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The 8 Best Portable Speakers, Tested and Reviewed

Never miss a beat with these high-quality portable speakers.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re looking to host parties pool-side or just want a reliable way to listen to music while getting ready for a night out, a portable speaker can be a great accessory for your next trip. Many portable speakers are dustproof and waterproof so you can truly take them with you wherever you go. Plus, the enhanced sound quality and customization provides a better way to listen to your favorite music.

To determine the best and most reliable portable speaker, we reviewed nearly a dozen options from top brands like Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Bose. We tested each portable speaker to evaluate how easy it is to use, how far the Bluetooth range can reach, how long the battery lasts, and then assessed its overall value. The compact and vibrant Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is our favorite option after weeks of tests. Whether you’re an audiophile or looking for a simple way to share your music on-the-go check out our lists of the best portable speakers for every occasion.

Testing, testing! Sony released their latest travel-friendly model — the ULT FIELD 1 Bluetooth Wireless Portable Speaker  — on April 11. The Travel + Leisure team is testing it and will update this article with our results accordingly.

Best Overall

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Useful Features 5 /5
• Setup Process 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

It connects to your phone almost instantly for easy setup.

It isn’t the easiest to pair with other Wonderboom speakers.

When you want to guarantee you can hear your favorite music wherever you go, be sure to pack the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable mini speaker. It comes in four colors (with two additional web-exclusive shades ), so you can mix and match, pairing the devices for an even more powerful sound. We tested this speaker in a variety of different environments, including at the beach and camping and never had any issues losing a connection.

This speaker connects to your phone almost instantly without issue or complications. It’s also easy to charge and comes with the necessary USB cord, so you don’t have to worry about sharing cords. And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case, this was one of the most durable portable speakers we tried as it’s both waterproof and dustproof. We also love that it doesn’t require any additional apps, making setup and use an absolute breeze.

The Details: 14 hours of battery | 131.2-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.75 x 4 x 4 inches | 0.94 pounds

Best Clip-on

The lightweight design and convenient clip is perfect for hiking or walking long distances.

The battery doesn’t last quite as long as other portable speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect option for lightweight packers and hikers alike. When you turn it on, it connects to the nearest phone almost automatically just like wireless headphones and is easy to switch devices if you want to give your friend a turn picking the music. While it does not have a carrying case, it does feature a cute and convenient clip so you can attach it to a picnic basket , backpack, bag, and even belt loop for constant listening. For how small this portable speaker is, we love the sound quality, which is great even in crowds and on windy beaches. 

The Details: 10 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 0.53 pounds

Best for Parties

Treblab hd77 ultra premium bluetooth speaker.

It’s one of the loudest portable speakers we’ve tested.

It’s heavier than other similarly sized portable speakers.

When you know you’re going to spend your vacation hosting parties or entertaining friends poolside, the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth Speaker is an absolute must. This speaker can overpower any noise, even in a crowded room or busy outdoor space. When you turn it on, we found it automatically pops up in your device’s Bluetooth settings, so you just click connect and get the party started quickly. There are even color-coded LED lights to indicate the speaker’s status (i.e., on, searching for connection, low in battery, etc.), and they all pop up in different colors so you can easily know what it needs. 

The connection never changed throughout our use, even when we walked into the water with the attached phone and the speaker stayed connected on the beach. There was no static or interruptions in the music, plus we could still hear the tunes in the water over the sound of the waves. We also love that it can last a couple of days without charging, depending on how much you use it.

The Details: 20 hours of battery | 33-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 7.3 x 3 x 3 inches | 1.38 pounds

Best Budget

Dosmix retro bluetooth speaker.

The sound quality is better and louder than most phones of similar size.

We wouldn’t recommend this for outdoor or party use. 

This teeny tiny speaker takes “portable” to a whole new level — it fits right in the palm of your hand like a phone, but has a stronger speaker for better quality music. We are absolutely in love with the retro vibe down to the working, light-up knob to adjust volume. For looks alone, we recommend this for anyone who wants something more than just a phone speaker, but that also looks cute sitting out. While we don’t think it’s a great option for on-the-go use (the battery and connectivity range are not as strong as other portable speakers), it’s a great small speaker for when you’re lounging or getting ready for a fun day out.

The Details: 6 hours of battery | 32.8-foot range | 2.8 x 4.3 x 2 inches | 0.43 pounds

Best Splurge

Ultimate ears epicboom.

The sound quality is unmatched.

The one-touch playlist feature doesn’t work with Spotify.

The minute you turn on this speaker for the first time, a voice welcomes you and tells you to download the app that then walks you through the simple setup instructions. You’re then able to easily switch between phones (and even connect it to an Apple TV for the ultimate listening experience). The connectivity range is also so strong that you can easily walk away from the speaker up to 180 feet without losing the signal. This is also the best sounding speaker we tested by far, and there are custom settings like bass boost and cinema mode so you can adjust for the perfect sound quality to match whatever you’re listening to. While this is certainly a pricier option, audiophiles and party-throwers alike are sure to love this high-powered speaker. 

The Details: 17 hours of battery | 180-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 6.3 x 4.6 x 9.4 inches | 4.4 pounds

Most Durable

During testing, this speaker fell out of a bag and tumbled down the stairs and there’s not a single mark, dent, or scratch on it.

We would love to see the exact charge percentage left on the speaker. 

Leave it to Sony to create a high-powered portable speaker that can withstand a fall down the stairs and still provide excellent sound for any occasion. While it didn’t automatically connect to devices, once we turned it off and on, and turned the phone’s Bluetooth capabilities off and on, we were able to pair the devices. Once connected the first time, it was instantaneous to connect for future use. The first time we used it, we charged it for about 15 minutes and it then worked for two hours straight. It’s also seamless to switch from phones to this speaker when playing music and also simple to swap to other devices without hassle. The Sony XB 100 comes with a little carrying sack, but we especially love that the speaker itself has a strap that can be used to attach it to the outside of any bag.

The Details: 16 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches | 0.61 pounds

Most Versatile

Bose soundlink flex bluetooth speaker.

We dropped it into a pool and the speaker still works and is undamaged.

It’s a bit big for a portable speaker, but it can still easily fit in carry-on and tote bags. 

Whether you’re lounging poolside or at the beach , this portable speaker is the perfect addition to your day of relaxation. It’s not a small speaker, but it’s still a good size for fitting into backpacks and totes to take with you on a variety of trips. Considering it’s not an Apple product, we were surprised by how quickly the speaker paired to iPhones and easily switched between devices. The speaker takes just a few hours to charge with the included USB-C cord. The battery also lasts up to 17 hours on one charge and it still plays music when it’s charging, so you never miss a moment of music. And while you don’t need the Bose app to use the speaker, it has so many sound customizations, you may want to utilize the app to get the best listening experience for your environment. 

The Details: 12 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | 1.3 pounds

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

It’s a smart speaker that’s perfect for making your Amazon Echo a portable device.

With just a five-hour battery life, this isn’t the best for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Yes, Alexa is normally only used inside, but this base turns your Echo Dot into a portable speaker. The device pairs instantly after you connect to your Amazon account and it doesn’t need to be operated using a phone (as long as your music services are linked to your Amazon profile). The speaker itself is connected to Wi-fi so your device doesn’t even need to be near a phone at all once hooked up to the internet. While the sound quality is good, our favorite part of this portable speaker is the ability to use Alexa. In fact, we find that the addition of this base makes your existing Echo device even more useful.

The Details: 5 hours of battery

Our team tested nearly a dozen portable speakers, evaluating each one on ease of use, range, sound quality, battery life, portability, and more. Testers were first asked to pair their speakers with a device to determine the ease of setup and then work with required apps or device settings to test the speaker’s range, customization, and sound quality. Each portable speaker was then brought out and tested in a variety of conditions from hiking trails to poolside and more. Throughout the testing period, we took careful note of the speakers’ durability and waterproofing if applicable.

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Decide how much sound you need.

Not all portable speakers are designed to overpower a room full of party people or even the sound of crashing waves. When selecting a portable speaker, think about where you intend to use it so you can prioritize a speaker that gets loud enough to suit your environment. If you are just looking for a speaker to enhance your music to a higher quality than your phone’s speaker, you may not need something as powerful as a speaker designed for outdoor use.

Consider size and portability 

When selecting a portable speaker, obviously, the size and weight of the device should be your top priorities. If you’re looking for a device that simply doesn’t need to be plugged in, but just moved around your home, the portability may not matter quite as much as if you plan to bring your speaker hiking. Know what you have in mind (and what weight you’re willing to carry) when you look into purchasing a portable speaker. Also, keep in mind that most portable speakers connect via Bluetooth; if you want to be able to connect to your home’s internet, or use voice assistants, you’ll likely need a speaker that also has Wi-fi capabilities. 

Prioritize durability

Since you’ll be taking this speaker with you on hikes, to the pool, or just over to your friend’s house, you want to make sure your portable speaker is durable. Consider opting for a speaker that is not only waterproof, but dustproof as well to ensure it can withstand your travels. You may also want to prioritize a portable speaker that comes with a carrying case, dustbag, or strap to make transportation a breeze.

Some portable speakers require a specific app that allows you to adjust the settings and check on the status of your device while other speakers just need to connect using your phone’s Bluetooth. Be sure to read all manufacturer’s instructions to determine exactly what you need in order to use your specific portable speaker. 

Portable speakers are allowed inside your carry-on or personal item. However, you are generally not allowed to play music or movies outside of headphones, so if you plan to bring your portable speaker on board, be sure it stays off and tucked away in a safe place. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she researches, reviews, and writes about a wide range of products. To select the best portable speakers, she called on her own experience as a traveler and worked with editors and T+L testers on a series of lab and real-world insights.

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Related Articles

We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound

Mose Hayward

Travel Nerd

I’ve been travelling the world for a decade and a half, and no matter how much I whittle down my luggage to the bare essentials, I always have room for a small speaker. I love to follow my podcasts, to share and discover music with people from all over the world, and to improvise occasional mini-dance party on the go. My phone’s speaker just doesn’t cut it.

It’s pretty vital to travel with good sound.

We’ve tried out dozens of different Bluetooth speakers for this site, and we also continue to read all speaker reviews from top consumer test organizations, tech sites, and bloggers around the world. It’s not easy to pick just one travel Bluetooth speaker from the heap, but if we had to do it, here’s the current winner we’d take on any trip.

The Best Travel Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is our favorite travel speaker.

Why: An even mix of punchy, dynamic sound in a small, nearly indestructible waterproof cylinder; the overall best portable replacement for a full speaker system

But:  While we think the Boom 3 is the best speaker for its size and price, there are also cheaper, smaller options discussed below that are quite worthwhile (though with less loudness and bass)

Our first Bluetooth speaker article was published way, way back in 2015. It has since been updated every few months with additions, changed recommendations, and new speakers. On April 14, 2017, we started logging these changes here; we added the UE Wonderboom to the recommended cheaper speakers. On May 3, 2017 we made a few changes and added the Etekcity RoverBeats T3. On May 8, 2017 we added the CRDC Life. On May June 2, 2017 we added a discussion of the JBL Flip 4 and made a few other updates. On June 21, 2017 we updated the discussion of the CRDC Life. On August 11, 2017, we updated the information on the Fugoo and Bose Soundlink Revolve speakers. On August 15-16, 2017, we removed speakers that were no longer available, updated the descriptions of our main pick, added some great alternate recommendations that have been recently released. We also rewrote the dumb parts. On Nov. 2, 2017, we added the AOSM speaker. On Nov. 3, we added the Bose Soundlink Micro. On Nov. 7, 2017, we added the supercheap tiniest speaker. On July 18-20, 2017, we did a major overhaul of the whole article with some updated recommendations concerning new speakers and eliminating those that are no longer available. On July 22. 2018: removed the no-longer-available the AOSM Portable TWS Bluetooth speaker, CRDC Life and Etekcity RoverBeats T3. Complete overhaul with updated recommendations on October 23, 2018. April 8, 2018: Updated with more opinions on the sound of the Boom 3 and better photos. Updated on Oct. 1, 2020 with a much better cheap pick. Added the JBL Flip 5 on Nov. 5, 2020. Updated with some minor changes to cheaper picks on July 21, 2022. Updated to remove older speakers and fix links on May 2, 2023. Similar update to remove outdated speakers but keep our main recommendation, with updated photos of it, on July 11, 2023.

This site (and our travel adventures) are rather meagerly funded through affiliate links; this means that when our readers click on shopping links to Amazon or pretty much anywhere, if they buy something, like it, and keep it, we get a small percentage. So we’re not particularly incentivized to recommend any one brand over another, but rather to have people find what they will like and use. We have received free speakers on occasion from manufacturers (who have no input on what we write) for review. Some of of those speakers sounded terrible, as noted below (Dodocool, Rise, etc.). Some of them sounded good. Ultimate Ears, for its part, only woke up and sent us a free speaker after we had been buying them with our own money and recommending them for years.

Why the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Is Our Favorite Travel Speaker

We’ll discuss its main road-worthy features first, then its sound — including a meta-take on critics views of this versus other portable speakers.

Features of the Boom 3: Rugged, Ready to Travel

This is not a feature-rich speaker, but it does include everything we find essential for use anywhere.

Waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof

No you’re not actually going to listen to your speaker underwater. But with the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, you could. The IP67 waterproof rating means that the unit is rated to be immersed under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes with no damage. This is a specific and meaningful claim (with legal implications) under the conditions of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standards .

In our test it sounds fine in the bathtub, but really, just put it next to your bath, shower, or pool. We do like knowing that we can easily wash it when needed, and that the odd splash of water won’t hurt it, but the 7 rating in waterproofing (meaning it can be submerged) is a bit overkill.

The 6 in the rating also means that it is “dustproof” and meets the standards for keeping dust out of the unit — an extra level of protection that is rare in such speakers, even those that are rated as waterproof.

The “drop-proofing” is a vaguer claim from Ultimate Ears that meets no specific standards, but the company claims that the Boom 3 passed various drop and durability tests. We were not so interested in testing this particular claim, but clumsier Amazon reviewers report that they’ve dropped it with no problems or even scratches . (The same was reported with its predecessor UE Boom 2 .) And prior to picking up a Boom 3, I myself was using, dropping, and bumping an (ancient-model, long discontinued) UE Mini speaker from the same manufacturer for many, many years and to this day it plays perfectly. The battery still works great too.

 Convenient Charging and a 15-hour Battery for Long Parties Away from a Power Source

This is not the longest battery life for a quality small travel speaker (the Fugoo Tough described below goes for 40 hours) but the Boom 3 has more battery time than most reasonable people will ever need. (We also recommend carrying a backup battery for devices when on the road, which could be used to charge a speaker in a pinch.) The Boom 3 lasts for 15 hours of constant use. In the real world, I used it without charging for a two-week trip that included several spurts of use in (3-4-hour) car trips, and use in hotel rooms, showers, little improvised dance parties, and more with more battery to spare at the end.

