Our team of audio experts has been reviewing the best Bluetooth speakers for nearly two decades. If you’re feeling nostalgic, take a look at our Parrot DS1120 Bluetooth Speakers review – it’s a testament to how long we’ve been at this.
Simply put, when it comes to audio tech, we know our stuff. Every Bluetooth speaker in this guide has undergone rigorous testing, so you can trust our recommendations for the latest and greatest models that are worth your time and money.
While compact portable speakers might not deliver the deepest bass, many still impress with clear, well-balanced sound. We’ve tested key factors, like battery life, audio performance, and overall value to bring you the top choices. If you’re after something more rugged, explore our guide to the best waterproof speakers. For premium sound over portability, head to our best wireless speakers roundup. Otherwise, keep reading to find the best Bluetooth speakers, handpicked by our experts.
The quick list
Want to cut to the chase and find out which Bluetooth speakers are the absolute best in the business? Scroll on down! You can also jump to a more detailed review of each product, and the best deals on them online.
The best Bluetooth speaker overall
A portable speaker with a sleek, minimalist design that delivers rich and powerful audio with excellent connectivity features (including Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth).
The best budget Bluetooth speaker
A super compact Bluetooth speaker that's durable, practical, and delivers a thoroughly enjoyable sound with surprising bass and volume for its tiny size.
The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker
This is a speaker that sticks to the basics, and gets them all right. This rugged model is super simple to use, sounds good and can be linked to up to 100 other JBL speakers to create a big wall of sound.
The best Bluetooth speaker for sound-per-pound
If you want the best sonic performance for a reasonable price, this is it. You can find better, but not for such solid value – and it's also super-rugged and portable, too.
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
A large speaker packed with features. It sounds great and is well-balanced with powerful bass. It's also waterproof, easy to carry, has top battery life – and is ready to party!
The best Bluetooth speaker for reverse charging
Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof).
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The best Bluetooth speaker for long battery life
It's not a looker and it's a tad heavy to boot, but that's because it's got a massive 30 hours of battery life under the hood. With a sub-$80 / £80 price tag, it's hard to complain…
Read more below
The best premium Bluetooth speaker
This robust, go-anywhere wireless speaker isn't the cheapest option, but the sound will make you overlook its steeper price tag. Want your soirée to go with a bang? Look no further.
The best Bluetooth speaker for design
This LG speaker looks as good as it sounds. With top-performing audio and a distinctive lamp-like design with mood lighting, it'll fill any room with sound and a dose of style.
Read more below
The best Bluetooth speaker for training
This eye-catching speaker is a great choice for sports or getting warmed up with a pre-match playlist. It's durable, gets very loud and has a very long-lasting battery.
The best Bluetooth speaker for picnics
We love this travel-friendly design that's as big as a much. It's ideal for outdoor gatherings with a boost feature specially for outdoor sound, solid battery life and a rich, clear sound.
I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.
Recent updates
December 12, 2024
Refreshed the introduction. Added more images to each of our reviews to give readers a better look at our recommendations. Included scorecards under each Bluetooth speaker we've recommended so readers can get a quick sense of what each entry has to offer.
The best Bluetooth speaker overall
✅ You own more Sonos speakers: You can connect multiple Sonos speakers together, which makes the Roam 2 perfect for a home audio system.
✅ You like your tech to look as good as it sounds: Sonos' minimalist design aesthetic makes it standout in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space.
❌ You need all-day listening: At 10 hours of battery life, the Sonos Roam 2 isn't the best choice for longevity, the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list doubles it at 20 hours.
❌ You're on a budget: You get a lot for your money, but the Sonos Roam 2 is still expensive. For good sound for less, the JBL Clip 5 at #2 in the list is our budget pick.
What you need to know: The original Sonos Roam has been our favorite Bluetooth speaker since it was released in 2021. Although there are now plenty more portable speakers on the market, the Sonos Roam 2 not only improves in some key areas, but continues to be one of the top choices. It delivers a balanced, rich and clear sound from a compact design with a long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too.
