March 2024
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of portable bluetooth speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2024.
Summary
On 4 Mar 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 113 bluetooth speaker endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
65 bluetooth speakers were endorsed in total, only 26 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 4 Mar 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)
-
Sonos: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sonos Move 2)
-
Tribit: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Tribit StormBox Micro 2)
-
Anker: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Anker Soundcore Motion 300)
Price breakdown
At a glance - March Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
Digital Trends
|
TechHive
|
WIRED
|
Tom's Guide
|
Rtings.com
|
TechRadar
|
Popular Mechanics
|
PCMag
|
SoundGuys
|
What Hi-Fi
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.
|
15
|
-
|
2
|
12
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
+4 | $359 |
Sonos Move 2
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-1 | $173 |
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.
|
3
|
-
|
10
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-1 | $60 |
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
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
+2 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
+2 | $70 |
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.
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
+2 | $199 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
-4 | $320 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
13
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
New * | $64 |
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-5 | $110 |
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.
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
11
|
-1 | $110 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-1 | $221 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
13
|
-1 | $153 |
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.
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-1 | $237 |
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.
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
New * | $150 |
Soundcore Motion X600
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
20
|
-6 | $320 |
Ultimate Ears Epicboom
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is a highly praised Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, durability, and portability, making it suitable for various listening needs.
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
- | $430 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
-2 | $60 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23
|
-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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
24
|
-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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
25
|
-1 | $600 |
JBL Authentics 500
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
26
|
-1 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
27
|
- | $205 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
28
|
-2 | $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.
|
10
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
29
|
-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.
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
30
|
-1 | Check price |
LG XBoom XL7
The LG XBoom XL7 Bluetooth Speaker is highly praised for its powerful sound quality, deep bass performance, and versatile features, making it a great choice for parties and gatherings.
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked JBL Charge 5 #1 in March 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts 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.
Digital Trends
A great Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speaker not by Sonos
Lots of ways to connect
20 hours between charges
Compact and rugged
|
Somewhat expensive
Much better than the non-Wi-Fi version
|
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
|
TechRadar
A Bluetooth speaker that also charges your phone
Even sound at low to mid volumes
Doubles as a charger for your phone
Great battery life of up to 20 hours
|
Takes a while to charge
Missing aux input
Some distortion at high volumes
|
SoundGuys
Best for most
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
|
What Hi-Fi
An excellent all-round performer that packs a proper punch.
Clear, detailed, hugely confident sound
Wide, impressive soundstage
Brilliant build and durability
|
More affordable JBL models are available
|
We ranked Sonos Move 2 #2 in March 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
A multi-use Sonos speaker
Balanced and immersive sound
24-hour battery
Analog line-in (with optional adapter)
Charges your devices
|
Awkward to carry
No Google Assistant option
|
TechHive
Best Bluetooth-capable smart speaker
Excellent audio performance—in stereo!
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity—simultaneously!
Very wide sound stage
Incredibly long battery life
|
Still no support for hi-res Bluetooth codecs
Still best described as luggable
$50 more expensive than the already pricey original
|
Tom's Guide
Best portable home speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Powerful, balanced sound profile
Can pair with another Move 2 for true stereo over Wi-Fi
24 hours of battery life
|
Too heavy to carry far
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for big sound for a big price
Huge volume headroom
Premium materials and finish
|
Extravagantly expensive
Not really stereo sound
|
SoundGuys
Best Sound
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 connectivity
Battery life
Decent sound quality
|
Price
Needs additional accessories
Privacy lacking
|
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 2024 ranking
We ranked Sonos Roam #3 in March 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.
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
|
Tom's Guide
Sonos' best go anywhere pocket speaker
Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning
|
No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life
|
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
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #4 in March 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Jbl Boombox 3 #5 in March 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.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #6 in March 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #7 in March 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).
TechRadar
The best small portable speaker for audiophiles
Exceptional, audiophile level sound
Solid but lightweight design
|
Alexa but no Wi-Fi
Buttons not raised
|
Popular Mechanics
Sleek Design
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Pricey
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #8 in March 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.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Anker Soundcore Motion 300 #9 in March 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.
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
|
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
|
We ranked JBL Flip 6 #10 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
What Hi-Fi
Fun, compact and affordable, JBL continues its strong run with the classy Flip 6.
Clear, precise and enjoyable sound
Punchy bass for size
Useful equaliser feature
|
Can be critical of recording and source quality
|
We ranked UE Boom 3 #11 in March 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 #12 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 #13 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
Excellent sound for its size
Loud, dynamic sound
Easy to use
Waterproof
Great battery life
|
Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer
|
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
|
We ranked Marshall Middleton #14 in March 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Soundcore Motion X600 #15 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
SoundGuys
Best style
Unique 3 driver design
Bluetooth 5.3
IPX7 waterproof
|
No dust rating
No 3.5 wired option
|
We ranked Sonos Era 300 #17 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #19 in March 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 #20 in March 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 #21 in March 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 #22 in March 2024 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
Expansive sound
Booming bass
Battery lasts all day
|
Treble can sound harsh at high volumes
|
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
|
We ranked Soundboks Go #24 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sony SRS-XG300 #25 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked LG XBoom XL7 #26 in March 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|