Last Updated On December 27th, 2021
Whether you want to relax, energise or entertain, life is always better when it’s set to music. Investing in a Bluetooth speaker is a great way to enjoy high-quality sound wherever you are.
However, choosing the best Bluetooth speaker is not the easiest of tasks given the huge amount of products on the market. With different models offering almost the same features, it can be really difficult to know how to choose the one that best fits your requirements. So why not save yourself time and effort by reading through our reviews?
From the smallest Bluetooth speaker to the loudest speakers, we’ve got all options covered. We’ve chosen a range of different styles and feature sets – so there’s something to suit everyone. So read on and find your ideal match right here.
Leading our top 10 Bluetooth speakers list is the Anker Soundcore, one of the very best portable speakers for music. Highly portable, thanks to its compact, lightweight design, it is easy to grab and go. Connect to devices as far away as 66 feet without any loss of connection with Bluetooth 4.0. This speaker also connects with Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo Dot.
The main advantage of this best-selling Bluetooth speaker is its astounding battery life that gives you up to an impressive 24-hour playtime. It also features dual full-range drivers and a patented bass port for less than 1% harmonic distortion for outstanding clarity. You’ll rarely find a better sounding portable speaker.
This really is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers around. Lightweight, drop-proof and with an impressively long battery life, if you are looking for exceptional performance then this really is the one to go for.
On the downside, at six watts, it is not the most powerful of speakers. Also, there is no Bluetooth code, so be sure to connect to your device before others get their music on first. While the top controls are easy to use, note that there is no skip or rewind control on the unit itself, although in most cases you’ll likely be using your phone.
Are you looking for the best sounding Bluetooth speaker? If sound quality is top on your list of priorities then you should take a look at the Megaboom 3 by Ultimate Ears. With its long playtime and excellent sound quality, this premium Bluetooth speaker could be just what you’re looking for.
Thanks to its impressive 20-hour playtime, you can use it multiple times before it will need charging. Take it out and about where ever you are, the Megaboom 3 is not only dustproof, it is also waterproof, rated IP67. It can even survive after being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and if you happen to drop it in water, it will float making it easier to retrieve.
This model also provides you with powerful bass and 360-degree sound. Install the app and you can get your speaker sounding just how you like it thanks to its equaliser function for tailor-made sound settings. In addition, with its 45-metre Bluetooth range, you don’t have to be right next to it to connect. If you’ve left your phone on the other side of the room or garden, you can simply use the new one-touch Magic Button to control your playlist directly from the speaker itself.
However, you may lose out on some functionality as this model does not have an audio jack. This Bluetooth speaker doesn’t have an in-built microphone as well.
One of the top wireless speakers around, the JBL Go2 is our best value Bluetooth speaker pick. This compact speaker is a great choice for throwing in a bag and taking it wherever you want to listen to music. It connects via Bluetooth or you can also use a cable connection. As it is fully waterproof, rated IPX7, you won’t have to worry about the weather or poolside splashes on holiday.
Available in a wide range of 12 eye-catching colours, this fun, compact, smart home speaker is ideal for taking out with you wherever you go. It also has a built-in speakerphone, so you can use it for conference calls, making keeping in touch extra easy. This little speaker charges in just two-and-a-half hours, making it a great little companion that you won’t have to wait too long for a full charge. So you do get an excellent and highly portable speaker that you can use just about anywhere. That said, this is one of the very best Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Extremely compact with a low 3.1watt RMS output this is not the most powerful Bluetooth speaker around, so needless to say, the sound quality isn’t going to live up to that of larger models. Also, you only get up to five hours playtime.
If you want top-quality sound production in a Bluetooth speaker, you might want to consider the Sony SRS-XB43. It has a variety of upgraded features and is great for gatherings anywhere, anytime.
The SRS-XB43 contains a two-way speaker system with a Live Sound mode that creates more of a three dimensional sound. Even though it comes in a small package, this makes this speaker good for larger spaces with groups of people. It also features extra bass and stereo pairing.
We love that this Sony Bluetooth speaker is both waterproof and rustproof meaning you can use it by the pool, in the shower, or on the beach worry-free. This speaker comes in black or blue and to add a burst of colour, the sides of the speakers have line lights that pulse to the beat of the music. To top it all off, you can also charge your smartphone directly from the speaker – thanks to a built-in port.
Be aware, the battery life may not last as long as expected on this Bluetooth speaker considering it claims to last for up to 24 hours per charge. There is also a chance the charger could use some improvement and you may find it has a lower maximum volume when compared to other top options.
The best small Bluetooth speaker in our selection, the Anker SoundCore Mini is also highly versatile and easy to use. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this ultra-compact model fits easily into your bag so you can enjoy music anywhere you choose. This small but mighty Bluetooth speaker that is a great choice for many.
Thanks to its excellent 15-hour long playtime you can use it multiple times before needing to recharge. For such a small speaker, this model has excellent functionality. If your phone is off or in use elsewhere, aside from Bluetooth you can also use an SD card or the auxiliary port to play your favourite tunes.
