CNET

TechnologyCNET·Jun 10, 2026·52 min read

Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2026

Now that summer is nearly upon us, I've been testing the latest crop of Bluetooth speakers and have added several new-for-2026 models to this list of top portable wireless speakers. I test everything from tiny micro Bluetooth speakers that you can wear to jumbo Bluetooth boom boxes that pump out powerful sound that can fuel your outdoor pool and beach parties. Some are premium models, but I also have plenty of affordable picks for those on tighter budgets. (If you're looking exclusively for larger speakers, try my Best Wireless Bluetooth Boom Boxes for 2026 list.)

8.5/10 CNET Score

As Bose continues to expand its SoundLink portable Bluetooth speaker line, it's become harder to choose which is best for you. That said, the new-for-2025 SoundLink Plus ($269, £250, AU$430), which sits between the more compact second-gen SoundLink Flex ($149, £150, AU$250) and the beefier and pricier SoundLink Max ($399, £400, AU$600), may just be the best of the bunch, the goldilocks of Bose Bluetooth speakers. While it can't play quite as loud or deliver as much bass as the larger Max, it costs significantly less and puts out clear, potent sound that's a big step up from the Flex's sound. It strikes the right balance of performance and price, earning a CNET Editors' Choice award in the process. Read my full review.

Pros

Sleek design with integrated rope loop

IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant

Impressive sound for its size with fairly robust, well-defined bass and good clarity

EQ settings in Bose companion

USB-C charge out allows you to power up a phone and other devices

Cons

While it's $130 less than the SoundLink Max, it's still pricey

No built-in microphone for speakerphone capabilities

No auxiliary input

8.5/10 CNET Score

I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our best Bluetooth speakers list and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values over the last few years, selling for around $80. The 3.75-pound Boom 2 costs more but sounds substantially better (read full review), with more than double the power rating of the original, so it not only plays louder but kicks out more bass and offers better clarity at higher volumes (it's equipped with two tweeters and one subwoofer). It also has a couple of built-in LED lights to help create that party vibe. It's an impressive-sounding speaker for its size and a good value.

Pros

Well-priced

Fairly compact yet delivers impressive sound with big volume and strong bass

Waterproof and floats

USB-out port

LED lighting

Good battery life

Cons

No dust-resistance rating

8.2/10 CNET Score

While the Ranger features very good sound for its size and puts up an admirable fight against other premium Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Charge 6, what really sets it apart is its design, especially its built-in magnets. I've tried a few other speakers with integrated magnets aimed at golfers and boaters, including the Rokform G-Rok ($100), but the Ranger plays louder and sounds better. Although it's somewhat pricey, it's easy to recommend. Read my full review.

Pros

Very good sound with surprising amount of bass for a compact Bluetooth speaker

Waterproof and dust-proof rugged design with built-in handle and tie-down anchor

Strong magnets allow you to stick the speaker to anything metal

Good battery life (up to 25 hours)

Cons

No companion app

No sound modes or equalizer option to tweak the sound

8.3/10 CNET Score

Sony released a couple of new-for-2025 portable Bluetooth speakers, the ULT Field 3 ($200) and ULT Field 5 ($330), to fill out its ULT line, which now includes six models. I liked both the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5. Both are IP67 waterproof, dustproof, rustproof and shock-resistant. They include a removable shoulder strap and offer significantly improved sound over their predecessors, with more bass and better overall clarity. As you might guess, the larger ULT Field 5 delivers a bigger sound with more bass than the ULT Field 3. While somewhat pricey, it's one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've tested in its size class and is also equipped with party lighting and a USB charge-out port. Battery life is rated for up to 20 hours at moderate volume levels (or 10 with party lighting on).

Pros

Impressive sound

Attractively styled

P67 waterproof, dustproof, rustproof and shock-resistant

Party lighting

USB-C charge out

Decent party life

Cons

Fairly pricey

Somewhat hefty

8.6/10 CNET Score

When the SoundLink Flex speaker launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. But it mostly lived up to the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker for its compact size. A second-gen model quietly arrived in October 2024 that adds a few new features, including a new customizable shortcut button, Bose app compatibility (you can now tweak the sound profile with an equalizer and create a SimpleSync connection with another compatible Bose product) and support for the AAC and AptX audio codecs. It's also equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 4.2. While those aren't major upgrades, they do make an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker slightly better.

Pros

Impressive volume for its compact size, can fill a living room with sound with no distortion at higher volumes

Very good bass and good clarity in the treble and midrange

Prop it up horizontally, lay it down flat or hang it vertically by its sturdy integrated loop

Fully waterproof and dustproof with IP67 rating (and also floats)

Automatically optimized speakerphone with built-in microphone for voice calling

Longer battery life

Cons

No audio input for wired listening

Silicone finish on back attracts some dust and lint

Uses Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.1

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEALS OF THE WEEK

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Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2026

What is the best Bluetooth speaker overall?

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

Best value Bluetooth speaker

Best durable Bluetooth speaker with magnets

Best midrange Sony Bluetooth speaker

Best mini Bluetooth speaker

Best value bike Bluetooth speaker

Best rugged mini boom box speaker for boaters and campers

Best Bluetooth speaker from Apple

Best portable wireless speaker for Sonos users

Best micro speaker

Best micro Bluetooth speaker from Anker

Best JBL Bluetooth speaker

Top-sounding midsize Bluetooth speaker

Best sounding Bose Bluetooth speaker

Best new Bluetooth speaker from Edifier

Best tiny portable wireless speaker from JBL

Best Bluetooth speaker with built-in carabiner

Top performing mini Bluetooth speaker

Best portable party speaker

Factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth speaker

How we test Bluetooth speakers

Other Bluetooth speakers we tested

Bluetooth speaker FAQs

What is the best Bluetooth speaker overall?

