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Who doesn't like to walk through life with their own personal soundtrack? We sure do.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is the best way to make sure the vibes don't stop when you leave the house, and it lets you share ambience with friends around the campfire. Or it could just be for your private karaoke sesh in the shower every morning. Up to you.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the best speaker for pretty much anyone. It comes in a small, light, minimalist package, but it sounds better than its size would suggest. For many people, this could be the only speaker you ever need, soundtracking everything from solo movie nights to small dinner parties.
The JBL Charge 6 is an ultra-rugged speaker that puts a fun emphasis on the bass in your music, and steps it up in volume from the Bose SoundLink. We would take this speaker anywhere - camping, rafting, off-roading - thanks to its excellent IP rating.
If you already know you like big sound, the JBL Boombox 4 gets boomy enough to blow your hair back, with deep, rumbling lows that you can feel in your chest. This is the closest thing you can get to a full-on event speaker while still remaining somewhat portable.
If you're tight on cash, or tight on space, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is a reasonably priced, drop-proof, water-resistant speaker that sounds good for casual listening. It's also small enough to fit in your pocket.
Since 2017, we've tested more than 70 of the best Bluetooth speakers, listening to each side by side for hundreds of hours at the beach, around the campfire, or on vacation.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 28, 2026, to add a new award winner from Sonos.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Bluetooth Speaker recommendations.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the undisputed winner for anyone looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is small enough to take anywhere, is loud enough to listen to with a group of friends, and has a refined listening profile that sounds like (excuse the pun) music to our ears. All this, and Bose managed to keep the price in the zone of reasonableness. The SoundLink Flex is slightly larger than a plastic water bottle, and we never thought twice about tossing it in our tote bag, even if we weren't sure we would need it. But chances are, if someone else shows up to the party with their own speaker, yours is the one that will be used. The Flex delivers crisp, balanced sound from highs to lows and sounds splendid across genres.
Pairing it with devices is quick and seamless, but connecting to the app to adjust EQ settings took longer. But unless you have a very specific sound-profile preference, we think the SoundLink Flex sounds well balanced right out of the box, and we found little need to adjust. We would like it if the battery lasted a little longer. We measured the playtime at about 12 hours, while other compact speakers like the JBL Flip 7 last up to 18 hours. All told, these are minor gripes, and we think anyone who takes the SoundLink Flex home will be rewarded with an immersive, lifelike listening experience.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen) is highly water resistant and floats, so you don't have to worry if it accidentally gets punted into the pool. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose Soundlink Flex is also great for watching videos on our iPad for higher-fidelity audio. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose app is feature packed. We can easily switch between devices and adjust our bass, mids, and trebels for punchier sound. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We can take this speaker anywhere, no problem. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Charge 6 makes big claims about its durability, and in our testing, it held up beautifully. It bounced out of our 3 ft drop tests, kept playing after being dunked in the lake multiple times, and shook off the sandy remnants of a day at the beach. After months of use (and some pretty intense abuse), it doesn't have a scratch. It doesn't even look dirty. When it wasn't being thrown around, we enjoyed punchy, bass-forward sound from the Charge 6, and were impressed with the immersive reach of this mid-sized speaker. “When I brought this to a beach bonfire, it drowned out the noise of the crashing waves and other speakers playing music nearby. Incredible!” said one tester. We love that we can connect it to other JBL speakers via “Auracast” (a feature that lets users connect to unlimited “Auracast” speakers)— the surround-sound effect is wildly immersive.
While we love what this speaker can do, we felt limited by its 14 hr battery life, especially when travelling or camping, when we didn't always have a reliable power source. The speaker does have a “PlayBoost” feature in the app that extends battery life, but it ruins the sound quality. Lastly, the Charge has pure volume, it gets louder than the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen), but it loses some clarity at its upper reaches. Many other top-tier speakers in our lineup are pretty durable, but the Charge 6 is the one we would take rafting. It remains a fantastic Jack-of-all-trades speaker for those who value rugged durability over premium sound.
The JBL Charge 6 is our favorite destination-proof bluetooth speaker. This little guy brings the party to the campground with bass-forward, powerful sound. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Charge 6 is among the most water-resistant speakers we tested. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Charge 6 has an adjustable/detachable strap that makes it easy to clip onto anything, including a backpack. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Charge 6 can handle sand and dirt. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Boombox 4 brought the nightclub to our living room, and sometimes the neighbors to our doorstep, asking us to quiet down. “This speaker has altered my perception of how great bass should sound. I feel spoiled,” said one tester. This massive speaker is a shoo-in for bass lovers; the mix sounds sculpted and bass-forward right out of the box, but for even more oomph, the bass-boosting button ramps it up even more. The beat hit us in the chest when we used it, and we could actually feel the floors of our house vibrating with the music. It reaches this level without sounding blown out, though the otherwise crystal-clear bass can get a bit muddy at max volume. It's a great option for those who host parties, indoors or out. The waterproof, dust-tight IP68 rating means it can handle some weather. We even tossed it into a lake with no issues with sound quality or connectivity afterward (and it floats!).
While technically portable, carrying the Boombox around is a workout. It's huge, awkward to carry, and weighs a whopping 13.4 lbs. We were happy to take it anywhere - as long as we were driving there. This speaker is also supremely expensive. It's overbuilt and too pricey for anyone looking to do some casual listening. The Boombox 4 is made to bring the beat, and for large house parties, dance rehearsal in a warehouse-sized studio, or tailgating before the game, it's our first choice.
