Then it’s down to prioritising extras like waterproofing and dustproofing, stereo pairing, aux in (old-school but helpful), plus more new-fangled features in the category such as Alexa voice controls and USB for charging devices. If a smart assistant is your main focus then you could opt for an Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker, but these are typically limited in their portability. Fewer speakers, but still quite a lot, are also built to withstand being thrown in a bag or, in more extreme cases, take a bash on a hard surface as you plonk it down ready for some outdoor listening.
The benefits are obvious, allowing your favourite tracks to play from multiple speakers for a more immersive sound – rather than a single fixed point. Our top pick is the Ruark R1 Mk4 (£229) – offering DAB and FM options in a stylish, living room-friendly design. So, if you see a device referred to as a wireless speaker then you’ll often find a lack of Bluetooth support but it’s always worth double checking. Our top budget pick, the Tribit StormBox Micro (£32), offers stellar sound and gets remarkably loud with just 9W.
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 Sevenoaks View at very.co.uk Prime View at Amazon 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 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 Prime View at Amazon View at very.co.uk View at John Lewis 8 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 very.co.uk View at Selfridges 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. 150 ft Frequency response: 45 – 20,000Hz Drivers: N/A NFC: Yes Aux-in: N/A USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Currys Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent sound performance + Smart dual connection function + Stylish design Reasons to avoid – Fairly heavy at 13lbs
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 John Lewis View at very.co.uk 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.
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 Check Amazon 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.
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 £279 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 Check 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.
Best Bluetooth speaker 2021, including today’s best portable speakers
You can surprisingly large and refined sound from a can-sized lump of aluminium, and enough power for a big party from a bigger portable speaker. And as luck would have it, the Best Black Friday deals are here to make sure you get more bang for your buck with lots of amazing bargains from all of your favourite brands. The Beosound A1 v2 finds its way to the top of this list thanks to sheer audio quality for the size – if you want a full, punchy sound that’s fairly expansive, and that doesn’t crush when going loud, then this is the place to start.
And it follow B&O’s usual MO of having quite a neutral sound out of the box, but you can use the app to customise the audio – we at T3 like to push up the bass of B&O’s products a little, and that’s so easy to do and then save as a preset.
Better sound, longer battery life (13 hours instead of 10), cool new buttons to play with, dust- and sand-proofing (as well as the previous imperviousness to water), and a great price. Even with just one Wonderboom 2 in play, the 360 degree audio is better than it has any right to be at the price, especially with pop, hip-hop, EDM, bro rock and other outdoor party-friendly sounds.
Being IP57 rated, it’s also well protected against grit, salt water, dust and beach-side sand, so long as you keep the USB charger cover in place. Audio Pro Addon C3 The best Bluetooth speaker for the home – also with Wi-Fi streaming Specifications Power output: Not quoted Battery life: 9 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Superb sound, chic Scandinavian looks + Very compact + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming Reasons to avoid – No Apt-X or AAC – Audio Pro’s app could be slicker TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Currys View at Electricshop 92 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ There are Bluetooth speakers that are more like updates to the old hi-fi mini systems – you plug them in, they’re mainly for streaming but have a line in, and the emphasis is on superior sound quality.
It also piles on AirPlay and Spotify Connect via Wi-Fi, as well as Audio Pro’s own app, so you can even use it as part of a very chic multi-room setup.
Although one thing you should definitely use the app for is to set up the 5 preset buttons on the front of the C3 – these then give instant access to your favourite web radio stations or Spotify playlists. Slightly surprisingly when connected via Bluetooth there’s no support for the audio-improving Apt-X (Android) or AAC (iOS) codecs.
While it may be targeted at those who want dance, pop and rock tunes in the outdoors, its relatively small footprint and attractive design mean it can function perfectly happily indoors – in the kitchen, for instance. In contrast to the simplicity of the Wonderboom 2, Ultimate Ears has trowelled on the bonus features here, with the ability to pair two in stereo as well as the option to chain anything up to ‘hundreds’ of them (!) A ‘magic button’ on top lets you easily play, pause and skip tracks and, uh, not-so-easily control playlists. With 20 hours of battery life, impressive bass and volume, 360º sound, and build quality that renders it essentially unkillable, the UE Megaboom is by far the best outdoor speaker you can get.