Currently, the Bose SoundLink Plus tops our list, striking the right balance of performance and price, earning a CNET Editors' Choice Award in the process. But there are plenty of other great options, depending on your use-case scenario, including the value-priced Soundcore by Anker Boom 2, the rugged Turtlebox Ranger and Turtlebox Cub, the tiny Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 and the very good sounding Sony ULT Field 5.

What we updated: June 2026

We added the Turtlebox Cub, Sonos Play and JBL Go 5 and moved the JBL Go 4, Ultimate Ears Everboom and Bose SoundLink Home to the Other Bluetooth Speakers We Tested section.

Pros

Sleek design with integrated rope loop

IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant

Impressive sound for its size with fairly robust, well-defined bass and good clarity

EQ settings in Bose companion

USB-C charge out allows you to power up a phone and other devices

Cons

While it's $130 less than the SoundLink Max, it's still pricey

No built-in microphone for speakerphone capabilities

No auxiliary input

Pros

Well-priced

Fairly compact yet delivers impressive sound with big volume and strong bass

Waterproof and floats

USB-out port

LED lighting

Good battery life

Cons

No dust-resistance rating

Waterproof (IPX7-rated) with a floatable design, the speaker's battery life is rated at up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C), and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. There's also a USB-out port to charge your devices. Read full review.

Pros

Very good sound with surprising amount of bass for a compact Bluetooth speaker

Waterproof and dust-proof rugged design with built-in handle and tie-down anchor

Strong magnets allow you to stick the speaker to anything metal

Good battery life (up to 25 hours)

Cons

No companion app

No sound modes or equalizer option to tweak the sound

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Pros

Impressive sound

Attractively styled

P67 waterproof, dustproof, rustproof and shock-resistant

Party lighting

USB-C charge out

Decent party life

Cons

Fairly pricey

Somewhat hefty

Pros

Impressive volume for its compact size, can fill a living room with sound with no distortion at higher volumes

Very good bass and good clarity in the treble and midrange

Prop it up horizontally, lay it down flat or hang it vertically by its sturdy integrated loop

Fully waterproof and dustproof with IP67 rating (and also floats)

Automatically optimized speakerphone with built-in microphone for voice calling

Longer battery life

Cons

No audio input for wired listening

Silicone finish on back attracts some dust and lint

Uses Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.1

The second-gen SoundLink Flex is available in black, blue dusk, sandstone and a new alpine sage color. Like the original, it's 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.

Pros

Palm-size Bluetooth speaker sounds impressive for its ultracompact size with better sound than its predecessor

Built-in strap and magnets in base

Half the price of Bose's SoundLink Micro 2

Long wireless range (up to 45 meters) with reliable connection

Strong battery life (up to 24 hours)

Can be used as a speakerphone and a power bank to charge your phone

Cons

Design is a little generic

Distorts at higher volumes (you can only push it so hard)

Speakerphone performance is only OK

No stereo sound unless you link to second Cub

While Tribit's palm-size Stormbox Micro Bluetooth speakers have always had somewhat generic designs, they've managed to exceed my expectations for sound quality for their size. The third-generation Stormbox Micro 3 is still a little generic looking, but it adds a magnetic base and improves upon the acoustics of its predecessors, as well as doubling its battery life. A worthy upgrade, it earns a CNET Editors' Choice as a value pick in the micro speaker category, costing half the price of Bose's SoundLink Micro 2. Read my full review.

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Pros

Half the weight of the Turtlebox original (third gen), yet still plays impressively loud with strong bass performance

Waterproof and dustproof rugged design with built-in handle and tie-down anchor

Floats

USB-C charging (the original Turtlebox uses AC adapter for charging)

Decent battery life (up to 14 hours)

Built-in mic for speakerphone capabilities

Cons

Fairly pricey

No companion app

No sound modes or equalizer option to tweak the sound

Turtlebox's new-for-2026 Cub Bluetooth speaker is essentially a shrunken down version of the company's original speaker, which is now on its third generation. While the Cub doesn't play quite as loud as that speaker, I was impressed by how loud it plays for its size and that it offers relatively clean, detailed audio with strong bass performance. (The midrange, where voices live, is slightly forward.)

Like all Turtlebox speakers, the 5.3-pound Cub is very durable. It is also fully waterproof (IP67) and floats. Despite not offering quite as rich, powerful sound or long battery life as the larger 10-pound original speaker, it does hold some key advantages, including its more compact size. That makes it easier to carry around and pack in a bag or backpack. I also appreciated that is has USB-C charging instead of the AC adapter that the original speaker requires for charging.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, you can pair it with another Cub to create a stereo pair, or you can link the speaker with other Turtlebox Cubs, Rangers, Gen 3's and Grandes in party mode. Since there's no Turtlebox companion app for its speaker, you do the linking and pairing with buttons on the speaker. Alas, you can't tweak the sound profile since there are no EQ settings, but the default sound profile is just fine and works particularly well for outdoor listening.

True to Turtle box's roots as a boating Bluetooth speaker, the Cub has a tie-down anchor on each side, and it also can be stood up vertically or laid down horizontally with the driver firing straight up. For those comparing the Cub to the even more compact Ranger, the Cub definitely plays louder and offers bigger sound. But the Ranger's smaller form factor and built-in magnets will appeal to those looking for a more compact speaker that can be stuck to metal objects, like the strut of a gold cart.

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Pros

Impressive sound quality with newly-engineered woofer system for better bass definition and wide soundstages

Very good volume for its size, and can link multiple Pills in amplify mode to further boost sound

USB-C audio for lossless wired listening and charge-out feature

IP67 waterproof and dustproof with soft-to-the-touch rubber finish

Good speakerphone functionality with clear voice calling and background noise elimination

Integrated detachable lanyard for easy portability and listening options

Cons

No auxiliary input for wired lossless listening

Heavier than Bose SoundLink Flex

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.

