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 £159.99 View at argos.co.uk 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 £28.99 View at argos.co.uk £28.99 View at Currys £34.99 View at Amazon 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 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.
The 15 Loudest Bluetooth Speakers in 2021 – Bass Head Speakers
In this review we feature the loudest Bluetooth speakers that produce the deepest, most earth-shattering sound you’ll ever hear. These speakers can go so loud that they can literally take your entire house down – with booming bass, crystal clear sound and long wireless range.
Furthermore, these Bluetooth speakers can deliver a tonne of bass and long hours of playtime with massive battery life. The Soundboks 3 is hands down the loudest Bluetooth speaker you can find on the market that delivers a staggering amount of bass and volume.
This speaker is unbelievably loud, and it can really drive an outdoor party with full sound effects and rich bass. It features the latest Bluetooth 5.0, full wireless capability and a swappable battery (40 hours average playtime) which is more than enough power to keep the party going through the night. It also come with a steel grille with handles for easy portability, and silicone ball corners which protects the speaker from flooring. Overall, the Soundboks 3 is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers you’ll ever find and it delivers pristine sound quality with massive volume. It is really a combination of a Bluetooth speaker and a versatile PA system made for parties, outdoor gatherings that delivers immensely powerful sound. It supports Bluetooth wireless pairing and aux inputs for microphone or musical instrument such as a keyboard or guitar for live concert or PA performances. Furthermore, Bose has its proprietary “Articulate Array” technology built into this speaker which allows for wider sound dispersion. Each individual speaker driver is angled slightly to the sides in an alternating pattern to distribute the sound performance naturally.
We also liked the fact that it comes with a built-in auto EQ system which adjusts the speakers tone to ensure that the music sounds natural and free. The speaker also comes with aux and XLR inputs for you to attach microphones and music instruments if you need this to double as a portable PA system.
Overall, the Bose S1 Pro is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers you can find that delivers a tonne of bass and volume output. The BassPro Go is the latest in the JBL series speakers that delivers booming bass on a scale that you’ve probably never experienced before. You can push this speaker to maximum volume and it will not produce any distortion – the highs are crisp and clear, while the midrange is distinct and well-defined. The unique thing about the JBL BassPro Go is that it comes with a hybrid subwoofer design and Bluetooth speaker for crisp highs and low-end bass at the same time.
It also comes with a built-in 100W amplifier which allows you to push the speaker to max volume – and get crystal clear highs and detailed midranges. They come with Sony’s X-balanced speakers for powerful bass and crisp sound, and can deliver loud volume levels that can easily transform your house into a rock concert.
The speaker features an IP66 water-resistant and dustproof design, and comes with a 30 hour built-in battery for a super long playtime.
This speaker has great sound range, and can play the highs, midranges and lows perfectly clear – without distortion at max volumes.
While the upper midranges sound sweet and crisp, and low-end bass really kicks hard with this speaker and adds a tonne of flare to EDM and rock music genres. You can also connect and stream music easily with Bluetooth, or adjust the LED ring lighting for party ambience.
The speaker is large but lightweight, and comes with a massive built-in battery that delivers up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. Furthermore, the PartyBox 710 features a DJ Launchpad which allows you to play drums, keyboard and piano, and record and loop on the fly.
Furthermore, this massive speaker comes with a built-in battery that delivers up to 24 hours of playtime, making this highly portable and great for parties. At full volume, the JBL Boombox 2 will produce extreme bass and very loud sound with minimal distortion – you can still hear the highs, mids and lows clearly.
The Aiwa Exos-9 is possibly the loudest Bluetooth speaker you will ever find that delivers up to 200 watts of massive stereo sound. This speaker delivers really pristine stereo sound with deep bass, crisp treble ranges and balanced mid-range.
