This small speaker has a balanced mid-range, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear and present in the mix. Fortunately, its companion app features a graphic EQ and presets you can use to tweak its sound to your liking.
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 £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.
Best cheap Bluetooth speakers under $50
Editor’s note: this list was edited on July 12, 2021, to update links, images, and mention the JBL Clip 4. The Anker SoundCore Flare line of Bluetooth speakers are best known for the combination of design and solid sound quality, with different models catering to different price brackets. With its two 5W back-to-back neodymium drivers, the Flare Mini delivers 360˚ sound for an immersive music listening experience. An IPX7 rating ensures that the party won’t stop, even if the speaker is out in the rain, or taking a leisurely 30-minute dip in the pool.
Extra features include a modest 12-hour battery life, Bluetooth 4.2 support (connection range of up to 20 meters), and the ability to pair two Flare Mini speakers together. Plenty of these speakers are water-resistant, so here’s a quick rundown of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and what they mean to your specific model.
It’s not the best option for building your dream home theater system, but it’s a perfectly fine under-monitor speaker that makes listening to music, watching videos, or playing games that much more enjoyable. Like most speakers of this price, the Creative Stage Air has fairly limited features so don’t expect to plug in HDMI and optical cables from your gaming console.
It has a few annoying quirks, like automatically turning off to save power after 15 minutes of non-usage, but overall it’s a solid option for the price.
The Clip 3 comes with the same familiar fabric covering and remains IPX7-rated, as well as a redesigned carabiner for easier attachment to a bag. It allows for loud volumes and strong bass reproduction, which is ideal for outside, where ambient noise may easily mask midrange and treble frequencies. The smart home is more relevant than ever, and companies are running with even the most ridiculous Internet of Things (IoT) product ideas.
The latest Amazon Echo Dot features the company’s new AZ1 Neural Edge Chip, resulting in a smart speaker that takes less time than its predecessor to process voice commands. However, the larger, spherical design of the 4th generation Echo Dot produces less vibration in the body of the speaker, which helps reduce distortion when listening at higher volumes. Anker Soundcore Icon Mini: With a form factor smaller than a deck of cards, paired with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, this speaker is designed for the adventurer looking to take their playlist along for the ride. Anker SoundCore Motion Q: It falls in the same category as the JBL Clip 2, but its more traditional stout shape isn’t quite as portable.
Anker SoundCore 2: With a 24-hour battery life, an IPX5-rating, and 12W total sound output, you can’t go wrong with this sub-$50 Bluetooth speaker. Sony SRS-XB12: The “XB” in the product’s name stands for Extra Bass, delivering a powerful low-end in a compact form factor.
Its battery life is pretty poor, unfortunately, but if you’re not planning to use it to blast music at maximum volume all day, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. A simple search on Amazon yields hundreds of options from a myriad of manufacturers, and that’s just for cheap Bluetooth speakers.
Maintaining and updating this site is each of our day jobs, and collectively, we’ve accrued over a decade of experience with our fingers on the audio industry’s pulse.
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 Walmart View at Amazon 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.
Top 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under 50 Reviewed
And just so you know upfront, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get incredible sounding Bluetooth speakers. By the time you’re done reading this post, you’ll know how to choose the best Bluetooth speakers under $50. While the price was a primary factor in the ranking, I also give you some essential details about each based on eight categories. These key factors represent a wide range of options that readers look for in an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker.
My top choices can be easily transported by hand, in a backpack, or in a suitcase. The best performing speakers on my list had incredible bass, more distortion-free sound with an efficient output, and excellent amplification power.
Superior consideration went to speakers that had an IPX (Ingress Protection) rating of IPX5 and above. That means your speaker can survive powerful jets of water (IPX6) or immersion for 30 minutes (IPX7). It also helped if the speaker had a durability factor that could hold up to your clumsiest life moments. The convenience of pairing makes connecting your Bluetooth compatible devices a breeze.
Special consideration went to speakers that had a unique design, with sleek angles, and multiple color choices. It shouldn’t take an aerospace engineer to figure out how to work a Bluetooth speaker.
My top picks have user-friendly functions that make integrating your favorite audio devices a snap. You’ll find everything from voice control, smart home-friendly features to BassUp Technology on my list. Now that you know my rating criteria, here are my top 10 picks for best Bluetooth speakers under $50 in 2020. Your all-nighter can become a 2-night party extravaganza, and you’ll still have time for one last dance before this speaker loses its juice. This baby offers the most extended playtime with 24 hours of beautiful bass and distortion-free sound. With Anker’s signature BassUp Technology, smooth, thundering vibrations tantalize your ears for a splendid listening experience. Soundcore 2 can’t be matched by other Bluetooth speakers – even in higher price ranges. Pool, beach, rain, mud bowl, you name it, Anker Soundcore 2’s rugged, water-resistant construction outperforms them all.
It would be nice if I didn’t have to purchase the auxiliary cable separately, like other models on my list. All these incredible features plus an 18-month, hassle-free warranty, make the Soundcore 2 my favorite choice. You have the perfect sound system, and you need a Bluetooth speaker that can move with you. And the best part is if you love to entertain for hours, Soundcore 2 will even outlast the guest that won’t leave.
A full rubber exterior protects the well-built guts of this lustrous-looking little machine. I’m not the most graceful person, so the Aomais Sport II can hold up to my worst blunders. The downside is if you like max volume, your battery life is cut almost in half.
But at mid-range volume, you can go the farthest distance and still enjoy your favorite audio.
Hands-free functionality to connect with your cell phone, tablet, PC, and everything in between. Your speaker can travel with you to the beach, camping, and anywhere you like to experience adventure.