If you want to blast full-blown bass in a rugged, semi-portable speaker, the JBL Boombox 4 is the best option out there. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Boombox 4 includes quick buttons directly on the unit for bass-boosting and connecting with other nearby JBL speakers for surround sound. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We love the fun aesthetic of this speaker, like the built-in party lights. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Taking us from the macro to the micro, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is one of the smallest speakers we tested, and also one of the most affordable. This pocket sized model puts out enough sound for shower karaoke, casual park hangs with, or bedside sleep stories, and when we were packing up for a weekend away, this is the speaker we brought with us. It's dust and water proof, and is light enough that it doesn't suffer much damage from being dropped. The sound is decent (not amazing), but some speakers in this price range can be downright awful to listen to. Luckily the Select 4 rises above. It's affordable, but not cheap, and overall, we feel it's a $35 well spent.
Because of the small size, this speaker sounds relatively flat and lacks dimension, though it still beats a phone speaker by a long shot. Higher notes can be a bit harsh, so it's not the best for twangy music like Shania Twain, but it sounds decent for relaxed, vocal-forward music by artists like Lana Del Ray. We recommend this speaker to anyone looking for a cheap, durable, and portable option with decent sound quality at mid volumes. We could see it being a great backup or secondary speaker to complement your main digs (like the Bose SoundLink Max) when you need something extra portable, or that you don't care as much about losing.
The Anker Soundcore Select Go has some of the best sound quality of the cheap, mini speakers we tested. It's also the only one to have customizable sound. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Select Go 4 is highly water resistant and can float, so no worries about dropping it in the hot tub. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This is a great portable mini speaker for any journey. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Select Go 4 holds up well against sand and dust. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're looking to throw bass-bumping parties without spending a fortune the Soundcore Boom 2 has got you covered. This speaker gets louder than most, and it comes with an onboard bass-boosting button, which amplifies the sound from energetic and fun to intense and boomy, bringing the party home. The colorful, bumping lights on either side of this speaker and retro styling give it a fun party aesthetic that takes center stage. The hard plastic casing is not as drop proof as some others, but it has good water-resistance, making it a great option for pool parties or listening in the hot tub.
This speaker definitely has a “front” side for listenting. To get the best out of it, you'll have to point the speaker directly at the crowd you're DJing for, and if anyone wanders around back, the sounds gets muffled and muddy. In comparison, the Boombox 4 puts out a full sound from almost any direction. But, for hundreds of dollars less, we're actually ok with the compromise; it didn't keep us from feeling the beat in our chest when listening to our favorite rap song. If you want fun, thumpy party sound from your speaker and don't mind a little grit at the higher volumes, the Soundcore Boom 2 is a great value.
The Sonos Move 2 has our favorite sound profile by far. Just short of a quality bookshelf speaker, the Move 2 has a sleek exterior, and is made for those who live for lush, immersive sound. It's not the most portable option, but it's easy to carry from room to room around the house, or out to the back patio. The realistic, natural sound mix made it feel like we had a private concert happening in our living room, and we love that it maintains clarity throughout a wide range of volumes. Perhaps best of all for those who love good-quality sound but don't necessarily know how to fine-tune it to their listening space, this speaker continuously self-optimizes its sound profile for the room it is in. Though if you still prefer to tweak the settings manually to match your playlist, you can do this through the app.
The Move 2 is battery-powered, but only lasted 12 hours of continuous play, about half of its advertised battery life. We left it on its circular charging base most of the time, so this didn't end up being a big problem for us. The biggest deterrent for many people will be the extravagent price and lack of portability. This isn't something we would take to the beach, or even to the local park. It can survive a light splash, but it's not truly water proof, nor is it dust proof, further reinforcing the “stay at home vibe”. The farthest we got was to take it to a friend's house across town for a birthday party. If you want something a little more portable that cost less, and rivals the sound quality of the Sonos, check out the Bose SoundLink Max.
Sonos has figured out the secret to exceptional sound quality with the Move 2, which utilizes “Trueplay” to fine-tune itself to the acoustics of whatever room you carry it to. Credit: Matt Lighthart
From the living room to the kitchen and the home office, the Sonos moves seamlessly with you throughout the house. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose SoundLink Max has Bose's signature clean and balanced sound profile, but offers party-worthy volume and is conveniently portable. It falls squarely in the mid-size category, but competes with speakers twice its size (and cost hundreds of $$ less). “I blasted this speaker in my 1200-square-foot house, and I could hear it loud and clear from every room with next to no distortion at the highest volume,” said one of our testers. An elegantly refined bass blends with realistic vocals and refreshingly bright highs to bring you an immersive sonic experience. Can you tell we loved listening to this speaker?
We should emphasize that while the SoundLink Maxis portable, it isn't the lightest option. The compact rectangular shape can fit in a backpack, but it's heavier than it looks, and we prefered to carry it by the comfy top handle most of the time, leaving room for other necessities in our bag. If you want a lighter-weight speaker that gets almost as loud, check out the JBL Charge 6. The Charge is also more durable, though with a waterproof and dust-tight IP67 rating, the Max is nothing to sniff at. Still, the sleek speaker looks more at home on the floor of a dance studio than on a sandy beach. All told, the Max is the perfect option for blasting music in your house, backyard pool, or at the campsite of a music festival without sacrificing sound quality.
