March 2023
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Bluetooth Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.
Summary
Between 2 Mar 2023 and 4 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 112 Bluetooth Speaker endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
66 Portable Bluetooth Speakers were endorsed in total, only 19 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 4 Mar 2023, Sonos Move takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed bluetooth speaker with 7 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 bluetooth speaker' this month. It is followed by Sonos Roam and JBL Charge 5 , with 6 and 6 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
JBL:
9 Bluetooth Speakers
(#1 is JBL Pulse 4 )
-
Ultimate Ears:
5 Bluetooth Speakers
(#1 is Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 )
-
Tribit:
4 Bluetooth Speakers
(#1 is Tribit StormBox Micro )
-
Sony:
4 Bluetooth Speakers
(#1 is Sony SRS-RA5000 )
-
Anker:
4 Bluetooth Speakers
(#1 is Anker Soundcore Motion Boom )
Price breakdown
At a glance - March 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
Rtings.com
|
PCMag
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Digital Trends
|
Tom's Guide
|
TechRadar
|
WIRED
|
SoundGuys
|
TechHive
|
What Hi-Fi
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $329 |
Sonos Move
Weatherproof, voice-controlled, deep bass, wide soundscape, automatic Trueplay tuning, WiFi and Bluetooth streaming, portable & drop-resistant.
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
10
|
9
|
4
|
2
|
5
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $169 |
Sonos Roam
Stream over WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay2, waterproof and durable design, Trueplay tuning for clear sound, up to 10 hours of play time, multi-room audio with other Sonos speakers.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
11
|
|
3
|
- | $140 |
JBL Charge 5
Powerful sound, up to 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple speakers in stereo or link them together, built-in powerbank for charging devices.
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
7
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | $100 |
JBL Flip 6
IP67 waterproof, 12 hours of playtime, eco-friendly packaging, two-way speaker system for powerful sound and deep bass, PartyBoost for stereo sound or multiple speaker pairing.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
|
5
|
+6 | $88 |
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Bigger 360° sound, 14 hours of battery life, waterproof, dustproof and floatable, double up for stereo sound, durable and portable with 131 ft range, made with recycled plastic.
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
6
|
+4 | $60 |
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
High-capacity rechargeable battery offers 12 hours of playtime, SmartID technology doubles as a powerbank, Bluetooth 5.3 connection range up to 120ft, 48mm NdFeB driver and XBASS
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
7
|
-1 | $101 |
UE Boom 3
Portable and waterproof with 360° sound, deep bass, Magic Button for music controls, 15 hour battery life, durable fabric and PartyUp feature for pairing multiple speakers.
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $230 |
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)
Wireless, waterproof, ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker with built-in microphone and Alexa voice control. 2x140W peak power. Durable aluminium dome design. Up to 18 hours of battery life.
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
9
|
-1 | $390 |
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
Extreme bass and big sound, four device connection, adaptive EQ, 24 hour battery life, IPX4 water-resistant, USB charge-out port for phones.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
8
|
10
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
+2 | Check price |
Sony SRS-XG300
Retractable handle, IP67 waterproof/dustproof, up to 25 hours battery life, customizable sound/LED lighting, USB port for charging device, wireless/wired streaming via Bluetooth/3.5mm jack.
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-6 | $92 |
UE Wonderboom 2
Waterproof, dustproof and floatable, with 13-hour battery life, Outdoor Boost for outdoor listening, Stereo-pairing for bigger sound, easy play/pause/skip control.
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-3 | $148 |
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3
Portable wireless speaker blasts loud, clear 360° sound with deep bass; waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof and floats; 20 hour battery life; Magic Button for one-touch music control.
