August 2022
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Bluetooth Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of August 2022.
Summary
As of 3 Aug 2022, Sonos Move takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed bluetooth speaker with 7 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 bluetooth speaker' this month. It is followed by Sonos Roam and JBL Charge 5 , with 6 and 6 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - August 2022 Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
TechRadar
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TechHive
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Rtings.com
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Digital Trends
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SoundGuys
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What Hi-Fi
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WIRED
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Popular Mechanics
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PCMag
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Tom's Guide
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $399 |
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7
|
3
|
1
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
2
|
- | $179 |
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1
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
15
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
+2 | $149 |
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5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
4
|
-1 | $98 |
![]() |
8
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
9
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-1 | $130 |
![]() |
2
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
6
|
- | $450 |
![]() |
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
7
|
- | $190 |
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3
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
6
|
11
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
- | $129 |
![]() |
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
- | $399 |
![]() |
11
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
- | $50 |
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-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
11
|
- | $380 |
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
17
|
-5 | $680 |
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-
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
- | $70 |
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
New * | $200 |
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4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
20
|
-1 | $329 |
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-
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-
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
-1 | $211 |
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-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
22
|
-1 | $50 |
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
23
|
-1 | $129 |
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12
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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9
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-
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We ranked Sonos Move #1 in August 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Move as #1.

- Impressive performance
- Durable
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection
- Easy to transport
- Expensive
- Quite big
The Sonos Move brings serious sound to the table, pumping out high-quality audio indoors and outdoors. It's known for its strong durability and resistance to dust and water, so you shouldn’t have any problems using it anywhere. This device is a Bluetooth speaker and Wi-Fi smart speaker all in one; including home network, music streaming, multi-room adjustments, and voice assistance similar to Alexa or Google Assistant. The battery not only lasts a long time but also gives you the option of replacing it. This is a big advantage if the battery is no longer in good condition or it starts draining faster than usual. Given all these great quality features, the high price could easily be justified. The biggest downside is that compared to the majority of portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, it is relatively tall and heavy.
TechRadar
The Bluetooth speaker for premium sound
Pros
Integrates with a home Sonos speaker network
On-the-go tunes
|
Cons
Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth
Cant be used as rear cinema speakers
|
TechHive
Best outdoor Bluetooth speaker
Pros
Fantastic audio performance, indoors and out
Automatic Trueplay optimizes audio performance for wherever the speaker is playing
Amazing range while operating over Wi-Fi
Long battery life and smart battery-charging tech
|
Cons
Highly directional sound stage (it’s wide, but not circular)
No support for the aptX or aptX HD Bluetooth codecs
Limited to 16-bit/48kHz resolution
|
Digital Trends
A multi-use Sonos speaker
Pros
Superb build quality
Integration with Sonos systems
Sounds especially good outdoors
User-replaceable battery
|
Cons
Sonos app doesn’t work over Bluetooth
Big size, big price
|
SoundGuys
Best Smart Speaker
Pros
Sound quality
Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Charging cradle
Alexa and Google Assistant
IP56 rating
mics work well
|
Cons
Price
Not very portable
Distorts at high volumes
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for outdoors
Pros
Superb audio quality
Built-in Automatic TruePlay technology
Easy Wi-Fi-to-Bluetooth connection conversion
Great build quality
|
Cons
One of the most expensive models on test -No smart features in Bluetooth mode
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We ranked Sonos Roam #2 in August 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Roam as #1.