The Boom 3 charges via a standard mini USB-B port, and you may be traveling with other devices using the same cable, like a Kindle for your language learning or your headphones. It’s too bad that the Boom 3 doesn’t use USB-C, like modern phones, but most other Bluetooth speakers are still on USB-B (micro) ports as well.

If you’ve seen our commentary on  toiletry kits , you know that we’re obsessed with the utility of being able to hang things while travelling, and staying in cramped quarters.

You can use a carabiner —or, my favorite, a travel hook —to attach your Ultimate Ears Boom 3’s hang loop to a backpack, a fence, a chair, a towel hook when you’re the shower… this is a very small but incredibly convenient feature. At least I think so; I always seem to run out of space to set stuff out on when I’m staying in weird corners of the world.

The Boom 3’s Dedicated Apps: Equalizer, Pair Multiple Speakers, and More

You can use the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 without installing any special apps as a simple Bluetooth-connected speaker. But you’ll want the relevant  Android or iOS  app for your phone as they add quite a bit of functionality.

• The “block party” features allows three people to share/fight for DJ-rights to the speaker.
• You can remotely turn the speaker on and off, which turns out to be quite convenient for making sure you save battery when the speaker is a bit further than you’d like to reach, or for turning it on to find it by sound if misplaced.
• Customize the EQ to your taste.
• Use the speaker as a musical alarm.
• Connect multiple Boom 3 speakers for bigger sound. You can also connect 150+ Ultimate Ears Boom, Boom 2, Megaboom, and Megaboom 3 and have them all blasting music from your little old phone.

Portable Size and Weight

The Boom 3 is a very packable 2.9-in. (7.3 cm.) diameter cylinder and is 7.2 in. (18.4 cm.) tall. It weighs 1.34 lbs. (608 g.).

The Feature It Lacks: The Boom 3 Is Not a Smart Speaker

If you want a speaker you can chat with (ask about the weather, news, control a smart home) that is similar to the Boom 3, you can see our comparison  of it with the Ultimate Ears Blast . But note that we wouldn’t really recommend  any  smart speaker, at least in terms of travel, as all smart speakers currently only work when connected to WiFi.

We also think that smart speakers are a bit gimmicky and not all that useful; if you want an assistant we’d just talk to the one built into any modern smart phone. And for a home unit, go instead for a (much more useful) unit with a screen like the Echo Show or Google Home Hub  for your home.

How the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Sounds

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is, as you may expect, the third in a series. The previous versions, the UE Boom and UE Boom 2, were both revolutionary  hits   with   reviewers   when   released   with tech   press , audiophiles , and international consumer and  testing  organizations. These were the first speakers to really do 360-degree audio and they packed an incredible punch for their small size.

The competition has caught up, definitely, and plenty of other portable Bluetooth speakers sound wonderful. But the Boom 3 has improved over the Boom 2 too . Thus far the critics have   been heaping  praise on the new portable party guy from Ultimate Ears, saying that its sound has a bit better performance at top volumes. Since speaker tastes are subjective, our meta-take is always to look for an overall consensus in this way rather than taking just our ears or any other one critic’s tastes as gospel.

And overall the experts think that the Boom 3 sounds fantastic. Its 2-inch drivers and 2×4-inch passive radiators punch out powerful sound and relatively deep bass for such a small unit with little risk of distortion. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and it doesn’t — like certain competitors, hike up the bass end to try to cover sloppy performance. The sound is balanced and rich, clear and sweet in the mids, and often described as “punchy” or “dynamic”.

Of the many Bluetooth speakers that I’ve personally listened to, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is the best sounding of its size, and certainly has the most convincing bass — not quite as deep and pleasing as high-end home bookshelf speakers, but it’s getting well close, which to my mind is fantastic for someone who is rarely in my living room enough to enjoy those.

The speaker  goes quite loud (up to 90 dBA) and doesn’t have issues with distortion or odd mix effects when it gets up to its limits. Pushed to the max it was uncomfortably loud in a large interior living room/dining area, and could certainly serve as the sound system for a house party if needed.

Also crucial for good sound in practical outdoor settings or larger rooms is the Boom 3’s 360-degree output . No matter which side of the speaker you’re on, it sounds the same. The speaker is designed to be placed in the center of the action, and be equally enjoyable from any side. This means you can take a party to go and place the speaker in the center of the action, and it will sound great to everyone.

Downsides of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 (But Not Enough to Hold Us Back)

• There is always a trade-off between a speaker’s size and its ability to deliver convincing bass and volume, so of course some larger Bluetooth speakers do sound better, especially on the bass end. In this article we focus on portable units and compare the Boom 3’s sound to them; we separately cover bigger, less portable Bluetooth speakers here . The Boom 3 is to most ears the best-sounding speaker with the features and the size that a traveller wants, but you might also compare it to the Megaboom 3 if you’re willing to carry about twice the weight.
• It’s a bit expensive. You can certainly spend less and still have a great-sounding and robustly durable travel speaker (see below ).

Buying Options for the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Scoring the Best Prices

In addition to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 at Amazon , you can check for it on  Best Buy , although we haven’t thus far seen better prices there. Amazon sometimes has different prices depending on which color you buy, so you may want to click around to different colors if you’re flexible.

We wouldn’t recommend buying a used Boom 3 —or any other battery-containing electronic device — as there is no telling how many cycles the battery has already been through at the time of purchase. You may end up having to replace the battery too soon (though our experience with Ultimate Ears batteries has generally been quite good).

Protecting Your Boom 3: Carrying Cases

The Boom 3 is an incredibly rugged speaker and we don’t think it really needs a case (we do travel with our cables neatly stored and protected in a  Skooba Cable Stable however).

But we know that lots of our readers do buy cases. Such cases do at least provide a nice way to organize and protect the charging cable and keep it alongside the speaker. Our readers’ top three picks are below.

A Larger Travel Speaker—with Even More Volume and Bass: The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

We’re all about travelling light so we’ve focused this article on speakers that are about the size and weight of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

If you think you can carry more, you’ll also be able to get more volume and better sound — this is a basic law of speaker tech.

Our rugged, larger travel speaker recommendation is the  Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 . In our direct comparison of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 we note that they’re almost identical in terms of design but the Megaboom 3 offers a bit more soundstage and performs better on the bass end. It goes deeper, and its lows on bass-heavy tracks are more full and convincing.

Otherwise it’s nearly the same as the Boom 3, so if you’re willing to carry a bit more weight (and pay a slightly higher price), this would be the one to go for.

The Most Rugged Bluetooth Speaker We’d Recommend—and with a Crazy Long Battery Life

The  Fugoo Tough is designed to withstand snow, mud, shocks, and submersion underwater. It has an IP67 rating just like our main pick and a removable jacket that suggests it’s going into war — It’s not going to have any issues with being dropped, bumped, or kicked around.

Of the speakers we recommend it also has the most battery life: 40 hours.

Overall it doesn’t get near as many accolades for sound as our main pick, but it’s not too bad either.  Several   reviewers quite like how it handles music, while another faults it for lack of bass and volume.

Fugoo sells basically the same speaker in Sport , Style S , and Fugoo Style versions, but the Tough version is the only one that might make sense for some travellers as it is the most indestructible of the lot, and that’s what Fugoo has going for it in comparison to other options. We have done a full analysis of the differences between these Fugoo speakers . And we have a more complete comparison of the Fugoo, UE, and Bose lines of speakers .

The Best Smaller Bluetooth Speaker (Slip it in a Pocket, Clip it to Your Pack): Bose Soundlink Micro

At about half the size and weight of our main pick, the Bose has introduced a clippable, pocketable marvel that still somehow manages to deliver signature Bose evenness and clarity, and even enough loudness to fill a room or work for outdoor listening.

The Bose Soundlink Micro measures 3.87 inches (9.8 cm) square and is 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) thick; it weighs 0.64 pounds (.29 kg), making it one of the lightest speakers we’ve ever recommended. It’s fully IPX7 waterproof and has a very durable rubberized chassis.

The tech critics   and audiophiles   who   have reviewed it tend to agree that its clarity is great and there is even somewhat of a soundstage and a solid bass end; it’s widely held to be the best-sounding small speaker of its size.

The main complaint it gets is its price; this costs more than most such tiny speakers. And the battery life of six hours may deter some (though if you’re carrying your own spare USB battery in your pack you don’t have to worry).

Overall, if you’re someone who is into extremely light packing and you need your tunes on the go, this is the speaker to go for.

See also our  comparison of the Micro with the Bose Soundlink Color II .

The Best Cheap, Small Clip-on Speaker for Travel: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is half the price of the Bose Soundlink Micro above, and to some sounds even better. I personally have loved listening to most music on it, as it really excels in delivering a full, well-rounded impression of the mid-range that you’d normally get from a much larger speaker.

It’s also significantly cheaper and more portable than my top-choice Boom 3. While it can’t come anywhere near delivering the powerful bass and immersiveness of my top travel speaker pick, if I were just slightly less snobby about sound, or if I needed to lighten my load, I’d happily carry the Stormbox Micro 2.

It charges via USB-C (how modern), so you can use it with the same USB-C travel charger that you likely already use for your phone and perhaps laptop and other devices. The new version adds to that the ability to charge a phone or other device off of the speaker’s battery—a lifesaver after a long flight.

Add to that Bluetooth 5.0 and full IP67 waterproofing, and it’s hard to find any objection.

Other Travel Speaker Options (Not Our Top Picks)

A quieter but excellent-sounding travel bluetooth speaker: bose soundlink color ii.

The Bose Soundlink Color II is the small-to-mid-sized Bluetooth speaker to get if you want a decent soundstage and the smooth mids and trebles that the Bose universe tends to provide.

The Color II not as loud, and doesn’t kick out as much powerful bass as some of the other options, but the critics and consumer organizations report that holds it own and is excellent for filling a room with clean, detailed sound. We offer a full comparison of the Soundlink Color II with the other Bose speakers .

The Color II is directional, meaning that it sounds best when you’re right in front of it, and it’s spash-resistant (but not waterproof) and has a rubberized body so is expected to survive drops well. Overall, that makes it a nice-enough speaker to travel with, but the Boom 3 seems like a better deal to us.

The Bose Soundlink Color II measures 2.2 x 5.0 x 5.2 inches (5.6 x 12.7 x 13.2 cm) and weighs 1.2 pounds (.544 kg).

Generally Well-Liked: The JBL Flip 6

We think that the JBL Flip 6 is a good speaker and a slight improvement on the JBL Flip 5 (see this review for full thoughts) . It could be a decent in-between-priced pick if your budget falls between our main pick and the cheaper pick above.

A Few More Notes…

The AYL Portable Mini Capsule Speaker System is not actually a bluetooth speaker, but connects via a mini cable. It’s really small and really cheap, and considering that sounds decent  according to some . If you have a modern smartphone or tablet, though, your sound may already be better directly from that.

We completed a comparative meta-review of the differences between the Bose Soundlink Revolve II and Bose Soundlink Revolve + II , which we think are both quite fine Bluetooth speakers but perhaps not what we’d want to take on the road, as they’re not as waterproof and dustproof.

As of this writing there are a couple of reviews out there of the Oontz Angle 3 , but no serious comparisons to other speakers by anyone who is an expert in audio. This speaker is quite popular on Amazon, and most reviewers there seem to be enjoying their purchase as a functional and loud-enough option for “rocking out in the shower” or listening to audio books. We can’t recommend this over the other cheap options (above)  until we see more written about it or try it out ourselves, but it may be another good option at the lowest price point.

The Rise MiniBoom Wireless Speaker is a tiny, palm-sized and well-built speaker that would be a great road companion if it sounded better. Unfortunately, I found the sound at high volumes to be so harsh and unpleasant that I didn’t even want to use it for listening to podcasts — the sound from my Pixel phone itself was actually more even and listenable. If you lower the volume and listen to music, there is a bit more body and presence than a cell phone’s own speaker, but unsurprisingly not the clarity of the larger speakers we review here, and the sound is muffled. I wanted to love this speaker for its small footprint and obvious convenience as a minimalist travel accessory, but unfortunately the sound quality for me is overall not worth adding to one’s bag (or even pocket).

The SOL Republic Deck was pretty well-liked by some reviewers , though they weren’t in completely in love with it or anything. It is long and thin, and its price has dropped significantly, so it could now be considered a decent cheap option, but still not as good as our other cheap picks above.

Wrap-Up: And the Best Speaker for YOUR Travels Is…

With Ultimate Ears speakers especially, it’s very worth clicking over to Amazon and checking out prices for various colors in order to get the best deal, as they vary widely at times.

About The Author

31 thoughts on “We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound”

I’d like to see Minirig Mini and Wonderboom 2 compared, they’re both smaller than Boom 3 and sound quality would be at least close.

I’d agree that Wonderboom 2 (or previous version, both reviewed here) is excellent and an in-between spot for a small, great-sounding travel speaker. I haven’t heard the Minirig Mini yet but others’ reviews for it have not been good at all.

I recently purchased two Creative Muvo 2c speakers as my go to travel speakers. They connect as a stereo pair and the sound is great, not overly bass heavy (which I prefer) but the mids and trebles are crystal clear and they don’t distort at maximum volume. Priced at around Euros 35 each they don’t break the bank and are easily portable. Wonder if you would review a set and see what you think?

Great reviews. Can you recommend something that’s small and flat like the jbl go 2 or altec lansing h20 3, that can pair with another, that sounds decent? Neither of these get loud enough. I have a pair of oontz angles, but they’re too big for a pocket and won’t pair to each other.

Thanks, you’re all so sweet. In your shoes I think I’d go for two UE Roll 2s, as mentioned above. They’re flat-ish, but not quite pocket-sized. You really do have to trade off larger size for larger sound, I’m afraid.

Creative Muvo 2c Buy two, pair them up and you won’t be disappointed.

This is one of the best reviews I’ve read about any item. It’s given added credibility because you draw on third party opinions. I’m seeking lightweight, stereo and good battery life. Still deciding, but you’ve given plenty of food for thought Thanks!

I think leaving out any Marshall product is a terrible oversight in this otherwise very useful roundup!

I own the 1st gen Kilburn, and it still pumps out more bass than almost anything listed here, boasts a carry handle, solid highs and mids with very pleasing, warm sound, and excellent battery life. It falls right in line with the price of several entries in this list, and has great build quality.

The only negative is the weight, but if you’re traveling by vehicle to your campsite (or other destination) the weight is less of an issue, and you are rewarded with shockingly good sound for the size of the speaker.

They make a smaller portable BT speaker, in addition to the Kilburn.

Agreed. We love the Marshall Kilburn II too, but it’s much larger than the speakers in this article. We cover the larger speakers like the Kilburn here: https://minimalist.travel/en/reviews/big-loudest-bluetooth-speakers/

Nice job. You say that some critics say the Charge 2+ sounds better than the 3, and you give a link. 3 links indeed. Well, in none of them there is such a statement. The Charge 3 isn’t mentioned at all. Wrong links?

