to give it smart speaker functionality.

What’s not to like: Amazon says that the drivers and electronics of the fifth-gen Dot were revamped with the aim of improving sound quality. But CR’s testers report that the improvement is minor. There’s a little more bass and treble and the midrange is a bit clearer, with less volume, but overall the sound quality of the latest Dot still remains near the bottom of our rankings. It’s fine for listening to podcasts. But if you’re going to play music (and you’re not too tight on space), you might consider the somewhat more expensive but much better-sounding full-sized Echo .

Apple HomePod Mini

Who it’s for: Someone who’s deeply immersed in the Apple world and doesn’t mind paying a bit of an Apple tax for a $100 smart speaker that sounds more like a $50 option.

What’s to like: The Mini is a solid choice for controlling Apple HomeKit smart home products and services such as Apple Music . The Mini now allows voice control of other music services, including Pandora and iHeart Radio, and can even integrate with Apple CarPlay in your vehicle, permitting you to ask for driving directions while making coffee in the morning, then send the chosen route to your car before leaving.

What’s not to like: In terms of sound quality, our testers find that the Apple HomePod Mini rates significantly lower than the similarly priced Echo or Google Nest Audio . In fact, the somewhat congested sound rates closer to that of the much cheaper Echo Dot, albeit with a fuller bass. Like the Dot, the HomePod Mini is okay for podcasts or background music in a small room but not great for playing your favorite tunes. And unlike those Echo and Nest devices, the HomePod Mini can’t be paired via Bluetooth with a better-sounding wireless speaker. So if you have some room in your budget, you might consider the latest second-generation version of the full-sized HomePod . It has all the functionality of the Mini (including the ability to work as part of a multiroom system) but with warm, clear sound quality that’s in an entirely different league—as it should be for three times the price.

Google Nest Mini

Who it’s for: A smart speaker newbie on a budget, looking for Google search capabilities. What’s to like: If you’re looking for a cheap way into the smart speaker world—or an inexpensive gift—the Google Home Mini is a strong option. For $50 (maybe even half that price when it’s on sale), the Nest Mini gives you access to Google Assistant, which features strong search capabilities. Compared with Alexa, however, Google Assistant supports fewer third-party skills and its shopping functions are less robust

What’s not to like: The Nest Mini’s sound quality leaves a lot to be desired. Though the tiny speaker is fine for spoken-word content such as podcasts, our testers find it’s not really good enough for enjoyable music listening.

Allen St. John

Allen St. John has been a senior product editor at CR since 2016, focusing on digital privacy, audio devices, printers, and home products. He was a senior editor at Condé Nast and a contributing editor at publications including Road & Track and The Village Voice. A New York Times bestselling author, he's also written for The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone. He lives in Montclair, N.J., with his wife, their two children, and their dog, Rugby.

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JBL Xtreme 4

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

The best Bluetooth speakers for at-home and on-the-go

Best overall
Best portable
Best budget
Best mid-price
Best premium
Best multi-room

Best for music and movies

Also consider.

How to choose
How we test

Recent updates

Bluetooth speakers are one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to get your music playing. These wire-free wonders come in so many shapes and sizes that their various use cases are near-endless, from using a speaker in your office to popping one in a backpack and taking it to the park.

Ok, the sound is rarely audiophile level, but brands such as JBL have realised that people care about sound quality alongside other user-friendly features, meaning the level of audio has improved over the last few years.

We’ve heard everything from large room-filling Bluetooth speakers to dinky travel options, and many have impressed by offering great value for money, lengthy battery life, waterproofing and even engaging, competent audio quality. Every model has been tested by our team of expert reviewers both in the real world and in our dedicated test rooms to ensure they’re worth your time. You can find out more about our testing process or else keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available.

Do note that 2024 has seen the release of a lot of new Bluetooth speakers. The Beats Pill is back and in our also consider section, while Ultimate Ears has given us a veritable bounty of new contenders, including fourth-gen versions of the Boom, Wonderboom and Megaboom models.

12th August: We've added the new five-star JBL Xtreme 4 as our premium pick, replacing the Dali Katch G2, which moves into our 'also consider' section.

The quick list

The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for around £150/$150.

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

1. jbl charge 5.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The JBL Charge 5 has become one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but with the longevity it continues to display. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still the best in its class.

The IP67-rated Charge 5 is fully dustproof and waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a meter for around 30 minutes before doing itself any damage. Thanks to its 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, it's imperious and forthright sounding, trouncing the competition at this £200 / $200 / AU$300 price point. The arrival of the slightly more expensive Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230 / AU$330) has made things a little more complex, but the invigorating, cohesive listen of the standard Charge 5 model remains very tough to beat.

That new Charge 5 Wi-Fi model does offer a slightly more refined sound alongside more flexible wi-fi-enabled capabilities such as AirPlay 2 and Alexa Multiroom, but the more affordable Charge 5 remains a superb portable speaker that offers enjoyable sound in a neat, durable package.

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Which JBL speaker to choose has been made trickier by the emergence of the Charge 5 Wi-Fi , a wi-fi enabled speaker model that earned five stars during testing. The big bonus of the Wi-Fi model is that you can use features such as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, giving you the freedom to continue using your phone or source player without affecting your music. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi does also sound a little better, but bear in mind that we tested it at £230 / $230 / AU$330, a significant advance on the standard Charge 5's current £130ish ($160 / AU$250).

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

2. jbl flip 6.

Anyone who finds the considerable heftiness of the Charge 5 above to be a little too much for them should consider stepping down to the five-star JBL Flip 6. When we say "stepping down", incidentally, we mean that with regard mainly to price and size, as while it may be a slimmer model, the Flip 6 remains a consummate pro at delivering everything you'd expect from a JBL portable companion.

The Flip's durability is up there with the more costly Charge 5 (it's IP67 water- and dust-proof), while the sound offers space, zeal and musicality in spades. Ok, it won't hit the breadth of sound that its bigger brother can, never mind those higher volumes, but that's what you sacrifice if you want a smaller form factor.

If you desire more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, which adds significant value. For a nominal price hike over the launch price of the soon-to-be-redundant Flip 5, there’s certainly more detail here, too.

If you need more oomph and drive, the larger JBL Charge 5 is the speaker for you, but for a more compact and admirably musical performer, the Flip 6 is the way to go. Ultimate Ears could be providing competition for the Flip 6 with its Boom 4 and Wonderboom 4 – the Flip 6 will have to work harder than ever, then, to keep its crown.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

3. tribit stormbox micro 2.

If all you need from your ideal Bluetooth speaker is portability alongside affordability, you'd struggle to improve on the small, satchel-friendly Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Flip 6 above, the Micro 2 fits flat in your hand in contrast to the cylindrical form of the Flip.

Sporting a utilitarian but not unattractive woven finish design, the Micro 2 pumps out genuinely enjoyable audio and a rather impressive battery life of around 12 hours during testing. Better yet, its IP67 rating allowed one of our team to test it in the shower without causing any lasting damage. Again, the Stormbox Micro 2's compact size and robust construction make it well-suited for venturing far beyond the confines of a bathroom or kitchen.

The audio is certainly a big plus point, too, going bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a diminutive unit, doing justice to most tracks in terms of tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The Stormbox's Midrange is particularly pleasing, and we'd even go so far as to say that it's as good as anything else we’ve seen at this price.

Fine, the Stormbox Micro 2 can suffer from distortion at louder volumes, but it's still one of your best-value options if you’re really on a tight budget. Note that we're currently testing the JBL Go 4 as a potential rival for the Micro 2, meaning that our favourite budget model could have some serious competition at this level.

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

4. bang & olufsen beosound a1 (2nd gen).

This is definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics. This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made burger only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 in our also consider section.

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day. Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense.

Incidentally, look out for discounts around sales periods, as we've seen certain colourways plummet considerably during Black Friday, Prime Day and the festive period.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

5. jbl xtreme 4.

For JBL, the Xtreme 4 simply confirms once again that this is a company working at the top of its game. The Xtreme 3 was a five-star portable powerhouse which provided a rock-solid foundation from which to grow, with the fourth-gen sequel building on that base and taking the levels to new, stunning heights.

The Xtreme 4 is, in simple terms, the Xtreme 3 but better. The design is roughly the same as the outgoing model, albeit with some minor distinguishing tweaks. The button layout is now a block of six rather than a strip, while a new base with two strips of silicon feet gives the speaker more stability and grip. Apart from that, it's the same rugged, robust, IP67-rated build as the Xtreme 3, and that's no bad thing; it's a design that has served JBL extremely well in the past.

The driver configuration for the Xtreme 4 is the same as the previous model, with two 70mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters behind the grille and then those pulsating radiators at either end. Sonically, though, things have been taken to the next level, offering up the best audio performance we've heard at this level for one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers of 2024. As our review made clear: "For such a chunky speaker it produces a fantastically refined sound. It produces a wonderfully clear and consistent sound across tracks: low frequencies are poised and punchy but don’t lack weight, (whereas) highs are crisp enough so they don’t feel rolled off".

New features only enhance the Xtreme 4's credentials. Auracast is the big one, letting you pair two Xtreme 4 speakers together in stereo or connect multiple compatible JBLs in a chain while giving the new model some element of future-proofing should new features that require the tech emerge in the coming months.

The JBL app is as user-friendly and comprehensive as ever, while 24 hours is a big improvement on the 15 hours of the previous model. Like the Charge 5, the Xtreme 4 will charge up connected devices via USB-C, and there's even a replaceable battery if the built-in unit packs up.

All in all, yet another belting speaker from JBL. If you've got the cash to stretch a bit further up the price ladder, the Xtreme 4 is our nailed-on pick.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

6. sonos era 100.

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level. Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One, with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier.

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience. The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price.

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

7. amazon echo dot (5th generation).

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all. You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-round excellence and hugely attractive price tag. It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs. The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

8. Audio Pro C20

If it's a cliché to use the term "jack-of-all-trades", then you know what? Let's use a cliché. The five-star Audio Pro C20 is yet another supremely capable performer from one of the most consistent, and underrated, audio brands around, melding a variety of functionalities and potential use cases into a unified, deeply impressive package. If ever there was a time to use that jack-of-all-trades label, this is it.

The C20 is a Bluetooth speaker thanks to its 5.0 connectivity, yet its wi-fi capabilities allow the C20 to stream tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, as well as via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and even Audio Pro multi-room. That's a lot of choice, and it makes this mains-powered powerhouse an incredibly versatile solution that goes far beyond the capabilities of your traditional Bluetooth speaker.

That's before we get on to physical connections. The C20 offers a set of RCA inputs alongside HDMI ARC for boosting your TV's sound, as well as a sub out if you want to add a subwoofer into the mix. There's also an optical input for hooking up to digital sources, plus an MM phono stage if you're planning on connecting up your turntable to the C20's convenient, one-stop-shop.

And we haven't even arrived at the sound of the thing yet. What's remarkable about the koala-faced wonder (it does look like a koala, right?) is just how open and broad the soundscape it conjures is, offering a presentation that grows and expands with an awesome sense of breadth and scale for your music and movies. Painted within this wide sonic landscape are plenty of details and nuances, each one finding its own happy place within the wider composition. If you thought the C20 would go so heavy on features that it would forget about proper sound, boy is there egg on your face.

A superb speaker that does a lot of things very, very well, there are very few single-box units that can compete.

Read our full Audio Pro C20 review

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: A wonderful spin on one of our favourite JBL speakers of all time, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi, naturally, adds wi-fi streaming and a little bit of extra musicality to the Charge 5's Award-winning recipe. It's more expensive than the basic model (sitting at around £200 / $200 at the time of writing), so you'll be forking out a little more for the convenience of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. That said, it's a great speaker in its own right and a lovely addition to the JBL family. As far as spin-offs go, this one's a hit in our book.

JBL Xtreme 3: One of the biggest speakers in the JBL range that could still be confidently classified as "portable", the Xtreme 3 is a powerful, robust marvel that tasks the basic form and recipe of the Charge 5 and makes it, well, bigger. It's not just a brainless brute, though - instead, the Xtreme 3's sound is laden with snap and detail, not to mention an impressive sense of dynamics and musicality. A five-star alternative that we'd urge you to check out, especially now that the Xtreme 4's arrival means discounts galore for the older model.

Sonos Move 2: One of the big benefits of any Sonos speaker is its ability to integrate into the peerless Sonos ecosystem. Don't let its burly design fool you; the Move 2 is portable by virtue of its Bluetooth connectivity, even if it's more the sort of speaker you'd take down the bottom of the garden rather than anywhere much further afield.

Dali Katch G2: The beautiful Dali Katch G2 used to be a mainstay of this list before the Xtreme 4 came along and stole some of its thunder. It's still an utterly wonderful piece of kit though, melding gorgeous, refined looks with a sound profile that's, well, gorgeous and refined. Very much the thinking person's portable pal.

Bose SoundLink Max: Hooray, a Bose Bluetooth speaker we can wholeheartedly get behind. We like the SoundLink Flex , but just feel that slightly sonically superior rivals have prevented us from a solid recommendation. The bigger, pricier SoundLink Max is a five-star belter, though, serving up a powerful, musical sound that really mixes it with the best of them.

Audio Pro C10 MkII : Just because it didn't fit into this particular list, don't ignore the C10 Mk II. Despite qualifying as what we'd normally call a "wireless speaker", the C10 is a fine alternative to the models on this list courtesy of its Bluetooth capabilities. A former What Hi-Fi? Award-winner, it's versatile, portable, great-sounding and often enjoys major discounts. What's not to like?

Sonos Roam: The Roam is a great choice for Sonos fans, although it could soon be ousted by the newly unveiled Sonos Roam 2 . Despite not being outstanding for timing and dynamics, the first-gen Roam provides a meaty, full-bodied presentation that boasts a lovely build quality, slimline design and plenty of features, including wi-fi capabilities and AirPlay 2. Plus, you can immerse it into the exceptional Sonos multiroom ecosystem, so if you have other Sonos speakers, the Roam makes a good deal of sense.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker , the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors ? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound , of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre . Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Size and power , too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 5, or models that allow daisy-chaining , will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness .

If you're choosing portability , you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays. Check out our IP ratings explainer if you're unsure.

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality , higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD , for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free . Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery . Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors. Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All new Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

What's the difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are wireless in that they don't require a wire to connect to an audio source; they use the Bluetooth streaming protocol. However, Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily also support wi-fi, which is a necessary feature of what we term 'wireless speakers'. A wireless speaker can connect to an audio source via the internet (i.e. your home wi-fi) – by way of Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast, for example – whether or not it also has Bluetooth.

While this will depend on the kit you are using and your wi-fi limitations at home, transmitting audio over wi-fi rather than Bluetooth comes with certain benefits: wi-fi doesn't have as limited a signal range as Bluetooth, generally facilitates better sound quality and is capable of transmitting higher-quality audio. The standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) are not widely capable of transmitting CD-quality (or higher) files, and even the higher-quality codecs like aptX are lossy (i.e. data gets lost during the transmission).

However, Bluetooth-only speakers are generally more portable, as they don't require an internet connection or being plugged into the mains power, and often more affordable than wi-fi-enabled wireless speakers. If you're interested in wi-fi-ready speakers, you should look at our best wireless speakers guide instead.

It's also worth noting which "version" of Bluetooth is being utilised. Most models are using a version from 5.0 or beyond, with each subsequent iteration – 5.1, 5.2 etc. – generally leading to improvements in stability, range and even transmission rates, although the specific changes vary from version to version.

How many watts is good for a home Bluetooth speaker?

There isn't a simple answer here, as a higher wattage number doesn't necessarily equal good sound quality,u but it does determine how loud your speaker can go. Basically, you'll want a speaker that's going to be able to fill your intended space with a good amount of sound. So, if you're looking for a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use casually on the table in a small space, a relatively low-powered speaker output (10W or thereabouts) will get that job done for you without any problems.

However, if you've got a big, spacious room or the outdoors that you want to fill with sound at decent volumes, a bigger speaker with a higher watt output (25W to 50W) will likely serve you best.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth is a short-range, low-powered, low-bandwidth streaming protocol used to connect compatible devices together wirelessly. Bluetooth uses radio waves just like wi-fi does but at a different scale.

A Bluetooth speaker relies on this short-range Bluetooth connection to connect to a Bluetooth-supporting audio source and accept audio data from it. Both the speaker and source device need to have compatible Bluetooth codecs to send this information between them – SBC and AAC are the standard codecs. A wireless speaker operates similarly but instead relies on a wi-fi network connection to accept audio data transmitted from an audio source.

Pairing a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth device is easy: you simply put the speaker in 'pairing mode' (usually by pressing a button), go into a device's Bluetooth settings and 'scan' for available speakers and then select your speaker.

Is JBL a good brand? Better than Bose?

At What Hi-Fi? , we have reviewed many products from both JBL and Bose and find that many of JBL's current speakers provide excellent audio quality and great value, earning them many five-star reviews. Bose speakers tend to satisfy on the features and design front, and while we used to see budget and great-sounding speakers from Bose a few years ago, recent models have seen costs rise. These pricier models don't always offer the same performance-per-pound value as their rivals.

In the audio world, it is tough to compare how good one brand is to another on the whole, especially when it comes to big brands that have many products in their arsenal. While we do recommend a fair few JBL speakers on the above list, don't assume that everything JBL makes is better than everything Bose makes.

August 2024 : The new five-star JBL Xtreme 4 speaker is added to our main list, replacing the Dali Katch G2 (which is still a firm recommendation).
July 2024: Added five-star Bose SoundLink Max to the also consider section and referred to new or upcoming Bluetooth models in the intro.
April 2024: Added the Audio Pro C20 following a five-star review.
March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
February 2024: Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.