- Highly portable
- Good sound quality
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
- Connectivity features
- Quite expensive
The Sonos Roam offers an ultra-light and ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers impressive sound, wireless connectivity, automatic tuning, and some level of protection against the elements. It delivers high-quality acoustics that is crisp and clear. It offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to pair with devices and connect to AI assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The device’s TruePlay feature tunes the sound to better fit any environment, to enhance listening anywhere. It works great on its own, but it can also be connected to other Sonos speakers nearby for an even greater music experience. The Sonos Roam also supports wireless charging, which is another plus. It comes with water and dust protection, which makes it the perfect companion for outdoors. However, as experts pointed out, it can only offer 10 hours of continuous operation, so that’s quite a lot smaller than others on the market. Overall, it is an excellent option that will appeal to most music lovers.
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker you can buy
Pros
Powerful audio performance
Tough and very portable design
|
Cons
Not the longest battery life
Bass is heavier than some might like
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TechHive
Best portable Bluetooth speaker
Pros
Exceptional sound for its size
Auto Trueplay works over Bluetooth
Sound Swap feature lets you “swap” music with other Sonos speakers
Small and light, with a waterproof design
|
Cons
Slow wireless charging (at least with third-party chargers)
Sound Swap doesn’t work across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 modes
|
Digital Trends
The best portable Sonos speaker
Pros
Excellent design
Lightweight and portable
Totally water and dustproof
Very good sound for its size
Choice of smart speaker assistants
Wireless charging
|
Cons
No Bluetooth stereo pairing
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Less battery life than some other speakers
|
What Hi-Fi
A neat Bluetooth speaker with a punch of well-controlled bass.
Pros
Full-bodied sound
Lots of features
Portable
|
Cons
Clarity not exceptional
Average timing and dynamics
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker with Wi-Fi smarts
Pros
Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning
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Cons
No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life
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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 August 2022 ranking










We ranked JBL Charge 5 #3 in August 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1.

- Improved sound output
- 20-hour battery life
- No common points of criticism among experts
The experts have many good things to say about the JBL Charge 5. Building upon the successes of previous Charge models the 5 comes with improvements that make this a good option for any consumer. It’s equipped with a battery that will provide around 20 hours of continuous operation at a moderate volume level. The device is resistant against water and dust, as it’s IP67 rated. You can charge the unit via the USB-C port, while a USB-A port is also included so users can charge other devices with it. Experts especially took notice of the improvements made to the sound quality. The 5 sounds better overall and can get louder than previous versions. It also features PartyBoost which allows you to connect it to other compatible JBL speakers for more sound coverage. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit all possible personality types.
TechRadar
The best mid-range wireless speaker
Pros
Balanced sound quality
Gets extremely loud
Long battery life
|
Cons
Long charge time
No more aux jack
|
TechHive
Best portable Bluetooth speaker, runner-up
Pros
Dustproof and waterproof
Gets incredibly loud without distortion
Solid battery life
Easy-to-use controls
|
Cons
Expensive for its size
No speakerphone
No AUX input
|
SoundGuys
Best All-around
Pros
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
Cons
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
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What Hi-Fi
Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge
Pros
Clearer and more detailed sound
Wider soundstage
Updated dustproofing
|
Cons
Nothing at this level
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PCMag
Best for Portable Outdoor Audio / Editors' Choice
Pros
Powerful audio performance with rich bass and crisp, clear highs.
Gets quite loud for its size.
Waterproof.
|
Cons
App lacks EQ
No speakerphone
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Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker with full waterproofing
Pros
Decent sound, particularly with vocals
Impressive bass performance
Good battery life with useful top-up facility for other devices
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Cons
Basic control app
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We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #4 in August 2022 because:
- 7 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.
TechRadar
The smallest and toughest Bluetooth speaker for outdoors
Pros
Great sound for its size
IP67 dustproof/waterproof rating
30% better battery life
|
Cons
Restrictive soundstage
Micro-USB charging
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Digital Trends
Best floatable speaker for the pool
Pros
Great bass
Can float in water
Rugged and built to last
|
Cons
Okay sound quality
|
What Hi-Fi
An affordable Bluetooth speaker with a weighty sound and good battery life.
Pros
Punchy, entertaining sound
Hefty bass
Decent battery life
|
Cons
No wi-fi or smart assistant built-in
No mic for hands-free calls
|
Popular Mechanics
Most Durable
Pros
Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Shorter battery life
|
Tom's Guide
The best portable Bluetooth speaker below $100
Pros
Full bass for a small speaker
Waterproof and dustproof
|
Cons
No app
No visual battery life indicator
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We ranked JBL Flip 6 #5 in August 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Flip 6 as #1.

