In this article, we will try to introduce you to all the benefits of using Bluetooth speakers with microphone and indicate what you should pay attention to when buying these products. We have thought about all the situations when you can use Bluetooth speakers with microphone and we have been surprised how wide their application is. For example, these speakers are excellent choice for frequent travelers, backpackers, and active people in general. They are often designed for outdoor use and protected with layers of fabric that make them splash-proof, waterproof, or shockproof.
It comes at an affordable price, it’s made in 3 colors (black, blue and red), it is quite light (12.6 ounces) and small (2.1×1.8×6.5 inches). The speaker has 2 drivers with the total output power of 12W, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 with 66ft signal range, and it has a 24-hour battery. On the right side, you will find the Bluetooth indicator light, 3.5mm aux input, micro USB charging ports, and the built-in mic. It is also very light so you won’t have problems transporting it – it will easily fit your bag or backpack.
The speaker works nicely, the pairing is easy and simple and the connection is quite stable. Even if you don’t listen to music at moderate volumes, you will be able to get enough playback time for most of your daily activities, even parties.
SoundCore speaker is made from plastic and although you can’t expect a metal frame or some strong reinforcements at this price point, we would like it to be more durable. The speaker comes in a partially transparent and simple box with the user manual and zippered carrying pouch.
In spite of being primarily made for conference calls, you can also use it as an ordinary Bluetooth speaker. The speaker works nicely and it has an omnidirectional microphone that picks up your voice even if you’re not standing right in front of it. It works with many conference call platforms (GoToMeeting, Cisco WebEx, Google Hangouts, etc.) This speaker sounds good even with music and we couldn’t hear any distortion, even at higher volumes.
Small (6.6×2.9×2.7 inches), lightweight (1.1 pounds and good-looking – it is no wonder that Doss Touch is so popular. Doss Touch is equipped with 2 drivers and one passive radiator and their total output power is 12W. The big blue circle on the top is used to turn the volume up and down and it looks very modern and attractive. Thanks to its weight, compact size, and provided carrying bag, this speaker is very portable.
You can use it inside or outside your house because the speaker is partially made from aluminum and quite durable for the price.
Also, the battery offers enough playback time, especially if you’re listening to music at moderate volumes. Also, the battery life reduces significantly if the music is being played at high volumes (up to 5 hours max). If the speaker is located further than 15 feet away from your phone, you will start to experience some signal cutouts.
However, it is very popular among customers who want to have a quality portable Bluetooth speaker with a microphone. The speaker weighs 1.5 pounds, it has 30ft signal range, and the battery offers up to 10 hours of playback or talk time. SoundLink comes in black and grey colors but you can also order it in one of the optional soft covers that protect the aluminum housing from scratches. It looks good, it is highly portable and it can be used for listening to music or answering calls, which make it great for active and busy people. The multifunction button enables you to play or pause music, skip between tracks, answer or reject calls, change language, etc.). The battery life at high volumes reduces to 5 hours only and the connection becomes unstable if the distance between your phone and the speaker is larger than 20ft.
This reasonably priced, small (7.1×2.7 inches), and light (1.2 pounds) speaker has one 38mm driver and one 51mm passive radiator. UE BOOM has a cylindrical shape and it comes in various designs and colors (superhero, Skrillex, pink vibe, orchid, lake Moss green, crystal, cyan blue and the regular black, red/white, and white).
UE BOOM has very interesting, modern, and stylish design that is very popular among younger people.
It is highly portable, it can be used as both wired and wireless and you can use it for listening to music, podcasts or answering calls without using your phone.
The speaker has an IPX4 rating and it is covered with acoustic skin and plasma coating that make it splash-proof and stain resistant. UE BOOM has a good signal range, the connection is stable and the pairing is easy and fast.
The bass is strong and punchy, the mids are clear and articulate, and the highs are sparkling. RoverBeats T3 is a small (2.5×2.6 inches) and very light (6 ounces) speaker made by Etekcity. The speaker is affordable, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 with 30ft signal range, and the battery can last up to 7 hours per charge.
The speaker is mostly made from plastic and it is nicely rubberized, which makes it very stable on any surface.
The mic works nicely and you will be able to hear the person you are talking with loud and clear. The battery’s life shortens significantly when the music is played at high volumes. We don’t advise you to listen to music at high volumes (above 80%) as the sound gets distorted. JBL Flip 4 has a cylindrical shape and it comes in black, white, teal, gray, blue, red, camouflage, etc. Flip 4 comes in a nice cardboard box with a USB charging cable, 12-month warranty card, and user manual. It is small, portable and relatively light, and it also has an IPX7 rating, which makes it perfect for outdoor use. It can be connected to the devices that don’t support Bluetooth via aux cable and it can be attached to your backpack or bike. The pairing process is easy and fast, and it’s possible to connect to up to 100 Flip 4 speakers together.
JBL does not include additional accessories (auxiliary cable and wall adapter) in the package. Angle 3 is surprisingly cheap and small (5×2.6×2.8 inches) Bluetooth speaker with only 9 ounces of weight. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 with up to 15ft range, and the battery can deliver up to 12 hours of playback or talk time. On the back side, you will see the power on/off button and the USB charging and aux ports.