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Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

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Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? . During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.

atkins14 What is actually the best sounding speaker though? You don't actually seem to compare them to each other? Such as the Dali Katch to say the UE Megablast, Audio Pro C3 etc. Ignoring hardwired speakers and price. Also how do they hold up to say the Sonos Move, Bose home, Vifa Oslo, Beolit 17 etc? I had the Dali Katch but had to return as bluetooth connectivity was too temperamental. Reply
StevieDee No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded? Reply
Jmr1969x This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info. Reply

StevieDee said: No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded?

Jmr1969x said: This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info.

DailyDose Inappropriate content deleted by moderation. Reply
MrBuffy Minirig 3 is the GOAT, don't bother with anything else. Reply
MrBuffy Minirig 4 is out now, better Bluetooth than 3, more Watts, plus USB C charging. Best Bluetooth speaker you can get Reply
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10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

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Summer means outdoor BBQs, sunsets on the beach, bonfires, hikes, and everything outdoors—liven things up with some music courtesy of these wireless travel speakers. Whether you’re looking for a super compact version or a durable, waterproof speaker, you’ll find a perfect match for your vacation on this list.

The Best Wireless Travel Speakers

Marsboy portable bluetooth speaker.

This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50-foot Bluetooth range and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours—perfect for long days at the beach.

Price and Where to Buy: $20 on Amazon (originally $35)

Kunodi F4 Outdoor Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Bring this guy to the pool deck or outdoor shower on your summer vacation. Amazon reviewers love the high-quality sound and waterproof feature. This is one of the best wireless travel speakers out there, and also has a hands-free function and displays the battery life on your phone (when connected to Bluetooth).

Price and Where to Buy: $17 on Amazon (originally $24)

Anker SoundCore Mini

Anker makes some of the best tiny speakers on the market, and the AnkerSoundCore Mini is no different. The SoundCore Mini travel speaker delivers 15 hours of playtime and a connection range up to 66 feet. The speaker also has a microSD card reader, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AUX port, so you can choose how to connect to your devices. Amazon reviewers love the sound quality and long battery life.

Price and Where to Buy: $30 on Amazon

PINGKO Sport Speakers

At just four ounces, this is one of the smallest travel speakers out there. The top-rated speaker on Amazon has a six-hour battery life and has a handy LED-light battery level indicator. I love the attachment options for this one, which allows you to hang the speaker almost anywhere.

Price and Where to Buy: $24 on Amazon (originally $49)

AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers

This wireless travel speaker has the highest waterproof rating on the list (IPX7), making it your perfect pool companion—it even comes with a pool float. Buy two and you can pair them together for a surround-sound experience.

Price and Where to Buy: $36 on Amazon (originally $130)

Anker SoundCore Nano

This is one of the lightest travel speakers on the list, weighing in at just 2.9 ounces. The small speaker packs a big punch, with Amazon reviewers raving about the sound quality and volume. Due to its smaller size, the battery life is four hours and the connectivity range is 33 feet.

Price and Where to Buy: $21 on Amazon (originally $50)

Aud Mini by iLuv

About the size of an iPhone 6, this tiny travel speaker has a loud bass and high-quality sound, especially for its size. I own a similar iLuv speaker and have been impressed by its quality and connectivity strength for the price.

Price and Where to Buy: $11 on Amazon (originally $40)

dodocool Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Another super-lightweight travel speaker is the dodocool Mini; at 3.2 ounces you get four hours of battery and a 33-foot connectivity range. This tiny speaker has a few other functions too: It’s also a selfie remote and has a built-in microphone for hands free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $13 on Amazon

LESHP Portable Bluetooth Mini Speaker

This super-small speaker has a five-star rating on Amazon and reviewers love the sound quality for the speaker size. The battery lasts up to five hours and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $16 on Amazon (originally $30)

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

While this is one of the larger wireless travel speakers on the list, it’s the smallest speaker out there that offers 360-degree sound. So, if you’re serious about your sound quality but are still looking for travel speakers, this may be your perfect match.

Take it from Senior Editor Caroline Morse: “The Wonderboom speaker delivers crisp, clear, and loud music that will liven up a party of any size. You can play your music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so there’s no need to worry about electricity … The sound quality is worth the price tag, which is an average price for a drop-proof, water-proof speaker.” Read her full review here .

Price and Where to Buy: $80 on Amazon (originally $100)

More from SmarterTravel:

11 Things You Need to Pack When You Stay at a Summer Vacation Rental
11 Travel Tools You Won’t Regret Splurging On
7 Tiny Travel Gadgets You Can’t Leave Home Without

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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> Travel

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel, Tested

I love music. Can’t live without it. It doesn’t matter where I am: office, in transit or home. I’ve always got sweet grooves washing through my headphones. So when I travel, be it weekends away or international voyages, I need not only great tunes, but great sound quality. It’s super important to me.

And sure, in most traveling scenarios headphones work well for solo music appreciation, but sometimes I want to fill a room or a poolside with waves of sound. Invite people over. Get a ‘vibe’ going. Cut loose a little, you know? And that’s when a portable bluetooth speaker comes into play. Something small and compact (and hopefully waterproof) that’s easy to pack, but can push out one heck of a jam at ample levels, cleanly and crisply, for a good stretch of time.

So, in the search for the best portable bluetooth speakers for travel, I’ve sourced the very best, to pit them against each other, in the hope of finding… well, the best option for most people.

Here’s my shortlist.

Tough, waterproof, and compact, the JBL Clip 3 is designed to offer a lot in a little package. It includes a carabiner to attach it to clothing or a bag, with lots of colorways to suit your own style. In addition to its IPX7 waterproof rating you get 10 hours of playtime, plus an inbuilt noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone. And it’s not too pricey either, coming in at US$59.95.

The JBL Flip 4 costs a little more than the Clip 3, with a price tag of $79.95. But you get up to 12 hours of battery life and can wirelessly connect up to two smartphones or tablets to take turns as DJ. The Flip 4 has an IPX7 waterproof build and provides a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone for clear calls. And if you feel the desire (unlikely, but who knows where a party might lead), you can wirelessly link over 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers for one heck of an amplified tune session. And the Flip 4 also allows button activation for Siri or Google Now.

Anker Motion Q

An understated design, 360-degree sound, a waterproof IPX7 rating (and it floats), a respectable 10 hours of battery life, and all for $45.99? The Anker Motion Q is firmly set on showcasing that you don’t need to break the bank in order to enjoy functional, versatile design.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has plenty of great features in a burly design that lets you showcase your personality a little, with a wide range of colorways to choose from (because sometimes you want something a little different to black, ya know?). It’s got an IPX7 waterproof rating, it floats, and aims to deliver 360 degrees of sweet tunes for up to 10 hours. All yours for the cost of $99.99.

And if you’re looking for something with more volume, you can upgrade to their Boom 3 or Megaboom .

Bose SoundLink Micro

Small but mighty, the SoundLink Micro aims for quality sounds in a rugged, waterproof and easily portable form. It comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, speakerphone capabilities, and Siri and Google Assistant voice command. For portability it also includes a tear-resistant silicone strap that can secure to bikes, bags and more. Price-wise the SoundLink Micro will set you back $99.95.

Again, if you’re looking for more volume, and don’t mind the size / weight penalty, an upgrade to their Revolve is certainly recommended.

Beats by Dre Pill+

At $179.95 the Beats by Dre Pill+ is the most expensive speaker on the list. So what do you get for the money? A sleek and durable style that adapts to diverse environments and adds a little suave to your music setup. Up to 12 hours of battery life. And the ability to charge your phone or similar devices, as the speaker doubles as a battery pack. The music can be controlled from two separate Bluetooth sources and you can tag-team with a second Pill+ to play simultaneously from both speakers. Worth noting though is that unlike the others on the list, it’s not waterproof.

First, I pinpointed the key elements of what makes an excellent travel speaker and ordered them in a table from highest to lowest priority as below (granted, your criteria may look a little different from mine, but this should act as a solid base). And then measured, weighed, listened, dunked and dropped my way to a result.

Sound quality / strength

This is my number one. Not only am I looking for quality of sound across the entire spectrum, from lows to mids to highs, but also strength of sound. Sound that can fill a room (and not crackle or distort when pushed to its limits). So I locked myself and a few friends in a room, blindfolded ourselves, and scored each speaker on its ability to nail this playlist – filled with Classic Rock (mids), Soul (mids and highs), RnB (highs) and Hip-hop and Dance (lows) – and here are the averaged scores.

portable-bluetooth-travel-speakers-battery-life-1

Size and weight

When traveling anywhere, the space in your bag is at a premium. And when lumping your bag onto a plane, be it carry-on or checked, its weight (or lack thereof) is also a defining factor. So speakers that swallow as little space and tip the scales as little as possible get big points here, no doubt.

portable-bluetooth-travel-speakers-weight-comparison

Space it’ll take up in your bag

Battery Life

Nothing hurts more than a speaker running out of juice mid-playlist. Sure, if you’re hotel-bound and near an outlet then you can simply plug it in and carry on. But if you’re on a boat or around a campsite, then it’s the pits. So a long battery life goes a long way (quite literally) in certain circumstances.

Durability / Protection against the elements

Can my speaker of choice survive dust or dirt swirling about? Can it survive a drop from a tabletop? Can it survive a dive into the pool or ocean… and will it float so I can retrieve it? All questions most of us will ask ourselves before or after we elbow our speaker of choice off of the tiki bar.

Murphy’s law . This. Will. Happen. Be prepared.

portable-bluetooth-travel-speakers-waterproof rating comparison

Personally, all I want is a compact speaker that chucks out great sound that will last me a long time, period. But I’m a simple man with simple needs. Other folks care a whole lot about features like speaker phone adaptability or voice activation or being able to pair your speaker with another sister speaker or one hundred other sister speakers like the below JBL Flip 4 (for the record, I think the latter is kinda cool but totally impractical).

portable-bluetooth-travel-speakers-comparison

Portability

Bluetooth range

Not a huge deal for me because most of the speakers here have ample range but certainly something worth considering if you’re likely to be a good distance away from your speaker.

The best portable bluetooth speaker?

Editor’s Pick – Bose SoundLink Micro

The SoundLink Micro scores our Editor’s Pick with a well-rounded design and feature set. It feels ultra-premium in the hand, with Bose’s signature world-class sound quality offering very minimal distortion even when the volume is maxed out. It’s the perfect size and weight for travel use, with added portability for extra points. And importantly, it’s well protected against drops (y ou won’t even cringe when you drop it) and water.

bose-soundlink-micro---best-speaker-for-travel

Granted, if I wanted to throw a big party I’d upgrade to the SoundLink Revolve or pair two Micros. It’s lovely sound and bursts forth volume that’s totally ample for traveling or chilling, but you’ll want something with more grunt if you want to throw a real shindig.

Best Budget Option – Anker Motion Q

Scoring the Best Budget Option nod is the Anker Motion Q. The d esign is very subdued and good for professionals, with a durable build. The IPX7 waterproof rating is a definite benefit too, enabling full submersion up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. Plus it f loats in water, so you’ve got ample opportunity and time to retrieve it if disaster strikes. The speaker’s buttons are also e asy to press and the X2 pairing is handy. In terms of sound quality it offers a bright mid-range and vocals are clear and distinct, though the low end could be better. In addition it’s very loud and very reasonably priced at US$45.99.

High Commendation – Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and JBL Flip 4

Well-deserved High Commendations go to the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and the JBL Flip 4. Both worthy additions to your packing list. They’re incredibly loud. And both benefit from a good low end that offers deeper base and full-bodied sound.

Both offer an IPX7 waterproof build, with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s added ability to float making it a savvy pick for travels involving water-based activities. Though the Flip 4 gets its nose ahead in the battery life department and might appeal to outdoor enthusiasts looking for added playtime.

Durability is on point with both, though the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s d rop test win from the height of 5 metres gets bonus points. And if you like a little color pop they’re both good picks too, in particular the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom with its f un color choices and patterns.

Michael Knispel

Editor-in-chief.

Mike’s our head honcho, master wordsmith and token urban dude. When he’s not talking carry or digging up stories, he’s scouring the interweb for obscure hip hop.

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: Top models for great sound

These are the very best Bluetooth speakers at every budget based on our in-depth testing

About the author

Sonos Move 2
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
JBL Xtreme 4
Sonos Roam 2
JBL Charge 5
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
Tribit StormBox Micro

Bluetooth speakers compared

Also tested.

How to choose
How we test

1. Best overall: Sonos Move 2 2. Best under $100: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 3. Best for festivals: Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 4. Best for bass: JBL Xtreme 4 5. Best for day trips: Sonos Roam 2 6. Best waterproof speaker: JBL Charge 5 7. Best for parties: Ultimate Ears Hyperboom 8. Best for travel: Triobit StormBox Micro 9. Bluetooth speakers compared 10. Also tested 11. How to pick the best Bluetooth speaker 12. How we test 13. Bluetooth speaker deals

The best Bluetooth speakers market is bursting with options. From the best smart speakers that also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to portable speakers that you can carry around in a day sack, narrowing down the list for every kind of activity is a huge undertaking.

While all the models here offer strong features and superb value for money, the best Bluetooth speaker overall is the Sonos Move 2 . While hefty, it packs a battery that will last up to 24 hours, and Auto Trueplay helps ensure you're getting the best listening experience, indoors or out. If it's portable Bluetooth-only sound on a budget you're after though, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 comes highly recommended and is a great value.

I've tested hundreds of speakers over the years and spent thousands of hours on listening tests assessing sound quality on all kinds of audio products. Below I've selected my pick of the best Bluetooth speakers for all kinds of activities. Read on to find out which models rank among the top models I've tested.

As Tom's Guide audio editor with more than 30 years of listening and testing all kinds of audio products — from budget speakers to Hi-Fi systems that cost as much as a luxury car — I've listened to hundreds of speakers and I know what makes the grade when it comes to balancing great sound, durability and features. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge on something a bit more powerful with Wi-Fi smarts, you can rest assured that each of the options listed below has a thumbs up from me and our team of audio experts.

The best Bluetooth speakers available now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best overall

1. Sonos Move 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sonos Move 2 might not be as portable as the Roam (below), but it ranks as one of the best smart speakers and is one of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market. The updated Move 2 takes the well-tuned sound and rich feature set found in the Sonos One and lets you take it on the go, with a 24-hour battery packed into a portable (albeit fairly hefty) design.

In our review, the Move 2 delivered a crisp sound with satisfying bass and clear, engaging vocals. As with all Sonos speaker designs, the Move 2 works with the best music streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music. Wireless connectivity has support for Apple AirPlay 2, and can seamlessly switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth on the fly. Alexa and Google Assistant support allow you to do anything from check the weather to control your smart home, while the Sonos Voice Assistant offers hands-free playback even when you're on Bluetooth.

But the best part is the Move 2's Auto Trueplay that tunes the speaker's audio output for wherever you're listening, whether you're having a rooftop party or rocking out in your bedroom.

Read our full Sonos Move 2 review

Best waterproof speaker under $100

2. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

For most people, the UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth speakers under $100. Its IP67-rating means it's dust and water protected to such a level that it ranks as one of the best waterproof speakers . Its balanced sound and a portable design make it a great travel companion for life on the go. The Outdoor Boost feature does its job in bringing more energy when it's free from room boundaries, and 14-hour battery life should be enough for most situations away from a power outlet.

As with UE's other speaker models, the Wonderboom 3 can be paired with another for stereo sound. The time taken for recharges is the only real disappointment. It took more than two hours from flat to reach the chime that indicates a full charge. Whether this is because of its Micro-USB port is hard to say, but it feels a little outdated given that a USB-C charging port appears to be the universal standard on most other Bluetooth speakers.

Read the full UE Wonderboom 3 review

Recent updates

The Wonderboom 3 has been succeeded by the Wonderboom 4 ; it has the same price, battery life and waterproof rating, but has a USB-C charging port. Stay tuned for our review.

Best for festivals

3. Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

Thanks to its excellent sound quality, long battery life and travel-ready ruggedness, the UE Megaboom 3 is the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy right now. This big, bold portable speaker pumps out rich 360-degree sound complete with detailed highs and satisfying low-end, and maxes out at 100 decibels of noise. It's one of our best outdoor speakers thanks to an IP67-rated design, which means it can survive drops, shower splashes, and can even be submerged for short periods without skipping a beat.

The Megaboom 3 is on the bigger side compared to other portable speakers, and unlike many of its competitors, it doesn't have Alexa or Google Assistant support, or any other smart features. But if that’s not a deal breaker, the Megaboom 3's sound quality and ruggedness can't be beat for the price. You can also pair it with older Megaboom and Boom models for a stereo sound experience.

Read our full UE Megaboom 3 review

The Megaboom 3 has been replaced in Ultimate Ears' lineup with the Megaboom 4, which is similar in most respects

Best for bass

close up photograph of a big outdoor bluetooth speaker by JBL Xtreme 4

4. JBL Xtreme 4

If you want a Bluetooth speaker that brings the bass, the JBL Xtreme 4 will knock the fillings right out of your mouth. As the latest generation model, JBL has built on its Boombox predecessors with a speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and dual passive radiators. Its deep bass and vocal clarity fills large open spaces with a big sound that's perfect for larger outdoor parties, and the IP67-rated beast (waterproof for up to 30 minutes in up to 3.2 feet) makes it perfect for outdoors events and pool parties.

Using AuraCast , users can connect supported JBL speakers like the JBL Pulse 4 and the Flip 5 for a surround sound experience. The Xtreme 4 measures 11.7 x 5.9 x 5.6 inches, and weighs an entirely portable 4.6 pounds — it also has a handy carrying strap. According to JBL, battery life can last up to 24 hours from a 6.5-hour charge, and the speaker can even be used to power other devices. It available in three colors: navy, black, and camo.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review

Best for day trips

5. Sonos Roam 2

Building on the success of the Sonos Move, which has now been superseded by the Move 2 and ranks ranks as one of our best outdoor speakers , the Sonos Roam 2 is a connected smart speaker at home and powerful Bluetooth beast on the road. It’s the more practical Sonos portable that you can throw into a day sack. Plus, it has Sonos' auto Trueplay feature, which adjusts the sound to suit your surroundings wherever you’re listening.

