May 09, 2023

top bluetooth speakers

I researched the top Bluetooth speakers under $100 by examining various sources, including expert review websites and a Reddit discussion thread. The sources I consulted were [SoundGuys](https://www.soundguys.com/best-bluetooth-speakers-100-4700/), [Rtings](https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/best/by-price/bluetooth-under-100), [Tom's Guide](https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-cheap-bluetooth-speakers), [What Hi-Fi?](https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-bluetooth-speakers-under-dollar100), [Android Central](https://www.androidcentral.com/best-bluetooth-speakers-under-100), a [Reddit discussion](https://reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/kqcgcc/best_bluetooth_speaker_around_100/), and [PCMag](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-bluetooth-speakers-under-100). There was a general consensus on some of the top options, such as the JBL Flip 5, Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM series, and Anker Soundcore series. However, there were also some differing opinions and unique recommendations from each source.

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JBL Flip 5

JBL Flip 5

The JBL Flip 5 is often recommended as the best Bluetooth speaker under $100, offering improvements over its predecessor, the JBL Flip 4, in areas like battery life, durability, and bass response. Some of its advantages include a USB-C charging input, an IPX7 rating for water resistance, and a passive bass radiator system. However, it does not have a microphone input or the best high-quality Bluetooth codec support.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Series
Anker Soundcore Series

Anker Soundcore Series

The Anker Soundcore series, including the Soundcore Flare 2 and Soundcore Mini 3, is another popular recommendation. The Soundcore Flare 2 offers a customizable equalizer, a cylindrical design with RGB lights, and an IPX7 rating for water resistance. The Soundcore Mini 3 is praised for its tunable audio performance and waterproof build quality at a price under $50.
Sony SRS-XB13
Tribit StormBox Micro 2 and Tribit XSound Go

Tribit StormBox Micro 2 and Tribit XSound Go

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a fully waterproof, durable speaker with powerful audio quality but may distort on some tracks. The Tribit XSound Go delivers strong audio quality for its size, a fully waterproof design, and poor speakerphone clarity.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

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Research

"https://www.androidcentral.com/best-bluetooth-speakers-under-100"

  • List of “Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $100 in 2023”
  • Picks and brief descriptions of each speaker:
    • Tribit XSound Mega:
      • 30W bass-heavy drivers with ring lights;
      • Excellent sound quality
      • 20 hours of music on a single charge
      • Portable 8,000mAh battery
      • Hardware button on the top to switch between the three different EQ modes
      • App with in-app equalizer
      • IPX7 water resistance
      • Strap and cables included
      • Heavier than it looks and doesn’t offer 360-degree sound
    • Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3:
      • IP67 water and dust resistance
      • 14 hours of battery life
      • Multi-directional sound, and easy to pair two speakers together
      • Water-resistant, floats in water
      • Made from a “two-tone fabric” that’s 30% recycled plastic
      • micro-USB charging
      • No adjustable EQ and no Party Up feature
      • Sound quality and outdated micro-USB port are its Achilles heel
    • Sony SRS-XB23:
      • Lightweight and compact design
      • IP67 water and dust resistance
      • Stereo pairing, speakerphone feature, and 12-hour battery life
      • Front-firing speaker system, producing better sound quality with “X-Balanced Speaker Unit”
      • Five colors available: Black, Coral Red, Light Blue, Olive Green, and Taupe
      • No companion app
      • Doesn’t offer 360-degree audio or Google Assistant
    • JBL Flip 6:
      • Rugged design with IP67 water and dust resistance
      • 30W drivers, 12 hours of playback with USB-C Quick Charge
      • Google Assistant integration
      • Can connect to multiple devices simultaneously
      • Bluetooth speaker’s oblong shape can make it hard to carry around
      • Weighs around 600 grams, with no audio input port
    • Tronsmart Bang Mini:
      • 50W of sound with dual woofers, dual mid tweeters, and three passive radiators
      • IPX6 splashproof rating, two customizable LED modes
      • Bluetooth 5.3, microSD card, and AUX connectivity
      • Built-in handle and floatable design
      • Can only pair a maximum of two speakers
      • “Breathing”