Being splash-proof, durable, and highly portable, this speaker can be used in any environment and it is perfect for outdoor use. The Bluetooth connection remains stable within the 15ft range and the battery can last up to 12 hours at moderate volumes. When it comes to sound quality, we have to say that the speaker delivers nice mids and highs – they are clear and don’t get distorted at higher volumes. It is very loud and its built-in mic works nicely and allows you to answer calls without using your phone. Battery life shortens significantly when the music is played at max volume. VicTsing is a small (5×2.2 inches) Bluetooth speaker that weighs only 7.36 ounces. The speaker has a round shape and it comes in army green, blue, black, and red colors. The aluminum was used for the mesh covering the driver and the body of the speaker is made of plastic and protected with silicone.
The Bluetooth connection is quite stable, the pairing is easy, and the speaker is compatible with different Bluetooth-enabled devices. The speaker doesn’t have aux port so you won’t be able to connect devices that don’t support Bluetooth technology. JBL Charge 2+ is a reasonably priced and relatively small (7.2×3.1 inches) and light (1.3 pounds) Bluetooth speaker with a built-in mic.
The total output power is 15W and the frequency response spans from 75 Hz to 20 kHz. It supports Bluetooth 3.0 with 33ft signal range and the battery can offer up to 12 hours of playback time at 50% volume. The speaker has the shape of a cylinder and it comes in black, green, yellow, blue, gray, orange, red, and pink colors.
The speaker comes in a really nice box with a USB charging cable and wall power adapter. The speaker is highly portable, it can be used both indoors and outdoors and it is splash-proof which makes it even more durable.
When the speaker stands upside, you make it impossible for one of the radiators to work, which affects the performance. Jawbone Big Jambox is a relatively small (3.1×10.1×3.7 inches) and light (2.7 pounds) Bluetooth speaker with a built-in mic. It supports Bluetooth 2.1 with 33ft range and the battery can offer up to 15 hours of playback or talk time at moderate volumes. The speaker has a rectangular shape and it comes in red, black, blue, and white colors.
It is also extremely stable on any surface thanks to the small anti-slip pads on the bottom side. The buttons are very responsive, they are big and easy to use so you shouldn’t have major problems remembering how to use them. The Bluetooth connection stays stable within the 30ft range and the pairing process is very simple. The speaker delivers pleasant sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and highs.
The mic works nicely – your voice will sound clear to the people talking to you. It has a square shape and on the front side, you will find the GOgroove logo and a circular volume control button. The speaker can be used in Bluetooth or aux mode but you can also play the music from your flash drive. The pairing process is easy and the speaker is compatible with all kinds of devices (Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth).
The sound this small thing delivers is more than satisfying considering the price and the size of the speaker.
In other situations, you would have to control the speaker from the source device (your phone, PC, mp3 player, etc.
In spite of limited battery life, possible signal loss, diminished/lower sound quality due to data compression, and some other potential problems, Bluetooth devices have proven to be very useful and here are some of greatest advantages. The Bluetooth technology cut the cables, reduced product dimensions, and allowed us to take the speakers outside.
They enable you to enjoy your free time but still be able to answer calls without even reaching for the phone. You just have to press a button and the speakerphone is activated, and when you end your call, the music will continue playing like nothing happened. For example, if you attach your small Bluetooth speaker with microphone to your bike and go for a ride, you can simply and neatly answer any call. Some of them even have SD card slots and USB ports that allow you to connect even more music sources. Finally, Bluetooth devices look good and trendy, they are fun and, at some point, you simply have to have them. Later on, the developers realized that this technology can be applied to different kinds of electronic devices like headphones and speakers. Today, you can use Bluetooth on your phone to connect to almost anything: TVs, speakers, printers, video game consoles, etc.
Best Bluetooth speakers 2021: portable speakers for every budget
It’s nothing to do with shortage of options – every online manufacturer from Apple to Ultimate Ears is vying for a bite of the Bluetooth cherry and by association, your hard-earned cash. We’ve done the heavy lifting and rounded-up our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers across all shapes, sizes and prices to ensure you discover a product you’ll be over the moon with. It may sound obvious, but the number one piece of advice we always offer when looking for a Bluetooth speaker is to avoid opting for the first model that catches your eye. JBL Xtreme 3 JBL’s rugged wireless speaker serves up a sonic surprise Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.9 x 29.8 x 13.4cm Power: 100W Features: Bluetooth v5.1, PartyBoost for multiple connections to PartBoost enabled JBL speakers, IP67 rated Connections: 3.5mm, USB-C, USB-A out TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £279 View at Amazon £299 View at Richer Sounds £299.99 View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Rugged build + Impressive detail and dynamics + Strong sense of timing Reasons to avoid – No smart features – No hands-free for phone calls Yes, it’s rugged, it’s IP67 dust- and waterproof certified and you’d be forgiven for thinking at first glance that it might be more preoccupied with the amount of bass it’s producing rather than musical quality. The JBL Xtreme 3 gained five stars across the board during our rigorous in-house testing, never appearing out of its depth no matter how complicated the musical arrangement.
Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.8 × 26.9 × 4.7cm Power: : 2 x 25W Features: Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, apt X HD, USB-out for device charging, battery life of 30 hours Connections: 3.5mm aux, dedicated mains charging port and adapter with UK, EU and US adapter plugs TODAY’S BEST DEALS £299 View at Richer Sounds £299 View at Peter Tyson Low Stock £329 View at Audio Visual Online Reasons to buy + Excellent clarity + Impressive bass weight + Classy build and finish Reasons to avoid – No daisy-chaining for multiple Katch G2s Although portable enough to be your travel speaker (and boasting a stylish retractable travel handle and a 30-hour battery) the Katch G2’s dedicated mains charging port and adapter with bundled UK, EU and US adapter plugs makes it an easy fit for your lounge too – and once there, it’ll sound as detailed, clear and expansive as this money can buy.