You can hear the music crystal clear even at maximum volume with virtually zero distortion – something which no other Bluetooth speaker comes close to doing. The bass is comparable to the JBL Boombox 2 but the Aiwa Exos 9 clearly sounds much louder all things equal. We liked the fact that this speaker supports both wireless Bluetooth pairing and an 3.5mm aux input jack for audio devices. You can also crank up the bass, mids or highs with the 5-band on-board graphic equalizer which allows you to adjust your sound preferences on the go. The Aiwa Exos-9 is definitely one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers that can pump out the cleanest stereo sound performance you’ll ever hear. This speaker is IPX7 waterproof, making it the perfect choice for pool parties and outdoor gatherings – it can even be submerged underwater.
If you are looking for one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers that can pump out high volume and deep bass, the JBL Charge 4 is definitely a great choice. It is made of a durable fabric and rugged material housing which protects the speaker from all kinds of outdoor elements. This speaker delivers immensely wide soundstage with virtually zero distortion at max volume levels and with no background noise. It also has an extremely wide frequency range of 18 Hz to 21 kHz, and delivers music notes with precision and grace.
Overall, the Devialet Phantom II is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers you can find and we highly recommend them for their iconic sound. If you are looking for one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers with a portable vintage design, the Marshall Kilburn II is a great choice. If you are looking for a speaker with plenty of gravitas and authority in the lower-end, the Marshall Kilburn II hits all the sweet spots. The wireless range on this speaker can go as long as 45-60 feet, and the sound is crystal clear when streaming music from your iPhone or smartphone device.
The speaker has full wireless compatibility and also comes with a touch panel and 3.5mm audio jack at the back for versatile connectivity. This massive speaker also comes with a portable rechargeable battery that delivers an incredible 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also features full panel LED lighting which gives a visually stunning experience when used in outdoor performances. We really liked the sound performance of this speaker – it delivers crystal clear highs, detailed midranges and very loud bass.
The quality of the sound is spot on and it hits every note with precision and detail, which is pretty impressive considering how large the speaker actually is. The bass rolls deep and feels lifelike, making this speaker great for EDM, rock and hip-hop music genres.
Sony really put in a lot of effort to design this speaker to give it a sleek and modern appearance, while maintaining durability. The SRS-XP500 also comes with an integrated carry handle for easy portability, and it is also IPX4 splash resistant making it ideal for outdoor party events. EDM, rock and hip-hop music genres were represented very nicely with good separation, and this speaker can pump out a tonne of volume without any hint of distortion. The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is definitely one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers from UE that delivers a full 360 degree sound performance.
If you are looking for one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers from UE that delivers full-range sound performance, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a great choice. The 360 degree sound quality from jazz to hip-hop music genres is particularly enjoyable to listen to, especially if you set up this speaker in open spaces. The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers from UE – it excels in sound performance, absolute volume and design. The speaker is super portable, rugged and waterproof – you can bring it virtually anywhere and do not have to worry about exposing it to the outdoor elements. This is an incredibly loud speaker with 60Ws of portable sound and comes with double 20W subwoofers with DSP technology for deeper bass. The MIATONE comes with two 10W tweeters with 100% pure titanium diaphragm which enhances the highs up to 40kHz without any noticeable distortion at max volume levels.
This speaker has massive 60W total volume output and delivers monstrous sound performance with really nice highs, mids and low-frequencies. It sounds like the JBL Boombox 2 at a fraction of the cost, and delivers really loud volume with deep bass output. We also liked the fact that vocals and highs sound so clear on this speaker – it delivers high-end frequencies of up to 40kHz without any noticeable distortion at max volume levels.
The sound performance is exceptional; you get solid crisp bass and really nice EQ which accentuates any style of music that you are listening to.
We also played a couple of hip hop and country music genres, and we were impressed by how well-rounded the vocals sound with crystal clear detail. We were very impressed with the level of volume that this speaker has despite its small size, and is built to last with IP67 waterproof rating and up to 24 hours of battery life.
Best speakers with bass in India
It offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity options and also comes with FM Tuner built-in for on-demand radio streaming. This Philips home theatre system is an option worth considering if you are looking for a budget setup.
This F&D home theatre system is a great option for those who want a decent setup with a range of features built-in.