It is available in five color options (Black, White, Sunset, Wave, Olive), and although we wish the battery lasted more than 10 hours, it juices up quickly via USB-C or wireless charging. When you return back from your latest excursion, the Sonos Roam should rejoin your larger Sonos home system on its own. Listeners are also able to hand off whatever's playing to the nearest Sonos speaker. Or you could stick to the Roam 2, bringing your voice assistant and streaming services room-to-room, or as far as your Wi-Fi can reach.

Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review

Best waterproof speaker

The JBL Charge 5 rocked by an ocean wave

6. JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 offers great sound and ruggedness, making it a great option for a trip to the beach or creating the sound vibe you're after when relaxing by the pool. Its IP67 rating signals high dust resistance and full waterproofing, which is about as good as you'll get on a portable Bluetooth speakers and ranks as one of our best waterproof speakers.

During our testing we were impressed by the JBL Charge 5's sound, with easy-to-hear vocals and impressive bass. It sounds balanced, but bass isn't as powerful as some on this list. Nevertheless, it goes loud and can even act as a power bank for top-ups to phones and tablets. So if your device is running out of juice which you're streaming music, just connect it into the Charge 5 to get a top-up.

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Best Bluetooth speaker for parties

7. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

Looking to go big? The UE Hyperboom is the best Bluetooth speaker for large gatherings, thanks to its massive size and big, booming audio output. This 14-inch tall speaker offers a big and balanced sound that's especially ideal for barbecues and outdoor parties.

The Hyperboom is as rugged as it is big, with IPX4 water resistance for surviving splashes. And you'll get 24 hours of battery life for keeping the outdoor tunes going all day and night long. Pair that with seamless Bluetooth connectivity and plenty of volume, and you have the ultimate speaker for filling a large outdoor space with great sound.

Read our full UE Hyperboom review

Best portable speaker for travel

The Tribit StormBox Micro clipped to a bike handle

8. Tribit StormBox Micro

If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker that offers practical portability at a great price, the StormBox Micro is currently discounted to $49 at Amazon . Although it has been around for a while it's a very worthwhile on-the-go option and has plenty of great features, including IP67-rated to protect it from water (to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 mins) and against dust and dirt.

Despite its very small size, the StormBox Micro sounds great. It's particularly strong with vocals, and pushes out surprising bass levels. It's performance is impressive given that it's compact enough to be attached to a bag or fitted to bike handlebars. The only drawbacks are the lack of an app (although you can pair with two devices at once) and a relatively low battery life, which sees the StormBox Micro run dry after 8 hours.

Read our full Tribot StormBox Micro review

As Tom's Guide's audio experts, we test a lot of Bluetooth speakers but some models don't make it into a buying guide. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. The picks in this guide are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options. These alternatives have all been through our rigorous testing processes but didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.

Soundcore 3: This is an amazing little Bluetooth speaker by Anker that ranks in our list of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers around. This tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water and dust. The speaker lasts up to a whopping 24 hours, and the Soundcore 3's dual tweeter drivers and central mid/bass woofer allied to a passive bass driver and Anker's BassUp technology, ensure you'll get powerful sound in any setting. SharePlay allows multiple Soundcore speakers to be synced for an even bigger sound. It's also available in blue, red and silver colors for a little extra ($56) cost in addition to the standard slick black we tested.

Read the full Soundcore 3 review

Tribit StormBox Blast: A smaller alternative to larger boombox style models, the Blast sounds nearly as good. It fills any space with a big sound and our vocals on our favorite tracks sounded clear. You can boost the bass further with the XBass button on the speaker, and you can link two StormBox Blasts together for an even bigger sound. It can play all day without needing a recharge, and it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it falling into the pool or getting rained on for a while. And it puts on a light show if you want some visuals to go with your audio.

Read the full Tribit StormBox Blast review

JBL PartyBox Stage 320: This speaker on wheels has plenty going for it. It has the power to energize any environment with good sound, and has a light-up front cabinet to bring a fun visual element as the music plays. It goes loud and can be hooked up to a pair of mics or mic and guitar for full-on karaoke performances. Battery life is rated at 18 hours. Although it's splash-proof protected from occasional spots of rain, we'd avoid using it by a pool. Ultimately, it feels like a big and costly Bluetooth speaker option, but for energizing the vibe at your next gathering, the PartyBox Stage 320 will perform.

Read the full JBL PartyBox Stage 320 review

Sony ULT Field 7: This big Bluetooth speaker is portable, but its size and 14 pound weight may count against for some consumers. If you like big bass sound though, this powerful cylindrical speaker has a lot going for it. From the enhanced low-frequency output to the IP67 durability rating, it's ideal for a pool party.

Audio performance will satisfy bass fiends and Sound Field Optimization mode in the companion app, which automatically scans your environment for ambient noise and dynamically adjust sound, gives great sonic results. Lastly, there are synchronised LEDs at each end of the cabinet and battery life is rated at 30 hours. Just be aware that as a big portable you're unlikely to want to carry it far, and the price feels high compared to rivals.

Read the full Sony ULT Field 7 review

Ultimate Ears Epicboom: A challenger to the Sonos Move 2, this Bluetooth-only speaker is among the best waterproof speakers and we loved its durability in a rugged design that comes with a practical carry strap, and it even floats.

As a larger speaker design, it delivers a bigger sound than many portables. It make a great carry speaker companion out on a walk, where it managed to deliver an energetic and exciting sound with the speaker at my side while on a stroll. It also performed well in open spaces, although the Outside Boost mode was less effective than I would have liked. Also, remember not to set the volume level too loud as this can overdrive the main speaker, which makes the sound harden up.

Add in 17 hours of playtime to keep your music soundtrack playing wherever you go, and the carry anywhere Epicboom is a great rugged solution for on-the-go lifestyles.

Read the full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review

JBL Authentics 300: The mid-model in JBL's three-strong retro-looking Authentics speaker series , the 300 proved easy to transport around the home to wherever music is needed, and is a capable companion on trips away, bringing room-filling sound to large spaces. It's battery life isn't its greatest strength at just 8 hours but its vintage look and great sound make it a more stylish portable smart speaker alternative than the Sonos Move 2 at the same price.

Read the full JBL Authentics 300

Bose SoundLink Max: At the price, the Bose lacks some of the connectivity smarts of its nearest rivals, and for just $50 you can get the Sonos Move 2 with Wi-Fi and better sound. If you're looking for a straightforward Bluetooth speaker though, that's portable enough for adventure trips then the Bose SoundLink Max is a great choice. It offers stronger durability than the Sonos to endure trips to the beach, festivals, and even a pool party, and is a practical Bluetooth speaker solution with a great sound that plenty will warm to.

Read the full Bose SoundLink Max review

How to choose the best speaker for you

1. Mains or battery power: There are a couple things you’ll want to consider when shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, the first of which is whether you want it to be rechargeable or mains powered. While a number of wired speakers provide excellent Bluetooth listening, you can’t take them far from a power socket. Stick to a speaker with a rechargeable battery for on-the-go audio.

2. Voice control: With that, you’ll need to decide if a Bluetooth speaker with a voice assistant is the best for you. If you plan to use your speaker in your backyard, it could be useful to have Google Assistant’s or Alexa’s powers at your disposal. That way you can change the music using your voice, rather than controlling the audio through your phone. These smart features will not work beyond your home’s Wi-Fi, so opt for a non-smart Bluetooth speaker for the beach or other outdoorsy locales.

3. Power output: Sound quality should always be a priority when considering one of the best Bluetooth speakers, but it's important you know what to look out for. Maker's specifications may highlight the frequency range, which indicates the range of sounds a speaker is able to produce, but these figures are often presented in an inconsistent manner between brands that mean comparisons between one maker's claims and another should be taken with a pinch of salt — this is particularly true with rated power output claims.

That's why we assess performance in real-world situations, taking into consideration how a product is likely to be used and listening to it in different environments to fully evaluate its sound output. Bass quality is important to many, and although small speaker cabinets can defy belief and achieve a bigger sound than their size might suggest, generally speaking, the larger the speaker drivers, the more powerful a speaker is likely to sound. And those with passive bass radiators or bass ports are likely to sound even bigger still.

4. Price: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best Bluetooth speakers. Although I've tested some great-sounding cheap Bluetooth speakers , generally speaking, the bigger the brand the lower the chances are that performance and features will be compromised. They often cost a bit more, but going for a budget option isn't always the best choice as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you don't enjoy listening to it because the sound quality is poor.

Don't forget to bookmark our tech deals pages to keep on top of the all the best Bluetooth speaker bargains.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

Every product on this list is considered the best Bluetooth speaker for one or more standout features, however each must meet basic requirements during our testing to be considered. We spend several hours listening to music, making calls and toting around every speaker to make sure it sounds great across all music genres, provides solid call quality and withstands minor bumps or splashes.

To determine sound quality, we listen to many tracks across multiple music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. Movies, podcasts, and video games are also considered, when necessary.

If a speaker offers smart features, we enable the supported voice assistant to see how it fares against other top rated smart speakers. We’ll use it to control smart home devices, browse playlists and get answers to other common queries.

We also test battery life, exhausting each speaker’s battery after a full charge to see how long it can last under realistic conditions. A smart speaker connected to Wi-Fi should last at least 10 hours, while a standard Bluetooth speaker should last around 20. Most people want to know how much play time they can expect when their speaker comes along on a day trip.

The best Bluetooth speakers are rated on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Our reviews on products that hit nearly every mark are awarded an Editor's Choice.

Find out how we test for more information on our reviewing procedures.

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After 2.5 years as Tom's Guide's audio editor, Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed

By: Author James McAlister

Finding the best travel speaker for your needs can be a difficult task. There are thousands on the market and a lot of considerations to ponder.

If you’re heading away on a trip and want to be able to bang out some tunes, it’s an essential piece of kit. And they’re great for the beach, around the pool, or in your hotel room.

We’ve put together this definitive list of the best travel speakers on the market right now to help making your choice a little simpler.

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Speakers

[wptb id=12451]

How to Choose the Best Travel Speaker

The best travel speakers all share a number of impressive elements. Here’s how we went about picking which ones made it onto our list:

If you’re buying a speaker to take travelling then it needs to be pretty hardwearing.

It’s not going to be safely tucked away on a dresser in the corner of a room. So it has to be able to withstand the rigours of your trip, regardless of where your adventures take you.

The last thing you want is for it to fall apart during a trip and be left carrying a useless lump of plastic.

At the very least it should be water resistant, and ideally fully waterproof. Not only is this perfect for stress-free fun around the pool or on the beach, it’s also ideal for humid conditions.

It also needs to be generally travel-proof, i.e hard enough to be chucked in your bag and survive a few knocks.

Battery Life

Picture the scene. You’re chilling on the beach with your buds in the midday sun, enjoying some tunes and generally having a good time.

Then your travel speaker dies. Just cuts out. Mood killed.

Most good travel speakers have a battery life of a minimum of 6 hours with continuous playback. But the very best can last up to around 20.

If you anticipate using your travel speaker for long periods at a time, battery life will be an important consideration. One thing to note is that all of the listed battery playback duration here is the maximum for each device.

There are lots of factors that affect how much play you’ll get out of a single play. For example, blasting it at volume will drain it extremely quickly.

Portability

When you’re packing for a trip, the weight and bulk of your baggage is all important. No one wants to be lugging around unnecessary weight.

So when it comes to choosing the best travel speaker for you, one factor will be how much it weighs.

There’s no ideal weight as such, instead you need to find the best compromise for you between weight and performance. This is because generally speaking, a larger speaker will have better specs.

That said, if weight or size are huge considerations for you, there are small travel speakers out there whose sound belies their size.

This is a very personal thing, and may even depend on how much baggage allowance you have. But think about what you’re willing to lug around in your daypack when you hit the beach when choosing your travel speaker.

Connectivity

The best travel speakers are obviously wireless, and therefore come with bluetooth connectivity. However, there may be times when some people may want or need to plug their device in.

While most travel bluetooth speakers receive solely via bluetooth, some do have an auxiliary port.

If you have no idea what I’m on about or why you might need that, then in truth you probably don’t. So don’t sweat it.

But it gives you another option for getting your sounds from whatever device they’re on to the speaker. So if that’s something you’ll potentially need, pick a speaker which provides that choice.

Sound Quality

For many people, sound quality will be the most important factor in choosing what the best travel speaker for them is. No one wants a tinny, barely audible embarrassment of a speaker which makes every song sound the same.

Rest assured, every travel speaker on this list has got very good sound quality. Now that’s not to say that there may be some aspects missing, because the perfect travel speaker literally hasn’t been invented yet.

But we’ve gone for speakers that have a full, round sound overall. And we’ve pointed out their high points and low points as best we can.

Whatever you choose from this list will allow you to happily get down to your jams.

The Best Travel Speakers

So without further ado, let’s rundown the best travel speakers on the market right now.

Weight : 608 g (1.34 lbs)
Battery Life : 15 hours
Wireless Range : 45 m (150 ft)
Connectivity : Bluetooth

The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market.

UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it’s our preferred brand.

The 3 is the latest incarnation of their best selling Boom range. It’s got absolutely everything that you need in a portable travel speaker, starting with its mind-blowing overall sound.

The cylindrical shape means it pumps out 360° sound creating an immersive experience. What it produces is well balanced with a nice, warm tone and deep base.

You can customise your settings using the adjustable EQ on the app, or alternatively pick from the available presets.

This portable travel speaker sounds great whether your inside your hotel room or out chilling on the beach. And trust us when we say it gets LOUD!

The UE Boom 3 is built to last, with lots of features that make it super durable.

It’s completely waterproof for a start. And not only that, but it actually floats meaning you’ll never lose it at the bottom of the pool or ocean.

It’s also made from durable material that’s resistant to knocks and scrapes, helped by the rubber end caps. It can survive a pretty hefty drop, and is certainly fine with being roughed up in your daypack.

One of the only complaints about the UE Boom 3 is that it doesn’t feature an auxiliary port. However, as a travel bluetooth speaker I’d argue that’s really not an issue.

The whole idea is to use it wirelessly. So it’s unlikely you’d need a line in anyway and is in no way a deal breaker.

Another potential downside is that, while it’s definitely small and portable, there are smaller, lighter travel speakers.

If you’re on the lookout for a mini travel speaker, bear in mind that this is slightly larger than a standard water bottle. To give you an idea, it fits anywhere a water bottle does i.e backpack side-pocket or bicycle drinks holder.

Bose Soundlink Micro

Weight : 290 g (0.63 lbs)
Battery Life : 6 hours
Wireless Range : 9 m (30 ft)

The Bose name is one that’s synonymous with fantastic quality in the audio equipment market. As a company it’s known for concentrating on great sound, and the Bose Soundlink Micro is no different.

Despite being pocket-sized, it’s crisp and balanced and has a decidedly decent bass. In fact, considering just how small this travel speaker is, you’ll be amazed at the sound it pumps out.

It’s also perfect for all and any travel adventures and was designed to be both portable and durable.

The Soundlink Micro’s exterior is made entirely from silicone rubber. It’s soft yet rugged, and built to withstand dents, cracks and scratches.

It’s also completely waterproof making it perfect for outdoor use, particularly around the pool or on the beach.

A clever and unique travel feature is the tear-proof silicone strap on its back. This allows you to strap it to virtually anything it will fit around.

The handlebars of a bike, a bag strap, your wrist, your belt loop, nothing’s off limits. The strap makes it even easier to transport.

Perhaps surprisingly for a mini travel speaker, it has speakerphone capabilities. Perfect if you’re doing something active like hiking or cycling so you don’t need to physically pick your smartphone up.

The main drawback of the Bose Soundlink Micro is that its battery life is not amazing. If you’re after something that will keep the tunes banging all day, this isn’t it. But unfortunately it’s a necessary trade off for such a small device.

Bose Soundlink Revolve

Weight : 680 g (1.5 lbs)
Battery Life : 12 hours
Connectivity : Bluetooth and 3.5 mm auxiliary input

Next up is another from the wireless Bose range, the Soundlink Revolve. This one’s for Bose fans after a travel speaker with longer battery life and bigger sound than the Soundlink Micro.

It takes all of the great stuff that you get from the Micro and dials it up a notch.

The aesthetic design is completely different. It’s a gorgeous-looking piece of kit made from durable aluminium and with a seamless body for true 360° sound.

The slightly conical shape provides you with deep, immersive sound from all angles. It also makes it easy to grab from the top of the speaker.

The Revolve can go astonishingly loud for its relatively small size and has a beautiful overall tone. However, at the very top volumes you may experience some distortion, depending on what you’re playing.

Like the Micro it has speakerphone capabilities. Additionally there’s a special button to access Siri or Google Assistant.

Another cool feature is its universal threaded mount. This allows you to connect it to a tripod and create an elevated speaker to really get the party started.

While it’s not fully water-submersible, the Revolve is water-resistant so still protected against splashes and spills. This means it’s still great to take to the pool or beach and there’s no problem if it gets rained on.

It’s not as rugged as some of the other travel speakers on this list, but it sounds and looks delicious.

Weight : 540 g (1.19 lbs)
Wireless Range : 30 m (100 ft)

JBL has developed a reputation for building awesome bluetooth speakers that far outperform their price point. The JBL Flip 5 continues that tradition, packing a huge punch for the price.

Its slick, cylindrical design is relatively similar to the UE Boom 3 with rubber end caps and a similarly tough material cover.

And like the UE Boom3, it’s extremely durable. Fully waterproof, and resistant to knocks and bangs, it’s perfect for standing up to the day-to-day challenges of travelling.

The JBL Flip 5 also sounds fantastic, particularly if you’re into bass-heavy music. The bass is bone-rattlingly booming, without compromising the overall sound.

