Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Ideal Bluetooth Speaker in 2E24

Bluetooth speakers are a great way to enjoy your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts in any environment. Compact and portable, they’re ideal for outdoor spaces, with wireless connectivity making them a convenient choice for on-the-go use.

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  Sonos

Sonos Roam 2

Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall
$143 at Amazon

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  Sony

Sony SRS-XB100

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker
$48 at Amazon

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  Tribit

Tribit StormBox Flow

Best Bluetooth Speaker for Battery Life
$80 at Amazon

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  Bose

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$119 at Amazon

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  Ultimate Ears

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
$79 at Amazon

• See More

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  JBL

JBL Xtreme 4

Best Party Bluetooth Speaker
$380 at Amazon

What to Look for in a Bluetooth Speaker

Besides the obvious budgetary constraints, there are a few important factors to consider when shopping for a Bluetooth speaker. A good place to start is to consider how and where you’re most likely to use your Bluetooth speaker.

First and foremost, if you plan to use your speaker outdoors, you want to look for something with a high water-resistance rating . Anything with an IP67 (or higher) water and dust-proof rating is a safe bet. This will protect your speaker against splash damage or dust and dirt infiltration.

Next, think about how it will be used. If it’s mostly going to one place, it doesn’t necessarily need to be something with a high portability factor. However, if you want something to take with you for more active pursuits such as hiking or canoeing, it should have a lightweight form factor and be easily attached to a bag or backpack.

Lastly, there’s the sound output itself. If you intend to use your speaker for more personal use or more modest gatherings, then it needn’t be something with an excess of power. But on the other hand, if you plan to host outdoor parties or larger-scale gatherings, you want something that won’t be drowned out by the sounds of nature or the buzz of conversation.

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Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall: Sonos Roam 2

Sonos

The Sonos Roam 2 picks up where the Sonos Roam left off, setting the benchmark for high-end Bluetooth speakers and adding some neat quality-of-life features that make using the device itself even easier to navigate. Most notably, the Sonos Roam 2 adds a dedicated Bluetooth button this time, rather than utilizing the same button for switching between wireless and Bluetooth modes.

This speaker has built-in Alexa, supports Sonos Voice Control, and features new tactile buttons to confirm actions. Like its predecessor, the Roam 2 also features Automatic Trueplay, fine-tuning the audio to suit your environment. For its size, it produces exceptional clarity of sound, with crisp highs and mids and powerful low bass tones.

You’ll also get a durable build that is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, allowing the speaker to be used safely in the great outdoors with minimal risk of damage. It is also drop-resistant, so the occasional accidental tumble won’t break anything. Connecting to the Sonos app on your smartphone unlocks customizable EQ settings, as well as additional features to tailor the sound to meet your requirements.

The Roam 2’s 10-hour battery life is reasonable, although arguably a little sub-par compared to some of its closest rivals. This playtime can be extended slightly using the power button to eke things out a bit, but there’s no escaping the fact that such pristine audio will suck up your battery power. Additionally, the price of this impressive device will doubtless place it beyond some people’s means.

Nevertheless, this is one of the best and most versatile portable Bluetooth speakers. The Sonos Roam 2 sounds fantastic and is tough enough to withstand the elements. Plus, the slim and lightweight form factor makes it easily transportable to any outdoor setting.

Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall

Sonos Roam 2

$143 $179 Save $36

Roam 2 makes it easy to enjoy Sonos sound everywhere life takes you. Just pair, play, and go. Enjoy up to 10 hours of size-defying clarity and bass. Fully IP67 waterproof and dustproof, Roam 2 is ready for the outdoors. Plus, it doubles as a smart speaker at home.

$143 at Amazon

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker: Sony SRS-XB100

Sony

Choosing a decent Bluetooth speaker can be expensive, especially at the premium end of the scale. However, if you’re shopping on a budget, you can still find cost-effective options such as the Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Speaker , which offers decent performance without breaking the bank.