It’s at the pricey end of the market, yes, but it’s a stone cold stunner, delivering excellent clarity, impressive bass weight and good looks in spades – so much so that we recently handed it a What Hi-Fi? Assuming you don’t mind the lack of an aux-in port or inbuilt microphone (as seen in the Flip 4), you’ll almost certainly be wowed by this speaker’s sonic chops. Tribit Stormbox Micro A fun and bubbly Bluetooth speaker that’s serious when it comes to sound Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 9.8 x 9.8 x 3.5cm Power: 9W Features: water/dustproof, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo-pairing mode Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £42.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Mature, musical sound + Surprisingly weighty bass + USB-C charger Reasons to avoid – Short battery life It’s hard to imagine a home decor, backpack or personal taste that the Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro couldn’t merge in with happily.
Although a speaker of such dimensions is obviously limited in terms of bass weight, it does remarkably well; close your eyes while listening and you’ll picture a bigger product. Take note, Ultimate Ears: a little-known brand called Tribit Audio just produced a budget belter of a Bluetooth speaker. JBL Charge 5 Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.6 x 9.4cm Power: 30W + 10W tweeter Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v5.1, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: USB-C, USB-A TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £159 View at Amazon £159 View at Richer Sounds £169.99 View at Selfridges Reasons to buy + Clearer and more detailed sound + Wider soundstage + Updated dustproofing Reasons to avoid – Nothing at this level Its predecessor carried an IPX7 rating, meaning it could handle being submerged in water to a depth of 1.5m, but the IP67-rated Charge 5 builds on that durability by also being fully dustproof.
Thanks in part to a new 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, the Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker design for under £200 ($200, AU$300). Throw in its classy, well made design, easy to use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and you’re looking at a Bluetooth speaker sequel that has very much been worth the wait. JBL Go 3 JBL’s newest soap-sized speaker sounds good – but the finish and battery life won’t wash with today’s class leaders Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.8 x 7.5 x 4.1 Power: 4W Features: Water/dustproof IP67, Bluetooth 5.1 Connections: USB-C TODAY’S BEST DEALS £29.99 View at O2 Mobiles £34 View at Richer Sounds Prime £34.99 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Sensible treble + Fuller bass + More volume Reasons to avoid – Poor battery life – Not very durable finish Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.5 x 9.3 Power: 30W Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, power bank, voice assistant integration Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £178.59 View at Amazon 148 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Rugged and water resistant + USB port for charging + Great sound quality Reasons to avoid – Perhaps too subtle for some
Not only is this one of best-sounding Bluetooth speakers around at this end of the market, it serves up a whopping 20 hours of playback from a single charge and, thanks to the arrival of its newest sibling, you’ll find this slightly older model discounted across several retailers. Ultimate Ears has really made a splash in the Bluetooth speaker market with a number of colourful, fun-sounding and portable models.
When pressed, it restricts the bass frequencies, allowing the UE to play louder through the midrange, which in turn makes the sound easier to hear when the unit is used outdoors. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth and wi-fi Power: 250W (mains powered) Inputs: analogue audio jack, Toslink optical digital audio Battery life: N/A Dimensions (hwd): 20 x 66 x 18.5cm : Weight: 5.4kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive, weighty and accurate + Great for larger rooms + Top-notch build Reasons to avoid – No AirPlay 2 – No Spotify Connect
While the Award-winning Naim (below) just edges it for both subtlety and a slightly livelier sound, there isn’t much in it – and the Dynaudio Music 5 boasts superiority in other ways. Open up the Dynaudio app and you’ll discover NoiseAdapt, a feature that helps sound cut through a noisy room – useful during loud parties. Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII Audio Pro adds Google Cast and AirPlay 2 to a winning recipe Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.6 x 32 x 18cm Power: 2x20W + 40W Digital class D Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 Connections: RCA, sub out TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £299 View at Amazon £299 View at Richer Sounds £299 View at Electricshop Reasons to buy + Levelled-up streaming support + Greater clarity + Cleaner and tighter bass Reasons to avoid – Lacks the fun of the original The 2021 update (sensibly titled MkII) to the three-time Award-winning Audio Pro C10 (also listed, below) adds AirPlay 2 and Google Cast to complete a multi-room home run – and gets itself a What Hi-Fi?
We’re happy to report that it’s still the case today – if £500 ($500) is your maximum budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a speaker that comes close to the Audio Pro C10 MkII. We miss the leather handle and fun, slightly rock’n’roll aesthetic and sonic presentation of the original, but we can’t argue with three options for multi-room streaming (AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Audio Pro’s own slick and functional app) or the levelled-up grippy bass and improved hi-fidelity performance. The Audio Pro Addon C3 isn’t just the best Bluetooth speaker at this price, it’s a stylish, wi-fi connected, multi-room capable centrepiece – plus it’s a What Hi-Fi? It has an fantastic sense of refinement for such a small speaker, not to mention a rear-firing bass reflex port that delivers plenty of low-end grunt.
This model won’t charge your smartphone but it does feature an ethernet port, giving you the option to hardwire it to your home network. The C3 supports streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music, and while there’s no built-in voice assistant, you can control the speaker via the Alexa app.