The JBL Charge 5 is a relatively small speaker that doesn’t skimp on sound – it’s chunkier than the B&O A1, and the design is a bit more ‘practical’ (though is likely a little tougher against drops, too). With powerful, accurate audio and some serious volume capabilities, this is a great speaker for a barbecue on the beach or picnic in the park. The real trick to it is that it can also function as a full member of a Sonos or Apple AirPlay 2 setup at home, over Wi-Fi, and it easily switches between the two options. Audio Pro P5 Best portable Bluetooth speaker for audiophiles Specifications Battery life: 4 hours on 100% volume / 14 hours on 50% AAC: Yes Waterproof: IPX4 Aux-in: Yes Weight: 720g Reasons to buy + Connect using Bluetooth or 3.4mm aux + Excellent sound quality + Simple, splash-proof design Reasons to avoid – No music control from the speaker – Battery life isn’t amazing TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Electricshop Check Amazon Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i Best Bluetooth speaker – also has Wi-Fi streaming and can be made portable Specifications Power output: 25W Battery life: none (6 hours with optional battery pack) Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: AC Wi-Fi, 3.5mm input, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Sounds brilliant for the compact size + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming + Well designed app Reasons to avoid – Quite drab looks TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Sevenoaks Check Amazon
With a wired connection it’s even capable of playing hi-res audio files, for audiophiles, but Tidal (CD quality) and even the likes of Spotify (compressed MP3) sound wonderful. Compared to the Audio Pro speaker further up, Bluesound’s champ is bordering on ugly, but since it sounds even better than the C3, has even more connectivity, and boasts an app that works better, we’ll set aside our aesthetic reservations. This Marshall speaker brings the brand’s penchant for guitar-amp stylish to a a smaller frame, and impressively still keeps most of the signature look with having annoying knobs sticking out and catching on your pockets.
The only downside is that there are a few missing features – there’s no mic (which can be handy for calls) and no way to adjust the sound’s balance, such as an app with EQ settings. Designed to be used outside, the JBL Xtreme 3 is a waterproof, dustproof portable Bluetooth speaker that will withstand all kinds of conditions – be it rain or sandy beaches.
It certainly looks and feels durable, though it is pretty damn big compared to most of the speakers here, so you’ll definitely need to use the included shoulder strap to carry it around.
You can pump up the volume to seriously high levels, and the sound quality is crisp, detailed and bassy, all of which make it a great party speaker. Kanto TUK Bluetooth speaker disguised as a complete music system Specifications Power output: 260W Battery life: none Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: 3.5mm input, phono, pre-amp turntable, optical digital, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Proper stereo + Good physical connections Reasons to avoid – No Wi-Fi streaming TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon Most higher-end wireless speakers also include Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity to service Tidal, Spotify, AirPlay, Chromecast et al. Kanto TUK has no truck with such new-fangled notions.
I’ve seen reviews of this saying the bass is a bit thin, but I can assure you on a half decent pair of stands or a reasonably substantial shelf it is booming. A massive, recessed ‘handle’ on the back makes it easy to transport, and as well as being rugged, the base and paint finish are cunningly designed so it doesn’t get marked and scarred by a life of being hefted about and placed on patios. Sonos’ app provides support for any music service you can think of or subscribe to, as well as allowing voice control of tunes via Alexa or Google.
Audio quality takes a noticeable hit when you switch to Bluetooth, compared to Wi-Fi or cloud streaming. UE Hyperboom A big Bluetooth speaker with a huge engine Specifications Power output: 229W Battery life: 24 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Excellent sound overall + Twin Bluetooth connections + Easy to get going with Reasons to avoid – Large and not pretty at all TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Currys Check Amazon The sheer scale of the audio here, and how well it maintains its poise while being so big and loud, is beyond what the Sonos Move can manage, though that’s the higher quality speaker overall, we’d say.
Ruark MR1 Mk 2 An even more compact stereo Bluetooth speaker than the TUK Specifications Power output: 20W Battery life: N/A Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Reasons to buy + Effortless stereo + Great sound + Optical and line inputs Reasons to avoid – Not entirely wireless TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon With a 3.5mm input and an optical digital one and an output for an active subwoofer, this could be the basis of a neat little system, but it’s also mighty fine as a Bluetooth-only setup.
Best premium Bluetooth speakers that offer the best sound quality
Its compact form factor and striking design make for an attractive Bluetooth speaker. It is perfect for outdoor settings and features like water resistance, wireless charging and 10 hours playback time make it a great option. It comes with a waterproof, dustproof and shockproof design that makes it a good option for pool parties and beaches.
It comes with Alexa built-in, allowing users to check the weather, make calls, set alarms and more with voice commands. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to play music, pay bills, set reminders and more with voice commands.
