September 2023

Portable Bluetooth Speakers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of portable bluetooth speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 113 bluetooth speaker endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

67 bluetooth speakers were endorsed in total, only 21 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 2 Sep 2023, Sonos Roam takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed bluetooth speaker with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 bluetooth speaker' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking portable bluetooth speakers start at $27.99 (Anker SoundCore) and go up to $1699 (Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level). Median bluetooth speaker costs $199 (Audioengine A1).
$27.99
$1699

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
Tom's Guide
WIRED
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Rtings.com
PCMag
TechRadar
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
TechHive
1
+1 $179
Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam is a highly versatile and durable portable speaker that delivers excellent sound quality, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistant integration, and unique features such as Automatic TruePlay and wireless charging.
10
4
-
13
-
-
1
-
2
6
2
+1 $130
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 is a durable and powerful portable Bluetooth speaker with a long battery life, PartyBoost feature, and water and dust resistance.
8
-
-
1
-
-
3
3
5
-
3
+1 $180
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is a durable and high-quality portable Bluetooth speaker with a well-balanced sound, long battery life, and PartyBoost feature, making it perfect for outdoor activities and gatherings.
11
-
-
3
-
-
7
1
-
7
4
+1 $450
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Bluetooth Speaker is a powerful and durable speaker that offers big, booming sound with extreme bass, has an IPX4 water resistance rating, and can be synced up with multiple Hyperboom, Boom, and Megaboom speakers for synchronized playback using the PartyUp feature.
12
10
-
-
-
-
8
4
13
-
5
-4 $381
Sonos Move
The Sonos Move is a durable and versatile speaker with excellent sound quality, a long battery life, and easy connectivity to Wi-Fi and voice assistants, making it a great option for indoor and outdoor use.
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
2
3
5
6
- $48
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a durable and waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound, long battery life, and versatile connectivity options.
-
8
-
6
-
-
2
-
6
-
7
- $89
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a highly portable and durable Bluetooth speaker with well-balanced sound quality, long battery life, and an environmentally friendly design, making it perfect for outdoor activities, travel, and parties.
7
-
-
9
3
-
-
-
4
-
8
- $179
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) Bluetooth speaker is a highly portable and durable speaker with exceptional battery life, clear and rich sound, and unique features such as Alexa voice control and multi-device pairing.
-
11
7
8
-
-
4
-
-
-
9
- $299
Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 is a high-quality, durable, and sustainable speaker with impressive sound quality, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistant integration, and the ability to adjust EQ for a personalized listening experience, making it a great choice for indoor use in a home or office setting.
2
2
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
New * $500
Jbl Boombox 3
The JBL Boombox 3 is a highly praised portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly in terms of bass performance and clarity, making it perfect for outdoor use, parties, and immersive audio experiences.
-
-
-
-
1
6
-
-
-
-
11
-1 $558
Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is a high-quality indoor Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, seamless connectivity options, and built-in voice control, making it a versatile and high-performing speaker for home use.
3
-
-
-
5
7
-
-
-
-
12
+1 $152
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3
The Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 is a durable and waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker with a boomy sound profile, 360-degree design, impressive battery life, and good Bluetooth connectivity, making it perfect for outdoor activities and adventures.
5
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
10
-
13
-1 $127
UE Boom 3
The UE Boom 3 is a highly portable and durable Bluetooth speaker with a punchy sound profile, long battery life, and waterproof and dust-proof design, making it perfect for outdoor activities and travel.
-
1
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
14
- $300
Marshall Middleton
The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker is a durable and portable speaker with balanced and powerful sound quality, a long battery life, and Bluetooth 5.1 technology, making it perfect for outdoor use and easy to transport for everyday use.
-
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
7
3
20
- $80
JBL Clip 4
The JBL Clip 4 is a highly portable and durable Bluetooth speaker with waterproof and dustproof features, delivering clear sound with JBL Original Pro Sound technology and a long battery life, but lacks deep bass and built-in microphone for voice control or speakerphone capabilities.
-
7
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
+1 $51
Anker Soundcore 3
The Anker Soundcore 3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with decent sound quality, impressive volume output, long battery life, and durable build, making it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor use.
6
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
22
-1 Check price
UE Wonderboom 2
The UE Wonderboom 2 is a highly recommended portable Bluetooth speaker that is durable, waterproof, and has impressive sound quality, making it perfect for outdoor activities and travel.
-
6
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23
- $311
Marshall Stockwell II
The Marshall Stockwell II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a highly recommended product for its excellent sound quality, durability, and portability, making it a great choice for outdoor use.
-
9
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
24
-13 $200
Tribit Stormbox Blast
The Tribit Stormbox Blast is a durable and portable Bluetooth speaker with impressive bass performance, long battery life, advanced Bluetooth technology, and LED lights that sync with the music, making it perfect for outdoor activities and parties.
9
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
25
-1 $699
Soundboks Go
The Soundboks Go is a powerful and durable portable Bluetooth speaker designed for outdoor use, with a maximum volume output of 121 decibels in Bass+ mode, weather resistance rating of IP65, and a variable battery life of up to 40 hours.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
8
26
-1 Check price
Sony SRS-XG300
The Sony SRS-XG300 is a durable and portable Bluetooth speaker with a bass-heavy sound profile, long battery life, excellent Bluetooth connectivity, and unique features such as RGB lights and compatibility with Sony's Fiestable app.
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
9
-