Infinity by Harman Hardrock 410 Bluetooth Multimedia Speaker The Infinity by Harman Hardrock 410 Bluetooth Multimedia Speaker is equipped with a subwoofer and comes with four satellites that offer an audio output of 200 Watts.
It delivers rich audio and offers an immersive experience thanks to its powerful output. If you are looking for speakers to add to your home entertainment setup, there are several options to choose from in the market.
A lot of speakers these days can also be connected with smartphones, allowing you to play your favorite music right from your phone.In this post, we look at some of theavailable in India.
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 Crutchfield 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 View at Verishop 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 View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon 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 6 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Bass – Fall 2021 Reviews
With its Bass Boost feature set to ‘1’, it has a boomy sound profile to help you feel the thump and punch in your music. It has an impressive dynamics performance that can make it very loud and great for parties, although there are slight compression artifacts at max volume.
The best cheap Bluetooth speakers in 2021
They might not match the hardware, specs, or feature set of the best Bluetooth speakers overall, but that doesn’t mean these portable music systems can’t deliver top-tier performance for a bargain. Some of the latest low-cost speakers have stepped up their game, boasting audio-sharing capabilities, longer battery life, and even waterproofing that’s on the level of what premium models like the Sonos Roam and UE Megaboom 3 offer.
Below is our list of the best Bluetooth speakers based on performance and value, helping you find something that will suit your budget very nicely.
The Soundcore 2 delivers on the things we think are most important in an affordable wireless speaker: it produces well-balanced sound, is water-resistant, and plays for an amazing 24 hours on a full charge.
This sequel in JBL’s popular Bluetooth speaker series improves on its predecessor in several ways, including design, sound, and battery life. The 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.77-inch wireless speaker is small enough to be easily toteable, and its fantastic 24-hour battery life means you can listen for a long time between recharges. The attachable carabiner installed at the top makes the speaker simple to carry around by easily clipping onto any item: backpack, bike handle, carry-on bag…you name it. The waterproof exterior (IPX7) is another major hallmark that offers peace of mind when tossing the speaker into the pool or cycling with it through the park during a surprise rainstorm.
Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz Angle 3 The best cheap Bluetooth speaker under $40 Specifications Size: 5.3 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches Weight: 9 ounces Battery: 14 hours Waterproof: Yes (IPX5) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 27 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Big sound for its size + Good battery life Reasons to avoid – No app It produces bright, clear vocals and crisp treble, and it even delivers a bit of bass—something missing from other cheap speakers. Sound quality is good rather than great, with thick bass but less of an ear for detail than the Soundcore 2, but on the whole this is an outstanding bargain. Tribit XSound Go Another great, fully-waterproof cheap Bluetooth speaker Specifications Size: 6.7 x 2.3 x 2.2 inches Weight: 13 ounces Battery: 24 hours Waterproof: Yes (IPX7) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy 20 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Strong waterproofing + Excellent battery Reasons to avoid – Lacks bass – No app
For a few dollars less than the Anker SoundCore 2, the Tribit XSound Go comes pretty close to matching the specs for our top budget Bluetooth speaker: 24-hour battery life, excellent wireless range and auxiliary input. However, while the Tribit delivers very good overall sound for a small speaker, it can’t match the bass output of the SoundCore 2.
Tribit StormBox Micro The best cheap Bluetooth speaker for portability Specifications Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches Weight: 9.6 ounces Battery: 8 hours Waterproof: Yes (IP67) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Small and lightweight + Decent bass + Water- and dust-proof Reasons to avoid – No app – Short battery life This is a much more compact speaker than its cousin, the XSound Go, and it’s both fully waterproof (in depths up to 1 meter) and protected against dust and dirt.