Remove whatever colour grille you’ve gone for and you’ll be rewarded with upgraded and optimised midrange and bass drive units, all powered by a total of 300W of amplification. Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 Power: 2x 5W + 15W Digital class D Features: Bluetooth V4.0 Connections: 3.5mm stereo, USB TODAY’S BEST DEALS £139 View at Currys Check Amazon 411 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Full sound + Expressive and dynamic + Faultless build Reasons to avoid – Size won’t suit everyone
Audio Pro tends to ignore gimmicks in favour of high-quality sound but this speaker does have the facility to charge up your smartphone or tablets via a USB port. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth Power: Battery Inputs: 3.5mm Battery life: 15hrs Dimensions (hwd): 13.6 x 28.8 x 13.2cm Weight: 2.39kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS £149 View at Currys Prime £241.90 View at Amazon 8 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clean, clear sound + Balanced bass + Robust build Reasons to avoid – Hefty design – No wi-fi or multi-room smarts The rugged, IPX7 waterproof exterior, 15 hour battery life and ability to charge your phone from its USB port mean it’s a great option for the beach – and you’ll probably find deals on this model thanks to the arrival of the latest iteration, the Xtreme 3 (above). And it won’t let you talk to Alexa or Google Assistant, just set a button to activate them in the manner of an earphone’s in-line remote. You get Bluetooth, wi-fi and Alexa smart assistant voice controls, meaning you can turn up the volume or play songs through Amazon Music Unlimited without lifting a finger. The 360-degree sound and bass output is far better than one might expect for this kind of money; throw in Alexa smarts and you have a fun, energetic speaker that offers plenty of bang for your buck.
Yes, it is intended to get us all invested in its virtual assistant, Alexa, but where much of the Alexa-enabled kit out there is audio based and concentrated on the Bluetooth speaker market in particular, the Echo Show 5 embraces both sound and video in its abilities to communicate. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth and wi-fi Power: Battery Inputs: N/A Battery life: 16hrs Dimensions (hwd): 23.7 x 8.8 x 8.8cm Weight: 1.19kg TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 338 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Dynamic, detailed sound + Enthusiastic, punchy rhythms + Precise, taut basslines Reasons to avoid – Presentation is slightly lean – Not fully featured just yet
The Roam works perfectly well as a standalone Bluetooth speaker but it’s also designed to be immersed in the company’s burgeoning multi-room ecosystem. Features includes support for AirPlay 2, voice controls and Sonos’ Trueplay tech, which uses the built-in mic to tune bass and treble to suit your surroundings. Other Bluetooth speakers offer a more expressive and detailed sound but if you’re invested in the world of Sonos, the Roam is a smart buy.
5 Best Bluetooth Speakers With Microphone
For instance, some of the Bluetooth speakers are waterproof, while others deliver loud audio to be used at parties. Until a few years ago, wireless Bluetooth speakers with microphones were a common thing. More importantly, the Beosound A1 sounds great, and you get your hands on nuanced audio with a rich and deep bass. For instance, it has a waterproof rating of IP67, has a decent battery life of around 18 hours, and supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 speaker offers decent battery life and USB-C charging. The folks at Tech Advisor found the battery dropping to about 90% after 6 hours of use after being connected to a Windows PC.
This is a premium speakerphone with an omnidirectional mic that can seamlessly pick up sound and, at the same time, cancels out the background noise for clear voice transmission. In addition, the speaker has a small stand at the back that allows you to angle it towards yourself during calls and video meetings.
However, though it features a premium look, it doesn’t look as trendy as its mainstream Bluetooth speakers, such as the Sony SRS-XB12 or the new JBL Go 3. That said, this one is a conventional Bluetooth speaker, which means you can listen to your favorite songs in all their glory. The lack of dedicated voice-enhancing tech means you won’t get the same clarity as the Jabra Speak 710. Like the Jabra speaker, the eMeet Luna has 3 mic array and can pick up voice and sound from all around.
This is partly due to the tech that highlights voice during calls and suppresses the songs’ bass and highs. Also on Guiding Tech JBL Flip 5 vs Bose Soundlink Color 2: Which Portable Bluetooth Speaker Should You Pick Read More
It does a good job in delivering punchy and bass-heavy audio irrespective of its price and size.
But if you were to compare it with other similarly-sized speakers such as the JBL’s Go lineup, the Stormbox Micro delivers better audio.
Get Your Voice Heard Today, speakers with mics are a rarity compared to a few years ago. If you plan to use the mic functionality frequently, it would be best to get dedicated speakers for office use, such as the Jabra Speak or the eMeet Luna.
Best speakerphone in 2021 for working from home
Remote work is now very much the norm in many industries, which means more people are spending more time in virtual meetings than ever before. If you’re finding yourself spending hours each day in Zoom meetings, it might be time to upgrade your home AV setup. Because speakerphones tend to lack a little bass and focus instead on midrange performance (in other words, designed for voices), they’re not like your typical portable speaker.
David Carnoy/CNET The Luna is eMeet’s latest speakerphone and a good value at about $80, though it sometimes dips to even less with an instant coupon at Amazon. David Carnoy/CNET Anker’s PowerConf offers solid performance for the money, with six microphones arranged in a 360-degree array to pick up the voice of up to eight people in a room. Additionally, there’s a new pink version to support Breast Cancer Awareness that currently costs $109 without the dongle. It’s also worth noting that the touch button with the rocket icon is programmable using the Plantronics Hub app: You can choose between play-pause music, last-number redial and voice assistant as well as hold/resume call. While it doesn’t have the more robust speakerphone-centric features of other products on this list, this speaker easily sounds the best for music playback.
