May 14, 2023

top bluetooth speakers

I researched various sources, including tech websites like TechRadar, SoundGuys, PCMag, and Popular Science, as well as a Reddit post on the best Bluetooth speakers. There was a general consensus on certain speakers, such as the Sonos Roam, Amazon Echo (4th Gen), and JBL Flip 5, being top contenders. The sources were directly related to the query and provided in-depth information on various Bluetooth speakers. Based on this research, I am confident in presenting the top recommendations.

Words

593

Time

4m 46s

Contributors

121

Words read

38.5k


Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.

Sonos Roam

Sonos Roam

The Sonos Roam is considered the best Bluetooth speaker for most people. It features a 10-hour battery life, wireless range of 40m - 240m, frequency response of up to 5kHz, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 connectivity, and weighs 0.95 pounds. The Roam is praised for its powerful audio performance, tough and portable design, and seamless integration with a Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it is easy to pair with smartphones and functions as a portable speaker, or as part of a wider multi-room Sonos system with built-in Google Assistant and Alexa capabilities when on Wi-Fi.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best cheap Bluetooth speaker. It weighs 0.69 pounds, has a battery life of 12 hours, wireless range of 36m, frequency response of 70Hz-20kHz, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. This compact speaker delivers great sound quality for the size and includes the added feature of charging one's phone.
JBL Flip 5

JBL Flip 5

The JBL Flip 5 is the best Bluetooth speaker under $100. It retails for $99.99, is available in various colors, and offers improved battery life of up to 9.5 hours with a USB-C charging port. The Flip 5 has an IPX7 water-resistant rating and a rugged design. However, it lacks sub-bass audio .
UE WONDERBOOM 2

UE WONDERBOOM 2

The UE WONDERBOOM 2 is the best waterproof speaker under $100. It has a 13-hour battery life and an IP67 dust and water-resistant design. You can pair two WONDERBOOM 2 speakers together for stereo output, and it has an Outdoor Boost feature to boost the speaker's maximum output.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the best smart Bluetooth speaker under $100. It features hands-free control for smart home devices, compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, and a built-in ZigBee hub.
Anker Soundcore Mini 3

Anker Soundcore Mini 3

The Anker Soundcore Mini 3 is a waterproof speaker with tunable audio, clear mics, adjustable EQ, and quality audio performance for the size, delivering crisp audio under $50.
JBL Go 3

JBL Go 3

The JBL Go 3 is a waterproof, compact speaker that delivers rich, crisp, and relatively powerful audio for its size. It weighs 1.2 pounds, has a battery life of 12 hours, frequency response of 63Hz - 20kHz, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
Sony SRS-XB13

Sony SRS-XB13

The Sony SRS-XB13 has an outdoor-friendly and waterproof build with clips that cause speaker movement on flat surfaces. It weighs 1.2 pounds, has a battery life of 24 hours, wireless range of 10m, frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz, and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity.
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is the best portable speaker in the mid-range. It is easy to bring on the go and can be attached to bags or carried in one hand. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it great for use near bodies of water.
Anker Soundcore Motion+

Anker Soundcore Motion+

The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is the best lower mid-range portable speaker. It has a small and lightweight design, an IPX7 rating for water resistance, and offers versatile performance.

Jump to top

Research

"https://www.techradar.com/news/audio/portable-audio/10-best-portable-speakers-1069079"

  • The webpage provides a list of the best Bluetooth speakers as of May 2023.
  • The best Bluetooth speaker for most people is the Sonos Roam, with a weight of 0.95 pounds, battery life of 10 hours, wireless range of 40m - 240m, frequency response of up to 5kHz, connectivity of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, one tweeter and one mid-woofer driver, NFC capability, and USB-C charging capability. This speaker is praised for its powerful audio performance, tough and portable design, and seamless integration with a Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors. Its bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while it is cleverly equipped with an Automatic Switching feature. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it is easy to pair with smartphones and functions as a portable speaker, or as part of a wider multi-room Sonos system with built-in Google Assistant and Alexa capabilities when on Wi-Fi.
  • The best cheap Bluetooth speaker is the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, with a weight of 0.69 pounds, battery life of 12 hours, wireless range of 36m, frequency response of 70Hz-20kHz, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and one driver. This compact speaker delivers great sound quality for the size, and includes the added feature of charging one’s phone.
  • The JBL Flip 6 is the best no-frills Bluetooth speaker for a good price, weighing 1.2 pounds, having a battery life of 12 hours, frequency response of 63Hz - 20kHz, connectivity of Bluetooth 5.1, and having a 16mm dome tweeter, 45x80mm bass driver, and two passive radiators. This speaker has a well-balanced, bassy sound, and is easy to use, but lacks charging port options and a voice assistant.
  • The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 is the best small portable speaker for audiophiles, weighing 1.2 pounds, having a battery life of 24 hours, wireless range of 30m, frequency response of 55 - 20,000 Hz, Bluetooth connectivity, and functioning without a specified driver. The speaker provides crisp sound quality, a tough but lightweight design, and high level of portability. It includes Alexa support without Wi-Fi connectivity, but its buttons are tricky to find.
  • The Tribit Stormbox Blast is the best Bluetooth speaker for room-filling sound

