Heading outside to party? Then take one of these awesome Bluetooth speakers with you. Because smartphone and tablet speakers can’t get very good sound out of them. Portable Bluetooth speakers are the best way to get a great listening experience wirelessly when you can’t carry around your entire sound system.
The hard question is: Which one should I pick and buy? There are hundreds of Bluetooth speakers in the market, and sorting out which ones are worth our money and which ones are best left on the shelf can be a difficult task. Don’t worry. We’ll help you find the best wireless Bluetooth speakers for you —whatever your budget and need you have.
Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. Whether you are getting a speaker for your day at the party or just to use around the house, there is almost certainly a great Bluetooth speaker for you. From sub-$15 picks, all the way to ultra-premium offerings with higher price tags, there’s a Bluetooth speaker for every taste and budget. From ultra-portable to rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speakers, here are the picks we think are worth your money.
But there are a number of things to consider before you pick a Bluetooth speaker. Let’s take a look at them!
Features to look for in a Bluetooth speaker:
Portability: Your first decision will be to choose between Fixed and Portable speakers. Choosing a portable model gives you the best of both worlds in some respects, but a stationary speaker is more apt to blend into your home’s decor.
Portable Bluetooth speakers use rechargeable batteries, so you can take them anywhere and use them without a power outlet. Stationary speakers, especially some larger speakers intended for home theater or PC use, need to be plugged into your mains, even though you can connect your devices to them wirelessly.
Size: Next, you will have to think about how big you want the speaker to be. If you want a sound system that can drive a whole party instead of just fill a small room, keep the size of the speaker in mind. Generally, the bigger a speaker is, the louder it can get. The smaller a speaker, the less powerful it will likely sound.
Of course, size also affects portability. If you are looking for something you can carry in your bag, then a smaller speaker may be a better choice for you. For larger parties and gatherings, a larger speaker may be a little more appropriate.
Battery life: Next to size, a portable speaker’s most important feature is how long it can operate when it’s not plugged into the wall. You will obviously want a longer battery life if you are looking for a speaker that can last all day. But remember that bigger the battery, the heavier the speaker will be.
Charging options: If your speaker has a battery, it will need to be charged. Speakers that charge their batteries via a USB port are more convenient than models that require an AC adapter, but larger batteries might not offer that option. Some speakers also let you plug in a USB cable to tap their battery to charge your smartphone.
Durability and water resistance: Durability is another important factor if you plan on carrying the speaker around a lot. Not all portable speakers are built to be carried around outdoors, or used by the pool. Look for speakers with IPX ratings that guarantees of water and shock resistance if you want to carry them around to the beach, the lake, or the pool.
Rugged speakers can handle splashes, dunks, drops, and keep running. Not only will your speaker last longer if it’s more durable, but it might be a little more versatile, too.
(IPX7 rated speakers can survive being submerged in up to 1m of water for at least 30 minutes. Less waterproof models might only be IPX4 rated, meaning they can only handle a splash of water.)
Audio quality: Some may not care too much about how the speaker sounds, but others will want to ensure that they are getting the best-sounding speaker for their money.
Big bass isn’t for everyone, but unless your speaker is downright tiny, it should be able to reproduce low frequencies accurately without distorting at high volumes. Clarity is more important than sheer power, and a balanced, clean sound should be your goal when shopping for a speaker.
Price: Bluetooth speakers come in a wide range of prices. Don’t assume, however, that the most money always buys the best overall product. Higher-end models do sound better, but sometimes they lack the features you might expect for the price. The trick is to get the best sound, along with the features you want, at a price you can afford.
Best Budget Bluetooth Speakers (under $100)
Creative Muvo 2c
Price when reviewed: $40
This tiny palm-sized speaker packs great features. Its sound quality is surprisingly good at the size of the speakers. And pairing it with your phone or computer is so easy. Just turn on the speaker and search for the available Bluetooth devices around to connect. It beeps when gets connected to a sound source.
You can use the speaker via Bluetooth, an auxiliary cable, a microSD card, or USB cable – no matter the input source, the Muvo 2c will be able to playback your music. Better still, you can pair the speaker to another Muvo 2c in order to output a stereo sound. This makes it an extremely versatile speaker.
The super light Creative Muvo 2c has an IP66-certification making it water and dust resistant. The speaker is splashproof too, so you don’t have to worry too much about it getting wet. You have a choice of 8 different vibrant color finishes so you can pick one to your tastes.
Finally, it’s the best, ultraportable, most versatile and affordable Bluetooth speakers. Impressive sound at a pocket-friendly price tag.
Anker SoundCore 2
Price when reviewed: $89
If you’re looking for one high-end sound, long-lasting battery life, and rugged, water-resistant design under $100, the Anker SoundCore 2 wireless speaker is handily the best option. Anker is best known for its battery accessories.