Audio performance: In our review, we wrote that the Sonos Roam 2 delivers "excellent sound that punches far above the sheer size". We found that it presents audio well across the frequency range, which makes it a good choice for listening to a broad range of genres and artists. It's not the heaviest on bass, so if you want a big booming speaker look elsewhere, but you can still hear that element of your favorite tracks well. Even when you pump it up to high volumes, expect rich and clear sounds.
Design: Its slick and minimal design means the Sonos Roam 2 won’t look out of place in your home, especially because it comes in a couple of nice-looking shades. It also has a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build with an IP67 rating that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn't huge at 10 hours – and it's not an improvement on the original Roam, which is disappointing. However, it is enough for a day out, but if battery is a priority for you, then check out the JBL Charge at #6 in the list, which boasts an impressive 20 hours of battery. Or the Tribit Stormbox Flow at #7 in the list with a huge 30 hours of power.
Value: The Sonos Roam 2 gives you a lot of features, a top design and great sound, so you do get solid value for money. Having said that, this speaker is expensive compared to rivals, and Sonos hasn't revealed a cheaper 'Roam 2 SL' model yet. The JBL Flip 6 or JBL Charge 5 will give you better audio power per buck, but the Roam 2 is such a good all-rounder that we think it's worth its price.
Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review
Visit our Sonos coupon page for our latest deals and discounts.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The Roam 2 delivers almost everything you could ask for in a portable speaker, aside from slightly shorter battery life | 4/5 |
| Design | With a sleek, minimalist design, this speaker is built to endure the outdoors and features well-positioned controls | 4.5/5 |
| Sound quality | Similar to Sonos’ indoor speakers, the Roam 2 produces a well-balanced, rich, and clear sound that excels across all music genres | 4.5/5 |
| Value | While the Roam 2 boasts impressive sound and design, there are more affordable options with comparable audio quality and longer battery life | 3.5/5 |
The best budget Bluetooth speaker
✅ You want a durable, practical outdoorsy speaker: It's portable, light, has an IP67 rating and a convenient carabiner making it ideal for adventures and holidays.
✅ You want big sound from a compact package: This cute speaker is about the size of a soda can but packs a major punch, especially with the Stereo Group feature.
❌ You want a straightforward experience: This speaker works best if you tweak the EQ based on what you're listening to. Not a dealbreaker, but a faff.
❌ You want a speaker that stands up: It's versatile, but it works best if it's clipped onto something. If you plan to keep it stationary, choose another one.
What you need to know: If you're looking for a (fairly) cheap, portable and super small speaker, then the JBL Clip 5 is our top pick. The sonic performance is impressive for the speaker's compact size and there are also plenty of features that'll make it well worth its relatively affordable price – at least compared to rivals in this list.
Audio performance: This speaker can really blast out the tunes for its size. We did notice that it can struggle with treble when you're listening at higher volumes, with a sharp, tinny edge. But the mids and low frequencies performed well. In our review, we wrote "the bass was dramatic and impactful", especially considering how compact it is – overall, it's seriously impressive, and a clear step up over the very slightly cheaper JBL Go 4. There's a feature called PlaytimeBoost in the app, which boosts the volume without draining the battery, as well as a PartyTogether mode, resulting in a surround sound effect if you have another JBL speaker nearby. You'll also find four EQ presets, JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, and a customizable EQ profile.
Design: The JBL Clip 5 is light and compact, weighing in at 285g. It comes with a carabiner attached, making it handy for listening in all kinds of scenarios. An IP67 rating means it's waterproof and rugged enough for outdoor parties or holidays. Its appearance feels a little dated, however, and it struggles to stand on its base – that's why the carabiner is so necessary. The battery onboard lasts up to 12 hours. Not the best in the list, but perfect for a full day of listening – check out the Tribit XSound Plus 2 if you want something with longer battery life for the same kind of cost (though it's bulkier).
Value: The JBL Clip 5 is great value for money. It's compact, portable and IP67-rated with a fun and punchy sound, all for under $80. The JBL Go 4 is a solid, cheaper option from the same brand, but it doesn't sound as good, and it's not as portable.
