Bluetooth portable speakers are excellent solutions for people who like spending time outside. However, not so long ago, all of them were very expensive. And worse, for the price paid, you did not get much. But, healthy competition grew in this industry, as with most other technology-related. As more and more manufacturers entered the race, prices started dropping, while the quality began rising. Now, for the money you pay, you get a lot.
However, with all those companies releasing several models each year, there is almost too much to choose from. To make life easier for you, we have created this article. Here are our top 10 portable audio devices.
Best Portable Speakers
All the portable speakers are Bluetooth, what you need to check is the battery, sound, price and to some extend waterproofing.
Here’s our list for the best portable speakers for every occasion or gift!
UE Boom 2
The original Ultimate Ears Boom model was the king of all Bluetooth portable speakers. Now, its heir, Boom 2, deservingly took over the throne.
First, it looks fantastic, and you can choose from a wide variety of colour combinations. The design hasn’t changed much from the original Boom, which is a good thing, with only slight improvements. More changes are inside the speaker, and mainly the app used to control it. With it, you can set up two devices to connect to the speaker at the same time. You can also turn on the “tap” controls, that will let you change songs just by tapping the speaker. Also, this is a speakerphone, and you can receive and end calls by touching a button on the speaker.
The biggest advantage UE Boom 2 has over the original model is that it is waterproof. You can fully submerge it, up to 1m, no longer than 30 minutes.
Marshall Willen
Marshall Willen is portable, IP67 water resistant, stackable and 15+ battery backup.
This means Willen is the mighty portable speaker that is made to go everywhere with you.
Just power your music with Marshall signature sound every single time, even when the session isn’t planned.
Built with one 2″ full range driver and two passive radiators, this speaker brings heavy sound to life.
Bose SoundLink Max
Meet the Bose SoundLink Max, the portable speaker that has it all. Whether you’re the go-to DJ for your crew or a music lover with killer playlists, this Bluetooth speaker delivers deep, rich bass that will wow any party.
Bringing your SoundLink Max to any hangout is a breeze with its soft, removable climbing rope handle. It’s easy to pick up and take the music wherever you go. No need to stress about drops or rain showers. This speaker is IP67 rated, meaning it’s dustproof, waterproof, and even shock and rust resistant.
Just enjoy up to 20 hours of battery life so your favorite tunes can keep playing all day and night, ensuring the party never stops.
The USB-C port on the back lets you charge your devices using the speaker’s built-in battery. If the SoundLink Max has power, so does your phone.
Now let’s say you want to connect your turntable, CD, or MP3 player? No problem. The SoundLink Max features a 3.5mm AUX input for easy wired connections.
And, with the Bose app, you can tweak EQ settings like bass, mid-range, and treble to customize your sound perfectly. Plus, the app lets you check battery life and manage connected devices with ease.
So, are you ready to elevate your music game? The Bose SoundLink Max has got you covered.
Anker Soundcore Glow
360° sound, Check.
IP67 waterproof, Check.
Beat-driven LED light, Check.
18-hour battery, Check.
Under $100, Check.
Soundcore Glow is a terrific little device. As you can see, it has everything you could ask from a budget Bluetooth speaker and more. It is also compact, easy to carry. You can even connect two Glow speakers on a single device for stereo sound.
The sound quality is not the best, but for this price range, and this amount of features, Flare is an automatic buy.
AudioPro Addon T3
Now, this speaker is larger than others we have reviewed, so it is not as portable, and that is its biggest flaw. Still, it deserves to be on the list, because it is an excellent device.
The large size helps Addon T3 to have superb audio, and the sound it produces is authentic, as-is. The build is also excellent, and you can feel the quality when you hold it in your hands. It has a handle on top, for more comfortable carrying. T3 looks interesting, like a retro radio-tuner, and will fit any living room. It also has a phenomenal battery life, up to 30 hours of play time, and you can use it to charge your phone.
AudioPro did its homework, Addon T3 is an exceptional portable speaker. Not cheap though, but a very interesting option.
JBL Charge 4
This rugged BT speaker is fully waterproof, quality-made and louder with more bass than its predecessor Charge 3.
It is also a little bit bigger, and heavier, and feels like it can take more punishment. Furthermore, it has an incredible 20-hour battery, and you can use it for charging other devices while you are outside. There is an option to connect up to three devices to this speaker. It also has a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone, which means you can take calls from it. Furthermore, you can connect it to other JBL audio devices to boost the sound experience. JBL Charge 4 is an excellent speaker, with a competitive price for this amount of features.
You will not go wrong by choosing Charge 4.
UE Wonderboom 2
Another UE speaker, Wonderboom 2 is arguably the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker you can buy.
The sound this speaker produces is phenomenal, which is unusual for waterproof Bluetooth audio devices, and especially when you consider the affordable price tag. Wonderboom, as the name suggests, has plenty of bass and will deliver more BOOM than its predecessors and cousins.
It provides real 360 sound, unlike many “360” speakers from other manufacturers. The speaker is compact and looks interesting. The battery will last around 10 hours. And yes, UE Wonderboom can go entirely underwater, up to 1m depth, for 30 minutes.
JBL Flip 5
JBL FLIP 5 has a decent battery, and it will hold for up to 12 hours of play time. It is also fully waterproof and can go three meters underwater for up to half an hour, without getting damaged.
JBL FLIP 5 can connect with two phones simultaneously, or with 100 other JBL connect+ enabled speakers, to create an outdoor party. Also, if you use Siri or Google Now, you can do it through this speaker too, with a press of a button.
The latest Flip model has the best bass so far, and JBL Bass Radiator is responsible for that. This speaker also has a very good build. Rubber housing will save it from damage even if you drop it.Excellent device, very affordable, we recommend JBL Flip 5.
Bose SoundLink Mini II
This is not a new name, SoundLink Mini II is around for a while, but it still is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers you can buy.
It has terrific sound, on all levels. Highs, mids, bass, everything is in check, sounding just how it is supposed to sound. Mini II will play up to 10 hours before it runs out of battery.
It is tiny, built with quality, and looks like it can take a punch or two without breaking. It also has a microphone, which allows you to make calls. Bose did an outstanding job with this one, creating one of the most-liked Bluetooth speakers. Mini II is a terrific buy.
Sony SRS XB31
What makes this one stand out is the history of brand and the lightweight build.
Users love Sony SRS-XB31 Portable Speakerz, just check the number of positive ratings on Amazon. Additionally, it has terrific battery life. You will get to enjoy up to 24 hours of music, with only one charge! That alone makes this speaker an automatic choice for a camper.
The sound quality is as usual, fantastic. And with the IP67, the device is automatically dustproof and waterproof. The Sony SRS is exceptionally lightweight weighing 1.95lbs. It is an ideal companion, and you can carry it anywhere.
As you can see, you will find a little bit of everything on our list. From budget-friendly to premium choices, and from small speakers that can fit into your pocket or purse, all the way to bigger ones that you have to carry separately. All ten devices we reviewed are excellent, and you will not make a mistake buying any. Of course, the more money you pay, the better speaker you get, so it won’t hurt if you stretch your budget a bit.
Not interested in BT speakers, you would instead buy a superb headset? We got you covered, check this article out.