It uses USB-C quick charge capability meaning it takes less time to fill the battery. You can charge up and get back on the road even faster.

This is a great all-round travel speaker at a very fair price.

Anker Soundcore Flare

Weight : 530 g (1.17 lbs)

If you’re looking for a low-cost travel speaker that still combines many of the features of the top-range models in this category, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare.

It looks a bit like the Bose Soundcore Revolve with its conical shape. But rather than being made from aluminium, it’s got the durable fabric covering of the UE Boom 3.

Like the best travel speakers, the Soundcore Flare is also completely waterproof and extremely durable.

Anker have also added an LED lightshow feature. While for some this might seem a bit unnecessary from a speaker, there’s no denying it’s great in a party setting.

The lights have various different modes to suit your mood, but can also be turned off completely. This saves battery and will obviously be more appropriate for certain settings.

The Souncore Flare makes a surprisingly impressive noise for the price point, providing well balanced 360° overall.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the more expensive models in this department, you can’t complain for the price. And unless you’re a stickler, you probably won’t be disappointed.

That is unless you plan on really banging out the beats. Because while this small travel speaker is good at lower volumes, it’s a different matter when you crank it up.

It can start to sound a bit harsh when you dial it up. And even with Anker’s advertised Bass Up tech, it lacks real resonance and bite in the lower ranges.

For your average user, this is going to be a perfectly decent travel bluetooth speaker.

OontZ Angle 3

Weight : 283 g (0.62 lbs)
Battery Life : 14 hours

For a pretty premium travel speaker on a pauper’s budget, take a look at the OontZ Angle 3. While it’s not mind-blowing, it ticks a lot of the boxes without breaking the bank.

I’ll say right off the bat, for this price, you can’t expect it to perform like the very best travel speakers on this list.

Despite that, if you’re searching for a cheap and cheerful small travel speaker, this won’t be far off.

So first the good stuff. It’s a small travel speaker. I mean, really small and far more portable than most on this list.

It weighs hardly anything and could fit in your back pocket making it super-easy to carry around anywhere.

It’s hard-wearing, water resistant and dustproof, perfect for taking on trips. The materials are solid and it’s protected by rubber end caps.

It’s also got hands free capability, a rarity in a bluetooth speaker of this size and price.

So the bad? Well while it’s reasonably loud for its size, it doesn’t project amazingly in outside spaces. If you’re down at the beach, for example, you’re gonna need to crank it up.

On the plus side, unlike most cheaper speakers, there’s no distortion at top volumes.

On the face of it this should solve the issue. But bear in mind playing at high volume reduces the battery faster.

Having said that, the battery life is excellent, so the negatives are counteracted overall by the positives!

The OontZ Angle 3 probably isn’t suitable if you’re partying and blasting the tunes. But if you’re looking for a low-priced speaker that’s suitable to take on your travels, you could do far worse.

Tribit StormBox

Weight : 498.9 g (1.1 lbs)
Battery Life : 20 hours
Wireless Range : 20.1 m (66 ft)

I don’t think it would be unfair to say that the Tribit StormBox looks like it’s been directly modeled on the JBL Flip 5.

Its shape and design is strikingly similar, down to the little wave in the rubber end plates. But let’s not pretend that’s a bad thing, because the Flip 5 is a sweet piece of kit.

Unlike the Flip 5, this travel speaker isn’t equipped with a big booming bass. In fact, that lack of deep resonance is probably the most disappointing thing about the StormBox. Especially when they specifically emphasise its XBass Technology.

Despite this, the overall sound is actually really crisp and balanced. So unless you’re a bass freak, you shouldn’t be too worried.

The StormBox is also waterproof and highly durable, perfect for taking on your travels.

One of this travel speaker’s best features is the extremely long battery life. Lasting up to 20 hours, it will make the party last all day and all night.

Given its relatively low price point, it’s a remarkably well put together piece of kit.

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Speakers with text overlay The Best Portable Travel Speakers

Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

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RS Recommends: The Best-Sounding Mini Wireless Speakers

By John Lonsdale

John Lonsdale

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

From the road to the shower, every music fan needs one of the best mini speakers on hand for on-the-go jamming. Hauling heavy wired speakers everywhere you want to go just isn’t realistic, and even trying to travel with some of today’s best Bluetooth speakers won’t always cut it. But fortunately a few well-known brands from Sony to JBL have found a way to fit in a mix of serious tech and quality sound into these compact pieces of gear — all at a budget-friendly price.

Today’s best mini speakers offer louder sound than ever before, with high-tech features like microphones for wireless calls and the ability to pair them with others for a mini stereo setup on your next trip. Sure, you won’t need to go out and replace your high-end stereo system , but these portable powerhouse devices are a worthwhile buy for taking your music on any commute.

Below, we picked the best mini Bluetooth speakers for any situation that won’t disappoint.

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When researching this guide, we only picked brands with speakers that produce great-sounding models. When you’re streaming music, each of the speakers in this guide guarantee a high-quality sound for their small size. Here are a few other features to keep in mind when you’re choosing your next mini speaker.

Size: When we talk about mini Bluetooth speakers, we mean gear that’s extremely easy to stash in a pocket, a backpack, and that’s easy to travel with. Everyone’s version of “mini” might vary, but it’s now much easier to find better-designed speakers with a smaller overall footprint. After all, the point of a mini speaker is to make sure you always have music when you’re on the go, so you want something that’s nearly handheld, or can clip to, say, a bag. We picked the best mini speakers that are lightweight and smaller in size than your typical wireless units.

Portability: Along with their smaller size, a handful of mini speakers come with smart design features that make them even more portable, from built-in handles and clips that you can attach to luggage or a bike.

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Battery Life: A common misconception about the best mini speakers is that they have a battery life to match their size, but that’s not the case anymore. New mini Bluetooth speakers come with a surprisingly amount of runtime that make them contenders for your all-day music source. In this guide, we picked speakers with about 10 hours or more of battery life.

What Are the Best Mini Speakers?

Go ahead and plan the rest of your trip — these are the best mini Bluetooth speakers you can trust to get the job done on the road, from brands like JBL, Sony, Bose, and other well-trusted brands.

1. JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Our pick for the best mini Bluetooth speaker comes from JBL, the latest, greatest entry in its Clip speaker line. The JBL Clip 4 uses, of course, a clip-on handle that you can attach to nearly anything, whether you’re at home or on the road. Though it’s one of the best-designed and durable portable models out there, its sound might surprise you even more with 5 watts of output power and what the brand sums up as “rich audio and punchy bass.” The bottom line: Consider JBL the new frontrunner for the best ultra-portable speakers in the audio game.

Buy JBL Clip 4 Speaker $64.95

2. Sony Extra Bass Wireless Portable Travel Speaker

We’re fans of Sony’s Extra Bass headphones because of their stellar audio. But for days when you just want to listen to a playlist out loud, go for the brand’s Extra Bass portable speaker — a must-have mini speaker for any music fan. Its mini size delivers plenty of power for booming bass and clear-and-crisp audio. It’s both waterproof and dustproof for days at the beach or camping, and it can play music for up to 16 hours on a full charge — among the longest-lasting mini speakers we’ve seen. You can even use it for calls thanks to its built-in microphone. Pro tip: Get a second so you can pair them for stereo sound.

Buy Sony Extra Bass Speaker $48.00

3. Bose SoundLink Portable Speaker

bose-soundlink-flex-bluetooth-portable-speaker

Despite its smaller size, this excellent-sounding Bose portable speaker can blast tunes for a whopping 12 hours on a charge. That’s among the longest-lasting runtimes we’ve seen in a speaker of its size. As far as the sound goes, expect the same kind of solid audio quality that music lovers have come to trust with Bose’s line of speakers, headphones, and earbuds. The SoundLink is among the largest of the speakers in this guide, but it’s still small enough to stash in a pack or a cup holder.

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Buy Bose SoundLink Speaker $109.00

4. JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Another entry from JBL, the Go 3 comes with a truly mini frame that, like its name will tell you, was made to get out on the road and go. With a built-in hanging loop, you can tie it to a belt, backpack, or loop it around a latch on a cooler so you’re never without nearby tunes. We love its rugged and durable construction, so you also don’t have to worry about it getting damaged out in the wild.

Buy JBL Go 3 $49.95

5. Pitras Portable Mini Outdoor Speaker

Whether you hang it up in your shower or you tie it to your hiking pack, this Bluetooth mini outdoor speaker can run for about 10 hours when charged. Bass-heavy tracks come through loud and clear, while the built-in mics make it easy to hop on a call without taking your phone out of your pocket. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it’s tough enough to withstand getting wet outdoors. Best of all, you can get it for under $17 on Amazon at the time of this writing.

Buy Pitras Mini Speaker

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Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Travel: Compact and Budget-Friendly

Electronics

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Itching to play your music, podcasts, or Netflix when on the road, but stumped on what type of portable speakers to buy? We’ve asked our readers to choose the best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel, and their picks speak volumes!

Best Small Bluetooth Speakers

Written by: Tae Haahr

Hopefully, travel for you means relaxing, and some like having music, or other media to do that. If you’re headed out for a trip and want to bring the best portable wireless Bluetooth speaker that’s compact, our readers happily share their top picks to help you decide.

Whether you’re looking for range, quality, bass, or waterproof, we’ve got something for everyone on our list, and they’re budget-minded to ease the wallet and worry if it gets lost somehow!

What Are the Best Mini Speakers for Travel?

Veho Bluetooth Speaker

Editor’s Pick for Best Bluetooth Portable Speaker: Veho

The TFG editor swears by Veho and rates this brand the best portable mini Bluetooth speakers for their power and usability. Not only is it Bluetooth capable, but it also has a built-in MP3 player that can house a selection of songs that you simply plug in with an SD card.

This travel speaker is packable, less than three inches and has a rechargeable battery (which has to be transported in your carry-on), with six hours playtime before needing to charge it again,

TFG editor-in-chief Alex has been traveling with this speaker for over four years and loves its compact size and sound quality. It’s simply perfect to cart along anywhere!

Find some more great travel gadgets for your next trip!

Wonderboom Portable Waterproof Speaker

Best Mini Wireless Speaker for Under $10: Wonderboom

The Wonderboom is truly a great deal with a price tag that’s under $10! It’s lightweight and tiny, making it easy to pack and put in a daybag on your travels.

One reader who uses this speaker says, “Wonderboom is waterproof and travels with me everywhere including sailing trips.”

It’s shockproof, durable, and comes with a carrying case so it’s safe when you pack it in your carry-on. It’s called “semi-waterproof,” so a few drops of water won’t affect it, but don’t take a chance with a whole glass of water!

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Altec Lansing Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Best Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker Under $50: Altec

The Altec compact size and ability to play from long distances make it one of the best mini portable speakers for range. You can listen up to 30-feet away when you’re using it. Because it is waterproof and floats, it makes a stupendous beach or outdoor speaker for some fun times!

A TFG reader shares her experience, “I bought this for my husband and he loves it, small, great price, and waterproof.”

It holds a six-hour charge to create memorable beach excursions and is lightweight and fits easily into a backpack. When out and about, just clip it using a carabiner for a hands-free experience!

Take a look at this post on how to block out snoring noise!

Anker Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth Speaker

Best Sounding Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Anker

The Anker SoundCore is recommended by TFG readers for its durability and the fact it’s waterproof. It’s also one of the best Bluetooth mini speakers for another reason: pocket-sized dimensions with size-defying sound.

A reader says it “works great” and you can truly take it anywhere by attaching it with the included string to your backpack, bike, belt loop, or anything else! Listen for up to eight hours on a single charge and bonus—if you want more sound just pair two minis together!

And if you’re a fan of this brand, the Anker Soundcore subwoofer has a lot of power and also plays up to 15 hours. And it fits into small spaces, including a handbag! The only thing though is that it’s not waterproof, just a small detail we think!

Stay connected with this list of travel electronics !

WEYANG Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speakers

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Under $50: WEYANG

When looking for the best buy mini speakers, readers recommend WEYANG . One shares she’s been using it for six years and it’s still working great. It can also integrate with your phone so you can take calls or your other devices.

This will connect with any of your Bluetooth enabled devices has a distance of 33 feet away. It has a whopping 10 hours of listening time due to the built-in rechargebable lithium battery. This tiny speaker booms out great sound quality for any occasion, be it travel or for use at home.

If you’re old-school and prefer to still plug in a speaker to your devices, the Rokono collapses into a packable ball that travels well and has a 3.5-millimeter cable to connect to a phone, tablet, or laptop and is considered to be the best wired mini speakers by our readers.

Find out which reading device is best for you!

OontZ Angle 3 Ultra Bluetooth Speaker

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Bass: OontZ

If you’re looking for the best mini wireless speakers for bass quality, TFG readers recommend the OontZ which has three angled speakers. Not only is the sound quality good, but it has a 100-foot range so you don’t have to sit next to it with your device for it to work.

One reader adores this one so much she gives them away, saying, “I love this little speaker. Have gifted it several times.”

Its battery life can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. And it’s weather and splashproof, so you can bring it poolside—though it’s recommended that you don’t take it in the pool with you!

Block noise and enjoy in-flight entertainment with noise cancelling headphones !

JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Best Bluetooth Speaker Under $100: JBL

If you want something that’s easy to cart around with you, the JBL Clip 3 has a built-in carabiner clip and good sound quality for such a tiny thing.

It’s Bluetooth capable, splash-proof (though don’t bring it swimming with you), and even allows you to take calls. With the ability to play audio for up to 10 hours on the rechargeable battery, this portable and packable speaker packs a punch.

These are the best mini Bluetooth speakers for being out and about and enjoying a park or streaming Netflix in your accommodation. One reader shares, “I really like our JBL Clip. We’ve had it for three years and it still works great!”

Use this electronic trip checklist to plan your vacation properly!

SoundLink® Micro Bluetooth® Speaker

Best Bose Bluetooth Speaker: SoundLink

Bose is a popular brand among our readers and the TFG editor-in-chief loves them too! We adore them so much, we did a review on the Bose QuietComfort noise cancelling headphones ! Their SoundLink Bluetooth speaker is no different and will have your head bopping with joy.

This puppy has a 30-foot range, is water-resistant, plays up to 8 hours, and comes with a USB charging cable to keep your tunes or Netflix going and is worth the slightly higher price point. Not only that, it’s resistant to scratches and dents, which means this tough cookie can handle the rigors of travel!

Check our readers’ picks for the best travel alarm clock !

EWA A106 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Best Mini Portable Speaker Under $20: EWA

So tiny it fits between your fingers, the EWA mini bluetooth speaker may seem small but can pound out the bass, for up to 4-6 hours on battery life and it comes with a metal hook and case so it’s super portable but it’ll also be protected wherever you take it—whether the beach, hiking, traveling, or at an Airbnb.

And just how small is it? At 6.2 ounces i’t totally wins for “tiniest best speaker” out there!

MiLi Magnetic Small Bluetooth Speaker

Best Magentic Compact Speaker for Devices: MiLi

A truly nifty thing, the MiLi magnetic speaker is able to be affixed to any metallic surface, including your phone, mini tablet, laptop, and more. But it also comes with two metal rings that can be placed on non-metal surfaces, like a wall.

The battery life lasts 8 hours and takes about 1.5 hours to charge. And bonus? If attaching to your phone, it acts as a stand as well! An awesome travel companion which is easy to keep track of when attached to your devices.

Insiq Smallest Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Best Smallest Wireless Speaker for Mobile Phones: I NSIQ

If you’re looking for a bluetooth speaker that you don’t need to set on a table, the I NSIQ is very, very compact at 1.2” wide (about size of a quarter!) and at about 2.1 ounces! And it comes in numerous fun colors too.

Though it doesn’t have more than 2 hours of play, it’s a super handy accessory to take along when out and about for shorter excursions or a quick plane ride, and it comes with a phone strap to carry it around easily. Despite the size, users describe it has having strong sound and the coverage goes to 30 feet.

Compass Rose International Power Adapter

How Do I Power My Mini Bluetooth Speaker?

If you plan on taking your devices and a wireless speaker on a trip overseas, you’ll need to bring a travel adapter , and in some cases a converter to account for different voltages, dependant on everything you end up packing. Since most Bluetooth speakers operate on USB charging, you’ll likely only need a travel adapter.

Determine whether you need a travel adapter or a converter in this video !

However, in order to understand the difference between an adaptor and converter watch the video above to learn more. A simple way to remember it is, an adapter fits the outlets and a converter changes the electrical current so your electronics don’t blow a fuse!

Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes

Packing Ideas for Your Bluetooth Speaker

A portable Bluetooth speaker can be packed in several ways, either in a laptop bag or a specific carrying case for electronic cords and such. However, if you want to pack your speaker in a carry-on another way to store it is by using packing cubes . Simply wrap the speaker in some clothes and slip it inside a packing cube.

Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything.

And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

They’re truly the best packing cubes. Our readers rave about them! Buy them here!

Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale

Not many people are familiar with luggage scales, but they’re incredibly helpful when you’re a frequent traveler.

We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.

With a compact luggage scale in hand, you’ll never have to worry about excess baggage fees !

What do you think is the best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel? Share and comment below!

For more electronics for travel, please read:

Travel Electronics: Staying Connected on the Road
Bose QuietComfort 20 Review: Noise Cancelling Headphones
Business Travel Essentials: 15 Products to Simplify Your Life
What are the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?

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The best Bluetooth speakers to buy right now

Water resistance and lengthy battery life are now standard.

By Chris Welch , a reviewer specializing in personal audio and home theater. Since 2011, he has published nearly 6,000 articles, from breaking news and reviews to useful how-tos.

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A photo of the Bose SoundLink Flex on a bedside table.