Read our full JBL Clip 5 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The JBL Portable app is intuitive and fun to use, while the Auracast feature performed seamlessly across three JBL speakers. With robust sound at 50% volume, its battery life of nearly 11.5 hours is impressive | 4/5 |
| Design | The built-in carabiner adds practicality, and the variety of colors and IP67 rating enhance its appeal. However, its old school look and inability to stand upright on its base slightly detract from the overall design | 4/5 |
| Sound quality | While high volumes can cause the treble to sound sharp and tinny, the mids and bass deliver without issue. The level of detail remains striking, even when the bass is pounding | 4.5/5 |
| Value | At under $80, this compact, durable, and portable IP67-rated speaker offers excellent performance and undeniable value for money | 5/5 |
The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker
✅ You're a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that's it!
✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.
❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list, the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth's limited bandwidth.
❌ You tend to run out of charge often: If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list as it can also charge your phone.
What you need to know: There's not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that's all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we're expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that's something you need.
Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn't have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there's still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.
Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn't have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There's also a wide range of colors to choose from so there's plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don't have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life.
Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you're listening at home or on the go. It's also priced slightly lower than the JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.
Read our full JBL Flip 6 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating | Header Cell - Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | No mics, no aux-in, and no charging out for your phone: this is JBL's 'just a great Bluetooth speaker' option – and that's no bad thing (as long as you know) | 4/5 | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
| Design | It's about the perfect size and shape for throwing in your bag – like a water bottle or rolled up quick-dry beach towel. And it's just as happy at the beach! | 5/5 | Row 1 - Cell 3 |
| Sound quality | Detailed, dynamically agile and capable of surprising loudness for its size, if just a touch harsh at max volume | 4.5/5 | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
| Value | If you don't want extra mics, ports and whistles and bells, this really is a great sound-per-pound option from JBL | 4.5/5 | Row 3 - Cell 3 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for sound-per-pound
✅ You want room-filling, 360-degree sound: This speaker ticks a lot of boxes and the major one is the powerful and enjoyable sound it delivers, even at high volumes.
✅ You need some portable and rugged: Designed for the outdoors, the Ultimate Ears Everboom has an IP67 rating and durable design – it'll survive your adventures.
❌ You're on a budget: The Everboom is our pick for sound-per-pound but it's not exactly cheap. Take a look at the JBL Clip 5 at #2 for a portable and cheap option.
❌ You want a party speaker: Sonic performance is good, but at very high volumes it's not the best. If you want booming bass at parties that still sounds excellent, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a better bet.
What you need to know: This is a great speaker that ticks a lot of boxes. Sure you'll find similar devices that are cheaper. You'll also find ones that pack more of a punch for a party, but that are a little more expensive. But for reliable sound in a durable design, we think the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a smart choice, especially when you're weighing up the sound-per-pound performance – this sound better than just about anything else at the same price and size.
Audio performance: Firstly, the Everboom can get loud. Incredibly loud. Much louder than you'd probably ever need. This is good news for parties, although you will notice some distortion if you hit those high volumes. In our review, we wrote the UE Everboom "delivers a very compelling audio performance, proving it can deliver quality not just quantity." We particularly enjoyed the power in this speaker and its 360-degree soundstage. In the app you'll find ways to make the most of the sound with an EQ packed with presets and an Outdoor Boost mode, which ensures the speaker focuses on frequencies that travel well outside.
Design: There's nothing special about the design of the Everboom, but it's practical, durable and comes with a handy carabiner clip. It's a great idea if you want to take it outside or travelling as it has an IP67 rating, meaning it'll handle dust and can float around in water for up to 30 minutes. That's right, it floats! Audio takes a hit when you listen to it in water, but it's good to know it'll survive a dunk in the pool. It's a little larger than rivals in this list and at 960g it's not the lightest, but its design and clip makes it feel surprisingly portable.
Value: The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a jack of all trades speaker that sounds great, works well and has a durable and portable design. It's not cheap, but it feels even more premium than it is, both to look at and listen to. You'll find cheaper speakers with some durable specs, but they don't sound as good. Similarly, speakers with better sonic performance cost a big step up from here. UE has hit a real sweet spot.