This compact speaker is smaller than a soda can but packs a decent audio punch despite its size. Equipped with a sound diffusion processor, you can enjoy an expansive sound that fills the surrounding space with enhanced low-end tones and a thumpy bass sound. It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, and a UV protective coating to keep it well protected against the elements.

The SRS-XB100 supports hands-free voice calls thanks to a built-in microphone, and echo-canceling technology allows two people to talk simultaneously without any cut-out or sound distortion. Compatible with Google Fast Pair , the SRS-XB100 provides a fast and reliable Bluetooth connection, regardless of your location.

Sony’s speaker also wins big in the portability stakes due to its diminutive size and integrated carry strap, making it easy to clip onto a bag or backpack. Plus, it can last 16 hours on a full charge, so it’s no slouch for battery power, either. And if you’re looking for an extra audio boost, you can pair two speakers together to enjoy a fuller stereo sound.

Perfect for smaller gatherings or outdoor adventures, the Sony SRS-XB100 is one of the best lower-cost options for a lightweight and portable Bluetooth speaker.

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker

Sony SRS-XB100

$48 $60 Save $12

The Sony SRS-XB100 is one of the best budget-priced Bluetooth speakers available. It combines a tough weatherproof exterior, with a high portability factor, and impressive audio quality.

$48 at Amazon

Best Bluetooth Speaker for Battery Life: Tribit StormBox Flow

Tribit

If a battery life that won’t quit is at the top of your ‘must-have’ features list for a Bluetooth speaker, then look no further than the Tribit StormBox Flow . This powerful speaker provides a massive 30 hours of playtime on a full charge, making it ideal for outdoor use where charging options may be limited.

But it’s not just its battery life that impresses. The Stormbox Flow offers a rich soundscape with an Xbass feature that boosts the bass output by up to 20%. And even with Xbass enabled, the battery life doesn’t suffer too much. Your run time reduces to around 24 hours with the Xbass feature on for the duration, so you can still enjoy acres of playtime even with the sound output fully optimized.

If you like to tinker with your speaker levels, you won’t be disappointed here, either. Using the Tribit app on Android or iOS , you can choose from selected EQ presets or adjust each aspect individually until your audio has been fully customized to your liking. And for larger gatherings, a TWS mode enables you to easily pair two speakers together for some added oompf.

With Bluetooth 5.3, the Stormbox Flow offers a reliable, stable wireless connection over 100 feet. An IP67 waterproof rating means it’s comfortable in a wetter environment, making it a solid choice for a day at the beach or a pool party. Plus, it’s compatible with hands-free voice control and calls, so keeping in touch with the people who matter is no problem.

For a mid-range Bluetooth speaker, the Tribit Stormbox Flow offers unbeatable battery life and impressive audio output. What it lacks in visual appeal, it more than makes up for with what lies under its hood.

Best Bluetooth Speaker for Battery Life

Tribit StormBox Flow

Indulge in the StormBox Flow outdoor speaker audio experience with distinct vocals and powerful bass like no other. Tribit’s proprietary XBass tuning DSP technology boosts bass by 9dB at the same power playback.

$80 at Amazon

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex

Bose

Bose has a reputation for producing high-end audio products, and the Bose SoundLink Flex in this new Chilled Lilac color tone is no exception. Featuring a custom-engineered transducer, it makes your audio soar in any environment, delivering a rich and immersive sound that utilizes PositionIQ technology to optimize its output based on your surroundings.

Using the Bose Connect app, you can customize your sound further, with EQ presets and further sound optimization features to choose from. It has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and is coated in UV-resistant materials, making it highly durable for outdoor use. The speaker can also float, so the odd dip in the pool or two won’t break it.

The SoundLink Flex has a built-in microphone that enables you to make convenient, hands-free voice calls. It’s also compatible with your smartphone’s voice assistant and offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge, with a Bluetooth range of 30 feet.

If there’s a downside to the SoundLink Flex, it’s the price tag. At just under the $150 mark, this Bluetooth speaker sits firmly at the premium end of the scale. However, the sheer quality of its audio output coupled with its intuitive controls more than justifies the high price point.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

$119 $149 Save $30

The Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker offers high-quality audio everywhere you go with connectivity to most modern smartphones and tablets.