Wireless Bluetooth speakers have become ubiquitous, indispensable gadgets. Everyone’s got one somewhere, and the use cases vary from person to person. Maybe you use your speaker around the house or as a shower soundtrack. Maybe you bring it along to the park or beach. And then there are those people who take a portable speaker practically everywhere they go — sharing their music from a bike or backpack with everyone nearby.

I know a lot of people who have old Bluetooth speakers kicking around, and if the one you’ve got is still working for you, there’s no immediate need to upgrade to something newer. But Bluetooth speakers have gotten very good in recent years. Sound quality continues to improve, battery life is stretching to new records, and they’re more robust and durable than ever before.

I’m The Verge’s resident audio gear reviewer , and I’ve spent dozens of hours testing our picks below in various scenarios. I’ve listened to them at home, outdoors, in hotels — and yes, in the bathroom. Each product is easy to recommend for different reasons.

If you’re shopping around for a new speaker, start off by considering what size you want. For this guide, I’m mostly sticking to portable Bluetooth speakers and excluding anything that’s impractical to take on the go. From there, you need to weigh other criteria like audio quality, ease of use, durability, and bonus features like speakerphone functionality. Some speakers let you stereo pair two of them together, and several companies include “party mode” capabilities that let you link many speakers together. If you don’t really care about any of that, you can get a tiny Bluetooth speaker for as little as $25 . But all of the picks here go a little further in terms of features and style.

The best portable Bluetooth speakers

Best Bluetooth speaker under $200

Bose soundlink flex.

Weight: 1.3 pounds / Battery life: 12 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: Yes / Charging port: USB-C

Bose’s newest Bluetooth speaker, the SoundLink Flex, offers pristine, detailed sound quality with a surprising amount of bass for its size — all in a rugged design that you can take anywhere.

I don’t know what kind of engineering sorcery goes into Bose’s Bluetooth speakers; I just know that going back to the SoundLink Mini II , they’ve simply sounded clearer and better — to my ears, at least — than any competitors in the same size range. The $149 SoundLink Flex is Bose’s latest portable speaker, and it continues to make good on that reputation.

Despite only having a mono driver (which isn’t uncommon for Bluetooth speakers), the SoundLink Flex delivers expansive sound with a genuinely surprising amount of bass. And crucially, that low end isn’t muddy or boomy. Everything about this speaker is rich and clear. That’s even more surprising when you consider that it only supports the baseline SBC Bluetooth codec instead of AAC or the more advanced LDAC. And yet, this speaker sounds excellent.

You can expect around 12 hours of battery life, and like many other speakers in this guide, the SoundLink Flex is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Bose is very confident it can withstand tumbles and swims. Whether you lay the speaker flat or stand it upright, the Flex will automatically optimize the EQ for either orientation. And it also works better than most as a speakerphone with the help of built-in mics. Not everything about the SoundLink Flex is ideal: its buttons aren’t easy to use by feel alone, and it’s strange that Bose opted to go with Bluetooth 4.2 instead of a newer version of the spec. But if those are my biggest gripes, it’s fair to say that the SoundLink Flex is a winner.

The UE Boom 3 remains a popular Bluetooth speaker several years after release.

Best waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 1.34 pounds / Battery life: 15 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: MicroUSB

Ultimate Ears Boom 3

Few portable speakers have enjoyed the same popularity as the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. With 360-degree sound, a waterproof construction, and easy controls, it’s not surprising this Bluetooth speaker has stuck around for so long.

It’s frankly a little mind-boggling that I’m still writing about the UE Boom 3 in 2023. This speaker was released in 2018, and Ultimate Ears has been coasting on it ever since. Maybe that says something about how stagnant the Bluetooth speaker market has become, or maybe UE just hasn’t come up with anything that outshines the $149.99 Boom 3 in a meaningful way. Or maybe it’s just a testament to how good of a portable speaker the Boom 3 is.

The Boom 3’s Magic Button turned a good speaker into the best one

The company considers this the “perfected” take on the cylindrical, 360-degree speaker design that it pioneered with earlier Booms. And with 15-hour battery life, a fully waterproof exterior that floats in swimming pools, and those giant, foolproof volume buttons, the UE Boom 3 still holds up. Its standout feature compared to older models is the Magic Button , which lets you quickly play a specific playlist with a press and hold of the top button. But what’s given the Boom 3 such staying power is its simplicity, rugged build, and satisfactory sound. Having drivers fire in all directions makes for an expansive soundstage, even if the Boom 3 can lack the detail and sharpness of some competitors. But as an all-rounder, there’s a lot to like.

The Sonos Roam has big smarts for a small speaker.

Best Bluetooth smart speaker

Weight: 0.95 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C, Qi wireless

The Sonos Roam is a small, very portable Bluetooth speaker that integrates with the company’s popular whole-home audio platform. It also supports hands-free voice commands with either Alexa or Google Assistant.

It’s important to keep your expectations reasonable if you’re looking at buying the Sonos Roam. The company’s larger speakers often deliver audio performance that sounds bigger and more spacious than you’d expect, but that’s not necessarily true of the tiny Roam. Don’t get me wrong: while it’s not going to blanket a room with music, it’s more than capable of putting out clear, dynamic sound if you’re sitting nearby or using it as a shower speaker.

Sonos Roam review: portable potential
The best Sonos speakers to buy right now

The real selling points of the Roam are its smarts and tight integration with Sonos’ whole-home audio platform. When at home, the Roam streams music over Wi-Fi, so you’re getting better fidelity than Bluetooth. You can seamlessly hand off playback from the Roam to another nearby Sonos speaker with the press of a button, and it’s a cheap way of adding a turntable to your Sonos system — so long as your turntable supports Bluetooth. You can also easily group it with other Sonos speakers for multi-room playback. If you want to use the Roam as a smart speaker, take your pick between Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice commands.

Sonos recently released a slightly cheaper Roam SL that omits the built-in microphones. But unless you’re adamantly opposed to having mics in your gadgets, I’d steer clear of the Roam SL. It only saves you $20 but loses fairly substantial features like automatic Trueplay sound quality tuning, the Sound Swap feature mentioned above, and (obviously) all voice interactions. For $99 or $129, I could absolutely see it. But $159 is just too much to ask for the Roam SL.

READ MY REVIEW OF THE SONOS ROAM .

JBL’s Charge 5 is a perfect kitchen speaker.

Bluetooth speaker with the best battery life

Jbl charge 5.

Weight: 2.1 pounds / Battery life: 20 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C

JBL’s Charge 5 is a powerful Bluetooth speaker with a marathon battery life of up to 20 hours. It also lets you charge your phone through the built-in USB-A port.

If you’re looking for something a little more powerful, JBL’s Charge 5 is beefier than the UE Boom in terms of both dimensions and audio reproduction. I’m not a fan of JBL putting a super-sized logo on its newest speakers; so much for subtlety. But if you don’t mind that aesthetic decision, the Charge 5 ticks off many boxes for functionality.

It’s a stamina champ with up to 20 hours of continuous playback. Speaking of batteries, a unique trick offered by the Charge 5 is its ability to recharge external devices: there’s a USB-A port for topping up your own phone or a friend’s as you listen to tunes.

My main disappointment with the Charge 5 is its mono driver, which has to downmix stereo content. When you’re dealing with mono portable speakers, there might be sections of a song or particular instruments that aren’t as prevalent as they are on stereo speakers. And since the Charge 5 doesn’t sound quite as pristine and detailed as Bose’s SoundLink Flex, it’s more noticeable here.

JBL’s Clip 4 can latch onto a bag or backpack with ease.

Best small Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 0.53 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : No / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C

The last-gen entry in the JBL clip line of Bluetooth speakers retains the same integrated carabiner of its predecessor along with a more powerful speaker.

The Clip 4 from JBL is actually a bit larger than I would’ve expected when looking at marketing images. But the integrated carabiner makes it effortless to attach to your bag, bike, and who knows what else. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound this compact speaker can produce.

The bass is a little recessed, but the Clip 4 puts out clear and crisp mids and treble. Like our other picks, it’s rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Combined with its diminutive size and 10-hour battery life, you’re looking at a great speaker for bringing along on hikes or other adventures.

Best outdoor Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 6.61 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP56 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging port: USB-C, proprietary wireless

The Sonos Move is a large speaker that’s designed to be moved around the house or used outside in the yard. It offers powerful sound and full support for countless streaming apps through the Sonos app. Read our review .

At 6.61 pounds, the Sonos Move is a hefty thing to lug around. That’s why it’s mainly intended to be moved around the house or out to the backyard. It’s not what I’d consider convenient, but in exchange for putting up with a much bigger speaker than the Roam, you’re rewarded with a substantial sound upgrade.

Sonos Move review: house shaker, not road warrior

The Move is more than capable of filling a room with resonant audio, and like the Roam, you get your choice of using it like a regular Bluetooth speaker or playing music over Wi-Fi with the Sonos app. With an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, the Move is designed to be weatherproof, and it’s able to withstand some bumps. You’d hope for as much considering this speaker’s $400 price tag. But when you add in extras like hands-free voice controls and automatic Trueplay, the Move has a large bag of tricks that make it a unique choice if you’re after a larger, louder speaker.

READ DAN SEIFERT’S REVIEW OF THE SONOS MOVE .

Update March 21st, 12:35PM ET: The buying guide has been reformatted, and our previous pick for an outdoor party speaker — the Sony SRS-XB43 — has been removed since it’s now discontinued.

No one’s ready for this

Microsoft is rebranding copilot in the most microsoft way possible, nothing is requiring employees to be in the office five days a week, google’s ai ‘reimagine’ tool helped us add wrecks, disasters, and corpses to our photos, chick-fil-a is reportedly launching a streaming service for some reason.

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17 best Bluetooth speakers for epic audio, tried and tested

We review the best hi-tech, retro and radio-style bluetooth speakers on the market, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Many Bluetooth speakers we tested can survive being (briefly) submerged up to 1m under water

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These days, you don’t have to compromise on quality when opting for portable audio , as many of the best Bluetooth speakers have specs that rival larger speakers designed for use at home .

Whether you want a Bluetooth speaker for when you’re lounging in the garden or camping with family or friends, one aspect to consider is the frequency response, which refers to the device’s ability to replicate the range of tones we hear. Most frequency responses range between 20 and 20,000Hz. Love a bit of bass? Go low – speakers that can accommodate lower frequency responses indicate that it can reproduce the deepest sub-bass tones.

It’s also important to consider the IP (International Protection) rating. This comprises the letters IP followed by two digits, the first of which indicates the level of protection against solid matter such as dust. This ranges from 0, which indicates no protection, to 6, which suggests it’s fully dust-proof. The second number represents the level of protection against liquids, and ranges from 0 (which indicates no water resistance) to nine, which means the gadget can withstand high-pressure jet sprays and can survive being under water for 30 minutes.

With Bluetooth speakers, the first digit will often be an X, which means no information relating to protection from solid items is available. However, this isn’t unusual, and doesn’t necessarily mean the speaker won’t stand up to wear and tear – it just means this aspect wasn’t tested. Instead, look for features such as powder coatings, which are resistant to rust and UV light.

We recommend opting for a Bluetooth speaker with a battery life of no less than 10 hours. A growing number of the best Bluetooth speakers will even double as battery packs , providing extra charge for mobile phones , which can be incredibly useful. Additional features worth considering include the ability to pair your Bluetooth speaker with others, for a DIY surround-sound setup; dedicated phone apps, and voice prompts.

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How we tested the best Bluetooth speakers

We tested these top-quality Bluetooth speakers in multiple scenarios – in damp camping grounds, on sandy beaches, in our back gardens (in a thunderstorm, no less) and during long bike rides, with speakers dangling from our backpacks and handlebars. We also tested every aspect of their controls, pairing them with apps and with each other, while evaluating how easy it was to tweak aspects such as volume, bass and power levels.

The speakers below are, in our opinion, the best of the best. In an era when there are so many to choose from, it’s understandable that we’ve all got different priorities when it comes to speakers, and the ones we’ve chosen might well appeal to different people, or excel in different areas, but we’re firm believers that none will disappoint.

The best Bluetooth speakers for 2024 are:

Best Bluetooth speaker overall – Sony XG300 X-series portable wireless speaker: £199, Sony.co.uk
Best budget Bluetooth speaker – Sony SRS-XB13 portable Bluetooth speaker: £39.99, Sony.co.uk
Best portable Bluetooth speaker – Bose SoundLink flex Bluetooth speaker: £149.95, Bose.co.uk
Best compact Bluetooth speaker – Nokia portable wireless speaker 2: £49.99, Nokia.com

Sony XG300 X-series portable wireless speaker

Best : Bluetooth speaker overall
Weight : 3kg
Battery life : 25 hours
Waterproof : Yes, rated IP67
Crisp, clear audio
Retractable handle
Accompanying app
Slightly larger than others we tested

Full disclosure: we initially balked at the size of this speaker, which is slightly larger than the others we featured here (it’s 31.8cm x 13.8cm x 13.6cm). But it’s also fantastically rugged (IP67 is one of the highest IP ratings you can get) and packs a serious punch, blasting out crisp, clear sound for up to 25 hours on a single charge. Key to this is the X-balanced speaker unit, which swaps the circular diaphragms you’ll find in traditional speakers for square-shaped ones. This, in turn, means more sound pressure and better high-quality sound.

There’s definitely less distortion with this speaker, which is packed with features we love, whether it’s the way the controls are hidden beneath a rubberised flap, the retractable handle or the subtle lighting on the end (use the Sony Music Center app to tweak the illumination pattern). Our top tip? Use the “mega bass” to crank up the bass.

Sony SRS-XB13 portable Bluetooth speaker

Best : Budget Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 253g
Battery life : 16 hours
Battery level indicator
Great range of colourways

This small chunk of lime-green loveliness packs a whopping 16 hours of battery life and comes with lots of added extras. It includes Sony’s party-starting Extra Bass technology, a battery level indicator that appears on your phone, and an impressive (especially for a speaker with this price tag) IP67 rating – meaning it’s both fully waterproof and dustproof. We loved its compact design, and the way we could loop pieces of cord through holes in the base to dangle the speaker from hooks.

Soundcore motion X600

Best : Bluetooth speaker for tech
Weight : 1.9kg
Battery life : 12 hours
Waterproof : Yes, rated IPX7
Easy-to-use app
No noise distortion
Room-filling sound

We’ve yet to come across a product from Anker (Soundcore is an Anker sub-brand) we don’t love, but rest assured we went into this review with full impartiality. That said, we weren’t disappointed. The upside to the Motion X600’s slightly larger size is the room-filling sound, which comes courtesy of five drivers and five amplifiers, which disperse sound both horizontally and vertically.

There’s no noise distortion either, something we suspect is down to Soundcore’s claim the speaker uses a high-end DSP (digital signal processor). Its 12-hour battery life is also pretty impressive for a speaker that packs this amount of power, and we’re also huge fans of the easily-navigable Soundcore app, which can be used, among other things, to tweak the speaker’s EQ (equalisation), adjusting elements such as bass and treble.

Bose SoundLink revolve+ II Bluetooth speaker

Best : Premium Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 0.9kg
Battery life : 17 hours
Waterproof : Yes, rated IP55, which means protection against damp weather rather than accidental submersion
Fantastic surround sound
Slick design

This sleek silver dream machine offers fantastic surround sound courtesy of its cylindrical design, while unexpected perks include the 17-hour battery life, the ease with which we could activate wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts, and a top-quality omnidirectional acoustic deflector (in layman’s terms, this helps disperse sound in multiple directions). We also appreciated the little things, such as the use of softer material in areas where the speaker was most likely to encounter bumps and scrapes, and the use of a single-extrusion construction technique, which explains its slick, seamless design.

Edifier MP100 plus portable Bluetooth speaker

Best : Bluetooth speaker for active types
Weight : 185g
Battery life : Nine hours
Waterproof : IPX7
Crisp sound
Easy-to-use controls
Tough hanging cord

This is a truly versatile speaker – the ultra-tough cord can be used to hang it from tent poles and camping chairs, but it also fitted perfectly around the handlebars of our mountain bike. The 43mm driver produced crisp, high-quality sound, and the controls, on the rear of the speaker, were clear, tactile and easy to use. Although the presence of an X in the IP rating suggests it’s not got the toughest resistance to solid matter such as dust and mud, the “7” indicates it can survive being under water for up to 30 minutes.

Boompods soundflare

Best : Bluetooth speaker for sustainability
Weight : 295g
Battery life : Five hours
Waterproof : IPX6
Made from recycled plastic
App-controlled light-up section
Can be used to activate phone selfies

Write off this small (it’s the size of an egg) but mighty speaker at your peril. We were admittedly initially suckered in by the cosmetic features – including the illuminated bottom section, which changes colour in time to the music, and can be configured using its very own app – but there’s substance as well as style, here.

To start with, it’s made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. Then there’s the option to pair multiple speakers and the multi-functionality (this must be one of the only speakers with controls that don’t just control basics such as volume, but can be used to activate phone selfies). Yes, we’d love to have seen a slightly longer battery life, but when speakers are this much fun, we’re not going to kick up too much of a fuss.

Boompods rhythm speaker

Best : Bluetooth speaker for fun
Weight : 220g
Rugged design
Simple controls

There are more great sustainability credentials courtesy of Boompods’ pocket-sized speaker, which is made from recycled plastic. It’s got an exceptionally rugged design – there’s a tough dangle cord, and its IPX7 rating means it can be submerged 1m under water for up to 30 minutes. The controls are wonderfully simple to use, and it can also be controlled via an app.

Groove-e Boston wooden DAB & FM radio with Bluetooth

Best : Bluetooth speaker for simplicity
Weight : 869g
Battery life : Requires 4 x C batteries
Waterproof : No IP rating
Crisp, clear sound
Ultra-bright LED display
Alarm clock functionality
Not as hi-tech as some other options

OK, this might not be the most hi-tech device out there, but it’s not designed to be, and there’s certainly space in our tech cupboard for this elegant speaker (although, we’re slightly baffled by the requirement for four batteries as the only alternative to mains power). We’d recommend this for anyone who might not be after an all-singing, all-dancing device, but who craves the simplicity of a speaker that will also double as a radio while producing crisp, clear sound. Bonus points for the ultra-bright LED display and the alarm clock functionality.