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-1 | $80 |
JBL Clip 4
Portable speaker with Bluetooth, built-in battery, waterproof and dustproof feature. Rich audio and punchy bass. Carabiner for extra protection. IP67 waterproof and dustproof. Up to 10 hours of playtime
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-1 | $156 |
Tribit Stormbox Blast
A powerful 90W portable speaker with XBass, IPX7 waterproof, LED light show, Bluetooth 5.3 & Custom EQ, 30H playtime & powerbank charge out.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-1 | $220 |
Marshall Stockwell II
20+ hours of portable playtime, True Stereophonic multi-directional sound, Bluetooth 5.0, IPX4 water-resistant rating, analogue control knobs for bass/treble/volume,
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $699 |
Soundboks Go
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
23
|
+1 | $149 |
Bose SoundLink Flex
Features state-of-the-art design, clear sound quality, waterproof, portable and rechargeable battery, built-in microphone for calls and Bluetooth connectivity.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
24
|
+2 | $300 |
Fluance AI61
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| #21 | $48.99 | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $59.99 | Tribit StormBox Micro 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $79.95 | JBL Clip 4 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $87.99 | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $92 | UE Wonderboom 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $99.95 | JBL Flip 6 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $100.95 | UE Boom 3 [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $139.95 | JBL Charge 5 [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $148.25 | Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 [buy] [more info] |
| #23 | $149 | Bose SoundLink Flex [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $155.98 | Tribit Stormbox Blast [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $169 | Sonos Roam [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $219.99 | Marshall Stockwell II [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $229.99 | Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) [buy] [more info] |
| #24 | $299.99 | Fluance AI61 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $329 | Sonos Move [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $390.19 | Ultimate Ears Hyperboom [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $699 | Soundboks Go [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Sonos Move #1 in March 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Move as #1.
- Impressive performance
- Durable
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection
- Easy to transport
- Expensive
- Quite big
The Sonos Move brings serious sound to the table, pumping out high-quality audio indoors and outdoors. It's known for its strong durability and resistance to dust and water, so you shouldn’t have any problems using it anywhere. This device is a Bluetooth speaker and Wi-Fi smart speaker all in one; including home network, music streaming, multi-room adjustments, and voice assistance similar to Alexa or Google Assistant. The battery not only lasts a long time but also gives you the option of replacing it. This is a big advantage if the battery is no longer in good condition or it starts draining faster than usual. Given all these great quality features, the high price could easily be justified. The biggest downside is that compared to the majority of portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, it is relatively tall and heavy.
Digital Trends
A multi-use Sonos speaker
|
Pros
Superb build quality
Integration with Sonos systems
Sounds especially good outdoors
User-replaceable battery
|
Cons
Sonos app doesn’t work over Bluetooth
Big size, big price
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for outdoors
|
Pros
Superb audio quality
Built-in Automatic TruePlay technology
Easy Wi-Fi-to-Bluetooth connection conversion
Great build quality
|
Cons
One of the most expensive models on test -No smart features in Bluetooth mode
|
TechRadar
The Bluetooth speaker for premium sound
|
Pros
Integrates with a home Sonos speaker network
On-the-go tunes
|
Cons
Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth
Cant be used as rear cinema speakers
|
SoundGuys
Best Smart Speaker
|
Pros
Sound quality
Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Charging cradle
Alexa and Google Assistant
IP56 rating
mics work well
|
Cons
Price
Not very portable
Distorts at high volumes
|
TechHive
Best outdoor Bluetooth smart speaker
|
Pros
Fantastic audio performance, indoors and out
Automatic Trueplay optimizes audio performance for wherever the speaker is playing
Amazing range while operating over Wi-Fi
Long battery life and smart battery-charging tech
|
Cons
Highly directional sound stage (it’s wide, but not circular)
No support for the aptX or aptX HD Bluetooth codecs
Limited to 16-bit/48kHz resolution
|
We ranked Sonos Roam #2 in March 2023 because:
- 6 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.
Digital Trends
The best portable Sonos speaker
|
Pros
Excellent design
Lightweight and portable
Totally water and dustproof
Very good sound for its size
Choice of smart speaker assistants
Wireless charging
|
Cons
No Bluetooth stereo pairing
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Less battery life than some other speakers
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker with Wi-Fi smarts
|
Pros
Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning
|
Cons
No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for most people
|
Pros
Powerful audio performance
Tough and very portable design
|
Cons
Not the longest battery life
Bass is heavier than some might like
|
TechHive
Best portable Bluetooth smart speaker
|
Pros
Exceptional sound for its size
Auto Trueplay works over Bluetooth
Sound Swap feature lets you “swap” music with other Sonos speakers
Small and light, with a waterproof design
|
Cons
Slow wireless charging (at least with third-party chargers)
Sound Swap doesn’t work across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 modes
|
What Hi-Fi
A neat Bluetooth speaker with a punch of well-controlled bass.
|
Pros
Full-bodied sound
Lots of features
Portable
|
Cons
Clarity not exceptional
Average timing and dynamics
|
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 March 2023 ranking
Rtings.com
PCMag
Popular Mechanics
Digital Trends
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
WIRED
SoundGuys
TechHive
What Hi-Fi
We ranked JBL Charge 5 #3 in March 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1.