The best Bluetooth speakers 2021: the top portable speakers for any budget
The best Bluetooth speakers of 2021 are must-have devices for any music lover, thanks to their portable, durable designs and fantastic audio performances. Marshall Kilburn II Small and mighty Specifications Weight: 2.49Kgs Output: 36W Battery life: 20 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clear top notes + Rugged and portable + Cool retro aesthetic Reasons to avoid – Slightly muddy bass – Can feel heavy For those who plan on taking a portable speaker to an outdoor party, Marshall Kilburn II will be a perfect companion. While the bass can be a little muddy at times, it’s excellent for playing guitar music, and its portability means the Kilburn II is great for taking on the road.
The loudness of the portable speaker is best suited for festivals and parties as it comes with multi-directional sound and backfiring tweeters. Marshall Kilburn II definitely stands out from the crowd with its retro look and portable feel, and of course, it all comes at a hefty price tag.
The JBL Charge 4 is slightly bulky at 965 grams, but if that doesn’t bother you, it should be at the top of your shopping list. It offers thumping and loud audio without distortion at high volumes; is light enough to carry on a camping trip but remains durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected.
There are certainly more detailed speakers out there, but at a price that’s relatively affordable to all, the UE Boom 3 hits all the right notes for the third year in a row. Google Nest Audio Specifications Weight: 1.2Kgs Battery life: Always connected Aux-in: No Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Subtle and unassuming design + Picks up voice commands very well + Better sound than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Missing detail in the mids and trebles – Can sound harsh at higher volumes While Google promised better sound quality over the Home speakers, the Nest Audio doesn’t deliver the jump in performance we were hoping for. The Nest Audio is good enough for the kitchen or a bedroom, but it doesn’t deliver enough volume to fill a bigger space.
Amazon Echo(2020) Specifications Weight: 970g Battery life: Always connected Connectivity: Bluetooth BLE, Wired Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Futuristic look + Improved, adaptive sound + Alexa responds faster + Zigbee hub integration Reasons to avoid – Max volume isn’t loud enough – Not as clear as the Echo Studio – No Chromecast or Home Kit support To make things fancier, Amazon has wrapped the new Echo in a fabric grille and light ring around the base. While it might not be the best sounding speaker, the additions like a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and a new AZ1 neural edge processor, the Echo provides 2x faster voice processing. Sony SRS-XB23 Specifications Weight: 570g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Competitive price + Stereo pairing and Party Mode Reasons to avoid – Lower peak volume – Unclear battery level alerts While the Sony SRS-XB23 doesn’t have the best sound quality in its class, it seems like an affordable outdoor speaker that most people will love. Another point worth calling attention to is the speaker’s IP67 rating that makes the new XB23 completely dust and water-resistant. In terms of battery life, Sony promises about 12 hours of playback on a full charge but that’s the average when listening to music at 50% volume. BoAt Stone 1400 Specifications Weight: 1.8Kgs Battery life: 7 hours Output: 30W Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon
Soundcore Anker Flare Specifications Weight: 531g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IPX7 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Impressive sound for the size + Waterproof + Excellent mobile app Reasons to avoid – Bass boost and EQ are very mild – Average battery life – Harsh at max volume One of the best looking speakers on the list, the Anker Soundcore Flare brings the best features of its competitors into an affordable package that’s tough to beat.
For the price, the Flare offers good sound, a tough waterproof build and an excellent user experience. Sony SRS-XB13 Specifications Weight: 253g Battery life: 16 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Relatively affordable + Diffused sound + Balanced sound quality + 16-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Low max volume – Four-hour charge time – Awful microphone
On the brighter side, you get a pretty portable design, and in terms of sound quality, the SRS-XB13 is far better balanced than it was in years past. The Mi Smart Speaker comes with two mics with far-field voice wake up support which means you will be able to trigger the Google Assistant.
Best budget Bluetooth speakers 2021: big on sound, kind on your wallet
Bluetooth speakers have always been a great addition to any music lover’s kit bag and a budget option is a must for lazy days at the beach (or more energetic afternoons weeding the lawn). Perhaps dropping a significant sum on something with multi-room capabilities, Roon-ready smarts or a plethora of inbuilt streaming platforms simply isn’t justifiable right now. Whether you want full-on portability or a speaker to move occasionally from your bedroom to the kitchen, check these out for size: you’re sure to find something you – and your current budget – can truly enjoy.
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).
