If there is one thing I have learned about today's speakers, it is that the options are pretty good. The process of sifting through the dozens of choices is not made any easier by that. I wanted to test out some of the most popular models in different price ranges. Most of the speakers I tried sounded good on the first listen, but it was only through side-by-side comparisons that I began to understand the nuances. Just reading the spec sheets is not enough. We're focusing on audio quality and dynamic range, while also taking into account other factors like utility and price. There isn't one best speaker out there, but we have found plenty of good options that fit a range of use cases and price points.
Ingress protection, also known as a product's spec sheet, is a set of indicators that define the tested resistance of a product to both solid objects and water. It is usually a combination of two numbers, the first indicating a solid object and the second water. The former goes from 0 to 6. Water protection goes from 0 to 9. The product wasn't tested for resistance when an X is used instead of a number. There is no guarantee if it is waterproof.
Highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers are what the rating is indicating these days. These are good for dunking in the pool or tub in the rain or in the shower. They are good options for the beach, playground and other rough areas.
A tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports will often be included with speakers with ports and a high rating. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product&s ability to fend off the elements.
When making a decision, consider how you plan to use your speaker. If you will mostly be using it indoors, then it may be worth investing in a better sounding model with a lower rating.
The focus of this guide is on portable Bluetooth speakers, and while they can be a relative term, they are generally for people who are far from a power outlet. Around 12 hours of running time seems to be the baseline but the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.
It's important to be careful when looking at battery specifications, as they frequently list a maximum amount of hours. They tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your music loud, it can cut your usage time in half or more. When used at full volume, some manufacturers list the expected battery life.
If your speaker also has a wireless connection, they are usually designed for always-on functions. Unlike normal speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake and run down the battery slowly. If you are out and about, you will want to turn these speakers off when not in use to maximize battery life.
It's difficult to do business with a range that is wireless. Some companies list their product's longest possible range outdoors and in a line-of- sight test environment. Even though they may be running a newer version of Bluetooth, other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet. It is likely that the speaker is underselling his potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there is little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.
I have seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue on several devices.
It is wise to have the source device close by just in case. It is difficult to gauge what aspects of an environment may affect a signal. A perfect-world scenario would include a range of 100 feet or more.
This is a small mention for those who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setup like a monitor and streaming box. It's frustrating to find that your speaker's latency isn't low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Most speakers these days don't have these problems. There were a few speakers that had lip-sync issues. All of our picks worked well in this regard.
If you plan to use a speaker frequently, you should look for devices with the most recent versions of aptX and the most recent version of Bluetooth. The speaker should be close to the source device. If you want to avoid the issue altogether, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.
The battery life is up to 12 hours.
The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is an ultra-portable speaker that can kick out some decent volume. The audio quality here is okay, but the volume on this speaker is what makes it a good choice. It's usually more about volume and portable if you're out on your bike or chilling in the park. The rubbery rear strap works well on relatively thin things.
The speaker is small and affordable, but it also doubles as a powerbank, so you can charge your devices in a pinch and connect two of them for stereo sound. It supports voice assistants for both phones.
Buy StormBox Micro 2 at Tribit - $60
The battery life is up to 13 hours.
The Wonderboom 2 is a portable that has the biggest sound in its size range. The speaker has a nubby strap that needs a carabiner to attach it to most things. It can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.
The audio quality is bright enough for what you would expect at this price range. You can pair it with a second Wonderboom for stereo sound, even though there is no app support or connection with the rest of the speaker lineup. There is an outdoor mode button on the bottom that raises the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.
Buy Wonderboom 2 at Amazon - $100
The battery life is up to 12 hours.
It's worth a listen, but it could easily slip under your radar. It has a bright and bassy output, thanks to the support of aptX. The device has a solid, heavy build with a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch exterior, and IPX7 water resistance. It is not the lightest or most portable, but the sound is respectable. The app has EQ customization, so you can adjust it to your liking.
There is an aux input for wired connections. We found that this speaker works well as a mini soundbar alternative and the wired input offers a perfect connection.
Buy Soundcore Motion+ at Amazon - $107
The battery life is up to 24 hours.
If you want something with powerful long-throw sound in an affordable package, and you have a large indoor space, backyard or similar, the Soundcore Trance Go may surprise you. The speaker is larger than most others in this price range and would weigh down a backpack with a carry strap, a port for charging your devices and an aux input.