Unlike a lot of very small speakers, it also sounds great, producing clear vocals and some surprisingly strong bass. The only drawbacks are the lack of an app 9though you can pair with two devices at once) and a relatively low battery life, which sees the StormBox Micro run dry after 8 hours. Doss SoundBox A desk-friendly cheap Bluetooth speaker Specifications Size: 6.6 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches Weight: 19.7 ounces Battery: 12 hours Waterproof: Splash-resistant (IPX4) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon 905 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good bass + Good battery life Reasons to avoid – Doesn’t project sound well But it’s 1.2 pounds, so the 6.6 x 2.9 x 2.7-inch unit isn’t really a great fit for the outdoors, even with its impressive 12 hours of battery life and water resistance.
It comes in black, white, blue, pink and red to better match your personal style, and has a touch-sensitive dial on top for controlling volume. The unit produces clear vocals and sharp treble thanks to its two drivers, though the bass comes across a bit muddy.
To make it easier to tote, you can attach it to your bike using a tripod mount or buy the Aomais Sling Cover to give it a handle. JBL Clip Plus An old-timer with plenty of value Specifications Size: 4.2 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches Weight: 5.3 ounces Battery: 5 hours Waterproof: No (water resistant) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon View at Amazon 47 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Impressive audio quality for its size + Convenient integrated clip + Built-in speakerphone Reasons to avoid – Limited battery life – Not waterproof
Almost six years since its original launch and this ultraportable speaker remains a popular item to take on bike rides and hikes. SoundBot SB510 HD The best cheap shower speaker Specifications Size: 12 x 8 x 6 inches Weight: 1.6 ounces Battery: 6 hours Waterproof: Yes (no IP rating stated) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 9 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good vocals and treble + Sharp treble Reasons to avoid – Made of flimsy materials – Limited bass If you know you’ll want to take the speaker with you on hikes and to the pool, opt for one that is light, offers waterproofing and ideally gets loud enough to be heard over environmental noise.
20 Cheap Bluetooth Speakers With Good Bass
For small budget, a speaker with good bass and loud sound plus multiple features including long battery life and full waterproof is Tribit MaxSound Plus. XBass technology of this brand combined with low-frequency drivers and DSP algorithm maximizes its bass.
A good Bluetooth speaker at a normal budget has 10 hours of playback time that is considered fairly well and this one provides double of it. You can connect your smartphone using Bluetooth and play music from there or listen to calls using its built-in mic.
The Soundcore Flare is also a cheap Bluetooth speaker with good bass and 360° sound. BassUP Technology in Soundcore Flare analyzes and enhances bass frequencies before delivering. Power of this wireless Bluetooth speaker is 12 watts and can work for 12 hours when fully charged. As it is also an IPX7 waterproof speaker, you can use it at any place where exposure or even submerging in water is possible without any fear of getting it damaged.
Enjoy 360° sound with outstanding and optimized bass quality at a cheap price. A small portable Bluetooth speaker with extra loud bass, waterproof, dustproof, and long-life battery, and all that at the cheapest budget. A detachable carry strap is useful to hang this speaker to showerheads, pool umbrellas or anywhere you go outdoor. In short, it is the best cheap budget Bluetooth speaker with loud sound and good bass.
Easily choose your favorite color and enjoy good bass for years. If a subwoofer is present in any Bluetooth speaker, don’t worry about the bass it will be fine then. Listen to music with this speaker effortlessly in any environment as it is waterproof, mudproof, dustproof, and even shockproof. With DSP chip and noise reduction technology sound is clear and bass is enhanced.
Loud voice and bass with perfect balance give you an excellent experience of pure sound. Using advanced Bluetooth 5.0, connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device including mobile phone.
Easy volume controls and compact size for accommodating in small spaces in your bag while on the go. Just below $30, you get IPX5 water-resistance, Bluetooth 4.2 with 33 feet range, deep bass, 5 colors at same price and much more. Don’t worry if you do not want to connect your mobile phone, inser SD card and enjoy music. Still, it’s safe to take it with you on pools and beaches but care is needed to protect it from submerging in water. Flickering atmospheric light emitted by the Led flame makes your evening outdoors really a great joy and these speakers separately give you a different look ever. If you are fond of evening trips, you must give a chance to these cheap Bluetooth speakers and lets see what you feel.
