Whether you are shopping for a water proof Bluetooth speaker or small Bluetooth speakers, owning one gives you a lot of freedom on how you enjoy your music. With a portable Bluetooth speaker, you can listen to your favorite songs on the go, including for camping, cycling, hiking, and road trips. Besides, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker allows you to enjoy listening to music while taking a shower, kayaking, swimming, relaxing on the beach, or when holding pool parties. In this article, we review the best portable Bluetooth speakers available today.
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Top 7 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers
There are several wireless Bluetooth speakers available today. Although they are all designed to work wirelessly, some models are worlds apart in terms of reliability and durability. Thus, not all portable speakers are made equal.
But how do you pick out the best wireless speakers from all the numerous options available? It is definitely overwhelming. Luckily for you, we have reviewed the best picks available today. Read on for detailed reviews.
1. JBL FLIP 5 – Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL FLIP 5 outshines most portable speakers in the market out there. It also comes with major improvements from predecessor models. For instance, it stands out for its IPX7 waterproof rating. You can use it by the poolside, in your bathroom as a shower speaker, in your boat, kayak, or for other outdoor applications.
It comes with Bluetooth 4.2, which is a lower Bluetooth version than that of other notable JBL Bluetooth speakers such as JBL Charge 5 and JBL XTREME 3 that come with newer Bluetooth 5.1. Regardless, its Bluetooth connects effortlessly to both Android and iPhone devices and other Bluetooth-enabled media players.
Besides its superior sound output, it features durable construction. The rigged rubber housing combined with a durable fabric material keeps the interior components secure, especially when using it outdoors.
Pros
- 11 different color choices
- Compact and lightweight design
- Full-range premium sound output
- Offers about 12 hours of nonstop playtime from a single charge
- PartyBoost feature that allows for pairing with compatible Bluetooth speakers for more sound
Cons
- Sound lags a little when hooked to a MacBook
Our Verdict
The JBL FLIP 5 waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is a perfect choice for any music lover who wants to listen to music outdoors or near wet areas.
2. Bose SoundLink Color II – Best Party Speakers with Bluetooth
This Bose Bluetooth speaker is portable yet very powerful. When testing it with a smartphone via Bluetooth, it delivered very bold sound despite its compact size. During the test, it gave us close to 8 hours of playtime from a full charge. Recharging it was a breeze.
Most notably, this small Bluetooth speaker offers you stereo and party modes. You can rely on the innovative Bose SimpleSync technology to pair this speaker with any Bose Smart Home device to play music in sync for parties. Also, you can pair two of these speakers for stereo mode.
Another notable feature of this speaker is its built-in microphone. You can prompt Siri or Google on your phone via the speaker wirelessly. Also, you can use it to make hands-free phone calls. Besides, it has a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet.
Pros
- Quick and stable Bluetooth pairing
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery with 8 hours of playtime
- Easy to recharge from most USB power ports
- 4 distinct color choices
- Rugged, soft-touch silicone outer cover for easier carrying with your hand
Cons
- Not fully waterproof, can only withstand minor splashes
Our Verdict
Looking for small Bluetooth speakers that you can use to make your home or outdoor parties more interesting? You won’t go wrong with this Bose SoundLink Color II speaker.
3. JBL Charge 4 – Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
JBL has several superior portable speakers. The JBL Charge 4 is among the best JBL wireless speakers to buy. To start with, it is designed to withstand rain and water splashes, making it a perfect portable outdoor speaker. You can carry it along with you to the pool or beach without worrying about it falling into water or spills.
Among all the portable speakers we tested, the JBL Charge 4 speaker gave us one of the longest playtimes on a single charge. It delivered close to 20 hours of nonstop playtime, thanks to its powerful 7500 mAh battery. Besides, the battery is easily rechargeable for enhanced portability.
The dual passive bass radiators in this speaker are a plus. They allow for loud sound output with decent bass. Overall, we love the clear sound output of this speaker.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- You can choose from 14 distinct colors
- Comes with a USB Type C cable for faster battery charging
- Supports JBL Connect+ to pair with other JBL Connect+ speakers
- Rugged and durable fabric exterior material
Cons
- Does not come with a wall socket power adapter
Our Verdict
The JBL Charge 4 has all it takes to make it one of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers. Consider it for your outdoor music listening needs.
4. OontZ Angle Solo – Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers
Despite being an affordable pick, this OontZ Angle Solo portable speaker is packed with numerous remarkable features. When testing its Bluetooth functionality, we were amazed by the wide connectivity range. It maintains a stable Bluetooth connection within a range of up to 100 feet. Thus, it is perfect for most outdoor applications. You can connect non-Bluetooth music players via the AUX IN port on the speaker.
Also, the speaker delivers loud volume, even from less powerful music players. Most notably, it produces loud, full-range sound. The 5-watt neodymium driver and the passive bass radiator allow for more bass output.
It has a water-resistant rating of IPX5, meaning it cannot get damaged from water splashes and rain. However, it might get damaged when submerged in water. Regardless, you can safely use it by the poolside, beach, and other outdoor applications.
Pros
- Rainproof, splash proof, and dustproof
- Affordable price range
- Lightweight with a very stylish design
- Rechargeable battery that offers about 10 hours of playtime
- Fast and stable Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 100 feet
Cons
- The volume gets lower at low battery
Our Verdict
If you are looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker at an affordable price range, this OontZ Angle Solo is your best bet.
5. DOSS SoundBox Touch – Loudest Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The DOSS SoundBox Touch wireless speaker stands out for its loud sound output. It features dual speaker drivers with a power rating of 12 watts, which is sufficient for most portable speaker needs. Besides, its stereo sound output makes it more enjoyable to play music.
