From the backyard to the backwoods, the best portable Bluetooth speakers keep you connected to the music wherever you adventure.
This speaker is small but can produce a big sound from a quick charge, making it perfect for on-the-go adventures.
A sturdy portable speaker with impressive battery life and quality sound.
If you’re lounging poolside, heading toward the beach, or showering off the day’s adventures, this updated fan-favorite speaker is the waterproof floatable you want by your side.
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Let’s face it: Your phone’s built-in sound sucks, which is why you need a portable Bluetooth speaker. Sure, everything is relative and those phone speakers are amazing compared to what, say, a 2005 flip phone sounded like. But do we really want to justify our tech based on a time when people published think-pieces on how texting was the new hotness? No, we do not. So while we can admit you can hear musical cues right out of your pocket, if you want to feel the actual emotional resonance that makes the music special, the speakers on even the best smartphone—or best tablet or even best laptop—ultimately suck. But the best portable Bluetooth speakers do not suck, so we’re ready to help you select the right speaker for any situation.
We test a lot of Bluetooth speakers throughout the year, giving us deep insight into what’s on the marketplace and what’s worth your money. Whether you’re looking for something budget or audiophile, chances are we’ve heard at least one model from whatever brand you’re considering. We combine these experiences with other users’ impressions, then top it all off with extensive research on what you should be looking for: IP rating, frequency range, battery life, Bluetooth range … we’re got you! This lets us find the perfect balance of specs and special features from a fairly dense pool of possibilities.
Choosing the best Bluetooth speaker for you can be a bit of a challenge; with all the options out there, it’s easy to spend hours scrolling. So, whether you want to blast a soundtrack for motivation or relaxation, we want to help jumpstart your journey. Before diving headfirst into the ever-expanding speaker market, consider size, durability, connectivity, battery life, volume, and cost. A truly great portable Bluetooth speaker will be able to fit your lifestyle and budget without sacrificing audio quality.
While most wireless speakers are designed to be used on the go, that doesn’t mean they’re all ultraportable. There are many shapes, sizes, and weight options to choose from, so take some time to consider where and when you’ll want to jam out the most. If you’re merely traveling to the backyard or nearby park to listen, you can probably stand to stuff a larger speaker in a bag, or sling it over your shoulder. The same goes for road trips, car-camping, full-on van life, or beach vacations. You can get great sound, long-lasting batteries, and thumping bass from a speaker that starts at roughly the same size and weight as a water bottle.
However, if you need something to help you push through that last mile on a bike path or hiking trail, you’ll want a smaller speaker that can easily attach to handlebars or a backpack. Luckily, several portable speakers weigh under 1 pound, the lightest of which comes in at 0.019 pounds.
One common criticism of portable Bluetooth speakers is a lack of low-end support and distortion at high volumes (if you want some science as to the why, here are our primers on what makes up a speaker and how soundwaves work). While it’s true that portable systems can have trouble with handling subbass and high-decibel demands, there are a few models out there that are a cut above the rest.
If you’re after a party-pleasing sound, the bigger the speaker, the better. Larger units are generally more equipped to maintain consistent audio even as you turn the volume up, plus they have more room for well-designed subwoofers. A speaker with more woofers, as well as “bass radiators,” will do a much better job navigating the bump in the sonic roads. As for volume, check out the speaker’s specs and look for a maximum decibel level, notated as dB. If you are primarily playing music inside, 100 dB is the loudest you’ll want to go, and we’d be surprised if you even enjoyed listening at this level (it’s akin to a jet plane flying directly overhead). On the other hand, if you’re hosting an outdoor party with many people in attendance, you could think about increasing the volume to 115 dB, which is concert-level; music at this volume will cover a large area but you wouldn’t want anyone standing too close. Generally speaking, we are satisfied with Bluetooth speakers that maintain good sound quality at 85 dB for larger gatherings.
Few things are more annoying than getting to your destination, cueing up your favorite playlist, only to see the dreaded low-battery LED flash demandingly. Luckily, the best portable Bluetooth speakers have long-lasting batteries. Speakers that boast batteries that can last between 10 and 20 hours are now more the norm than the exception. If you are going on a remote trip where charging isn’t an option and music is a necessity (I mean, when isn’t it), extended battery life is more important. We’re happy to report that these long-lasting batteries don’t mean large, bulky speakers—you can find reliable units at just about any size.