It’s also worth noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect this to your PC and smartphone at the same time and easily switch back and forth between the two if a call comes in on your phone. You can get this model with a UC (universal communications) USB dongle that allows you to have a direct wireless connection with a PC.
But the wired USB option is fine, and it offers the same softphone features for Windows PCs or Macs. It also has an integrated USB cable for connecting directly to a computer and includes a UC (universal communications) USB dongle for reliable wireless connections with a Windows PC or Mac without installing any software (there is a companion app for both).
Don’t expect it to sound great for music or movie watching, but it does have more bass than the Speak 510 and the Anker. David Carnoy/CNET Beyerdynamic’s Phonum is arguably the sleekest-looking speakerphone on this list and speakers’ voices come across sounding loud, clear and natural. Music performance is only OK, but it also makes for a good Bluetooth speaker for listening to podcasts and news reports. David Carnoy/CNET The eMeet M0 is a compact USB speakerphone that connects to your computer with an included USB-A to USB-C cable. It has a four smart microphone array, acoustic echo noise cancellation, noise-reduction technology and is suitable as a conference phone for meetings with up to four people. This conference speakerphone is louder and more clear than your typical laptop speakers and picks up your voice well from several feet away.
Amazon If you can’t afford the Jabra Speak 710 and are looking for a compact, more “professional” Bluetooth speakerphone, the eMeet M2 costs less than $200, has a strong feature set and performed well in my tests (it plays louder than you’d think for its size). It’s equipped with a four microphone array, acoustic echo along with noise reduction technology and can operate with clear sound in larger rooms with five to eight people participating on a conference call.
The little personal speakerphone fits in your pocket and has an integrated Lightning cable so it plugs directly into your iOS device and draws power from it, though not much (it has little impact on battery life).
The best Bluetooth speakers 2021: the top portable speakers for any budget
The best Bluetooth speakers in 2021 all tick three key boxes: they’re portable, durable and they offer superb audio quality in all kinds of environments. Last year, the Sonos Move was discounted by $100 / £100, and we saw lots of excellent deals on models like the JBL Flip 5 and the UE Boom 3 – so it’s well worth shopping the sales. Save $50 – This Bluetooth speaker boasts excellent sound, a lovely water resistant shell and a powerful rubberised finish – and it’s at a great price for Black Friday. Save $20 – This cute Bluetooth speaker comes with an IPX7 water resistance rating, so you can take it in the great outdoors without a worry. Save £6 – This tiny Bluetooth speaker sports Micro SD support and AUX capability to provide endless audio options, a 15-hour battery life, and a 66ft wireless range. Well, portable speakers that stream music from your devices via Bluetooth are a great idea if you want high quality audio at home. They’re also a solid option if you like to listen to music outside, whether that’s while you’re entertaining outdoors or working out, as well as if you like to be able to take a speaker to social events – like a party in your local park or down at the beach. Many of the best portable speakers you can buy today are multi-functional and may also feature voice assistant integration alongside audio playback. This device can seamlessly switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth, integrate into a Sonos system, and it comes with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant onboard. The Sonos Roam is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet, with a powerful sound, rugged design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control. A bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while a clever Automatic Switching feature means it’s easily used indoors, too – though audiophiles may dislike the overwhelming low frequencies and rhythmic handling. Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home, while a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build and a decent battery life make it ideal for listening to music outdoors.
Sonos Move The best-sounding Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 6.61 pounds (3kg) Battery life: 10 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, and 5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 Drivers: One down-firing tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-D digital amplifiers NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes (USB-C, and comes with charging dock) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 689 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Integrates with a home Sonos speaker network + Great for on-the-go tunes Reasons to avoid – Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth – Cant be used as rear cinema speakers It’s not perfect – it’s heavy as a byproduct of its incredible sound, it’s expensive due to its rich feature set, and it sadly can’t be used as rear channels for a home cinema set-up.
This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on a camping trip but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. JBL’s Flip 5 is a simple soul with Bluetooth-only playback and modest features, but if you desire a rugged, great-sounding portable speaker and can sacrifice voice control or hands-free call functionality, you won’t be disappointed.
Coming in a range of cool colors – including an eye-catching camo print – there’s now a limited Eco Edition that’s made from 90% recycled plastic, while the portable speaker’s entire packaging is biodegradable. [Update: Don’t miss our JBL Boombox 2 review – we were mightily impressed by this portable speaker’s IPX7 waterproof rating, long battery life, and distortion-free sound.]