JBL Clip Portable landed the #3 spot not only for the price but because it’s the best wearable Bluetooth speaker. It’s perfect for the runner who loves listening to their motivating playlist while beating their last run time. JBL Clip 3 Portable isn’t intended to produce a loud, booming volume.
You won’t be hosting a pool party with this one, but the rainy-day run is not a problem with the carabiner clip and IPX7 waterproof rating. For the size and price of this type of speaker, it delivers exceptional sound quality. If you want to connect this JBL Clip 3 Portable to an older version for dual speaker sound, you can’t.
You enjoy water sports, and you don’t want to worry about losing or ruining your new portable Bluetooth speaker. Some buyers compared this little speaker to the Anker Soundcore 2 for its sound performance.
The bass and clarity for a smaller speaker are as close to the performance of Soundcore 2 as you can get.
The rich, full sound and ability to play it on max volume without distortion make this portable Bluetooth speaker a great buy.
Tribit’s fine-tuning of the volume leveling is noticeable with minimal vibration transference in your hand. For a live demonstration to see how Tribit stacks up against another one of my top picks, Doss Soundbox, check out this YouTube video clip. Its lightweight design at only 13 oz makes Tribit perfect for travel. That trip through the airport carrying your speaker in your backpack or purse is no problem at all.
Aside from the great reviews on sound quality, this speaker also hit high marks on connectivity.
You love chilling to your favorite easy-listening songs while taking a bath.
You travel a lot, and you want something that is lightweight but makes you feel like you’re at home when you listen to your music. You’re on a tight budget, but you don’t want your Bluetooth speaker to sound like you didn’t spend a lot of money on it.
Oontz Angle 3 is a small unit and weighs just over a ½ lb. It doesn’t put out the loudness that I enjoy in a portable Bluetooth speaker.
You move around a lot, and you want to go this distance while listening to your favorite music or videos.
The perfect Alexa companion, Echo Dot, connects all your Smart Home technology in a snap. Play songs from all your favorite streaming platforms with this smart little Bluetooth speaker. Its beautiful fabric covering looks fantastic, and it’s small enough to sit on a shelf or in a corner.
Amazon Echo Dot isn’t intended to produce high-quality stereo sound. It works best as a smart device to connect your existing audio platforms and intelligent home technology.
As far as Bluetooth speakers go, it wouldn’t have made my list except for the fact that Smart technology is the latest rage. And I wanted to offer my followers a variety of portable Bluetooth speaker options under 50 dollars. The Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) is the best smart speaker in this price range. If voice controlling your music and other audio is your thing, this Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) is perfect for you.
You love the latest gadgets, and entertaining your guests with your cool toys is a fun pass time for you. You have smart home technology and want everything automated so you can focus on other important life tasks. Not as good as the Tribit in sound quality but still an excellent speaker for the price. It takes a very steady hand to use the volume control feature, and that’s pretty important. Doss Soundbox has a rechargeable battery with about 12 hours of playtime if you set your volume at around 75%. Doss Soundbox plays nice and loud for its size, and the sound quality is almost as good as some of my top picks. You want a Bluetooth speaker that looks great and is easy to control with a light touch. You like extras, and Doss Soundbox includes a waterproof, drawstring pouch, Aux and USB cable.
Its small size also makes it great for the gym, a bike ride, or just going for a nice walk. This little Bluetooth speaker is an excellent option for connecting to a tablet or device for watching videos or movies. The subwoofer in the back gives it a beautiful full bass sound. It’s higher priced than I would expect for its features, but JBL made a mini dynamo for a Bluetooth speaker.
You’ll want to purchase the optional carrying case so you can protect your little treasure. I love gardening, and this speaker fits perfectly in my utility bag.
The size makes it great for travel and works wonderfully as an added speaker for your phone. You want something you can pack for a hike, sunning at the beach or that intimate picnic with your loved one. You need a mini Bluetooth speaker that can chill by your side while you work up a sweat. Zosam packs a big sound with crazy deep bass for the low price. It remembers your last device connection and has an SD card insert option as well as an Aux port. The cheaply made clip doesn’t match the durable design of the speaker.
You want a decent speaker that isn’t a waste of your hard-earned dollars.
You’re budget-conscious, and you want a great Bluetooth speaker that won’t break the bank.
You can play your favorite music until the wee hours of the morning with 24 hour/500-song running capability. Anker Soundcore 2 is packed with lots of outstanding features like:
If you’re more into Smart Technology than you thought before reading this post, don’t hold back on Amazon Echo Dot. You work hard for your money, and now you can feel comfortable and confident you’ve found the best Bluetooth speaker that’s perfect for your budget-conscious life! And the best part is you have time to have fun instead of spending endless hours searching for the best Bluetooth speakers under 50 bucks.
Best Bluetooth speakers under $50 in 2021
One of the most distinctive features of the StormBox Micro is its ability to be easily mounted to bikes, backpacks, belts, or nearly anything else — get creative! The IP67 water and dust resistance mean you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain, and you can pair two of these speakers together for an immersive stereo effect. The only downside is that the StormBox Micro only has 8 hours of battery life — enough to cut some parties short. Sony also includes a strap connected to the speaker’s bottom if you want to throw it over your shoulder or attach it to a bag.
For example, there’s no dedicated app, meaning you’ll have to turn to your smartphone or tablet’s built-in audio tools if you want to adjust the EQ levels. The micro-USB charging port also feels a bit dated these days, but these are often the sacrifices you’ll have to make to hit such a low price.
Add an extra speaker for stereo sound Cons: Outdated micro-USB charging port Best value Sony SRS-XB01 Portable Speaker Big punch in a small package The SRS-XB01 has an awkward name, but you’ll remember it when you hear it for the first time.
The cylindrical design, combined with two drivers and 5 watts of power, makes for an impressive yet lightweight package. The last-gen Echo Dot gives users much to talk about while still having the ability to show off a bit when guests come over.