We have all been subjected to the terror that takes over when you accidentally spill your drink on a device, sending you scurrying for a bowl of rice and praying to the tech gods that your electronics survive. Luckily you can avoid all that fear and even embrace a little liquid with the best waterproof speakers. These durable units are particularly great for beach vacations, pool parties, or karaoke in the shower. To make sure your speaker can withstand a little splash, look for an IPX rating in its specs.
IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” which tells you just how fortified an electronic device is against dirt, dust, and water. The first digit describes particle protection, and the second liquid. For example, if a speaker has a rating of IP57, the “5” indicates it can keep out most dust and dirt particles, especially those over 1 millimeter in size, but it might be susceptible to large quantities of dust if exposed at one time. The “7” means you can submerge the device in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes before any damage occurs. If you see a rating that looks like IPX7, the “X” means no data is available for that substance. The higher the number, the more protected your speakers will be from whatever it indicates (dust or water), so you can listen to your preferred podcasts in the tub or bring your favorite sea shanties aboard a boat without worry.
Alongside portability, we crave easy connectivity when it comes to our portable Bluetooth speakers. You want to be able to quickly link your device without fretting over interference if you happen to walk a few feet away. Reliable portable speakers are equipped with Bluetooth versions from 4.2 to 5.2, designed to bolster the consistent connection between smartphones and computers with fitness trackers, headphones, speakers, and more. They rely on Bluetooth’s efficient power usage and data transmission options for improved battery life and fewer streaming glitches. When selecting a speaker, make sure to pick a model that is Bluetooth compatible with your music-streaming device (for more on the different versions of Bluetooth and how it works, check out our primer). From there, you can think about additional connectivity features that would complete your ideal listening experience. Do you need a speaker that can stay connected to your phone from over 75 feet away? Do you want to be able to pair with another speaker for stereo sound? Are you looking to connect two devices at once so you can easily hand over DJ responsibilities?
You might also want to consider a speaker that has additional options for creating a connection. Some of us still have a few old-school devices that need an analog aux cord, which some speakers can support though this feature is starting to fade with the release of newer models. Others might want to pair their portable speakers with a home system, whether for high-fidelity audio or voice-activated commands. If this sounds like you, consider a model that is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Portable Bluetooth speakers run the gamut when it comes to price. Some of the high-end models top out at close to $300 to $450, though there are plenty of great picks out there in the more reasonable $100 to $200 range. You can even find quality speakers for closer to $50. As you start to go down in price, you might miss out on a few features like extra battery life, clear audio at high volumes, or truly booming bass. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly speaker, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice too much to find something that satisfies your needs. Just pay attention to all the information you can find about a particular model, including user reviews and product descriptions.
From extreme durability to supreme connectivity, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Whether you’re always on the go or simply need something to take to the front porch, these speakers will deliver quality sound without any cables or wires weighing you down.
Why it made the cut: Doubling as a portable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever the water takes you.
The StormBox Micro 2 from Tribit is a super-compact portable Bluetooth speaker that is easily strap-mounted to your backpack, handlebars, and more. At roughly 4 x 4 inches with a rubberized, grippy bottom and durable, textured grill, and weighing just over 1 pound, its small size doesn’t get in the way of solid sound that packs a punch. It’s tiny but surprisingly mighty, with 10 watts of output power, a 48mm NdFeB driver, passive radiators, and XBass technology making for a pretty solid listening experience—up to 90 dB, which is plenty loud for outdoor listening. And it can even be paired with another Micro 2 for stereo sound anytime, anywhere. With an IP67 rating, you won’t need to worry about dust or water damage, and 12 hours of playtime will keep you in business during an out-and-back. And just in case you’re more than a bike frame’s distance from the Micro 2 (or need more juice for another quick adventure), it uses Bluetooth 5.3 to connect to your device with a range of up to 120 feet and charges with an included USB-C cable.
Why it made the cut: If you’re looking for a lightweight, long-lasting, outdoor speaker with a straightforward setup, enhanced survivability, and a sound as bold as its looks, the JBL Charge 5 won’t disappoint.
