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Stan Horaczek
Let’s face it: Your phone’s built-in sound sucks, so you need a portable Bluetooth speaker. Sure, everything is relative, and those phone speakers are amazing compared to what, say, a 2005 flip phone sounded like. But do we really want to justify our tech based on when people published think-pieces on how texting was the new hotness? No, we do not. So while we can admit you can hear musical cues right out of your pocket, if you want to feel the actual emotional resonance that makes the music special, the speakers on even the best smartphone, the best tablet, the best laptop … ultimately suck. But the best portable Bluetooth speakers do not suck, so we’re ready to help you select the right speaker for any situation.
Best ultraportable: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Best for outdoors: Sony ULT FIELD 1
Best waterproof: UE Wonderboom 3
Best for smart homes: Sonos Roam 2
Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300
Best for party-goers and party-throwers: JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
Best for (viewing) parties: EarFun UBOOM L
Best battery life: Tribit StormBox Flow Bluetooth Speaker
Best for control freqs: Marshall Kilburn II
Best for bass: UE Hyperboom
Best value: Soundcore 3 by Anker
Also worth considering: Klipsch Nashville, Detroit, and Austin
How we chose the best portable Bluetooth speakers
We test a lot of Bluetooth speakers throughout the year, giving us deep insight into what’s on the marketplace and what’s worth your money. Whether you’re looking for something budget or audiophile, chances are we’ve heard at least one model from whatever brand you’re considering. We combine these experiences with other users’ impressions, then top it all off with extensive research on what you should be looking for: IP rating, frequency range, battery life, Bluetooth range … we’ve got you! This lets us find the perfect balance of specs and special features from a fairly dense pool of possibilities.
The best portable Bluetooth speakers: Reviews & Recommendations
From extreme durability to supreme connectivity, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Whether you’re always on the go or simply need something to take to the front porch, these speakers will deliver quality sound without any cables or wires weighing you down.
Best ultraportable: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
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Why it made the cut: Doubling as a portable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever the water takes you.
Specs
Battery Life: 12 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 120 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Price
Bluetooth 5.3
Powerbank
Integrated strap
Cons
Some distortion at loud volumes
Limited onboard controls
The StormBox Micro 2 from Tribit is a super-compact portable Bluetooth speaker that is easily strap-mounted to your backpack, handlebars, and more. At roughly 4 x 4 inches with a rubberized, grippy bottom and durable, textured grill, and weighing just over 1 pound, its small size doesn’t get in the way of solid sound that packs a punch. It’s tiny but surprisingly mighty, with 10 watts of output power, a 48mm NdFeB driver, passive radiators, and XBass technology making for a pretty solid listening experience—up to 90 dB, which is plenty loud for outdoor listening. And it can even be paired with another Micro 2 for stereo sound anytime, anywhere. With an IP67 rating, you won’t need to worry about dust or water damage, and 12 hours of playtime will keep you in business during an out-and-back. And just in case you’re more than a bike frame’s distance from the Micro 2 (or need more juice for another quick adventure), it uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to your device with a range of up to 120 feet and charges with an included USB-C cable.
Best for outdoors: Sony ULT FIELD 1
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Why it made the cut: The ULT Field 1 can bring the bass to the great outdoors without forgetting the treble.
Specs
Battery Life: 12 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 120 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Angled drivers
Supports stereo pairing
Doubles as a power bank
Cons
So-so battery life
The ULT Field 1 is Sony’s latest entry-level Bluetooth speaker, and its audio quality and durability are both impressive, given its modest price. This is a mono speaker, but Sony has improved its audio fidelity by angling up its rectangular driver upward, so the sound is sent toward your head when it’s laid on its side. This makes a difference, as we could hear music more clearly during casual listening sessions at a desk. The other new audio feature is the inclusion of its “ULT” button, which enables deeper bass when pushed.
We mostly listened to music in the standard mode, as “ULT” mode doesn’t benefit every genre. Bass was never overwhelming or distorted but significantly enhanced. If you like music with prominent bass, however, this is a great benefit—hip-hop and R&B we listened to sounded the most natural with this feature enabled. Even without the boost, the Ult Field 1 has a pleasing default EQ, so bouncing from modern pop to classic rock to jazz didn’t faze it. You can tweak this speaker’s EQ in Sony’s “Music Center” app on iOS and Android if you want to futz with it yourself. Although it has a single driver, bass radiators on both sides of the speaker provide ample low-frequency oomph. If mono sound has got you down, you can also use Sony’s app to pair two ULT Field 1 speakers together for true stereo sound.