However, if you buy a pair of these Bluetooth speakers, it will become total of 10 watts and sound will be double loud. With 30W power, AY Portable Bluetooth Speaker can fulfill your sound and bass desires at an affordable price.
Powerful 30 watts speakers with noise reduction technology deliver distortion-free stereo sound with deeper bass.
It also gives a great experience at noisy outdoor places where many other speakers fail.
You don’t need to worry anymore about outdoor trips and the safety of this speaker. The built-in microphone plus noise-canceling technology help you making calls with crystal clear sound.
In short, for louder clear sound, super bass, safe outdoor trips, very large battery with 24 hours playback time, it’s an excellent speaker at the cheapest budget. For louder sound, high bass, and bigger battery, W-King is a great Bluetooth speaker under $100.
A powerful crystal clear Hd sound is delivered by 2 drivers of 25 watts each and 2 bass radiators located on the left and right sides of the speaker. As this speaker has 8000mA battery, it’s quite big and you can use it as a power bank to charge your mobiles, tablets, and cameras. For people who want a larger battery and louder sound, this speaker could be a great choice if they can afford it as it is a little expensive than our above models. If Bluetooth is not available, connect using aux cable or insert SD card or USB flash drive to enjoy music.
You get Bluetooth and Aux connection, TF card, FM Radio, Remote control and much more bass. 3 loudspeakers including a subwoofer and two tweeters with 11 watts of power deliver crystal clear sound. The subwoofer in this speaker has great coverage of low frequencies which increases clarity and bass.
In case of unavailability of Bluetooth, connect through aux cable to any new or old device for transmitting audio signals. The handle on the top can be used to carry it but not as a mobile stand as in the previous similar speaker. As it is a portable speaker, you can use it for outdoor activities but don’t let it go near the water as it is not waterproof at all.
The sound quality will be enhanced to double and you will have an excellent experience with left and right stereo speakers. Play FM Radio if you listen it and enjoy a lot with such a good speaker at a cheap budget.
With 45 watts power and extended bass quality, it is one of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers.
Sound is crystal clear because of the outstanding performance of drivers, subwoofer, and radiators used to build this speaker. It is an excellent Bluetooth speaker which provides good bass at cheap price. This portable Bluetooth speaker of Altec Lansing also gives you many good features at a cheap price.
100 feet range, 16 hours battery timing, Microphone, Waterproof and Bluetooth 4.2 are major features of this little speaker. Enjoy for 16 hours just by single charge and play music at full volume with an outstanding experience of high-quality bass and distortion free sound. With unique design and deeper bass, there is Boytone BT-16G Portable Bluetooth Boombox Speaker and that’s also at a normal budget under $100. As compared to little portable Bluetooth speakers, it is quite large in size and comes with bigger drivers for louder sound and enhanced bass quality.
At 25 watts of output power, a 5″ subwoofer and two 3″ tweeters make the sound clear and enhance bass. The subwoofer covers low frequencies for good bass and increased clarity.
Louder sound and good bass in compact portable size and cheap price. 30w two drivers with a subwoofer deliver impressive HiFi sound with 90 dB bass effect and enhanced clarity at any volume level.
Noise reduction technology and DSP chip balance the bass the and high voice. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable and faster connection to your mobile phone or tablet with clear sound and accurate signal transmission.
Another portable Bluetooth speaker with 30 watts of power, built-in Mic, Stereo Bass, IPX6 water-resistant, Dustproof, 600mAH battery, 16 hours playtime, 30 feet range, NFC Technology, Louder volume, good bass, and much more in a cheap price. If your budget is very small and still wish for good bass, take a look at this EWA A106 Wireless Mini Bluetooth Speaker.