With Alexa built-in, you can control your smart home easily or get the answer to that question nagging at your friend during the party. The other big downside here is that the Echo Dot isn’t entirely portable since you need to keep it plugged in at all times.
If you like the Echo Dot’s voice control features, but you’d rather use Google Assistant, the Nest Mini is a great alternative. It puts out twice as much bass as its predecessor and features a touch-sensitive fabric cover that allows you to adjust volume with a quick tap. Like the Echo Dot, the Nest Mini must be plugged in at all times, so while it makes a great affordable smart speaker, it may not be the best mobile solution. Still, you can pair it to other Nest Minis for a stereo sound and use it to control the rest of your smart home without lifting a finger.
Compared to the Echo Dot, the biggest downside is that the Nest Mini doesn’t feature a headphone jack, meaning there’s no way to wire audio directly into the speaker. As you look at different Bluetooth speakers to consider, many of them have the same old design: cylinders that pump out music at varying rates, shapes, and sizes.
The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra changes that with its unique triangular design so that you can cover as much area as possible. Oontz also includes an IPX6 rating for splash resistance, but we wouldn’t recommend taking the Angle 3 Ultra for a dive. The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra is also a bit heavier than some of the other speakers on this list, so you may not want to carry it if you go for a hike. There is nothing wrong with a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t have a bunch of extra frills or a design that makes it stand out from the crowd. However, this speaker offers 24-hour battery life, which is among the leaders on this list, along with IPX7 water resistance and Bluetooth 5.0. Take all of this, combined with the 12 watts of power, and you have a tried-and-true speaker that will work for every situation.
Additionally, you likely won’t want to play this at max volume because the sound gets a bit distorted. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it’s perfect for a day at the beach or lake and even comes in handy during a quick shower. This speaker has a durable exterior coating and internal frame, so you can hook it to your bag or bike with its tear-resistant strap and not worry about it getting any bruises or bumps. It charges quickly through USB-C, but thankfully it has a 24-hour battery life so that you can listen to music throughout the weekend.
15 Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers Under $50 In 2021
You will find many great and affordable options on our list of 15 best cheap Bluetooth speakers under $50 in 2021. We are going to list all the equipment that comes with the speaker and give you some basic info on the speaker and driver size, the number of drivers, and list the important technical characteristics.
The second and third sections are basically pros and cons – we have listed all the things we liked but also all the flaws we noticed and all the issues we had.
You can see people using Bluetooth speakers literally everywhere – in a park, at the beach, in the gym, while hiking, cycling or walking, in the office, or at home. Most of them are quite small and lightweight (especially the cheap ones) and since they are battery-powered and wireless, you can take them with you wherever you go. So, if you need more freedom, if you like the concept of cable-free environment, and if you want something that you can take with you wherever you go, Bluetooth speakers are the right thing for you.
The range is usually around 30ft (under ideal conditions and without obstacles) which means that you shouldn’t go further than 15ft away from the speaker when there are walls or some other objects blocking the signal. Some cheap speakers can’t offer uninterrupted playback without signal loss even if your phone is only 5ft away from it. Bluetooth version also affects the battery life and the same rule applies here – newer versions have lower power consumption and enable longer playback time. Depending on the Bluetooth version, there will be more or less compression but if you compare two speakers from the same price range, and if one is wired and the other is wireless (Bluetooth), the wired speaker will deliver better sound quality in 9 out of 10 cases. Cheap Bluetooth speakers under $50 are usually small and can’t offer big room-filling sound. Unfortunately, you will hardly find a bigger speaker for that kind of money (unless you get some nice discount).
They can’t compete with popular branded speakers but they can offer more than satisfying build quality, great battery, and decent Bluetooth range. If you need some nice, portable, and cheap Bluetooth speaker that you can simply toss in your bag and bring with you to the beach, to the park, or to your office, you should check out our list of 15 best cheap Bluetooth speakers under $50 in 2021. The speaker is not waterproof or rugged, and it doesn’t support NFC pairing.
Inside the packaging, you will find your speaker, 3.5mm auxiliary cable, USB to micro USB charging cable, small carrying pouch (you have to pay additional $8 if you want sturdy carrying case), user manual, and 1-year warranty card. On the rear panel, you will find the on/off button, 3.5mm AUX input, micro SD card slot (you can use it to play the music from your SD card and to install firmware updates), micro USB charging port (with tiny LED indicating that the unit is charging or that it’s charged). It’s nothing flashy, but it’s simple and classy with smooth edges and matte finish. Backlit control buttons also look nice and stylish but maybe just a little bit too bright. DOSS Touch comes in 4 colors – black, blue, red, and white.
Front, back, left, and right panels are completely covered with strong and inflexible aluminum grille.
DOSS Touch is not really rugged and it is definitely not waterproof but it still offers great durability for the price. The signal was strong within the advertised range and we haven’t experienced connection issues. Stereo separation is quite poor and unimpressive (drivers are too close to each other).
When it comes to additional features, you will be happy to know that this speaker features micro-SD card slot that you can use to play the music from your micro-SD card or to perform firmware updates. The speaker doesn’t come with wall adapter and you have to use USB port on your computer or some powerbank for charging. You should also avoid direct exposure to the sun for longer periods of time. Some people might find annoying the fact that you have to press and hold the on/off button for about 2 seconds if you want to turn off the speaker.
Some people don’t like loud voice prompts but you can eliminate them by installing the firmware update. OontZ Angle 3 by Cambridge SoundWorks – IPX5 Splash-proof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The speaker features IPX5 water-resistant rating, it has decent battery life (up to 12 hours at 65% volume) and connection quality (30ft without obstacles). The sound is a bit tiny, but that’s expected considering the size of this thing. It also features IPX6 water resistant rating (instead of IPX5), longer range (up to 100ft) and Bluetooth 4.2. Front and back are covered with a strong aluminum grille and the sides and edges are rubberized. The speaker has simple but unusual and visually appealing triangular design. The drivers are protected with a metal grille and the left and right sides are rubberized.