Sony made ULT Field 1 outdoor-friendly by outfitting it with a strap and designing it with an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dustproof and can be completely submerged underwater for several minutes without damage. If you take it to the beach or by the pool, you won’t have to worry about it getting splashed or rained on. The speaker’s soft exterior also absorbed shocks without getting damaged the handful of times we dropped it from a height of around three feet onto a hardwood floor.
Sony says the ULT Field 1’s battery will last up to 12 hours per charge, less than some rivals like JBL’s larger-but-still-comparable Charge 5, which offers up to 20 hours of playtime. This burrito-shaped JBL speaker weighs just over 2 pounds and measures 8.7 inches by 3.67 inches, which is small enough to stuff in a backpack. It delivers a rich, uncompromising mix with surprisingly impactful bass lines and clear vocals. Available in six colors, the Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, so you don’t have to worry about sand or spillage ruining your weekend away. PartyBoost mode allows you to pair with another (compatible) JBL speaker to support stereo sound (or up to 100 speakers in mono), and the built-in Powerbank will let you keep your phone charged, so you never need to stop the music. However, Sony’s speaker will still get you through a day of high-energy outdoor listening, and its battery issues won’t be an issue if you’re primarily using it for parties in your backyard.
Best waterproof: UE Wonderboom 3
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Why it made the cut: The UE Wonderboom 3 continues to top our charts when it comes to portable, affordable, waterproof sound.
Specs
Battery Life: 14 hours
Bluetooth Range: 131 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Durability
Volume
Portability
Cons
Bass is a bit lacking
No microphone
Since being introduced in 2019, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 has been a tried-and-true favorite, one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 in any situation, thanks to its durability and sound quality. And the Wonderboom 3 continues that tuneful tradition, offering you an audio orb you can easily take with you—into the woods or the waves, to the beach or the bathtub. It comes in fun two-tone colors with a flexible handle at the top that can easily be attached to a backpack, belt loop, bike basket, or boat. It weighs less than 1 pound and measures just 4 inches tall, so you won’t be slowed down by bulk. The battery lasts a full 14 hours and produces 360-degree sound coverage that can reach up to 87 dBs—pretty impressive for a speaker this size. With an IP67 rating, the UE Wonderboom 3 is waterproof and dust-resistant (making it one of our favorite shower speakers). It also floats, which is one of our favorite features—you won’t need to get out of the water just to skip a track or pause the music when your portable Bluetooth speaker is bobbing alongside you. This is our pick for the best small speaker, but maybe you want something with even more … boom? The Wonderboom 3’s (much) bigger brother, the EPICBOOM is a big, bassy, shockproof, dustproof, waterproof device that can be immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Best for smart homes: Sonos Roam 2
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Why it made the cut: The Sonos Roam 2 is a modest upgrade to an excellent-sounding, easily transported Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled speaker.
Specs
Battery Life: 10 hours
Bluetooth & Dual-Band Wi-Fi
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Sonos users can “throw” music to their home system with the push of a button
Trueplay system analyzes space and sound for optimal performance
Small yet loud enough for a 75 x 50-foot backyard
Stereo pairing
Cons
Some of the cooler features only matter if you own multiple Sonos speakers
The original Sonos Roam impressed us with its audio quality and for supporting both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is uncommon in most portable speakers, let along such a compact one. This second-generation model improves on its solid foundation in a couple of key ways. The first is that Sonos has outfitted the Roam 2 with a dedicated Bluetooth button; previously, you’d have to hold the power button for a couple of seconds to enable Bluetooth mode. Holding the power button for too short a time wouldn’t do anything, and holding it too long would turn the speaker off. This was our primary gripe with the Roam, and it’s been addressed perfectly. Now you take the speaker out of its eco-friendly packaging and it’s ready to go wherever, however you are. Additionally, Sonos color matched its logo with the speaker’s color, which is a small but welcome aesthetic change.
The Roam 2 sounds great on its own but is still a mono speaker. For true stereo sound, you can pair two Roam 2 speakers together on the same Wi-Fi network. The Roam 2 will seamlessly integrate with any speakers in your home’s Sonos system so that you can play the same tunes on this speaker and, say, its bigger brother, the Move 2, another one of the best waterproof speakers we love. In addition to playing music, you’ll be able to check the weather and send messages via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri (it’s also compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, so you can have a more robust connection if you have an iPhone).