You’ll want to look at the links reviewing the Charge 3 in the paragraph above that; several reviewers made that comment though it was a mixed sentiment. Thanks for your careful reading, hope you find the right speaker for you!

How can it be voice controlled with google home?

Edit (Oct 23, 2018): Nope. Voice-controlled speakers need to be connected to wifi to work and we’re discussing travel speakers here. We’d recommend checking out our smart speaker reviews .

What a fantastic review!

Which bluetooth speaker has the smallest form factor because portability is my main requirement. Thanks

Hi Akshat, we have a separate review of the smallest speakers . Enjoy!

I was wondering. Would two UE Roll 2’s in stereo be better than one UE Boom 2?

In a word, yes. The two UE Roll 2s can provide stereo separation or simply more sound. On the other hand, it’s more to carry around than if you get a single UE Boom 2 . The best speaker is the one that you have with you; you may be more likely to carry a single UE Boom 2 more often than if you have two UE Roll 2s.

Attention Aussie customers …

The Fugoo Style is available on the Official US site for $89US The same item in the AU site is $289AU

You do the math… (not great value for money for the Aussies)

What about JBL Flip 3? No mention of that?

I realisre the article must have been written before Flip3 was released. So if you could give an opinion now?

Frankly, an oversight from our last update. We’ve now updated our coverage from the JBL Flip 2 to JBL Flip 3. As we describe in our update (above), it’s pretty well liked by critics and not a bad option, but most people will frankly prefer our other budget picks. It’s a decent speaker though. Thanks for commenting.

I purchased the phk brick sounds really good its punchy and clear !

Awesome article. I love your thorough, meta style. Q: any word on the UE Megaboom? Given the fine coverage you give of the Boom 2, surely the Megaboom deserves some discussion, and a comparison of its sound with the Boom 2. Thx!

Thanks! We’re glad you found it useful. Perhaps a bit late for you, but we now have a comparison of the UE Boom 2 and UE Megaboom . The Megaboom was considered too large for this article.

No mini rig?

? How can you not have JBL Extream and Fugoo XL in this list?

We certainly considered them; both the JBL Xtreme and the Fugoo XL are quality speakers, but far too bulky (I’ve added them just now to that list).

In this analysis, we focus on options that are small enough that you are always tempted to throw them in your bag, and yet they still deliver on great audio. Our bigger, chunkier recommendation would be the Bowers & Wilkens T7 , which we think is a bit of a step up from those two…

Our recommendations are very much focused on portable options. It sounds like the Bowers & Wilkens T7 would be the best option for you, however.

This article is fantastic — thank you!

I’m looking for something self-powered that gets produces good sound and gets loud — that’s my main requirement. Cost, portability etc are less important. Do you have any recommendations? The only really loud option I could find is the Soundboks, but review sites indicate that the sound quality isn’t very good. What’s the next loudest option out there that has good sound quality?

This site focuses on portable equipment at this time; it sounds like you want battery-powered loudspeakers like these — you might start your search there.

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10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

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Summer means outdoor BBQs, sunsets on the beach, bonfires, hikes, and everything outdoors—liven things up with some music courtesy of these wireless travel speakers. Whether you’re looking for a super compact version or a durable, waterproof speaker, you’ll find a perfect match for your vacation on this list.

The Best Wireless Travel Speakers

Marsboy portable bluetooth speaker.

This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50-foot Bluetooth range and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours—perfect for long days at the beach.

Price and Where to Buy: $20 on Amazon (originally $35)

Kunodi F4 Outdoor Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Bring this guy to the pool deck or outdoor shower on your summer vacation. Amazon reviewers love the high-quality sound and waterproof feature. This is one of the best wireless travel speakers out there, and also has a hands-free function and displays the battery life on your phone (when connected to Bluetooth).

Price and Where to Buy: $17 on Amazon (originally $24)

Anker SoundCore Mini  

Anker makes some of the best tiny speakers on the market, and the AnkerSoundCore Mini is no different. The SoundCore Mini travel speaker delivers 15 hours of playtime and a connection range up to 66 feet. The speaker also has a microSD card reader, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AUX port, so you can choose how to connect to your devices. Amazon reviewers love the sound quality and long battery life.

Price and Where to Buy: $30 on Amazon

PINGKO Sport Speakers

At just four ounces, this is one of the smallest travel speakers out there. The top-rated speaker on Amazon has a six-hour battery life and has a handy LED-light battery level indicator. I love the attachment options for this one, which allows you to hang the speaker almost anywhere.

Price and Where to Buy: $24 on Amazon (originally $49)

AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers

This wireless travel speaker has the highest waterproof rating on the list (IPX7), making it your perfect pool companion—it even comes with a pool float. Buy two and you can pair them together for a surround-sound experience.

Price and Where to Buy: $36 on Amazon (originally $130)

Anker SoundCore Nano

This is one of the lightest travel speakers on the list, weighing in at just 2.9 ounces. The small speaker packs a big punch, with Amazon reviewers raving about the sound quality and volume. Due to its smaller size, the battery life is four hours and the connectivity range is 33 feet.

Price and Where to Buy: $21 on Amazon (originally $50)

Aud Mini by iLuv

About the size of an iPhone 6, this tiny travel speaker has a loud bass and high-quality sound, especially for its size. I own a similar iLuv speaker and have been impressed by its quality and connectivity strength for the price.

Price and Where to Buy: $11 on Amazon (originally $40)

dodocool Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Another super-lightweight travel speaker is the dodocool Mini; at 3.2 ounces you get four hours of battery and a 33-foot connectivity range. This tiny speaker has a few other functions too: It’s also a selfie remote and has a built-in microphone for hands free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $13 on Amazon

LESHP Portable Bluetooth Mini Speaker

This super-small speaker has a five-star rating on Amazon and reviewers love the sound quality for the speaker size. The battery lasts up to five hours and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $16 on Amazon (originally $30)

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

While this is one of the larger wireless travel speakers on the list, it’s the smallest speaker out there that offers 360-degree sound. So, if you’re serious about your sound quality but are still looking for travel speakers, this may be your perfect match.

Take it from Senior Editor Caroline Morse: “The  Wonderboom speaker  delivers crisp, clear, and loud music that will liven up a party of any size. You can play your music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so there’s no need to worry about electricity … The sound quality is worth the price tag, which is an average price for a drop-proof, water-proof speaker.” Read her full review here .

Price and Where to Buy: $80 on Amazon (originally $100)

More from SmarterTravel:

• 11 Things You Need to Pack When You Stay at a Summer Vacation Rental
• 11 Travel Tools You Won’t Regret Splurging On
• 7 Tiny Travel Gadgets You Can’t Leave Home Without

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed

By: Author James McAlister

Finding the best travel speaker for your needs can be a difficult task. There are thousands on the market and a lot of considerations to ponder.

If you’re heading away on a trip and want to be able to bang out some tunes, it’s an essential piece of kit. And they’re great for the beach, around the pool, or in your hotel room. 

We’ve put together this definitive list of the best travel speakers on the market right now to help making your choice a little simpler.

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Speakers

[wptb id=12451]

How to Choose the Best Travel Speaker

The best travel speakers all share a number of impressive elements. Here’s how we went about picking which ones made it onto our list:

If you’re buying a speaker to take travelling then it needs to be pretty hardwearing. 

It’s not going to be safely tucked away on a dresser in the corner of a room. So it has to be able to withstand the rigours of your trip, regardless of where your adventures take you. 

The last thing you want is for it to fall apart during a trip and be left carrying a useless lump of plastic. 

At the very least it should be water resistant, and ideally fully waterproof. Not only is this perfect for stress-free fun around the pool or on the beach, it’s also ideal for humid conditions.

It also needs to be generally travel-proof, i.e hard enough to be chucked in your bag and survive a few knocks.

Battery Life

Picture the scene. You’re chilling on the beach with your buds in the midday sun, enjoying some tunes and generally having a good time.

Then your travel speaker dies. Just cuts out. Mood killed.

Most good travel speakers have a battery life of a minimum of 6 hours with continuous playback. But the very best can last up to around 20.

If you anticipate using your travel speaker for long periods at a time, battery life will be an important consideration. One thing to note is that all of the listed battery playback duration here is the maximum for each device.

There are lots of factors that affect how much play you’ll get out of a single play. For example, blasting it at volume will drain it extremely quickly.

Portability

When you’re packing for a trip, the weight and bulk of your baggage is all important. No one wants to be lugging around unnecessary weight.

So when it comes to choosing the best travel speaker for you, one factor will be how much it weighs. 

There’s no ideal weight as such, instead you need to find the best compromise for you between weight and performance. This is because generally speaking, a larger speaker will have better specs.

That said, if weight or size are huge considerations for you, there are small travel speakers out there whose sound belies their size.

This is a very personal thing, and may even depend on how much baggage allowance you have. But think about what you’re willing to lug around in your daypack when you hit the beach when choosing your travel speaker.

Connectivity

The best travel speakers are obviously wireless, and therefore come with bluetooth connectivity. However, there may be times when some people may want or need to plug their device in.

While most travel bluetooth speakers receive solely via bluetooth, some do have an auxiliary port.

If you have no idea what I’m on about or why you might need that, then in truth you probably don’t. So don’t sweat it.

But it gives you another option for getting your sounds from whatever device they’re on to the speaker. So if that’s something you’ll potentially need, pick a speaker which provides that choice.

Sound Quality

For many people, sound quality will be the most important factor in choosing what the best travel speaker for them is. No one wants a tinny, barely audible embarrassment of a speaker which makes every song sound the same. 

Rest assured, every travel speaker on this list has got very good sound quality. Now that’s not to say that there may be some aspects missing, because the perfect travel speaker literally hasn’t been invented yet.

But we’ve gone for speakers that have a full, round sound overall. And we’ve pointed out their high points and low points as best we can. 

Whatever you choose from this list will allow you to happily get down to your jams.

The Best Travel Speakers

So without further ado, let’s rundown the best travel speakers on the market right now.

• Weight : 608 g (1.34 lbs)
• Battery Life : 15 hours
• Wireless Range : 45 m (150 ft)
• Connectivity : Bluetooth 

The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market. 

UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it’s our preferred brand.  

The 3 is the latest incarnation of their best selling Boom range. It’s got absolutely everything that you need in a portable travel speaker, starting with its mind-blowing overall sound.

The cylindrical shape means it pumps out 360° sound creating an immersive experience. What it produces is well balanced with a nice, warm tone and deep base. 

You can customise your settings using the adjustable EQ on the app, or alternatively pick from the available presets.

This portable travel speaker sounds great whether your inside your hotel room or out chilling on the beach. And trust us when we say it gets LOUD!

The UE Boom 3 is built to last, with lots of features that make it super durable. 

It’s completely waterproof for a start. And not only that, but it actually floats meaning you’ll never lose it at the bottom of the pool or ocean.

It’s also made from durable material that’s resistant to knocks and scrapes, helped by the rubber end caps. It can survive a pretty hefty drop, and is certainly fine with being roughed up in your daypack.

One of the only complaints about the UE Boom 3 is that it doesn’t feature an auxiliary port. However, as a travel bluetooth speaker I’d argue that’s really not an issue.

The whole idea is to use it wirelessly. So it’s unlikely you’d need a line in anyway and is in no way a deal breaker.

Another potential downside is that, while it’s definitely small and portable, there are smaller, lighter travel speakers. 

If you’re on the lookout for a mini travel speaker, bear in mind that this is slightly larger than a standard water bottle. To give you an idea, it fits anywhere a water bottle does i.e backpack side-pocket or bicycle drinks holder.

Bose Soundlink Micro

• Weight : 290 g (0.63 lbs)
• Battery Life : 6 hours
• Wireless Range : 9 m (30 ft)

The Bose name is one that’s synonymous with fantastic quality in the audio equipment market. As a company it’s known for concentrating on great sound, and the Bose Soundlink Micro is no different.

Despite being pocket-sized, it’s crisp and balanced and has a decidedly decent bass. In fact, considering just how small this travel speaker is, you’ll be amazed at the sound it pumps out.

It’s also perfect for all and any travel adventures and was designed to be both portable and durable. 

The Soundlink Micro’s exterior is made entirely from silicone rubber. It’s soft yet rugged, and built to withstand dents, cracks and scratches.

It’s also completely waterproof making it perfect for outdoor use, particularly around the pool or on the beach.

A clever and unique travel feature is the tear-proof silicone strap on its back. This allows you to strap it to virtually anything it will fit around.

The handlebars of a bike, a bag strap, your wrist, your belt loop, nothing’s off limits. The strap makes it even easier to transport.

Perhaps surprisingly for a mini travel speaker, it has speakerphone capabilities. Perfect if you’re doing something active like hiking or cycling so you don’t need to physically pick your smartphone up.

The main drawback of the Bose Soundlink Micro is that its battery life is not amazing. If you’re after something that will keep the tunes banging all day, this isn’t it. But unfortunately it’s a necessary trade off for such a small device.

Bose Soundlink Revolve

• Weight : 680 g (1.5 lbs)
• Battery Life : 12 hours
• Connectivity : Bluetooth and 3.5 mm auxiliary input

Next up is another from the wireless Bose range, the Soundlink Revolve. This one’s for Bose fans after a travel speaker with longer battery life and bigger sound than the Soundlink Micro.

It takes all of the great stuff that you get from the Micro and dials it up a notch.

The aesthetic design is completely different. It’s a gorgeous-looking piece of kit made from durable aluminium and with a seamless body for true 360° sound.

The slightly conical shape provides you with deep, immersive sound from all angles. It also makes it easy to grab from the top of the speaker.

The Revolve can go astonishingly loud for its relatively small size and has a beautiful overall tone. However, at the very top volumes you may experience some distortion, depending on what you’re playing.

Like the Micro it has speakerphone capabilities. Additionally there’s a special button to access Siri or Google Assistant.

Another cool feature is its universal threaded mount. This allows you to connect it to a tripod and create an elevated speaker to really get the party started.

While it’s not fully water-submersible, the Revolve is water-resistant so still protected against splashes and spills. This means it’s still great to take to the pool or beach and there’s no problem if it gets rained on.

It’s not as rugged as some of the other travel speakers on this list, but it sounds and looks delicious. 

• Weight : 540 g (1.19 lbs)
• Wireless Range : 30 m (100 ft)

JBL has developed a reputation for building awesome bluetooth speakers that far outperform their price point. The JBL Flip 5 continues that tradition, packing a huge punch for the price.

Its slick, cylindrical design is relatively similar to the UE Boom 3 with rubber end caps and a similarly tough material cover.

And like the UE Boom3, it’s extremely durable. Fully waterproof, and resistant to knocks and bangs, it’s perfect for standing up to the day-to-day challenges of travelling.

The JBL Flip 5 also sounds fantastic, particularly if you’re into bass-heavy music. The bass is bone-rattlingly booming, without compromising the overall sound.

It uses USB-C quick charge capability meaning it takes less time to fill the battery. You can charge up and get back on the road even faster.