It offers numerous connectivity options. Besides its powerful Bluetooth connectivity, you can also play music from a micro SD, thanks to the available micro SD slot. Also, you can connect non-Bluetooth music players via 3.5mm AUX.
The touch control makes it easy to make various controls as needed. You can pair a Bluetooth device, play next/previous track, or adjust volume up/down with responsive touch buttons. It features an IPX4 water-resistant rating that makes it withstand gentle water splashes. Thus, you can use it at the beach or for poolside parties without any worries.
Pros
- Superior build quality
- Well-balanced and clear sound output
- Built-in microphone for making hands-free calls
- Comes with a micro USB cable for charging the built-in battery
- Long-lasting Li-Ion battery that gives about 20 hours of nonstop playtime
Cons
- The sound it makes when connecting or disconnecting a Bluetooth device may annoy some users
Our Verdict
Overall, the DOSS SoundBox Touch stands out for its loudness. It is ideal for use in large rooms and outdoor activities.
6. Sony SRS-XB13 Extra BASS – Best Bluetooth Speaker with Bass
Sony is one of the most renowned manufacturers of audio and video equipment. They have not been left behind in the world of portable Bluetooth speakers. The Sony SRS-XB13 Extra BASS stands out for its superior bass output. The Extra Bass technology of this speaker allows for punchy bass output.
The speaker also stands out for its sound diffusion processor which expands sound wider and farther than most competing speakers. Besides, you can pair two of these speakers to enjoy stereo sound. Its Bluetooth functionality connects effortlessly. We found its Bluetooth connectivity very stable within its range.
Also, the speaker comes with a rechargeable battery. It gave us close to 16 hours of playtime from a single, full charge. It comes with a USB Type-C cable for faster charging. We did not find any problem recharging it.
Pros
- Unique, stylish design
- Durable construction
- Comes with a color-matching strap (removable) for enhanced portability
- Dustproof and also features an IP67 waterproof rating
- Built-in microphone for hands-free calling
Cons
- Does not support smartphone charging
Our Verdict
With all factors considered, the Sony SRS-XB13 Extra BASS stands out as the best Bluetooth speaker with bass for indoor and outdoor use.
How to Choose the Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Buying Guide
As you can see, there are several wireless Bluetooth speakers available today. Choosing the best one out of all the options available is not a walk in the park. Fortunately, we have prepared this buying guide to help you do a comparison. Here is what you need to know when shopping for portable speakers.
1. Is the speaker lightweight?
When shopping for a portable speaker, you need one that is lightweight enough to carry along with you. It should be a speaker that you can hold with your hand effortlessly. You can also choose a speaker that has a strap to carry it along with you when hiking or cycling. Also, it should be compact enough to fit in your backpack or wherever you want to carry it.
2. Does the speaker come with a rechargeable battery?
If you need a reliable portable speaker, ensure it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. The battery capacity should depend on your needs. If you need it for outdoor use, then a bigger battery capacity will be an added advantage. Also, it should be effortless to charge it. At least, it should come with a USB cable for recharging.
3. Is the speaker waterproof?
If you will be using the portable Bluetooth speaker near water, such as the poolside, in the shower, or at the beach, it is necessary to ensure it is waterproof. That way, it won’t get damaged when it gets splashed by water. If you do not plan to use it near water, then it is not a must for it to be fully waterproof.
4. Does it have Bluetooth connectivity?
A portable Bluetooth speaker should have Bluetooth connectivity. Since you will be carrying it along with you, it will help to do away with speaker wires or cables. With Bluetooth, you can stream music wirelessly from a Bluetooth-enabled music player or smartphone. Also, its Bluetooth connectivity should have a connectivity range that suits your needs.
5. Does the speaker have a built-in mic?
Additionally, it will help to invest in a Bluetooth speaker with a built-in mic. The microphone will allow you to make hands-free calls via Bluetooth. That way, you can talk to the caller while your phone is tucked away.
6. Build Quality
It will also help to choose a speaker that is made with durable materials. Most notably, the exterior casing should be made of a material that does not get damaged easily upon impact. Also, it should have a rugged finish or a strap to make it more secure to carry in your hand.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for outdoor Bluetooth speakers, it is important to ensure the speaker is portable and comes with all the desirable features you want. In this review and buying guide, we have shortlisted the best portable Bluetooth speakers to help you make a more informed decision. Hopefully, you will find the kind of speaker that will meet your needs from our list.
Read related articles:
How to Connect to Shower Speaker in 4 Simple Steps
Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
Kenny Owen is an acclaimed audio expert and longtime enthusiast with a deep passion for sound technology. With over 15 years of experience in the car and home audio industry, Kenny has established himself as a trusted authority on everything from speaker setups and amplifier configurations to the latest audio equipment and innovations.
Through his engaging writing style and meticulously researched articles, Kenny shares his vast knowledge on optimizing audio systems for superior sound quality. He provides in-depth tips and tricks for achieving the best listening experience, whether it’s tuning a car’s audio system for an immersive musical journey or creating a high-fidelity home theater setup. Additionally, Kenny’s comprehensive buying guides empower readers to make informed decisions when investing in audio components, ensuring they get the most bang for their buck.
Kenny Owen is an acclaimed audio expert and longtime enthusiast with a deep passion for sound technology. With over 15 years of experience in the car and home audio industry, Kenny has established himself as a trusted authority on everything from speaker setups and amplifier configurations to the latest audio equipment and innovations.
Through his engaging writing style and meticulously researched articles, Kenny shares his vast knowledge on optimizing audio systems for superior sound quality. He provides in-depth tips and tricks for achieving the best listening experience, whether it’s tuning a car’s audio system for an immersive musical journey or creating a high-fidelity home theater setup. Additionally, Kenny’s comprehensive buying guides empower readers to make informed decisions when investing in audio components, ensuring they get the most bang for their buck.