Once paired, this speaker will automatically connect to your phone and Wi-Fi when in range, so you won’t need to pause your playlist when you get home. It can last for 10 hours on a single charge, which you can replenish wirelessly by dropping it down on any Qi charger. The Roam also has an IP67 rating, meaning you can take it just about anywhere; it changes audio directionality based on vertical versus horizontal placement, and Trueplay tuning means it automatically adapts its EQ whether you’re in the backroom, backyard, or the backwoods.
Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300
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Why it made the cut: Sony’s SRS-XG300 builds upon a strong foundation and delivers exceptional sound—especially if your device supports the LDAC codec.
Specs
Battery Life: 25 hours
Bluetooth Range: N/A
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Advanced-resolution codec support
Portability for its size
Loud sound
Cons
Price
Sony has never shied away from making high-end audio hardware, and the SRS-XG300 is its latest premium portable Bluetooth speaker. After years of refining internal components, Sony gave its portable speakers a much-needed top-to-bottom refresh. The SRS-XG300 is a lot sleeker, with a mesh covering that’s pleasing to the eye and a pull-out handle that makes the relatively big speaker easier to carry. Indeed, carrying it from room to room, or from the car to the beach, never felt like a chore. Sony’s focus on building speakers with lights continues here, but they’re no longer a main focal point; LED strips surround the drivers on both sides of this speaker, but they never look garish; plus, you can turn them off at the push of a button.
The SRS-XG300 is larger than most of our wireless speaker recommendations on this page, but the extra space comes with a couple of big benefits. This speaker lasts up to 25 hours per charge while delivering far better true-stereo sound than smaller speakers. This was the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker I tested this year, with refined-sounding lows, mids, and treble without any distortion at high volumes. Sibilance and other audio abnormalities were also absent, though this will always come down to the way your music was recorded and mastered. And there’s a MEGABASS button if you want to watch the passive radiators flex.
We can recommend the SRS-XG300 to anyone, but especially Android users whose devices support the LDAC codec. Without getting too into the weeds, devices that support this technology can play high-resolution audio at a bitrate of 990kbps (kilobytes per second), which is approaching full CD quality, which is 1,411kbps. For reference, aptX (a more commonly used audio codec) compresses audio down to a rate of 352kbps. This difference doesn’t matter when you’re streaming music from Spotify, but it does if you’re using a device that supports LDAC and listening to high-resolution audio files. All of these features come with a steep price tag, and its most technically impressive feature is limited to folks with a handful of devices, which are reasons why we couldn’t definitively label this the best portable Bluetooth speaker best overall. If you care about fidelity on the go, though, Sony’s speaker offers you the best design and audio response.
Best for party-goers and party-throwers: JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
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Why it made the cut: If you’re looking for a compact kick you can transport quick, the JBL PartyBox line of speakers is a lot of flashy fun you can take on the run.
Specs
Battery Life: 6 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 110 feet
IP Rating: IPX4
Size: 10.87 x 12.87 x 11.54 inches, 13 pounds
Pros
Punchy sound
LED light ring
Multisource (Bluetooth 5.1, aux cable, mic input)
Cons
Bass can muddy mid-range a bit
Not waterproof
While JBL’s Flip and Charge series are perfect for lounging by the pool or enjoying more intimate get-togethers, the PartyBox line offers heftier but still handy party speakers with powerful audio and an entertaining light show for larger gatherings. The most lightweight addition to this trove of celebration-supporting speakers is the PartyBox Encore Essential. Visually an obvious little sibling of the $399 PartyBox 110, this little box with a big personality is the smallest and most affordable option in this bass-reinforced lineup, retailing for $299.95, making it an excellent choice for folks who want low-end they can take on the go. While it’s not the speaker to reach for on a relaxed, jazz-filled evening, the Encore Essential offers a 100W, 100 dB, 50Hz-20kHz frequency response—which translates to plenty of bounce to the ounce, making it a crowd favorite during a party. Adding to the fun are a mic input for karaoke (microphone sold separately), as well as six selectable patterns that dictate how the built-in LED light ring and/or strobe move or pulse in time to the music. And if your get-togethers grow, so can your sound—you can pair two Encore Essentials into True Wireless Stereo. Looking for something with deep bass but a less boxy profile? Check out the JBL Xtreme 4, with 24 hours of power, IP67, dual woofers and tweeters optimized by AI Sound Boost, and AuraCast for easy pairing—all on a convenient shoulder strap. (Check out our JBL Bluetooth party speakers guide for more recommendable options.)