Ultimate Ears has really made a splash in the Bluetooth speaker market with a number of colourful, fun-sounding and portable models on its books. 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. Similarly, if you only have a small zip compartment in the top of your backpack for a sonic travel companion, this speaker is worthy of that space. Take note, Ultimate Ears: a little-known brand called Tribit Audio produced a budget belter of a Bluetooth speaker.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) The new Echo Dot is the most compelling and affordable case for choosing Alexa Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 10 x 10 x 8.9 Power: 15W Features: Alexa inbuilt, Bluetooth, music over wi-fi Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £28.99 View at Amazon £28.99 View at argos.co.uk £28.99 View at Currys Reasons to buy + Expansive sound + Packed with features + Premium design Reasons to avoid – No JBL Connect support – Fussy over placement But by updating its most popular and affordable Echo device with this degree of skill, Amazon has laid down the most compelling case yet for choosing Alexa. If you like the idea of a smart assistant combined with a simple music speaker, it’s hard to argue against the Amazon Echo Dot. For not a lot of money, you get a whole load of smart voice functionality and decent sound with this slightly older (and thus, quite heavily discounted!)
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 And the sound is surprisingly good given its diminutive dimensions, providing an open, three-dimensional listen – though obviously it doesn’t pack much bass.
Ultimate Ears has a knack for finding the right combination of sound, design and features in its portable Bluetooth speakers, and it does so again with the waterproof Blast. It’s a beefed-up version of the Audio Pro T3 – however, unlike the smaller model, the T5 doesn’t have a in-built battery, so this isn’t a speaker to be taking out and about.
Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm Water resistance: IPX7 Battery life: 15 hours Power: 2 x 20W Weight: 2.4kg 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 + Solid design Reasons to avoid – Big – No wi-fi or multi-room – Presentation too grown-up for some
At first sight, the it might appear a little brash and out of place – an unashamed boombox in an era of reserved smart speakers dressed in grey fabric. The speaker has a decent heft – it feels more substantial than the similar-sized Google Home, for instance – but it can still be held in the palm of your hand. An iPX4 water-resistance rating is handy if you’re worried about it getting wet, and for such a small speaker, the Bose Revolve delivers a surprisingly big and bold sound.
Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0, 3.5mm Battery life: 20 hours Full-range driver: 6.5cm Passive driver: 7.7cm DSP equalization: 24-bit TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime £184 View at Amazon £189 View at Peter Tyson 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Fast, agile, musical sound + Premium feel and build Reasons to avoid – Not much at this price The Tivoli Andiamo manages to pull off the seemingly impossible: it’s a beautifully put-together ‘lifestyle’ product, but at the same time it provides a sound that comfortably matches its price. The result is a spread of sound that has to be admired, combined with excellent timing – it snaps along with that same intensity and intelligent organisation we’ve come to expect from Audio Pro.
Best Bluetooth Speakers 2021: Home & Portable Wireless Speakers
Many Bluetooth speakers are cheap but if you can afford to splash out a bit, you’ll get a significantly better experience with superior sound quality, smart features and more. As mentioned, we’re looking at the more expensive premium Bluetooth speakers here from the likes of Bose, Bang & Olfsen, UE and Marshall.
If you’re looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker that’s stylish, durable and offers amazing sound quality then you’ve just found it in the Marshall Emberton. Sonos has hit a decent price-point with the Roam and there’s a lot to like about this stylish, compact and clever speaker.
Bluetooth is limited to streaming so you’ll only get the most out of the Roam by using it over Wi-Fi as well with digital assistants and Sound Swap features. 3 JBL Charge 5 – Best for Parties Pros Link countless speakers Durable design Also a power bank
JBL hasn’t added smart features to the Charge 5 like some rivals, so there are no microphones to use your digital assistant or take calls. Battery life is long plus, as the name hints, the Charge 5 can be used as a power bank to top up devices like your phone to keep the tunes flowing. 4 Bose SoundLink Revolve II – Best 360 Sound Pros 300 design Microphones Aux input
There’s not a huge amount of upgrades here but that doesn’t stop the SoundLink Revolve II from being an excellent Bluetooth speaker.
Sound quality is excellent for a small speaker with a true 360-degree experience and battery life is much longer than the quoted 13 hours. The Beosound A1 2nd Gen is an almost perfect portable Bluetooth speaker with a luxurious design and high-end build quality.
Battery life is solid and support for Amazon Alexa (via your phone anyway) is a standout feature but then, in a negative way, so is the high price. 6 Creative Stage 360 – Best Soundbar Pros Great sound Bluetooth Dolby Atmos Affordable
The sound is great and it has a whole host of features including Dolby Atmos, HDMI ports, remote control and even comes with a subwoofer.
Beautifully made and offering a credible Hi-Fi performance, Huawei’s Sound X is not going to disappoint those seeking a Bluetooth speaker with high-end aspirations, but the lack of smart connectivity is a significant consideration.