It doesn’t quite meet the sonic dexterity of the Sonos Move, or the value for money of the UE Boom 3 and JBL Charge 4 – but if you love that Bose sound and build quality, this is the portable speaker for you. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 The best budget Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 1.29 pounds Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: 20m / 66ft Frequency response: N/A Drivers: Dual drivers and passive radiators NFC: No Aux-in: No Bluetooth version: N/A Weatherproofing: IPX7 Charges devices over USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Speakerphone feature + IPX7 water-resistant Reasons to avoid – No 3.5mm AUX jack UE Wonderboom 2 The best outdoor speaker gets a refresh Specifications Weight: 0.93 pounds Dimensions: 104 x 95.3mm (H x D) Battery life: Up to 13 hours Wireless range: 100 ft (33 m) Frequency response: 75 Hz – 20 kHz Drivers: two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1mm x 65.2mm passive radiators NFC: No Bluetooth version: N/A Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Dell Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound for its size + IP67 dustproof/waterproof rating + 30% better battery life than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Restrictive soundstage JBL Charge 5 The best mid-range speaker Specifications Weight: 2.11 pounds Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 (W x D x H) Battery life: Up to 20 hours Wireless range: 30 ft (10 m) Frequency response: 65Hz–20kHz Drivers: N/A NFC: No Bluetooth version: 5.1 Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Balanced sound quality + Gets extremely loud + Long battery life up to 20 hours Reasons to avoid – Takes a while to charge – No more Aux jack UE Hyperboom Powerful sound for parties both big and small Specifications Weight: 13 pounds Battery life: 24 hours Wireless range: Approx. In terms of features, the Ultimate Ears app allows you to connect the Hyperboom to other UE speakers and use them together, you can switch audio source and adjust volume, and you can select four different playlists in Amazon Music, Deezer or Spotify that can be started by holding down the Play button in three seconds.
Sony SRS-XB23 A powerful canister of sound for all your outdoor adventures Specifications Weight: 1.3 pounds Battery life: Up to 12 hours Wireless range: 30 feet Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz Drivers: X-Balanced Speaker, dual passive radiators NFC: Yes Aux-in: Yes USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + IP67 rating (waterproof) + Stereo pairing and Party Mode Reasons to avoid – Lower peak volume In terms of performance, it can get pretty loud without a massive amount of distortion and the passive radiators help the bass to sound clearer than it has on any of Sony’s previous models.
That’s because the XB23 uses Bluetooth 5 and supports three major codecs – SBC, AAC and LDAC, the latter of which you’ll find on newer Android devices and sounds absolutely great.
Outdoor adventurers will love the ruggedness of this Sony Bluetooth speaker while us kick-back-and-relax folks will enjoy how snugly it fits into a lawn chair’s cup holder.
Visually near imperceptible from the original A1, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is an appealing and highly portable Bluetooth speaker that comes with (admittedly flawed) Alexa support. Urbanista Brisbane Scandi design meets decent sound Specifications Weight: 1.5 pounds Battery life: 10 hours Wireless range: 30m (100ft) Frequency response: 80-20,000Hz Drivers: 2 x 52mm NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Great audio performance + Second speaker pairing Reasons to avoid – Could be more rugged – Boring design
Loud and rich-sounding, it’s a well-priced addition to anyone’s home, with a good battery life and the option to pair it with another Brisbane for true stereo sound. 1MORE Portable BT Speaker A luxurious Bluetooth speaker for the office and the home Specifications Weight: 268g Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: N/A Frequency response: N/A Drivers: N/A NFC: No Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Great sound quality for the size + Impressive bass response at low volume Reasons to avoid – Limited IPX4 rating – Average battery life
Some portable speakers are built with durability in mind, and will feature rubberized builds to prevent damage from drops and lightweight designs to make them easy to carry around. Of course, you can absolutely use your new portable Bluetooth speaker solely inside your home – and that means you can choose from a wider range of designs that will look great with your decor. Sonos Bluetooth 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. 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 Urbanista, Tribit, and Anker offer brilliant speakers that won’t break the bank.
7 All-In-One Portable Speaker Systems for Special Events and Parties
In times like these, large-scale systems are absolute overkill, and that tiny Bluetooth speaker you carry around in your bag is no good, either. Sure, it won’t compete with an all-out light show, but it does add some extra visual pizzazz. Unlike the Pathfinder, it doesn’t have AM/FM radio, but it does sport an 8″ woofer, 1″ horn, more powerful amplifier (120W peak), and pole-mount socket. Stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth or play tracks via CD, USB flash drive, or SD card.
Level controls and overall two-band EQ offer basic tone shaping, and the selectable voice priority function allows the music to be attenuated when mic signal is detected. Galaxy Audio TV8 Traveler Series 120W PA System with CD Player, Single UHF Receiver, and One Wireless Handheld Microphone
However, the Audio Commander is designed for slightly larger audiences; it’s loaded with a 200W RMS Class-D amplifier pushing one 12″ woofer and a 1″ high-frequency compression driver. Music playback devices can be connected via Bluetooth, RCA, or 3.5mm, or load up some WAV/MP3/WMA files on a USB flash drive or SD card and plug in!
Top that off with power via an internal rechargeable battery and you’ve got a new member of the “No Wires Allowed” club. If you need wired connectivity, the LSP 500 PRO offers RCA inputs and an XLR-1/4″ combo jack with selectable phantom power. Unlike the previous models, the EUROPORT PPA2000BT is a three-piece system that easily assembles to a single, transportable unit with a carry handle and wheels. The AC-powered L1 Compact Wireless boasts a horizontal coverage area of almost 180°, thanks to a subwoofer and a six-speaker array, which can be mounted in the sub or extended up to 78.5” high.
Its XLR, RCA, 3.5mm, and 1/4″ inputs provide connectivity for a variety of devices such as microphones, DJ mixers, laptops, and instruments. With the addition of phantom power and a USB charging port, the EON ONE PRO handles everything from condenser mics to smartphones!