; ; ;
#6 $47.88 Tribit StormBox Micro 2
#21 $50.99 Anker Soundcore 3
#20 $79.95 JBL Clip 4
#7 $88.99 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
#13 $126.92 UE Boom 3
#2 $129.95 JBL Flip 6
#12 $151.99 Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3
#8 $178.79 Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)
#1 $178.97 Sonos Roam
#3 $179.95 JBL Charge 5
#24 $199.99 Tribit Stormbox Blast
#9 $299 Sonos Era 100
#14 $299.99 Marshall Middleton
#23 $310.98 Marshall Stockwell II
#5 $381.15 Sonos Move
#4 $449.99 Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
#10 $499.95 Jbl Boombox 3
#11 $557.77 Sonos Era 300
#25 $699 Soundboks Go

We ranked Sonos Roam #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Roam as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A great speaker that can be taken anywhere
Experts Praise For:
  • Highly portable
  • Good sound quality
  • Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
  • Connectivity features
Experts Criticise For:
  • Quite expensive
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

Sonos' best go anywhere pocket speaker

Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning

No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Smart Bluetooth Speaker

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

A neat Bluetooth speaker with a punch of well-controlled bass.

Full-bodied sound
Lots of features
Slimline, portable design

Clarity not exceptional
Average timing and dynamics

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best Bluetooth speaker for most people

Powerful audio performance
Tough and very portable design

Not the longest battery life
Bass is heavier than some might like

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

TechHive

Best portable Bluetooth smart speaker

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

Slow wireless charging (at least with third-party chargers)
Sound Swap doesn’t work across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 modes

Go to ranking

We ranked JBL Flip 6 #2 in September 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.
Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

Updated version improves durability and sound

Balances sound quality and size well
Rich bass
Rugged

No auxiliary input
No integrated voice assistant

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Fun, compact and affordable, JBL continues its strong run with the classy Flip 6.

Great clarity and sonic precision
Punchy bass for size
Useful equaliser feature

Critical of recording and source quality

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best Bluetooth speaker at a mid-range price with no frills

Well-balanced, bassy sound
Simple to use

No charging port for your phone
No voice assistant

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best portability

IP67 rating
Lightweight, portable
Loud for size
Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging
Sound quality

No high-quality codecs
No mic

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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 September 2023 ranking

We ranked JBL Charge 5 #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A good speaker option with excellent sound quality and users can even charge other devices with it.
Experts Praise For:
  • Improved sound output
  • 20-hour battery life
Experts Criticise For:
  • No common points of criticism among experts
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

The best Bluetooth speaker with full waterproofing

Decent sound, particularly with vocals
Impressive bass performance
Good battery life with useful top-up facility for other devices

Basic control app

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge

Clearer and more detailed sound
Wider soundstage
Updated dustproofing

More affordable JBL models are available

Go to ranking

TechRadar

A Bluetooth speaker that also charges your phone

Balanced sound quality
Gets extremely loud
Long battery life up to 20 hours

Takes a while to charge
No more aux jack

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best All-around

Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices

No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening

Go to ranking

TechHive

Best portable Bluetooth speaker, runner-up

Dustproof and waterproof
Gets incredibly loud without distortion
Solid battery life
Easy-to-use controls

Expensive for its size
No speakerphone
No AUX input

Go to ranking

We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A beast of a speaker that is built for parties
Experts Praise For:
  • Fantastic sound with good bass
  • Amazingly loud volume capability
  • IPX4 rating
  • Useful EQ
  • Extended battery life
Experts Criticise For:
  • Costs a lot
  • Large and quite heavy
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

WIRED

Porta Party

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best Bluetooth speaker for huge sound indoors and out

Excellent sound performance
Smart dual-connection function

Very heavy at 13lbs
It's not cheap

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best for Parties

IPX4
Two Bluetooth inputs
Adaptive EQ
Good sound with big bass for parties
24 hour battery life
Optical input

Price
Not entirely waterproof, so don't submerge it
No high-quality Bluetooth codec support

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

Best for bass

Simple setup, easy music playback
Variety of source options
Excellent battery life
Impressive low end