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

  • Inexpensive Bluetooth speakers can be hit or miss
  • If you know what to look for, you won’t have any trouble selecting the best Bluetooth speakers under $100
  • Provides a list of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 for 2023: Amazon Echo (4th Gen.), UE Wonderboom 2, Sony SRS-XB23, JBL Clip 4, EarFun UBOOM L, and Anker Soundcore Flare 2
  • Each speaker listed includes its specs, pros, and cons
  • Made the list based on a selection process that involved listening to personal favorites, examining technical specs, and analyzing user reviews
  • The list focuses on sound quality, battery life, and connectivity to ensure that affordable options provide an exceptional listening experience
  • Sound quality is a critical consideration when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker
  • Bluetooth speakers aren’t necessarily known for high-quality sound reproduction
  • Consider the size, decibels, and frequency response of a speaker
  • Larger speakers are generally better equipped to maintain distortion-free audio at high volume
  • Consider a speaker that can bump solid bass, maintain clarity, and support different genres and instruments
  • Battery life is an important factor when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker
  • Look for a speaker with a battery that lasts at least 10 hours
  • Many speakers under $100 can last between 10 and 20 hours without a charge
  • Some Bluetooth speakers allow you to keep playing music while charging
  • Size and portability should be considered when selecting a Bluetooth speaker
  • Larger speakers have better sound quality, while smaller models are better for outdoor activities or easy transportation
  • Look for a lightweight model with a built-in strap for easy outdoor listening
  • Connectivity is critical when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker
  • Ensure that the speaker supports the most recent version of Bluetooth
  • A Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2 speaker will offer a more stable connection that enables brand-specific features
  • Look for a speaker with at least a 25-foot Bluetooth range
  • IP rating indicates how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water
  • An IP67 speaker can keep out most dust and dirt particles and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
  • Bluetooth speakers under $100 also offered additional features such as stereo pairing, voice assistant compatibility, and waterproof ratings.
  • A detailed explanation is provided for what to consider before buying Bluetooth speakers under $100
  • A section is dedicated to giving tips on what you need

"https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/best/portable"

  • The webpage has a list of six portable and small Bluetooth speakers that have been tested by the author, and the author provides their recommendations.
  • Each speaker is described along with its battery life, speakerphone capabilities, voice assistant features, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of a good battery life and water resistance to make the speakers durable and suitable for outdoor use.
  • The Sonos Move is the best portable Bluetooth speaker according to the author. The speaker is versatile and can be used at home or in the backyard. Its built-in handle makes it easy to carry, and its IP56 rating for dust and water resistance makes it durable.
  • The second-best portable speaker is Sony SRS-XG300, which is more affordable and comes with an impressive sound quality suitable for different music genres. It is lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry around. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it viable for outdoor activities.
  • The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is the best portable speaker in the mid-range, which is easy to bring on the go and can be attached to bags or carried in one hand. It’s IP67 rating for dust and water resistance makes it great for using near bodies of water, for example, by the pool, river, or lake.
  • The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is the best lower mid-range portable speaker, with a small and lightweight design that is easy to carry around. It has an IPX7 rating for water resistance, which means it can be submerged in a meter of water for up to thirty minutes.
  • The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best portable speaker in the budget range suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is small and lightweight, and since it can float on water, it is viable for use in pools or the beach.
  • The JBL Boombox 3 is the best portable speaker for bass, with a sleek boombox-like design and a 30-hour battery life. The low-bass is deep and rumbling and can be customized using its app with a 3-band graphic EQ.
  • The webpage provides recent updates, including minor text updates and additions to the list of recommended Bluetooth speakers.

Overall, the webpage contains an up-to-date list of portable Bluetooth speakers that have been tested by the author, each with its characteristics reviewed and rated by their importance. It discusses the specific features and capabilities of the best-rated speakers, which includes waterproof and loud speakers made for

"[GUIDE] Best PARTY Bluetooth speakers MEGALIST"

