April 2024
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of portable bluetooth speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 2 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 115 bluetooth speaker endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
65 bluetooth speakers were endorsed in total, only 27 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 Apr 2024, JBL Charge 5 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed bluetooth speaker with 6 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 bluetooth speaker' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
JBL: 8 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is JBL Charge 5)
-
Ultimate Ears: 6 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3)
-
Tribit: 5 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Tribit StormBox Micro 2)
-
Sonos: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sonos Move 2)
-
Anker: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Anker Soundcore Motion 300)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
What Hi-Fi
|
SoundGuys
|
PCMag
|
Popular Mechanics
|
TechRadar
|
Rtings.com
|
Tom's Guide
|
WIRED
|
TechHive
|
Digital Trends
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3
|
- | $179 |
Sonos Roam
A great speaker that can be taken anywhere
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
11
|
10
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
- | $48 |
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
8
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Jbl Boombox 3
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
- | $68 |
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
- | $200 |
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)
A good-looking speaker that produces beautiful acoustics. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and can be paired with multiple devices.
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
- | $400 |
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
A beast of a speaker that is built for parties
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
13
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
- | $80 |
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
10
|
- | $100 |
JBL Flip 6
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
11
|
- | $106 |
UE Boom 3
A Bluetooth speaker good enough for any user. Portable, protected, and loud.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
- | $229 |
Sonos Era 100
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
+7 | $300 |
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-1 | $170 |
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
15
|
-1 | $271 |
Marshall Middleton
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
9
|
16
|
-1 | $150 |
Soundcore Motion X600
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
21
|
+1 | $80 |
JBL Clip 4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
-1 | $424 |
Sonos Era 300
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23
|
- | Check price |
UE Wonderboom 2
A Bluetooth speaker small in size but big in performance. It’s the perfect speaker for active users who loves the outdoors.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
24
|
- | $51 |
Anker Soundcore 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
25
|
New * | $80 |
Tribit Stormbox Flow
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
26
|
-1 | $599 |
JBL Authentics 500
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
27
|
-1 | $200 |
Tribit Stormbox Blast
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
28
|
-1 | $319 |
Marshall Stockwell II
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
29
|
-1 | $699 |
Soundboks Go
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
10
|
30
|
-1 | Check price |
Sony SRS-XG300
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
31
|
-1 | Check price |
LG XBoom XL7
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
We ranked Sonos Roam #1 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Roam as #1.
- Highly portable
- Good sound quality
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
- Connectivity features
- Quite expensive
The Sonos Roam offers an ultra-light and ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers impressive sound, wireless connectivity, automatic tuning, and some level of protection against the elements. It delivers high-quality acoustics that is crisp and clear. It offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to pair with devices and connect to AI assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The device’s TruePlay feature tunes the sound to better fit any environment, to enhance listening anywhere. It works great on its own, but it can also be connected to other Sonos speakers nearby for an even greater music experience. The Sonos Roam also supports wireless charging, which is another plus. It comes with water and dust protection, which makes it the perfect companion for outdoors. However, as experts pointed out, it can only offer 10 hours of continuous operation, so that’s quite a lot smaller than others on the market. Overall, it is an excellent option that will appeal to most music lovers.
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for most people
Big, booming, room-filling sound
Rugged design for max portability
|
Average battery life
Bass can be overwhelming indoors
|
Tom's Guide
Sonos' best go anywhere pocket speaker
Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning
|
No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life
|
Digital Trends
The best portable Sonos speaker
Excellent design
Lightweight and portable
Totally water and dustproof
Very good sound for its size
Choice of smart speaker assistants
Wireless charging
|
No Bluetooth stereo pairing
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Less battery life than some other speakers
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #2 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
Small and mighty, the Stormbox Micro 2 is possibly the most wallet-friendly Bluetooth speaker we’ve tested.