This is a great all-round travel speaker at a very fair price. 

Anker Soundcore Flare

• Weight : 530 g (1.17 lbs)

If you’re looking for a low-cost travel speaker that still combines many of the features of the top-range models in this category, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare.

It looks a bit like the Bose Soundcore Revolve with its conical shape. But rather than being made from aluminium, it’s got the durable fabric covering of the UE Boom 3. 

Like the best travel speakers, the Soundcore Flare is also completely waterproof and extremely durable.

Anker have also added an LED lightshow feature. While for some this might seem a bit unnecessary from a speaker, there’s no denying it’s great in a party setting.

The lights have various different modes to suit your mood, but can also be turned off completely. This saves battery and will obviously be more appropriate for certain settings.

The Souncore Flare makes a surprisingly impressive noise for the price point, providing well balanced 360° overall.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the more expensive models in this department, you can’t complain for the price. And unless you’re a stickler, you probably won’t be disappointed.

That is unless you plan on really banging out the beats. Because while this small travel speaker is good at lower volumes, it’s a different matter when you crank it up.

It can start to sound a bit harsh when you dial it up. And even with Anker’s advertised Bass Up tech, it lacks real resonance and bite in the lower ranges.

For your average user, this is going to be a perfectly decent travel bluetooth speaker. 

OontZ Angle 3

• Weight : 283 g (0.62 lbs)
• Battery Life : 14 hours

For a pretty premium travel speaker on a pauper’s budget, take a look at the OontZ Angle 3. While it’s not mind-blowing, it ticks a lot of the boxes without breaking the bank. 

I’ll say right off the bat, for this price, you can’t expect it to perform like the very best travel speakers on this list.

Despite that, if you’re searching for a cheap and cheerful small travel speaker, this won’t be far off.

So first the good stuff. It’s a small travel speaker. I mean, really small and far more portable than most on this list.

It weighs hardly anything and could fit in your back pocket making it super-easy to carry around anywhere.

It’s hard-wearing, water resistant and dustproof, perfect for taking on trips. The materials are solid and it’s protected by rubber end caps.

It’s also got hands free capability, a rarity in a bluetooth speaker of this size and price.

So the bad? Well while it’s reasonably loud for its size, it doesn’t project amazingly in outside spaces. If you’re down at the beach, for example, you’re gonna need to crank it up.

On the plus side, unlike most cheaper speakers, there’s no distortion at top volumes. 

On the face of it this should solve the issue. But bear in mind playing at high volume reduces the battery faster.

Having said that, the battery life is excellent, so the negatives are counteracted overall by the positives!

The OontZ Angle 3 probably isn’t suitable if you’re partying and blasting the tunes. But if you’re looking for a low-priced speaker that’s suitable to take on your travels, you could do far worse.

Tribit StormBox

• Weight : 498.9 g (1.1 lbs)
• Battery Life : 20 hours
• Wireless Range : 20.1 m (66 ft)

I don’t think it would be unfair to say that the Tribit StormBox looks like it’s been directly modeled on the JBL Flip 5.

Its shape and design is strikingly similar, down to the little wave in the rubber end plates. But let’s not pretend that’s a bad thing, because the Flip 5 is a sweet piece of kit.

Unlike the Flip 5, this travel speaker isn’t equipped with a big booming bass. In fact, that lack of deep resonance is probably the most disappointing thing about the StormBox. Especially when they specifically emphasise its XBass Technology.

Despite this, the overall sound is actually really crisp and balanced. So unless you’re a bass freak, you shouldn’t be too worried.

The StormBox is also waterproof and highly durable, perfect for taking on your travels. 

One of this travel speaker’s best features is the extremely long battery life. Lasting up to 20 hours, it will make the party last all day and all night.

Given its relatively low price point, it’s a remarkably well put together piece of kit. 

Check Out More Travel Gear Recommendations

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• The Best Towel for Travel 2024
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• Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed

Pin Me For Later…

Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

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The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel, Tested

I love music. Can’t live without it. It doesn’t matter where I am: office, in transit or home. I’ve always got sweet grooves washing through my headphones. So when I travel, be it weekends away or international voyages, I need not only great tunes, but great sound quality. It’s super important to me.

And sure, in most traveling scenarios headphones work well for solo music appreciation, but sometimes I want to fill a room or a poolside with waves of sound. Invite people over. Get a ‘vibe’ going. Cut loose a little, you know? And that’s when a portable bluetooth speaker comes into play. Something small and compact (and hopefully waterproof) that’s easy to pack, but can push out one heck of a jam at ample levels, cleanly and crisply, for a good stretch of time.  

So, in the search for the best portable bluetooth speakers for travel, I’ve sourced the very best, to pit them against each other, in the hope of finding… well, the best option for most people. 

Here’s my shortlist.

Tough, waterproof, and compact, the JBL Clip 3 is designed to offer a lot in a little package. It includes a carabiner to attach it to clothing or a bag, with lots of colorways to suit your own style. In addition to its IPX7 waterproof rating you get 10 hours of playtime, plus an inbuilt noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone. And it’s not too pricey either, coming in at US$59.95.

The JBL Flip 4 costs a little more than the Clip 3, with a price tag of $79.95. But you get up to 12 hours of battery life and can wirelessly connect up to two smartphones or tablets to take turns as DJ. The Flip 4 has an IPX7 waterproof build and provides a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone for clear calls. And if you feel the desire (unlikely, but who knows where a party might lead), you can wirelessly link over 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers for one heck of an amplified tune session. And the Flip 4 also allows button activation for Siri or Google Now.

Anker Motion Q

An understated design, 360-degree sound, a waterproof IPX7 rating (and it floats), a respectable 10 hours of battery life, and all for $45.99? The Anker Motion Q is firmly set on showcasing that you don’t need to break the bank in order to enjoy functional, versatile design.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has plenty of great features in a burly design that lets you showcase your personality a little, with a wide range of colorways to choose from (because sometimes you want something a little different to black, ya know?). It’s got an IPX7 waterproof rating, it floats, and aims to deliver 360 degrees of sweet tunes for up to 10 hours. All yours for the cost of $99.99.

And if you’re looking for something with more volume, you can upgrade to their Boom 3 or Megaboom .

Bose SoundLink Micro

Small but mighty, the SoundLink Micro aims for quality sounds in a rugged, waterproof and easily portable form. It comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, speakerphone capabilities, and Siri and Google Assistant voice command. For portability it also includes a tear-resistant silicone strap that can secure to bikes, bags and more. Price-wise the SoundLink Micro will set you back $99.95.

Again, if you’re looking for more volume, and don’t mind the size / weight penalty, an upgrade to their Revolve is certainly recommended.

Beats by Dre Pill+

At $179.95 the Beats by Dre Pill+ is the most expensive speaker on the list. So what do you get for the money? A sleek and durable style that adapts to diverse environments and adds a little suave to your music setup. Up to 12 hours of battery life. And the ability to charge your phone or similar devices, as the speaker doubles as a battery pack. The music can be controlled from two separate Bluetooth sources and you can tag-team with a second Pill+ to play simultaneously from both speakers. Worth noting though is that unlike the others on the list, it’s not waterproof.

First, I pinpointed the key elements of what makes an excellent travel speaker and ordered them in a table from highest to lowest priority as below (granted, your criteria may look a little different from mine, but this should act as a solid base). And then measured, weighed, listened, dunked and dropped my way to a result. 

Sound quality / strength

This is my number one. Not only am I looking for quality of sound across the entire spectrum, from lows to mids to highs, but also strength of sound. Sound that can fill a room (and not crackle or distort when pushed to its limits). So I locked myself and a few friends in a room, blindfolded ourselves, and scored each speaker on its ability to nail this playlist –  filled with  Classic Rock (mids),  Soul (mids and highs),  RnB (highs) and  Hip-hop and Dance (lows) – and here are the averaged scores. 

Size and weight

When traveling anywhere, the space in your bag is at a premium. And when lumping your bag onto a plane, be it carry-on or checked, its weight (or lack thereof) is also a defining factor. So speakers that swallow as little space and tip the scales as little as possible get big points here, no doubt.

Space it’ll take up in your bag

Battery Life

Nothing hurts more than a speaker running out of juice mid-playlist. Sure, if you’re hotel-bound and near an outlet then you can simply plug it in and carry on. But if you’re on a boat or around a campsite, then it’s the pits. So a long battery life goes a long way (quite literally) in certain circumstances.

Durability / Protection against the elements

Can my speaker of choice survive dust or dirt swirling about? Can it survive a drop from a tabletop? Can it survive a dive into the pool or ocean… and will it float so I can retrieve it? All questions most of us will ask ourselves before or after we elbow our speaker of choice off of the tiki bar.

Murphy’s law . This. Will. Happen. Be prepared.

Personally, all I want is a compact speaker that chucks out great sound that will last me a long time, period. But I’m a simple man with simple needs. Other folks care a whole lot about features like speaker phone adaptability or voice activation or being able to pair your speaker with another sister speaker or one hundred other sister speakers like the below JBL Flip 4 (for the record, I think the latter is kinda cool but totally impractical).

Portability

Bluetooth range

Not a huge deal for me because most of the speakers here have ample range but certainly something worth considering if you’re likely to be a good distance away from your speaker.

The best portable bluetooth speaker?

Editor’s Pick – Bose SoundLink Micro

The SoundLink Micro scores our Editor’s Pick with a well-rounded design and feature set. It feels ultra-premium in the hand, with Bose’s signature world-class sound quality offering very minimal distortion even when the volume is maxed out. It’s the perfect size and weight for travel use, with added portability for extra points. And importantly, it’s well protected against drops (y ou won’t even cringe when you drop it) and water.

Granted, if I wanted to throw a big party I’d upgrade to the SoundLink Revolve or pair two Micros. It’s lovely sound and bursts forth volume that’s totally ample for traveling or chilling, but you’ll want something with more grunt if you want to throw a real shindig.

Best Budget Option – Anker Motion Q

Scoring the Best Budget Option nod is the Anker Motion Q. The d esign is very subdued and good for professionals, with a  durable build. The  IPX7 waterproof rating is a definite benefit too, enabling full submersion up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. Plus it f loats in water, so you’ve got ample opportunity and time to retrieve it if disaster strikes. The speaker’s buttons are also e asy to press and the X2 pairing is handy. In terms of sound quality it offers a bright mid-range and vocals are clear and distinct, though the low end could be better. In addition it’s very loud and very reasonably priced at US$45.99.

High Commendation – Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and JBL Flip 4

Well-deserved High Commendations go to the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and the JBL Flip 4. Both worthy additions to your packing list. They’re incredibly loud. And  both benefit from a good low end that offers deeper base and full-bodied sound. 

Both offer an IPX7 waterproof build, with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s added ability to float making it a savvy pick for travels involving water-based activities. Though the Flip 4 gets its nose ahead in the battery life department and might appeal to outdoor enthusiasts looking for added playtime.

Durability is on point with both, though the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s d rop test win from the height of 5 metres gets bonus points. And if you like a little color pop they’re both good picks too, in particular the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom with its f un color choices and patterns.

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The Best Mini Bluetooth Speakers for Travel

Published September 7, 2021

Written by:

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

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Table of Contents

Music is a travel essential. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different. You wouldn’t be caught dead on a 10-hour flight without your  headphones  (BOSE if you can get ’em) and a smartphone loaded with Dashboard Confessional and all the podcasts you can handle. But what happens when you land?

Headphones are great for travel, but it’s hard to connect with locals and other travelers when you’re in your own world. Take off the headphones and get the party started at the hotel pool, hostel common room,  Airbnb  stuffed with friends, or just bang your head while you get ready in the morning. Mini bluetooth speakers have gotten pretty danged good in the last few years. Travel speakers are more lightweight, portable, waterproof, stylish, and long-lasting than ever before—not to mention affordable.

If you like to blast your music on the move, you have some awesome lightweight options. Here are 8 of my favorite travel bluetooth speakers to pack for your next vacation.

• Polk Bit  ($29)
• Polk Swimmer  ($24)

Anker Soundcore 2  ($40)

• JBL Clip 2  ($59)

Fugoo Go  ($69)

Ue boom 2  ($95), fugoo bluetooth speaker  ($79-$99).

• JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker  ($120)

Best Ultralight & Budget Mini Bluetooth Speakers

The whole point of a travel speaker is that it’s easy to pack and worth taking on the trip in the first place. That means lightweight (preferably under 1 pound), compact, and easy to carry. If the battery lasts longer than one meatloaf song, that’s a bonus, and is needs to have features like an onboard mic, waterproofing, and oh yeah—good sound.

These super light travel speakers also happen to be the best budget speakers on the list, so it doesn’t hurt that they’re portable and affordable.

Polk Bit Mini Bluetooth Speaker  ($29)

Polk Bit Mini Bluetooth Speaker is bonkers. At just over 1 OUNCE (yeah you read that right) this ultra lightweight bluetooth speaker isn’t just built for travel—it’s perfect for it. This thing is so lightweight you can clip it to your bag, or even your shirt, and jam out on a run, a bike ride, skating around town, or anywhere else.

The Bit has a built-in microphone so you can connect and use it as a speakerphone or voice command (awesome) while you drive or just to take a conference call or a skype call with your editor while you’re in a noisy place. The only downsides are the short battery life (3 hours) and it’s sweatproof, but not technically 

waterproof. But for the price, the portability, and the features, you can’t get mad at this beaut of a travel bluetooth speaker.

The tactile volume buttons for changing the volume are great, so I don’t have to dig my phone out of my pocket when I’m biking. And the simple direct USB charging means you don’t have to bring another cord or charging port. Just plug it into your computer or USB charger, and you’re good to go. Nuff said.

Polk Boom Swimmer Bluetooth Speaker  ($24)

I reviewed the  original Polk Swimmer bluetooth speaker  a while back, and this mini speaker has aged beautifully. If you want portability but need a more robust waterproof design, upgrade to the Swimmer, or Swimmer Jr (it’s a little smaller).

The Swimmer line of travel speakers is  IPX7 waterproof rated  (that’s really good). And while it’s not 1oz like the insanely small BIT, it’s still super portable at just 6.7oz. The real upgrade though is the design. The clever tail grip design means you can take this mini speaker anywhere and attach it to just about anything to crank out the jams.

Hook it to your backpack, loop it around handlebars, stick it on your dog’s collar; this travel speaker is perfect for the beach or 

poolside. The long range bluetooth connectivity (225 ft) and dirt proof (sand proof) waterproof rating means you can even swim with this thing (it’s rated for up to 3 feet of submersion for 30 mins).

This is the cheapest speaker on the list, and somehow it’s one of the most feature packed options. Worth every penny, and perfect for any trip.

The Anker Soundcore 2 is heavier than the Polk line of speakers, but still definitely a travel bluetooth speaker at 12 oz. If you’re a heavy speaker user, the extra weight is worth it for the insane battery life. It packs a 24-hour playtime (which is way better than the competition), and features all the high end extras you’d expect from a more expensive bluetooth speaker.