The JBL Charge 5 is the latest and greatest iteration of a mid-sized Bluetooth speaker from JBL, known for its impressive party speakers. It offers 20 hours of battery life at a reasonably compact size. This burrito-shaped JBL speaker weighs just over 2 pounds and measures 8.7 inches by 3.67 inches, which is small enough to stuff in a backpack. It delivers a rich, uncompromising mix with surprisingly impactful bass lines and clear vocals. Available in six colors, the Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, which means you don’t have to worry about sand or spillage ruining your weekend away. PartyBoost mode allows you to pair with another (compatible) JBL speaker to support stereo sound (or up to 100 speakers in mono), and the built-in Powerbank will let you keep your phone charged, so you never need to stop the music. If you don’t need the extra battery life of the JBL Charge 5 and wouldn’t mind spending a little less, check out the JBL Flip 6, which has many of the same features we love in a more compact, beer can-sized frame (check out our JBL Bluetooth party speakers guide for more recommendable options).
Why it made the cut: The UE Wonderboom 3 continues to top our charts when it comes to portable, affordable, waterproof sound.
Since being introduced in 2019, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 has been a tried-and-true favorite, one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 in any situation, thanks to its durability and sound quality. And the Wonderboom 3 continues that tuneful tradition, offering you an audio orb you can easily take with you—into the woods or the waves, to the beach or the bathtub. It comes in fun two-tone colors with a flexible handle at the top that can easily be attached to a backpack, belt loop, bike basket, or boat. It weighs less than 1 pound and measures just 4-inches tall, so you won’t be slowed down by bulk. The battery lasts a full 14 hours and produces 360-degree sound coverage that can reach up to 87 dBs—pretty impressive for a speaker this size. With an IP67 rating, the UE Wonderboom 3 is waterproof and dust resistant (making it one of our favorite shower speakers). It also floats, which is one of our favorite features—you won’t need to get out of the water just to skip a track or pause the music when your portable Bluetooth speaker is bobbing alongside you.
Why it made the cut: The Sonos Roam easily transfers from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth, it sounds great, and it’s actually easy to carry around.
The Sonos Roam lets you enjoy music at home or on the go. You can easily connect via Bluetooth anywhere outdoors or use your home Wi-Fi network to sync with additional Sonos speakers (like Roam’s big brother Move, another one of the best waterproof speakers we love). Then you can listen to music, check the weather, and send messages via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri (it’s even compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, so you can have a more robust connection if you have an iPhone). Once paired, this speaker will automatically connect to your phone and Wi-Fi when it’s in range, which means you won’t need to pause your playlist when you get home. It can last for 10 hours on a single charge, which you can replenish wirelessly by dropping it down on any Qi charger. The Roam also has an IP67 rating so you can take it just about anywhere; it changes audio directionality based on vertical versus horizontal placement; and Trueplay tuning means it automatically adapts its EQ whether you’re in the backroom, backyard, or the backwoods.
Why it made the cut: Doubling as a portable charger, this compact speaker is a budget-friendly way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever the water takes you.
On the opposite end of the spectrum from our previous picks, the Hyperboom from Ultimate Ears does the most when it comes to portable speakers meant for big events. While it may not be the smallest model out there, measuring 7.5 inches by 14.3 inches and weighing 13 pounds, it delivers booming bass and crisp playback at high volumes. It comes with multiple connectivity options, including two Bluetooth channels, each with a 150-foot range, one aux port, and one optical input. A full battery can last up to 24 hours, and you can easily switch between four different devices at one time, which means you can say goodbye to that awkward moment when the music stops as you switch to your friend’s party playlist. The adaptive EQ has a built-in microphone that picks up when the Hyperboom is being moved and adjusts the sound to whatever space it’s occupying. The Hyperboom does indeed bring the hype and the boom. But if less is still more, and our Wonderboom 3 pick is just too small, UE makes a range of recommendable portable Bluetooth speakers. (And if you really want to push the sound pressure, consider the JBL PartyBox 110 or even the JBL PartyBox 1000, which is “portable” in the same way a large rolling suitcase is.)
Why it made the cut: The Soundcore 3 is a well-rounded, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with an impressive 24 hours of battery life and the option to boost the bass without distortion.
