Bluetooth speakers have become an indispensable household and travel accessory due to their compact size and unmatched convenience. Their wireless connectivity allows users to enjoy music in a variety of settings, from the shower to mowing the lawn, chilling in a hotel room, hosting a house party, or simply cleaning the kitchen. The portability of these speakers makes them ideal for travel, fitting easily into backpacks or luggage. Many models are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant, expanding their utility to places like the pool or beach. Whether enhancing outdoor activities or providing entertainment at home, Bluetooth speakers offer a versatile and hassle-free audio solution for a wide range of scenarios.
Over years of rigorous testing, we’ve delved into the realm of portable speakers, exploring a diverse array of shapes and sizes across various budget ranges. While achieving audiophile-level sound quality and a powerful low end in a device the size of a coffee cup may seem ambitious, our focus remains on sourcing portable speakers that consistently deliver balanced and clear audio, particularly outdoors where it matters most. Our testing criteria prioritize not only exceptional sound but also account for considerations such as battery life and overall value for money. We recognize that a portable speaker should not only be convenient but, most importantly, sound good—striking the right balance between performance and practicality.
Understanding that size and cost can impact a speaker’s performance, one doesn’t need to be an engineer to recognize that smaller, more affordable speakers may compromise on sound quality. Nevertheless, the market now offers commendable and budget-friendly options that manage to deliver substantial sound while still maintaining a pocket-friendly size. For those seeking a massive sound output without the need for extreme portability, our guide to the best party speakers is tailored to such preferences, acknowledging that weight and size are secondary concerns.
On the other hand, if you’re in search of a more permanent audio solution for your home, with the added convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity, our guide to the best wireless speakers is at your disposal. Recognizing the wear and tear portable speakers often endure, many in this category boast rugged designs to withstand knocks and drops. Additionally, a significant number are engineered to be dust- and waterproof, though it’s essential to note that not all portable speakers share these features. If water resistance is a top priority, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers can direct you toward options that can handle more than just a splash.
Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam stands out as our top choice for the best Bluetooth speaker, offering an impressive combination of powerful sound, a robust design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control. Its bass-heavy audio performance makes it well-suited for outdoor use, capable of cutting through wind noise effectively. The Automatic Switching feature seamlessly integrates the Roam into your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup when indoors, adding a layer of versatility.
Despite its compact size, the Sonos Roam delivers a compelling sonic performance with a notably prominent bass, though it may lack the rhythmic accuracy expected from high-end audiophile speakers. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it serves as both a portable speaker and a seamless part of your wider Sonos system, doubling as a smart speaker with Google Assistant and Alexa integration when connected to Wi-Fi.
Comparatively, the Sonos Roam offers a robust set of features for its price range. Its sleek design ensures it complements your home decor, while the rugged, waterproof, and dustproof build makes it an ideal choice for outdoor music enjoyment. While the battery life may not be extensive, providing enough for a day out, users looking for longer battery life may consider alternatives such as the B&O A1.
For those prioritizing privacy, Sonos has introduced the Sonos Roam SL, a microphone-free variant that maintains identical specifications. This option caters to users concerned about privacy and offers a cost-saving alternative, providing a well-rounded choice in the Sonos Roam lineup.
Weight: 0.95 pounds (0.43 kg)
Battery life: 10 hours
Wireless range: 40m – 240m
Frequency response: Up to 5kHz
Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5
Drivers: One tweeter, one mid-woofer
NFC: Yes
Aux-in: No
USB charging: Yes (USB-C)
Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2
The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 has claimed its position as the top mini Bluetooth speaker in our testing, excelling in sound quality and features. While it may not be the most powerful or the loudest speaker in its category, its compact size and competitive price make it the best available option at present.
This pocket-sized portable speaker proves to be surprisingly adept for music, podcasts, and even watching TV shows on a mobile device. Not only does it function exceptionally as a standalone speaker, but it also shines as part of a stereo pair for a small room, providing an affordable alternative to some better-known competitors.
The standout feature of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is its impressive bass response, a notable strength for a speaker of its size. Although the exact specifications of the driver remain undisclosed, the model delivers remarkable bass performance without sacrificing its compact footprint. Additionally, the Micro 2 boasts an impressive battery life of 12 hours, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 8 hours, making it an ideal companion for travel or beach days.
For users seeking a low-priced speaker to toss into a bag or attach to a bike, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 stands out as a superb choice. Its minor drawbacks, such as the absence of a wired connection, are outweighed by its overall performance and affordability, solidifying its status as an excellent option in the mini Bluetooth speaker market.