With a bluetooth range of 66ft, it’s IPX5 water-resistant (IPX4 is technically “water-resistant”), and features a microphone so you can make weird poolside conference calls if you want. Oh, and the sound quality kicks ass. Anker makes great gear (I have their  travel battery charger ) This budget-friendly travel bluetooth speaker is a lightweight champ.

JBL Clip 2 ($59)

JBL makes a great legit waterproof travel speaker. This little monster has an IPX7 rating, 8 hours of battery life, and it’s light (6.5 oz). It has a speakerphone mic (for those pesky conference calls). Plus, there’s that convenient carabiner clip. I’m a sucker for a good clip.

Attach this waterproof speaker to your  travel backpack ,  fanny pack , or just the waistband of your swim trunks and can start your own Full Moon Party.

The Fugoo line of travel bluetooth speakers is raising the bar for premium construction and sound. Really. This mini speaker is the smallest in their line of speakers, but it doesn’t make many compromises to fit into the little 1 pound package.

This mini speaker has 360° sound, an IP67 waterproof rating, and it’s mud, snow, and shockproof. The attached mounting cord lets you hang it from your backpack strap or tie it around your handle bars. And the battery lasts for 10 hours.

If you’re nervous about breaking it, you can beef it up with a multi mount ($10) a travel strap mount ($10), or a full on mount pack ($19) to strap it to your bike or anything else that moves. Although I think it works fine as is.

Best Travel Bluetooth Speakers

Wy what make a particular bluetooth speaker “the best” travel speaker on the market? There’s not a clear cut answer. = Battery life is crucial. Waterproof rating is a must. The weight and size both factor in, and of course the sound quality matters. Plus, you have to consider price.

If you’re willing to go a  little  bit bigger than the mini ultra lightweight travel speakers, these speakers pack a wallop while still packing like a tic tac.

The  UE Boom 2  might be the perfect travel bluetooth speaker. At 1.2 pounds this travel speaker is still very portable, and while it doesn’t quite qualify as “ultralight” it more than makes up for the extra weight with top tier performance.

• 15 hour battery life
• Connect up to 2 devices at once (for dueling DJ functionality)

That dual connectivity means you can hook up two phones to see who’s Spotify list has more Good Charlotte.

This portable speaker sounds like it belongs in your parents bonus room, but it looks great, feels great, and travels like a boss. Take it in the water, in the mud, on the sand, on a dune buggy—it doesn’t care. The battery life is beefy, the sound is rich, and the price, while higher than budget travel speakers, is well worth the premium sound and durability. This is the cream of the crop of travel bluetooth speakers.

The Fugoo range of travel speaker might be even better than the UE Boom 2. And it’s customizable. Choose from the “Style” option, “Sport” option, or “Tough” option each with its own features like grip and look over the same kickass speaker.

Seriously, this thing has some heavy duty specs. It packs 360° sound, 6 drivers (which is two more than the UE Boom 2), and a

whopping 40 hour battery life. 40. Hours. That’s nuts. You wouldn’t even need to bring a charging cable for a weekend getaway.

This speaker is shock tested up to 6 feet, IP67 waterproof rated, and comes with a speakerphone mic that’s integrated with Siri and Google to actually use this speaker like a digital assistant without your phone on you (as long as it’s connected). It’s pretty cool.

JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($120)

If you’re still reading, you’re obsessed about travel bluetooth speakers. So you know that the specs on the JBL 3 are top of the line. It’s IPX7 waterproof rated, packs a 20-hour playtime, and connects up to 3 phones at a time (yeah). That’s a lot of phones.

And you know the speakerphone that all the other travel speakers boast about? The JBL 3 features noise and echo cancelling speakerphone mics. This is the  digital nomad’s travel speaker.

Mini travel speakers have gotten ridiculous. If you want to start a party, don’t rely on your phone’s dinky speakers. Snag a bluetooth speaker that fits in your bag, sounds awesome, carries a charge that lasts all day, and can take a beating (or a soaking) in stride.

• IPX7 (or IP67) rating is worth a few extra bucks. Waterproof is key for partying at the beach or the pool
• Get a speaker with a built in clip or strap to maximize portability
• 360° sound is awesome
• If ultra lightweight speakers aren’t a must, you can upgrade with a slightly bigger speaker that’s super portable
• Don’t forget about the speakerphone mic—you’ll use it more than you think

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The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers for any budget

Simply the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers you can buy

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best mid-range
• Best for sound-per-pound
• Best for parties
• Best for charge
• Best for battery
• Best premium
• Best for design
• Also consider
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

The best Bluetooth speakers have become a staple household (and travel) item thanks to their compact size and convenience for listening anywhere, whether you're in the shower, mowing the lawn, chilling in your hotel room, having a house party or cleaning the kitchen. 

We've been testing the best portable speakers for years, in all shapes and sizes – and crucially, for all budgets. Audiophile sound quality and a thumping low end is always going to be a big ask if you're looking at something the size of a coffee cup, but you can get a portable speaker that delivers balanced and clear audio outdoors, especially if you go larger. These are our priorities when testing Bluetooth speakers and obviously we balance that with battery life and price – aka value for money. 

If your biggest priority is a rugged speaker design that can deal with being dropped and dunked, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers is a great place to look. And if portability isn't a factor, check out our guide to the best wireless speakers .

The quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out which Bluetooth speakers are the absolute best in the business? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices for different needs. You can also jump to a more detailed review of each product, and the best deals on them online.

The best Bluetooth speaker overall

A portable speaker with a sleek, minimalist design that delivers rich and powerful audio with excellent connectivity features (including Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth).

Read more below

The best budget Bluetooth speaker

A super compact Bluetooth speaker that's durable, practical, and delivers a thoroughly enjoyable sound with surprising bass and volume for its tiny size.

The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker that sticks to the basics, and gets them all right. This rugged model is super simple to use, sounds good and can be linked to up to 100 other JBL speakers to create a big wall of sound.

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound-per-pound

If you want the best sonic performance for a reasonable price, this is it. You can find better, but not for such solid value – and it's also super-rugged and portable, too.

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties A large speaker packed with features. It sounds great and is well-balanced with powerful bass. It's also waterproof, easy to carry, has top battery life – and is ready to party!

The best Bluetooth speaker for reverse charging 

Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof).

Read more below  

Load the next products...

The best Bluetooth speaker for long battery life

It's not a looker and it's a tad heavy to boot, but that's because it's got a massive 30 hours of battery life under the hood. With a sub-$80 / £80 price tag, it's hard to complain…  Read more below

The best premium Bluetooth speaker

This robust, go-anywhere wireless speaker isn't the cheapest option, but the sound will make you overlook its steeper price tag. Want your soirée to go with a bang? Look no further. 

The best Bluetooth speaker for design

This 2023 starlet looks the absolute business. It's pricey, but if you want that funky Ultimate Ears design aesthetic and sound, it's back – in a big way. Read more below

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.

Recent updates

August 22, 2024 Switched the Sonos Roam for the Sonos Roam 2 as our best Bluetooth speaker overall. also replaced the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for the JBL Clip 5 in our 'best budget' category. Finally, swapped the B&O A2 for the UE Everboom, which is now our 'best sound-per-pound' pick. These are all based on our recent testing and reviews of these products.

1. Sonos Roam 2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You own more Sonos speakers: You can connect multiple Sonos speakers together, which makes the Roam 2 perfect for a home audio system. ✅ You like your tech to look as good as it sounds: Sonos' minimalist design aesthetic makes it standout in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space. 

❌ You need all-day listening: At 10 hours of battery life, the Sonos Roam 2 isn't the best choice for longevity, the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list doubles it at 20 hours.  ❌ You're on a budget: You get a lot for your money, but the Sonos Roam 2 is still expensive. For good sound for less, the JBL Clip 5 at #2 in the list is our budget pick.

What you need to know: The original Sonos Roam has been our favorite Bluetooth speaker since it was released in 2021. Although there are now plenty more portable speakers on the market, the Sonos Roam 2 not only improves in some key areas, but continues to be one of the top choices. It delivers a balanced, rich and clear sound from a compact design with a long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has  Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too. 

Audio performance: In our review, we wrote that the Sonos Roam 2 delivers " excellent sound that punches far above the sheer size". We found that it presents audio well across the frequency range, which makes it a good choice for listening to a broad range of genres and artists. It's not the heaviest on bass, so if you want a big booming speaker look elsewhere, but you can still hear that element of your favorite tracks well. Even when you pump it up to high volumes, expect rich and clear sounds.

Design: Its slick and minimal design means the Sonos Roam 2 won’t look out of place in your home, especially because it comes in a couple of nice-looking shades. It also has a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build with an IP67 rating that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn't huge at 10 hours – and it's not an improvement on the original Roam, which is disappointing. However, it is enough for a day out, but if battery is a priority for you, then check out the JBL Charge at #6 in the list , which boasts an impressive 20 hours of battery. Or the Tribit Stormbox Flow at #7 in the list with a huge 30 hours of power.

Value: The Sonos Roam 2 gives you a lot of features, a top design and great sound, so you do get solid value for money. Having said that, this speaker is expensive compared to rivals, and Sonos hasn't revealed a cheaper 'Roam 2 SL' model yet. The JBL Flip 6 or JBL Charge 5 will give you better audio power per buck, but the Roam 2 is such a good all-rounder that we think it's worth its price.

Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review

Visit our Sonos coupon page for our latest deals and discounts.

• ^ Back to the top

2. JBL Clip 5

✅ You want a durable, practical outdoorsy speaker: It's portable, light, has an IP67 rating and a convenient carabiner making it ideal for adventures and holidays. ✅ You want big sound from a compact package: This cute speaker is about the size of a soda can but packs a major punch, especially with the Stereo Group feature.

❌ You want a straightforward experience: This speaker works best if you tweak the EQ based on what you're listening to. Not a dealbreaker, but a faff. ❌ You want a speaker that stands up: It's versatile, but it works best if it's clipped onto something. If you plan to keep it stationary, choose another one.

What you need to know: If you're looking for a (fairly) cheap, portable and super small speaker, then the JBL Clip 5 is our top pick. The sonic performance is impressive for the speaker's compact size and there are also plenty of features that'll make it well worth its relatively affordable price – at least compared to rivals in this list.

Audio performance:  This speaker can really blast out the tunes for its size. We did notice that it can struggle with treble when you're listening at higher volumes, with a sharp, tinny edge. But the mids and low frequencies performed well. In our review, we wrote "the bass was dramatic and impactful", especially considering how compact it is – overall, it's seriously impressive, and a clear step up over the very slightly cheaper JBL Go 4 . There's a feature called PlaytimeBoost in the app, which boosts the volume without draining the battery, as well as a PartyTogether mode, resulting in a surround sound effect if you have another JBL speaker nearby. You'll also find four EQ presets, JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, and a customizable EQ profile.

Design: The JBL Clip 5 is light and compact, weighing in at 285g. It comes with a carabiner attached, making it handy for listening in all kinds of scenarios. An IP67 rating means it's waterproof and rugged enough for outdoor parties or holidays. Its appearance feels a little dated, however, and it struggles to stand on its base – that's why the carabiner is so necessary. The battery onboard lasts up to 12 hours. Not the best in the list, but perfect for a full day of listening – check out the Tribit XSound Plus 2 if you want something with longer battery life for the same kind of cost (though it's bulkier).

Value: The JBL Clip 5 is great value for money. It's compact, portable and IP67-rated with a fun and punchy sound, all for under $80. The JBL Go 4 is a solid, cheaper option from the same brand, but it doesn't sound as good, and it's not as portable. 

Read our full JBL Clip 5 review

3. JBL Flip 6

✅ You're a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that's it! ✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.  

❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth's limited bandwidth. ❌ You tend to run out of charge often: If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list as it can also charge your phone.  

What you need to know: There's not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that's all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we're expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that's something you need.  

Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn't have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we  described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there's still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.   

Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn't have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There's also a wide range of colors to choose from so there's plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don't have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life. 

Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you're listening at home or on the go. It's also priced slightly lower than the  JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.       

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

4. Ultimate Ears Everboom

✅ You want room-filling, 360-degree sound: This speaker ticks a lot of boxes and the major one is the powerful and enjoyable sound it delivers, even at high volumes. ✅ You need some portable and rugged: Designed for the outdoors, the Ultimate Ears Everboom has an IP67 rating and durable design – it'll survive your adventures.

❌ You're on a budget: The Everboom is our pick for sound-per-pound but it's not exactly cheap. Take a look at the JBL Clip 5 at #2 for a portable and cheap option. ❌ You want a party speaker: Sonic performance is good, but at very high volumes it's not the best. If you want booming bass at parties that still sounds excellent, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a better bet.

What you need to know: This is a great speaker that ticks a lot of boxes. Sure you'll find similar devices that are cheaper. You'll also find ones that pack more of a punch for a party, but that are a little more expensive. But for reliable sound in a durable design, we think the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a smart choice, especially when you're weighing up the sound-per-pound performance – this sound better than just about anything else at the same price and size.

Audio performance: Firstly, the Everboom can get loud. Incredibly loud. Much louder than you'd probably ever need. This is good news for parties, although you will notice some distortion if you hit those high volumes. In our review, we wrote the UE Everboom "delivers a very compelling audio performance, proving it can deliver quality not just quantity." We particularly enjoyed the power in this speaker and its 360-degree soundstage. In the app you'll find ways to make the most of the sound with an EQ packed with presets and an Outdoor Boost mode, which ensures the speaker focuses on frequencies that travel well outside.

Design: There's nothing special about the design of the Everboom, but it's practical, durable and comes with a handy carabiner clip. It's a great idea if you want to take it outside or travelling as it has an IP67 rating, meaning it'll handle dust and can float around in water for up to 30 minutes. That's right, it floats! Audio takes a hit when you listen to it in water, but it's good to know it'll survive a dunk in the pool. It's a little larger than rivals in this list and at 960g it's not the lightest, but its design and clip makes it feel surprisingly portable.

Value: The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a jack of all trades speaker that sounds great, works well and has a durable and portable design. It's not cheap, but it feels even more premium than it is, both to look at and listen to. You'll find cheaper speakers with some durable specs, but they don't sound as good. Similarly, speakers with better sonic performance cost a big step up from here. UE has hit a real sweet spot.

Read our full Ultimate Ears Everboom review

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties

5. JBL Xtreme 4

✅ You want a reliable party speaker: Expect excellent durability thanks to its IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, and it'll play for ages thanks to its 24 hours of battery life.   ✅ You want powerful bass: Its bulky size means it packs a punch. Once you've tweaked the speaker's EQ settings enjoy clear low-frequency sound that beats background noise.

❌ You're on a budget: There's a lot to love about this speaker, but it isn't exactly cheap… ❌ You want a small, slim design: It's portable, but it's pretty large still – don't get this if you want something to slip into a backpack.