Bose SoundLink flex Bluetooth speaker

Best : Buetooth speaker for portability
Weight : 590g
Great sound quality

We’ve watched countless portable speakers topple into puddles or off the rocks on which we’ve carefully positioned them, so, we loved how the combination of this speaker’s weightiness and shape (flat and long) ensured it stayed put. The sound quality is incredible, and we suspect this is largely thanks to the positionIQ technology, which optimises audio depending on the speaker’s position – whether it’s lying flat or you’re hanging it from a backpack using the loop provided. We also appreciated its ruggedness – it has an IP67 rating (drop it in water and it will be fine) and a powder coating that is resistant to rust and UV light, and won’t peel or flake.

Roberts Radio rambler mini

Best : Bluetooth speaker for retro styling
Weight : 460g
Waterproof : Not specified
Fantastic audio quality
Gorgeous retro-inspired look
Tactile controls
DAB, FM and Bluetooth functionality

Looking for a speaker that’s also a radio? Say hello to Roberts Radio’s rambler mini, which has DAB, FM and Bluetooth functionality and is fabulously easy to use. Although, we’d have appreciated lights to reassure us it’s charging. That said, this is our only complaint about a device that delivers fantastic audio quality and has a gorgeous retro-inspired look, too. Although, there’s only a front-facing speaker, its size allows for brilliant sound distribution, while tactile controls make it a breeze to scroll between settings.

Best : Wraparound-style Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 550g
Multiple flip 6s can be connected wirelessly
Price varies, depending on the colour chosen

JBL is a brand that has seriously upped its game when it comes to speakers. The blurb states this speaker’s racetrack-shaped woofer delivers fantastic sound when it comes to low and mid-range frequencies, while a tweeter (an additional speaker designed for frequencies in the “upper” range) provides brilliant crispness. We’re happy to report the blurb was correct.

This wraparound-style speaker offered up some serious bass, although it’s a great all-rounder, too. We loved the ultra-bright indicator lights and the partyboost mode, which enables multiple flip 6s to be connected wirelessly. Even the packaging is sustainable – entirely recyclable, with instructions printed in a soy-based ink.

It comes in a great range of colourways but note the price varies, depending on the colour chosen.

Polaroid P2 music player

Best : Bluetooth speaker for looks
Weight : 660g
Battery life : 15 hours
Waterproof : N/A
Great audio
Good range of colourways

Yep, that’s right: Polaroid has entered the world of Bluetooth speakers, and we’re liking what we see. Not just in an aesthetic sense, either – although, we’re admittedly slightly obsessed with the ultra-bright colour scheme, music-responsive LED display and ghetto-blaster-inspired styling. In terms of audio, this speaker certainly delivered when we wanted to crank up the volume.

Controls are simple but cover the necessary bases, with play/power, back, forward and favourite buttons. The one (minor) gripe? There’s no IP rating, so it’s probably not the best speaker for wild, wet weekends in the great outdoors. However, for house parties, barbecues and solo jam sessions, it’s hard to beat.

Roberts Radio iStream3L

Best : Bluetooth speaker for sound quality
Weight : 1.71kg
Battery life : N/A (requires six AA batteries when not plugged in)
Great retro design
Easy to use
No rechargable battery

This retro model is both a radio and Bluetooth speaker, although, it doesn’t have an internal battery, so it can’t be charged using a USB-C cable. That means you’ll need to keep it plugged in or use six AA batteries, but that’s as complicated as it gets.

Despite the wide range of settings – including controls that can be used to scroll through streaming services such as Deezer and Spotify – everything about this model is easy to use. From the Bluetooth connection process to the way the equaliser can be tweaked according to music genre, it’s a great option with great sound quality and a price tag to match.

JBL GO3 portable Bluetooth speaker

Best : Pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 209g
Packs a punch for its size
Simple, practical design
Hanging loop included
Consistent audio distribution

Given its tiny size – it weighs just 209g and easily slipped into our back pocket – this speaker packs a serious punch. It has an IP67 certification, which means its dust-resistant and waterproof to a depth of 1m and offers various features that more-expensive speakers don’t have. The controls are refreshingly simple to use with buttons to play, activate Bluetooth, crank up the volume and turn it on and off, and there’s a major focus on practicality when it comes to the design. The woven hanging loop makes it easy to hang the device from backpacks or tent struts, and the wraparound speaker provides surprisingly consistent audio distribution.

Sonos roam smart speaker with voice control

Best : Hi-tech Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 400g
Battery life : 10 hours
Trueplay tuning
Not the easiest to set up

First things first, while this speaker delivered undeniably fantastic audio quality, and we absolutely loved the voice control functionality, it’s not the easiest to set up. We spent 20 minutes trying to do so, and could eventually only finish up when using the speaker’s app. In reality, though, it’s a relatively minor downside, and this slightly painful process, thankfully, only needs to be carried out once.

After that, the speaker is refreshingly rugged. It has an IP67 rating, which means it can be submerged in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes, and, thanks partly to Trueplay tuning – which optimises sound depending on the genre of the music and the environment – it delivers incredible audio too.

Nokia portable wireless speaker 2

Best : Compact Bluetooth speaker
Weight : 164g
Battery life : 22 hours
Waterproof : Yes, IPX7 rated (withstands 30 minutes under 1m of water)
Made with recycled materials
Can connect to additional models
Impressive audio for its size

When it comes to compact, rugged speakers that we can dangle from backpacks or pull out for impromptu jam sessions at gatherings, this speaker, which has a 22-hour battery life, is hard to beat. Although its audio isn’t going to rival that of larger, more-expensive speakers, it’s seriously impressive for a device of this size. Plus, it can be wirelessly connected to additional models, for more wide-reaching audio. It’s another one that scores highly in the sustainability stakes, too, as its exterior is 100 per cent recycled.

House of Marley get together solo Bluetooth speaker

Best : Bluetooth speaker for sound distribution
Weight : 270g
Made with sustainable materials
Sound range of 30m
Not the most compact

This is one seriously sustainable speaker – 30 per cent is reclaimed hemp, and there’s a heavy reliance on bamboo, too. There’s a pretty impressive 25-hour battery life, and we were able to pair it with our smartphone in a nano-second. Although it’s not the smallest portable speaker, the pay-off is the sound distribution – House of Marley claims this speaker delivers fantastic sound over a 30m range and our testing proved this estimate to be pretty accurate, with no discernible loss of audio quality.

The verdict: Bluetooth speakers

OK, we admit it – maybe bigger is better, after all. That said, our pick of the bunch, Sony’s XG300 X-series portable wireless speaker , is still perfectly portable, thanks to its ergonomic design. However, it’s the abundance of tech, sound distribution and brilliant functionality that bagged this speaker the top spot.

Soundcore’s motion X600 does an equally fantastic job of distributing sound, and we were suckers for its slick design and the lack of distortion. Finally, Bose’s SoundLink revolve+ II Bluetooth speaker gets highly commended for lengthy battery life, rugged but classy design, and simple, ultra-responsive controls.

Want more recommendations? Check out our guides to the best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones

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Home / Features / Best Bluetooth speakers in 2024 reviewed and rated

Best Bluetooth speakers in 2024 reviewed and rated

Bring the boom to any room - here's our best Bluetooth speaker picks for go-anywhere listening

From lightweight party starters to beefy boomboxes, our buying guide features the best Bluetooth speaker picks for sharing good vibes on the go. We’ve tested every model in a range of real-world situations, to sort the sweet-sounding speakers from the sonic duds. Because tinny tunes can get in the bin.

Your kitchen. The lounge. Your regular patch in the park. Almost any location can be improved with music. And if it’s portable soundtracks you’re after, this list of our fantastic Bluetooth speaker picks will bring winning beats wherever you need them.

What is the best Bluetooth speaker?

We think the JBL Flip 6 (buy now) is the best Bluetooth speaker for most people. It builds on everything that was brilliant about the Flip 5 but adds extra oomph to set a new Bluetooth benchmark. It’s still portable at 550g, has a respectable 12-hour battery life, and water resistance has been boosted to IP67.

Other Bluetooth speaker recommendations

The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen (buy now) is top of the budget bracket, but B&O’s aluminium disc is a premium speaker with sound to match. Now rated at IP67 with redesigned audio drivers and Bluetooth 5.1 to deliver enhanced 360 sound, maxing out at 92dB loudness.

The Sonos Roam (buy now) is the first truly portable Sonos speaker. It has Bluetooth connectivity and reduced reliance on the Sonos app making it perfect for partying anywhere, while Wi-Fi means it’ll still play nicely with existing Sonos kit.

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II (buy now) has a stylish cylinder with a sturdy aluminium body and silicone control panel. It has a big, bold voice that can easily fill all corners of a room (and a multi-function button for your smartphone’s voice assistant).

The best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today:

JBL Flip 6: one of the best Bluetooth speakers for all-round value

1. JBL Flip 6

Stuff verdict.

Building on everything that was brilliant about the Flip 5 before it, JBL’s latest cylinder adds extra oomph to set a new Bluetooth benchmark.

Bass and clarity are great
EQ levels tweaks are useful
Not the biggest update over previous version

If your best-selling Bluetooth speaker isn’t broken, why mess with the recipe? Luckily, JBL knows just what to tweak without souring the fantastic flavour of its Flip series. Lightly rebranded in line with the rest of JBL’s range, the Flip 6 is a familiar fabric-wrapped cylinder capable of superb wireless sound.

A smidge heavier at 550g, we found the Flip 6 is still perfectly portable. Power and Bluetooth buttons live on the back with the battery indicator, while the play, volume and PartyBoost controls continue to sit on top. The battery life remains respectable at 12 hours, while water resistance has been boosted to IP67 for improved pool-proofing.

Like the Flip 5, it features passive radiators at either end. And like the Flip 5, it gives lovely weight to low frequencies, balanced with crisp mids and bags of detail. But during our review, we found the Flip 6 also has substantially more oomph and volume than before, delivering a punchy, dynamic performance, while also building on the spacious soundstage of its predecessor. Plus you can now tweak EQ levels through the JBL Portable app.

Best cheap Bluetooth speaker: Sonos Roam

2. Sonos Roam

There are better-sounding rivals, but the Sonos Roam offers an unbeatable blend of versatility and portability.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options
Low-end oomph
On the expensive side
Higher frequencies can lack some clarity

Sonos has tried portable speakers before, but the Roam is the first that you can properly sling in a satchel. We like the sensible proportions, Bluetooth connectivity and reduced reliance on the Sonos app makes it perfect for partying anywhere, while Wi-Fi means it’ll still play nicely with existing Sonos kit.

Positioned upright or longways, the understated shell isn’t shouty in the design department. But thanks to a metal, plastic and rubberised finish, the rugged Roam feels like it can take a bit of a battering. What sets the speaker apart is clever stuff like Auto Trueplay: the Roam will tune its soundstage to suit the environment, whether inside or out. Sound Swap can also switch audio to the nearest Sonos output in the vicinity. It works very well.

For a speaker of this size and form, we’re really impressed with the sound quality. Sure, higher frequencies can lack some clarity, but there’s a nice balance in the mid-range. One thing it has in spades is base: there’s an incredible low-end oomph for something so compact. Arguably, there is a little too much on certain tracks, although it’s nothing an EQ tweak can’t address.

Which Sonos should you buy? Find out in our best Sonos speakers guide.

B&O Beosound A1 (2nd gen): one of the best premium Bluetooth speakers

3. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd gen)

Top of the budget bracket, B&O’s aluminium disc is a premium speaker with sound to match.

360-degree sound
Can be paired for stereo audio
On the heavy side
Aluminium can scratch

B&O’s second-gen Beosound A1 looks identical to the first. This is no problem at all, given that the pearl-blasted aluminium chassis is still the definition of classy design. And while it asks a lot of your wallet, it does plenty to justify the outlay.

Rated at IP67, the updated edition is more waterproof than before. But the bigger revisions are hidden inside: redesigned audio drivers and Bluetooth 5.1 deliver enhanced 360 sound, maxing out at 92dB loudness. Trust us when we say, this thing gets seriously loud. Feeling flush? You can buy two and pair them in stereo, with the option to personalise EQ settings through the B&O app.

We found that the performance is as refined as the styling, with toe-tapping punch and bass that’s confident without overpowering. Despite the A1’s compact size, it delivers a weighty but controlled rumble. Clarity is the defining feature: mids are crisp, detailed and expressive, with well-handled treble rounding out a cohesive sound.

4. Bose SoundLink Revolve II

Set it to 80% volume and this cylinder hits a real sonic sweet spot.

Easy to use controls
Big, bold sound
Not the highest waterproof rating
Some focus is lost in the mid-range

If it ain’t broke, Bose won’t fix it: that’s the lesson taught by the second-gen SoundLink Revolve. It’s still a stylish cylinder with a sturdy aluminium body and silicone control panel (complete with multi-function button that summons your smartphone’s voice assistant). And it still features a minimalist grille around its circumference.

So what’s new? Battery life has increased to 13 hours, while waterproofing is boosted to a full IP55 rating (both very welcome updates, in our eyes). But that’s all secondary to the listening experience. We love the SoundLink Revolve II’s big, bold voice that can easily fill all corners of a room. There’s no option to fiddle with EQ levels – but that’s fine because it doesn’t need much tweaking. The neutral sound profile swerves the temptation of beefy bass in favour of something more balanced.

That’s not to say it has no low end, though: there’s power on tap to drive tracks forward with punch and excitement. The spacious soundstage makes room for a good amount of detail and dynamism too, even if some focus is lost in the mid-range.

Marshall Emberton II: one of the best Bluetooth speakers for stylish and dynamic portable audio

5. Marshall Emberton II

A compact speaker with rock-star style, Marshall’s Emberton II delivers the same dynamic listen while adding more smarts and longer battery life to the set list.

Long battery life
A great all-rounder
Marmite design
No EQ customization

Styled like the amps that made Marshall’s name, the second-gen Emberton certainly merits its position in our best Bluetooth speaker list and what’s more, it doesn’t need a team of roadies to shift it. Built small but mighty, its compact proportions are complemented by a premium finish – complete with metal grilles front and back. But don’t let its palm-sized form factor fool you: the upgraded Emberton II packs more punch than ever.

We found it has a reliable Bluetooth 5.1 connection and we really appreciate the enhanced IP67 waterproofing and a beefier battery good for more than 30 hours, its feature list is as solid as Motörhead’s back catalogue. And like a gig-ending encore, there’s more: Stack Mode means you can sync a tower of Emberton IIs, while the partner app lets you tweak the EQ.

Sonically the same as its predecessor, it remains worthy of a headline slot. Two 2in full-range drivers team up with a pair of passive radiators to fire room-filling sound in all directions, with True Stereophonic tech eliminating sweet spots. Bass is rich without drowning out details, matched by captivatingly clear mids and crisp trebles to boot. Even dialled up to 11, the listen remains balanced but energetic, whatever genre’s on our playlist.

6. Dali Katch G2

A stunningly styled speaker that can fill a room with sound, and has the stamina to take on the move too.

Impressive low-end oomph for its size
Great all-round sonic ability
Looks the business, and made from premium materials
One of the more expensive speakers for its size

It’s amazing a speaker as slim and portable as the Dali Katch G2 is able to produce such full-bodied, expansive and room-filling sound. This physics-defying unit makes room inside for two tweeters, two low-end drivers and twin bass radiators, with power coming from two 25W Class D amplifiers and a battery beefy enough to run them all for up to 30 hours at a time. The USB port at the side can also supply juice to your other gadgets.

There’s AptX HD Bluetooth (with NFC pairing), plus a3.5mm aux input. Stereo pairing is also an option if you’re flush enough to afford two, but that’s your lot; there’s no daisy chaining multiple Katch G2 speakers for impromptu parties. Despite the price this is very much a Bluetooth speaker, so you won’t find luxuries such as Wi-Fi, streaming service support or voice controls. There’s not even a companion app, with the two EQ presets controlled using a button on the speaker itself.

If you don’t mind spending the sort of cash that could buy a very competent wireless speaker, however, there’s an awful lot to like here. The built-in carry strap makes it perfectly portable and the bundled power brick has plugs for multiple countries. Most importantly, it sounds fantastic, producing wonderfully balanced audio across just about every genre.

Ultimate Ears Boom 3: one of the best heavyweight Bluetooth speakers with solid bass

7. JBL Charge 5

A no-nonsense heavyweight that nails the basics (and last for ages).

Two can be paired for stereo
Sound that’ll get the party started
No EQ customisation

Lightweight speakers are easy to tote around, but when you need some boom to shake the room, it’s time to call in the heavies. Enter the JBL Charge 5: beefy at 960g, the fabric-skinned cylinder is waterproof, grippy on the bottom and big on low frequencies.

Its larger dimensions make space for a long-excursion driver, a separate tweeter, plus 65mm passive radiators at either end. Besides being fun to put your finger on, these vibrating caps assist in delivering rich bass to accompany crisp mids. There’s also room for a 20hr battery inside, which we found is enough to see you through even the longest of get-togethers.

Keen to go bigger? PartyBoost allows you to sync several JBL speakers wirelessly, for a playlist that really fills the house. Controls are kept to a minimum and you won’t find fancy equalisers in the JBL Portable app. Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity does mean you can pair two devices at the same time (to battle for DJ supremacy), though there’s no 3.5mm input for old-school mixmasters.

Best cheap Bluetooth speaker: Ultimate Ears Boom 3

8. Ultimate Ears Boom 3

A lean, mean sound machine with nifty in-app tricks.

