December 2022
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Bluetooth Speaker rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2022.
Summary
As of 1 Dec 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 - December 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Bluetooth Speaker |
TechHive
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Rtings.com
|
Digital Trends
|
TechRadar
|
SoundGuys
|
WIRED
|
PCMag
|
Tom's Guide
|
What Hi-Fi
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $398 |
Sonos Move
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
8
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $194 |
Sonos Roam
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
11
|
|
3
|
- | $180 |
JBL Charge 5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
2
|
|
4
|
- | $80 |
UE Wonderboom 2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
10
|
9
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
|
5
|
- | $130 |
JBL Flip 6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
6
|
- | $99 |
UE Boom 3
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $250 |
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen)
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
8
|
- | $427 |
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
10
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $161 |
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
10
|
+1 | $347 |
Sony SRS-XG300
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $50 |
Tribit StormBox Micro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
6
|
|
16
|
- | $60 |
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $79 |
JBL Clip 4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
New * | $80 |
EarFun UBoom L
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $200 |
Tribit Stormbox Blast
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
20
|
-2 | $699 |
Soundboks Go
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | $198 |
Marshall Stockwell II
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
-1 | $699 |
Denon Home 350
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
+1 | $50 |
JBL Go 3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
|
24
|
+1 | $50 |
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
25
|
+3 | $129 |
Bose SoundLink Flex
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
26
|
- | $399 |
Bose Portable Smart Speaker
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
27
|
- | $300 |
Fluance AI61
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Sonos Move #1 in December 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.
TechHive
Best outdoor Bluetooth smart 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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sonos Roam #2 in December 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.
TechHive
Best portable Bluetooth smart 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
|
TechRadar
The best Bluetooth speaker for most people
|
Pros
Powerful audio performance
Tough and very portable design
|
Cons
Not the longest battery life
Bass is heavier than some might like
|
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker with Wi-Fi smarts
|
Pros
Lightweight
Extensive connectivity
Auto TruePlay sound tuning
|
Cons
No Bluetooth multipoint
Middling battery life
|
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
|
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 December 2022 ranking
TechHive
Popular Mechanics
Rtings.com
Digital Trends
TechRadar
SoundGuys
WIRED
PCMag
Tom's Guide
What Hi-Fi
We ranked JBL Charge 5 #3 in December 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.
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
|
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
|
SoundGuys
Best All-around
|
Pros
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
|
Cons
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
|
PCMag
Best for Portable Outdoor Audio / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Powerful, bass-forward, bright sound signature
Gets loud for its relatively compact size
Fully waterproof design
USB-A port for charging mobile devices
|
Cons
App lacks EQ
No speakerphone
|
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
|
Cons
Basic control app
|
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
|
We ranked UE Wonderboom 2 #4 in December 2022 because:
- 6 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
|
Pros
Fully waterproof and floats
Hang loop for portability
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Shorter battery life
|
Digital Trends
Best floatable speaker for the pool
|
Pros
Great bass
Can float in water
Rugged and built to last
|
Cons
Sound quality is good, but not excellent
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked JBL Flip 6 #5 in December 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Flip 6 as #1.
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
|
TechRadar
A fun, no frills Bluetooth speaker for a good price
|
Pros
Well-balanced, bassy sound
Simple to use
|
Cons
No charging port for your phone
No voice assistant
|
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
|
We ranked UE Boom 3 #6 in December 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.
Popular Mechanics
Great Pool Speaker
|
Pros
Stunning color options
360-degree sound
|
Cons
Physical buttons only control volume
|
TechRadar
An excellent outdoor speaker for travel
|
Pros
IP67 waterproof/dust-proof
Powerful sound
Rugged design
|
Cons
Audio could be clearer
|
We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) #7 in December 2022 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
|
Pros
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Compact, durable design with great audio
|
Cons
Pricey
|
TechRadar
The best small portable speaker for audiophiles
|
Pros
Crisp sound quality
Lightweight design
|
Cons
Flawed Alexa support
Buttons are tricky to find
|
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
Expensive
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears Hyperboom #8 in December 2022 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.