What you need to know: The latest in JBL's Xtreme range is a large and rugged portable speaker that may look a little dull, but come on, you want your guests and outfits to be the star – and this speaker delivers when it comes to utility. With an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, powerful and high-quality sound, and an excellent battery, it's the ideal do-anything premium outdoors speaker. At $379 / £329 / AU$499, it's not cheap, but it is a great option if you can make your budget stretch. 

Audio performance: Expect a strong and well-rounded performance across the frequencies. We were particularly impressed by its mastery of crisp highs straight out of the box, vocals sound great even at high volumes. The bass here is also impressive, which is ideal for outdoor use where you'd expect background noise. During our testing we did have to tweak the app's EQ settings to dial up those lower frequencies, but once we did, we were thoroughly impressed with how the Xtreme 4 handled itself. In our review we wrote: "The Xtreme 4 was very competent at bridging deep bass to the mid-range and maintaining clarity with more demanding audio profiles."

Design: It's not the best-looking speaker, but that's because it's been made with durability and longevity in mind above all else. It's bulky at 4.63lbs/2.1kg with rubber strips underneath for a steady foundation, and a detachable strap for carrying it around easily. As you'd expect from an outdoorsy speaker, it's IP67 certified, which means it's both dustproof and waterproof. 

Value: This is undoubtedly a superb speaker, but at this price you have to call it a premium pick. It delivers great sound, an impressive 24-hours of battery and a rugged design. But it's expensive, especially compared to other options in this guide. So is it worth the price? Yes. But you have to really want something this big and tough.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for charging

6. JBL Charge 5

✅ You want a speaker that sounds detailed: Compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5 has an additional tweeter that makes it have better clarity, with more impactful bass.     ✅ You tend to need a charger while on the go: With 20 hours of battery life, the Charge 5 can top up your device's battery life thanks to a USB-C port.  

❌ You want to play music extremely loudly: It may not have the big sound that the Tribit at #5 and Sonos Move at #8 can deliver, but it holds its own against the loudest. ❌ You want delicate audiophile sound: It sounds great, but it's still made for impact outdoors, not for refined ears. Think fun and energetic, not classy and controlled.

What you need to know: There aren't a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It's priced a little bit more than JBL's more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list , but that's down to the added tech, which we think makes it's a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.  

Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn't advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.   

Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There's no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).  

Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there's no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.   

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life

7. Tribit Stormbox Flow

✅ You take long vacations: Going away, don't have the necessary adapter, want music to last the whole trip? You'll get a whopping 30 hours from this. ✅ You like a clean, fuss-free aesthetic: Look, it's not the last word in design, but it's durable, solid, and does the job of playing your music very well indeed. 

❌ You like to pump up the volume: the Tribit Stormbox Flow sounds best up to 75% volume, because of its bass-heavy tuning. Crank it up further and things get a little congested. ❌ You're concerned about baggage weight allowance: considering its bijou dimensions, the Tribit is heavy, at 660g, so if you're struggling with flight carrier weight stipulations it may be a little much.

What you need to know: It's one of the newer products in this list, arriving in August 2023 and Tribit's making quite a name for itself in this particular arena – ie. Bluetooth belters at around $79 / £79. It's not winning any awards for design, but it is IP67 water- and dustproof and it has a loud, likeable, bass-heavy sound that'll work for many a summer gathering – at home or on the road. 

Audio performance: For a little speaker, the Stormbox Flow can boom out tunes at the pool party, or give you some impressive sound-per-pound audio if you're chilling at home. The bass is arguably the most impressive aspect – although it does get a little cluttered and bloated you turn things up beyond 75% volume.

Pair two of them up in stereo mode (like we did, because they're affordable little speakers, so this is a viable and cost-effective option for a desktop or party) and it’s even more compelling, with a much wider soundstage, just don’t be surprised if you lower the volume a little more than usual. Another tip for the best listen: stick to the XBass sound mode, for the punchiest, crispest sound through the low end. 

Design: Tribit's a little hit-and-miss when it comes to design flourishes and, truth be told, you won't be bowled over by how the Stormbox Flow looks. There's nothing offensive or ugly about it, but there's nothing particularly classy about it either. Also the power button takes a bit of getting used to for timing. Other than that, it's a solid home run here – oh, and did we mention the awesome 30-hour battery? 

Value: Compared to similarly-priced Bluetooth speakers, the battery life here offers immense value for money. In fact, value for money is one of Tribit's main selling points as a brand, and the Stormbox Flow proves it. Yes, the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 is a great little thing, but if you want a slightly larger, louder product that'll last out your entire trip without needing a charge, you may have found it. 

Read our full Tribit Stormbox Flow review

8. Bose SoundLink Max

✅ You fancy big sound no matter where you are… The Bose SoundLink Max is more than ready to fill a very large space with sound – even the great outdoors is no issue

✅ … and you might be in dusty and/or damp scenarios An IP67 rating means the Bose is happy to travel wherever you go

❌ You really do mean ‘quick-charging’ Five hours isn’t an age, but if you’re waiting for your speaker to charge so you can take it to the beach, it'll feel like it.

❌ You’ve got a firm grasp on what ‘portable’ means The handle is useful it's true, but the Bose will start to feel its 2.13kg weight sooner rather than later.

What you need to know: The 2024-issue Bose SoundLink Max is the biggest, burliest model in the company's already well-stocked and well-reviewed SoundLink lineup. It's a rugged (IP67), go-anywhere design with the stamina to keep you entertained right around the clock. The carry-handle can be swapped out for a shoulder-strap (as an additional extra, mind you), and when you’re out and about, the Bose SoundLink Max is a truly enjoyable companion. 

Audio performance: Sonically, the SoundLink Max is as big and heavy as the speaker that delivers it, but don't get us wrong – it is by no means a blunt instrument. It’s actually quite a gifted and agile listen for something with as much out-and-out punch as this, and can gesture, albeit only slightly, towards a truly stereo presentation, too. 

Design: The silicone element of the build here is tactile and helps the Bose SoundLink Max absorb the bumps and shocks it's sure to get at the shindig. The quoted 20 hours of battery life is both acceptable and achievable – but do note that to go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes five hours via the USB-C socket on the rear when it does run out of juice. There are some nice controls on the top of the speaker – power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause and volume up/down – plus a cutomizable  ‘shortcut’ button too. 

Value: OK, so a few cents short of $400 / £400 / AU$600 is a fair wedge of cash for a Bluetooth speaker without a hint of smart functionality. But the Bose SoundLink Max is specified to perform beautifully in pretty much any realistic environment. Think big, burly and oh-so convincing sound, which it can churn it out for hour after hour. As long as you accept the SoundLink Max for what it is (a very talented Bluetooth speaker; nothing more, nothing less), this beast of a Bose speake represents very good value indeed. 

Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review

9. Ultimate Ears Epicboom

✅ You appreciate UE's iconic aesthetic: If you adored the mug-sized 2019 Wonderboom, you'll love this much bigger version. ✅ You've just redecorated your apartment: Few audio products will look as good next to the clean, chic lines in your newly-updated bedroom, den or kitchen as this speaker. 

❌ You want a speaker that'll work over Wi-Fi: No dice here. For all its talents, it is just a Bluetooth speaker, unlike the Sonos Roam or larger Sonos Move 2 . ❌ You're on a tight budget: UE kit doesn't often come with a tiny price tag (the Wonderboom being a notable exception) but this one of the priciest options on this list, owing to its size, newness and talent. 

What you need to know: Epicboom arrived in September 2023 and, we mean this, it is finally something to get excited about from Ultimate Ears. It is surprisingly big, very talented and essentially does for big Bluetooth speakers what the Wonderboom 2 did for mug-sized options – level up the game in terms of audio prowess. But this is also a fair wedge of money for a Bluetooth speaker and however likeable it is, it won't play nice with your home Wi-Fi to create a multi-room system, where cheaper options from Sonos (above) can. 

Audio performance: It's meaty, it's zealous, it's fun, it's resoundingly tight through the bass even at high volumes. It's basically everything that made Ultimate Ears a household name in this product category. If we were worried, we needn't have been; this is where Ultimate Ears' engineers shine.

Design: Those big tactile plus and minus signs for volume are back along its body, and the flecked rubberised plastic is now much more eco-conscious. The wrist strap is somewhat surplus to requirements (don't allow it to take the full weight of the thing on your arm – it's 1979g and that might hurt) but it's a beautifully crafted thing – and it offers truly omnidirectional sound too. 

Value: The Boom companion app here is an excellent addition. That said, at this level we might have expected wireless connectivity using your home broadband (hey, Sonos!). Another fly in the ointment is this: although a fan-favorite feature within UE's Boom app, PartyUp, lets you pair multiple compatible Ultimate Ears speakers to beef up the audio, it's limited to Epicboom, Boom, Boom 2,  Boom 3 ,  Megaboom ,  Megaboom 3 , and Hyperboom speakers. Want to pair it with your beloved Wonderboom 2 or newer Wonderboom 3 ? Sadly, that's not possible, because PartyUp is not compatible with any Wonderboom, Blast or Megablast UE speaker. Harrumph! 

Read our full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review

Other Bluetooth speakers to consider

We've had the chance to review some great Bluetooth speakers this year that were impressive but didn't quite make the cut for this guide. These include the Ultimate Ears Everboom, a Bluetooth speaker we rated but ultimately decided that, for the money, it doesn't offer quite enough value to justify pushing any of the other options out of our list. You can find out more about this Bluetooth party speaker option in our Ultimate Ears Everboom review . 

Take a look at our Tribit XSound Plus 2 review for a budget Bluetooth speaker that we rated highly for its big, booming sound. It's great value with an impressive 24 hour battery life. However, like the Ultimate Ears option above, we wouldn't pick it over any of the speakers we've already recommended here.

We've also got our hands on the Beats Pill, a Bluetooth speaker that boasts great sound and oodles of style. The problem? There's no dedicated iOS app. This isn't a deal-breaker in itself, and the speaker could make up for this with plenty of on-device controls… but they're just not there. This means some of the simplest things, like turning it on and off, become unnecessarily frustrating. You can find out more about Beats' latest speaker in our Beats Pill review . 

The Bose SoundLink Max has made its debut in this guide for July 2024 and the older Tribit Stormbox Blast has gone. But we'd still recommend that as a viable option. Take a look at our Tribit Stormbox Blast review to find out why we awarded this big speaker that delivers meaty, room-filling, talented sound 4.5 out of 5 stars.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker

What's the best bluetooth speaker brand.

The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too. 

JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.

If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.

Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.

Is JBL or Bose better?

Both JBL and Bose produce a range of speakers, some are small and compact whereas others are big enough to fill a room with sound at a party. Bose tends to make products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of both excellent audio performance, design and price. JBL is more affordable and its products tend to fall in the mid-range when it comes to quality. 

The brand you choose is all about what you're looking for. If you value quality sound above all else, pick a Bose option, like the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the JBL Flip 6 pushes this speaker out of our list because it's a fantastic all-rounder, sounds good and handles drops, knocks and splashes well. Bose might be the better audio tech brand, but we think JBL outperforms in the portable Bluetooth speaker competition, especially when it comes to sheer value for money.

Is Bose better than Sonos?

Both Bose and Sonos create excellent-sounding audio tech that tends to be at the premium end of the spectrum. We love Bose products and often recommend them, but in terms of the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers, we think Sonos is the better option.

The Sonos Roam has been sitting at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list for some time now and we love that it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, too.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

We've tested and thoroughly reviewed all of the Bluetooth speakers in this guide ourselves by listening to them on their own and by comparing them to the current class-leaders. Basically, if it's listed here, you know we think it's worth it over the myriad rival models we've reviewed (because plenty do not make it here, believe us). 

We test countless portable speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the battery life and connectivity is as good as the brands say they are. 

We test each Bluetooth speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you know that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.

On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and stream from various sources, to ensure that these speakers can handle everything from thumping dance tracks to softly-spoken podcasts. 

With more years in this game than we'd care to admit behind us, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the Bluetooth speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it. 

The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide

August 22, 2024 Switched the Sonos Roam for the Sonos Roam 2 as our best Bluetooth speaker overall. also replaced the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for the JBL Clip 5 in our 'best budget' category. Finally, swapped the B&O A2 for the UE Everboom, which is now our 'best sound-per-pound' pick.

July 30, 2024 Updated the 'Also consider' section with information about the latest products we've reviewed, and why they didn't make it into this list.

Read more updates

July 1, 2024 Removed the older Tribit Stormbox Blast and added the JBL Xtreme 4 as our recommendation for best party speaker. Added the new Bose SoundLink Max as our pick for the best premium buy. Removed the quick menu, updated the copy throughout.

June 5, 2024 Replaced Sonos Move 2 with the JBL Xtreme 4 as our best premium pick, due its more portable nature. Updated our other options to consider based on the latest reviews.

May 8, 2024 Updated the intro, and checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated some product information throughout.

April 4, 2024 Removed the Cleer Audio Scene as best for aux-in and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as best for powerful sound. Added in a new 'Also consider' section that highlights upcoming new releases to look out for.

March 4, 2024 Added Tribit Stormbox Flow and Ultimate Ears Epicboom to this buying guide. Updated biog and key points. Reworte intro to reflect current tech updates in the category. 

January 25, 2024 Updated write-ups for each product to include extra summaries from key points of their respective reviews. 

November 30, 2023 Updated copy throughout, added Sonos Move 2 details. September 25, 2023 Updated lead image, added 'buy it if' boxouts to product write-ups and swapped out the Sonos Move for the Move 2 as the best premium Bluetooth speaker.   Aug 10, 2023 Updated intro, checked prices, considered other competing options for entry to this guide 

July 25, 2023 Added links to our recent IKEA shower speaker feature and mini Bluetooth speakers roundup. Updated the intro to reflect current trends and best choices. 

June 15, 2023 Updated the format of this guide to make it easier to navigate. Added more about how we test Bluetooth speakers to the introduction. Updated FAQs at the end to reflect our current choices. Removed a discontinued product from the list.

June 6, 2023 Updated introduction to reflect the new season, and checked all products.

May 18, 2023 Changed images to our own hands-on pictures. Reordered products to reflect the latest prices.

April 13, 2023 Checked all products against our latest reviews and ratings.

February 17, 2023 Added Cleer Audio Scene to the list. Reordered products accordingly.

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Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

• Amelia Schwanke Senior Editor UK, Home Entertainment

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SNOOZ White Noise Machine

Six super soothing sleep sounds (say that 5 times fast)

Long-lasting, rechargeable battery

Travel friendly, ultra-portable design

Rechargeable travel sound machine, Bluetooth speaker, and night light.

You deserve better sleep.

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"Love it! Nice compact size, easy to set up and great sound. Perfect for some white noise in a hotel room or short term rental while traveling. I like using this way more than white noise from my phone. Highly recommend! ”

Ashley L • Verified Buyer

Effective Noise Masking: Proprietary sound settings form a soothing sound barrier, effectively masking disturbances and ensuring undisrupted sleep and relaxation.