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Why it made the cut: A wide, rich sound that’s surprising for a speaker this size delivers a powerful listening experience at a reasonable price.
Specs
Battery Life: 16 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 50 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Size: 8.27 x 3.07 x 2.83 inches
Pros
Video mode
Aux connection available
Stereo Pairing
Cons
Short charging cable
Only available in black
The UBOOM L from EarFun is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly impressive sound. While the texturized black grill, rubber trim, and raised buttons resemble its predecessors and contemporaries (like the Treblab HD77 or JBL Flip 5), its price:performance helps this under-$100 speaker stand out in the crowd.
Out of the box, the UBOOM L feels durable and intuitively designed. A demure EarFun logo is located at the center, flagged by two rubber cylinders housing passive bass radiators measuring slightly over 2 inches. Tucked behind the grille are two front-facing, 14-watt 55mm drivers; at the back, under a thick rubber flap, is a USB-C charging port and an aux input; then, to top it all off, literally, are six rubber buttons—power, Bluetooth pairing, volume down, play/pause, volume up, and Sound Mode. An LED light above the final button lets you know which mode has been activated: Indoor or Outdoor. Next to the Sound Mode button is a tiny hole that houses a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. At the top of the control panel, you’ll see four white LED lights that indicate battery life, a simple yet often overlooked design feature for many Bluetooth speakers. Four lights mean the battery (which is rated at 16 hours) is more than 75% full, three mean between 75% and 50%, two mean between 50% and 25%, one means there is less than 25% left, and a single flashing light means there is less than 10% of battery life left, so it’s time to charge.
Like most new speakers, the UBOOM L uses a Bluetooth 5.0 connection, which increases stability and range (up to 30m/100 feet). Pairing is easy and instinctual: simply turn the speaker on, press the Bluetooth button once, and select the speaker on your device’s settings. Pressing and holding the Bluetooth button will allow you to pair two UBOOM L speakers in a True Wireless Stereo pair, creating dedicated left/right channels that can expand the soundfield (and volume) and better serve larger parties. You can also hold down the Sound Mode button for two seconds, once the speakers are connected, to restore each UBOOM L as an individual stereo speaker but keep them connected and synchronized to one streaming device in case you want to share all you’re hearing with someone in another room.
Pressing the Bluetooth button three times will toggle Video Mode on or off. Video mode supports lower-latency playback with lag reduced to 150ms and is an improved solution for sound when watching movies and TV shows from a laptop or smaller device. When Video Mode is on, a white LED indicator will pop on above the Bluetooth button. We should note that when Video mode is on, the Bluetooth connection range does get shorter, and you cannot use Video Mode during True Wireless Stereo connection. Though using the UBOOM L is generally very easy and efficient, it can be tricky to switch quickly between different Bluetooth settings and Sound modes; we found ourselves referring to the user manual more often than we would like.
Though toggling the various buttons can be a bit of a rigamarole, the sound quality makes up for it. For a Bluetooth speaker under $100, you’ll certainly get bang for your buck. The UBOOM L was tuned by Austrian music producer Olaf “Oluv” Lubanski, who has also created a 45-minute companion video worth checking out. The mids and high-mids are particularly clean—guitar licks from any Devil Make Three song come through beautifully, and the vocals on “Highwomen” by The Highwomen are impressively clear. Snares and cymbals are crisp and sit well in the overall mix; all of the synths on Romare’s “Don’t Stop” are full and rich.
Some users say they wish for more bass, which has some truth to it. The passive radiators don’t support frequencies lower than 65Hz, but we weren’t disappointed with a speaker this size. This low end on this speaker is undoubtedly present and well-defined, just not overwhelming thanks to the tuning and DSP involved. The only way to get truly vibrant sub-bass is with a larger unit; many small speakers disproportionately boost the lows and highs to pack a punch, which can end up distorting the mix. If anything, we appreciate that the UBOOM L knows its limits. Volume-wise, we heard up to 101 decibels, which is certainly enough to keep folks entertained and wake up your neighbors. While we mostly listened inside using Indoor Mode, triggering Outdoor mode boosts volume and bass to help lift your music above environmental noises. The UBOOM L is also rated IP67, which means if you use Outdoor mode in an appropriate al fresco setting, it is protected from dust, dirt, and liquids—it will even float if dropped in water, though we don’t recommend that if you want to preserve the sound quality.