Some customers complained about the micro USB port and you can read all about this issue in the next section. Connection quality is satisfying – the signal is stable within 30ft range (without obstacles). The speaker is compatible with all kinds of Bluetooth-enabled devices (iPhones, Android phones, laptops, PCs, etc.) Stereo separation doesn’t exist since the drivers are too close to each other but that’s the case with all small Bluetooth speakers. It’s usable in quiet environments (your office, home, or some other indoor space) but if there is too much noise around you, the person on the other end won’t hear you loud and clear. It can be used as a shower speaker and you can bring it with you to the beach but you have to be careful and try not to drop it in the water.
There are dedicated buttons on the upgraded version (Angle 3 ULTRA) we’ve mentioned earlier. A few customers even broke the plastic around the port while trying to connect the charging cable.
Anker Soundcore is another extremely popular small Bluetooth speaker. It’s maybe not the most durable or rugged speaker on the list but there are a lot of things to like about Anker Soundcore – it looks really nice, it features strong battery and Bluetooth 4.0 with 60ft range (without obstacles). It also delivers pretty good sound quality for its size and price (don’t raise your hopes too high – the sound won’t blow your mind but you can’t expect that for less than $30). The speaker is not waterproof nor splash-proof, so it’s not the best choice if you want something that you can take with you to the beach or to the pool.
Anker Soundcore comes in a nice little box with some important features listed on it. The front side is covered with an aluminum grille which protects the drivers. On the left side of the speaker, you will see an AUX input, micro USB charging port, a built-in mic, and a small LED charging indicator. This is not the most rugged cheap Bluetooth speaker on the market but considering the price, the build quality is satisfying.
The speaker is not waterproof, it doesn’t feature IPX rating, and it probably won’t survive light rain, so you should handle it with care. This speaker has a 4,400mAh battery and it can offer up to 24 hours of continuous playback at 70-80% volume which is quite amazing. Those previous two speakers on the list (Oontz Angle 3 and DOSS Touch) offer much better sound quality. Mids are nice and articulate but not detailed enough and highs lack some clarity.
The sound doesn’t get distorted at high volumes which is a good thing but have in mind that Soundcore is not as loud as other speakers on the list. The built-in mic is usable in a quiet environment but it becomes completely useless if there is too much noise around you. The speaker doesn’t feature track buttons (play next/previous song). Soundcore doesn’t feature IPX rating of any kind (it’s not even splash-proof) and it’s not a good choice if you need something that you can bring with you to the beach.
APIE Portable Wireless Outdoor IPX6 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Battery life is decent (but could be better) and sound quality is pretty good considering the fact that this is a small Bluetooth speaker. The speaker comes in a simple white cardboard box with all the important features listed on it. There are also a built-in mic and a small LED indicator on the top panel.
In the top right corner, there’s a metal carabiner (D type hook) that you can use to hang the speaker or attach it to your backpack. You will have to make some compromises (other characteristics are not equally impressive) but if you need your Bluetooth speaker to be rugged and durable, APIE is a great choice.
The connection is stable most of the time but we have experienced occasional signal dropouts. Compared to other cheap portable Bluetooth speakers (especially those under $30), APIE delivers a surprising amount of bass but those bass tones are not perfectly accurate and rich. Even if you are outdoors and there’s a lot of noise, you will be able to make/take a call, and the person on the other end will hear everything.
It won’t be loud and clear but the person on the other end will hear every word. Control buttons are unresponsive and it is sometimes necessary to press them harder to play/pause or adjust the volume. The buttons are definitely stiff and hard to press and it would be nice to see some improvements in that department.
AOMAIS Sport II Portable Wireless IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker AOMAIS Sport II is one the best cheap Bluetooth speakers for a reason. AOMAIS Sport II is very portable but not the smallest on this list, it has a decent battery life and great connection quality (thanks to Bluetooth 4.0). One of the great things about AOMAIS Sport II is the fact that you can chain two AOMAIS Sport II speakers and get a nice stereo sound, more loudness, and much better stereo separation.
We don’t like the fact that AOMAIS Sport II doesn’t float which means that you have to be careful and try not to drop it when you are around the pool because it will go straight to the bottom. If you like the design of AOMAIS Sport II, but you want something with better battery life and greater range, there’s an upgraded version called AOMAIS Sport II+ (20 hours of playback at moderate volume, 100ft range).
this one features only IPX4 rating (it’s splash-proof not waterproof) and it has smaller drivers but it can be a great choice if you need a shower speaker. There is a lot of rubber parts, the drivers are protected with an aluminum grille. This speaker can definitely survive heavy use during long periods of time.
Controls are simple, responsive, and easy to use but there are no dedicated track buttons (previous/next song).
Sound quality is more than satisfying for a portable cheap Bluetooth speaker but you really have to set reasonable expectations. You can’t get the perfect balance between lows, mids, and highs and mind-blowing bass for this kind of money.
You can even pair two AOMAIS Sport II speakers with one audio source and get even louder sound with much better stereo separation. The built-in mic works nicely in a quiet environment but it will be useless if there is too much noise around you.
The speaker features IPX7 waterproof rating but it doesn’t float and if you drop it in the pool it will go straight to the bottom. The Bluetooth version doesn’t affect the range or connection quality but it definitely increases power consumption (battery would be more durable if some newer Bluetooth version was used).
The drivers are on the front side and they are protected with an aluminum grille. AUX port, micro USB charging cable, and on/off switch are located on the rear panel.