$119 at Amazon

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

Ultimate Ears

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 has been tailor-made for outdoor use. This compact Bluetooth speaker delivers 360-degree audio and packs an impressive amount of weatherproof protection. It can be easily stowed inside any bag or backpack, ready for any adventure.

Like several other Bluetooth speakers, the Wonderboom 3 has an IP67 waterproof rating. This makes it highly resistant to water damage and durable enough to withstand complete submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, what sets it apart from other speakers is that it can also float, making it one of the more durable outdoor speakers you can buy.

Thanks to Google Fast Pair, the Wonderboom 3 pairs effortlessly with your Android device, providing a stable and reliable connection across its 131-foot range. Additionally, you can pair two speakers together for amplified stereo sound—useful for larger-scale gatherings or streaming movies on the campsite.

Handily, the Wonderboom 3 also features an Outdoor Boost function. This automatically adjusts and finetunes the audio, providing the highest-quality sound for your outdoor environment. It has a decent 14-hour battery life and an integrated carry loop for easy transportation or positioning.

Retailing just below the $100 mark, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 certainly isn’t one of the cheapest options out there. However, for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a Bluetooth speaker that’s durable enough to withstand the elements, it’s certainly money well spent.

Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

$79 $100 Save $21

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 practically welcomes water with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and the ability to float. With 360-degree sound and the ability to pair two for true stereo, this is as versatile as it is tough.

$79 at Amazon

Best Party Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Xtreme 4

JBL

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker to get the party started, then the JBL Xtreme 4 is for you. Boasting powerful sound and a 24-hour playtime, the Xtreme 4 is the ideal choice for delivering expansive audio for all your outdoor adventures.

Featuring two woofers, two powerful drivers, and dual-pumping bass radiators, the JBL Xtreme 4 is ideal for larger-scale outdoor gatherings. It runs for 24 hours when fully charged, with an extra six hours available when using the Playtime Boost function. Plus, it has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it a durable choice for all-weather conditions.

One of the Xtreme 4’s most interesting features is its AI Sound Boost function. This uses an AI algorithm to analyze the incoming signal and automatically optimize the sound to best suit the current environment. For a gigantic party sound, you can pair two speakers together using Auracast and engage the PartyBoost mode for a truly dynamic audio experience.

The Xtreme 4 is considerably larger than many Bluetooth speakers and doesn’t offer the same level of portability. However, a convenient shoulder strap makes it more transportable, and it’s lightweight enough that it won’t overburden you when carrying it to your destination.

The JBL Xtreme 4 is a premium Bluetooth speaker with a price tag to match. However, it delivers phenomenal audio in spades and is the portable speaker you need to power up your outdoor functions this summer.

Best Party Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Xtreme 4

Unleash the power of music with JBL Xtreme 4. Experience unparalleled sound quality, robust durability, and seamless connectivity in this ultimate portable speaker.

$380 at Amazon

FAQ

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a type of wireless technology that utilizes radio waves to transmit or share data over short distances. Paired devices can share data using Bluetooth, and this usually involves a mobile phone, PC, or laptop, paired with a peripheral device such as a pair of headphones, or a speaker.

How do I connect a Bluetooth speaker to a device?

To connect your Bluetooth speaker to your device, ensure that your speaker is in ‘pairing’ mode, usually signaled by a flashing light on your speaker. Then, select the speaker from the list of available devices on your mobile, computer, or laptop. This will initiate an automatic pairing between the two devices.

Are all Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Not all Bluetooth speakers are waterproof. However, the corresponding waterproof or water-resistance rating of a Bluetooth speaker will be denoted by its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating consists of two letters (IP) followed by two numbers. The first number represents the level of protection against foreign objects, such as dirt and dust, while the second number is representative of the level of protection against water damage. In general terms, the higher the numbers, the greater the level of protection provided.

Can I use a Bluetooth speaker in my car?

Pairing your Bluetooth speaker with a Bluetooth-enabled device enables you to use it as a standalone audio source which you can use for streaming music in your car.

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