There is also a built-in FM radio for keeping up to date or relaxing without the need for your laptop or phone. Thanks to its noise-cancelling microphone, this Bluetooth speaker is also a good choice for conference calls on the go, while the passive subwoofer gives great bass for the speaker size.
Bear in mind that this speaker doesn’t have water resistance and it does not have a hanging loop, which makes it less suitable for year-round outdoor use. However, the main drawback to this particular model is that if not used continuously it switches off. This means your phone becomes disconnected and in order to start playing music again, you have to switch back on the unit then reconnect via Bluetooth. No major issue, but it can be a little annoying.
If you are looking for the best portable Bluetooth Speaker, you should definitely consider the Sony SRS-XB12 our most portable choice. This model is rated IP67, meaning it is completely sealed so it’s fully waterproof as well as dust and dirt-proof – ideal for using when camping, at the beach, or during unexpected downpours.
Available in seven fun colours, it also features a removable colour-coordinated hanging strap so you can attach it to your bike, bag or numerous other items for music wherever you are. Compact and lightweight, this Bluetooth speaker also features an impressive 16-hour playtime, so you can listen to it literally all day long.
This model from Sony is a highly portable Bluetooth speaker with great build quality and a convenient hanging loop, the Sony SRS-XB12 is an excellent, highly attractive option that can live up to extreme outdoor use or pool parties. Thanks to its Extra Bass system, complete with a passive radiator, this unit gives out exceptionally good bass despite its small size.
On the downside, the volume is fairly low, so this is not the best choice if you really like your music blasting out. The trebles’ audio performance is low and the extra bass can make them a little muffled-sounding. Also, the set-up instructions could be much more helpful.
With its robust construction, the Wonderboom by Ultimate Ears is the best travel Bluetooth speaker. Loud, shockproof, waterproof and easily wiped clean, this Bluetooth speaker is highly robust and makes a great companion for exploring the great outdoors.
Small in size with 360-degree sound, this compact model is heavier than most at 430 grams. However, despite its small size, this Bluetooth speaker is both shock and waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about taking it with you wherever you travel. In fact, it even floats, handy if you’re planning a trip on a boat or chilling out at a lakeside beach.
Another advantage of this take-anywhere model is that it can be easily wiped clean with a wet cloth, so even if you’re camping in a muddy field, you won’t have to worry about ruining your speaker. you can choose to hang it on your bike or bag via the hanging loop, so this loud Bluetooth speaker is a great addition to any trip.
On the downside, this version does not have an auxiliary port, so you can only use it with Bluetooth, although it does have an excellent 100-foot range. While it is great used outdoors or in your living room, you won’t want to use it at night in your bedroom as the power on/off noise is very, very loud and is likely to wake you up some time after your music has stopped when the device powers off.
If you like your music loud then you’ll certainly be impressed with the W-King Bluetooth speaker, one of the best loud Bluetooth speakers around. Thanks to its 50 watt output, this speaker has plenty of sound power and excellent bass levels.
Not only is the W-King 50W loud, but it also has an impressive 24 hours playtime for music all night and day without having to recharge. This model is a good choice if maximum sound levels are your priority since few can compete with the W-King’s output levels.
IPX5 rated, this Bluetooth speaker can take light splashes, so you won’t have to worry about using it outside or at parties. It also has an audio jack for connection to non-Bluetooth devices for extra versatility. If you’re low on battery, you can use it as a power bank to charge up your mobile phone or tablet, while the built-in microphone allows you to even take calls on it. It also comes with an adjustable fabric carry strap to make it easy to transport.
Understandably for such a high-powered model, this unit is fairly heavy and rather bulky. The garish branding is not going to be to everyone’s taste.
The Betron A3 Bluetooth speaker is a next on our list for best Bluetooth speaker and is not to be missed. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled device or use the auxiliary port to connect and play. With this model, you can also insert a micro SD card with your songs pre-stored to play music without the need to connect any devices whatsoever.
Thanks to its built-in microphone, you can also use this Bluetooth speaker as a hands-free speaker for your mobile phone, while the LED lighting strip is good for boosting relaxation and ambience. Not only is this Bluetooth speaker extremely compact, it is also lightweight at just 215g.
While the five-hour playtime will be plenty long enough for most users, you may find it a little more restrictive than most other models. Also with just a three watt output, this speaker is not the most powerful. Lastly, bear in mind that it is not waterproof, so take care not to take it out in the rain.
Next in our best bluetooth speakers list, the JBL Charge 4, is both a high-powered speaker and a power bank for charging up your smartphone on the go.
With an impressive 30watts RMS combined with a playtime of up to 20 hours, this portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the highest performance models around. It is also waterproof, rated IPX7, so you won’t have to worry about rain or even dropping it in water.