The grille is made of aluminum but our general impression is that this speaker is not durable. It looks and feels fragile, it’s not shockproof, it doesn’t feature IPX rating, it’s not dustproof, and you should use it with care.
The speaker features Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) which is not the best choice.
This old Bluetooth version doesn’t affect the Bluetooth range (standard 33ft without obstacles, less than 15ft with obstacles) or the connection quality but it definitely affects the battery.
The unit is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices (iPhones, Android phones, PCs, laptops, etc.). If you want to connect some non-Bluetooth device (mp3 player or any other audio source) you can use the auxiliary cable that comes with the speaker.
Like most portable speakers on the market, AmazonSpeaker delivers tiny sound. The built-in mic works fine but it will be useless if you are in some noisy environment. It also features a newer Bluetooth version (4.0) and has some nice additional features like USB slot, micro SD card slot, and built-in FM tuner. Just like AmazonBasics (and many other speakers on the list), it features AUX input and handsfree function.
S1 is super-cheap and it offers decent performance for the money but there are many better choices on our list of 15 best cheap Bluetooth speakers under $50. Inside the box, you will find your speaker, USB to micro USB charging cable, AUX cable, user manual, and 2-year limited warranty (we were surprised by this kind of warranty – this little thing doesn’t look like it could last for more than a year).
But this is a much more fragile toy compared to AOMAIS Sport II. Flexible metal mesh covers the front panel while the rest of the speaker is made of plastic.
A small LED indicator is on the front panel, behind the mesh. The plastic is thin and it feels fragile, the mesh doesn’t seem strong. S1 doesn’t look like a durable product but this is the kind of build quality you get for such a low price. It also features AUX input so you can connect any non-Bluetooth audio source to the speaker.
The speaker also features micro-SD card slot and USB port that you can use to play the music directly from your micro-SD card or USB stick. On top of all that, there’s a built-in FM tuner so you can use the speaker to listen to the radio.
Just like all the other small speakers, S1 sounds tiny, there is practically no bass, mids are articulate, and highs are clear. This is not a huge deal breaker but dedicated buttons are a much better option.
Vtin reminds us of previously mentioned APIE Bluetooth speaker. There’s a lot to like about this speaker –design, portability, build quality (ruggedness, IPX4 waterproof rating), connectivity (Bluetooth + AUX), battery (up to 25 hours at 70% volume), and sound quality.
When it comes to downsides, we have to say that Vtin is not completely waterproof and shouldn’t be submerged in water. Along with the speaker, you will get one USB to micro USB charging cable, AUX cable, aluminum carabiner (D-ring), user manual, and 1-year warranty card. The manufacturer doesn’t offer info on Bluetooth version but you will get standard 30ft range without obstacles or 12-15ft if the signal has to go through walls. The signal is stable within this range and we haven’t experienced connection-related issues. The speaker will pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device (iPhone, Android phone, tablet, PC, etc.). If you don’t want to use Bluetooth or if you want to connect some non-Bluetooth audio source, you can use the AUX cable that comes with the speaker.
The Vtin portable speaker has a strong battery with a rated capacity of 4,400mAh. When it comes to sound quality, Vtin is definitely better than those cheaper options like AmazonBasics or ZoeTree S1 but it won’t deliver the same kind of quality as more expensive JBL or UE portable speakers.
The speaker can get really loud for its size which is a great thing since it’s designed for outdoor use. You will have to be a few feet away from the speaker and your voice won’t be loud and clear but the person on the other end will understand you.
You have two multifunction buttons that you can use to adjust the volume and to change tracks. This is not a huge deal breaker but two additional buttons would be a nice improvement.
It also offers decent connection quality and battery life. Inside the packaging, you will find your speaker (with undetachable aux cable), micro USB to USB charging cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty card.
On top of the Clip 2, there’s a metal carabiner which is really nice little detail and makes the speaker even more portable.
It features only one 40mm 3W driver (you shouldn’t expect incredibly loud sound or great bass response). Rugged waterproof fabric protects the driver while the rest of it is made of plastic and wrapped in silicone which gives it a nice grip. It is completely waterproof (IPX7 rating) and it floats which is a great feature in case you accidentally drop it into the pool.
It’s really simple to pair the speaker with your phone, control the playback, answer calls, etc. You have to use your phone or volume buttons on the speaker (press and hold) to change the track. The connection is stable within 10ft range and if you take your phone further away, you will definitely experience some signal loss. If you don’t want to use the Bluetooth connection or if you want to connect some non-Bluetooth device, you can use that permanently attached AUX cable wrapped around the speaker and use the Clip 2 as any other wired speaker.
JBL claims that you can get up to 8 hours of music playback (at unknown volume level). You can connect two JBL Clip 2 speakers together and get more loudness but they will not act as left and right channels (they will play the same audio track).
That undetachable AUX cable is an odd solution and we don’t like it. Photive Hydra Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with Enhanced Bass
Photive Hydra is another affordable, waterproof and shockproof speaker on this list.
It offers great connection quality and decent battery life. We didn’t like the fact that on/off button is located under the protective rubber cap and we have some concerns about micro USB charging port. Photive Hydra is one of our favorites when it comes to speakers under $40 and you won’t regret buying it, especially if your main concerns are ruggedness and overall build quality and if you are ready to make some compromises when it comes to sound quality.
If you need a strong, durable speaker that you can use on many occasions (indoors or outdoors), this is one of the best cheap choices. We haven’t experienced any connection-related issues with this speaker and we are quite happy with the connection quality. The speaker pairs in just a few seconds, it’s compatible with all kinds of Bluetooth-enabled devices and it can also be used in wired mode in case you want to connect some non-Bluetooth audio source (like an mp3 player). Hydra is poor when it comes to bass response and if you want something with a nice punch, look elsewhere. This speaker can deliver only upper-bass frequencies and it lacks some serious impact in the bass department. Mids are articulate and detailed and highs are pretty clear.