Best Bluetooth speakers
Editor’s note: this list of the best Bluetooth speakers was updated on September 3, 2021, to replace the JBL Charge 4 with the JBL Charge 5, and the Anker SoundCore Flare 2 with the Bose Portable Smart Speaker. Whether you host a pool party or go camping, the best all-around Bluetooth speaker you want by your side is the JBL Charge 5. This is a bulky Bluetooth speaker but it’s still portable, so you can take it to a friend’s place or out on your next weekend trip. As far as sound quality goes, the only area that isn’t great is the mids, these tend to take a backseat to the bass in small to medium-sized rooms.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a codec determines how a file is transmitted from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). If you want a lag-free experience make sure to invest in something that supports aptX, or AAC if you’re an iOS user.
However, if you know you’re going to take your speaker on a boat or to the beach, you should invest in something with an official IP rating. While most Sonos speakers operate over Wi-Fi and are meant to be kept inside the home, the Sonos Move can operate over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is powered by a rechargeable battery with lasts about 6 hours, 30 minutes on a single charge. This means it can be taken on the go with you, but its large size and hefty weight make it a less-than-ideal travel partner.
The Sonos Move is compatible with lots of different music streaming services. Its microphones do a great job at registering commands, and they can be shut off to ensure privacy. The sound quality of the Sonos Move is very good and its frequency response has a slight emphasis in the bass notes which can help with clarity if you’re listening to music outside.
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that won’t cost you more than $100 then the Flip series has always been a go-to. This speaker has an IPX4 splash-resistant build along with a battery life that should last you about 24 hours of constant playback. There are also a number of unique features that make this perfect for parties: it has two Bluetooth inputs so a second person can connect to the speaker and line up the next track without disrupting the music coming from a first device. There’s also an optical input so when you use this as a regular speaker, you can plug it into your TV for instantly better sound.
The HYPERBOOM isn’t cheap but if you’re after a loud speaker that sounds good and has some great features this is the way to go. If a speaker made it onto this list, then you can be sure we have firsthand experience with them and in many cases put them through our entire review process.
If a speaker’s intended use is for camping or hiking, we made sure that it’s received an official IP rating. At the end of the day, we work with audio products because we love them, and if you feel so compelled, we suggest you take a moment to read our ethics policy.
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2021
Big, small, portable, expensive, cheap, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi…the sheer amount of choice can seem overwhelming. Bluetooth is a point-to-point wireless system, pairing a transmitter (your phone or computer) with a receiver (your speaker) to play music. It’s very direct and easy to set up, and can stream pretty high-quality music thanks to technological advancements that have greatly improved audio fidelity over what it was a few years ago. It can also integrate into your home network, so you can easily play audio from any device connected to your Wi-Fi without pairing anything.
It’s worth noting that the new Sonos Move supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming, so compatibility isn’t an issue at all. They let you easily stream from your iPhone or iPad at better quality than Bluetooth, but if you’re an Android user, you won’t find much utility in it.
Like Chromecast, setting up multi-room Echo audio is performed through the same app as your voice assistant and smart home devices, only it’s all Alexa instead of Google. These usually aren’t as complex or robust as Wi-Fi multi-room systems, but they’re a simple option that can provide an alternative to using your home network to stream music.
Larger speakers generally offer fuller sound and richer bass, but they can be more expensive and are often not portable. These speakers are obviously not portable at all, but if you want a centerpiece sound system for your living room or office they’re likely your best choice.
For a speaker to be portable, it needs to both be small and light enough to easily carry around, and be equipped with a battery so it can run without being plugged in. Since Wi-Fi speakers rely on a separate network to enable multi-speaker and multi-room audio playback, they’re rarely portable.
Look for speakers with IPX ratings and guarantees of water and shock resistance if you want to carry them around to the beach, the lake, the slopes, or the sewers. Our guide to IP ratings explains what those numbers mean, so you can know whether your speaker can handle getting dunked in the pool, or if it simply will stay intact in a light drizzle. Big bass isn’t for everyone, but unless your speaker is downright tiny, it should be able to reproduce low frequencies accurately without distorting at high volumes. Clarity is more important than sheer power, and a balanced, clean sound should be your goal when shopping for a speaker.
They also generally support third-party skills that let you do anything from order pizza to play trivia games. The most prominent first-party voice assistant speakers like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home don’t have batteries.
Don’t be afraid to look for similar speakers to the ones on this list, either; a number of the options included here have solid predecessors that you can now find for much less since they’ve been replaced.
The best Bluetooth speakers in 2021
The few noteworthy ones prove to be worth the investment and offer sound quality on par with the best headphones, long battery life, and a practical design that is either portable friendly or sits handsomely on your coffee table. With the holidays on the horizon, expect to see some great Black Friday deals announced over the coming weeks, and across every major audio category. If the budget allows, then consider dropping $399 on the Sonos Move, the brand’s first portable speaker with both WiFi and Bluetooth, and lots of features to boot.
UE Megaboom 3 The best Bluetooth speaker overall Specifications Size and Weight: 8.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches, 2 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 20 hours Water Resistance: Yes Maximum Sound Level: 90db Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Dell View at Walmart 23 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Big bass and full vocals + Good battery life + Can pair with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound Reasons to avoid – Big and heavy for a portable – No speakerphone
Thanks to its excellent sound quality, long battery life and travel-ready ruggedness, the UE Megaboom 3 is the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy right now. This big, bold portable speaker pumps out rich 360-degree sound complete with crisp highs and satisfying low-end, and maxes out at 100 decibels of noise.