Six Soothing Sounds: Choose from six white noise, pink noise, and fan sound settings.

Bluetooth Speaker: Bluetooth speaker mode allows SNOOZ Go to double as portable speaker.

Night Light: Soft, warm-glow night light mode provides extra illumination for your home away from home.

Rechargeable Battery: Up to 20 hours of run time to get you through the night and then some.

Ultra-Portable: Weighing just 5.7 oz and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, SNOOZ Go packs easily in a backpack or suitcase.

Note: SNOOZ Go is not compatible with SNOOZ app.

SNOOZ Go Portable White Noise Machine

USB-C cable

User Manual

Dimensions (L x W x H): 3.8 in x 3.8 in x 1.7 in

Weight: 0.4 lbs

Volume Settings: 15

Volume Range (measured at device): 36-85 dBA

Play Time: Up to 20 hours

Charge Connector: USB-C (wall adapter not included)

Battery: 1600 mAh Li-Ion (UL Certified)

Charge Rating: 5V / 1A (not included)

Travel Friendly

Bluetooth Enabled

Effective Noise Masking

Real Fan Sound

No Looping Tracks

Free Companion App

Programmable Schedule

Looks Great With Any Decor

Free Returns Within 100 Nights, No Questions Asked

We're so confident you'll love your SNOOZ Go that should you not be completely satisfied (and we know you will be) we'll take it back and pay for the return shipping.

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6 Soothing Sleep Sounds

White Noise

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Set SNOOZ Pro to turn off automatically (so you can actually wake up in the morning).

SNOOZ works perfectly well without the app. But for added features, SNOOZ’s free smartphone app (no subscriptions, ever!) adds a remote control and a programmable schedule so you can turn it on and off (or even fade in/fade out) when you want.

SNOOZ Pro makes it possible to set up to 7 different schedules each day.

Built-In Night Light

Optional warm-glow night light to light the way when you're on the road.

High-Capacity Rechargeable Battery

Up to 20 hours of runtime on a single charge will get you through the night and then some. SNOOZ Go recharges with a USB-C cable (included) so you can carry fewer chargers when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SNOOZ Go sound like your original sound machine?

SNOOZ Go produces similar deep, non-looping white noise tones, but it definitely sounds a little different. We don't think anything sounds as good as the original SNOOZ White Noise Machines, but we think it's about as good as you can get from a digital speaker (and it works well for a battery-powered travel device)! It also contains volume control.

How long does the SNOOZ Go battery last?

The battery life of the SNOOZ Go has up to 20 hours of run time to get you through the night and then some! On max volume, SNOOZ Go sound machines should last 8 to 9 hours on battery power. Your battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original charge capacity after 300 cycles. To maximize the lifetime of your battery, we recommend running SNOOZ Go off wall power when possible.

How loud does SNOOZ Go get?

When measured at the device, SNOOZ Go can get as loud as 85 dBA.

Is SNOOZ Go compatible with the SNOOZ app?

SNOOZ Go is not compatible with the free SNOOZ companion app. For a device that works with the SNOOZ app, check out the SNOOZ White Noise Machine.

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Best portable travel speaker

by Anne Betts | May 31, 2017 | Travel Tech | 3 comments

Music has a way of making travel memories sweeter. Until technology advances to the point of improving the built-in speakers on Smartphones and tablets, your best bet is to look for a portable speaker. To the packing light traveller, speakers are a luxury most of us are unwilling to contemplate. But, what if you could find an audio gem claiming as much space and weight as your thumb? Would you give it a second look? If so, take a look at the X-Mini WE Micro Portable NFC Bluetooth Speaker (a.k.a. X-mini Thumb Speaker). It may well be the best portable travel speaker for packing light travellers.

Big things come in small packages

This little baby is one of the smallest speakers on the market. It measures just 48 mm x 40 mm (1.9 in x 1.6 in), is shorter and slightly wider than my thumb, and weighs just 48 g (1.7 oz). It’s portable and durable enough to carry in a pocket.

Its size relative to the sound it produces is astounding. While it might not meet the exacting specifications of hardcore audiophiles, compared to the audio quality of your device, it’s way superior. In fact, I experienced a “wow factor” the first time hearing what it was capable of. It packs a huge punch. X-Mini’s tag line “Sound Beyond Size” is apt.

  Buyer beware

X-mini warns about knock-offs, so it’s wise to buy from reputable sellers. The company doesn’t sell on e-Bay, or work with any discount sites or Groupon-type websites or retail channels. If you purchase any X-mini products from Amazon, only those fulfilled by Amazon directly (and not sold by other sellers in the marketplace) are genuine articles supported by the X-mini warranty.

  Set up is easy

Your cube-shaped package will contain some basic instructions, a strap for the speaker, a sticker (I ♥ X-mini), and a cable with three connections. One is for USB charging, another is a micro-USB to slide into the speaker for charging, and an audio jack slips into the slot on your device. All three are attached to each other, and a serviceable plastic wrapping channel.

• Charge via USB in the OFF position. When the red light stops blinking, it’s fully charged.
• If you’ll be using the Bluetooth feature, pair the speaker with your phone and/or tablet. Otherwise, connect the speaker to your device using the audio cable.
• Flip off the protective rubber cap on top of the speaker and clip it to the base. I couldn’t determine if the rubber foot improves the sound, but it does provide better contact with the surface on which it’s resting.
• Start with the volume on low and gradually increase it until you achieve the right balance between volume and sound quality.
• For troubleshooting, visit http://x-mini.com/support.

My only regret with this little powerhouse is that the bass is lacking. Whenever I find myself fixating on this deficit, I switch to the tinny speaker on my phone for a few seconds, then back to the X-mini for all to be right in my little place in the universe.

Check it out. I think its portability and design more than makes up for what it lacks in superb sound quality.

Do you travel with a portable speaker? What do you have, and what do you like about it?

I do love to listen music while traveling, but I carry a good quality wireless headphone that can last for atleast 8 hours.

I travel with a Soundmatters Moment, without the stand. It is a dream for an audiophile.

At 7 ounces and the size of 2 iPhones, it is Munch larger. But the sound….

I can’t use headphones so a speaker is a necessity for the longer trips I take.

https://soundmatters.com/product/moment/

This definitely looks promising. With all the good reviews and look at the size, I am still amazed how it can provide such a good quality sound. A winner in my list.

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

The best Bluetooth speakers for at-home and on-the-go

• Best overall
• Best portable
• Best budget
• Best mid-price
• Best premium
• Best multi-room

Best for music and movies

Also consider.

• How to choose
• How we test

Recent updates

Bluetooth speakers are one of the simplest ways to get your music playing. The wire-free wonders come in so many sizes and shapes that their various use cases are near-endless, from using one in your office to popping a compact model in a backpack and taking it to the park or up a mountainside.

Ok, the sound isn't audiophile level, but brands such as JBL have realised that people care about sound quality alongside other user-friendly features, meaning the level of audio has improved vastly over the last few years.

We’ve heard everything from large room-filling Bluetooth speakers to dinky travel options, and many have impressed by offering great value for money, lengthy battery life, waterproofing and even engaging, competent audio quality. Every model has been tested by our expert reviewing team in the real world and our dedicated test rooms to ensure they’re worth your time. You can find out more about  our testing process or else keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available. 

2024 has seen the release of a lot of new Bluetooth speakers. The Beats Pill is back and in our also consider section, while Ultimate Ears has given us a veritable bounty of new contenders, including fourth-gen versions of the Boom, Wonderboom and Megaboom models, so this list is subject to flux and change as we get to grips with what the new boys can do.

11th September: We've added the new JBL Go 4 to our 'also consider' section following its recent five-star review.

The quick list

The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for around £150/$150.

Read more below

With its diminutive dimensions, 12-hour battery life and punchy bass, the Flip 6 is the ideal travel companion. 

A tiny budget speaker that makes a big impact – if you’re watching the pennies there’s no better option right now than Tribit's Stormbox Micro 2.

B&O’s eye-catching compact speaker justifies its price with a refined performance and typically classy build.

A potent performer that melds grit with grace, the Xtreme 4 is practically unbeatable at this level. 

If you’re looking to build a multi-room system that also has Bluetooth capability, the brilliant Sonos Era 100 is the speaker for you.

Load the next 2 products... ↓

A versatile little speaker that combines Bluetooth connectivity with a handy voice assistant that does much more than just read the weather forecast. 

Audio Pro’s feature-packed C20 offers a raft of features and such an impressive sonic profile that it will excel no matter how you use it.

I'm a staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products during my time at What Hi-Fi? . Hi-fi loudspeakers and fancy amps are all well and good, but I love a great Bluetooth speaker that can offer a fast, fuss-free and often fantastically affordable solution to your everyday needs. I've had hands-on experience with every model on the list below, putting them through their paces to ensure you know exactly which speaker to go for. Good sound quality, durability, waterproofness (see our IP ratings explainer for details), features and connectivity; we've assessed them all to put you fully in the picture before buying.

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

1. jbl charge 5.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The JBL Charge 5 has become one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but with the longevity it continues to display. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still the best in its class. 

The IP67-rated Charge 5 is fully dustproof and waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a meter for around 30 minutes before doing itself any damage. Thanks to its 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, it's imperious and forthright sounding, trouncing the competition at this £200 / $200 / AU$300 price point. The arrival of the slightly more expensive Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230 / AU$330) has made things a little more complex,  but the invigorating, cohesive listen of the standard Charge 5 model remains very tough to beat. 

That new Charge 5 Wi-Fi model does offer a slightly more refined sound alongside more flexible wi-fi-enabled capabilities such as AirPlay 2 and Alexa Multiroom, but the more affordable Charge 5 remains a superb portable speaker that offers enjoyable sound in a neat, durable package. 

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Which JBL speaker to choose has been made trickier by the emergence of the Charge 5 Wi-Fi , a wi-fi enabled speaker model that earned five stars during testing. The big bonus of the Wi-Fi model is that you can use features such as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, giving you the freedom to continue using your phone or source player without affecting your music. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi does also sound a little better, but bear in mind that we tested it at £230 / $230 / AU$330, a significant advance on the standard Charge 5's current £130ish ($160 / AU$250).

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

2. jbl flip 6.

Anyone who finds the considerable heftiness of the Charge 5 above to be a little too much for them should consider stepping down to the five-star JBL Flip 6. When we say "stepping down", incidentally, we mean that with regard mainly to price and size, as while it may be a slimmer model, the Flip 6 remains a consummate pro at delivering everything you'd expect from a JBL portable companion.   

The Flip's durability is up there with the more costly Charge 5 (it's IP67 water- and dust-proof), while the sound offers space, zeal and musicality in spades. Ok, it won't hit the breadth of sound that its bigger brother can, never mind those higher volumes, but that's what you sacrifice if you want a smaller form factor. 

If you desire more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, which adds significant value. For a nominal price hike over the launch price of the soon-to-be-redundant Flip 5, there’s certainly more detail here, too.

If you need more oomph and drive, the larger JBL Charge 5 is the speaker for you, but for a more compact and admirably musical performer, the Flip 6 is the way to go. Ultimate Ears could be providing competition for the Flip 6 with its Boom 4 and Wonderboom 4 – the Flip 6 will have to work harder than ever, then, to keep its crown.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

3. tribit stormbox micro 2.

If all you need from your ideal Bluetooth speaker is portability alongside affordability, you'd struggle to improve on the small, satchel-friendly Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Flip 6 above, the Micro 2 fits flat in your hand in contrast to the cylindrical form of the Flip. 

Sporting a utilitarian but not unattractive woven finish design, the Micro 2 pumps out genuinely enjoyable audio and a rather impressive battery life of around 12 hours during testing. Better yet, its IP67 rating allowed one of our team to test it in the shower without causing any lasting damage. Again, the Stormbox Micro 2's compact size and robust construction make it well-suited for venturing far beyond the confines of a bathroom or kitchen.

The audio is certainly a big plus point, too, going bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a diminutive unit, doing justice to most tracks in terms of tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The Stormbox's Midrange is particularly pleasing, and we'd even go so far as to say that it's as good as anything else we’ve seen at this price. 

Fine, the Stormbox Micro 2 can suffer from distortion at louder volumes, but it's still one of your best-value options if you’re really on a tight budget. Note that we're currently testing the JBL Go 4 as a potential rival for the Micro 2, meaning that our favourite budget model could have some serious competition at this level.

If you want to go smaller and cheaper, we'd recommend the five-star JBL Go 4 as a soap-sized alternative. It doesn't quite have the mid-range vocal clarity or the breadth of sound of the Tribit, but the Go 4 is exceptional value considering how much sonic life and dynamism it keenly demonstrates. 

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

4. bang & olufsen beosound a1 (2nd gen).

This is definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics. This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made burger only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 in our also consider section.  

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest  aptX Adaptive  Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.  

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day. Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense. 

Incidentally, look out for discounts around sales periods, as we've seen certain colourways plummet considerably during Black Friday, Prime Day and the festive period. 

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review  

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

5. jbl xtreme 4.

For JBL, the Xtreme 4 simply confirms once again that this is a company working at the top of its game. The  Xtreme 3  was a five-star portable powerhouse which provided a rock-solid foundation from which to grow, with the fourth-gen sequel building on that base and taking the levels to new, stunning heights. 

The Xtreme 4 is, in simple terms, the Xtreme 3 but better. The design is roughly the same as the outgoing model, albeit with some minor distinguishing tweaks. The button layout is now a block of six rather than a strip, while a new base with two strips of silicon feet gives the speaker more stability and grip. Apart from that, it's the same rugged, robust, IP67-rated build as the Xtreme 3, and that's no bad thing; it's a design that has served JBL extremely well in the past. 

The driver configuration for the Xtreme 4 is the same as the previous model, with two 70mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters behind the grille and then those pulsating radiators at either end. Sonically, though, things have been taken to the next level, offering up the best audio performance we've heard at this level for one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers of 2024. As our review made clear: "For such a chunky speaker it produces a fantastically refined sound. It produces a wonderfully clear and consistent sound across tracks: low frequencies are poised and punchy but don’t lack weight, (whereas) highs are crisp enough so they don’t feel rolled off". 

New features only enhance the Xtreme 4's credentials. Auracast is the big one, letting you pair two Xtreme 4 speakers together in stereo or connect multiple compatible JBLs in a chain while giving the new model some element of future-proofing should new features that require the tech emerge in the coming months.

The JBL app is as user-friendly and comprehensive as ever, while 24 hours is a big improvement on the 15 hours of the previous model. Like the Charge 5, the Xtreme 4 will charge up connected devices via USB-C, and there's even a replaceable battery if the built-in unit packs up. 

All in all, yet another belting speaker from JBL. If you've got the cash to stretch a bit further up the price ladder, the Xtreme 4 is our nailed-on pick.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review  

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

6. sonos era 100.

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level. Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One,  with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier. 

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience. The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price. 

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

7. amazon echo dot (5th generation).