Affordable at $89 ($40 at Amazon), Anker SoundCore 2 delivers top-notch sound quality, 24 hours of battery life, a built-in microphone for making calls and an IPX5 rating for water resistance.
Fugoo (Style, Sport, Tough)
Price when reviewed: $89 for Fugoo Style, and $99 for Fugoo Sport & Fugoo Tough
With its interchangeable jackets (Style, Tough, or Sport), the Fugoo speaker is a speaker for all occasions. Despite its small size, it offers surprisingly good sound performance. The Sport and Tough jackets are for anyone who favors the outdoors, adding increasing levels of ruggedization. Even the Style will still survive a 1m dip in water, as the inside ‘core’ is IP67 rated (meaning it’s also dust-proof). What really sets the Fugoo apart is its incredible battery life (40 hours at 50% loudness). Nothing else comes close.
This waterproof Bluetooth speaker combines excellent sound quality, maximum battery life, and heavy-duty design. It is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 that allows wireless connection up to 10 meters indoors, and 30 meters when used outdoors. It is designed to deliver full and crisp sound quality – making it the ideal speaker for outdoor or indoor use. The speaker is also compatible with Google Now and SIRI, allowing you to enable this multifunctional speaker through voice activation.
UE Wonderboom
Price when reviewed: $99
Ultimate Ears’ range of Bluetooth speakers are known for their incredible volume and rugged designs and the Wonderboom is no different. The UE Wonderboom is compact, yet powerful Bluetooth speaker that can fill a large living room. It plays very loud for its small size with a good amount of bass. Its bright colors and stylish design make it stand out from other speakers in this price range.
With a loud mid-bass thump and an excellent clarity in its treble, the UE sounds spectacular. The UE Wonderboom is also IPX7 certified and is fully waterproof. It has decent battery life (10 hours), better bass response than your typical mini Bluetooth speaker. What’s more? You can pair two Wonderbooms together to augment the sound.
There’s one main reason why Wonderboom stands out among others. Being able to float makes it a winner – Even though there are plenty of truly waterproof speakers nowadays, there aren’t many that float. But this UE Wonderboom can. Waterproofing won’t do you much good if you’re never going to get it back (float).
Its loudness, clarity and overall sound quality are what make this Bluetooth speaker truly special. And it’s one of the best-sounding waterproof speakers you can buy. However, it has no speakerphone capabilities and it’s slightly too bulky for travel use. The Wonderboom is available in a range of 6 vibrant colors.
JBL FLIP 4
Price when reviewed: $100
A nice upgrade over its predecessor Flip 3, JBL’s Flip 4 would be remarkable enough for the sound it delivers at its price point. Affordable at $100 ($81.00 at Amazon), JBL FLIP 4 portable speaker comes with wireless Bluetooth streaming, 12 hours of playtime, durable fabric covering and IPX7 Waterproof features.
With super light and portable JBL FLIP 4 speakers, you can take crystal clear calls with the Speakerphone. You can also connect two Flip 4’s and operate them as a stereo pair, or connect up to 100 JBL Connect+ speakers and stream music to all of them from the same source at the same time. It’s rough, the tough design makes it perfect as a portable speaker to accompany all aspects of your life.
Best mid-priced Bluetooth speakers (Under $300)
Bose SoundLink Revolve
Price when reviewed: $199
The Bose SoundLink Revolve is a small, portable, stylish Bluetooth speaker that has an impressive 360-degree sound and a powerful driver that will fill a medium-sized room. Its sound quality is impressive, with its single full-range driver delivering a warm sound.
The speaker is IPX4 water-resistant, which means it’ll survive a splash or two. It is not fully dust or waterproof. The speaker’s multifunction button also works with Android and iOS devices, to activate either Google Assistant or Siri respectively. But, it works within only 30ft (10m) range.
Battery life is good at 12 hours, there’s a threaded tripod mount on the bottom of the speaker and an integrated microphone for speakerphone calls. Overall, the sleek Bose SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth speaker sounds excellent for its compact size. It is an excellent sound speaker for users looking for true 360-degree sound
UE Boom 2
Price when reviewed: $200 (price varies based on color)
Ultimate Ears has been a dominant player in the Bluetooth speakers game for some time now, offering great-sounding speakers at a very reasonable price. It has made a bit of a name for itself with its Boom range of Bluetooth speakers.
With some minor, but worthwhile design upgrades to the original UE Boom, UE Boom 2 comes with full waterproofing and enhanced sound. Available in a number of eye-grabbing color combinations, the UE BOOM 2 is one of the best picks in its price range. It delivers excellent 360-degree sound, an IPX7 rating for water resistance, and clever gesture controls.