Best battery life: Tribit StormBox Flow Bluetooth Speaker
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Why it made the cut: All-day energy reserves and an IP67 rating stop high tides and power running low from crashing your party.
Specs
Battery Life: 30 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 100 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Pros
Doubles as a powerbank
Integrated wrist strap
Great bass
Cons
No AUX input
Not all portable speakers can face the elements for an extended time and come out unscathed. The Tribit Stormbox Flow is an exception. It’s IP67-rated, meaning it’s dust-proof and decently water-resistant. And it sports a 30-hour battery life—perfect for jamming all day at the pool or lakeside. All that protection doesn’t interfere with its performance, however. It doesn’t skimp on the lower end (the drum fill at the beginning of “Burning Down the House” by The Talking Heads was particularly pounding on the StormBox Flow). And the company’s XBass DSP (Digitial Signal Processing) technology boosts bass by 9 dB at the press of a button. You can also pair another Flow for double the volume with party mode, or customize the EQ via the Tribit app (for iOS and Android). The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is stable up to 100 feet away, meaning you can walk around sans fear of stopping the tunes. Stand the portable speaker upright for personal listening, or lay it flat for the whole house can hear. An included lanyard makes this speaker even more portable than it already is. And it only takes four hours to charge.
Best for control freqs: Marshall Kilburn II
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Why it made the cut: With powerful sound in a well-crafted, roadworthy package, this speaker lives up to the Marshall name.
Specs
Battery Life: 20 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 30 feet
IP Rating: IPX2
Pros
Kicks out 36 watts of crunchy, punchy sound
Physical treble/bass controls
Classic, stylish look
Auxiliary 3.5mm input
Multi-host functionality for device switching
Cons
Transportable, but not the most compact
“Multidimensional” sound means a backward-facing port, not wide stereo
Definitely shouldn’t be out in the rain
A retro-chic look with an impressive sound, this speaker from one of the premier brands in rock ‘n roll amplification boasts 20 hours of playtime with a quick-charge option, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX (which delivers higher fidelity with compatible devices), a 30-foot connectivity range, and, best of all, adjustable analog EQ so you can customize your sound. The Marshall Kilburn II performs well across all frequencies with a range of 52 to 20,000 Hz, delivering 36 articulate watts in a classically styled 6.5-pound cabinet (complete with strap and ruggedized touches). Plus, a multi-host feature lets you connect two devices at once so you can take turns soloing. While it’s made for fiery licks, the Kilburn II isn’t built to withstand the elements, however. And if the Kilburn II is a little bit outside of your price range or space constraints, check out the Marshall Emberton II, a smaller, IP67 (so actually waterproof) speaker that forgoes the onboard adjustable settings but delivers 30 hours of battery life powering a naturally balanced sound with just enough bite (and you can stack/sync multiples if you want to amp up the energy).
Looking for a similarly retromodern aesthetic with smart speaker capabilities added in? The JBL Authentics 300 is a portable speaker with an updated, upscale ’70s vibe, onboard EQ knobs, but also voice assistant access.
Best for bass: UE Hyperboom
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Why it made the cut: Doubling as a portable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever the water takes you.
Specs
Battery Life: 24 hours
Bluetooth Range: up to 150 feet
IP Rating: IPX4
Pros
That bass
That range
That battery
Cons
13 pounds
You don’t want it to get too wet
On the opposite end of the spectrum from our previous picks, the Hyperboom from Ultimate Ears does the most when it comes to portable speakers meant for big events. While it may not be the smallest model out there, measuring 7.5 inches by 14.3 inches and weighing 13 pounds, it delivers booming bass and crisp playback at high volumes. It comes with multiple connectivity options, including two Bluetooth channels, each with a 150-foot range, one aux port, and one optical input. A full battery can last up to 24 hours, and you can easily switch between four different devices at one time, which means you can say goodbye to that awkward moment when the music stops as you switch to your friend’s party playlist. The adaptive EQ has a built-in microphone that picks up when the Hyperboom is being moved and adjusts the sound to whatever space it’s occupying. The Hyperboom does indeed bring the hype and the boom. But if less is still more, and our Wonderboom 3 pick is just too small, UE makes a range of recommendable portable Bluetooth speakers. (And if you really want to push the sound pressure, consider the JBL PartyBox 110 or even the JBL PartyBox 1000, which is “portable” in the same way a large rolling suitcase is.)