The Megaboom 3 is on the bigger side compared to other portable speakers, and unlike many of its competitors, it doesn’t have Alexa or Google Assistant support, or any other smart features. For under $50, this tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water, dust and snow. The speaker lasts a whopping 24 hours, thanks to Anker’s best-in-class battery technology, and the Soundcore 2’s dual neodymium drivers ensure you’ll get powerful sound in any setting. The Soundcore’s compact, 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.77-inch design makes this speaker perfect for tossing into your bag for a quick road trip, and it comes in vibrant blue and red color schemes in addition to the standard slick black. Sonos Roam The best Bluetooth speaker with Wi-Fi smarts Specifications Size and Weight: 6.6 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches, 15 ounces Battery Life (Rated): 10 hours Water Resistance: Yes (IP67 rated) Voice Controls: Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Lightweight + Extensive connectivity + Auto TruePlay sound tuning Reasons to avoid – No Bluetooth multipoint – Middling battery life It’s much more portable and more affordable than the Move, though, and its Auto TruePlay feature automatically adjusts the sound to suit its surroundings, whether you’re listening in a noisy, urban park or a quaint, airy campground.
This tiny speaker delivers huge sound within a small 4-inch cylinder, complete with throbbing bass, balanced midtones and crisp vocals. It can survive being dunked in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes and is dust-resistant, making it perfect for your next trip to the pool, beach or park. Other key features include an impressive 13-hour battery life and the ability to pair two Wonderbooms together for immersive stereo sound. The UE Hyperboom is the best Bluetooth speaker for large gatherings, thanks to its massive size and big, booming audio output.
Pair that with seamless Bluetooth connectivity and plenty of volume, and you have the ultimate speaker for filling a big area with great sound. LG XBoom Go PL7 The best Bluetooth speaker for sheer style Specifications Size and Weight: 9.7 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches, 3.2 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 24 hours Water Resistance: IPX5 Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at BHPhoto Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Crisp treble and defined bass + Good battery life + LED lights add to the fun Reasons to avoid – No integrated voice assistant – Few sound adjustments available
Every Bluetooth speaker on this list delivers great sound and functionality, but only the LG XBoom Go PL7 does it while boasting awesome LED lights. The XBoom’s appropriately booming sound holds its own against the best Bluetooth speakers in this price range, delivering balanced bass and satisfying treble.
Sonos Move The best high-end Bluetooth speaker for outdoors Specifications Size and Weight: 9.4 x 6.3 x 5 inches, 6.6 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 10 hours Water Resistance: Yes (IP56 rated for splashes) Voice Controls: Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 689 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Superb audio quality + Built-in Automatic TruePlay technology + Easy Wi-Fi-to-Bluetooth connection conversion Reasons to avoid – Pricey – No smart features in Bluetooth mode
Alexa and Google Assistant support allow you to do anything from check the weather to control your smart home, and the Move’s Auto TruePlay automatically tunes the speaker’s audio output for wherever you’re listening, whether you’re having a rooftop party or rocking out in your bedroom. V-Moda Remix The best Bluetooth speaker for bass heads Specifications Size and Weight: 8.1 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, 1.9 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 10 hours Water Resistance: No Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Musician’s Friend 139 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Loud, balanced audio with booming bass + Stunning design + Lots of customization options + Daisy-chain multiple speakers Reasons to avoid – A bit expensive – No multi-room solution The base model looks slick in aluminum or vegan leather, while, people with bottomless budgets and a penchant for style can opt for steel or platinum finishes (the later of which will run you well over $300,000).
Most importantly, the Remix sounds great, offering plenty of bass as well as a built-in headphone amp for enhancing the audio of your favorite set of cans. The Remix’s 10-hour battery life certainly makes this speaker worthy of longer jam sessions, and its trusty microphone allows for crisp call quality whether you’re set up inside your house or out. Marshall Stanmore II Voice A classy Alexa speaker with great sound Specifications Size and Weight: 7.7 by 13.8 by 7.3 inches, 10.7 pounds Battery Life (Rated): None Water Resistance: No Voice Controls: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Best Buy Prime View at Amazon 40 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great looks + Brilliant big sound + Easy to set up Reasons to avoid – Chunky and heavy – No battery option The Marshall Stanmore II Voice packs some fun features in a nostalgic design that emulates the brand’s classic amp look. Tribit StormBox Micro The best Bluetooth speaker that’s both cheap and waterproof Specifications Size and Weight: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4-inch, 8 ounces Battery Life (Rated): 8 hours Water Resistance: Yes (IP67) Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Small and lightweight + Good bass for a small speaker + Water resistant Reasons to avoid – No app – Limited battery life The speaker has a plastic strap that makes it easy to attach to a backpack or bike, an IP67 water-resistant rating, so it’s fully protected against dust and dirt as well as submersion in water.
While a number of wired speakers like the Amazon Echo provide excellent Bluetooth listening, you can’t bring them outside your kitchen or living room. These smart features will not work beyond your home’s Wi-Fi, so opt for a non-smart Bluetooth speaker for the beach or other outdoorsy locales.
Bluetooth Speakers With A Built-In Mic To Make Easy Phone Calls
An ideal choice for those who like bass filled music, the dual external passive radiators on the speaker demonstrates how powerful the JBL Flip 4 is. It lets you enjoy music without any interruption for 10 hours and immediately connects up to 10 meters away from your smartphone or tablet.
From listening to online classes to making phone calls, a good bluetooth speaker with an in-built microphone can help you with a lot of things. The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 5 hours of playtime.You can even access Google or Siri from your JBL speaker with a simple button press.
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