If the booming bass isn’t enough, you can pair up more speakers and UE offers 24 hour battery life and wide range of connectivity options so you’re not limited to Bluetooth. Built-in support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa delivers the smarts, though be warned that this integration isn’t as fully featured as on official products or even other third-party rivals, so it might not do everything you want it to. Whereas Bluetooth used to be a primary way of connecting to a speaker without wires, some now feature Wi-Fi on the spec sheet which is useful for various reasons. Having Wi-Fi might also add the ability to use the speaker directly with music streaming services like Spotify or internet radio stations so you’re not limited to what tunes you’ve got on your device.
Best Bluetooth speaker 2021: Portable, waterproof and rugged audio devices for every occasion
While a Bluetooth speaker’s primary appeal remains its ability to play music from an audio source without a connecting cable, most are capable of a lot more than that. We’ve tested a huge range of Bluetooth speakers and compiled a list of the best of them, divided into portable devices cut out for use outdoors – all of which have some form of water resistance – and those that should only really be used inside.
Before we jump into the list, you’ll find a summary of what we deem the best Bluetooth speakers followed by video and written buying guides running you through the things you should consider before making a purchase. As Bluetooth technology has developed, its range has increased, it’s become more energy-efficient and the speed at which it transmits data has improved, allowing for higher-quality audio playback.
Audio quality is superb, battery life clocks in at upwards of 40 hours at low volume (nearer 18 at moderate levels) and there’s even support for the Alexa voice assistant. New to the 2nd Gen is IP67 certification, meaning it’s both dust- and water-resistant, and a repositioning of the control buttons make them a lot easier to access than the original. It lacks the 3.5mm port the Beoplay A1 had and sadly can’t be paired with its older sibling, but those minor drawbacks don’t stop the new and improved A1 from establishing itself as the Bluetooth speaker to beat in its price bracket. Key specs – Speakers: 2; RMS power output: 30W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1 (AAC/aptX Adaptive); IP rating: IP67; Battery life: Up to 43 hours; Dimensions: 133 x 133 x 46mm; Weight: 552g
It’s one of the most rugged compact speakers on the market thanks to its anti-tear fabric housing, and with an IP67 rating, is dustproof and capable of being immersed in water of up to 1m in depth. Available in a range of eye-catching colours, including pink, blue and “Squad” (camo), the JBL Go 3 is a speaker you can take anywhere, can withstand pretty much any conditions and sounds great for the price. Key specs – Speakers: 1; RMS power output: 4W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1; IP rating: IP67; Battery life: 5 hours; Dimensions: 85 x 72 x 38mm; Weight: 210g The soundstage begins to lose shape towards maximum volume but overall, the Force 2 is an enjoyable listen, with an audio profile that favours clean articulation of mids and treble over earth-shattering low-end reproduction.
An IPX7 rating ensures the Force 2 can withstand a rainstorm or being dunked in the swimming pool, while battery life of 15 hours is pretty decent given the speaker’s size. Key specs – Speakers: 2; RMS power output: 30W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5; IP rating: IPX7; Battery life: Up to 15 hours; Dimensions: 163 x 72 x 64 mm; Weight: 0.63kg
When out and about you’ll be making use of Bluetooth and the Roam’s 10-hour battery life but at home, you can hook it up to your wireless network and integrate it into an existing Sonos multiroom speaker system. Our main niggle with the Roam is how laborious it can be to get your voice assistant set up, but once you’ve overcome that hurdle, you’ll be able to revel in what a fully featured and superb-sounding Bluetooth speaker it is.
Key specs – Speakers: 2; RMS power output: Not stated; Wireless: Bluetooth 5; IP rating: IP67; Battery life: Up to 10 hours; Dimensions: 168 x 62 x 60 mm; Weight: 0.43kg Sound quality is good, with a tight bass response balanced nicely with clear vocal reproduction and no sign of distortion at higher volumes.
There’s also the option to pair up two Micros to create a stereo sound experience if the audio output of this versatile compact speaker doesn’t quite meet your requirements. Key specs – Speakers: 1; RMS power output: 9W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5; IP rating: IP67; Battery life: 8 hours; Dimensions: 98 x 98 x 36mm; Weight: 295g The speaker arrangement has been revamped, with JBL adding a dome tweeter to work in conjunction with the woofer and audio is impressive, with the Charge 5 able to fill rooms and open spaces with crisp, well-balanced sound. That’s plenty to get you through a weekend sitting in the park or lounging by the beach and as the Charge 5 can double up as a charger for your smartphone, you won’t have to worry about taking an external power bank out with you. Key specs – Speakers: 4; RMS power output: Not disclosed; Wireless: Bluetooth (SBC); IP rating: IP67; Battery life: 20 hours; Dimensions: 87 x 87 x 225mm; Weight: 925g It performs well at low and moderate volumes but low-end frequencies begin to distort when you push it to its limits, which is an issue when blasting out tunes outside.