"Best Bluetooth Speaker around 100$"

  • URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/kqcgcc/best_bluetooth_speaker_around_100/
  • Thread Title: Best Bluetooth Speaker around 100$ - 2 years ago
  • Subreddit: r/Bluetooth_Speakers
  • Thread Upvotes: 6 points
  • Thread Date: 2 years ago
  • Comments:
    • Comment 1: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 8 karma
      • Recommends the Soundcore Motion+ speaker.
      • Provides a link to the Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker on Amazon.
    • Comment 2: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 3 karma
      • Recommends against Flip 4 and encourages the Soundcore Motion+ as the best option for around $100.
      • Provides links to the Doss Soundbox XL and Bugani M83 speakers on Amazon as alternatives.
    • Comment 3: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Asks about the Soundcore Motion Boom versus the Soundcore Motion+ for use while skating.
    • Comment 4: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Recommends the headphones subreddit for advice on using headphones while skating.
    • Comment 5: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Recommends noise-cancelling headphones with an ambient noise mode to hear traffic while skating.
      • Provides a link to headphonesaddict.com for reviews on ambient noise headphones.
      • Provides a link to shoulder headphones for those with sensitivity to outside noise.
    • Comment 6: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 2 karma
      • Recommends the Sony XB-43 as a good-sounding refurbished speaker available on eBay for around $120.
    • Comment 7: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Decides to go with the Soundcore Motion+ based on others’ recommendations.
    • Comment 8: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Asks about others’ experiences with the Soundcore Motion+.
    • Comment 9: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes: 1 karma
      • Recommends the Soundcore Motion+ as a great speaker for $100 with omnidirectional sound and decent crispness.
    • Comment 10: Posted by a reddit user, Upvotes:

"https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/best/by-price/bluetooth-under-100"

  • Bluetooth speakers offer a wireless way to listen to audio from mobile devices without relying on an internet connection. They’re more portable than Wi-Fi compatible speakers.
  • There are many quality budget Bluetooth speakers available in the market, and W reviews the top 4 Bluetooth speakers under $100 for Spring 2023.
  • The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best Bluetooth speaker under $100 on W. It’s portable, waterproof, has a 22+ hour battery life, and good sound quality.
    • The speaker is lightweight and comes with a strap that can be attached to bags.
    • With an IP67 rating, it’s certified to be dust-tight and immersible in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
    • It can float in water too.
    • The speaker reproduces voices and lead instruments accurately, making it suitable for a wide range of genres and audiobooks and podcast listening.
    • The speaker may lack some low-bass sounds but has a suitable audio quality for its price.
  • The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a customizable Bluetooth speaker under $100, with an equalizer available in the Soundcore app to modify its sound output across the range.
    • The app offers different preset modes, like Default, Voice, Chill, and Flat.
    • The speaker has a cylindrical design with RGB lights around its rim. The colors and patterns of the lights can be customized in the app.
    • The speaker is portable and lightweight, with an IPX7 rating for water resistance, but its 8-hour battery life and max volume are slightly lower compared to the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3.
  • The Sony SRS-XB13 is a mini Bluetooth speaker under $100 that’s compact and easy to carry.
    • It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and can easily fit into a bag, with a built-in hook for attaching to bags or other objects.
    • The speaker reproduces voices and lead instruments accurately, with a little extra boom in the bass suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop.
    • It has a battery life of over 11 hours off a single charge.
    • The speaker has no customization options, and it doesn’t get as loud as some of the larger models on the list, nor does it bring as much low-bass.
  • The Amazon Echo Gen 4 is the best smart Bluetooth speaker under $100 on W and has built-in Alexa, making it great for

"https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-bluetooth-speakers-under-100"