TechRadar
A fun,no frills portable speaker
Pros
Well-balanced, bassy sound
Simple to use
|
Cons
No charging port for your phone
No voice assistant
|
Digital Trends
The best rugged speaker for outdoorsy types
Pros
Solid build quality
Loud and clear sound
Lightweight and portable
Excellent water and dust protection
EQ offers some sound tweaking
Works with JBL Portable app and PartyBoost
|
Cons
Can't stereo pair with non-Flip 6 JBL speakers
Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
Not drastically different from Flip 5
|
SoundGuys
Best portability
Pros
IP67 rating
Lightweight, portable
Loud for size
Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging
Sound quality
|
Cons
No high-quality codecs
No mic
|
What Hi-Fi
JBL continues an inspired run of form with the talented Flip 6.
Pros
Great clarity and sonic precision
Punchy bass for size
Useful equaliser feature
|
Cons
Critical of recording and source quality
|
PCMag
Best Small Speaker for Big Bass
Pros
Powerful audio performance with robust bass
App features adjustable EQ
Fully waterproof and dust-tight build
|
Cons
No speakerphone
Lacks an aux input
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #6 in August 2022 because:
- 5 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.
TechRadar
Powerful sound for parties both big and small
Pros
Excellent sound
Smart dual connection function
Stylish design
|
Cons
Fairly heavy
|
SoundGuys
Best for Parties
Pros
IPX4
Two Bluetooth inputs
Adaptive EQ
Good sound with big bass for parties
24 hour battery life
Optical input
|
Cons
Price
Not entirely waterproof, so don't submerge it
No high-quality Bluetooth codec support
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
Pros
Powerful sound
Goes loud
Good battery life
|
Cons
Most expensive model on test
Bulky size and heavy to carry
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We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #7 in August 2022 because:
- 5 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 Bluetooth speaker balancing sound quality and long battery life
Pros
Crisp sound quality
Lightweight design
|
Cons
Flawed Alexa support
Buttons are tricky to find
|
Digital Trends
Premium sound, but worth the price
Pros
Regal design
Great sound quality
IP67-rated
|
Cons
Doesn't have the volume output of bigger speakers
Pricey for its size
|
What Hi-Fi
The weightiest and most refined little speaker we’ve heard in a while
Pros
Expansive sound, weighty bass
Competent Alexa integration
Stunning build and finish
|
Cons
• Nothing at this level
|
Popular Mechanics
Sleek Design
Pros
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Cons
Pricey
|
We ranked UE Boom 3 #8 in August 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked UE Boom 3 as #1.

- Can reach loud volumes
- Highly portable
- IP67 rating
- Quality of sound is not that impressive
Experts reviews of the UE Boom 3 found that while it is a good speaker overall, it doesn’t really compare to its competitors. The sound is powerful enough to fill a room when the volume is cranked up, with no noticeable distortion. There is decent sound output also, but it’s nothing spectacular. However, the wireless range is actually rather impressive, reaching potentially around 100 to 150 feet. The battery impresses as well as it can provide 15 hours of continuous operation. It comes with IP67 water and dust protection and additionally comes in multiple colors to suit anyone’s preference. Overall, the UE Boom 3 is a decent enough Bluetooth speaker that can get loud when needed.
TechRadar
An excellent outdoor speaker for travel
Pros
IP67 waterproof/dust-proof
Powerful sound
Rugged design
|
Cons
Audio could be clearer
|
Popular Mechanics
Great Pool Speaker
Pros
Stunning color options
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Physical buttons only control volume
|
We ranked Bose Portable Smart Speaker #9 in August 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

TechRadar
A great Sonos Move alternative
Pros
Great, streamlined design
Well-balanced sound
|
Cons
Expensive compared to other portable speakers
Lacking in bass
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Bluetooth Smart Speaker
Pros
Integrates well with smart assistants for voice control
Good 360-degree sound quality for size
|
Cons
Not dustproof
Expensive
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro #10 in August 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