Pros

Relatively compact with a premium build

Impressive sound for its size

IP67 dustproof and waterproof

Strong battery life with up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels

Wireless charging base included

Can charge your phone via USB-C port

Built-in voice controls and replaceable battery

Easily switch from a Sonos multiroom home Wi-Fi setup to Bluetooth for on-the-go use

Cons

Power adapter not included

No speakerphone capability, even though it has built-in microphones

Stereo separation is lacking unless you link two Play speakers in stereo mode

Following a problematic app update that alienated its customers a couple of years ago, Sonos has had a bumpy ride in recent times. But that hasn't stopped it from releasing new hardware, including its new-for-2026 Play speaker, which features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and may just be its best portable speaker yet, earning a CNET Editors' Choice Award. The real key here is that while Sonos' larger Move 2 does produce more bass and volume, you don't lose that much sound quality by stepping down to the much more compact Play. It also delivers significantly richer sound with more bass than the Sonos Roam 2. Read the full review.

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Pros

It's a little bigger than the original but still very compact

Impressive sound for its tiny size

Sound is improved with more bass and better overall clarity

Fully water- and dustproof with IP67 rating

Durable design

Double the battery life of the original (up 12 hours)

USB-C charging

Cons

Pricey for a tiny Bluetooth speaker

No speakerphone capabilities (no microphone)

Despite sound improvements, don't expect it to produce a ton of bass

Bose's most compact Bluetooth speaker, the SoundLink Micro, has finally been upgraded after eight years (yes, it was first released in 2017). Slightly larger than the original, this second-gen model offers Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C charging instead of the old micro USB, improved battery life and sound quality, plus a new integrated Velcro strap for attaching it to a backpack strap, bike handlebar or just about anything else. Although its list price has gone up to $129, 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 available in two color options: blue and black.

While this model is truly pocket-size -- and that's certainly an appealing feature -- the bigger but still compact SoundLink Flex sounds better and is also the better value, though it costs more.

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Pros

15W palm-sized Bluetooth speaker sounds impressive for its ultracompact size

Good build quality

Dual-slot strap transforms between clip mode (attach to backpack/bike) and loop mode (for holding)

Half the price of Bose's SoundLink Micro 2

Built-in lighting element and precise battery life indicator

Strong battery life (up to 24 hours)

Can be used as a power bank to charge your phone

Equalizer settings and voice amplifier feature in companion app

Cons

No speakerphone functionality

Arguably doesn't sound quite as good competing models from Bose and Tribit (but it's close)

Anker sells a lot of its cheaper Soundcore Select 4 Go micro Bluetooth speakers, which sell for a little more than $20. But its newer Soundcore Go 3i (not to be confused with the larger Boom 3i) is a significantly better-sounding 15W palm-sized speaker with far superior build quality and a built-in lighting element to jazz things up (you can turn it off if you want). Like the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) and Tribit Stormbox Micro 3, the Soundcore Go 3i has an integrated strap that lets you attach the speaker to your bike's handlebars or clip it to a backpack strap. I didn't think it sounded quite as good as those competing models, but it does play pretty loud and produces a decent amount of bass for its ultracompact size (I thought the similarly priced Stormbox Micro 3 had slightly better clarity and a slightly wider soundstage, but the differences are small). I appreciated the built-in LED that shows just how much battery life is remaining, and that you can use the speaker as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch. It's one of top micro Bluetooth speakers out there for the money.

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Pros

Excellent sound with better bass, clarity and minimal distortion at higher volumes

Fully dust- and waterproof and ruggedly designed with removable handle for easy portability and more listening options

USB-C audio for lossless wired connection that can also be used as a charge-in or charge-out port

Good battery life (up to 24 hours)

Cons

Fairly pricey

JBL hasn't radically redesigned the Charge 6 on the outside -- it looks pretty similar to its predecessor and weighs the same (2.11 pounds) -- but it does feature better sound, battery life and lossless audio over a USB-C connection. One of the more noticeable external changes is to the new model's charge-out port (that port is why the speaker line is called "Charge"). Instead of a USB-A out port hidden under a gasket, there's a single exposed USB-C port that's both charge-in and charge-out. It allows you to use this fully waterproof and dustproof (IP68) speaker as a power bank and charge devices like your smartphone while streaming music to the speaker. Additionally, JBL has added a removable handle to the Charge 6.

The larger Charge has always sounded significantly better than the smaller Flip, and that hasn't changed with the Charge 6, even as the Flip 7 has also improved its sound quality. The Charge 6 produces more bass and a bigger overall sound with minimal distortion at higher volumes (both speakers feature better overall clarity). While the Flip 7's smaller size makes it easier to carry around, the Charge 6 is worth the extra money if sound quality is a priority. I have some quibbles with its somewhat high price -- its list price is $20 higher than the Charge 5's -- but the Charge 6 is easily one of the best speakers in its size class.

Pros

Improved sound from its predecessor, with superior bass and treble performance (excellent sound for its size)

Improved battery life (up to 30 hours)

Battery is replaceable

Fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating)

Built-in microphone for speakerphone capabilities

USB-C charge in/out port and auxiliary input

Cons

Fairly pricey

No USB-C audio (wired is supported only through 3.5mm aux input)

I liked Marshall's original Middleton speaker, which sounded very good for its size, and this second-gen Middleton sounds noticeably better, with improved tonal balance and a deeper, better-defined bass (superior bass extension overall). Plus, it has improved treble performance that adds more depth and detail to the sound. Like its predecessor, the Middleton 2 is equipped with Marshall's 360-degree True Stereophonic technology, which helps widen the soundstage and makes the speaker sound much bigger than its relatively compact size.