Best value: Anker Soundcore 3
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Why it made the cut: The Soundcore 3 is a well-rounded, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with an impressive 24 hours of battery life and the option to boost the bass without distortion.
Specs
Battery Life: 24 hours
Bluetooth Range: Up to 66 feet
IP Rating: IPX7
Size: 6.9 x 2.4 x 2.2 inches
Pros:
Excellent Battery Life
Sound Quality
Bass Up technology
Customizable EQ
Cons:
Simplistic design
Voice assistant capability is lacking
The Anker Soundcore 3 comes at a friendly $50 price without sacrificing sound quality. Play up to 480 songs (roughly 24 hours) on one charge supported by dual passive radiators, BassUp technology, and dual drivers with 100-percent titanium diaphragms—delivering extended highs and distortion-free lows, in stereo, no less. Choose from four preset EQ modes and link to other Bluetooth 5.0 Soundcore speakers using the Soundcore app, for an elevated experience. And, with IPX7 protection, your investment, while not substantial, will survive if you get caught in the rain, etc.
Also worth considering: Klipsch Nashville, Detroit, and Austin
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Specs
Battery Life: 24 hours (Nashville), 20 hours (Detroit), 12 hours (Austin)
Bluetooth Range: Up to 40 feet
IP Rating: IP67
Size: 3.19 x 3.07 x 7.01 inches (Nashville), 13.1 x 4.68 x 4.2 inches (Detroit), 1.73 x 4.13 x 4.13 inches (Austin)
Pros
Up to 24-hour battery life
Can connect to up to 10 additional Klipsch speakers
Reverse charging
Cons
SBC Bluetooth only
Klipsch’s Nashville (the foremost speaker in the picture above) is the mid-sized option in the speaker company’s “Music City” portable speaker series, and it delivers a lot for its small size. The speaker has a pair of 2.25-inch full-range drivers behind its signature copper logo and black grille—one front and one rear-firing so it can be enjoyed from any angle. The Bluetooth speaker’s drivers are augmented by a pair of bass radiators for cleaner low-end response. There aren’t any onboard tone controls, but you can tweak how the Nashville sounds using the Klipsch Connect app on iOS and Android if you’d like to dial in different frequencies or adjust its EQ to suit the music style you like listening to the most.
The Nashville supports Bluetooth 5.3, the latest, most stable version of the wireless audio protocol, though it only connects to smartdevices and computers via the baseline SBC codec. However, it supports a “Broadcast Mode” feature that allows you to connect it to 10 other Klipsch speakers, so we’re showcasing the entire lineup. Broadcast Mode works over Bluetooth, as the Nashville doesn’t support Wi-Fi audio streaming. Similarly, this speaker has no Aux input, meaning it’s Bluetooth or bust. We’re pleased that the Nashville has an IP67 rating, so it won’t get damaged when exposed to water or dust.
Klipsch says the Nashville supports up to 24 hours of music playback per charge, but the amount you get will depend on your listening volume and whether Broadcast Mode is engaged. The speaker charges via USB-C, and you can use its charging port to top up the batteries in your other devices by plugging them in. Using the Nashville as a power bank will deplete its battery a lot more quickly, but the feature is useful in a pinch.
Of course, none of this is worth a dang if the speaker ain’t got that twang. Luckily, the Nashville’s 60Hz to 20kHz frequency response is surprisingly robust for a speaker its size. The speaker maintains pleasingly throaty dynamics at 50 to 60 percent volume with minimal distortion, thanks to its DSP. Things start getting iffy above that, so if you seek volume and voluminous sound, look to the bigger $299 Detroit speaker (the elongated speaker in the image above). While the Detroit is true stereo, the Nashville’s playback is in mono; still, there’s a good sense of instrument separation, aided by some EQing in the app to bump tight bass and boost treble without tizziness. The Nashville is a speaker that can hold a note and hold up under the conditions of a pool party or beach bash. (And you can always pair two for discrete L/R channels.)