Key specs – Speakers: 3; RMS power output: 40W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5; IP rating: IP67; Battery life: 24 hours; Dimensions: 96 x 96 x 180mm; Weight: 970g Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-directional sound successfully ensures you get the same experience no matter your position to the speaker, making the Emberton perfect for small, outdoor gatherings. Key specs – Speakers: 2; RMS power output: Not disclosed; Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0; IP rating: IPX7; Battery life: 20 hours; Dimensions: 160 x 76 x 68mm; Weight: 700g Physical controls are simple yet effective, while a pull-out strap enables the Hyperboom to be carried around, although its size and weight mean you won’t want to lug it too far.
Key specs – Speakers: 4; RMS power output: Unknown; Wireless: Bluetooth 5; IP rating: IPX4; Battery life: Up to 24 hours; Dimensions: 190 x 190 x 346mm; Weight: 5.9kg Drawing on mains power, it can produce 70W RMS courtesy of two 4in woofers and a pair of 19mm tweeters housed in a fetching wooden enclosure.
Three top-mounted knobs allow you to adjust volume and increase both the bass and treble response, while movie and music modes can be accessed using the included infrared remote. Bluetooth 5.0 helps ensure there’s very little latency when watching video content and the speaker looks great positioned on a desk or bookshelf, though you’ll need a decent bit of space owing to its size.
Key specs – Speakers: 4; RMS power output: 70W; Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0; IP rating: No; Battery life: N/A; Dimensions: 357 x 195 x 148mm; Weight: 4.34kg Key specs – Speakers: 3; RMS power output: 25W; Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0 (SBC); IP rating: No; Battery life: 30 hours; Dimensions: 215 x 135 x 115mm; Weight: 2kg
Amazon’s original Echo Dot was released back in 2016 and was a reasonably priced option for those wanting to enter the world of smart speakers, but it sounded pretty terrible. The spherical design means it also looks better than its predecessor, and if you’re willing to spend an extra £10 you can benefit from the newly added LED clock built into the speaker’s fabric housing.
Key specs – Speakers: 1; RMS power output: Unknown; Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi; IP rating: No; Battery life: N/A; Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 89mm; Weight: 328g The Huawei Sound was created in partnership with Devialet, and the French company’s eye for design along with some technical wizardry make it an appealing home speaker if you’re not fussed about smart functionality or portability. Support for Huawei’s OneHop technology allows you to quickly switch between your NFC-enabled phone’s output and the speaker, and touch controls are kept nice and simple. Were the Sound to offer support for voice assistants and house an internal battery it would be the complete package, but even without those features it’s still worth a spot in this roundup.
Key specs – Speakers: 4; RMS power output: 55W; Wireless: Bluetooth (SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs); IP rating: Not stated; Battery life: N/A; Dimensions: 147 x 147 x 187mm; Weight: 2.2kg Thanks to its 75mm woofer and 19mm tweeter – a significant step up from the single 50mm driver housed in its predecessor, the Google Home – the Nest Audio is able to communicate rich, textured sound across most musical genres.
Touch controls are a little fiddly and sadly there’s no AUX-in port, but if you’re looking for an affordable Google Assistant speaker with Bluetooth functionality, you won’t find better than the Nest Audio. Key specs – Speakers: 2; RMS power output: Unknown; Wireless: Bluetooth (AAC and SBC), WiFi; IP rating: No; Battery life: N/A; Dimensions: 124 x 78 x 174mm; Weight: 1.2kg
Sonically, the Mu-so 2 is brimming with finesse, even when you start to push up the volume to ear-shattering levels, and the sense of scale and impact it creates is immense.
Key specs – Speakers: 6; RMS power output: 450W; Wireless: Bluetooth (SBC, AAC codecs); IP rating: No; Battery life: N/A; Dimensions: 122 x 628 x 264mm; Weight: 11.2kg
Best bluetooth speaker 2021: Wireless and portable speakers from Sonos, Anker and Bose
We’re not talking about music streaming services – that’s another kettle of fish entirely – or weighing up if vinyl is better than the rest. From clean, Scandi speakers to flashy light shows, the Bluetooth audio game has really gone up a notch. On that point, we’ve tried to give you as wide a range of offerings as possible, from super portable poolside devices to boombox party starters and luxury, desktop setups. So, whether you’re looking for a backpack-friendly offering or are ready to invest in something for home; after hours of listening and testing, we have you covered.
– Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1: £200, Johnlewis.com Loudest Bluetooth speaker – Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd gen: £749, Premiumsound.co.uk
Best Bluetooth speaker 2021, including today’s best portable speakers
You can surprisingly large and refined sound from a can-sized lump of aluminium, and enough power for a big party from a bigger portable speaker. And as luck would have it, the Best Black Friday deals are here to make sure you get more bang for your buck with lots of amazing bargains from all of your favourite brands. The Beosound A1 v2 finds its way to the top of this list thanks to sheer audio quality for the size – if you want a full, punchy sound that’s fairly expansive, and that doesn’t crush when going loud, then this is the place to start.
And it follow B&O’s usual MO of having quite a neutral sound out of the box, but you can use the app to customise the audio – we at T3 like to push up the bass of B&O’s products a little, and that’s so easy to do and then save as a preset.
Better sound, longer battery life (13 hours instead of 10), cool new buttons to play with, dust- and sand-proofing (as well as the previous imperviousness to water), and a great price. Even with just one Wonderboom 2 in play, the 360 degree audio is better than it has any right to be at the price, especially with pop, hip-hop, EDM, bro rock and other outdoor party-friendly sounds.
Being IP57 rated, it’s also well protected against grit, salt water, dust and beach-side sand, so long as you keep the USB charger cover in place. Audio Pro Addon C3 The best Bluetooth speaker for the home – also with Wi-Fi streaming Specifications Power output: Not quoted Battery life: 9 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Superb sound, chic Scandinavian looks + Very compact + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming Reasons to avoid – No Apt-X or AAC – Audio Pro’s app could be slicker TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Currys View at Electricshop 92 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ There are Bluetooth speakers that are more like updates to the old hi-fi mini systems – you plug them in, they’re mainly for streaming but have a line in, and the emphasis is on superior sound quality. It also piles on AirPlay and Spotify Connect via Wi-Fi, as well as Audio Pro’s own app, so you can even use it as part of a very chic multi-room setup. Although one thing you should definitely use the app for is to set up the 5 preset buttons on the front of the C3 – these then give instant access to your favourite web radio stations or Spotify playlists. Slightly surprisingly when connected via Bluetooth there’s no support for the audio-improving Apt-X (Android) or AAC (iOS) codecs.
While it may be targeted at those who want dance, pop and rock tunes in the outdoors, its relatively small footprint and attractive design mean it can function perfectly happily indoors – in the kitchen, for instance. In contrast to the simplicity of the Wonderboom 2, Ultimate Ears has trowelled on the bonus features here, with the ability to pair two in stereo as well as the option to chain anything up to ‘hundreds’ of them (!) A ‘magic button’ on top lets you easily play, pause and skip tracks and, uh, not-so-easily control playlists. With 20 hours of battery life, impressive bass and volume, 360º sound, and build quality that renders it essentially unkillable, the UE Megaboom is by far the best outdoor speaker you can get.
The JBL Charge 5 is a relatively small speaker that doesn’t skimp on sound – it’s chunkier than the B&O A1, and the design is a bit more ‘practical’ (though is likely a little tougher against drops, too). With powerful, accurate audio and some serious volume capabilities, this is a great speaker for a barbecue on the beach or picnic in the park. The real trick to it is that it can also function as a full member of a Sonos or Apple AirPlay 2 setup at home, over Wi-Fi, and it easily switches between the two options. Audio Pro P5 Best portable Bluetooth speaker for audiophiles Specifications Battery life: 4 hours on 100% volume / 14 hours on 50% AAC: Yes Waterproof: IPX4 Aux-in: Yes Weight: 720g Reasons to buy + Connect using Bluetooth or 3.4mm aux + Excellent sound quality + Simple, splash-proof design Reasons to avoid – No music control from the speaker – Battery life isn’t amazing TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Electricshop Check Amazon
Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i Best Bluetooth speaker – also has Wi-Fi streaming and can be made portable Specifications Power output: 25W Battery life: none (6 hours with optional battery pack) Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: AC Wi-Fi, 3.5mm input, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Sounds brilliant for the compact size + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming + Well designed app Reasons to avoid – Quite drab looks TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Sevenoaks Check Amazon With a wired connection it’s even capable of playing hi-res audio files, for audiophiles, but Tidal (CD quality) and even the likes of Spotify (compressed MP3) sound wonderful. Compared to the Audio Pro speaker further up, Bluesound’s champ is bordering on ugly, but since it sounds even better than the C3, has even more connectivity, and boasts an app that works better, we’ll set aside our aesthetic reservations. This Marshall speaker brings the brand’s penchant for guitar-amp stylish to a a smaller frame, and impressively still keeps most of the signature look with having annoying knobs sticking out and catching on your pockets.