The built-in mic is usable if you are at your home, in your office or some other quiet place. If this plastic part break, the speaker will become useless since you won’t be able to charge it.
The second thing we didn’t like is the fact that the ON/OFF button is located under the rubber cap. We liked M90’s design and build quality (although it’s not as rugged as some smaller and cheaper speakers). The drivers on the front side are protected with a nice-looking aluminum grille. On the rear panel, you will see quite large passive bass radiator and a rubber flap near the bottom.
This flap protects the micro USB charging port and 3.5mm AUX input. If you like that boombox-like look and you don’t mind the bulkiness of M90, you will be quite impressed by the design of this speaker.
It is not as portable as some smaller speakers but if you want better sound quality and more bass, you will have to make some compromises. The speaker is covered with silicone and the drivers on the front side are protected with a strong aluminum grille.
The speaker is not fully waterproof (it’s not IPX7 rated) and it’s not supposed to be immersed in water. There is no info on the dustproof rating but the manufacturer claims that you can take it with you to the beach.
Compared to all the previously mentioned speakers, M90 offers much better sound quality with much more bass. The bass is present and quite punchy but it gets distorted and it can destroy the overall sound quality at high volumes (above 80-85%).
Still, we don’t recommend using the handsfree function in loud environments. Either remove the warning from the box or stop advertising your device as water resistant. M90 features Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) which is not the best possible choice. AUX input, micro USB charging port, and built-in mic are on the right panel and there is a carry strap hook on the left side of the speaker.
You can choose between black, blue, yellow, teal, gray, pink, orange, and red. You can’t really get extremely rugged waterproof branded speaker for that kind of money.
The driver is protected with a sturdy aluminum grille and all the buttons are rubberized.
Stereo separation doesn’t exist since there is only one driver inside (one channel).
The built-in mic works fine in quiet environments (you have to be no more than 4ft away from the speaker) but it becomes almost useless if there is too much noise around you. To be honest, this speaker is one of the quietest on the list, and it doesn’t really deliver great room-filling sound.
It’s good for small rooms or for office use but it’s not the greatest choice for outdoor use since it’s not that loud. We were not amazed by the sound quality, and we didn’t like the fact that there are no control buttons on the speaker.
Near the bottom, you will find one mini USB charging port and a MODE switch (you have to options – Bluetooth or AUX). The speaker is available in 6 colors – black, white, blue, purple, green, and gray. POP360 is completely made of plastic and then covered with a thin layer of rubber. It doesn’t look incredibly rugged or durable and you can definitely find something sturdier for a few bucks more but considering the price, the build quality is decent.
It’s compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices (iPhones, Android phones, PCs, etc.). The mids and highs are nicely balanced and quite clean at moderate volumes.
If you need something for outdoor use, this one is not the best option but if you need a small and portable speaker that you can use in your office, POP360 is a good choice.
The speaker is not waterproof or even splash-proof (no IPX rating) and it’s not shockproof, so you should handle it with care. We are quite happy with its battery life and connectivity (Bluetooth 4.0, AUX, micro-SD card slot, FM tuner). The sound is more than satisfying for the price and size (it’s not better than SONY XB10, but it’s pretty close). SoundCore mini also features a built-in mic and it’s compatible with Siri and Google Assistant. All the input ports (AUX input, charging port, micro-SD card slot) as well as mode button (for switching between AUX, Bluetooth, micro-SD card, and FM tuner), power switch, built-in mic, and LED battery indicator are on the back panel. Unlike many other cheap speakers on the list and on the market, this one is made of aluminum alloy and it looks really durable. The Bluetooth range is quite amazing – it’s almost 50ft without obstacles and it shortens to 20-30ft if there are walls and other objects. We haven’t experienced any signal loss or any other connection-related issue during our testing. So, if you need slightly better sound for the same price, you should buy one of those larger speakers but if you need something really small, portable, and cheap, the SoundCore mini is a great option.
This speaker can’t offer great loudness, but it can deliver a nicely balanced sound. The speaker features support for Siri and Google Assistant and you can use it to make calls. There are also some nice additional features like micro-SD card slot and FM tuner. Micro-SD card is useful while the FM tuner doesn’t work flawlessly. It has a nice and stylish design (reminds us of beats Pill), it’s very rugged and sturdy, it features IPX7 waterproof rating (it’s fully waterproof), connection quality and battery life are more than satisfying. The sound quality is great for the size and price, but don’t expect mind-blowing bass and incredible loudness.
On the front panel, you will see a strong aluminum grille with Tribit logo on it. This flap protects the AUX input and micro USB charging port.
The rest of the speaker is made of hard plastic and wrapped in silicone.
Sound quality is pretty impressive for the size and price of the speaker.
The built-in mic doesn’t offer incredible performance but it’s usable if you are no more than 5ft away from the speaker. The number of cheap Bluetooth speakers on the market is huge but not all of them offer decent performance and searching for the right one can be frustrating.
Before the end, let’s just go through some important things you should consider when buying a cheap Bluetooth speaker. What are the Most Important Things You Should Pay Attention to When Buying a Cheap Bluetooth Speaker?
We have made a list of things you should consider when buying a cheap Bluetooth speaker. This list is supposed to help you set reasonable expectations and get the best performance and quality for your money. We’ve already discussed the price at the beginning but it doesn’t hurt to repeat. For $50, you can buy something much stronger, with richer and punchier bass, and nicely balanced sound.
price – $130) offers up to 15 hours, the smallest UE speaker called WONDERBOOM (approx. price – $70) offers up to 10 hours, and JBL Flip 4 (approx. It’s probably not fair to compare more expensive speakers with cheap ones and the only idea is to help you understand what to expect regarding battery life. Well, the overall construction quality varies a lot depending on the price.