Weight: 0.69 pounds (0.315 kg)
Battery life: 12 hours
Wireless range: 36m
Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Drivers: One
NFC: Yes
Aux-in: No
USB charging: Yes (USB-C)
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 stands out as a prime example of a Bluetooth speaker that excels by focusing on the fundamentals. This rugged and portable speaker impresses with its simplicity, delivering excellent performance without the need for additional features. While it lacks voice assistants, Wi-Fi connectivity, or a 3.5mm aux-in, the Flip 6 compensates with its outstanding sound quality.
During testing, the Flip 6 demonstrated a warm and well-balanced audio performance that defies expectations for its size. Though the treble may become slightly harsh at higher volumes, the speaker offers remarkable clarity and detail. What sets the Flip 6 apart is its ability to pair with up to 100 other JBL speakers simultaneously, creating an expansive wall of sound.
With a 12-hour battery life, water resistance, and dust resistance, the Flip 6 proves to be an ideal companion for poolside or beach outings. Its availability in a variety of eye-catching colors adds a touch of personalization. While lacking a port to charge your phone, a feature found in some larger JBL speakers, this omission doesn’t significantly impact its overall appeal.
Much like its predecessor, the JBL Flip 5, the Flip 6 caters to those who prioritize straightforward music enjoyment. It’s an ideal choice for individuals who want a reliable speaker to play music, turn up the volume, and simply enjoy the experience, whether at home or on the go.
Weight: 1.2 pounds (0.54kg)
Battery life: 12 hours
Wireless range: Not listed
Frequency response: 63Hz – 20kHz
Connectivity : Bluetooth 5.1
Drivers: 16mm dome tweeter, 45x80mm bass driver and 2x passive radiators
NFC: No
Aux-in: No
USB charging: No
B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) closely mirrors its predecessor, the A1, offering an appealing and highly portable Bluetooth speaker that introduces Alexa support without the requirement for Wi-Fi connectivity. The design, resembling a puck or burger shape, exudes sophistication, and its IP67 water and dust resistance rating make it more robust than its appearance suggests, rendering it suitable for outdoor use, even capable of withstanding water exposure.
During testing, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) impressed with its crisp audio performance and a 360-degree soundstage, making it ideal for setting the mood in small gatherings. The impeccable balance across bass, midrange, and treble creates a listening experience where favorite songs feel revitalized. The music delivery is exciting, punchy, and energetic without overwhelming the bass or pushing the treble to the point of losing realism. While the premium pricing aligns with Bang & Olufsen’s reputation, it establishes itself as the top choice for smaller portable speakers among dedicated music enthusiasts.
The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity simplifies pairing with smartphones, and the built-in Alexa voice assistance transforms it into a smart speaker. Notably, the A1 is the first speaker to offer Alexa support without the necessity of a home Wi-Fi network. However, it’s worth mentioning that the voice assistant’s responsiveness may be affected, occasionally being slow to react to commands due to the Bluetooth-to-phone-to-internet routing process. Despite this limitation, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) remains a standout option for those seeking a compact and premium portable speaker with advanced features.
Weight: 1.2 pounds (0.54kg)
Battery life: 24 hours
Wireless range: 30m (100ft)
Frequency response: 55 – 20,000 Hz
Connectivity : Bluetooth
Drivers: N/A
NFC: No
Aux-in: No
USB charging: USB-C
Cleer Audio Scene
The Cleer Audio Scene, positioned as a mid-range Bluetooth speaker, emerges as a strong contender challenging premium rivals, notably the JBL Flip 6. Despite sharing a resemblance with the Flip 6, the Audio Scene distinguishes itself with newer features, a slightly lower price tag, and additional functionalities.
Reviewing the Audio Scene reveals a speaker designed to compete directly with the JBL Flip 6. Despite a similar appearance, the Cleer Audio Scene manages to carve its niche by offering a more budget-friendly option with added features. Noteworthy elements include an onboard microphone for calling, extra ports for aux-in, and a focus on top-notch audio clarity, setting it apart in a competitive market.
While the Cleer Audio Scene succeeds in providing strong specifications at a lower price point, there are trade-offs to consider. Its larger and heavier build, compared to the JBL Flip 6, may impact portability and convenience for on-the-go users. Additionally, the emphasis on audio definition rather than bass weight may make it less ideal for those seeking a speaker geared towards party settings, as it may not deliver the same robust low-end experience as some competitors.
In summary, the Cleer Audio Scene presents a compelling option for users seeking a mid-range Bluetooth speaker with advanced features at a more affordable price. While it may have some drawbacks in terms of size and bass emphasis, its unique selling points, microphone inclusion, and competitive pricing make it a noteworthy alternative in the market.
Weight: 1.5 lbs / 742g
Battery life: 12 hours
Wireless range: Not specified
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Drivers: Dual 48mm, dual passive radiators
NFC: No
Aux-in: Yes
USB charging: USB-C