Much of the sound improvements are due to the speaker's upgraded amps, which deliver 80W of power compared to the original's 60-watt power rating, with more power devoted to driving the two woofers (30 watts instead of 20 watts). Battery life has also been boosted from a little more than 20 hours to 30 hours at moderate volume levels, and the speaker's battery is replaceable, according to Marshall.

Additionally, the speaker has an auxiliary input and USB-C charging port that not only allows you to charge the speaker but charge other devices, turning the speaker into a power bank.

Not only is this new model fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating), it also has a built-in microphone, so you can use it as a speakerphone. (The original was missing that feature.) Auracast is supported for linking multiple speakers wirelessly.

Weighing 3.9 pounds, the Middleton 2 is very similar in size to the original, though significantly smaller than the step-up Kilburn 3, which weighs 6.2 pounds and delivers an even bigger, fuller sound. That said, I prefer that the Middleton 2 is more compact and easier to carry around while still managing to deliver impressive sound quality. (It's able to fill a small- to medium-size room with sound.)

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Pros

Excellent sound for a relatively compact speaker

Premium design with replaceable rope handle

Fully waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant

Up to 20 hours of battery life

USB-C port also charges out

Cons

Pricey

No speakerphone capabilities

When I first heard about the SoundLink Max, I was a little surprised that Bose would put out a $399 Bluetooth speaker after the $149 SoundLink Flex speaker did so well. The Flex was so successful because it not only sounds good for its compact size, but it also doesn't cost that much, at least not for a Bose product. Not surprisingly, the 4.89-pound Max also sounds impressive -- it may just be the best-sounding for its size -- and has a premium design with a built-in rope handle that's replaceable (the Max is fully waterproof and dustproof). It's a great Bluetooth speaker, but its high price tag may turn some folks off.

Pros

Attractive, retro-modern design similar to Marshall speakers (but costs less

Very good sound for its size and price class that offers good clarity and punchy bass

Integrated lighting element that's customizable

USB-C audio

Built-in microphone (speakerphone capabilities)

Cons

Battery life could be better

Doesn't play as loud in USB-C audio wired mode (but sounds a little cleaner in wired mode).

Edifier is known for making very good PC speakers that deliver good bang for the buck. Some of its standalone Bluetooth speakers haven't been so noteworthy, but I like its new-for-2025 ES60 speaker, which is compact but not tiny like its new ES20 speaker, which sounds good for a micro Bluetooth speaker. The ES60's retro-modern design is suspiciously reminiscent of Marshall's portable Bluetooth speakers, though it costs less than the 1.5-pound Marshall Emberton 3 and, at 2.2 pounds, it weighs about half a pound more. Also, it has a lighting element built into its bass that you can customize via the Edifier ConneX app for iOS and Android (I also used the app to update the speaker's firmware, but its equalizer settings for tweaking the sound are quite limited).

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and IP66 waterproof and dustproof, Edifier says the speaker is rated for 34 watts of power output and features 22mm dual tweeters, an oval mid-low driver and an oval passive bass radiator. JBL's more expensive Charge 6 outputs a little more bass and volume, but overall, I was impressed with the ES60's sound. The bass is indeed punchy (as Edifier describes it), and I thought the treble clarity was good and the mids sounded pretty natural. The speaker mostly manages to avoid distorting at higher volumes, and you do get slightly cleaner sound by going with USB-C wired sound, though the speaker doesn't play quite as loud in USB-C audio mode (I cranked the volume to the top). Note that you have to quick press the power button to swap between USB-C and Bluetooth modes.

While the battery life isn't bad, at up to 9 hours at moderate volume levels, that's not nearly as good as what you get with some competitors. For instance, the JBL Charge 6 is rated for up to 24 hours of battery life and has a charge-out feature should you need to charge your phone in a pinch. On a more positive note, the ES60 does have a built-in microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone.

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Pros

Decent sound for its tiny size and plays slightly louder with slightly more bass and clarity than the Go 4

Improved battery life (up to 10 hours with playtime boost)

Supports USB-C wired audio

Easier to link two Go 5 speakers for stereo sound

Fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP68 rating

Cons

Can only deliver so much bass and volume

No strap for mounting on a bike or built-in magnets

No speakerphone capability

The fifth-generation of JBL's smallest Bluetooth speaker isn't a huge upgrade from its predecessor (the Go 4), but it has a few noteworthy updates that make it a better speaker. Slightly heavier than the Go 4 at 8.16 ounces, the Go 5 is equipped with programmable "mood boosting" lighting slits toward the front on the top and bottom of the speaker. The speaker's battery life has been improved by three hours -- up to 10 hours versus the JBL Go 4's 7 hours at moderate volume levels.

The speaker also plays slightly louder and has slightly better bass performance with a touch better clarity. The Go 5 is a 4.8-watt speaker versus the Go 4, which is a 4.2-watt speaker.

It also has USB-C audio, which means you can connect your phone to it in wired mode with a USB-C cable and transmit lossless audio (though I only thought it improved the sound ever so slightly).

And lastly, JBL has made it easier to pair two Go 5 speakers together to create a stereo pair, which you can also link with other Auracast-enabled speakers.

Like its predecessor, the Go 5 can only deliver so much sound for its tiny size, so don't get your expectation up to high. But it sounds better than you think, given just how small it is (it truly fits in a pocket), and it manages to output just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny.

Available in multiple color options, the speaker is also durable and has an IP68 water-resistance rating. (The Go 4 has an IP67 rating.) This means the Go 5 can survive being fully submerged in water while also being dustproof.

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Pros

Good sound for its compact design

Slightly improved sound from predecessor

Redesigned carabiner

Improved battery life

Waterproof and dustproof

Cons

Slightly expensive when not on sale

Can deliver only so much bass

The JBL Clip 5 has a redesigned carabiner with a "bigger and more accessible opening, making it easier to clip on anywhere." In my tests, the speaker ended up sounding slightly better than its predecessor, which JBL says is because the increased driver power allows for more "streamlined sound and consistent bass at every volume."