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers great sound quality in a portable package that everyone will love. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The SoundLink Max has a removable strap in case you want to replace it with Bose's long strap to carry over your shoulder (sold separately). Credit: Matt Lighthart
The SoundLink Max is delivers excellent pump-up music for intense workouts. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The controls give a tactile “click” when pressed, and are quickly responsive and intuitive. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you can't stand to be separated from your playlist for even a few hours, (and earbuds aren't an option for you), then the JBL Clip 5 is your new best friend. This water-resistant, dust-resistant, drop-resistant speaker can join you in the shower, clip onto your belt loop while doing yardwork, swing from the handlebars of your bike while you weave through traffic, or hang from the umbrella over your patio table while you enjoy a drink. Its defining feature is the built-in carabiner-style clip that lets you attach this speaker to just about anything. The other thing we noticed right away is how much better it sounds than other palm-sized speakers; for its tiny size, this speaker does an adequate job of providing a low end, though it definitely pushes lead vocals and instruments to the center of attention.
The JBL sounds best when it is pointed directly at you, the listener. Sound quality suffers if the speaker is lying down or if you are standing behind it. That said, we didn't really expect a speaker of this size to compete with larger, premium-priced speakers. But what caught us off guard was that the Clip 5 is not that far off in price. It still falls into the under-$100 category, but you can get a major upgrade in sound if you are willing to spend just a bit more for something like the JBL Flip 7. However, you'll be moving out of pocketable territory; speakers the next size up are about the size of a plastic water bottle, and you'll want to put them in a bag to take them anywhere. The small size and built-in clip make this the most portable and best-sounding speaker in its class, and for some, that's worth it.
The Clip 5 isn't just a shower speaker-we love being able to take it and clip it anywhere. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We love being able to listen to our favorite audiobooks in the shower so we never miss out. Credit: Elizabeth White
The JBL Clip 5 is a tiny speaker that fits in our pocket. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Clip 5 sounds best when it's clipped into an upright position, but sounds flatter laying down. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Product Comparison Table
We've listened to the best Bluetooth speakers of all shapes and sizes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test
We spent days reviewing every top speaker on the market before selecting and purchasing the best 16 and putting them through a series of tests in our in-house audio studio and trial runs at home and while traveling. We recruited expert audiophiles and newbies alike to collectively pour hundreds of hours of listening time into each speaker we tested, grading their sound on its immersive qualities and clarity, and finding which ones have the best sound mix across every genre (as well as audiobooks and podcasts). We used them in our lab to measure their volume, battery life, connectivity range, and portability. We lived with them at home and hauled them along on road trips. We brought them to the beach, dropped them on concrete and in the water, listened to them during our workouts, and used all the features they have to offer.
Sound Quality (35% of overall score weighting)
Portability (30% weighting)
Volume (15% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Battery (5% weighting)
Ease of Use 5% weighting)
Over the years, we've collectively spent more than 400 hours listening to each speaker. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
For this review, we gathered a team of audio and tech experts to test and score the sound quality and usability of each Bluetooth speaker. The review is led by Chris McNamara, Co-founder of GearLab, who has personally tested thousands of products over his 16 years of leading GearLab's review efforts. Chris loves using Bluetooth speakers when camping with his family, at Lake Tahoe beach gatherings with friends, and he has long served as the GearLab office's DJ. We tapped audio expert and musician Genaveve Bradshaw, who holds a Music degree from the University of New Mexico, to expertly grade the sound quality alongside Senior Review Analyst Rachael Lamore. Rachael has tested hundreds of products and audio gear since 2024 and has a keen understanding of which products are best for our readers' specific needs. She also enjoys a good dance party in her living room, and loves listening to speakers that can fill a room.
We measured how far away each speaker could play from our device before disconnecting. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We played each speaker on its maximum volume and measured its decibel level (how loud it gets) using a sound meter. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We physically weighed each speaker to find out how portable they really are. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For our water resistant speakers, we tossed them in the lake to see how water resistant they actually are. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We used each speaker at the beach to put their dust protection to the test. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
We divided our Bluetooth Speaker tests into several categories: sound quality, portability, volume (for overall crankability and quality at upper volumes), drop test (for durability), and battery life. We spent hundreds of hours comparing all of these attributes side-by-side to find the best speaker for every application.
Worse Value
Better Value
The Soundcore Select Go is an inexpensive, durable speaker that's great for travel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What's the Best Value?
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for great sound, and the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen) is proof. Though not the cheapest, it offers a great balance between portability and sound quality at a reasonable price. If you're looking to party big on a budget, we recommend the Soundcore Boom 2. This mini boombox delivers bass-boosted, room-filling sound that makes us want to dance. It can get a touch boomy at the loudest volumes, but for a quarter of the price of other boomboxes, color us impressed. If you're on a tight budget and looking for a pocket-sized speaker that sounds better than your phone, we recommend the Soundcore Select 4 Go.
The Sonos Move 2 sounds rich and immersive from all sides. It's pristine clarity never diminishes, even when we crank up the volume. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Quality
Our audio experts listened to each speaker for hundreds of hours, covering different genres of music from smooth R&B to acoustic folk, and even dipped into podcasts and audiobooks. After the final note of the final song had ended, the Sonos Move 2 proved to be the best speaker, offering the most pristine, immersive sound that we've heard in a while. It can hit high notes and pump up the bass with exceptional control and a resoundingly powerful thump. The Move 2 delivers rich, deep bass and sound that spreads evenly, expertly unweaves dynamic tracks, and plays true-to-life vocals that made us feel like we were sitting in the studio next to the recording musician.
