Portability is usually the biggest factor when choosing a speaker. All of our picks are under 10 pounds (although most are actually under three pounds) so that none are too heavy or bothersome to carry while traveling. Having the convenience of throwing a speaker right into your bag makes it that much easier to carry around and actually use.
Another big factor when choosing a Bluetooth speaker is the sound quality and volume level. When a speaker reaches its highest volumes, bass-heavy music will sometimes cause an audio distortion in low-quality speakers. We made it a point to choose speakers that don’t do this because, to put it simply, nobody wants that.
Typically, spending more on a speaker will mean better clarity of sound, louder volume, and more bells and whistles. However, there are some very affordable gems that get the job done just as well, if not better, than the more expensive competition.
Sometimes choosing a big brand name speaker in a lower price range actually sacrifices some features you could get with a lesser-known brand if you take the chance on them. With that being said, choosing a big brand name in a slightly higher price range can result in an all-around amazing, premium product.
With all of that out of the way, here are our recommendations.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall: JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is a versatile Bluetooth speaker that will ensure your audio can be heard loud and crystal clear. At $179, you get a speaker that is IP67 waterproof, has a 20-hour battery life and includes a power bank to charge your device while you listen.
✓ Best sound quality out of every speaker on this list✓ IP67 waterproof and dustproof✓ Loud enough to suit a party✓ Built-in power bank to charge devices✓ 20-hour battery life for average use✓ Premium materials make this high-quality and durable
✗ High price✗ Slightly larger than an average portable Bluetooth speaker
When holding the Charge 5, the premium materials used make it feel like it can take a beating and last a long time. It is the perfect speaker to take to the beach for an outdoor party without having to worry about keeping it away from the water or sand, as well. You do have to keep in mind that the Charge 5 is larger than an average portable speaker, though, so you have to account for the space it’ll take up in a bag more.
But what makes the Charge 5 stand out compared to other Bluetooth speakers is the sound quality. The bass isn’t overpowering, but it is present and clear. The mids and treble are superb, and they make vocals ring out as if they are being sung right in front of you. This JBL Bluetooth speaker can also get quite loud so that you can use it in a wide range of scenarios. This is one versatile speaker!
The Charge 5 is also versatile in terms of connectivity. You can connect up to two phones to the speaker at once, which is useful. The speaker is also part of JBL’s Partyboost series, which means you can connect it to other compatible speakers to play the same music simultaneously. As a result, you get a more immersive listening experience when playing music in stereo with Partyboost due to the added ease of hearing instrument separation and stereo effects.
Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is a powerhouse of a speaker that has the durability, versatility, and battery life to be used every day in every way.
Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker: DOSS Soundbox
At $30, The DOSS Soundbox gives you a big bang for your buck. It is small, portable, has a 20-hour battery life, and is incredibly durable. The design consists of easy-to-use touch buttons on the top of the simple, boxy body. You can also choose from a variety of colorways as well, which is a nice touch at this price point.
✓ Low Price✓ IPX5 water-resistant✓ 20-hour battery life with average use✓ Small size✓ Durable
✗ Lacking in features✗ Sound quality is not the most impressive
With 12 watts of power packed into a small body, this wireless speaker can get pretty loud. It may not be quite loud enough once a party gets to be more than 15 people or so, but it is plenty loud for personal everyday use or for smaller gatherings.
This speaker is great for the price, but don’t expect to get a ton of bells and whistles. But if you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is simple and can be carried just about anywhere, the DOSS Soundbox is a great pick.
Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Clip 4
If you need something ultra-portable, the JBL Clip 4 is the way to go. The obvious selling point is that this speaker already has a built-in carabiner, so you can clip it anywhere and you’re ready to take it wherever.
✓ Ultra-portable carabiner design easy transport✓ Great sound quality for small size✓ IP67 waterproof and dustproof
✗ High price for a small speaker
Just because this is a small speaker doesn’t mean that it won’t impress you. It only has five watts of power, but JBL’s signature sound clarity still shines through. Even at high volumes, this speaker does not have any audio distortion, which is a unique quality for such a small Bluetooth speaker. Typically, a speaker of this size will begin to sound muddy in the bass when brought to volumes past 90% or so, so it’s impressive that the Clip 4 manages to avoid it.
JBL’s Clip 4 is IP67 rated, so it is waterproof and dustproof, just like the JBL Charge 5. It does fall a bit short in battery life, however, as it only lasts about 10 hours. At least, that’s what JBL says—according to our review of the Clip 4, our tester was able to get 25 hours of battery life before charging. If you’re planning on using the Clip 4 continuously at a high volume, you’ll likely get only the 10 hours that JBL claims.
Nonetheless, the Clip 4 is still the best pick for a portable Bluetooth speaker. If you need something super small with clear sound quality to clip onto your bag and rock out or listen to podcasts on hikes or bike rides, this is the one.
Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Most Bluetooth speakers you can buy these days are at least some sort of waterproof. What if you’re looking for a speaker that not only withstands water, but thrives in it? You’re looking for the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3.