Battery life is rated at 12 hours at moderate volume levels, and the speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 with LE audio capabilities. It's IP67 waterproof and dustproof and has JBL Portable app support, along with multispeaker connectivity via Auracast. It's available in several colors.

Read full review

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Pros

Universal USB-C charging

Very good sound for its size with decent bass

Rugged design thats dust- and waterproof and floats

Extended wireless range (40 meters)

"Party mode" enabled to connect two Wonderbooms together

Cons

Less slim than some micro Bluetooth speakers and slightly too bulky for travel use

No speakerphone capabilities

Ultimate Ears' fourth-generation Wonderboom 4 offers some small improvements over its predecessor, including USB-C charging (finally) and a new Podcast EQ mode. Otherwise, the speaker is unchanged and sounds very similar, with an identical battery life rating of 14 hours (at moderate volume levels) and a Bluetooth chip that allows for an extended wireless range of over 130 feet (40 meters). The design hasn't been altered either, though the speaker now comes in different color options.

Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 4 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 dustproof (and able to float).

This model retains the Outdoor Boost mode that boosts treble, and you can link two together (or pair up with a Wonderboom 3 or Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo pair by simply pressing a button on each speaker. Featuring very good sound for its small size, there's some decent punch to the bass (being short yet squat helps it produce more low end), but it can only deliver so much kick.

Pros

Big sound that packs some serious punch

Guitar and mic inputs

Built-in light show

IPX4 splash-proof

Replaceable battery

Link multiple JBL Auracast-enabled speakers

Cons

Pretty hefty

The successor to JBL's popular PartyBox 110, the Club 120 packs some serious punch and delivers a bigger sound than many portable boombox speakers, including JBL's own Boombox 3. The speaker has been slightly redesigned from its predecessor and now features a replaceable battery (you can swap in a second battery to extend battery life, but only one battery is included) and Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast.

There's an integrated foldable handle for toting the speaker, but the Club 120 is pretty hefty, weighing in at 24.4 pounds (1 pound more than the PartyBox 110) and measuring slightly more than 22 inches tall. You can stand this Bluetooth boom box up vertically, as shown in the picture above, or place it horizontally, as it has rubber feet on both sides of the speaker.

It's rated for up to 12 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels and has a light show that syncs to the beat of your music (you can customize the light show from the speaker itself or use the JBL PartyBox companion app). The speaker has Bluetooth or a wired USB connection, and there are guitar and mic inputs. It's also worth noting that the speaker is IPX4 splash-proof, and you can wirelessly link multiple JBL Auracast-enabled speakers for even bigger sound.

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Budget

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 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.

Size

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.

Durability

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, pool party or 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. If you're looking for more speakers that fit this bill, check out our roundup of the best speakerphones here.

In assessing what the best Bluetooth speakers are, we consider six key criteria. These criteria include design, durability, sound quality, battery life, extra features and value. We test 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, best PC speakers and the best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems.

Design

Evaluating design, we first assess how comfortable the speaker is to carry, position and adjust (their ergonomics), including grip surfaces and carrying handles or straps. We also measure and weigh each speaker to assess how easily it can be transported. Then we consider visual aesthetics, noting available colorways and finishes and how the speaker looks in different environments.

Durability

We test the durability of each speaker in both indoor and outdoor environments to simulate real-life conditions. We stress test ports and buttons, cycling through physical controls and repeatedly connecting/disconnecting cables to assess long-term reliability. We also verify IP (dust- and water-resistance) ratings when applicable and examine all external materials for signs of potential wear or degradation.

Sound quality

We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the speaker to top competing products in their price range. Some of my test tracks include Spoon's Knock Knock Knock, Athletes of God's Don't Wanna Be Normal, The Doors Touch Me - Take 3, Orbital's Dirty Rat, Taylor Swift's Vigilante Shit, Jvke's Golden Hour and Drake's Passionfruit. Tested sonic traits include:

Frequency response

Tonal balance

Soundstage width and depth

Bass response and control

Outdoor performance

Distortion testing

Battery life

Because battery life can be affected by volume, we test each speaker at both moderate and high volumes to provide a realistic assessment. We also measure how long the speaker takes to reach a full charge using all available charging equipment, including USB-C, micro-USB, proprietary connectors and wireless charging where applicable.

Extra features

Some great-sounding Bluetooth speakers aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, for example) to speakerphone abilities. We also also test multi-speaker capabilities, or "party modes," that allow stereo pairing and multi-room functions. Models with Bluetooth multipoint, or the ability to connect to several devices at once, are also noted within the "additional details" section of each product. We also take a look at the companion app for the speaker if there is one evaluate for stability, user-friendliness and useful features like EQ adjustment, firmware updates and speaker finding.

Value

We determine value after evaluating the strength of the Bluetooth speaker against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared to other models in their price class.

JBL Go 4: JBL's new-for-2026 Go 5 has hit the market, so you can find some discounts on its predecessor, the Go 4. The Go 5 does have some modest enhancements, including slightly improved sound and battery. A bit heavier than the Go 4 at 8.16 ounces, the Go 5 is equipped with programmable "mood boosting" lighting slits toward the front on the top and bottom of the speaker, and the Go 5's battery live is rated for up to 10 hours versus the JBL Go 4's 7 hours (at moderate volume levels).

Bose SoundLink Home: The best way to describe Bose's new SoundLink Home speaker is as the spiritual successor to the SoundLink Mini 2, which was quietly discontinued in late 2018. Available in two color options, the SoundLink Home is a portable Bluetooth speaker with up to 9 hours of battery life, but it has more of an indoor design, with an aluminum chassis and no water resistance. (You can move it around, but it's not a speaker you'd take to the beach or camping.)

