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
-
JBL: 9 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is JBL Flip 6)
-
Ultimate Ears: 5 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Ultimate Ears Hyperboom)
-
Sony: 5 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sony SRS-XB33)
-
Sonos: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Sonos Roam)
-
Tribit: 4 bluetooth speakers
(#1 is Tribit StormBox Micro 2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| 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
|
-
|
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.
- 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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
Tom's Guide
WIRED
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Rtings.com
PCMag
TechRadar
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
TechHive
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.
- 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.
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
|
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
|
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
|
SoundGuys
Best All-around
|
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #4 in September 2023 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.
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
|
Excellent sound performance
Smart dual-connection function
|
Very heavy at 13lbs
It's not cheap
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sonos Move #5 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
- 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 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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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.
- Stunning acoustics
- Alexa-ready
- IP67 rating
- Looks sturdy
- Pricey
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) is a portable Bluetooth speaker that looks as good as it sounds. It produces stunning acoustics paired with decent bass delivery. The speaker appears durable enough and also offers protection against the elements with its IP67 waterproof rating. It is also equipped with a battery that can provide 18 hours of uninterrupted operation. The device includes a speakerphone system that can be used to issue Alexa commands and can be linked to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. It can be charged using a USB-C cable, which, luckily, comes included when purchased. A useful strap provides further convenience for transportation. Overall, the experts were quite satisfied with the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen).
Popular Mechanics
Sleek Design
|
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Pricey
|
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
|
TechRadar
The best small portable speaker for audiophiles
|
Crisp sound quality
Tough but lightweight design
|
Flawed Alexa support
Buttons are tricky to find
|
We ranked Sonos Era 100 #9 in September 2023 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 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.
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
|
We ranked Sonos Era 300 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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 MegaBoom 3 #12 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
Digital Trends
Excellent sound for its size
|
Loud, dynamic sound
Easy to use
Waterproof
Great battery life
|
Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer
|
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.
- 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 Marshall Middleton #14 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked JBL Clip 4 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Most portable
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Built-in clip for portability
Water and dust-proof
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Shorter battery life
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We ranked Anker Soundcore 3 #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best value small battery-powered Bluetooth speaker
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Big sound from small design
Good battery life
Useful Soundcore app and EQ modes
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Sound hardens up at higher volumes
Rubberized case marks easily
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We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #17 in September 2023 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
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Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound
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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.
Popular Mechanics
Stylish Subwoofer
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Analog control knobs for custom sound
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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.
Tom's Guide
Big boombox-style bass and bling at a great price
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Expansive sound
Booming bass
Battery lasts all day
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Treble can sound harsh at high volumes
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TechRadar
The best for room-filling sound
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Meaty, room-filling, talented sound
Simple and easy-to-use control panel
USB-C charging of your other devices
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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.
Digital Trends
A Bluetooth speaker with big sound
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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
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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 Sony SRS-XG300 #21 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable bluetooth speakers” rankings.
PCMag
Best LED Lighting / Editors Choice
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Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof and dustproof
App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls
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Expensive
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Digital Trends
The best boombox design
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Nice and rugged build
Great sound quality
LEDs are cool
Easy pairing and app support
Party Connect works well
Solid battery life
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Only one custom EQ setting allowed
Phone calls could be better
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