If you need an ultra-portable, highly affordable Klipsch speaker, The Austin (shown in the background above) is the one you’ll need. This personal speaker retains many of the looks and features that impressed us during our time with the Nashville and can last up to 12 hours per charge, which is great for a speaker conceivably fitting in a pair of cargo shorts. Despite its small size, Klipsch fit a 2-inch woofer and separate tweeter into its compact square enclosure. Even though the Austin is mono, you’ll get better separation between crisp high and rich mid frequencies than most single-driver ultra-portable speakers. The 10W 70Hz to 20kHz Austin will not be a suitable speaker system for a large space or a bass lover, but that’s not what it was designed for. Klipsch did outfit the speaker with a built-in strap, which you can attach to a bicycle’s handlebars or on a backpack. Don’t be fooled by any of these speakers’ size and price (ranging from $99 – $299). Klipsch spent time optimizing performance, so you won’t have a significantly diminished experience when listening to your tunes.
Things to consider when searching for the best portable Bluetooth speakers
Choosing the best Bluetooth speaker for you can be a bit of a challenge; with all the options out there, it’s easy to spend hours scrolling. So, whether you want to blast a soundtrack for motivation or relaxation, we want to help jumpstart your journey. Before diving headfirst into the ever-expanding speaker market, consider size, durability, connectivity, battery life, volume, and cost. A truly great portable Bluetooth speaker will be able to fit your lifestyle and budget without sacrificing audio quality.
Weight
While most wireless speakers are designed to be used on the go, that doesn’t mean they’re all ultraportable. There are many shapes, sizes, and weight options to choose from, so take some time to consider where and when you’ll want to jam out the most. If you’re merely traveling to the backyard or nearby park to listen, you can probably stand to stuff a larger speaker in a bag, or sling it over your shoulder. The same goes for road trips, car-camping, full-on van life, or beach vacations. You can get great sound, long-lasting batteries, and thumping bass from a speaker that starts at roughly the same size and weight as a water bottle.
However, if you need something to help you push through that last mile on a bike path or hiking trail, you’ll want a smaller speaker that can easily attach to handlebars or a backpack. Luckily, several portable speakers weigh under 1 pound, the lightest of which comes in at 0.019 pounds.
Volume
One common criticism of portable Bluetooth speakers is a lack of low-end support and distortion at high volumes (if you want some science as to the why, here are our primers on what makes up a speaker and how soundwaves work). While it’s true that portable systems can have trouble with handling sub-bass and high-decibel demands, there are a few models out there that are a cut above the rest.
If you’re after a party-pleasing sound, the bigger the speaker, the better. Larger units are generally more equipped to maintain consistent audio even as you turn the volume up, plus they have more room for well-designed subwoofers. A speaker with more woofers, as well as “bass radiators,” will do a much better job navigating the bump in the sonic roads. As for volume, check out the speaker’s specs and look for a maximum decibel level, notated as dB. If you are primarily playing music inside, 100 dB is the loudest you’ll want to go, and we’d be surprised if you even enjoyed listening at this level (it’s akin to a jet plane flying directly overhead). On the other hand, if you’re hosting an outdoor party with many people in attendance, you could think about increasing the volume to 115 dB, which is concert-level; music at this volume will cover a large area but you wouldn’t want anyone standing too close. Generally speaking, we are satisfied with Bluetooth speakers that maintain good sound quality at 85 dB for larger gatherings.
Battery life
Few things are more annoying than getting to your destination, cueing up your favorite playlist, only to see the dreaded low-battery LED flash demandingly. Luckily, the best portable Bluetooth speakers have long-lasting batteries. Speakers that boast batteries lasting between 10 and 30 hours are now more the norm than the exception. If you are going on a remote trip where charging isn’t an option and music is a necessity (I mean, when isn’t it), extended battery life is more important. We’re happy to report that these long-lasting batteries don’t mean large, bulky speakers—you can find reliable units at just about any size. And many of them also act as power banks so that you can recharge an important smartdevice in a pinch.
Durability
We have all been subjected to the terror that takes over when you accidentally spill your drink on a device, sending you scurrying for a bowl of rice and praying to the tech gods that your electronics survive. Luckily you can avoid all that fear and even embrace a little liquid with the best waterproof speakers. These durable units are particularly great for beach vacations, pool parties, or karaoke in the shower. To ensure your speaker can withstand a little splash, look for an IPX rating in its specs.
IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” which tells you just how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water. The first digit describes particle protection and the second liquid. For example, if a speaker has a rating of IP57, the “5” indicates it can keep out most dust and dirt particles, especially those over 1 millimeter in size, but it might be susceptible to large quantities of dust if exposed at one time. The “7” means you can submerge the device in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before any damage occurs. If you see a rating that looks like IPX7, the “X” means no data is available for that substance. The higher the number, the more protected your speakers will be from whatever it indicates (dust or water), so you can listen to your preferred podcasts in the tub or bring your favorite sea shanties aboard a boat without worry.
Connectivity
Alongside portability, we crave easy connectivity when it comes to the best portable Bluetooth speakers. You want to be able to quickly link your device without fretting over interference if you happen to walk a few feet away. Reliable portable speakers are equipped with Bluetooth versions 4.2 to 5.3, designed to bolster the consistent connection between smartphones and computers with fitness trackers, headphones, speakers, and more. They rely on Bluetooth’s efficient power usage and data transmission options for improved battery life and fewer streaming glitches. When selecting a speaker, make sure to pick a model that is Bluetooth compatible with your music-streaming device (for more on the different versions of Bluetooth and how it works, check out our primer). From there, you can think about additional connectivity features that would complete your ideal listening experience. Do you need a speaker that can stay connected to your phone from over 75 feet away? Do you want to be able to pair with another speaker for stereo sound? Are you looking to connect two devices at once so you can easily hand over DJ responsibilities?
You might also want to consider a speaker that has additional options for creating a connection. Some of us still have a few old-school devices that need an analog aux cord, which some speakers can support, though this feature is starting to fade with the release of newer models. Others might want to pair their portable speakers with a home system, whether for high-fidelity audio or voice-activated commands. If this sounds like you, consider a model that is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Price
Portable Bluetooth speakers run the gamut when it comes to price. Some of the high-end models top out at close to $300 to $450, though there are plenty of great picks out there in the more reasonable $100 to $200 range. You can even find quality speakers for closer to $50. As you start to go down in price, you might miss out on a few features like extra battery life, clear audio at high volumes, or truly booming bass. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly speaker, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice too much to find something that satisfies your needs. Just pay attention to all the information you can find about a particular model, including user reviews and product descriptions.
FAQs
Q: What is the best loudest portable Bluetooth speaker?
The loudest portable Bluetooth speaker currently available is the SOUNDBOKS 4, one of our top picks for an outdoor party speaker because it can reach up to 126 decibels. However, it does weigh 34 pounds, so one could call its portability into question. At $999, this is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers designed to provide literal concert-quality sound for various venues.
Q: What is the best overall portable Bluetooth speaker?
The best portable Bluetooth speaker is relatively subjective, given each individual’s priorities. Still, we stand by the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, Soundcore 3 by Anker, and UE Wonderboom 3 as three of the best budget Bluetooth speakers under $100; for even more cost- and carry-friendly models, take a look at a JBL speaker like the palm-sized JBL Go 3. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Sony SRS-XG300—with its retractable handle, LED accents, and LDAC codec—has the most style and fidelity.
Q: How many watts is a good speaker?
While there isn’t a set amount of wattage that determines a good speaker, you can use this measurement to help assess volume output. Wattage typically determines how loud a speaker can get, but not the quality of the sound. Larger speakers with higher wattage can typically generate more volume, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be free of distortion. For more information regarding your speaker’s sound quality, investigate its frequency range and sound pressure levels, notated as SPL.
Final thoughts on finding the best portable Bluetooth speakers
Best ultraportable: Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Best for outdoors: Sony ULT FIELD 1
Best waterproof: UE Wonderboom 3
Best for smart homes: Sonos Roam 2
Best for Android: Sony SRS-XG300
Best for party-goers and party-throwers: JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
Best for (viewing) parties: EarFun UBOOM L
Best battery life: Tribit StormBox Flow Bluetooth Speaker
Best for control freqs: Marshall Kilburn II
Best for bass: UE Hyperboom
Best value: Soundcore 3 by Anker
Also worth considering: Klipsch Nashville, Detroit, and Austin
While there may not be one portable Bluetooth speaker to rule them all, there are several excellent options out there, so long as you know where your priorities lie. The key to finding the best portable Bluetooth speakers for you is location, location, location—consider where you want to listen to music the most and you can identify the perfect wireless speaker to soundtrack your favorite activities.
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