Ultimate Ears Everboom: Not too long ago, Ultimate Ears released its higher-end Epicboom Bluetooth speaker, which sounds very good but is pretty pricey at $300 and somewhat large. The newer Everboom is about half the size, weighing in at 2.1 pounds (the Epicboom weighs 4.36 pounds) and is more travel-friendly. It can't produce as much sound or bass as the Epicboom, but it does play relatively loud, and I was in some ways more impressed with its sound than the Epicboom's. By that, I mean for its size: It's one of the best-sounding speakers out there, delivering punchy bass and nicely detailed sound.

Anker Soundcore Boom 3i: In some ways, Anker's new Soundcore Boom 3i is the spiritual successor of the company's popular Soundcore Motion Plus speaker that was released in 2020. It's similarly shaped but has more of an outdoor adventure slant with Anker calling it "built for the wild" and billing it as the first Bluetooth speaker with playback in water, as it floats and "auto-corrects" to keep the speaker drivers facing upward just above the surface. As you'd expect from a speaker that promotional photos show strapped onto a kayak (it does have a detachable carrying strap), the Soundcore Boom 3i is fully waterproof and dust-resistant, with an IP68 rating. Anker takes things a step further, touting the Boom 3i as "5X" saltwater-resistant. Read our full review.

Sony ULTField 3: I like the new designs of Sony's new-for-2025 ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speakers, which can stand vertically or lie horizontally. Both speakers are fully waterproof, dustproof, and rustproof (IP67 certification) and offer significantly improved sound over their predecessors, with more bass and better overall clarity. Both also include a new removable shoulder strap; I used it more with the heftier ULT Field 5 than the lighter ULT Field 3, which is about half the size of its more-expensive sibling. Needless to say, the ULT Field 5 sounds better, delivering bigger sound with more bass. But the ULT Field 3 also delivers more bass and volume than you'd expect, given its relatively compact size (and it offers better clarity and bass performance than its predecessor, the SRS-XE300). Read our full review.

Soundcore by Anker Select 4 Go: The Soundcore by Anker Select 4 Go doesn't have quite the build quality as JBL's Go 4 micro Bluetooth speaker (it has a budget feel to it), but it offers comparable sound quality and costs half the price. Like the JBL Go 4, the similarly named Select 4 Go sounds decent for its tiny size and is able to output just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny. Also, it's fully waterproof and even floats. Battery life is rated for an impressive 20 hours at moderate volumes, and you can pair two of these speakers together for stereo sound. It's definitely a good value.

Soundcore by Anker Boom 2 Plus: I consider the smaller Boom 2 the best value among current Soundcore by Anker Bluetooth speakers because it delivers very strong sound for a speaker that costs a little more than $100. But the larger and more expensive Boom 2 Plus is a better-sounding speaker that plays louder and produces bigger sound with more bass. It costs less than $200 and competes well with boom box speakers from JBL and Sony that cost upward of $400.

JBL Grip: JBL makes a lot of Bluetooth speakers, and its new-for-2025 Grip model falls somewhere between its micro-sized Go 4 and Clip 5 speakers and the Flip 6, which is more mini-sized. While it doesn't sound quite as good as the Flip 7, it costs less and is more compact, weighing in at .85 lbs., or 385 grams, which makes it easy to carry around. While it certainly has its sound limitations, particularly in the low-end, there's just enough bass to avoid sounding flat, and the speaker offers good treble clarity and strong midrange performance (the midrange tends to be where these small speakers perform best). I also liked the integrated loop and built-in lighting element on the back that's programmable via the JBL companion app for iOS and Android. It's more subdued than the light shows on some of the larger speakers and more accent or "ambient" lighting, as JBL calls it. Available in multiple color options, the Grip is rated for up to 14 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and is fully waterproof and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2: Now that Tribit has released the StormBox Micro 3, a budget version of Bose's excellent SoundLink Micro 2 speaker, the second-gen StormBox Micro 2 is on sale for less than $50. The new Micro 3 offers improved acoustics and double the battery life, but the Micro 2 remains a good palm-sized wireless speaker that you can strap to the handlebars of your bike. Read our full review.

Sonos Move 2: Sonos' Move 2 portable speaker is a pretty straightforward product to review. That's because it improves upon its already very good predecessor in a couple of key ways. In addition to offering more spacious sound thanks to a new dual-tweeter acoustic architecture, it also delivers much improved battery life (up to 24 hours). Sonos also tossed is some modest design updates, including new touch controls. Alas, those upgrades come with a higher price -- the Move 2 with an included a wireless charging dock costs $449 (£449, AU$799), or $50 more than the original. But it's being sporadically discounted to $350, and if you can afford it, it's an excellent portable speaker that makes for a nice addition to your home's Sonos lineup, with the ability to travel more widely thanks to its Bluetooth support. Read our Sonos Move 2 review.

Sonos Roam 2: Sonos's original Roam speaker sounded very good for its compact size, but many users complained that it was tricky to go from Wi-Fi mode at home and Bluetooth mode on the go. With the release of the new Roam 2, which comes in five color options, those connectivity issues go away. The reality is the Roam 2 ($180) isn't much of an upgrade. It has the same acoustic architecture (and the same impressive sound for its size), but now it has two buttons -- one for power and the other for Bluetooth -- instead of a single power button. That Bluetooth button lets you pair the speaker with any Bluetooth-enabled audio device right out of the box. Previously, the setup was more convoluted and required you to connect to your Sonos home Wi-Fi network first.