Lacks Wi-Fi compatibility
Less portable than predecessors

Go to ranking

We ranked Sonos Move #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Jan 2021)
The most versatile speaker that really does it all - but doesn't come cheap and is quite large
Experts Praise For:
  • Impressive performance
  • Durable
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection
  • Easy to transport
Experts Criticise For:
  • Expensive
  • Quite big
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best Bluetooth speaker for premium sound and (some) portability

Great sound for on-the-go music
Work on Wi-Fi as regular Sonos speaker, or over Bluetooth

Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth
Not actually very portable

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best Smart Speaker

Sound quality
Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Charging cradle
Alexa and Google Assistant
IP56 rating
mics work well

Price
Not very portable
Distorts at high volumes

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

A multi-use Sonos speaker

Superb build quality
Integration with Sonos systems
Sounds especially good outdoors
User-replaceable battery

Sonos app doesn’t work over Bluetooth
Big size, big price

Go to ranking

TechHive

Best outdoor Bluetooth smart speaker

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

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Handlebar Ready

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best cheap Bluetooth speaker

Great sound quality for the size
Can now charge your phone
Incredible value

No 3.5mm line-in for wired listening
More expensive speakers sound better

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

An affordable Bluetooth speaker with a detailed sound and good battery life.

Detailed, dynamic sound
Excellent, portable design
Easy to use

Uses outdated micro USB
Better sound available on newer rivals

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A good-looking speaker that produces beautiful acoustics. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and can be paired with multiple devices.
Experts Praise For:
  • Stunning acoustics
  • Alexa-ready
  • IP67 rating
  • Looks sturdy
Experts Criticise For:
  • Pricey
A more detailed summary:

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).

Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Elegant Accessory

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Sleek Design

Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio

Pricey

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

The weightiest and most refined little speaker we’ve heard in a while

Expansive sound, weighty bass
Competent Alexa integration
Stunning build and finish

Not exactly a budget option

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best small portable speaker for audiophiles

Crisp sound quality
Tough but lightweight design

Flawed Alexa support
Buttons are tricky to find

Go to ranking

We ranked Sonos Era 100 #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best for Home

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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

Go to ranking

We ranked Jbl Boombox 3 #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Jbl Boombox 3 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Rtings.com

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Go to ranking

PCMag

Most Powerful Outdoor Speaker / Editors' Choice

Good bass depth and crisp highs
Gets extremely loud
App includes adjustable EQ
Waterproof and dustproof build

Heavy
Expensive
Only supports SBC codec

Go to ranking

We ranked Sonos Era 300 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

Best for spatial audio

Amazing spatial audio
Lots of connectivity options
A plethora of streaming audio sources

Unusual design may not appeal to all

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Home Bluetooth Speaker

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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

Go to ranking

We ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Speaker

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

Excellent sound for its size

Loud, dynamic sound
Easy to use
Waterproof
Great battery life

Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer

Go to ranking

We ranked UE Boom 3 #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked UE Boom 3 as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A Bluetooth speaker good enough for any user. Portable, protected, and loud.
Experts Praise For:
  • Can reach loud volumes
  • Highly portable
  • IP67 rating
Experts Criticise For:
  • Quality of sound is not that impressive
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best Overall

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Great Pool Speaker

Stunning color options
360-degree sound

Physical buttons only control volume

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We ranked Marshall Middleton #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best 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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked JBL Clip 4 #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Adventure Time

Go to ranking

Popular Mechanics

Most portable

Built-in clip for portability
Water and dust-proof

Shorter battery life

Go to ranking

We ranked Anker Soundcore 3 #16 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Cheap Bluetooth Speaker

Go to ranking

We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 17 Sep 2021)
A Bluetooth speaker small in size but big in performance. It’s the perfect speaker for active users who loves the outdoors.
Experts Praise For:
  • Highlyportable due to small size
  • IP67 rating
  • Strong bass
  • Outdoor Boost
Experts Criticise For:
  • Lacks a microphone
  • Lacks micro USB charging capability
A more detailed summary:

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.

Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best for Water Slides

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Popular Mechanics

Most Durable

Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound

Shorter battery life

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We ranked Marshall Stockwell II #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Rock & Roll

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Popular Mechanics

Stylish Subwoofer

Analog control knobs for custom sound

Only splash resistant

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We ranked Tribit Stormbox Blast #19 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

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TechRadar

The best for room-filling sound

Meaty, room-filling, talented sound
Simple and easy-to-use control panel
USB-C charging of your other devices

Lacks mics for speakerphone duties
No dustproof rating

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We ranked Soundboks Go #20 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

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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

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We ranked Sony SRS-XG300 #21 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best LED Lighting / Editors Choice

Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof and dustproof
App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls

Expensive

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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

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