- Improved sound output
- 20-hour battery life
- No common points of criticism among experts
The experts have many good things to say about the JBL Charge 5. Building upon the successes of previous Charge models the 5 comes with improvements that make this a good option for any consumer. It’s equipped with a battery that will provide around 20 hours of continuous operation at a moderate volume level. The device is resistant against water and dust, as it’s IP67 rated. You can charge the unit via the USB-C port, while a USB-A port is also included so users can charge other devices with it. Experts especially took notice of the improvements made to the sound quality. The 5 sounds better overall and can get louder than previous versions. It also features PartyBoost which allows you to connect it to other compatible JBL speakers for more sound coverage. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit all possible personality types.
PCMag
Best for Portable Outdoor Audio / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Powerful, bass-forward, bright sound signature
Gets loud for its relatively compact size
Fully waterproof design
USB-A port for charging mobile devices
|
Cons
App lacks EQ
No speakerphone
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker with full waterproofing
|
Pros
Decent sound, particularly with vocals
Impressive bass performance
Good battery life with useful top-up facility for other devices
|
Cons
Basic control app
|
TechRadar
The best mid-range wireless speaker
|
Pros
Balanced sound quality
Gets extremely loud
Long battery life
|
Cons
Long charge time
No more aux jack
|
SoundGuys
Best All-around
|
Pros
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
Cons
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
|
TechHive
Best portable Bluetooth speaker, runner-up
|
Pros
Dustproof and waterproof
Gets incredibly loud without distortion
Solid battery life
Easy-to-use controls
|
Cons
Expensive for its size
No speakerphone
No AUX input
|
What Hi-Fi
Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge
|
Pros
Clearer and more detailed sound
Wider soundstage
Updated dustproofing
|
Cons
Nothing at this level
|
We ranked JBL Flip 6 #4 in March 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Flip 6 as #1.
Digital Trends
The best rugged speaker for outdoorsy types
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Can't stereo pair with non-Flip 6 JBL speakers
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Not drastically different from Flip 5
|
Tom's Guide
Updated version improves durability and sound
|
Pros
Balances sound quality and size well
Rich bass
Rugged
|
Cons
No auxiliary input
No integrated voice assistant
|
TechRadar
A fun, no frills Bluetooth speaker for a good price
|
Pros
Well-balanced, bassy sound
Simple to use
|
Cons
No charging port for your phone
No voice assistant
|
SoundGuys
Best portability
|
Pros
IP67 rating
Lightweight, portable
Loud for size
Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging
Sound quality
|
Cons
No high-quality codecs
No mic
|
What Hi-Fi
JBL continues an inspired run of form with the talented Flip 6.
|
Pros
Great clarity and sonic precision
Punchy bass for size
Useful equaliser feature
|
Cons
Critical of recording and source quality
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #5 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
Best floatable speaker for the pool
|
Pros
Excellent durability
Light and portable
Balanced, 360-degree sound
Affordable price point
|
Cons
Somewhat lacking in bass
Not as slim as other competitors
Some minor connectivity issues
|
Tom's Guide
An impressive portable Bluetooth speaker for under $100
|
Pros
Impressive bass for its size
Waterproof design
Can pair two together
14 hours battery life
|
Cons
No USB-C connector
|
What Hi-Fi
An affordable Bluetooth speaker with a detailed sound and good battery life.
|
Pros
Detailed, dynamic sound
Excellent, portable design
Easy to use
|
Cons
Uses outdated micro USB
Better sound available on newer rivals
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #6 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
|
Pros
Excellent 120-foot Bluetooth range
IP67 weather resistance
Can be paired with another Micro 2
Doubles as a portable charger
|
Cons
The sound is what it is
|
TechRadar
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
|
Pros
Great sound quality for the size
Can now charge your phone
Incredible value
|
Cons
No 3.5mm line-in for wired listening
Can't chain with older models
|
What Hi-Fi
The most wallet-friendly Bluetooth speaker we’ve tested
|
Pros
Enjoyable sound for the size
Excellent portable design
Plenty of extra features
|
Cons
Can sound unwieldy at higher volumes
|
We ranked UE Boom 3 #7 in March 2023 because:
- 3 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
|
Pros
Stunning color options
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Physical buttons only control volume
|
TechRadar
An excellent outdoor speaker for travel
|
Pros
IP67 waterproof/dust-proof
Powerful sound
Rugged design
|
Cons
Audio could be clearer
|
We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #8 in March 2023 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).