The only downside is that there are a few missing features – there’s no mic (which can be handy for calls) and no way to adjust the sound’s balance, such as an app with EQ settings. Designed to be used outside, the JBL Xtreme 3 is a waterproof, dustproof portable Bluetooth speaker that will withstand all kinds of conditions – be it rain or sandy beaches.
It certainly looks and feels durable, though it is pretty damn big compared to most of the speakers here, so you’ll definitely need to use the included shoulder strap to carry it around. You can pump up the volume to seriously high levels, and the sound quality is crisp, detailed and bassy, all of which make it a great party speaker.
Kanto TUK Bluetooth speaker disguised as a complete music system Specifications Power output: 260W Battery life: none Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: 3.5mm input, phono, pre-amp turntable, optical digital, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Proper stereo + Good physical connections Reasons to avoid – No Wi-Fi streaming TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon Most higher-end wireless speakers also include Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity to service Tidal, Spotify, AirPlay, Chromecast et al. Kanto TUK has no truck with such new-fangled notions. I’ve seen reviews of this saying the bass is a bit thin, but I can assure you on a half decent pair of stands or a reasonably substantial shelf it is booming. A massive, recessed ‘handle’ on the back makes it easy to transport, and as well as being rugged, the base and paint finish are cunningly designed so it doesn’t get marked and scarred by a life of being hefted about and placed on patios. Sonos’ app provides support for any music service you can think of or subscribe to, as well as allowing voice control of tunes via Alexa or Google.
Audio quality takes a noticeable hit when you switch to Bluetooth, compared to Wi-Fi or cloud streaming. UE Hyperboom A big Bluetooth speaker with a huge engine Specifications Power output: 229W Battery life: 24 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Excellent sound overall + Twin Bluetooth connections + Easy to get going with Reasons to avoid – Large and not pretty at all TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Currys Check Amazon The sheer scale of the audio here, and how well it maintains its poise while being so big and loud, is beyond what the Sonos Move can manage, though that’s the higher quality speaker overall, we’d say.
Ruark MR1 Mk 2 An even more compact stereo Bluetooth speaker than the TUK Specifications Power output: 20W Battery life: N/A Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Reasons to buy + Effortless stereo + Great sound + Optical and line inputs Reasons to avoid – Not entirely wireless TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon With a 3.5mm input and an optical digital one and an output for an active subwoofer, this could be the basis of a neat little system, but it’s also mighty fine as a Bluetooth-only setup.
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 View at very.co.uk Prime View at Amazon View at John Lewis 5 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. Anker Soundcore 2 The best Bluetooth speaker under $50 Specifications Size and Weight: 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.77 inches, 12.6 ounces Battery Life (Rated): 24 hours Water Resistance: Yes Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 66 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great battery life + Waterproof Reasons to avoid – Not ideal for larger rooms
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. 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.
UE Hyperboom The best Bluetooth speaker for parties Specifications Size and Weight: 14.3 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches, 13 pounds Battery Life (Rated): 24 hours Water Resistance: IPX4 Voice Controls: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Currys Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Big and balanced sound + Gets very loud + Good battery life Reasons to avoid – Pricey – Really, really big and heavy
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.
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 argos.co.uk View at Sonos Europe View at Hughes 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 Check Amazon 63 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 Currys View at Selfridges Prime View at Amazon 62 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 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.
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. With some exceptions, any speaker you pick up at an electronics store will be able to stream audio either over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 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. 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 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Bluetooth speakers are the easiest, most affordable way to spread the sound from your phone or tablet across a room, backyard, or beach blanket. With clear vocal reproduction and a decent amount of bass for its size, it offers satisfying sound for a small area, such as across a picnic table or a couple of lounge chairs on a patio.
It has an IP67 rating and is one of the most rugged Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested, able to survive a 5-foot drop and a dunking in 1 meter of water—but because it floats, it’ll probably never dive that deep.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is a great choice if you want a Bluetooth speaker that sounds bigger and bolder than our top pick yet is still portable enough to take to the beach or the tailgate.
This speaker is built for adventure: The IP67 rating means it’s waterproof and dustproof, the strong carrying strap makes it easy to lug along anywhere, and in our testing the Xtreme 3 ran for 17 hours on one charge. If you need something that sounds a little louder and fuller than the UE Wonderboom 2 but is more portable and affordable than the JBL Xtreme 3, the Sony SRS-XB33 finds a nice middle ground.
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