July 2024
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of portable bluetooth speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of July 2024.
Summary
On 9 Jul 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 103 bluetooth speaker endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
67 bluetooth speakers were endorsed in total, only 24 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 Jul 2024, JBL Charge 5 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed bluetooth speaker with 5 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 bluetooth speaker' this month.
Brand breakdown
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JBL: 11 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is JBL Charge 5)
-
Ultimate Ears: 7 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3)
-
Sonos: 5 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sonos Move 2)
-
Sony: 5 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sony SRS-XB33)
-
Tribit: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Tribit StormBox Micro 2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - July Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
Digital Trends
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What Hi-Fi
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SoundGuys
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WIRED
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Tom's Guide
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Rtings.com
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TechRadar
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Popular Mechanics
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PCMag
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TechHive
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1
|
- | $180 |
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The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
10
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
+1 | $426 |
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The Sonos Move 2 is lauded for its superior sound quality, extended battery life, and robust design, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use, though its high price and size may limit its appeal for some users.
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
+1 | $60 |
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The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a durable and waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound, long battery life, and versatile connectivity options.
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-2 | $143 |
![]()
A great speaker that can be taken anywhere
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
+2 | $187 |
![]()
A good-looking speaker that produces beautiful acoustics. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and can be paired with multiple devices.
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
+3 | $130 |
![]()
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
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-2 | $500 |
![]()
The JBL Boombox 3 is praised for its robust build quality, superior sound performance, and impressive battery life, but criticized for its weight, lack of USB-C connectivity, and occasional connectivity issues with the app.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
New * | $150 |
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1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
9
|
-3 | $65 |
![]()
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-2 | $80 |
![]() |
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
11
|
New * | $380 |
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2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
+4 | $185 |
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-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
13
|
-1 | $237 |
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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.
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
-6 | $172 |
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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.
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
+1 | $80 |
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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 | $420 |
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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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
22
|
-11 | Check price |
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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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23
|
-9 | $300 |
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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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
24
|
-1 | Check price |
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A Bluetooth speaker small in size but big in performance. It’s the perfect speaker for active users who loves the outdoors.
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-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
25
|
-1 | $80 |
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The Tribit StormBox Flow Bluetooth Speaker is a versatile and feature-rich speaker with impressive sound quality, long battery life, portability, durability, and connectivity, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, travel, gatherings, and everyday use.
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-
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-
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-
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5
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
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26
|
-1 | $500 |
![]() |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
27
|
- | $699 |
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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.
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
28
|
New * | $399 |
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12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
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29
|
-14 | $400 |
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A beast of a speaker that is built for parties
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-
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-
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-
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13
|
11
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked JBL Charge 5 #1 in July 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31YUBSz0xxL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 🔊 Superior Sound Quality
- 🔋 Long Battery Life
- 💧 IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof
- 🛠️ Durable Design
- 🚫 No AUX Port
- 📱 App Connectivity Issues
- 💰 High Price Concerns
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
|
SoundGuys
The Best
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
|
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
|
We ranked Sonos Move 2 #2 in July 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21GUOlZBGHL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 🔊 Superior Sound Quality
- 🔋 Extended Battery Life
- 💧 Weather and Water Resistance
- 📱 Versatile Connectivity Options
- 🔄 Trueplay Tuning
- 🔌 USB-C Charging
- 💸 High Price Point
- 🏋️♂️ Bulky and Heavy
- 🎤 Voice Control Limitations
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
|
SoundGuys
Best features
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 connectivity
Battery life
Decent sound quality
|
Price
Needs additional accessories
Privacy lacking
No Google Assistant
No speakerphone
|
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
|
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
|
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 July 2024 ranking
![Digital Trends](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/csoce1ghsktffcix9qoe.png)
![What Hi-Fi](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/g8fuuhgh2hcv3us1fmpp.png)
![SoundGuys](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/v2rd6wgl1sqjsnxc4osh.png)
![WIRED](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/rplo319wma6ujem7dpns.jpg)
![Tom's Guide](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/vmtipqfuxvzy9ocfmnnq.jpg)
![Rtings.com](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/zkafjes1mc65r23z1xhh.png)
![TechRadar](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/nirikf4fkpo3dgyuscws.png)
![Popular Mechanics](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/zskm1kgttimif54daggs.png)
![PCMag](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/lpbmglnfo14fn054kvkb.webp)
![TechHive](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_50,h_50/imported/fcsvnwweq5omx3w2kgtk.png)
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #3 in July 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hS-j4gqWL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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
|
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
Only one colour choice
|
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
|
We ranked Sonos Roam #4 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Roam as #1.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/evlzqeb3rtfjmmzzvpqp.png)
- 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.