Sound Quality Ratings
Product
Bass
Mid-Range
Treble
Sonos Move 2
8.8
9.0
8.7
JBL Boombox 4
9.3
8.5
7.9
Bose SoundLink Max
8.4
8.6
8.3
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd gen)
7.1
8.1
7.5
Soundcore Boom 2
8.1
7.5
7.0
JBL Charge 6
7.8
7.5
6.9
Beats Pill
7.1
7.1
6.4
JBL Flip 7
6.8
6.9
6.5
JBL Flip 5
5.5
5.6
4.7
UE Wonderboom 4
5.2
4.6
4.3
JBL Clip 5
4.1
5.0
4.3
Soundcore 2
4.2
5.0
4.2
Soundcore Select 4 Go
3.3
4.4
3.9
JBL Go 4
2.7
4.2
3.7
BolaButty
3.4
3.9
3.3
The Sonos's secret sauce seems to be the wrap-around audio design, combined with integrated “TruePlay” tuning, which works by automatically scanning the acoustics of its environment to fine-tune EQ settings. We've played music and podcasts in multiple rooms of our home and office, and the high-quality audio is incredibly consistent.
Soundstage Ratings
Product
Soundstage Score
Sonos Move 2
9.3
Bose SoundLink Max
8.0
JBL Boombox 4
7.9
Soundcore Boom 2
7.6
JBL Charge 6
7.0
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd gen)
6.9
Beats Pill
6.6
JBL Flip 7
6.2
UE Wonderboom 4
6.1
JBL Flip 5
4.3
JBL Clip 5
4.2
JBL Go 4
4.0
Soundcore 2
4.0
Soundcore Select 4 Go
4.0
BolaButty
3.0
When we talk about Soundstage, we're referring to the illusion of space a speaker can create. This drastically impacts how lifelike your music sounds. A speaker with a great soundstage should feel like you're literally at a live concert, or at the movie theater, hearing music and effects from all angles. A poor soundstage will feel more comparable to the small, boxed-in sound of an iPhone speaker.
The JBL Boombox 4 is our favorite speaker for listening to rap, hip-hop, and R&B. We're baffled by how clear is sounds in spite of its boominess, even at the upper volumes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Boombox 4 is our drug of choice when we are craving some heavy bass. The sound profile of this massive speaker is already bass-forward right out of the package, but for that extra hit, we used the Bass-Boosting feature to further emphasize our thunderous, chest-thumping music. The Boombox 4 maintains crisp clarity even at upper volumes; the very highest volume is aggressive and boomy, but not blown out. This speaker is so powerful that it doesn't matter which direction we listen to it—the audio spreads through our entire home like a roll of thunder, and can easily carry across a large backyard.
The SoundLink Max offers elevated, powerful sound for mid-sized gatherings. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The SoundLink Max is also great for casual solo listening and sounds exceptional no matter what genre is playing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The SoundLink Max is great for playing our favorite power anthems while exercising. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The more portable Bose SoundLink Max also delivers powerful, high-quality, energetic sound with a well-balanced sound mix. It doesn't go overboard in the highs or lows, and is great if you prefer a more neutral, but still pristine, sound profile. It's also powerful enough to stand up to the chatter of a decent-sized crowd; we used it to soundtrack dinner parties and holiday gatherings. We also love it for casual listening around the house and on the go, but we were careful about where we placed the speaker before starting our playlist. Most of the audio is pushed out the front with some on the sides, but the sound tapers off in the back of the speaker, so we preferred to set it up against the wall facing out, rather than plopping it in the middle of the coffee table. But we love that it can connect with other Bose speakers, so we could get a really immersive sound around the room.
The Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd Gen) sounds great right out of the box with a balanced mix from the lows to the highs, but you can still adjust the sound according to your preferences. It's great for music, videos, and podcasts alike. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a pretty small speaker, but it can hang with the big boys when it comes to putting out a refined, balanced sound. It doesn't get quite as loud, but it has the clearest audio we have heard in a compact speaker. We especially love it for vocal-forward tracks and podcasts, because human voices come through so realistically. In all genres, the factory EQ settings on the Flex deliver nicely proportional sound without going overboard in the highs or lows. If we wanted to boost the bass or kick the highs up a notch, we had to use the Bose app.
The Soundlike Flex has a directional sound, meaning you'll hear it best if you're listening directly in front of the speaker. In this setup, you'll experience a full soundstage, but for truly immersive sound, you'll need to connect it to another Bose speaker. Luckily, the Flex costs less than a third of some larger models, so doubling up on this speaker for surround sound is actually feasible if you're willing to invest.
If you want good sound quality out of your portable speaker, we'd steer clear of the BolaButty, no matter how enticing the price is. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Go 4 disappointed us with its sound quality. We think it's worth spending just a little extra for the JBL Clip 5 instead if you're looking for a pocket-sized speaker. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Once you get to the mini pocket-sized speakers, the sound quality noticeably diminishes, particularly with the BolaButty and JBL Go 4. The BolaButty sounds caged and muffled, as if it's locked in a box. The sound lacks definition and has an artificial, processed quality. The JBL 4 Go has a slightly better soundstage, but it lacks height and depth, sounding muddled. The lows are watered down, and high notes sound jarring, with one tester noting, “It gives me the ick.”
The JBL Go 4 is the lightest portable speaker we tested. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Portability
Portability and sound quality often work at odds. Obviously, a lightweight, pocket-sized speaker will be ultra portable, but if it doesn't sound any better than your phone, is it even worth bringing? Likewise, a giant, 13 lb speaker might give you a lifelike “concert in your backyard” experience, but the weight and size will limit how far you're willing to take it.