The new UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker packs powerful sound in a colorful, rugged, well designed, waterproof build and it offers decent battery life (15 hours). Another great feature here is that you can actually use multiple UE Boom 2 speakers at once, as long as you download and use the companion app. So if you’re hosting a party, you can have two or more speakers placed in your lawn at multiple places. The speaker offers plenty of bass. The only disadvantage is it’s somewhat pricey.
Overall, it’s loud, yet detailed. Portable, but still incredibly durable.
UE Megaboom
Price when reviewed: $200
The larger UE Megaboom improves on the already impressive sound quality of the Boom, with even larger size, louder sound, and fuller bass. It’s also waterproof (IPX7 rated), has upgraded Bluetooth range (and Bluetooth Smart) and excellent battery life. Big sound and a richly featured app will make this speaker the life of any party.
B&O Play Beoplay A1
Price when reviewed: $250
Sometimes, all you really want is something that sounds good and looks great. The B&O Play Beoplay A1 carries both gorgeous design and wonderful sound quality. The aluminum construction and leather carry strap make the A1 an undoubtedly classy, premium Bluetooth speaker and the included microphone means it’s a great conference speaker too. The sound is directed upwards, meaning it gets dispersed in every direction.
Overall with simple, stylish, and rugged design, it gives an excellent audio performance with a surprisingly strong bass response. But it is at the same time, delicate and easily scratchable, And it has poor range and battery life.
Oppo Digital Sonica Wi-Fi
Price when reviewed: $299
Oppo has been crafting some fabulous audio products lately, and its Sonica Wi-Fi is a prime example. More than just a Bluetooth speaker, you can also stream music over your Wi-Fi network—it has a dual-band adapter just for that purpose. And if that’s not flexible enough for you, it supports Apple’s AirPlay technology, too.
Oppo’s first wireless speaker, the Sonica Wi-Fi sounds superb and is a great value for the money. Capable of decoding audio files with up to 24-bit resolution and sampling rates as high as 192kHz, it’s easily the best-powered speaker in its price range.
Best high-end Bluetooth speakers
Core Hi-Fi Wireless Speaker
Price when reviewed: $599
An exceptional wireless speaker system that produces a stereo image — no matter where you’re sitting or standing in the room. This speaker is also incredibly powerful for its diminutive dimensions, and you can add a wireless subwoofer if you want more low end. You can also wirelessly network up to 8 Cores for a multi-room audio system. AirPlay is not supported.
Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin Wireless
Price when reviewed: $700
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless is well-designed and sounds so good. Zeppelin Wireless is the same iconic design of the original Zeppelin but features dramatically improved acoustics and functionality, making it the best one-piece audio system available.
The speaker is also compatible with a few different connectivity standards, including AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth apt-X. There is also a dedicated app for iOS, PC, and Mac; though there isn’t one for Android yet, which may be a bit of a bummer for some. Android users can still use the speaker by simply connecting through Bluetooth, of course.
It’s important to note that this speaker isn’t exactly portable — it’s quite large and heavy, so it’s best for a home environment.
Best Price-no-limit Bluetooth Speaker
Naim Audio Mu-so wireless speaker
Price when reviewed: $1,500
The Mu-so sounds every bit as beautiful as it looks. Yes, it’s pricey at $1500, but its price tag is fully justified by its build quality and audio performance. It gives you just about every option you could ask for: Bluetooth (with both Android and iOS apps), Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, a USB port, hardwired ethernet, 24/192 support, aptX, optical digital input, and multi-room audio support with other Naim components. And the sound? Exquisitely precise.
Best outdoor Bluetooth speakers
Bose SoundLink Revolve+
Price when reviewed: $300
The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is pricey, but an excellent omnidirectional wireless speaker that most people will love. It can deliver 360-degree sound with excellent quality for up to a rather amazing 16 hours on a single charge. It has a built-in handle for easy transport and is water-resistant.
There is a threaded tripod mount on the bottom of the speaker and an integrated microphone for speakerphone calls. There is also an option to connect multiple speakers via a sleek Bose app. The speaker even has some smart features, including Wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts, the ability to take calls, and access to Siri or Google Now.
Overall, Bose’s expensive SoundLink Plus is arguably the best-sounding Bluetooth. In terms of sound and design, for a compact wireless speaker, the Bose Revolve Plus is hard to beat.
Soundcast VG7
Price when reviewed: $799
This is the best powered, portable, outdoor speaker. It’s built like a tank; splash resistant, so you can use it poolside or at the beach; and it delivers outstanding battery life. Most importantly, it delivers fantastic sounds with four enclosed speakers. Expensive, but worth it.
Conclusion:
While we haven’t covered every possible price range or use case here, these picks represent what we feel are some of the best options for a few different use cases.