  • The webpage provides an extensive list of some of the best party Bluetooth speakers available in the market
  • The speakers are categorized into different groups based on their feature and performance
  • The first category is for the most portable speakers, which includes Minirig 3 and Minirig Sub3 with 40w RMS each speaker and ~100dB max SPL per driver.
  • The author highly recommends Minirig 3 and Minirig Sub3 with L/R stereo separation, which provides better sound quality
  • The second category is for balanced portable Bluetooth speakers, which includes HK Audio Premium Pro Move 8 with ~123dB max SPL.
  • Bose S1 Pro is the best option in the third category - the lightweight speaker for busking and parties with a frequency response of ~103dB.
  • JBL Partybox 300 and 310 are declared most suitable for the mid-size Bluetooth party speakers with 2 x 6.5″ woofer, 3 x 2.5″ driver, and ~120w RMS output
  • Teufel Rockster Air is the best portable Bluetooth speaker for techno & 4/4 music with SPL and bass response.
  • The last category is for the most powerful portable speakers, which includes Soundboks (gen 3) with ~126dB max SPL.
  • Teufel Rockster is declared as the absolute best sounding and loudest portable speaker, while dB Technologies B-Hype Mobile BT is considered the best solo musician battery-powered PA system.
  • JBL Eon One MK2 got the tag for the best line array battery-powered PA system.
  • The webpage also emphasized that audio comes in the way of vibrations passing through air, and the bigger the speaker/enclosure, the more intense vibrations/air it can move and with less power.
  • The author recommended reading the list on the Canadianomad.com webpage and also added that the list is updated.
  • Paid product placements did not affect the selection of the speakers on the list, and the author spent a long time on sound testing and in-person testing before selecting these speakers.
  • The website provides a copypasta of the author’s personal blog post, and the website also has many photos and videos of the speakers listed in the article.
  • The authors recommend choosing sound quality and performance over budget while buying a party speaker.
  • The webpage contains tables of contents for each speaker category, making it easier to navigate the list and find suitable speakers.

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

  • JBL Flip 5 is the best Bluetooth speaker under $100:
    • Retails for $99.99 and is available in a variety of colors
    • Offers improved battery life of up to 9.5 hours, and uses USB-C charging port
    • IPX7 water-resistant rating, rugged design
    • Audio lacks sub-bass
  • Bose SoundLink Micro is a durable speaker:
    • Features IPX7 water-resistance, rubberized exterior, and weighs 289g
    • Loops onto anything with its loop strap and is easy to carry
    • Offers about four hours of battery life but can be charged quickly
    • Suitable for people who want to take their device for outdoor activities
  • UE WONDERBOOM 2 is the best waterproof speaker under $100:
    • Can last up to 13 hours and has an IP67 dust and water-resistant design
    • You can pair two WONDERBOOM 2 speakers together for stereo output
    • It has similar design to its predecessor, with an elastic loop hang design
    • Has Outdoor Boost feature to boost speaker’s maximum output
  • Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the best smart Bluetooth speaker under $100:
    • The speaker is diffused in all directions with Dolby processing and saves energy in the process
    • Features hands-free control for smart home devices, like turning on the lamp or thermostat
    • Compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music
    • Has a built-in ZigBee hub to keep all your devices in sync
  • Anker Soundcore Flare 2 offers high-quality sound:
    • Features improved bass and treble reproduction with new drivers
    • Offers custom EQ settings through the Soundcore app and has IPX7 waterproof rating
    • Has battery life of 12 hours and can be paired up to 100 Flares to create a full stereo sound
    • Stylish build and good sound quality
  • JBL Clip 4, the most portable speaker on the list:
    • Has IP67 rating, improved clip design, and can be attached to anything with built-in carabiner
    • Easy to use with large tactile buttons, 10 hours of battery life, and has built-in noise cancellation
    • Small, lightweight and compact design, suitable for traveling
  • Other notable mentions:
    • Anker Soundcore Flare Mini offers smaller form factor, less powerful drivers and retails for

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

  • Affordable Bluetooth speakers can now provide impressive sound quality along with rugged, outdoor-friendly, and portable builds.
  • A common trait is the use of passive radiators to create an extended sense of bass.
  • Mono speakers are being used more than stereo speakers as they are able to produce enhanced bass response through a passive radiator. However, manufacturers offer wireless stereo pairing of two speakers for a wider audio field.
  • Most portable speakers have a battery range of 8 to 12 hours, but battery life decreases when charging a mobile device through the speaker.
  • A speaker’s liquid resistance and protection capability are defined as an IP rating.
  • X in IP rating means that the product has not been tested against solids.
  • Different IP ratings have specific meanings which vary depending on the device’s protection from solids, liquids, dust, or shock capabilities.
  • Limitations in the frequency range of some speakers may be a factor to consider.
  • Anker Soundcore Mini 3: Waterproof, tunable audio, clear mics, adjustable EQ, quality audio performance for the size delivering crisp audio under $50.
  • JBL Go 3: Waterproof, compact design with rich, crisp and relatively powerful audio for its size. No speakerphone.
  • Tribit StormBox Micro 2: Waterproof and dustproof design with powerful audio performance for its size. Offers speakerphone functionality.
  • Tribit XSound Go: Waterproof design and strong audio performance for its size and price.
  • Sony SRS-XB13: Outdoor-friendly and waterproof build with clips that cause speaker movement on flat surfaces.
  • Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (5th Gen): LED display, convenient tap gestures, and well-balanced sound. No 3.5 mm jack and limited frequency range.
  • Amazon Echo (4th Gen): Built-in smart home hub and strong bass for its size. High frequencies could get more finesse.

💭  Looking into

Factors to consider while buying a Bluetooth speaker

💭  Looking into

Comparison of portable Bluetooth speakers under $100

💭  Looking into

Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers of 2021