PartyUp allows 150 speakers to sync
Simple, durable design
Lacks a little low-end weight
Middling battery life

UE made its name delivering quality sound at reasonable prices. Launched in 2020, the Boom 3 is still one of the best Bluetooth speaker options, offering a solid set of features without breaking the bank. We love that the familiar big-button cylinder is as tough as ever: UE put it through drop, dunk and durability tests to check it’ll keep bringing the beats. And with a 15-hour battery life, it’ll last through even the longest of playlists.

We found the sound is vigorous, if not as weighty at the low-end as some rivals. Audio is well-controlled, with no shortage of power when the party calls for extra punch. Mids and trebles are lively, without ever sounding harsh.

We think it’s worth downloading the Boom app to unlock a few extra features and settings – PartyUp in particular. This allows you to connect up to 150 Boom speakers for a serious shindig (or just two, for a stereo effect). You can also use the smartphone software to programme the Magic Button on top of the speaker, for one-touch access to your favourite playlists.

9. Sony SRS-XB33

As subtle as a ten-gallon hat, Sony’s boombox is big, bold and all about that bass.

Plenty of bass and volume
Audio syncing LED strips
Large and heavy
Lack of clarity in the mids

Audio purists put in your earplugs: this Sony speaker came to the party – and there’s plenty of bass to go around. It’s among the heaviest speakers in this list, the SRS-XB33 takes the Texan approach: from the bass to the dimensions, everything’s bigger.

That extra space means more sizeable drivers. We found the sound isn’t particularly refined, and even in-app EQ tweaks can’t fully fix the lack of clarity in the mids. But there are lashings of low-end oomph, with real volume to match.

Shockproof and IP67 rated, this is a speaker that can take the tunes almost anywhere. It can withstand saltwater as well, so beach bashes are back on the menu. The Party Connect feature gives you the option to hook up any number of Extra Bass speakers for even more rumble, while the built-in strips can shine in sync with your music – making this one of the best Bluetooth speakers for disco junkies.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore: one of the best Bluetooth speakers for outdoor audio

10. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore

Equal parts rugged and refined, this sturdy cylinder is ideal for alfresco audio.

Compact design ideal for travel
360-degree projection
Bass a little heavy-handed

Serious about larking in the park? This B&O cylinder is built for alfresco audio. Shipped with an aluminium carabiner for easy backpack attachment, the anodised aluminium shell is scratch-resistant and all set for a splashing. We find it reassuringly weighty – it stops just short of hefty.

Not only do its full-round grille lines look the business, but they also allow omnidirectional audio. When listening at home we found the bass feels a bit heavy-handed, with 360 projection beefing up mids at the expense of fine detail, but go roaming and the Explore makes more sense.

Designed for outdoor soundtracks, the Explore is among the best Bluetooth speakers for outside grooving. Its presentation becomes more balanced in the open air, with that mid-range weight helping it sound more solid. Crisp treble ensures the top end isn’t lost, providing a healthy dose of drive. And it can reach the top of its volume allowance without losing its cool.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

Okay, so you want a Bluetooth speaker but you don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’re experts when it comes to portable music machines.

Of course, the primary purpose of a Bluetooth speaker is to deliver good audio quality. We’ve only included the best-sounding speakers in our list, with balanced sound, clear highs, and deep bass.

You should ask yourself how you plan to use your speaker. If you need it out and about, look for a compact and lightweight design that is easy to carry. Some speakers also come with built-in handles or straps for added convenience and come with added durability in the form of water and dust resistance (IP rating). Whereas if you’re mainly going to use it at home, you can opt for a larger model or one of the best wireless speakers instead, which generally sound better but are less portable.

Battery life is one of the more important specs when considering a Bluetooth speaker – there’s nothing worse than having your tunes cut off mid-way through a party because someone forgot to charge the speaker the day before. Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted playback.

It’s worth looking at what controls are featured on the speaker. Consider the ease of use and the available control options – are the solid buttons, capacitive touch, or does it rely on phone control? Look for intuitive controls that allow you to adjust volume, play/pause, and skip tracks with ease.

Finally, some speakers may also have additional features such as voice assistant integration or built-in microphones for hands-free calling – these are an added bonus but hardly a necessary add-on.

Looking to save some cash? Check out Stuff ‘s guide to the best cheap Bluetooth speaker .

What is the difference between a wireless speaker and a Bluetooth speaker?

A wireless speaker and a Bluetooth speaker both operate without physical cables, but they differ primarily in their connectivity methods.

A Bluetooth speaker uses Bluetooth technology to establish a direct, short-range wireless connection with a device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer, typically within a range of about 30 feet.

In contrast, a wireless speaker can refer to any speaker that connects without wires, including Bluetooth, but more commonly it implies the use of Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or other wireless protocols. Wi-Fi speakers generally offer better sound quality, a more stable connection, and a larger range, allowing them to be part of a multi-room audio system controlled over a home network. Check out our best wireless speakers guide for more information.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

As we mentioned in the introduction, we’ve tested every Bluetooth speaker model on this list in a range of real-world situations, so you can trust us when it comes to recommending the best Bluetooth speaker to buy.

We usually spend a week or longer reviewing Bluetooth speakers, listening to a range of different music genres to evaluate the sound performance. We don’t use fancy ‘listening rooms’ as that’s not how people actually use speakers in the real world, we test them in living rooms, backyards/gardens, and at the beach (if we’re lucky).

Of course, away from sound performance, we’ll also test the build quality, battery life and any additional features a speaker might have, such as a voice assistant or hands-free calling.

For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products .

Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

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The best budget Bluetooth speakers let you enjoy music on the go without spending a fortune. They're portable, convenient, and perfect for any occasion. However, with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky.

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Eboda portable bluetooth speaker, ortizan portable bluetooth speaker, besign bk06 car bluetooth speaker, what to look for in a budget bluetooth speaker.

Just because you're looking for a budget Bluetooth speaker doesn't mean you need to compromise on most features. There are some things you'll want to keep in mind during your search!

First, you'll want to check out the Bluetooth version. While Bluetooth 4.0 is all right, Bluetooth 5.0/5.3 is even better, providing faster pairing, stable connections, and wider coverage. Most budget Bluetooth speakers will have at least Bluetooth 5.0, and all the recommendations on our list do.

You'll also want to consider whether you want a portable speaker. While all of the speakers on our list are portable, there are Bluetooth speakers that need a power source to work or may be too heavy to move around. In addition, if you want to take your speaker out into the wild, you'll want to look at its IP ratings and ensure it has proper weather resistance .

From there, other features, such as battery life, LED lighting, and range, will all vary based on what you want and how much you're willing to spend. Generally, more features mean more money, but if there's a feature you don't necessarily care about, you can save a bit and get a speaker that omits it.

How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker Overall: Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth Speaker

If you want to enjoy music in its purest form without breaking the bank, the Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth Speaker is our go-to choice. This popular speaker delivers a clear, undiluted sound that is perfect for any occasion.

The Anker Soundcore 2 is lightweight and portable and fits easily in your palm, back pocket, or bag, making it an ideal travel companion. Whether at home, partying, or hanging out with friends, this speaker brings your music to life.

The Anker Soundcore 2 has a powerful 12-watt speaker and dual neodymium drivers, producing impressive bass. Whether you like your music loud and bold or soft and mellow, this speaker delivers. Also, with its Bluetooth 5.0 chip, the Anker Soundcore 2 pairs quickly with your smartphone or PC and maintains a stable connection within a 30-foot range, ensuring minimal lag for seamless streaming.

Its 5,200mAh battery keeps the music playing all day, perfect for get-togethers or camping trips. Plus, with an IPX7 rating, it's ready for rain, snow, mud, and more—just watch out for dust, as the speaker isn't rated for dust resistance.

If you have a bit more to spend, consider the Anker Soundcore 3 , an upgrade over the Soundcore 2 with an improved bass and Partycast, which lets you link up 100 speakers.

The Anker Soundcore 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with stereo sound, an IPX7 waterproof rating and up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Best Budget Portable Bluetooth Speaker: EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Even among portable Bluetooth speakers , the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker stands out for its ultra-portability. This tiny speaker can be clipped to your belt hook or bag strap, allowing you to enjoy your music or podcasts on the go.

Despite its small size, the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker packs a punch with its 5-watt output, delivering a clear sound with good bass. While it's less powerful than the 12-watt Anker Soundcore 2, it's perfect for enjoying your favorite tunes in enclosed spaces.

One of the most impressive features of the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker is its IP67 rating, which means it's tough enough to handle harsh conditions. You can take it into the shower and use it during water sports like kayaking, surfing, and even in the snow. It can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and floats if the speaker falls into the water.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, this speaker ensures quick pairing with your devices and maintains a stable connection up to 33 feet away. This gives you plenty of room to move around while enjoying your audio.

Another fun feature of the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker is its LED lights. It puts on a colorful light show with five different colors, adding some extra flair to your nighttime listening sessions. Plus, with its 2,000mAh battery, you can enjoy your music for hours.

The EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker is ultra-compact with an IP67 rating for durability, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and colorful LED lights to boot.

Best Waterproof/Rugged Bluetooth Speaker: Ortizan Bluetooth Speaker

If you love taking your music on the go, the Ortizan Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for you. Whether you're partying, camping, hiking, or swimming, this speaker is designed to withstand the elements and keep up with your active lifestyle.

The Ortizan Bluetooth Speaker has a handy cylindrical design that's easy to grab and go. Its 24-watt speakers deliver impressive 3D HD stereo sound with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp trebles, even at high volumes with minimal distortion.

This speaker isn't just about great sound—it’s also built to handle water. Thanks to its IPX7 rating, you can fully submerge it in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes, making it ideal for showers, pools, or any wet environment.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Ortizan pairs quickly, maintains stable connections, and transmits signals fast within a 66 ft radius. However, some users have reported occasional inconsistencies in the stated range.

With a battery life of nearly 30 hours on a single charge, you can keep the party going all day and night. If you forget your Bluetooth device, you can connect other audio sources with the built-in 3.5mm aux port. Plus, it features RGB lights for a fun light show, supports Google Assistant and Siri for voice control, and comes with a lanyard for easy carrying.

The Ortizan Bluetooth Speaker is a portable, rugged, waterproof, and dustproof speaker that can withstand tough conditions without breaking a sweat.

Best Budget Bluetooth Car Speaker: Besign BK06 Car Bluetooth Speaker

If you're always on the move and need a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker for your car, the Besign BK06 Car Bluetooth Speaker is a fantastic choice. It's designed specifically for car use, letting you enjoy your favorite audio and hands-free calling features.

The Besign BK06 is super portable and has a visor clip, so you can easily switch it between cars. Just clip it to your sun visor, and you're good to go. It has dual 2-watt speakers, perfect for most cars, though it might struggle to be heard at high speeds with the windows down.

One of the best features is its hands-free calling capability, which lets you pause your music when you take a call and resumes once the call ends. The motion auto-on feature is also great—it powers up and connects to your phone automatically when you open your car door.

With Bluetooth 5.0, you get fast pairing, stable connections, and near-lossless audio. You can pair up to two devices simultaneously, and it even has an aux port to function as a Bluetooth adapter.

The 1,000mAh battery lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge, so your entertainment won't stop on long journeys. Plus, it supports both Siri and Google Assistant for easy voice control.

The Besign BK06 Car Bluetooth Speaker offers hands-free calling, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and long battery life, all easily mountable with a visor clip. It also supports Siri and Google Assistant for voice control.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows connected devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Modern devices like smartphones, headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and even cars, all use Bluetooth technology.

Are all wireless speakers Bluetooth speakers?

All Bluetooth speakers are wireless speakers, but not all wireless speakers are Bluetooth speakers. Wireless speakers use various technologies to connect and transmit audio, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and proprietary wireless systems.

Why is my Bluetooth audio cutting out?

Your Bluetooth audio could be cutting out due to several factors. To fix it, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the battery level. Low battery could be the culprit.

2. Ensure that you're within Bluetooth range.

3. Make sure the Bluetooth versions of your speaker and device match.

4. Look out for signal interference from Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, other Bluetooth devices, etc.

5. Check your music app for issues.

If these don't work, consult the manufacturer or a skilled technician.

Can I bring a Bluetooth speaker onto a plane?

You may bring a Bluetooth speaker on a plane provided it is in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked-in luggage. This is because they contain Lithium-ion batteries. You can go with a Bluetooth adapter instead, which allows you to stream in-flight entertainment to your wireless or wired headphones or headset.

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JBL Go 3: Portable Speaker with Bluetooth, Built-in Battery, Waterproof and Dustproof Feature - Black

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

JBL Pro Sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3’s ultra-compact size.
JBL Go 3’s ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its design make it look as great as it sounds.
JBL Go 3 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
Wirelessly stream music from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device.
JBL Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Included Components : JBL Go 3, Type C USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Safety Sheet
Output Wattage : 4.2 Watts
Power Source Type : Battery Powered

Customers usually keep this item

This product has fewer returns than average compared to similar products.

There is a newer model of this item:

JBL Go 4 - Ultra-Portable, Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker, Big Pro Sound with punchy bass, 7-Hour Built-in Battery, Made in part with recycled materials (Black)

Consider a similar item

Upgraded, Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker With IPX5 Waterproof, Stereo Sound, 24H Playtime, Portable Wireless Speaker

Similar items that may ship from close to you

JBL Flip 6 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker, powerful sound and deep bass, IPX7 waterproof, 12 hours of playtime, JBL PartyBoost

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment products have at least 10-50% recycled content, based on product type and environmental impact.

JBL Boombox 2 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Powerful Sound and Monstrous Bass, IPX7 Waterproof, 24 Hours of Playtime, Powerba

Top Brand: JBL

From the brand.

For over 75 years, JBL has helped people own their sound with Headphones, speakers and audio gear designed around expression. From the history-making stages of Woodstock to the thrilling sports stadiums, music venues and movie theaters you visit today, JBL amplifies truly unforgettable experiences.

Booming bass, rich detail and the freedom to feel the moment, wherever you are.

JBL Flip 6 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker, powerful sound and deep bass, IPX7 waterproof, 12 hours ...

Visit the Store

Enjoy Your Music Wirelessly! JBL offers A Wide Selection of Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speakers With Rechargeable Battery Options.

Outdoor Speakers

JBL's Waterproof & Outdoor Speakers, Designed To Deliver Incredible Sound Clarity Any Season.

Smart Speakers

Try JBL'S Voice-Activated Smart Speakers With Built-In Google Assistant. Play Your Music. Call Your Friends. Control Your Home.

IP67 Waterproof And Dustproof

To The Pool. To The Park. JBL Go 3 Eco is IP67 Waterproof And Dustproof, So You Can Bring Your Speaker Anywhere.

Compare with similar items

Product guides and documents, from the manufacturer.

JBL GO3 Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Original jbl pro sound.

JBL Pro Sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3’s ultra-compact size

IP67 waterproof and dustproof

To the pool. To the park. JBL Go 3 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.

5 hours of playtime

Don’t sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge.

Bold style and ultra-portable design

JBL Go 3’s ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its colorful fabrics and expressive details make it look as great as it sounds

Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Go 3 features bold styling and rich JBL Pro Sound. With its new eye-catching edgy design, colorful fabrics and expressive details this a must-have accessory for your next outing. Your tunes will lift you up with JBL Pro Sound, it’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof so you can keep listening rain or shine, and with its integrated loop, you can carry it anywhere. Go 3 comes in completely new shades and color combinations inspired by current street fashion. JBL Go 3 looks as vivid as it sounds.

Which JBL Portable is Right For You?

What's in the box.

JBL Go 3, Type C USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Safety Sheet

Looking for specific info?

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

JBL Go 3 vs JBL Clip 4 - Full Comparison & Review

Jack Cameron

Small but powerful? Watch this video!

✅ Lee’s Reviews

Honest review of this stylish portable speaker

Carrie Anderson

Honest Review JBL Bluetooth speaker. Is it loud enough?

Faith Fehr - Honest Product Reviews ✅

My honest review of the JBL GO 3 portable Bluetooth Speaker

Leo Brunnhofer

Testing the JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Dragon Blogger Tech and Entertainment

This is a review of a JBL speaker.

Influencer Video

Is the sound quality the same as the bigger speaker?

Ultra Portable & Surprisingly Loud! | JBL Go 3

Candid Tech TV

JBL GO 3 Two Year Review

Product information

Warranty & support, product description, customer reviews.

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 86% 9% 3% 1% 2% 86%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 86% 9% 3% 1% 2% 9%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 86% 9% 3% 1% 2% 3%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 86% 9% 3% 1% 2% 1%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 86% 9% 3% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, appearance, size and ease of use of the speakers. For example, they mention it looks really nice, it's trendy and that it outperforms for its size. They like that it'll connect to their phone easily and that the Bluetooth range is about 75-100 feet. Customers are also impressed with the portability, saying it'd be great to travel with.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the speaker. They mention that it has a great sound yo size ratio, is easy to take from place, and has able to hear everything quite well. The volume is great, and the battery life is good. It is a powerful little speaker that is loud enough for 8 people to enjoy the music while chatting. It uses sound effects to give you status, and is the most useful Bluetooth speaker they have ever had.

"...All-in-all, I'd say it's the most useful BT speaker I've ever had. Small enough to just throw in your bag, even if space is limited. Not too heavy...." Read more

"...Go 3 is a reliable and versatile portable speaker that offers impressive sound quality , convenient Bluetooth connectivity, and a durable design that..." Read more

"...It is loud enough for 8 people to enjoy the music while chatting, & loud enough to annoy people on the golf course, LOL!..." Read more

"Despite its compact size, this speaker is fairly loud and the quality of the sound it's probably what you would expect from JBL...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the speakers. They say it's solidly built, reliable, and versatile. Some say it holds up to their treatment and that the color is vibrant and not cheaply done.