Popular Mechanics
Sleek Design
|
Pros
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Cons
Pricey
|
TechRadar
The best small portable speaker for audiophiles
|
Pros
Crisp sound quality
Lightweight design
|
Cons
Flawed Alexa support
Buttons are tricky to find
|
What Hi-Fi
The weightiest and most refined little speaker we’ve heard in a while
|
Pros
Expansive sound, weighty bass
Competent Alexa integration
Stunning build and finish
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #9 in March 2023 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.
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
|
Pros
Powerful sound
Goes loud
Good battery life
|
Cons
Most expensive model on test
Bulky size and heavy to carry
|
TechRadar
Powerful sound for parties both big and small
|
Pros
Excellent sound
Smart dual connection function
Stylish design
|
Cons
Very heavy at 13lbs
-It's not cheap
|
SoundGuys
Best for Parties
|
Pros
IPX4
Two Bluetooth inputs
Adaptive EQ
Good sound with big bass for parties
24 hour battery life
Optical input
|
Cons
Price
Not entirely waterproof, so don't submerge it
No high-quality Bluetooth codec support
|
We ranked Sony SRS-XG300 #10 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best for an Outdoor Light Show / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof and dustproof
App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Digital Trends
The best boombox design
|
Pros
Nice and rugged build
Great sound quality
LEDs are cool
Easy pairing and app support
Party Connect works well
Solid battery life
|
Cons
Only one custom EQ setting allowed
Phone calls could be better
|
We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #11 in March 2023 because:
- 3 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
|
Pros
Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Shorter battery life
|
TechRadar
The smallest and toughest Bluetooth speaker for outdoors
|
Pros
Great sound for its size
IP67 dustproof/waterproof rating
30% better battery life
|
Cons
Restrictive soundstage
Micro-USB charging
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 #12 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker overall
|
Pros
Big bass and full vocals
Good battery life
Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound
|
Cons
Big and heavy for a portable
No speakerphone
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We ranked JBL Clip 4 #13 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Most portable
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Pros
Built-in clip for portability
Water and dust-proof
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Cons
Shorter battery life
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We ranked Tribit Stormbox Blast #14 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Big boombox-style bass and bling at a great price
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Pros
Expansive sound
Booming bass
Battery lasts all day
|
Cons
Treble can sound harsh at high volumes
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TechRadar
The best for room-filling sound
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Pros
Meaty, room-filling, talented sound
Simple and easy-to-use control panel
USB-C charging of your other devices
|
Cons
Lacks mics for speakerphone duties
No dustproof rating
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We ranked Marshall Stockwell II #15 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Stylish Subwoofer
|
Pros
Analog control knobs for custom sound
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Cons
Only splash resistant
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We ranked Anker Soundcore Flare 2 #16 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
|
Pros
Great sound quality
Speakerphone feature
IPX7 water-resistant
|
Cons
Sound distorts at higher volume
Bass performance is limited
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We ranked Soundboks Go #17 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
A Bluetooth speaker with big sound
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Pros
Great sound at loud volumes
Sturdy cabinet and bumpers
Good battery life
Effective app support
Awesome when paired with other speakers
|
Cons
Not as useful indoors
Limited codec support
Pricey
|
TechHive
Best Bluetooth speaker for big outdoor parties
|
Pros
Impressive volume without distortion
Sturdy, weatherproof construction
Excellent stereo sound when paired
|
Cons
Initial pairing was a challenge
Limited inputs
No support for high-res codecs such as aptX or LDAC
|
We ranked Bose SoundLink Flex #18 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
A great Bluetooth speaker for portability and controls
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Pros
Light and robust
Full-range and periodically expressive sound
Plenty of pairing and control options
|
Cons
Can get edgy at high volumes
Bass doesn’t integrate perfectly
Fixed EQs
|
SoundGuys
Best Microphone
|
Pros
Rugged IP67 rating
USB-C charging
Clear Audio Playback
Portable
Microphone
|
Cons
Bluetooth 4.2,SBC only
Buttons are hard to distinguish by feel
Unstable app
|
We ranked Fluance AI61 #19 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
|
Pros
Rich, detailed audio performance with true stereo separation
Handsome design
Wired and wireless audio options
Discrete bass and treble controls
|
Cons
Lacks serious sub-bass (but offers subwoofer output)
No companion app
Can clip the beginning of tracks over Bluetooth
|
TechHive
Best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers
|
Pros
Bluetooth, analog, digital, and USB connectivity
Very good sonics
Attractively designed
|
Cons
No balanced analog audio input
|