Enjoyable sound for the size
Excellent portable design
Plenty of extra features
|
Can sound unwieldy at higher volumes
|
TechRadar
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
Surprisingly big sound
Doubles as a phone charger
Unbeatable value
|
No 3.5mm jack
Audio quality is easily beat
|
Digital Trends
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
Excellent 120-foot Bluetooth range
IP67 weather resistance
Can be paired with another Micro 2
Doubles as a portable charger
|
The sound is what it is
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend portable bluetooth speakers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of portable bluetooth speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking
We ranked Jbl Boombox 3 #3 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Jbl Boombox 3 as #1.
PCMag
Best Boombox / Editor's Choice
Good bass depth and crisp highs
Gets extremely loud
App includes adjustable EQ
Waterproof and dustproof build
|
Heavy
Expensive
Only supports SBC codec
|
Tom's Guide
Big sound and long battery life in a chunky portable
Large-scale sound
Booming bass
Rugged design and long battery life
|
Heavy for a portable
Treble can sound harsh
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #4 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
An impressive portable Bluetooth speaker for under $100
Impressive bass for its size
Waterproof design
Can pair two together
14 hours battery life
|
No USB-C connector
|
Digital Trends
Best floatable speaker for the pool
Excellent durability
Light and portable
Balanced, 360-degree sound
Affordable price point
|
Somewhat lacking in bass
Not as slim as other competitors
Some minor connectivity issues
|
We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #5 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Stunning acoustics
- Alexa-ready
- IP67 rating
- Looks sturdy
- Pricey
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a portable Bluetooth speaker that looks as good as it sounds. It produces stunning acoustics paired with decent bass delivery. The speaker appears durable enough and also offers protection against the elements with its IP67 waterproof rating. It is also equipped with a battery that can provide 18 hours of uninterrupted operation. The device includes a speakerphone system that can be used to issue Alexa commands and can be linked to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. It can be charged using a USB-C cable, which, luckily, comes included when purchased. A useful strap provides further convenience for transportation. Overall, the experts were quite satisfied with the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen).
What Hi-Fi
One of the weightiest and most refined little speakers we’ve ever heard.
Expansive sound, weighty bass
Competent Alexa integration
Stunning build and finish
|
Not exactly a budget option
|
Popular Mechanics
Sleek Design
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Pricey
|
TechRadar
The best small portable speaker for audiophiles
Exceptional, audiophile level sound
Solid but lightweight design
|
Alexa but no Wi-Fi
Buttons not raised
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #6 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Fantastic sound with good bass
- Amazingly loud volume capability
- IPX4 rating
- Useful EQ
- Extended battery life
- Costs a lot
- Large and quite heavy
The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is a massive 14-inch speaker that plays music loud enough for any social setting. Being the largest speaker in Ultimate Ear’s lineup, it can perform well both indoors and outdoors. It has absolutely no problem filling large, open spaces with high-quality sound, according to experts. It produces a balanced output that works with any track. It also allows Bluetooth connectivity, and two devices can connect to the speaker system simultaneously. With this feature, two people can control the music lineup, alternating tracks between two devices for an uninterrupted music stream. The overall product quality is excellent. It looks well-built and durable enough to withstand some abuse. On average, the battery lasts around 23 to 24 hours, which is more than enough time to spice up a party with great sounds. It comes with a shoulder strap and is also splash resistant.
SoundGuys
Best for Parties
Splash-proof IPX4 build
Dual Bluetooth inputs with seamless switching
Aux and optical inputs
|
Price
SBC only, no aptX or AAC
Large and bulky
No high-quality Bluetooth codec support
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for huge sound indoors and out
Tectonic shifting power
Smart dual-connection function
|
Not the lightest at 13lbs
It's not cheap
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
Powerful sound
Goes loud
Good battery life
|
Most expensive model on test
Bulky size and heavy to carry
|
We ranked Anker Soundcore Motion 300 #7 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Anker Soundcore Motion 300 as #1.