The Anker Soundcore 3 comes at a friendly $50 price without sacrificing sound quality. Play up to 480 songs (roughly 24 hours) on one charge supported by dual passive radiators, BassUp technology, and dual drivers with 100-percent titanium diaphragms—delivering extended highs and distortion-free lows, in stereo, no less. Choose from four preset EQ modes and link to other Bluetooth 5.0 Soundcore speakers, using the Soundcore app, for an elevated experience. And, with IPX7 protection, your investment, while not substantial, will survive if you get caught in the rain, etc. Snag it on the Anker website.
Why it made the cut: With powerful sound in a well-crafted, roadworthy package, this speaker lives up to the Marshall name.
A retro-chic look with an impressive sound, this speaker from one of the premier brands in rock ‘n roll amplification boasts 20 hours of playtime with a quick-charge option, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX (which delivers higher fidelity with compatible devices), a 30-foot connectivity range, and, best of all, adjustable analog EQ so you can customize your sound. The Marshall Kilburn II performs well across all frequencies with a range of 52 to 20,000 Hz, delivering 36 articulate watts in a classically styled 6.5-pound cabinet (complete with strap and ruggedized touches). Plus a multi-host feature lets you connect two devices at once so you can take turns soloing. While it’s made for fiery licks, the Kilburn II isn’t built to withstand the elements, however. And if the Kilburn II is a little bit outside of your price range or space constraints, check out the Marshall Emberton II, a smaller, IP67 (so actually waterproof) speaker that forgoes the onboard adjustable settings but delivers 30 hours of battery life powering a naturally balanced sound with just enough bite (and you can stack/sync multiples if you want to amp up the energy).
Why it made the cut: If you’re looking for a compact kick you can transport quick, the JBL PartyBox line of speakers is a lot of flashy fun you can take on the run.
While JBL’s Flip and Charge series are perfect for lounging by the pool or enjoying more intimate get-togethers, the PartyBox line offers heftier, but still handy speakers with powerful audio and an entertaining light show for larger gatherings. The newest addition to this trove of celebration-supporting speakers is the PartyBox Encore Essential. Visually an obvious little sibling of the $399 PartyBox 110, this little box with a big personality is the smallest and most affordable option in this bass-reinforced lineup, retailing for $299.95, making it an excellent choice for folks who want low-end they can take on the go. While it’s not the speaker to reach for on a relaxed, jazz-filled evening, the Encore Essential offers a 100W, 100dB, 50Hz-20kHz frequency response—which translates to plenty of bounce to the ounce, making it a crowd favorite during a party. Adding to the fun are a mic input for karaoke (microphone sold separately), as well as six selectable patterns that dictate how the built-in LED light ring and/or strobe move or pulse in time to the music. And if your get-togethers grow, so can your sound—you can pair two Encore Essentials into True Wireless Stereo.
Why it made the cut: A wide, rich sound that’s surprising for a speaker this size delivers a powerful listening experience at a reasonable price.
The UBOOM L from EarFun is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly impressive sound. While the texturized black grill, rubber trim, and raised buttons resemble its predecessors and contemporaries (like the Treblab HD77 or JBL Flip 5), its price:performance helps this under-$100 speaker stand out in the crowd.
Out of the box, the UBOOM L feels durable and intuitively designed. A demure EarFun logo is located at the center, flagged by two rubber cylinders housing passive bass radiators measuring slightly over 2 inches. Tucked behind the grille are two front-facing, 14-watt 55mm drivers; at the back, under a thick rubber flap, is a USB-C charging port and an aux input; then, to top it all off, literally, are six rubber buttons—power, Bluetooth pairing, volume down, play/pause, volume up, and Sound Mode. An LED light above the final button lets you know which mode has been activated: Indoor or Outdoor. Next to the Sound Mode button is a tiny hole that houses a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. At the top of the control panel, you’ll see four white LED lights that indicate battery life, a simple yet often overlooked design feature for many Bluetooth speakers. Four lights mean the battery (which is rated at 16 hours) is more than 75% full, three mean between 75% and 50%, two mean between 50% and 25%, one means there is less than 25% left, and a single flashing light means there is less than 10% of battery life left, so it’s time to charge.