"...It was our only music source. Worked great to fill the main room /kitchen with sound while cooking. Really great size. Waterproof...." Read more

"...Overall, the JBL Go 3 is a reliable and versatile portable speaker that offers impressive sound quality, convenient Bluetooth connectivity, and a..." Read more

"...Color is vibrant and not cheaply done . Portability I give 5 stars. Light and easy to carry around. Easy to pair and use" Read more

"...n’t know how great the sound would be due to the little size, but it packs a punch ! a great little brand name speaker for a good price. Love it!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the size of the speaker. They mention that it is compact and lightweight, and it doesn't take up a lot of space. Some say that it works well for its size and is good for a large room.

"... Really great size . Waterproof. I take it in the shower sometimes.I like how the BT pairing works...." Read more

"...With its small size and lightweight design, this speaker can easily be taken anywhere you go, whether it's to the beach, a picnic, or simply around..." Read more

"...he loves it! the speaker is the perfect size to clip to his bag. we also took it on our boat this weekend and it worked well...." Read more

"Despite its compact size , this speaker is fairly loud and the quality of the sound it's probably what you would expect from JBL...." Read more

Customers find the speaker easy to carry and perfect for traveling light. They say it's a great portable speaker that can easily be taken anywhere you go. Customers also mention that it has a convenient carry handle and is great for on-the-go.

"...Small enough to just throw in your bag, even if space is limited. Not too heavy . Waterproof...." Read more

"...With its small size and lightweight design, this speaker can easily be taken anywhere you go , whether it's to the beach, a picnic, or simply around..." Read more

"...Color is vibrant and not cheaply done. Portability I give 5 stars. Light and easy to carry around. Easy to pair and use" Read more

"...But the portability, lightweight , and ease of use means that this is a must have for any on-the-go person." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the value of the speakers. They mention that it is an excellent investment, despite being small it has a very powerful sound. Some say that the product is waterproof and a great buy.

"... Affordable price .Even if you have some fancier BT speakers, you probably won't regret grabbing this one, especially if it's on sale." Read more

"...a great little brand name speaker for a good price . Love it!" Read more

"... Good price on Prime Day , too." Read more

"... Great gift too for a reasonable price !" Read more

Customers like the appearance of the speakers. For example, they say it looks nice, trendy, and simple. Some mention that it still looks brand new.

"...With JBL's signature Pro Sound, you can expect clear highs, crisp mids , and a surprisingly punchy bass...." Read more

"...Not in use I come back to a dead device needing charged. Color is vibrant and not cheaply done. Portability I give 5 stars...." Read more

"I’m already a fan of JBL products. I love how portable and cute these speakers are and the quality is great!" Read more

"...Compact and amazing sound. Also a great color selection ." Read more

Customers find the speaker easy to use. They mention that it's super easy to hook up with their phone, charge it once, and set up Bluetooth. They also say that JBL has mastered making Bluetooth simple.

"...Portability I give 5 stars. Light and easy to carry around. Easy to pair and use " Read more

"...But the portability, lightweight, and ease of use means that this is a must have for any on-the-go person." Read more

"...That said, it’s easy enough to operate , uses sound effects to give you status instead of an AI generated voice message...." Read more

"... Connected so easy too ! Only charged once so far and that has been a couple months ago and still going strong with usual morning use." Read more

Customers are mixed about the battery life of the speakers. Some mention that it lasts a long time, while others say that it's not great.

"...The built-in battery provides up to 5 hours of playtime , allowing you to enjoy your music without worrying about running out of power...." Read more

"... Wish the battery lasted a little longer even when. Not in use I come back to a dead device needing charged. Color is vibrant and not cheaply done...." Read more

"...The battery life is quite long too. I felt the audio was a bit too muddy and muffled to use for all things audio though...." Read more

"...I use it on golf trips and it lasts the whole round . The USB3 charging port charges the speaker fast...." Read more

Reviews with images

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Take the Party Up a Notch with GEMTONES™ Infinity Speakers

Aug 20, 2024

Four people sitting on a couch at a party with multiple Gemtones Infinity speakers on a table in front of them

Experience Superior Sound and Vibrant Light Shows with Speck’s Latest in Audio

Music has a unique power to transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a quiet evening in your studio apartment or a lively celebration with all the works, the right audio can elevate the ambiance and make every moment memorable. In a sea of sameness, Infinity delivers a clean, sleek design that sounds as good as it looks.

Building on the success of our GEMTONES™ earbuds, we’re excited to introduce the latest addition to the Speck® audio lineup: the GEMTONES Infinity Bluetooth Speaker. This isn’t just another portable speaker—it's your new way to start the day then your party essential by night. Designed with cutting-edge technology and an eye-catching light show, the Infinity Speaker is here to redefine your listening experience and make every gathering a memorable occasion.

Why We Love the Infinity Speakers—and You Will Too

A true portable stereo experience.

The GEMTONES Infinity Speaker is sized to meet your moment with precision and style. Available in three heights—Mini (7.3 inches), Mid (9.3 inches), and Max (10.9 inches)—each is designed to deliver superior sound while being easy to transport. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, there’s a size that perfectly fits your needs.

Three different sizes of Gemtones Infinity Bluetooth Speakers sit next to each other on a table, the Mini, Mid, and Max

The Mini is ideal for small spaces and personal use—perfect for apartments, small rooms and even your bedside. It’s a great option when you don’t want to take up too much space but still want great sound. The Mid offers a balanced blend of portability and power that’s great for backyard barbecues and cozy indoor/outdoor events. It’s the sound coverage you’ll want for larger spaces, yet still manageable for travel. The Max provides expansive audio coverage for big events that need more powerful sound. Whatever you choose, you’ll never compromise quality when it comes to the Infinity Speaker. All speakers include a beautifully crafted durable leatherette strap for effortless carrying from the bookshelf to the beach, so you can take your music anywhere.

Wireless Audio Freedom

Scrambling to find an outlet and wrangling cords isn’t fun for anyone. That’s why the Infinity Speaker delivers a true wireless speaker experience.

Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides a seamless connection, allowing you to pair two Infinity Speakers for a rich, stereo sound experience. This means you can spread your audio across a larger area, creating an immersive soundscape that fills the room.

The advanced Bluetooth 5.3 also offers improved connectivity speeds and extended battery life, ensuring that your music plays uninterrupted from start to the final farewell to friends.

Features you’ll love:

Three-quarter front view of speaker on abstract background with icons representing various light show modes

Stereo Mode. Craving a more immersive audio experience? The Infinity Speaker allows you to pair up to 50 speakers simultaneously. This feature creates a synchronized sound and light environment, customizable from the free GEMTONES app. Change up the equalizer and decibel settings to your heart’s desire. If you’re really going for that unmatched party vibe, Infinity is the green light to pair up and hear your music in 3D.
Bluetooth 5.3. The latest Bluetooth technology ensures faster pairing, greater range, and improved battery performance. With Bluetooth 5.3, you can connect your devices with minimal delay and enjoy a more reliable wireless experience. Say goodbye to the frustrations of slow or unstable connections.
Infinity Mini – Combined 10W for two speakers Top: 1.57 in 8Ω 5W Bottom: 2.24 in 6Ω 8W
Infinity Mid – Combined 20W for two speakers Top: 1.77 in 8Ω 5W Bottom: 3 in 6Ω 15W
Infinity Max – Combined 25W for two speakers Top: 2 in 6Ω 10W Bottom: 4 in 4Ω 20W
Hands-Free Calling. The built-in microphone adds an extra layer of convenience by allowing you to take calls directly through the speaker. This feature is perfect for multitasking, ensuring you can stay connected without interrupting the party.
Travel-Friendly. Designed with portability in mind, the Infinity Speaker is lightweight and features a sleek leatherette carrying strap. This makes it easy to transport the speaker from one location to another, whether you’re moving it between rooms or taking it on a trip.
Expansive Audio. Covering over thousands of square feet with crystal-clear sound means everyone gets in on the action. Infinity Speaker Mini fills over 3,000 square feet which is about the size of a tennis court. Infinity Speaker Mid can fill over 4,000 square feet, which is the size of a large house. And (drumroll please) Infinity Speaker max can fill over 5,000 square feet, which is the size of a full-on mansion or a basketball court if you’re feeling sporty. It’s safe to say no one’s missing out on their song request.
Infinity Mini – Up to 21 hours of playtime
Infinity Mid – Up to 24 hours of playtime
Infinity Max – Up to 15 hours of playtime

Get Your New Favorite Infinity Speakers at Speck

With the Speck GEMTONES Infinity Bluetooth Speaker, every moment is one to celebrate. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, beach bound or ringing in the new year, Speck’s innovative technology and premium sound ensures you never miss a beat. The GEMTONES Infinity Bluetooth Speaker is now available for purchase on Speck. Whether you’re looking for the compact Mini , the versatile Mid , or the powerful Max , there’s an Infinity Speaker to match your unique needs.

Visit our product detail page to explore more about each model, check out pricing, and select which Infinity Bluetooth speaker is right for you. The future of sleek, portable audio is at your fingertips. Discover your Infinity sound now!

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IMAGES

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Travel: Compact and Budget-Friendly
10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere
10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere
Best Mini Travel Speakers
An ultra-small travel speaker with big sound
Best Travel Speaker

COMMENTS

Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact ...
Tribit XSound Go. At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has ...
The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers
Best overall. 1. Sonos Roam. View at Amazon. View at Walmart. View at Best Buy. The best Bluetooth speaker overall. The Sonos Roam delivers powerful sound for a small box, a rugged design that can ...
The 8 Best Portable Speakers, Tested and Reviewed
Testing, testing! Sony released their latest travel-friendly model — the ULT FIELD 1 Bluetooth Wireless Portable Speaker — on April 11. The Travel + Leisure team is testing it and will update ...
The 5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2024
The Motion 100 is IPX7-rated, so it can survive 30 minutes of submersion in 1 meter of water. The 12.5-hour battery life was slightly better than that of our top pick. At 120 feet, the Bluetooth ...
We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers
The Best Cheap, Small Clip-on Speaker for Travel: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. My top-choice travel speakers are the Tribit Stormbox Micro and Ultimate Ears Boom 3 attached side-by-side to an Osprey daypack. The original Stormbox Micro is pictured here; the Stormbox Micro 2 is the same size and shape. ...
The 6 Best Small Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Clip 4: As its name implies, the JBL Clip 4 is a small Bluetooth speaker with a built-in carabiner hook to attach to your bag. Some may prefer this design over the fabric hooks common with our top picks, though this speaker's battery life isn't quite as impressive as similarly-priced picks like the Sony SRS-XB100.
The 6 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Flip 6: The JBL Flip 6 is another portable Bluetooth speaker that's a good alternative to the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 if you're willing to pay slightly more. Its graphic EQ lets you customize its sound to your liking. However, its battery life isn't as impressive as the Ultimate Ears'. See our review.
The best portable Bluetooth speakers of 2024, tested by editors
Best portable Bluetooth speaker: Ultimate Ears Boom 3. Best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel: Sony XB100. Best upgrade portable Bluetooth speaker: Sonos Roam 2. Best budget portable Bluetooth ...
13 Best Bluetooth Speakers Our Testers Jammed With in 2024
Updated August 2024: We've added the Bose SoundLink Max, Sonos Roam 2, Tribit StormBox 2, JBL Clip 5, and Beats Pill. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's ...
The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 16 portable options for every
Monoprice Soundstage3. The Monoprice Soundstage3 offers relatively big sound at a midrange $250 price, with a variety of inputs rarely found on a portable Bluetooth speaker. The boxy, minimalist ...
Best Small Bluetooth and Smart Speakers of 2024
Left to right: Apple HomePod Mini, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2, and Bose SoundLink Micro. Photo: Apple, Ultimate Ears, Bose. Size does matter, at least in the world of speakers. For reasons that ...
Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget
The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for around £150/$150. 2. JBL Flip 6. With its diminutive dimensions, 12-hour battery life and punchy bass, the Flip 6 is the ideal travel companion.
10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere
This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50-foot Bluetooth range and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours—perfect for ...
The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel, Tested
Tags: Travel Ultimate Ears Bose Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker SoundLink Micro. Here are our top picks for the best portable bluetooth speakers for travel, all tested: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom, Bose SoundLink Micro, Anker Motion Q, JBL Clip 3….
Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: Top models for great sound
Best for bass: JBL Xtreme 4 5. Best for day trips: Sonos Roam 2 6. Best waterproof speaker: JBL Charge 5 7. Best for parties: Ultimate Ears Hyperboom 8. Best for travel: Triobit StormBox Micro 9 ...
Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed
Weight: 608 g (1.34 lbs) Battery Life: 15 hours. Wireless Range: 45 m (150 ft) Connectivity: Bluetooth. The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market. UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it's our preferred brand.
RS Recommends: The Best-Sounding Mini Wireless Speakers
1. JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. BEST OVERALL. Our pick for the best mini Bluetooth speaker comes from JBL, the latest, greatest entry in its Clip speaker line. The JBL Clip 4 uses, of ...
Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Travel: Compact and Budget-Friendly
Best Sounding Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Anker. Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Under $50: WEYANG. Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Bass: OontZ. Best Bluetooth Speaker Under $100: JBL. Best Bose Bluetooth Speaker: SoundLink. Best Mini Portable Speaker Under $20: EWA. Best Magentic Compact Speaker for Devices: MiLi.
10 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel
Quick Answer: Best Bluetooth Speakers. Below is a list of the best portable Bluetooth speakers for travel: JBL Flip 5. UE Wonderboom 2. Sonos Move. JBL Clip 3. Anker Soundcore. Bose Soundlink Micro. UE Boom 3.
The Best Travel Speakers For All Kinds of Trip
From tiny models that fit in your pocket to great-sounding ones that can bob alongside you in the pool, these are my top travel speaker picks right now. Sale. Best Overall: UE Wonderboom 3. Weight: 15 ounces. Battery Life: Up to 14 hours. Input: Bluetooth. Durability: IP67 dust and water resistance. $99.99 $83.95.
The best Bluetooth speakers you can get
Ultimate Ears Boom 3. $150. Few portable speakers have enjoyed the same popularity as the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. With 360-degree sound, a waterproof construction, and easy controls, it's not ...
We're Kinda Obsessed With These 9 Small Bluetooth Speakers
THE REVIEW: "Beautifully loud and crystal clear sound from such a small-sized wireless bluetooth speaker!!! Waterproof, dirt-proof, sturdy! Waterproof, dirt-proof, sturdy! Easy to carry (I wrap it ...
Best Bluetooth speakers 2024, tried and tested
Best budget Bluetooth speaker - Sony SRS-XB13 portable Bluetooth speaker: £39.99, Sony.co.uk. Best portable Bluetooth speaker - Bose SoundLink flex Bluetooth speaker: £149.95, Bose.co.uk ...
Best Bluetooth speakers in 2024 reviewed and rated
Best premium Bluetooth speaker. The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen (buy now) is top of the budget bracket, but B&O's aluminium disc is a premium speaker with sound to match. Now rated at IP67 with redesigned audio drivers and Bluetooth 5.1 to deliver enhanced 360 sound, maxing out at 92dB loudness.
The Best Budget Bluetooth Speakers of 2024
Even among portable Bluetooth speakers, the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker stands out for its ultra-portability. This tiny speaker can be clipped to your belt hook or bag strap, allowing you to enjoy your music or podcasts on the go. Despite its small size, the EBODA Portable Bluetooth Speaker packs a punch with its 5-watt output, delivering a clear sound with good bass.
JBL Go 3: Portable Speaker with Bluetooth, Built-in Battery, Waterproof
Disability Customer Support Medical Care Best Sellers Amazon Basics Prime New Releases Today's Deals Music Customer Service Groceries Amazon Home Registry Books Pharmacy Gift Cards Smart Home Fashion Luxury Stores Toys & Games Sell Find a Gift ... Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black, Small. $89.95 $ 89. 95. Get it as soon as Wednesday ...
Take the Party Up a Notch with GEMTONES™ Infinity Speakers
Why We Love the Infinity Speakers—and You Will Too A True Portable Stereo Experience The GEMTONES Infinity Speaker is sized to meet your moment with precision and style. Available in three heights—Mini (7.3 inches), Mid (9.3 inches), and Max (10.9 inches)—each is designed to deliver superior sound while being easy to transport.

Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact Waterproof Wireless Speakers

Our Experts

What is the best mini Bluetooth speaker overall?

Best mini Bluetooth wireless speakers of 2024

Compact and powerful

Best Bluetooth speaker from Apple

Best value micro Bluetooth speaker

Tribit's take on Bose Flex

Bose Flex alternative for less

Good value mini Bluetooth speaker

Best mini canister speaker

Better-sounding Flip

Best sound under $60

Pocket-friendly

Most durable

Best Marshall micro speaker

Best value mini Bluetooth party speaker

Best for clipping onto a backpack

Excellent value

Factors to consider when choosing a mini Bluetooth speaker

Speakerphone capabilities

How we test Bluetooth speakers

Other Bluetooth speakers we tested

Bluetooth wireless speaker FAQ

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Are mini Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers for any budget

The quick list

The best Bluetooth speaker overall

The best budget Bluetooth speaker

The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker

The best premium Bluetooth speaker

The best Bluetooth speaker for design

Recent updates

1. Sonos Roam

Specifications

2. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

3. JBL Flip 6

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound

4. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties

5. JBL Xtreme 4

The best Bluetooth speaker for charging

6. JBL Charge 5

The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life

7. Tribit Stormbox Flow

8. Bose SoundLink Max

9. Ultimate Ears Epicboom

Other Bluetooth speakers to consider

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker

Is JBL or Bose better?

Is Bose better than Sonos?

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

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The 8 Best Portable Speakers, Tested and Reviewed

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Best Overall

Best Clip-on

Best for Parties

Best Budget

Best Splurge

Most Durable

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Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Consider size and portability

Prioritize durability

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Soundcore Motion 100

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Larger and louder, yet still portable

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