Featuring two JBL Bass Radiators, this is the best model to go for if you like audio quality with a lot of bass, although bear in mind that like a lot of waterproof models, the treble isn’t as good as it could be. This high-quality Bluetooth speaker can keep the party going all night thanks to its handy power bank function. If you need a portable speaker for outside use and travel, and you like a lot of bass, this model makes an excellent choice.
Unfortunately, stereo mode is only possible via the JBL Connect app. There can be some slow connectivity issues with the app and if you manually select a song, then it automatically reverts back to mono, requiring you to change it back once again to stereo.
Bluetooth speakers are a great way to play music from your tablet, smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled device. But what exactly are Bluetooth speakers and how do they work?
Unlike traditional speakers, Bluetooth speakers do not require a wired connection, connecting to your device via Bluetooth. What this basically means is that the music that you have stored to your phone or other device is sent over to the speaker for playback via radio waves rather than having to plug it in.
Once you have connected your speaker to your phone via Bluetooth, the transfer of data will automatically begin. As your speaker receives the data, it interprets it and plays it just as if it were physically linked to your device but without the need for any cables.
If you’re looking for some new wireless speakers, you’ve probably been wondering whether Wi-Fi speakers are better than Bluetooth ones?
To get to the bottom of this question, let’s start off by looking at what actually is a Wi-Fi speaker and how they differ from Bluetooth models.
A Wi-Fi speaker uses your Wi-Fi network to access your music collection or music streaming service. You can control your Wi-Fi speaker via your smartphone or another device that is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Not only do these features enable you to compare Bluetooth speakers with Wi-Fi speakers, but they are also great points that you should consider when choosing which Bluetooth speaker to purchase.
So, which one is best, Bluetooth speakers or Wi-Fi speakers? The answer is, it depends on your needs and usage.
If you are looking for a speaker to use at home, day in, day out, then your best option is to go for a Wi-Fi speaker. You have no battery to worry about charging, you can take calls without stopping your playback and you can control what you listen to from any room in your home.
Bluetooth speakers are the better option to go for when you are looking for a speaker that you can use outside of your home, be it in your garden or much further afield. A great choice for day trips, holidays and using in your vehicle, Bluetooth speakers are highly portable and designed to be used just about anywhere. Some models are even dust and waterproof so you can use them at just about any destination without worrying about damage.
If you can’t make up your mind, we strongly recommend getting one of each, a standard Wi-Fi speaker for use in your home and a portable Bluetooth model that you can take out and about with you. If getting two just isn’t an option, then a Bluetooth speaker will, in most cases, be the best option.
There are plenty of inexpensive models to choose from and you are sure to make greater use of a portable speaker that you can carry anywhere than a fixed Wi-Fi dependent model.
It’s one of our most frequently asked questions: who makes the best smart speakers, JBL or Bose? It seems that most people have a personal favourite but can’t actually give you a better reason besides their personal preferences. First of all, let us say that both companies produce excellent speakers that are well designed and highly reliable.
To get a better feel for each company’s style and ethos, it helps to take a look at their background. Both are American, with JBL founded back in 1946. With time, they became famous for their loudspeakers with the L-100 becoming the most popular loudspeaker in the whole of the USA in the 1970s. The JBL brand is also synonymous with festivals and music tours, supplying speakers to the music industry for live performances, as well as studio recording equipment.
Bose has a different background. Originally, the company focused upon creating a surround sound experience, with multiple speaker systems. Little surprise that Bose has become a top brand for home cinema sound systems around the world and generally synonymous with high quality and a fairly high price tag.
When it comes down to choosing a Bluetooth speaker, for most users, we would recommend choosing a model by JBL. Why? While the Bose models are high quality, beautifully engineered models, they tend to lack the rough and ready aspect of the JBL ones. With their punchier bass lines to take on outdoor listening, a durable waterproof, shockproof construction, as well as a host of other features such as in-built power banks and long play times, JBL portable speakers are by and large better geared up to surviving outdoor use.
By all means, go for a Bose Bluetooth speaker and you won’t be disappointed if you are looking for high quality sound in the comfort of your bedroom or living room. But if you need a heavy-duty, reliable speaker that you can use just about anywhere, we’d go for the JBL over the Bose any day.
There is certainly no shortage of excellent Bluetooth smart speakers on the market. With a lot of models offering almost identical features at very competitive prices, it can be really difficult to know how to choose the best Bluetooth speaker.
Whether you’re looking for the best Bluetooth speaker for home use or for travel, we think you cannot go wrong with our Editor’s Choice, the Anker Soundcore.
With its highly impressive 24-hours of playtime, you won’t have to worry about charging it up even after several hours use. Its lightweight, compact design makes it ideal for travelling, whether you’re staying local or holidaying on the other side of the world.
Thanks to its large 66-foot range and dual full-range drivers, complete with a patented bass port, you can be sure that not only is this speaker extremely easy to connect to, it will also give you an outstanding level of sound quality with less than one percent harmonic distortion.
All of this making the Anker Soundcore one of the top best-selling Bluetooth speakers you can buy.
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