Like most new speakers, the UBOOM L uses a Bluetooth 5.0 connection, which increases stability and range (up to 30m/100 feet). Pairing is easy and instinctual: simply turn the speaker on, press the Bluetooth button once, and select the speaker on your device’s settings. Pressing and holding the Bluetooth button will allow you to pair two UBOOM L speakers in a True Wireless Stereo pair, creating dedicated left/right channels that can expand the soundfield (and volume) and better serve larger parties. You can also hold down the Sound Mode button for two seconds, once the speakers are connected, to restore each UBOOM L as an individual stereo speaker but keep them connected and synchronized to one streaming device in case you want to share all you’re hearing with someone in another room.
Pressing the Bluetooth button three times will toggle Video Mode on or off. Video mode supports lower-latency playback with lag reduced to 150ms and is an improved solution for sound when watching movies and TV shows from a laptop or smaller device. When Video Mode is on, a white LED indicator will pop on above the Bluetooth button. We should note that when Video mode is on, the Bluetooth connection range does get shorter, and you cannot use Video Mode during True Wireless Stereo connection. Though using the UBOOM L is generally very easy and efficient, it can be tricky to switch quickly between different Bluetooth settings and Sound modes; we found ourselves referring to the user manual more often than we would like.
Though toggling the various buttons can be a bit of a rigamarole, the sound quality makes up for it. For a Bluetooth speaker under $100, you’ll certainly get bang for your buck. The UBOOM L was tuned by Austrian music producer Olaf “Oluv” Lubanski, who has also created a 45-minute companion video worth checking out. The mids and high-mids are particularly clean—guitar licks from any Devil Make Three song come through beautifully, and the vocals on “Highwomen” by The Highwomen are impressively clear. Snares and cymbals are crisp and sit well in the overall mix; all of the synths on Romare’s “Don’t Stop” are full and rich.
Some users say they wish for more bass, which has some truth to it. The passive radiators don’t support frequencies lower than 65Hz, but we weren’t disappointed with a speaker this size. This low end on this speaker is undoubtedly present and well-defined, just not overwhelming thanks to the tuning and DSP involved. The only way to get truly vibrant sub-bass is with a larger unit; many small speakers disproportionately boost the lows and highs to pack a punch, which can end up distorting the mix. If anything, we appreciate that the UBOOM L knows its limits. Volume-wise, we heard up to 101 decibels, which is certainly enough to keep folks entertained and wake up your neighbors. While we mostly listened inside using Indoor Mode, triggering Outdoor mode boosts volume and bass to help lift your music above environmental noises. The UBOOM L is also rated IP67, which means if you use Outdoor mode in an appropriate al fresco setting, it is protected from dust, dirt, and liquids—it will even float if dropped in water, though we don’t recommend that if you want to preserve the sound quality.
The loudest portable Bluetooth speaker currently available is the SOUNDBOKS 3, which can reach up to 126 decibels. However, it does weigh 34 pounds, so one could call its portability into question. At $999, this speaker is designed to provide literal concert-quality sound for various venues.
The best inexpensive portable Bluetooth speaker is relatively subjective, given each individual’s priorities. Still, we stand by the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, Soundcore 3 by Anker, and UE Wonderboom 3 as three of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100; for more budget-friendly models, take a look at a JBL speaker like the palm-sized JBL Go 3.
While there isn’t a set amount of wattage that determines a good speaker, you can use this measurement to help assess volume output. Wattage typically determines how loud a speaker can get, but not the quality of the sound. Larger speakers with higher wattage can typically generate more volume, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be free of distortion. For more information regarding your speaker’s sound quality, investigate its frequency range and sound pressure levels, notated as SPL.
While there may not be one portable Bluetooth speaker to rule them all, there are several excellent options out there, so long as you know where your priorities lie. The key to finding the best Bluetooth speaker is location, location, location—consider where you want to listen to music the most and you can identify the perfect wireless speaker to soundtrack your favorite activities.
Carsen is a sound designer and freelance writer focusing on music and technology. She has been writing for Popular Science since early 2020, contributing product reviews and recommendations, with an emphasis on great sound you can take with you on the go. She lives in Brooklyn amongst a growing vinyl collection, exactly three plants, and a fridge full of popsicles.
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