Portability Table
Measured Weight
IP Rating (Water & Dust Protection)
Size Comparison
Fits in a bike water bottle holder?
JBL Go 4
0.4 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
Palm of your hand
Soundcore Select 4 Go
0.6 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
Palm of your hand
JBL Clip 5
0.6 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
Palm of your hand
Soundcore 2
0.8 lbs
IPX7: Waterproof to 1 meter
1 can of soda
UE Wonderboom 4
0.9 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
1 can of soda
✖
BolaButty
0.9 lbs
IPX5: Spray waterproof
2 cans of soda
JBL Flip 7
1.2 lbs
IP68: Waterproof to 1+ meter & dustproof
2 cans of soda
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd gen)
1.3 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
2 cans of soda
Beats Pill
1.5 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
2 cans of soda
JBL Charge 6
2.2 lbs
IP68: Waterproof to 1+ meter & dustproof
Nalgene water bottle
✖
Soundcore Boom 2
3.7 lbs
IPX7: Waterproof to 1 meter
6 pack of cans
✖
Bose SoundLink Max
4.9 lbs
IP67: Waterproof to 1 meter & dustproof
6 pack of cans
✖
Sonos Move 2
6.8 lbs
IP56: Limited dust-protection and spray waterproof
6 pack of cans
✖
JBL Boombox 4
13.4 lbs
IP68: Waterproof to 1+ meter & dustproof
12 pack of cans
✖
The smallest and lightest speakers we tested are the Soundcore Select 4 Go and JBL Clip 5, both of which fit in the palm of our hand and weigh about half a pound. We could stash these in a jacket pocket or carry them in a purse or tote bag and barely notice they were there.
The Soundcore Select Go 4 fits easily in a water bottle holder, so you can listen to your workout tunes close by. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Soundcore Select Go is palm-sized, so you can easily bring it anywhere. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Soundcore Select Go is smaller than a coffee mug. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Clip 5 tops the portability charts thanks to its built-in clip - most micro speakers only come with a basic lanyard or carry loop. Having the clip built in means we were able to hang it off a tote bag or backpack without having to track down an extra carabiner. The opening on the clip is about an inch wide, so we could fit it on the shower head at home, or a thin tree branch while listening at the park. It weighs only 0.6 lbs and takes up about as much room as a phone.
The JBL Clip 5 can be clipped anywhere. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Clip 5 weighs only 0.6 pounds. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We love that we can clip it to the showerhead so we don't have a curtain of separation between us and our audiobook. Credit: Elizabeth White
Landing on the other end of the spectrum, the JBL Boombox 4 is the heaviest and bulkiest speaker we tested, weighing 13.4 lbs, and it's about the size of county-fair winning watermelon. It has a carry handle, but we were only able to make it a few blocks before our forearms gave out from the weight. The farthest we ever wanted to carry it was from the front door of our apartment to the back seat of our car.
The Boombox 4 can belt music across an entire backyard with great clarity. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Volume
If you're looking at a Bluetooth speaker, rather than personal headphones, chances are you want to share your music with others. You might even be the dedicated DJ of your friend group, and want a speaker that you can crank during house parties or BBQs. At the very least, you'll want a speaker that projects music better than your phone, and does so without sounding blown out.
The speakers we tested have max volumes that range from 84 dB to 104 dB. For reference, an iPhone 16 has a max volume of about 79 dB, so any speaker from this list will do you better. However, there is a big difference in the quality that each speaker is able to maintain at its loudest setting. We put together a chart that takes this balance into account and gave each speaker a star rating based on these factors.
Volume Table
Volume Decibel Level
Volume Quality Description
Suggested Occasion
Volume Quality
JBL Boombox 4
104 dB
Deep, rumbling low-ends that you can actually feel in your chest, that sound great even at max volume.
For hosting a packed house party, filling a massive open loft, or running a neighborhood block party.
1
2
3
4
5
Bose SoundLink Max
98 dB
Pushes massive volume across wide open areas without losing its balance or sounding like its straining.
Bring to a bonfire, a large campsite gathering, or a chaotic poolside party.
1
2
3
4
5
Soundcore Boom 2
100 dB
Pushes massive volume across wide open areas without losing its balance or sounding like its straining.
Bring to a bonfire, a large campsite gathering, or a chaotic poolside party.
1
2
3
4
5
JBL Charge 6
101 dB
Aggressive, punchy volume that commands attention.
Go-to for a noisy beach day, a boat trip, or a tailgate party.
1
2
3
4
5
JBL Flip 7
100 dB
Aggressive, punchy volume that commands attention.
Go-to for a noisy beach day, a boat trip, or a tailgate party.
1
2
3
4
5
Sonos Move 2
87 dB
Even at high volumes, you can distinctively hear every instrument and layer of a track..
The elevated speaker you move from the kitchen island to the patio for a upscale cocktail evening.
1
2
3
4
5
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd gen)
88 dB
Keeps its composure and clarity even when cranked up high.
Good for a lively backyard barbecue, a garage workout session, or a day at a public park.
1
2
3
4
5
Beats Pill
88 dB
Make your favorite tracks feel full and rich up to about 80% volume.
This speaker easily anchors a Friday night dinner party with a handful of friends.
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3
4
5
JBL Clip 5
87 dB
Surprising punch for its size.
Ideal for a solo hotel room vibe, an intimate picnic for two, or a small college dorm room.