Those really cheap speakers (under $15) are usually made of thin plastic, they are fragile, and don’t look like they can withstand heavy use. The best thing you can do is to test the connection quality in a local audio store.
Technical specs are not always useful when it comes to cheap Bluetooth speakers but you should at least have some basic understanding of these characteristics. Frequency response – to put it simply, it tells you how high and how low the speaker can go. So, this info is not really useful unless the manufacturer gives you the frequency response curve which tells you if there is a nice balance between lows, mids, and highs. So, the frequency response will tell you if the speaker can produce deep bass and high-end tones but it won’t tell you if the sound is balanced or is there an emphasis on certain frequencies.
This feature is usually very easy to use but if the microphone quality is poor it can be pretty much useless. Some Bluetooth speakers feature 3.5mm AUX port and micro-SD card slots. So, if your mp3 player doesn’t feature Bluetooth, you can use that 3.5mm AUX port and if your phone battery dies, you can insert micro-SD card from your phone and play the music directly from the card.
The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers Under $50 of 2021
Last but definitely not least, the Anker SoundCore 2 has an IPX7 water-resistance rating, meaning it can sit in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes, and it’s capable of taking a dunk in the pool with no ill effects—exactly what you want here. RGB indicators on the front of the speaker show whether it’s powered on, ready for Bluetooth pairing, or running low on battery. But the best thing about the Sport II is that its larger size (about 9-inches wide) and familiar boombox shape help it to put out some really solid audio quality.
As mentioned, its IPX7 rating also keeps it safe from fresh water in virtually any scenario, just don’t let it soak for more than a few minutes.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser Testing involved some deep listening, but also just a lot of just hanging out with tons of speakers at home and outside. At home, I utilize guitar amplifiers, studio monitors for music mastering, and a sound “plate” for my TV.
While portable Bluetooth speakers are decidedly products meant mostly for fun—jamming out on the beach or keeping step to the rhythm on a hike or camping trip—we take testing fairly seriously. Every speaker on the list is tested for elements like water- and dust-proofing, battery life, general durability, sound quality, features, and compatibility. The best speakers are determined by a weighted rating system that takes things like cost, portability, features, and various aspects of sound quality into account. While this can include a very wide range of speaker types and price points, generally portable Bluetooth speakers fall between $30 and $200 in price and include a suite of key features like Bluetooth connectivity (duh), onboard volume adjustment, 3.5mm aux input, and often an accompanying app.
Features like water resistance, a rugged exterior, LED indicators, and bass boosting vary depending on the model—those kinds of things are usually what you’re paying more for. They’re loud enough to provide music for a small gathering or, at best, a decent-sized backyard get-together, but if you’re in the raucous throes of a party, most of these will be drowned out.
Because of the relatively low power of most of the speakers here, using them outside on a windy beach or hanging from your handlebars as you pedal through the woods may not always yield crystal clear audio. But you’ll know music is playing, and for some of our top choices, you’ll get powerful enough sound to fully enjoy it in virtually any environment.
Instead, engineers have capped the relative output to maintain clarity, which is a smart move both for your listening enjoyment and for the life of the soldered wires inside.
That said, in recent years compression techniques and advanced hardware engineering have pushed small speakers to great heights when it comes to power and clarity, even at top volume.
Most portable Bluetooth speakers these days are splash and/or water-resistant on top of being extra-rugged or capped with rubber components to help protect them from falls. One of the most popular Bluetooth speakers of all time, this affordable product may not have any overt quirks, gimmicks, or standout features, but it checks off all the basic boxes for a price that’s hard to argue with.
Available in black, blue, and red, the original SoundCore boasts 24 hours of battery life, a sturdy rectangular design, and big, easy-to-press buttons (although they can be a little hard to make out given that they’re identically colored with the rest of the chassis). Even when its sitting on its backside unclipped (which oriented the drivers skyward … not super ideal), it fills space and plays back cleanly without distortion. That said, the maximum volume isn’t much, and there’s also not a ton of bass, so if you’re going for sheer power, you may want to consider stepping up to the upgraded JBL Clip 4, or one of our other picks instead. At max volume, it puts out more sound than you might expect, and it’s perfect for shower tunes or taking podcasts on the road. The downward-firing bass speaker provides good warmth within the lower and midrange areas of the frequency spectrum. The XSound Go isn’t the biggest or the loudest option in the lineup, but considering the fact that there’s an upgraded “MaxSound Go,” you can find it on sale pretty readily.
The XSound Go is cool to the touch and features a braided wrist strap, though in our testing it seemed clear you wouldn’t want to get too rambunctious with it. This one’s inexpensive, but it feels sturdy and well made, featuring rounded black plastic and a logo-emblazoned speaker grill.
Because it’s one of the smaller speakers in the roundup, the Angle solo isn’t particularly loud or robust, but it’s designed well enough to deliver clean, distortion-free sound even at higher volumes. The Angle Solo isn’t big enough to fill a space with music (in fact, it’s small enough to have slots for attaching it to a keychain), but it’s a good choice for a desktop or picnic table situation.
Maybe not party-ready, but it can take on the weather with its IPX5 water resistance rating, and it could bring the funk to a more intimate gathering. While it’s not fully waterproof—and can’t be dunked—like most speakers these days, it offers IPX5 water resistance to allow you to leave it a heavy rain with no ill effects.
You can adjust the volume by running your finger clockwise or counter-clockwise around the blue circle on top of the Touch, and skip forward/backward through tracks with the arrow keys. On top of the weird announcer voice, its textured, hard plastic chassis makes it feel more like an ’80s action figure than a modern recreation product.
The Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $50
Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Amazon’s house brand AmazonBasics is a great source for budget audio gear, and its Water-Resistant Bluetooth Speaker is no different, It gets up to seven hours of battery life per charge, and the nine-watt dual driver audio system should provide quite the punch.
Amazon doesn’t say what version of Bluetooth this speaker supports, but it should be either 4.0 or 4.2 At just under one pound and 7 inches long, it’s in the middle of the pack in terms of size.
On the other hand, it doesn’t support multi-speaker pairing, so if you’re interested in making a larger wireless speaker system for a backyard party, this isn’t the right choice. AmazonBasics’ Bluetooth speaker is a great choice for discerning music listeners who don’t need a lot of flashy extras.
It also features a microphone for taking voice calls, and has earned an IP67 durability rating, which means it’s dustproof, and waterproof enough to be held under 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. Braven’s BRV series of speakers have punched above their class when it comes to sound quality and additional feature, its 360 model continues that trend.
This speaker gets its name from the audio gear inside: It has a pair of dual passive radiators that send sound in all directions, so you don’t need to be in front of it when listening.
This speaker’s only real downside is that it doesn’t support multi-speaker pairing, so you can’t create a large, totally wireless audio system. If you need a durable Bluetooth speaker that can charge your devices in case of emergency, and don’t mind it being a little heavier, the BRV-360 is the right choice. Harman Kardon is known for its premium, expensive audio gear, but its Neo proves it can be competitive in the sub-$50 Bluetooth speaker category.
You shouldn’t expect it to fill a large living room with sound, but it’s perfect for a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. It’s surprising that such a premium speaker is available in this price range, but Harman Kardon’s Neo checks all the right boxes without requiring you to break the bank.
Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers 2021: Budget Wireless Speakers
Cheap Bluetooth speakers are one of the best affordable pieces of technology you can get, giving you a quick and easy upgrade to the sound on your phone, laptop or various other things. Luckily, there are loads out there that don’t cost the earth and still provide a decent amount of boom – and they’re not all unknown brands.
It doesn’t quite manage to get under the £50 mark but the EarFun Uboom is worth the money, offering all the key things we look for in a cheap Bluetooth speaker. There might not be aptX and AAC codecs but sound quality is good and like the UE Wonderboom 2, there’s a dedicated outdoor mode.
Furthermore, latency is low making it suitable for video, there’s a microphone so for hands-free calls and you can create a stereo pair if you buy two. For the money sound quality is outstanding, benefiting from Tronsmart’s own SoundPulse algorithm and a dual-passive radiator to deliver balanced and clearly defined audio, with no sign of distortion.
And getting audio to the speaker couldn’t be easier, with support for microSD, USB flash drives and Bluetooth streaming. We like the compact design which means the Play is super portable and is even IPX7 waterproof, which isn’t a given at this price point – the mesh just takes a while to dry out.
Creative offers decent punchy sound for not much money here thanks to a pair of full-range drivers and a couple of passive bass radiators. Although the speaker is suited well to a lot of music and podcasts, it does struggle a little bit at the bass end, only able to reach down to 70Hz – when human hearing goes to 20Hz. Though the Tribit StormBox Micro comes in at a low price and a small size, it still produces a very admirable sound quality – especially when it comes to bass-levels. Its portable design means that it can fit in the palm of your hand with ease, and the fixed strap is also handy for attaching it to your bike should you wish.
The sound quality is loud enough to fill a room, though if you’re hosting a large gathering we’d recommend purchasing two of these to use in stereo mode. Most of the Bluetooth speakers we test at Tech Advisor are portable but the Edifier D12 is an interesting option if you have a shelf or desk space in mind. Sound quality is good but there’s no stereo field and the speaker can’t automatically switch between different paired Bluetooth devices.
With a lithium-ion battery inside, the Lava BrightSounds 2 Bluetooth speaker and smart lamp can offer a whopping 36 hours of music playback.
Despite the budget price tag, we had the Lava BrightSounds 2’s 5W ultra-wide stereo speaker on full-blast and didn’t hear a hint of distortion. It’s loud enough to fill a room with sound, and for a budget Bluetooth speaker, audio quality is more than acceptable with decent bass and a clear mid-range, although there’s a slight compromise at the top-end. 9 Tronsmart Force – Best Connectivity Pros Waterproof Digital assistant support Long battery live The Tronsmart Force is a Bluetooth speaker built for the outdoors, sporting a robust design with a shockproof grippy rubber surround and a black metal grille on the front and rear.
The outdoors-y design doesn’t mean it skimps on smarts though; you can access Siri or Google Assistant, and there’s a number of ways to connect too. Alongside Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC support, the speaker sports a 3.5mm jack for non-Bluetooth devices and a microSD card slot for standalone music playback. While the tone goes on the sharper side when the volume is blasted, this doesn’t make for an unpleasant listening experience, especially when the music is mostly for ambient purposes. The Diggit is ideal for outdoor gatherings, like barbecues and picnics; though it’s versatile enough to be used for indoor shindigs too, like in a dorm or living room.
Also, it’s worth keeping an eye out for speakers that double up as portable battery chargers, as it’ll probably come in handy when using your smartphone to play music. Traditionally, using a Bluetooth connection (5.0 is the latest version) will give you a 10m range, which means that you’ll only be able to play music from a speaker in the same room as you – any further and you’ll probably experience the audio cutting out. While it doesn’t need an IPX7 rating to be used outside, it’s always a good idea to have some kind of protection against spills, rain, and general damage or you’ll quickly find yourself buying another! A Bluetooth speaker should provide you with multiple days of moderate usage, while it must be durable enough to be thrown in a bag or on the ground without too many issues.
Be First to Comment