PCMag
Best Speaker Under $100/ Editor's Choice
Impressive power for its size
Waterproof build
Supports the LDAC codec
Speakerphone
Custom EQ in app
|
Digital signal processing thins out bass at top volumes
|
Digital Trends
The best overall Bluetooth speaker
Under $100
Full stereo sound
Totally waterproof
Speakerphone built-in
Handy carry strap
Illuminated controls
|
No battery level indicator
Bigger, heavier than alternatives
Hi-res audio is underwhelming
Sound gets rough at higher volumes
|
We ranked JBL Flip 6 #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
compact and affordable speaker that won't leave you penniless.
Clear, precise and enjoyable sound
Punchy bass for size
Useful equaliser feature
|
Can be critical of recording and source quality
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker at a mid-range price with no frills
Brilliantly balanced bass
Extremely easy to use
|
Pairing restricted to Flip 6 speakers
No Alexa or Siri support
|
Digital Trends
The best rugged speaker for outdoorsy types
Solid build quality
Loud and clear sound
Lightweight and portable
Excellent water and dust protection
EQ offers some sound tweaking
Works with JBL Portable app and PartyBoost
|
Can't stereo pair with non-Flip 6 JBL speakers
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Not drastically different from Flip 5
|
We ranked UE Boom 3 #9 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked UE Boom 3 as #1.
- Can reach loud volumes
- Highly portable
- IP67 rating
- Quality of sound is not that impressive
Experts reviews of the UE Boom 3 found that while it is a good speaker overall, it doesn’t really compare to its competitors. The sound is powerful enough to fill a room when the volume is cranked up, with no noticeable distortion. There is decent sound output also, but it’s nothing spectacular. However, the wireless range is actually rather impressive, reaching potentially around 100 to 150 feet. The battery impresses as well as it can provide 15 hours of continuous operation. It comes with IP67 water and dust protection and additionally comes in multiple colors to suit anyone’s preference. Overall, the UE Boom 3 is a decent enough Bluetooth speaker that can get loud when needed.
Popular Mechanics
Great Pool Speaker
Stunning color options
360-degree sound
|
Physical buttons only control volume
|
We ranked Sonos Era 100 #10 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
Sonos' much-heralded Era 100 is the smaller of the new Era range - but in no way is it any less mighty.
Large, open sound presentation with crisp detail
Fantastic, simple-to-use app
Great sense of rhythm, timing and tone
Vast catalogue of streaming features
|
Adapter for wired connection costs extra
Apple HomePod 2 is more natural with voices
|
Tom's Guide
Best entry-level Sonos speaker with stereo sound
Dual tweeters for stereo sound
Larger woofer pumps out more bass than Sonos One
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless support
USB-C line in for external audio sources
Alexa and Sonos Voice enabled
|
No Google Assistant support
More expensive than Sonos One
No battery
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Epicboom #11 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
Best for big sound plus looks
Gifted, room-filling audio
Boom app adds useful features
UE's strong design aesthetic
|
No wi-fi streaming support
PartyUp isn't compatible with key UE speakers
Strap doesn't really aid portability
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 #12 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best portable Bluetooth speaker overall
Big bass and full vocals
Good battery life
Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound
|
Big and heavy for a portable
No speakerphone
|
Digital Trends
Excellent sound for its size
Loud, dynamic sound
Easy to use
Waterproof
Great battery life
|
Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer
|
We ranked Marshall Middleton #13 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Portable Outdoor Speaker
Powerful audio with deep bass and bright highs
Waterproof and dust-tight design
Onboard and in-app bass and treble controls
Can charge external devices
|
Expensive
Exterior easily attracts dust
No speakerphone function
|
TechHive
Best mid-priced Bluetooth speaker
Excellent clarity and separation
Tight, punchy bass–and plenty of it
IP67 protection from the elements
20-hour battery life
|
Considerably more expensive than the competition in its class
|
Digital Trends
Classic amp looks, classically clear sound
Big soundstage for a small package
Bold bass, clear highs
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
AUX input
Stackable
|
Picks up dust and fingerprints easily
A bit expensive
|
We ranked Soundcore Motion X600 #14 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