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3
4
5
UE Wonderboom 4
83 dB
Decent vocal clarity at close range, but completely lacks “thump.”
Meant for solo, nearby listening.
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3
4
5
Soundcore 2
85 dB
Decent vocal clarity at close range, but completely lacks “thump.”
Meant for solo, nearby listening.
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2
3
4
5
Soundcore Select 4 Go
84 dB
Decent vocal clarity at close range, but completely lacks “thump.”
Meant for solo, nearby listening.
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2
3
4
5
BolaButty
83 dB
Low-output and highly compressed.
Loud enough to cut through the sound of a shower, but not much else.
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5
JBL Go 4
84 dB
Low-output and highly compressed.
Loud enough to cut through the sound of a shower, but not much else.
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4
5
Iphone 16 Pro
79 dB
Not very loud, and sound is flat & hollow.
Up-close listening for voice memos or scrolling social media.
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5
No other speaker in our lineup can compare to the JBL Boombox 4. The bass on this thing could blow out the candles on a birthday cake. At its maximum volume, the sound is comparable to standing in a crowded nightclub and can easily blast through the walls of a house or fill a large warehouse. The audio is exceptionally controlled and clear at the upper volumes, and it has the largest volume range we tested.
When the JBL Boombox 4 is turned to its max volume, it gets just about as loud as a concert at 104 decibels. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Boombox 4 delivers clear, but powerful party sound that can blow out your birthday candles. Credit: Elizabeth White
The Boombox 4 produces mega sound from all sides. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Bose SoundLink Max and Sonos Move 2 step it down a notch, but are still loud enough to play music that carries through multiple rooms of the house and floats through a backyard and patio area. We hosted a BBQ with about 20 people, and both of these speakers were able to compete with the sound of conversation from the group. And in both cases, we have been incredibly impressed by the punchiness and detail between vocals and instruments, even when cranking the volume to the max.
The Bose SoundLink Max may appear small and unassuming compared to your average boombox, but its sound is powerful and more refined than most.
The boomy Soundcore Boom 2 hops on the party train by delivering bold, bass-blasting music with plenty of volume to fill a house for large parties, though bass can get a bit blown out at the highest volume. The mid-volume range has good clarity and is powerful enough to fill your average living room.
The JBL Charge 6 is a mighty little speaker with powerful sound that maintains its clarity at upper volumes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
While not as loud as the bigger boombox-style speakers, the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Flip 7 can both get surprisingly loud for their compact size. We used the Charge 6 for a birthday bonfire at the beach, and it easily drowned out the music from other beachgoers and the ocean waves crashing against the shoreline. The Charge 6 is noticeably more crisp at higher volumes and handles high notes with finesse, while the Flip 7 high notes can get a touch distorted at higher volumes, and lows lose a tiny bit of detail, which makes sense because it's a bit smaller than the Charge 6.
Of the pocket-sized speakers, the JBL Clip 5 gets the loudest, and stays the clearest. We hooked this speaker on the umbrella over our patio table while hosting dinner for 10 people, and the sound carried nicely but didn't compete with the groups conversation. That said, it can sound somewhat muddied and blown out at high volumes, especially with bass-heavy genres.
At high volumes, BollaButty's sound quality is jarring and blown out. We wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking to share music with friends or blast their tunes.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) works exactly the same after being dropped from 3 feet onto concrete multiple times, making it an excellent option if you have kids or animals running around the house. Credit: Matt Lighthart
There were some scrapes and scuff marks, but they're hardly noticeable and no real damage was done. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Durability
We're big fans of the saying, “buy well, buy once”. This means finding a speaker that can survive a few drops, won't glitch at the sight of rain, and can handle beach days and bike rides around town. We put each speaker through multiple, intentional, drop test, and for the ones that have a waterproof IP rating, we also tossed them in the local lake while playing music to see how they handled water in real life. Some speakers were damaged during this review, but not all.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen) is a nearly indestructible speaker. After our battery of drop tests, the Flex is left with a few scuff marks on the grippy silicone coating, but the sound quality is just as good as before, and we experienced zero issues with usability.
The JBL Charge 6 is the ultimate outdoor companion that can withstand drops on hard surfaces without issue. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The rubber bumpers do a great job of helping the Flip 7 survive steep falls. We experienced no issues using it after the drop. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 models came out unscathed and function perfectly fine after being dropped, showing absolutely no scuff marks or dents. We also took these two camping and on a few day hikes, and they don't even look dirty. They both have hefty rubber bumpers that add to our peace of mind.
The Clip 5 can be dropped without a single scratch, making it completely fool proof. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Go 4 passed our drop test with flying colors. It features the same durable build quality of the larger JBL speakers, but it's so small and lightweight, we could throw it against almost anything and it would be fine. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Pocket-sized JBLs like the Clip 5 and Go 4 hold up against drops. We could even huck them against the wall, and they would sound the same. Their lightweight nature means there's not a lot of heft behind their falls, and the casings seemed to protect the interior tech with ease.
The internal components of the BolaButty crumbled after a single drop, rendering it useless. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Butterfingers should beware of the BolaButty; this one took the biggest hit during our drop tests. The casing cracked and the speaker sounds horribly distorted after a single drop from the top of our desk.
A speaker's ingress protection (IP) rating indicates how water- and dust-resistant it is. An IP68 speaker can be dunked over 1 meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. Speakers rated IP67 are also durable enough for most activities, but can't be submerged as deeply underwater (only up to 1 meter), so they're less ideal for boating, but are good splash-proof options for showers or hanging around the pool. We wouldn't recommend buying a speaker with a durability rating under IP67 if you want to take it outside often.