- Amazingly powerful bass
- IP67 rating
- USB-C charging
- Battery could be better
- Occasional sound distortion at high volumes
The Tribit StormBox Micro is a stylish Bluetooth speaker that’s small enough to be portable but big enough to be loud when needed. A good-looking speaker, it’s durable and well protected against water and dust. Up to 8 hours of continuous music playing can be provided by the device’s good battery. It comes with a handy strap that is useful for attaching it to bikes and bags for on-the-go. It can even be paired with a compatible speaker for an even better listening experience. The Stormbox Micro is another good example of “looks can be deceiving”. It’s small, but definitely impresses with good sound delivery and powerful bass and can even get loud if needed. However, expect some occasional audio distortion when increasing the volume to higher levels. Here, experts agree that this is a really good speaker in a small package.
Digital Trends
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
Pros
IP67 weather resistance rating
Exceptional Bluetooth range
Good sound quality
Lightweight, portable design
|
Cons
Boring aesthetic
Battery could be better
|
What Hi-Fi
A fun and bubbly Bluetooth speaker that's serious when it comes to sound
Pros
Mature, musical sound
Surprisingly weighty bass
USB-C charger
|
Cons
Short battery life
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker that's both cheap and waterproof
Pros
Small and lightweight
Good bass for a small speaker
Water resistant
|
Cons
No app
Limited battery life
|
We ranked JBL Extreme 3 #11 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

What Hi-Fi
JBL’s rugged wireless speaker serves up a sonic surprise
Pros
Rugged build
Impressive detail and dynamics
Strong sense of timing
|
Cons
No smart features
No hands-free for phone calls
|
PCMag
Best for Parties / Editors' Choice
Pros
Powerful, bass-forward audio with four drivers and dual passive radiators
Outdoor-friendly waterproof build
Can be linked with multiple JBL speakers
|
Cons
Expensive
No speakerphone function
|
We ranked Soundboks Go #12 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

TechHive
Best Bluetooth speaker for big outdoor parties
Pros
Impressive volume without distortion
Sturdy, weatherproof construction
Excellent stereo sound when paired
|
Cons
Initial pairing was a challenge
Limited inputs
No support for high-res codecs such as aptX or LDAC
|
Digital Trends
A Bluetooth speaker with big sound
Pros
Great sound at loud volumes
Sturdy cabinet and bumpers
Good battery life
Effective app support
Awesome when paired with other speakers
|
Cons
Not as useful indoors
Limited codec support
Pricey
|
We ranked Tribit Stormbox Blast #14 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

TechRadar
Tribit's biggest Bluetooth speaker sounds so, so much better than it looks
Pros
Meaty, room-filling, talented sound
Simple and easy-to-use control panel
USB-C charging of your other devices
|
Cons
Lacks mics for speakerphone duties
No dustproof rating
We don't recommend XBass in most situations
|
Tom's Guide
Big boombox-style bass and bling at a great price
Pros
Expansive sound
Booming bass
Battery lasts all day
|
Cons
Treble can sound harsh at high volumes
No EQ customization
|
We ranked Bose Soundlink Revolve Plus II #15 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

Digital Trends
Amazing Bose sound, with smart-speaker skills
Pros
17-hour battery life
360-degree sound
Remembers the last eight connected devices
|
Cons
On the expensive side
|
SoundGuys
Best versatility
Pros
Good 360-degree sound
IP55 rating
17-hour batterylife
Bose SimpleSync
Microphone for calls/voice assistant
|
Cons
No in-app EQ
Expensive
microUSB charging
|
We ranked JBL Go 3 #17 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

What Hi-Fi
JBL’s newest soap-sized speaker sounds good – but the finish and battery life won’t wash with today’s class leaders
Pros
Sensible treble
Fuller bass
More volume
|
Cons
Poor battery life
Not very durable finish
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for cheap weatherproofing
Pros
Good waterproofing at price
Light and compact design
Most affordable model on test
|
Cons
Sound is mediocre and can't fill larger spaces
|
We ranked Bose SoundLink Flex #18 in August 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.

TechRadar
A great Bluetooth speaker for portability and controls
Pros
Light and robust
Full-range and periodically expressive sound
Plenty of pairing and control options
|
Cons
Can get edgy at high volumes
Bass doesn’t integrate perfectly
Fixed EQs
|
PCMag
Best Affordable Bose Speaker
Pros
Powerful audio performance with rich bass depth and clear highs
Fully waterproof and dust-tight design
Solid speakerphone clarity
|
Cons
Mono audio
Sound signature not for those seeking accuracy
|