SoundGuys
Best style
Unique 3 driver design
Bluetooth 5.3
IPX7 waterproof
|
No dust rating
No 3.5 wired option
|
TechHive
Best mid-priced Bluetooth speaker, runner-up
Excellent sound
Loud and thumpy when you want it to be
IPX7 weatherization with rugged metal construction
Supports the Hi-Res LDAC codec (on Android)
|
Doesn't support the AAC codec
A tad bulky for its size
|
We ranked Sonos Era 300 #16 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for Spatial Audio / Editors' Choice
Room-filling sound with strong bass depth and bright highs
Supports Dolby Atmos
Works with Alexa and Sonos voice commands
Terrific companion app with room analysis and adjustable EQ
Wide support for music streaming services
|
Expensive
No Google Assistant or Cast support
|
Tom's Guide
Best-sounding speaker for spatial audio content
Amazing spatial audio
Lots of connectivity options
A plethora of streaming audio sources
|
Unusual design may not appeal to all
|
We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #17 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Highlyportable due to small size
- IP67 rating
- Strong bass
- Outdoor Boost
- Lacks a microphone
- Lacks micro USB charging capability
The UE Wonderboom 2 is a durable Bluetooth speaker designed for the outdoors. It has ample protection against the elements with its IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. It is built with durability that is essential for outdoor activities. It could survive a 5-foot fall if necessary and people can even bring it to the pool as it floats on water. Of course, the sound quality is what truly matters. The UE Wonderboom 2 can indeed boom (loudly) when needed. The sound quality is quite good and provides an equally good bass response. It is equipped with an Outdoor Boost mode for when “really loud” is required. Battery life is decent; it can provide 13 hours of uninterrupted playtime before needing a recharge. All this comes within a surprisingly small size that proves once again that looks can be deceiving.
Popular Mechanics
Most Durable
Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound
|
Shorter battery life
|
We ranked Anker Soundcore 3 #18 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best value small battery-powered Bluetooth speaker
Big sound from small design
Good battery life
Useful Soundcore app and EQ modes
|
Sound hardens up at higher volumes
Rubberized case marks easily
|
We ranked JBL Authentics 500 #20 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
TechHive
Best Bluetooth-capable smart speaker, runner-up
Stylish retro design
High-quality sound
Deep bass reproduction
|
Bulky design
Lofty price tag
|
We ranked Tribit Stormbox Blast #21 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for room-filling sound
Big, powerful sound that packs a punch
Oodles of snappy bass
USB-C charging for other devices
|
No mics so no voice assistant
No protection from dust
Button to boost bass lacks control
|
Tom's Guide
Big boombox-style bass and bling at a great price
Expansive sound
Booming bass
Battery lasts all day
|
Treble can sound harsh at high volumes
|
We ranked Soundboks Go #23 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
TechHive
Best Bluetooth speaker for big outdoor parties
Impressive volume without distortion
Sturdy, weatherproof construction
Excellent stereo sound when paired
|
Initial pairing was a challenge
Limited inputs
No support for high-res codecs such as aptX or LDAC
|
Digital Trends
A Bluetooth speaker with big sound
Great sound at loud volumes
Sturdy cabinet and bumpers
Good battery life
Effective app support
Awesome when paired with other speakers
|
Not as useful indoors
Limited codec support
Pricey
|
We ranked Sony SRS-XG300 #24 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Codec Support / Editors' Choice
Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof and dustproof
App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls
|
Expensive
|
Digital Trends
The best boombox design
Nice and rugged build
Great sound quality
LEDs are cool
Easy pairing and app support
Party Connect works well
Solid battery life
|
Only one custom EQ setting allowed
Phone calls could be better
|
We ranked LG XBoom XL7 #25 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Party Speaker
Exceptionally powerful with deep bass and bright highs
LED array supports customizable text, animated graphics
App features custom EQ
Built-in karaoke features
|
Expensive
Weak water-resistance rating
|
Digital Trends
Best Bluetooth party speaker
It's loud
Sound is balanced and distortion-free
Telescoping handle and smooth wheels
20-hour battery
Fun LED light and DJ features
Karaoke mic and guitar inputs
Excellent app
|
LED lights aren't that bright
No stereo sound
Guitar input sound isn't great
|