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all. You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-round excellence and hugely attractive price tag. It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs. The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

8. Audio Pro C20

If it's a cliché to use the term "jack-of-all-trades", then you know what? Let's use a cliché. The five-star Audio Pro C20 is yet another supremely capable performer from one of the most consistent, and underrated, audio brands around, melding a variety of functionalities and potential use cases into a unified, deeply impressive package. If ever there was a time to use that jack-of-all-trades label, this is it. 

The C20 is a Bluetooth speaker thanks to its 5.0 connectivity, yet its wi-fi capabilities allow the C20 to stream tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, as well as via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and even Audio Pro multi-room. That's a lot of choice, and it makes this mains-powered powerhouse an incredibly versatile solution that goes far beyond the capabilities of your traditional Bluetooth speaker.

That's before we get on to physical connections. The C20 offers a set of RCA inputs alongside HDMI ARC for boosting your TV's sound, as well as a sub out if you want to add a subwoofer into the mix. There's also an optical input for hooking up to digital sources, plus an MM phono stage if you're planning on connecting up your turntable to the C20's convenient, one-stop-shop.

And we haven't even arrived at the sound of the thing yet. What's remarkable about the koala-faced wonder (it does look like a koala, right?) is just how open and broad the soundscape it conjures is, offering a presentation that grows and expands with an awesome sense of breadth and scale for your music and movies. Painted within this wide sonic landscape are plenty of details and nuances, each one finding its own happy place within the wider composition. If you thought the C20 would go so heavy on features that it would forget about proper sound, boy is there egg on your face.

A superb speaker that does a lot of things very, very well, there are very few single-box units that can compete. 

Read our full Audio Pro C20 review

JBL Go 4: Small, portable and super-affordable, we've always liked the JBL Go range of soap-sized speakers, even if we've had a few reservations about battery life and sonic oomph. Happily, the JBL Go 4 is unquestionably the best Go speaker we've heard, bringing in improved 7-hour battery life alongside impressive sonic capabilities and clever Auracast connectivity tech. It's a seriously impressive speaker considering its tiny size and meagre price of around £40 / $50 / AU$60. 

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: A wonderful spin on one of our favourite JBL speakers of all time, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi, naturally, adds wi-fi streaming and a little bit of extra musicality to the Charge 5's Award-winning recipe. It's more expensive than the basic model (sitting at around £200 / $200 at the time of writing), so you'll be forking out a little more for the convenience of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. That said, it's a great speaker in its own right and a lovely addition to the JBL family. As far as spin-offs go, this one's a hit in our book.

Dali Katch G2: The beautiful Dali Katch G2 used to be a mainstay of this list before the Xtreme 4 came along and stole some of its thunder. It's still an utterly wonderful piece of kit though, melding gorgeous, refined looks with a sound profile that's, well, gorgeous and refined. Very much the thinking person's portable pal. 

Bose SoundLink Max: Hooray, a Bose Bluetooth speaker we can wholeheartedly get behind. We like the SoundLink Flex , but just feel that slightly sonically superior rivals have prevented us from a solid recommendation. The bigger, pricier SoundLink Max is a five-star belter, though, serving up a powerful, musical sound that really mixes it with the best of them. 

Audio Pro C10 MkII : Just because it didn't fit into this particular list, don't ignore the C10 Mk II. Despite qualifying as what we'd normally call a "wireless speaker", the C10 is a fine alternative to the models on this list courtesy of its Bluetooth capabilities. A former What Hi-Fi? Award-winner, it's versatile, portable, great-sounding and often enjoys major discounts. What's not to like?

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker , the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors ? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound , of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre . Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Size and power , too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 5, or models that allow daisy-chaining , will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness . 

If you're choosing portability , you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays. Check out our IP ratings explainer if you're unsure. 

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality , higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD , for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free . Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery . Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors. Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All new Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with  What Hi-Fi?  proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

What's the difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are wireless in that they don't require a wire to connect to an audio source; they use the Bluetooth streaming protocol. However, Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily also support wi-fi, which is a necessary feature of what we term 'wireless speakers'. A wireless speaker can connect to an audio source via the internet (i.e. your home wi-fi) – by way of Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast, for example – whether or not it also has Bluetooth.

While this will depend on the kit you are using and your wi-fi limitations at home, transmitting audio over wi-fi rather than Bluetooth comes with certain benefits: wi-fi doesn't have as limited a signal range as Bluetooth, generally facilitates better sound quality and is capable of transmitting higher-quality audio. The standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) are not widely capable of transmitting CD-quality (or higher) files, and even the higher-quality codecs like aptX are lossy (i.e. data gets lost during the transmission).

However, Bluetooth-only speakers are generally more portable, as they don't require an internet connection or being plugged into the mains power, and often more affordable than wi-fi-enabled wireless speakers. If you're interested in wi-fi-ready speakers, you should look at our best wireless speakers guide instead.

It's also worth noting which "version" of Bluetooth is being utilised. Most models are using a version from 5.0 or beyond, with each subsequent iteration – 5.1, 5.2 etc. – generally leading to improvements in stability, range and even transmission rates, although the specific changes vary from version to version.

How many watts is good for a home Bluetooth speaker?

There isn't a simple answer here, as a higher wattage number doesn't necessarily equal good sound quality,u but it does determine how loud your speaker can go. Basically, you'll want a speaker that's going to be able to fill your intended space with a good amount of sound. So, if you're looking for a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use casually on the table in a small space, a relatively low-powered speaker output (10W or thereabouts) will get that job done for you without any problems.

However, if you've got a big, spacious room or the outdoors that you want to fill with sound at decent volumes, a bigger speaker with a higher watt output (25W to 50W) will likely serve you best.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth is a short-range, low-powered, low-bandwidth streaming protocol used to connect compatible devices together wirelessly. Bluetooth uses radio waves just like wi-fi does but at a different scale.

A Bluetooth speaker relies on this short-range Bluetooth connection to connect to a Bluetooth-supporting audio source and accept audio data from it. Both the speaker and source device need to have compatible Bluetooth codecs to send this information between them – SBC and AAC are the standard codecs. A wireless speaker operates similarly but instead relies on a wi-fi network connection to accept audio data transmitted from an audio source.

Pairing a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth device is easy: you simply put the speaker in 'pairing mode' (usually by pressing a button), go into a device's Bluetooth settings and 'scan' for available speakers and then select your speaker.

Is JBL a good brand? Better than Bose?

At What Hi-Fi? , we have reviewed many products from both JBL and Bose and find that many of JBL's current speakers provide excellent audio quality and great value, earning them many five-star reviews. Bose speakers tend to satisfy on the features and design front, and while we used to see budget and great-sounding speakers from Bose a few years ago, recent models have seen costs rise. These pricier models don't always offer the same performance-per-pound value as their rivals.

In the audio world, it is tough to compare how good one brand is to another on the whole, especially when it comes to big brands that have many products in their arsenal. While we do recommend a fair few JBL speakers on the above list, don't assume that everything JBL makes is better than everything Bose makes.

• August 2024 : The new five-star JBL Xtreme 4 speaker has been added to our main list, replacing the Dali Katch G2 (which is still a firm recommendation in the also consider section).
• July 2024: Added five-star Bose SoundLink Max to the also consider section and referred to new or upcoming Bluetooth models in the intro. 
• April 2024: Added the Audio Pro C20 following a five-star review.
• March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.

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For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

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Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? . During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs. 

• atkins14 What is actually the best sounding speaker though? You don't actually seem to compare them to each other? Such as the Dali Katch to say the UE Megablast, Audio Pro C3 etc. Ignoring hardwired speakers and price. Also how do they hold up to say the Sonos Move, Bose home, Vifa Oslo, Beolit 17 etc? I had the Dali Katch but had to return as bluetooth connectivity was too temperamental. Reply
• StevieDee No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded? Reply
• Jmr1969x This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info. Reply

StevieDee said: No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded?

Jmr1969x said: This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info.

• DailyDose Inappropriate content deleted by moderation. Reply
• MrBuffy Minirig 3 is the GOAT, don't bother with anything else. Reply
• MrBuffy Minirig 4 is out now, better Bluetooth than 3, more Watts, plus USB C charging. Best Bluetooth speaker you can get Reply
• View All 8 Comments

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Russia: One Week Itinerary

Russia , the largest country in the world has been on my bucketlist for the longest time. This is where the first ‘women only’ tour of Ticking the Bucketlist is headed. We are off tomorrow and would be spending one week in this enchanting land!

Here is what our ‘one week in Russia’ itinerary looks like….

Day 1: Moscow – Izmailovsky Flea Market and ‘Moscow by Night’

We start our trip from Delhi on an Aeroflot flight and reach Moscow at about 0835 in the morning. We head straight to our hotel to stretch our legs and get some shut-eye. We need to charge our batteries for the Russian sojourn. We are staying in the Best Western Vega at the Izmailovsky area, which is very famous for its local flea market. The  Izmailovsky Market is the best place in Moscow for souvenir shopping …dolls, porcelain, jewelry boxes…we will buy them all from here.

Day 2: Moscow – Moscow City Tour and Kremlin Tour

A red building at the Red Square of the Kremlin

Having seen the city’s light the previous night, it is time to see the city’s colours this morning. We will set off on the Moscow City Tour shows us the highlights of city, starting with the Red Square. This is our day to click a 1000 pictures in front of all the monuments that represent Moscow…St Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi theatre, the Olympic Stadium and the Sparrow Hills.

Exploring the Kremlin

Today is also the day to visit and learn more about the most famous monument in Russia. Kremlin, literally means a fort inside a city. Dynasties built on the site, one century after another and the site came to known as the Kremlin in the 14the century. The walled structure of the Kremlin includes palaces and cathedrals… and a historical past!

Later in the evening, we will enjoy the Russian circus that many of us have seen to television ever so often. Acrobats, clowns and animals….its is time to let the little girl in you come out and clap her hands!  

Day 3: Moscow – Metro Stations and Arbat Street followed by the Bolshoi Ballet 

Mosaics on the walls of the metro station

Today, we set out to explore the metro stations of Moscow, each of which is a stellar work of art. Stunning frescos and chandeliers in marble surroundings… it’s a work of art! We will then walk along the Arbat street, which is the city’s only pedestrian street, lined with shops and cafes.

As the night unfolds, I intend to don a classy dress and get set to watch one of the finest shows on earth at the Bolshoi Theatre. I have always been awestruck by the art form and would love to see some of the best performers in the world move gracefully. A performance that is rated as one of the best in the world has to be ticked off my bucketlist!

Day 4: Moscow – Day Tour to Sergiev Posad followed by a crazy bar hopping night!

Sergiev Posad is one the strongest spiritual centres in Russia. Home to stunning churches, Sergiev Posad will give us a flavour of the famous ‘Golden Ring’ of Russia. The tour will take 5-7 hours and we will be back at the hotel in second half.

Exploring Sergiev Posad

This will be our last night in Moscow, and we are not going to leave the city without sampling some fine Russian vodka. So, this night is dedicated to bar hopping and pub crawling. Hope to meet some travellers and make new friends.

Day 5: Saint Petersburg – Sapsan train experience to Saint Petersburg and Matryoshka Doll painting class

Saint Petersburg , our next destination, is at least 700 km away from Moscow… and we will zip zap zoom on the Sapsan (the high speed train) to get there in about four hours! The high speed trains are engineering marvels, worth experiencing and we ride this iron horse in the afternoon, reaching St Peterburg in the evening.

As a group, we also join a masterclass to paint our own nested Matryoshka dolls… our own little souvenir to carry and remind us of a fun week in Russia.

With our very own Matryoshka dolls!

Day 6: Saint Petersburg – City Tour and Peterhof Palace

The day starts with a city tour of Saint Petersburg that will give us a peek into what this city has… many bridges, stunning castles, colourful cathedrals and fortresses.

Post lunch, we will head to the Peterhof Palace, also called the Russian Versailles. With spring having set in, the gardens would be green and the fountains will put up a show…I am excited!

Peterhof Palace

Day 7: Saint Petersburg – Hermitage Museum and Shopping

The highlights tour on the previous day will surely make us want to see more of Saint Petersburg…and we will do so by visiting the Hermitage Museum, which is also called the ‘Louvre of Russia’. The Hermitage complex itself is of architectural delight … and the collections have stories to speak which will hopefully, spike our interest enough to make to go back read our history textbooks.

The Hermitage Museum

The rest of the day is totally free to visit any of the other monuments or simply shop … it’s every girl’s favourite sport, isn’t it?

Our last night Russia… Oh Russia!!!! Tonight we will explore the party scene in SPB … or maybe … pack for the next day?

Day 8: Saint Petersburg …Bye Bye Russia

Memories, souvenirs and new friendships… it’s time take them all back to India! We check out of our hotel and take the flight from SPB to Delhi, via Moscow.

Farewell Russia!

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About post author, 11 responses.

Your photos are beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Russia, especially after seeing Anastasia (the Disney movie) 🙂 I can’t believe those mosaics are on the walls at the METRO STATION! How unreal. Great stuff, thanks for sharing.

Wow that is quite an awesome itinerary. I mean… huge Russia in 1 week. I am still dreaming of St. Petersbourg. So many people told me that it is gorgeous. And I would die to see the Ballet

You know I have never considered Russia but this itinerary looks amazing. St. Petersburg looks beautiful. I will certainly consider a trip there now

I’ve only been to St Petersburg so far, and did a few tours in the city and around. But I have a good friend in Moscow, so the incentive is definitely there to go back. I enjoy doing those by night experiences and see how cities transform in different times of day – especially if it’s topped with a circus visit, amazing 🙂

We are thinking of heading to Russia next Summer so will deffo use this itinerary, looks amazing! Would love to visit the Kremlin in Moscow! Thanks for sharing!

I have always been fascinated by Russia. I like the colourful rounds domes on the Palaces just like an Aladin’s Palace. FIFA Football World will be held in Russia next year and I will try my best to visit this beautiful country and will follow your itinerary and contact you. 🙂

Moscow and Kremlin city tour looks amazing. Your one week itinerary is helpful and complete tour of Russian delights. St.Petersburg city tour is also enchanting and splendid. I really want to have Russian vacation now after seeing your pictures

Wow, this is awesome. Well weaved itinerary! We had always dreamed of taking pictures of those onion-domed palaces and those colors on the palaces are just mind blowing. We didn’t know that there is a Versailles in Russia the exterior paint and the colors look much similar. We had loved it in France and would love to visit it in Russia too.

The Peterhof Palace is a delight to visit. Highly recommend it if you are in SPB

I haven’t visited Russia, but it’s definitely on the list! This a great itinerary, I love how you included things to do but also gave some leeway to do things on your own as well (like shopping haha). Beautiful pictures, the buildings and Russian dolls are stunning! I wonder if they’re all hand painted.

The dolls are all hand painted. The cost increases depending on the quality of work and the artist.

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Light + Audio Tec Moscow

| International fair of technologies and services for events, installation and production

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