✓ IP67-rated water and dust-resistant✓ Floats in water✓ 360-degree sound✓ Pair two for true stereo sound
✗ No auxiliary port✗ Not as loud as larger Ultimate Ears speakers
Not only does the Wonderboom 3 have an IP rating of IP67, but it floats. You can safely submerge the speaker in up to one meter (3.2 feet) for up to 30 minutes without damaging it, so there’s no need to worry about keeping the speaker safe at a pool party. The speaker is even drop-tested from 1.5 meters (roughly five feet).
Fish it out of the pool, and the Wonderboom 3 serves as the life of the party. Like most other Ultimate Ears speakers, this model offers plenty of volume and sounds big for its compact size. The speaker offers 360-degree sound, meaning you hear the same sound regardless of where you’re standing relative to the speaker.
If that’s not enough, you can pair two Wonderboom 3 speakers. You can leave them both operating in 360-degree mode to bring even more sound to a party, or you can have them operate as left and right channels for true stereo sound. The speaker features a battery life of up to 14 hours, depending on the playback volume.
The Wonderboom 3 comes in a variety of colors, letting you choose a model to suit your style. The speaker is available in Active Black, Hyper Pink, Joyous Brights Grey, and Performance Blue finishes.
Best Bluetooth Car Speaker: Sony SRS-XB33
The Sony SRS-XB33 is the best Bluetooth speaker for a car for three simple reasons: It’s loud, immersive, and has great sound quality. Its size and profile are similar to the JBL Charge 5 and is small enough to be portable, but it will take up a little more room than most speakers in a bag or purse.
✓ Immersive stereo sound✓ Loud enough to replace car stereo, plus built-in mic for phone calls✓ IP67 waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof✓ Live Sound Mode- enables an auditorium-like listening experience✓ 24 hour average battery life
✗ Price is high, yet relatively fair considering features✗ Slightly larger size than most portable speakers (comparable to JBL’s Charge 5)
We cannot understate how immerse the audio is on the XB33. It features 2 balanced speakers to deliver stereo sound, enhancing instrument separation. The SRS-XB33 also includes Sony’s Live Sound mode, making the music sound like it is being performed right in front of you. This is achieved by projecting the sound in different outward directions, emulating a 3D listening experience.
This Sony speaker also has a lot of features previously mentioned with other speakers. This includes 24-hour battery life, an IP67 waterproof rating, a standard USB port, and a USB-C port so you can charge your smartphone while on the go. Sony also has Party Connect, a feature similar to JBL’s Partyboost that allows you to connect with compatible speakers for a louder, more immersive experience.
If you are going to replace your car stereo with a Bluetooth speaker, you might as well get something that can replicate how your car’s speaker surrounds you and put you in the middle of the music. The Sony SRS-XB33 is the speaker to do exactly that.
While the Sony speaker is a great option if you plan to use two speakers in your car, it can be slightly limited if you’re only using one. If you prefer a one-and-done solution, we’d recommend the Bose SoundLink Revolve. It’s comparable feature-wise to the Sony model, but it boasts 360-degree sound, which is great if you’re using one speaker for a car full of people.
If you decide you want to upgrade to a two-speaker system, the Bose SoundLink Revolve supports pairing two speakers to run in stereo, just as the Sony does. It also features a built-in microphone for speakerphone and voice commands, so it’s a great hands-free option if you frequently find yourself taking calls while you’re on the road.
Best Loud Bluetooth Speaker: Gemini GC-206BTB
The Gemini GC-206BTB may be the least “portable” Bluetooth speaker on this list, but it can kick any party up a notch with its 500 watts of power and color-changing LED body. It may be too big to throw into a bag with the rest of your essentials, but it is still lightweight, weighing just over eight pounds. This speaker also comes with a shoulder strap to free up your hands and make portability a bit easier.
✓ Excellent sound quality✓ Loud enough to light up a party✓ Fun color-changing LED design✓ Includes ports for a microphone or guitar✓ 500 watts of power for a low price
✗ The largest sized speaker on this list (22 inches tall and about a foot wide)✗ Battery only lasts up to six hours✗ Not waterproof
There are also a variety of ways to use Gemini’s speaker. It is of course Bluetooth compatible, but you can also use it with an SD card, USB slot, AUX port, or a quarter-inch input to plug in a guitar or microphone.
Obviously, the biggest upside of this speaker is the volume. This is similar to a PA speaker and can get loud enough to pump out audio to an entire party. Gemini is a brand typically known for industry-standard DJ equipment, and the quality from this speaker lives up to that.
In terms of downsides, the first obvious one would be the size. It is the largest speaker on this list, although the included lightweight and shoulder strap makes it still easily portable. However, the GC-206BTB rechargeable battery only lasts 6 hours on average. If that isn’t enough battery power, the Alto Uber LT is a speaker with similar features but with 35-hours of battery life. It has much less power than the Gemini at only 50 watts, but it is still loud enough to entertain a party.