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 Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #5 in July 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GtDnPX4nL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 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
|
JBL rivals feel a tad more rugged and hardwearing
|
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
|
We ranked JBL Flip 6 #6 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/313WZqV-mdL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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
|
What Hi-Fi
The Flip 6 is a fun, 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
|
We ranked Jbl Boombox 3 #7 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Jbl Boombox 3 as #1.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31daSU7U2SL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 🎵 Superior Sound Quality
- 🔋 Impressive Battery Life
- 💧 Waterproof and Durable Design
- 🔄 Connectivity Issues
- 🏋️ Weight Considerations
- 🌞 Metal Handle Temperature
- 💸 High Price Point
- 🔌 Lack of USB-C Connectivity
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 Beats Pill #8 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Beats Pill as #1.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4195F+Qz3hL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Digital Trends
Best overall Bluetooth speaker
Sleek design
Excellent battery life
Can charge other devices
USB-C audio
Fully dust/waterproof
Works great as a speakerphone
|
No analog-in
iOS needs more controls
No EQ settings
|
PCMag
Best Portable Speaker for iPhone Users
Bright sound with rich bass
Attractive design
Dustproof and waterproof
Flexible USB-C port
Apple and Google Find My support
Seamless iOS compatibility
|
No adjustable EQ
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #9 in July 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kt3+Len-L._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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 Anker Soundcore Motion 300 #10 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31JonlEvFXL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Digital Trends
Best sounding compact under $100
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 Xtreme 4 #11 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31w7F3mArnL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Digital Trends
Best premium mid-sized Bluetooth speaker
Warm, rich, and dynamic sound
Clear at higher volumes
Insane 30-hour battery life
Replaceable battery
IP67 waterproof rating
|
Expensive
No AUX input
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for big party sound
Full-sounding, well-defined audio
Limited distortion at louder volumes
Excellent battery life
|
Default EQ settings lack low-end impact
Better value, cheaper alternatives exist
Exterior design lacks sex appeal
|
We ranked Soundcore Motion X600 #12 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZYOjqM70L._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
SoundGuys
Best style
Premium design
Companion app with customizable EQ
Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC
Immersive sound with spatial audio mode
|
No dust rating
Heavy
|
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 100 #13 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/imported/osxchdbcuytegfwkllwz.jpg)
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
Could be 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 MegaBoom 3 #14 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41r04ybcEVL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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 JBL Clip 4 #15 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31FRNR82GdL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Popular Mechanics
Most portable
Built-in clip for portability
Water and dust-proof
|
Shorter battery life
|
We ranked Sonos Era 300 #16 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/310y1mqgpkL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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 Ultimate Ears Epicboom #17 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/effix/image/upload/c_auto,c_pad,w_500,h_500/v1622062895/no-image_1_osynjc.png)
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
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We ranked Marshall Middleton #18 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31MoEGo40qL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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
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Picks up dust and fingerprints easily
A bit expensive
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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
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Considerably more expensive than the competition in its class
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We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #19 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51RqXcn7ZeL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 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
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Shorter battery life
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We ranked Tribit Stormbox Flow #20 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nSQNzl8bL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life
Class-leading battery life
Simple to use
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Dull design
Can struggle at high volumes
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We ranked JBL Authentics 500 #21 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31wMcXKPPcL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
TechHive
Best Bluetooth-capable smart speaker, runner-up
Stylish retro design
High-quality sound
Deep bass reproduction
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Bulky design
Lofty price tag
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We ranked Soundboks Go #22 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iBylISEDL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
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
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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
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Initial pairing was a challenge
Limited inputs
No support for high-res codecs such as aptX or LDAC
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We ranked Bose SoundLink Max #23 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FyxQrrdgL._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
Digital Trends
The best boombox Bluetooth speaker
Great build quality
Excellent portability
Impressive sound
Optional accessory handles
Supports Multipoint
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No Wi-Fi
No microphones
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TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for big sound for a big price
Big, punchy and quite deft sound
Hardy, robust construction and finish
Useful two-way USB-C socket
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Could sound more detailed
Takes forever to charge
Finish attracts marks
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We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #24 in July 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lCbFtHrKS._AC_SR500,500_.jpg)
- 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
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Most expensive model on test
Bulky size and heavy to carry
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