TechRadar
Powerful sound for parties both big and small
|
Pros
Excellent sound
Smart dual connection function
Stylish design
|
Cons
Very heavy at 13lbs
-It's not cheap
|
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
|
We ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 #9 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker overall
|
Pros
Big bass and full vocals
Good battery life
Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound
|
Cons
Big and heavy for a portable
No speakerphone
|
We ranked Sony SRS-XG300 #10 in December 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best boombox design
|
Pros
Nice and rugged build
Great sound quality
LEDs are cool
Easy pairing and app support
Party Connect works well
Solid battery life
|
Cons
Only one custom EQ setting allowed
Phone calls could be better
|
PCMag
Best for an Outdoor Light Show / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Powerful output with bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof and dustproof
App has custom EQ, battery, and LED controls
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro #11 in December 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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Tribit StormBox Micro 2 #12 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
|
Pros
Great sound quality for the size
Can now charge your phone
Incredible value
|
Cons
No 3.5mm line-in for wired listening
Can't chain with older models
|
We ranked JBL Clip 4 #13 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Most portable
|
Pros
Built-in clip for portability
Water and dust-proof
|
Cons
Shorter battery life
|
We ranked EarFun UBoom L #14 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechHive
Best budget Bluetooth speaker, runner-up
|
Pros
Good overall sound
Plenty of thump
IP67 rated for complete protection from both dust and water
|
Cons
Mid-range lacks a bit of definition
|
Digital Trends
|
Pros
Rugged, durable build
Excellent sound quality
Easy setup
Stereo and multi-speaker pairing
Good battery life
Affordable price
|
Cons
No app support
Video mode weakens Bluetooth signal
Not a flashy design
|
We ranked Tribit Stormbox Blast #15 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best for room-filling sound
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Soundboks Go #16 in December 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 Marshall Stockwell II #17 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Stylish Subwoofer
|
Pros
Analog control knobs for custom sound
|
Cons
Only splash resistant
|
We ranked Denon Home 350 #18 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Digital Trends
A top-notch speaker from a trusted audio brand
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Pros
Terrific sound quality
Supports Bluetooth and AirPlay 2
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Can decode ALAC, FLAC, WAV, and other high-quality formats
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Cons
Requires AC power (no battery)
A bit expensive
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We ranked JBL Go 3 #19 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best Bluetooth speaker for cheap weatherproofing
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Pros
Good waterproofing at price
Light and compact design
Most affordable model on test
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Cons
Sound is mediocre and can't fill larger spaces
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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
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Pros
Sensible treble
Fuller bass
More volume
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Cons
Poor battery life
Not very durable finish
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We ranked Anker Soundcore Flare 2 #20 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
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Pros
Great sound quality
Speakerphone feature
IPX7 water-resistant
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Cons
Sound distorts at higher volume
Bass performance is limited
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We ranked Bose SoundLink Flex #21 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechRadar
A great Bluetooth speaker for portability and controls
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Pros
Light and robust
Full-range and periodically expressive sound
Plenty of pairing and control options
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Cons
Can get edgy at high volumes
Bass doesn’t integrate perfectly
Fixed EQs
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SoundGuys
Best Microphone
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Pros
Rugged IP67 rating
USB-C charging
Clear Audio Playback
Portable
Microphone
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Cons
Bluetooth 4.2,SBC only
Buttons are hard to distinguish by feel
Unstable app
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We ranked Bose Portable Smart Speaker #22 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Bluetooth Smart Speaker
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Pros
Integrates well with smart assistants for voice control
Good 360-degree sound quality for size
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Cons
Not dustproof
Expensive
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TechRadar
A great Sonos Move alternative
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Pros
Great, streamlined design
Well-balanced sound
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Cons
Expensive compared to other portable speakers
Lacking in bass
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We ranked Fluance AI61 #23 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Bluetooth Speakers” rankings.
TechHive
Best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers
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Pros
Bluetooth, analog, digital, and USB connectivity
Very good sonics
Attractively designed
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Cons
No balanced analog audio input
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PCMag
Best Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
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Pros
Rich, detailed audio performance with true stereo separation
Handsome design
Wired and wireless audio options
Discrete bass and treble controls
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Cons
Lacks serious sub-bass (but offers subwoofer output)
No companion app
Can clip the beginning of tracks over Bluetooth
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