  • Six best Bluetooth speakers under $100 have been recommended based on their features, including Amazon Echo (4th gen), Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen), Anker Soundcore Mini 3, JBL Go 3, Sony SRS-XB13, Tribit StormBox Micro 2, and Tribit XSound Go.
  • Amazon Echo (4th gen) has a smart home hub, strong bass, and powerful sound, but its high frequencies lack finesse.
  • Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) comes with weather information by displaying song titles and has well-balanced sound quality, but lacks a 3.5 mm jack.
  • Anker Soundcore Mini 3 provides tunable audio performance and waterproof build quality under $50.
  • JBL Go 3 delivers powerful audio performance in a highly portable waterproof design, despite some limited controls and weak battery life.
  • Sony SRS-XB13 has a waterproof and sturdy build, but may distort at high volume levels.
  • Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is fully waterproof and durable with powerful audio quality but may distort on some tracks.
  • Tribit XSound Go delivers strong audio quality for its size and has a fully waterproof design, though poor speakerphone clarity.
  • The buying guide covers various issues with Bluetooth speakers such as bass quality and battery life.
  • Passive radiators, which work sympathetically with the output of the drivers to develop a greater sense of bass, are used in the speakers to extend the sense of the lows without requiring more power.
  • Mono and stereo speakers are discussed where stereo speakers do not provide much real separation, and many manufacturers are focused on delivering a passive radiator effect instead.
  • The battery range for most portable speakers is 8 to 12 hours with the best figure listed in the specs on a manufacturer’s website.
  • IP rating is discussed where various levels of IP ratings are given depending on the speaker’s capacity to handle immersion in water or solid matter, and the “X” in the rating refers to no testing against solids.
  • The webpage also lists some advantages and disadvantages of each speaker and what to consider when selecting a Bluetooth speaker.

"https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-cheap-bluetooth-speakers"

  • The webpage lists the best Bluetooth speakers in 2023 that are affordable, with top-tier wireless audio at a bargain price.
  • The website provides the Anker Soundcore 3, as the best value cheap Bluetooth speaker, with dual tweeter drivers and central mid/bass woofer allied to a passive bass driver, for loud and well-balanced sound, waterproof design, and up to 24 hours of battery life.
  • UE Wonderboom 3 is the most well-rounded Bluetooth speaker under $100, of compact design, waterproof, 14 hours of battery life, and with balanced sound that can be paired with additional UE speakers for stereo sound.
  • The JBL Clip 2 portable speaker comes with strong audio performance, with impressive treble, midrange, bass, and waterproof exterior (IPX7). The attachable carabiner makes the speaker easy to carry around, but charging with Micro-USB is rather outdated.
  • The JBL Go 3 is the most affordable waterproof Bluetooth speaker, with a price tag of under $50, and it’s highly portable, water- and dust-proof to the IP67 standard, of Bluetooth 5.1 that’s solid and dependable. The device has a 5-hour battery life and good rather than great sound quality.
  • The Tribit StormBox Micro is the best cheap Bluetooth speaker for portability, pushing $50, with an ultra-compact size, fully waterproof in depths up to 1 meter, and protected against dust and dirt. It’s also easy to carry and sounds great, producing clear vocals, and some surprisingly strong bass. The battery lasts up to 8 hours.
  • The website explains what to consider before buying cheap speakers. One consideration is the balance between price, sound quality, size, and features. It advises opting for light, waterproof, and loud speakers that can be heard over environmental noise if one will want to take the speaker with them on hikes or to the pool.
  • Bluetooth range is another consideration. Buyers should pay attention to the wireless range — some of these speakers will stay connected 100 feet from the audio source, while others are good for only 33 feet.
  • Pricing considerations: Generally, the less one spends on a Bluetooth speaker, the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Big-name brands will always command a bit extra, but going for a budget option isn’t always the best choice.
  • The website explains how they test the best cheap Bluetooth speakers. They test each speaker using songs from different genres, including rock

"https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-bluetooth-speakers-under-dollar100"