Driver and subwoofer included in this little Bluetooth speaker produce louder and clear sound with rich bass. You can still get a Bluetooth speaker with 20-hour playtime, IPX7 waterproof, built-in microphone, durable design, high-quality bass and stereo experience. Advanced Bluetooth 5.0 connection to any Bluetooth-enabled device like your smartphone over 50 feet is very good at this price. No doubt, it is one of the cheapest IPX7 Bluetooth speaker that can be submerged fully in water at a depth of 33 feet for 30 minutes without getting any damage. Total power will be 28 watts delivering double sound and richest bass. In case, you are fond of louder sound as well as good bass, there is XDOBO Bluetooth Speaker for you.
Of course, when you decide to buy a speaker, you should have a clear idea what you need actually and which features you can skip. If you are planning to use it inside the door, you can skip features included for outdoor activities like waterproof, long battery life, etc.
If you are planning to use your speaker during showers, on beaches, pools and other places in water, IPX waterproof rating matters a lot. It will make your idea fully clear, no matter which product you buy in future. If you are planning to connect your mobile phone for audio signal transmission, make sure mic is present.
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 Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 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.
10 Best Bass Bluetooth Speakers in 2021
Bluetooth speakers make life easy, modern chips and lower production costs have propelled the manufacturing and raised the consumer demand. A compact, lightweight design with an ample rechargeable battery that provides a long life between charges. You might want to consider a shock or impact proof model with water-resistant properties to combat getting caught out in the rain and accidental spillage. For Bluetooth speakers in the home, you don’t need to worry about thee features quite as much and you can instead prioritize the quality of manufacture and the audio.
As far as the wireless connectivity itself is concerned it will need the most current Bluetooth technology you can afford on-board to be compatible with all the latest gadgets more efficiently. You would be surprised at what your money can get you these days, modern advancements technological developments and mass fabrication lower production costs to provide a better deal for the consumer.
High-end speakers with Bluetooth capabilities will always trump the sound quality of a budget option but there are many which provide good value for money and will impress the majority of listeners. There are a host of savvy solutions available online and as long as you consider all the factors relevant to your requirements you should find your match in no time.
Best Bluetooth wireless speaker for 2021
So while there are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver bigger sound than you might expect, they do have their sonic limitations. For a lot of people it’s a question of finding a speaker that’s not too big or too small — one that travels well but also is capable of producing good sound for its size. David Carnoy/CNET When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its extra bass performance. Available in three color options — black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) — it’s equipped with Bose’s PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker’s orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether upright, hanging or flat on its back.
The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that “won’t peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light.” Aside from its great design, Bose’s SoundLink Micro stood out because it was able to deliver more bass than every Bluetooth speaker in its size class, and it also managed to have limited distortion at higher volumes.
It’s IP67 dust-proof and water-resistant (it can be fully submerged in shallow water for a short time) and has up to eight hours of battery life at moderate volume levels with USB-C charging. Like the Bose, this portable Bluetooth speaker has an integrated strap so you can clip it to your backpack or bike’s handlebars. But for the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging.
It’s kind of a poor man’s version of JBL’s well-regarded Xtreme 2 speaker, which currently sells for around $200 though its list price is higher.
Equipped with a handle and weighing a little over 4 pounds, the speaker reminds me of one of those giant flashlights or “floating lanterns” that were in vogue about 30 years ago. Anker says the Motion Boom delivers “huge stereo sound” and yes, it plays pretty loud and has a decent amount of bass with reasonable clarity.
According to JBL, the speaker is equipped with a “racetrack-shaped driver,” with a separate tweeter and dual passive radiators, which improves both clarity and bass performance over the Charge 4. The Charge 5 comes in six color options: black, blue, gray, red, teal and “squad” (which looks like a kind of camo).
There’s an integrated handle for toting the speaker, but the PartyBox 110 is pretty hefty, weighing in at 23 pounds and measuring slightly more than 22 inches tall. I didn’t test the stereo mode, but I was impressed with the sound of a single PartyBox 110 — it puts out lots of well-defined bass with good overall clarity in the highs and mids — and I suspect that pairing two of these together would be pretty awesome.
But it does deliver enough volume to fill a spacious living room with sound and also plays loud enough for a small pool or beach party. This is your best bet if you want a portable speaker that can deliver big, quality sound and operates on battery power.