The Charge 6, and JBL Boombox 4 can withstand any weather conditions, making them great options for water-based and outdoor activities. They are both IP68-rated speakers, meaning that they are the most water-resistant and can survive deep submersion over 1 meter for 30 minutes. These rugged speakers are also dust-tight and effectively shielded against sand and dirt.
The JBL Boombox 4 is a great choice for beach-bashes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The JBL Charge 6 is highly water resistant. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Of the smaller 1-pound options we tested, the JBL Flip 7 has the best water resistance. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Battery Life
Nothing can kill the mood like a dead battery. If you're really motivated, you could burst into song to keep your guests entertained, but we'd prefer that a speaker just lasts (we're pretty sure your friends would too). To test battery life, we set each speaker to 75% volume and played the same music on a loop until it died.
The BolaButty is the dark horse in this test, blowing the rest of our speakers out of the water by lasting up to 60 hours and 46 minutes, which is three times its advertised battery life. With minimal use, its battery life could be extended for weeks while traveling without ever needing a charge. That said, it doesn't sound much better than the average smartphone speaker, so we're still not sure it's worth it.
You could finish an entire book in the time it takes for the BolaButty's 60 hour battery life to die. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Beats Pill lasts twice as long as its advertised battery life at 51 hours and 30 minutes. This incredibly impressive battery life can also be stretched into several weeks if you listen a few hours a day rather than round the clock. The Bose SoundLink Max lasts up to 43 hours and 7 minutes, more than double its advertised battery life.
The JBL Clip 5 has the shortest battery life, only lasting 8 hours and 50 minutes. This is enough to last through most outings, but you'll need to recharge at the end of each day. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen) also has an unfortunately slow battery life of 10 hours and 46 minutes. While this may not be a huge deal if you're near a power source, these aren't the best options if you're bad at remembering to plug things in. We also would not take these on long weekend camping trips.
While nothing fancy, the controls on the Soundcore Select Go 4 are straightforward and easy to use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The appreciated the convenient control button for answering and declining phone calls. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Some speakers keep it simple, and others come with a surprising number of features, such as a voice assistant, sound customization, and multi-speaker connectivity for surround sound. We noted all features of each model, as well as their overall usability and connectivity.
Almost all mid to high-end speakers come with sound customization (also known as "sound EQ") via an app, and often include sound presets for different moods or genres.
Features Table
Voice Assistant
Power Bank Capability
Sound Customization
Multi-Point Pairing
Speaker Syncing
App
Beats Pill
Siri | Google Assistant (via connected phone)
✖
2 Beats Pill Speakers
BolaButty
Siri | Google Assistant (via connected phone)
✖
✖
✖
2 Bolabutty Speakers
✖
Bose Soundlink Flex (2nd gen)
Siri | Google Assistant (via connected phone)
✖
2 Bose Speakers
Bose SoundLink Max
No built-in microphone
2 Bose Speakers
JBL Boombox 4
No built-in microphone
100 JBL speakers
JBL Charge 6
No built-in microphone
100 JBL speakers
JBL Clip 5
No built-in microphone
✖
100 JBL speakers
JBL Flip 7
No built-in microphone
✖
100 JBL speakers
JBL Go 4
No built-in microphone
✖
100 JBL speakers
Sonos Move 2
Amazon Alexa | Sonos Voice Control
Infinite via Wi-Fi
2 via BT Stereo
Soundcore 2
Siri | Google Assistant (via connected phone)
✖
✖
✖
2 Speakers
✖
Soundcore Boom 2
Siri | Google Assistant (via connected phone)
2 Speakers
Soundcore Select 4 Go
No built-in microphone
✖
2 Speakers
UE Wonderboom 4
No built-in microphone
✖
✖
2 Speakers
✖
The Bose SoundLink Max and SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) offer one of the most seamless startups of all the models we tested. They are both easy to connect and offer EQ customization via the Bose app, with three drag-and-drop points for bass, mid, and treble. The Flex (2nd Gen) comes with a voice assistant and is one of the only speakers we tested that can take phone calls, while the Max does not. It also has “PositionIQ” tech, which optimizes the sound no matter the orientation. Both support multipoint connections, so multiple devices can connect to the speakers at once, and both can connect to other Bose speakers for immersive party surround sound.
We love the usability of the JBL app, which offers tons of presets for every mood. It's also fast and easy to download. The app also makes it easier to connect multiple speakers at once, so you can play music in every room of your home or enjoy a surround-sound experience. Credit: Elizabeth White
The JBL Charge 6 offers an incredibly long connectivity range of over 174 feet, which is the length of half a football feild. All of the JBL speakers, we tested come with “Auracast”, which allows you to connect to a limitless number of Auracast-compatible speakers for surround sound. They also allow multiple users to connect, which is nice if you have two people vying to be DJ. The JBL app is one of the most robust we've experienced, with plenty of sound presets, including JBL Signature, Bass Boost (deep or punchy), Chill, Energetic, Vocal (good for podcasts), and a custom option with seven drag-and-drop options from low to high. The Charge 6 and Boombox have “Playtime Boost”, which extends the battery life by several hours, but sadly ruins the sound quality. None comes with a voice assistant.
While the BolaButty was fast and easy to connect, it's very bare-bones, even for a budget speaker. It doesn't come with an app, and it can only connect to one device at a time. Its Bluetooth connectivity is among the shortest, dropping off after just 86 feet.