  • What Hi-Fi? has compiled a list of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100
  • Includes a buying guide on how to choose the best Bluetooth speaker under $100 that can be either portable or plug into mains
  • Additional features to consider, such as microphones and virtual assistants
  • The JBL Flip 5 is recommended as the best Bluetooth speaker that sounds good for the money and sets the standard for sound quality in this price range, including solid bass and timing and great sense of acoustics with 20W of power, IPX7 waterproof rating, Bluetooth v4.2, PartyBoost for multiple connections to PartBoost enabled JBL speakers, and USB-C charger. Reasons to avoid include no aux-in or microphone, not Connect+ compatible, and basic app
  • The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is recommended as the best solid all-rounder Bluetooth speaker under $100 with connectivity via Bluetooth, 13 hours of battery life, IP67 waterproof rating, and decent bass. Reasons to avoid include no Wi-Fi or smart assistant built-in and no mic for hands-free calls
  • The Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro is recommended as a pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker that’s serious about sound with dimensions of 9.8 x 9.8 x 3.5cm, 9W of power, water/dustproof, Bluetooth 5.0, stereo-pairing mode, and USB-C charger. Reasons to avoid include short battery life
  • The Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) is recommended as the most compelling and affordable case for choosing Alexa with dimensions of 10 x 10 x 8.9cm, 15W of power, Alexa inbuilt, Bluetooth, music over Wi-Fi, and 3.5 mm stereo connection. Reasons to avoid include no JBL Connect support and fussy over placement.
  • The Google Nest Hub (2nd Generation) is recommended as an option offering smarts, sound, and a screen at a budget price with a virtual assistant of Google Assistant (Chromecast built-in), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, outputs of 3.5mm, Google smarts, a 7-inch screen, and Sleep Sensing tech. Reasons to avoid include making calls requiring an app and basic sound
  • The JBL Go 3 is recommended as JBL’s newest soap-sized speaker that sounds good but has poor battery life and not very durable finish. Specifications include dimensions of 8.8 x 7.5 x 4

"https://www.soundguys.com/best-bluetooth-speakers-100-4700/"

  • Presents a list of the top Bluetooth speakers under $100 with a brief review of each product, including the JBL Flip 5, Bose Soundlink Micro, UE WONDERBOOM 2, Amazon Echo (4th Gen), Anker Soundcore Flare 2, and JBL Clip 4
  • Advises that Bluetooth speakers under $100 need to be of a certain level of durability and quality to justify the investment
  • The JBL Flip 5 is the best Bluetooth speaker under $100 according to the author’s review, being similar but improving a few key areas to its predecessor, the JBL Flip 4, such as including a USB-C charging input, better battery life, an IPX7 rating and a passive bass radiator system that improves bass response; it however does not have a microphone input or the best high-quality Bluetooth codec support
  • The Bose Soundlink Micro is suitable for people who tend to be a little rougher on their devices, as it is waterproof with an IPX7 build that makes it hard to scratch or break, and has a silicone strap that lets you attach it to a variety of surfaces; it has about four hours of battery life, weighs about 289g and doesn’t sound amazing, but it’s not meant to sound like a bigger speaker
  • The UE WONDERBOOM 2 is one of the most durable portable speakers under $100 on the market and is a great option for anyone looking for outdoor use, featuring even longer battery life and increased bass compared to its predecessor, the UE WONDERBOOM; it is dust and water-resistant with an IP67 rating and can now handle splashes of water while being drop-proof tested from five feet; it is virtually identical in design to its predecessor and has an elastic loop that you can hang it from
  • The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the latest and greatest edition of Amazon’s Alexa smart speaker, which is not portable and only operates over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; it has Alexa assistance and can be customized using the Alexa app, is compatible with many music streaming services and smart home systems and features improved sound quality thanks to its tweeters and large woofer; it however requires being connected to your home’s Wi-Fi to access the Alexa assistant and its other settings which might not be convenient for those on the go
  • The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is considered a high-value product with decent sound quality, having new drivers that result in even louder bass and improved treble reproduction along with custom

💭  Looking into

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