JBL Flip 7: New for 2025, JBL didn't drastically changed the design of its seventh-gen Flip portable Bluetooth speaker ($150), which looks similar to its predecessor but has a new Push-Lock accessory system that allows you to swap between a carabiner and a loop (both are included). There are also some upgrades on the inside, including a newly developed woofer that helps improve bass performance. Like its big brother, the Charge 6, this fully waterproof and dustproof (IP68) speaker is equipped with something called "AI Sound Boost," which JBL says keeps the speakers from distorting as their drivers are pushed to their "maximum capability." In other words, JBL has improved the speaker's digital processing with upgraded algorithms and the Flip 7 mostly manages to avoid distorting at higher volume levels. (I didn't find it distortion-free, though.) If sound quality is a priority, the large and more expensive Charge 6 is a better option (it does produce bigger sound with bass noticeably more bass). But as I said, the 1.21-pound Flip 7's sound has been leveled up, and it remains one of the better-sounding speakers for its size, improving its standing against Bose's similarly priced SoundLink Flex, which received some small upgrades in 2024. Read our Flip 7 first take.

Tribit Stormbox Blast 2: In 2024, Tribit released a second-gen version of its popular Stormbox Blast Bluetooth boom box speaker. The Stormbox Blast 2 ($260) has an upgraded design -- it's less boxy and generic looking than the original -- along with upgraded speaker drivers and two inputs for wired microphones for karaoke (the microphones are sold separately). The speaker is quite beefy, weighing in at 15.8 pounds, and it's rated for 200W of power, with an 80W subwoofer, dual 45W mid-range drivers and two 15W tweeters. This thing plays loud, has powerful bass (I mainly kept the bass boost mode engaged) and measures up well against more premium Bluetooth boom box speakers from JBL and Sony that cost about twice as much.

LG Xboom Bounce (Core): LG's partnership with Black Eyed Peas' frontman Will.i.am is paying dividends as the company's latest crop of Bluetooth speakers measure up well against key competitors in the space. I tried the Xboom Grab ($140) and the Xboom Bounce ($200) and came away liking both speakers. But the larger Bounce has significantly fuller sound, with a lot more kick to the bass. On both speakers, I appreciated that they seemed well tuned and more natural sounding than many Bluetooth speakers I test, particularly in the midrange where vocals live (vocals are a bit forward, but I liked that). Note that there doesn't seem to be any difference between the Bounce and Bounce Core, so get the cheaper model, which is down to about $120.

Tribit XSound Plus 2: The Tribit XSound Plus 2 is the successor to the similarly priced MaxSound Plus, which was a very good value. The XSound Plus 2 plays a little louder (it has a 30-watt vs. 24-watt power rating) and also has a slightly better battery (up to 24 hours at 50% volume vs. 20 hours). Additionally, this speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and is able to connect to the Tribit app and link up in party mode with Tribit's XSound Plus 2, StormBox Flow and StormBox 2 Bluetooth speakers.

Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker: Sony made some mistakes with its LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker. First, it launched it in its LinkBuds line with a couple of new LinkBuds, so it kind of got lost in the shuffle. Second, it's a little too expensive at its list price. But ignoring all that, I was surprised how good it sounded for its tiny size. It's easily among the best-sounding micro Bluetooth speakers out there and is equipped with a two-way speaker system featuring a dedicated tweeter and Sony's X-Balanced Speaker unit (woofer), giving it much fuller sound than you'd expect, with punchy bass and good clarity. It's still a mono speaker, though you can pair two of them together for stereo sound.

Anker Soundcore Motion X600: Anker's Soundcore Motion X600 mini boom box not only has a premium look and feel with a metal grille and carrying handle, but it also includes some interesting features like spatial audio and support for Sony's LDAC audio codec. It sounds impressive for its relatively compact size and is a good value. Weighing 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg), it has some heft to it, but it's light enough to carry around without feeling like you're getting a workout. The speaker is available in gray, green and blue and is equipped with five drivers, including two woofers, two tweeters and one full-range, upward-firing driver "in a unique speaker array that combined with Soundcore's audio algorithm and DSP helps create a wide (and tall) soundstage for listening to any type of music," according to Anker. It's rated for 50 watts of total power, with two 20-watt amps devoted to the woofers and tweeters and a third 10-watt amp powering the upward-firing driver.

Anker Soundcore Motion 300: Bose makes its excellent SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker that sells for about $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 lists for only $80. Like the SoundLink Flex, it can be laid down flat with its speaker firing up toward the ceiling 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.

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 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 Bose 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 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.

Harman Kardon Luna: Harman Kardon, which is owned by Samsung, makes popular JBL Bluetooth speakers like the Flip 6 and JBL Charge. The under-the-radar Harman Kardon Luna may just be the best mini Bluetooth speaker you've never heard of. It's not only attractively designed -- it comes in black or white -- but sounds surprisingly good for its size, with clear, natural sound and punchy bass (it's a mono speaker with a dual-driver design that features a woofer and a tweeter).

Sony ULT Field 1: Sony launched the SRS-XB23 a few years ago, and it was a fairly popular portable Bluetooth speaker. The lightweight and compact ULT Field 1 sort of looks like a cross between the XB23 and the newer SRS-XE200. It sounds significantly better than the XB23, which had bass-forward sound but just didn't offer enough clarity and detail for my tastes. The ULT Field 1 sounds fuller and more balanced and competes favorably with JBL's popular Flip 6, which lists for the same price.

Tribit Stormbox Lava: Tribit's new-for-2025 Stormbox Lava speaker can be best described as a poor man's JBL Xtreme 4 speaker. It doesn't sound as good as that JBL speaker, which costs $380. The Lava looks a little generic, but it does output a lot of sound with pretty powerful bass and costs a lot less (a removable shoulder strap and carrying handle are included). This is not the most refined-sounding speaker -- it lacks some clarity -- but if big sound is what you're after in a boombox-style speaker, the affordable Stormbox Lava fits the bill. With an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, it also seems pretty durable and offers up to 24 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels. As for extra features, there's a charge-out port, and you can link multiple Tribit speakers in party or stereo mode and tweak the sound via the Tribit app for iOS and Android.