The best portable speakers sound great and are easy to carry. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Speaker
There are hundreds of Bluetooth speakers to choose from, ranging in price from $25 to over $500. But most people don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to meet their listening needs. If you want a more refined, powerful sound than your smartphone speaker offers, want to share your music with others, or don't want to wear earbuds around all day, a Bluetooth speaker is the way to go. Below are questions to consider before making a purchase.
You'll want to pay attention to the weight and size of your speaker if you plan on taking it anywhere outside the house. While larger speakers tend to have the best sound quality, they're not usually the best choice for travel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're planning a beach bash, make sure that your speaker has a protection rating of IP67 or IP68, which will keep the sand and water out. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For extended camping, ensure that your speakers battery life is up to the challenge and that it has proper weather resistance. An IP67 or IP68 rating is best suited for outdoor environments. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For showers, it's helpful to have a speaker that you can clip and that's protected against water. Again, we recommend choosing an IP67 or IP68 rated speaker if you're planning to use it in wet environments. Credit: Elizabeth White
Where Do You Listen To Music the Most?
Everyone has their own listening habits, and there is definitely a best use case for each of the speakers we tested. If you're looking for an adventure companion that you can take to the beach, on a camping trip, or a paddle day at the lake, you'll want to check out a compact speaker that is light enough to carry in a backpack and has good water and dust resistance. Bonus points if it floats.
If you primarily listen to music around the house while cooking dinner, doing yardwork, or hosting friends for dinner, you probably aren't worried about size or weatherproofing. If you have the freedom (and budget) to go big, you'll be rewarded with exceptional sound quality. And even the larger speakers are easy to move from room to room in the house.
If you want to listen to your speaker while trekking, it helps to have a smaller loop so that it doesn't swing around while you hike. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Lots of party speakers sound great, but not all blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. If you're using your speaker at home or in the office, consider whether or not it will stick out like a sore thumb. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're using your speaker to exercise, you'll want a punchy and energetic sound mix. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Most speakers work just fine for one or two people. But, if you're hosting a party, you'll want bigger, more powerful sound from your speaker. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Playing for a Crowd or Listening Solo?
Some of the smaller personal-sized speakers we tested produce delightful sound, especially when played at their mid-volume range. These are a good choice if you want a desk speaker to play music while you work, or something to put in the bedroom while you fold laundry or read a book. We also like to pair them with our laptop for cozy movie nights in bed.
Small speakers are an excellent choice for solo listeners. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you are the dedicated host of your friend group, you'll want a speaker that can project sound through multiple rooms of your home, or if you want to go really big, you might want something loud enough to blast music down the block. You'll pay for that sound in both cash and weight, but a 100 dB speaker with onboard woofers, subwoofers, drivers, and/or tweeters processes the sound so it won't blow out or sound jarring at high volumes.
If you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks all day every day, you'll want a speaker with a longer battery life. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What's Your Budget?
You don't need to make a huge investment for most casual listening. For most people, a lightweight, compact speaker can be a huge upgrade from a phone speaker. Most sound nice and clear at a reasonable volume, and there are some great speakers in the $30—$150 range. Beyond this, you start stepping into luxury territory, which we'll admit, is nice. If you are willing and able to make a bigger investment, you can take home a speaker that you're unlikely to outgrow if you (inevitably) go down the audiophile rabbit hole of sound quality.
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is proof that you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars for the best portable speaker. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Other Notable Bluetooth Speakers to Consider
Amazon Echo Dot & Amazon Echo Dot Max: If you have an Amazon thermostat, smart lights, or other Amazon smart devices, the Echo Dots are great for using the voice assistant to manage them. The Max is slightly larger and more powerful than the OG Echo Dot. Both are best used as at-home speakers rather than on the go, as they lack durability and water resistance.
Bang and Olufsen Explore: A compact, highly expensive IP67 water and dust-resistant portable speaker with woofers, tweeters, and passive radiators for refined sound on the go. But for the price, we wish it had better weather resistance.
Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen): A pocket-sized, rugged little speaker with customizable sound through the Bose app. But, if you're going to spend $100 on a speaker, it's probably worth sizing up for bigger and better sound quality.
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential: A massive, splash-proof party speaker with a bass-forward sound profile. You can also customize the party light colors and plug in microphones for a karaoke party. Unfortunately, it's not built with portability in mind.
Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Era 100: Both utilize “Trueplay” to calibrate their sound to each room in your home and include six drivers for true-to-life vocals and instruments. The Era 100 has a smaller footprint and is better for apartments and smaller spaces, whereas the Era 300 is bulky and over twice as big and heavy as the 100. But the Era 300 includes spatial audio technology for crisper, more immersive sound. Neither option is meant for travel or outdoor use.
Soundcore Motion 300: A compact, portable mid-tier speaker with “SmartTune” technology that optimizes the sound based on how the speaker is oriented and includes a bass-boosting button directly on the unit. But it's more meant for solo listening than for filling a large room with sound.
JBL Flip 6: An aption for those who like the Flip 7 but want something slightly more affordable. But it cannot connect to newer JBL speakers for surround sound, and it's slightly less weatherproof.
Happy listening! Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Bluetooth speakers are great devices that allow you and your company to enjoy music almost anywhere. They are incredibly diverse, with thousands of models flooding the market. We hope our testing has helped you choose the best speaker to satisfy your portable music needs.
—Chris McNamara, Rachael Lamore, and Genaveve Bradshaw