If you are close by, you will hear the thump of its low-end and decent highs. It isn't perfect for every situation, but it's generally good for covering big spaces. The sound is similar to a mini loudspeaker, but with a slightly thinner sound that won't overwhelm the environment. Soundcore's app can be used to apply or modify EQ preset. If you have two of these, you can pair them for stereo sound or connect 100 or more speakers with the PartyCast feature.
Buy Soundcore Trance Go at Amazon - $105
The battery life is up to 12 hours.
The Flip 6 deserves high marks for its sound quality and volume. It has a good dynamic range from solid lows to crisp highs with volume tipped towards higher register. The cylindrical shape can be used to save desk space. You can see the raised buttons in the dark.
If you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can run them in stereo mode with the JBL portable app. If you have a mix and match assortment of different PartyBoost-enabled JBL speakers, you can connect them all for a bigger sound.
Buy JBL Flip 6 at Amazon - $130
The battery life is up to 12 hours.
If you trade up to the Bose SoundLink Flex, the SoundLink Micro is worth the extra $50. The speaker has a large amount of bass for its size and is still not a room filler. It is similar to the scale of a small clutch bag, with a small strap for hanging. Most of the exterior is covered in soft-touch silicone, except for the speaker grilles. The speaker in this range is rated at 67 so it can handle the elements and sound good.
The Bose Connect app should be used to setup and connect to the speaker. You can pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo if you turn off voice prompts.
Some users may experience issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working on the problem.
Buy Bose SoundLink Flex at Amazon - $149
The battery life is up to 20 hours.
If you're willing to spend a little more for bigger sound, longer battery life and a port to charge your devices, the Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6. It has the same bright output and capable low end, but in a slightly larger package that also includes a charging port for your devices. If you're looking for a small portable that can entertain a few people, this is the one for you.
Buy JBL Charge 5 at Amazon - $180
The battery life is up to 12 hours.
We tested a few smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart, and decided to compare it with the Revolve+ II. It has a loud bright sound that will carry outdoors and long battery life, but its low end is a little less pronounced than its smart companion. The Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big improvement if you want to spend more and appreciate bass. It has a well-rounded low end and bright dynamic sound that makes for a great listening experience.
This portable speaker is geared toward smart home use with the occasional outing. It is rated IPX4 so it is good for listening outside. Since this is an always-on smart device, you will need to be more attentive at keeping the battery topped up. When not in use, the charging dock accessory should be turned off.
There are smart features such as voice and app control, Apple AirPlay 2 and Simplesync with Bose speakers.
Some users may experience issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working on the problem.
Buy Bose Portable Smart at Amazon - $399
The battery life is up to 15 hours.
If you've enjoyed any of the smaller speakers out there and are willing to spend a bit more, theXtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It is large enough to warrant a shoulder strap, but still only about the size of a football. There is a pleasant sound with a lively high end that seems better balanced at this size than the smaller options from JBL.
If you want something under $400 with a little more gusto than your average portable, this is the one for you. It has enough output to breathe life into a small soiree or backyard hang, but it's best when it's close by or indoors, where the bass can amplify it to its fullest.
Buy JBL Xtreme 3 at Amazon - $380
The battery life is up to 20 hours.
Fans of loud, thumping beats will love the Sony's big speaker, which is currently on sale for $400. The unit is about 37 pounds and is 2.25 feet tall, with pleasing lighting effects on the inside of both top and bottom grab bars. The app offers a lot of customization, including light controls.
The IPX4 rating of the XP700 means it can handle spills and splashes, making it portable for many people. The speaker is made of plastic with some rubber feet, but it is not the type of speaker you want to treat carelessly. It is mostly a homebody that can fire up parties in the house. For a more powerful experience, you can pair two.
The sound is big and bassy, but it doesn't handle the lowest register well. The high end isn't as pronounced as it could be, so it may not be for everyone. It shines at louder volumes because it is more of a loudspeaker style. In terms of power for price, the $400 Sony XP700 works.
Buy Sony SRS-XP700 at Amazon - $400
The battery life is up to 24 hours and the rating is IPX4.
The Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portable, plenty of options, and a loud and compressed output. The technical fabric exterior lets it live among your furniture without screaming, while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large buttons on the top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent connections or a hardwired input. There are wired ports on the edge of the carrying handle, as well as one for charging devices and another for power. The Hyperboom has a good battery life of up to 24 hours.