This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and is rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels (it has USB-C charging while the older XB12 didn’t). David Carnoy/CNET Ultimate Ears Boom Bluetooth speakers come in a few different sizes, but none of them are as big as the all-new Hyberboom. A supersize wireless speaker that tips the scales at a hefty 13 pounds, the Hyperboom makes the UE Megaboom 3 look unquestionably puny. UE Boom reps told me the Hyperboom was created after the company got feedback from its customers looking for a bigger speaker that could play loud enough and have deep enough bass to power a party.
Besides sounding decent for streaming your favorite music and more, this affordable Bluetooth speaker is also fully waterproof. Like its predecessor, the fully waterproof Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 with Bluetooth connectivity carries a list price of $100, but often sells for less.
This Bluetooth device also has 30% better battery life — lasting up to 13 hours at moderate volume levels, according to Ultimate Ears — and you can link two together to create a stereo sound pairing by pressing a button on each speaker. Sarah Tew/CNET The Tribit MaxSound Plus ($50 with an instant coupon) is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best-sounding speakers in its size and price class. 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. Additionally, the smart speaker is Alexa-enabled, meaning you can activate Amazon’s voice commands assistant by just saying “Alexa.” Sarah Tew/CNET Although a little pricey, Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It’s a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find.
Best portable mini Bluetooth speaker for 2021: JBL, Bose, Sony and more
Not only can you stream your tunes from a phone, tablet or computer, but some Bluetooth speakers have built-in microphones so you can use them as a speakerphone for calls or meetings. Luckily, wireless Bluetooth speakers have improved with time, and now offer better sound, longer battery life, more reliable connectivity and increased durability, particularly when it comes to water resistance.
We continue to review mini Bluetooth speakers at a steady clip here at CNET, so we update this list fairly frequently. This buyer’s guide offers a look at our current favorites, with a focus on small and lightweight models that are well suited for travel and still have excellent sound output.
David Carnoy/CNET When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. Available in three colors — black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) — the speaker is IP67 dust- and waterproof, and rated for 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels.
It’s also equipped with Bose’s PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker’s orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it’s upright, hanging or flat on its back. The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that “won’t peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light.”
Aside from its great design, Bose’s SoundLink Micro stood out because it was able to deliver more bass than every Bluetooth speaker in its size class, and it also managed to have limited distortion at higher volumes. It’s IP67 dust-proof and water-resistant (it can be fully submerged in shallow water for a short time) and has up to eight hours of battery life at moderate volume levels with USB-C charging. Sarah Tew/CNET Although a little pricey, Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. David Carnoy/CNET E D I T O R S ’ C H O I C E Anker’s Soundcore Motion Plus came out in 2019 and managed to slip beneath my radar, which is a shame because it’s arguably one of the best-sounding speakers under $110, if not the best (it sometimes costs slightly more but the black model usually is around $105).
A little larger than many mini Bluetooth speakers, it’s still compact and manages to sound quite a bit fuller than much of the competition in this price range, with bigger bass, more volume and better clarity. It’s also a sleeker looking Bluetooth speaker that’s available in five different color options: black, taupe, coral red, light blue and olive green.
Equipped with two new full-range drivers and passive bass radiator, it delivers 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and is water-, dust-, rust- and shock-proof with an IP67 rating.
But for the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging.
Sarah Tew/CNET The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best sounding speakers in its size and price class. 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.
David Carnoy/CNET I’ve long been a fan of Sony’s smallest Bluetooth speaker, which has been modestly upgraded for 2021 with some design refinements and slightly improved sound. This model is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and is rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels (it has USB-C charging, while the older XB12 didn’t). David Carnoy/CNET We liked Ultimate Ears’ original Wonderboom Bluetooth speaker, which sounded good for its compact size and was also waterproof. It also has 30% better battery life — up to 13 hours at moderate volume levels, according to Ultimate Ears — and you can link two together to create a stereo sound pairing by simply pressing a button on each speaker.
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