Buzz
1. Sonos Roam
Sonos Roam stands out as one of the best products from the Santa Barbara-based manufacturer. Like many other Sonos products, Roam can connect via Bluetooth while you're on the move and also via Wi-Fi when you're at home. The benefit of Wi-Fi connection is that you can control the speaker with voice commands from Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Aside from its smart features, Roam still boasts sound quality and a 10-hour battery life worthy of its $179.99 price tag.
Advantages
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Powerful sound performance
- Elegant and premium design
Drawbacks
- Expensive compared to regular Bluetooth speakers
- Sometimes slippery to hold
2. JBL Charge 5
JBL leads the way in the Bluetooth audio industry, and the Charge series is no exception. The latest iteration, Charge 5, delivers the familiar JBL sound quality we expect—exceptional clarity and booming bass. What sets the Charge 5 apart is its robust yet stylish design and IP67 rating. This means the speaker can be submerged up to 1.5 meters for half an hour—a perfect feature for poolside or beachside music enjoyment.
Advantages
- Outstanding sound quality
- Rich bass
- IP67 rating for water and dust resistance
Drawbacks
- Slightly larger than typical speakers
- Expensive model
- Buttons require strong pressing
3. JBL Clip 4
For the best portable Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Clip 4 is a top contender. As the name suggests, Clip 4 is designed to be mobile, securely attaching to your backpack, rugged fabric bag, and other tethered accessories. It's compact and lightweight, yet it delivers impressive mid-range sound. However, don't buy this Bluetooth speaker for its bass or loudness—purchase it for its convenient design and reliable connectivity.
Advantages
- Iconic clip-on design
- Remarkably durable materials
- Excellent sound quality
Drawbacks
- Bass sound isn't as expected
- Price is still a bit high
- Volume isn't very loud
4. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom
Anker's sound brand, Soundcore, brings nostalgia with the Motion Boom. It's one of the most affordable yet hard-to-beat Bluetooth speakers you can buy right now. Unlike most boombox-style speakers priced up to $400, the Motion Boom sits comfortably at $109.99. For the price, you'll get drivers crafted from titanium diaphragms for clear sound and a promise of 24 hours of playback before the next charge.
Advantages
- Classic boombox design with handle
- Delivers frequencies up to 40kHz for high clarity
- 24-hour playtime
Drawbacks
- Can charge external devices but only via USB-A
- Not the strongest bass for its size
5. Tribit Stormbox Micro
At first glance, you wouldn't suspect that the Tribit Stormbox Micro can pack as much bass and power as it does. Priced at just $39.99, the Stormbox Micro is the perfect speaker for those who want something compact, portable, and with most features that larger Bluetooth speakers have. That includes an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, loud sound, and Bluetooth connectivity up to 100ft. The integrated XBass adjustment provides enough power for the small speaker to fill any setting.
Advantages
- Compact with built-in strap
- IP67 rating for water resistance
- Priced competitively
Drawbacks
- Typical battery life
- Not the most durable
- Slight distortion at high volume
6. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is a large Bluetooth speaker—it weighs up to 13 pounds and looks like the most conventional speaker compared to any other on this list. But, that might be just what you want. Priced at $400, the UE Hyperboom delivers big, booming sound perfect for parties and social gatherings. You can connect to this device via Bluetooth, a 3.5mm auxiliary port, or an optical input (game console, TV, PC, etc.). Sized conveniently, the speaker is wrapped in a strap. It can charge external devices (a favorite feature of many) with the promised 24-hour playback time.
Advantages
- Conventional speaker design
- Great sound quality
- Multiple input sources
Drawbacks
- Heavier, not the most portable type
- Expensive price tag