Marshall Middleton: With Marshall recently releasing the Middleton in 2025, the original Middleton speaker is being discounted. It isn't exactly compact, but tt also isn't so beefy that you get a workout carrying it around. Weighing 4 pounds (1.8kg), it's bigger than Marshall's Emberton speaker and smaller and more portable than its Kilburn II speaker. Any way you look at it, it sounds very good for its size and puts out a surprising amount of quality bass while offering good treble detail and natural-sounding mids (where vocals live). I also liked that it has equalizer controls on the speaker itself and is fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating.

JBL Clip 4: JBL has released the newer Clip 5, which features slightly better sound and a new carabiner design. But the Clip 4 is still a very good micro Bluetooth speaker and can be had at a discount.

Sony SRS-XB100: Sony's smallest Bluetooth speaker was once again modestly upgraded in 2023, with a new Bluetooth chipset, 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 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.

JBL Flip 6: As JBL has launched the newer Flip 7, which has improved sound and a little better battery life, the Flip 6 is being discounted. While it doesn't sound as good as its successor, the Flip 6 is still a good Bluetooth speaker that offers good sound quality in a rugged design (it's IP67 waterproof and dust-resistant) -- and it doesn't look much different from the Flip 7.

JBL Charge 5: I still like the Charge 5, which also comes in a more expensive Wi-Fi version, but JBL has released the improved Charge 6. That said, with that newer model available, we're seeing some nice discounts on the older Charge 5. At that price, it is worth considering.

Sonos Roam: Available in white or black for $179, the Roam is currently the smallest and most affordable Sonos speaker (if you don't count those $99 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk Ikea Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers), although it's fairly expensive for a mini wireless speaker. This Sonos Roam model, like the bigger Sonos Move 2 portable speaker, is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can tap into an existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers. Learn more about the Sonos Roam with our hands-on review.

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. Read our full review of the Tribit XSound Go to find out more.

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. I did a full review of the JBL Pulse 5 in January of 2023, and it still holds as an excellent speaker option.

Anker Motion Boom: Anker's more expensive Soundcore Motion Boom Plus (see above) is a substantial sound upgrade over the original Motion Boom, but this model remains a very good mini boom box for the money. Equipped with a handle and weighing a little over 4 pounds, the speaker reminds me of one of those giant flashlights or "floating lanterns" that were in vogue about 30 years ago. For the record, the Motion Boom actually does float and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. Find out more in our full Anker Motion Boom review.

UE Hyperboom: Ultimate Ears' Boom Bluetooth speakers come in a few different sizes, but none of them are as big as the Hyperboom. A supersize wireless speaker that tips the scales at a hefty 13 pounds, the Hyperboom makes the UE Megaboom 3 look unquestionably puny. It's not cheap, but its sound quality is better than a lot of the jumbo portable speakers on the market right now. Read our full review of the UE Hyperboom.

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).

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. You can learn more about the small-but-mighty B&O Beousound A1 in our full review.

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. I tested the speaker in 2018 and rated it an 8.3 out of 10 in the Bose SoundLink Micro review.

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. Read more in my Anker Soundcore Motion Plus review.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore: It's a little overpriced for the sound quality it delivers, but 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.

Monoprice Soundstage 3 (Out of Stock): Monoprice tends to make pretty generic-looking electronic products, and its understated Soundstage 3 Bluetooth speaker probably isn't going to wow you with its design, although its minimalist aesthetic has its appeal. It's a good value thanks to its ability to play big sound with strong bass and decent clarity, with 50 watts of power that drives a 5.25-inch "concave aluminum cone woofer" flanked by two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters. It also has good connectivity options, including digital optical, 3.5mm analog and RCA analog wired inputs that allow you to connect your television or another stereo component. There's also a sub-out port.

Tribit XSound Mega (Out of Stock): 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.

Tribit StormBox (Out of Stock): 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.

How do I choose a Bluetooth speaker?

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, it comes down to 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. There are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver a bigger sound than you might expect, but 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. 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.

How do I connect a Bluetooth speaker to my TV?

Well, first of all, you need a TV, a video streaming device or a set-top cable or satellite box that has Bluetooth. You connect a Bluetooth speaker just like you do Bluetooth earbuds: through the Bluetooth settings menu on your TV or those aforementioned devices (Apple TV, for instance, has Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to connect your AirPods).

The only issue with connecting a Bluetooth speaker to your TV is that there can be some audio-video syncing issues due to Bluetooth lag. In some cases, where your Bluetooth speaker has an audio input (a few high-end Bluetooth speakers even have digital audio inputs), you can use a wired connection to the speaker via the audio outputs on your TV. Soundbars tend to use the optical or HDMI connection on your TV to get sound. Many soundbars have a Bluetooth option so you can wirelessly stream music from your phone to the soundbar. So if you're looking to really build out the sound on your television, you may want to look into building a true home theater system or a great soundbar audio experience.

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 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.

How much does a good Bluetooth speaker cost?

Quality Bluetooth speakers usually cost between $50 and $400. Budget-friendly options like the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 ($50-$80) offer decent sound quality for more casual listening. Midrange Bluetooth speakers such as the JBL Flip 6 ($150-$200) can provide better audio fidelity and battery life for more serious listening. If you're hoping to splurge, premium models like the Bose SoundLink Max ($250-$400) deliver exceptional sound quality, build materials and additional features for the highest quality audio experience.

Do I need a waterproof speaker?

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers are an excellent option if you plan to use your speaker outdoors, by the pool, at the beach or in the shower. Models with an IP rating of IPX3 or higher are protected against spraying or splashing water, while IPX7 ratings or higher can withstand full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. Be sure to consider where you plan on bringing your Bluetooth speaker and take a look at the manufacturer's IP rating before you choose a model.

View original source — CNET ↗

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