Most people will like this speaker if the party is concerned with fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device is a welcome feature. You can use the PartyUp feature to expand the sound to other Boom speakers. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won't bother you, but it's not the best choice for all-weather adventures.
Buy UE Hyperboom at Amazon - $450
The battery life is up to 20 hours.
The design should tell you about Marshall's history in amplifier and rock music. The largest portable speaker from the company is the Tufton, which looks like an amplifier. It has a carry strap and knobs at the top. It is less impervious to the elements than some with just an IPX2 rating, so it is protected from light splashes from above.
Whether or not you are a fan of the brand, the rich and distinctly thumping output may make you one. The Tufton sounded better than most other speakers we tested at this scale. It's warm, dynamic and analog in its audio presence. It has a bass port and a supplemental driver on the back.
There is no app to adjust the EQ, just the physical controls, including a power/volume knob and two for bass and treble. Once powered on, you can use the volume knob to adjust the volume from your source. The bass and treble knobs can be used to choose the tone of your adventure. The dial indicators are hard to see in the dark. aptX support and quick-charge capabilities allow for four hours of listening time in just 20 minutes, plus great battery life.
Buy Marshall Tufton at Amazon - $450
The battery life is up to 24 hours.
The JBL Boombox 2 is more than up to the task if you want to up your speaker game without crossing over into loudspeaker territory. The big brother to the Xtreme 3 provides the same sound design but with a louder profile. The output has bright and dynamic highs and floor shaking sub-bass that may benefit more from an indoor environment. It's a dance party tool that can be used in your basement rumpus room, garage hangout or pool party.
When you want the music to be the star of the show and not disappear into the background, the integrated handle, IPX7 waterproof and 13-pound weight offer a convenient grab-and-go speaker. You can expect to party for several hours with a battery that lasts up to 24 hours.
The newer Boombox 3 is slated to arrive in the summer of 2022. If you're interested in the Boombox, I would keep an eye out for sales on the current version unless you want to wait for the newest release, which promises full IP67 weather-proofing, and a slight increase in all aspects of the device.
Buy JBL Boombox 2 at Amazon - $500
The battery life is up to 40 hours.
If you're looking for a portable, yet more professional option for big sound and big spaces, the Soundboks 3 is a good choice. The black rectangle has two 10-inch woofers and one 10-inch tweeter and is powered by three 72W RMS Amps. The loudspeaker is easy to carry around. There is a large bass port that runs through the whole unit and large steel handles on either side. It has a reinforced poplar cabinet with a steel speaker grille, aluminum framing and silicone ball corners. It is a resilient device in most environments.
Adding value to your money is due to the sound and connectivity. Dynamic mids and highs show clearly to cover long distances, with output levels rated at 96 to 104dB. The low end has a significant presence at a distance. It is capable of supporting large gatherings.
The speaker is easy to use, and the partner app allows updates. You can use a 3.5mm stereo to plug into the Soundboks Gen 3. You don't need to since you can use the built-in wireless support to connect up to five more Soundboks 3 speakers. There are two combo inputs. You get control of the extra inputs in the app.
The battery pack is replaceable and long- lasting, it is rated at up to 40 hours at low to mid volume. Soundboks lets you know that you can expect five hours of play at full volume.
It is a big sound in a rugged box with lots of connection options for real-world applications. The product is worth it for those who fit the use case. We have yet to test the company's newly announced Soundboks Go, which halves the size and doubles the runtime, but you can keep an eye out for it.
Buy Soundboks 3 at Soundboks - $999
The PartyBox series, one of the more ubiquitous loudspeaker-style devices out there, isn't properly represented in this guide. There were no mid-sized speakers for us to test. The PartyBox 710 is one of the larger models. It's neither battery powered nor portable, it's only two wheels and it's 69 pounds. If you don't need something to go very far without stairs, and you have a power outlet nearby, this thing is a beast.
Buy PartyBox 710 at JBL - $800The PartyBox 710 has a bit of flare with lighting effects surrounding it. It has a karaoke-focused device with guitar and mic inputs and line volumes, along with dedicated effects and controls on top. It looks good, but the real star is its audio output. It has 800 watt of power. The rear bass port helps this rocker feel like a party rocker. This isn't a portable speaker, but it is competitively priced at $800.
If you can find the PartyBox 110 and PartyBox 310, they are worth a listen.
Buy PartyBox 110 at JBL - $400 Buy PartyBox 310 at JBL - $550
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