Read our full Ultimate Ears Everboom review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Like other UE speakers, the Everboom is a reliable Bluetooth speaker, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t offer much beyond that | 3.5/5 |
| Design | Portable, waterproof, and undeniably stylish, it's got everything you need in a Bluetooth speaker | 5/5 |
| Sound quality | The sound is excellent overall, though it struggles slightly when pushed to its limits | 4/5 |
| Value | The UE Everboom strikes a good balance between portability and sound quality, though it feels a touch expensive compared to competitors | 4/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
✅ You want a reliable party speaker: Expect excellent durability thanks to its IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, and it'll play for ages thanks to its 24 hours of battery life.
✅ You want powerful bass: Its bulky size means it packs a punch. Once you've tweaked the speaker's EQ settings enjoy clear low-frequency sound that beats background noise.
❌ You're on a budget: There's a lot to love about this speaker, but it isn't exactly cheap…
❌ You want a small, slim design: It's portable, but it's pretty large still – don't get this if you want something to slip into a backpack.
What you need to know: The latest in JBL's Xtreme range is a large and rugged portable speaker that may look a little dull, but come on, you want your guests and outfits to be the star – and this speaker delivers when it comes to utility. With an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, powerful and high-quality sound, and an excellent battery, it's the ideal do-anything premium outdoors speaker. At $379 / £329 / AU$499, it's not cheap, but it is a great option if you can make your budget stretch.
Audio performance: Expect a strong and well-rounded performance across the frequencies. We were particularly impressed by its mastery of crisp highs straight out of the box, vocals sound great even at high volumes. The bass here is also impressive, which is ideal for outdoor use where you'd expect background noise. During our testing we did have to tweak the app's EQ settings to dial up those lower frequencies, but once we did, we were thoroughly impressed with how the Xtreme 4 handled itself. In our review we wrote: "The Xtreme 4 was very competent at bridging deep bass to the mid-range and maintaining clarity with more demanding audio profiles."
Design: It's not the best-looking speaker, but that's because it's been made with durability and longevity in mind above all else. It's bulky at 4.63lbs/2.1kg with rubber strips underneath for a steady foundation, and a detachable strap for carrying it around easily. As you'd expect from an outdoorsy speaker, it's IP67 certified, which means it's both dustproof and waterproof.
Value: This is undoubtedly a superb speaker, but at this price you have to call it a premium pick. It delivers great sound, an impressive 24-hours of battery and a rugged design. But it's expensive, especially compared to other options in this guide. So is it worth the price? Yes. But you have to really want something this big and tough.
Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The JBL Xtreme 4 offers excellent portability, connectivity, and long battery life, making it a reliable companion for extended listening sessions | 4.5/5 |
| Design | Durable with an IP67 waterproof rating, the Xtreme 4’s rugged build makes it perfect for outdoor use | 3.5/5 |
| Sound quality | Delivering dynamic, balanced sound even at high volumes. The Xtreme 4 ensures deep bass and you can tweak the EQ settings | 4.5/5 |
| Value | While its features impress, the Xtreme 4’s price makes it less competitive, as rivals offer similar sound and durability at a lower cost | 3/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for charging
✅ You want a speaker that sounds detailed: Compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5 has an additional tweeter that makes it have better clarity, with more impactful bass.
✅ You tend to need a charger while on the go: With 20 hours of battery life, the Charge 5 can top up your device's battery life thanks to a USB-C port.
❌ You want to play music extremely loudly: It may not have the big sound that the Tribit at #5 and Sonos Move at #8 can deliver, but it holds its own against the loudest.
❌ You want delicate audiophile sound: It sounds great, but it's still made for impact outdoors, not for refined ears. Think fun and energetic, not classy and controlled.
What you need to know: There aren't a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It's priced a little bit more than JBL's more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list, but that's down to the added tech, which we think makes it's a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.
Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn't advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.
Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There's no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).
Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list, which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there's no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.
Read our full JBL Charge 5 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | No custom lightshows (see JBL's Pulse lineup), but the Charge 5 is great for charging up your phone while you're out | 4.5/5 |
| Design | It's rugged, it's solid, it's big enough without being too big, and the racetrack-shaped drivers are oh-so talented | 5/5 |
| Sound quality | This speaker sounds resolute, punchy, impactful and agile – as long as you don't crank the volume much beyond 60%. You shouldn't need to, but it's our job to notice | 4/5 |
| Value | In this sector, the Charge 5 is the benchmark buy to meet – we judge most of its rivals directly against it. And that says something. | 5/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life
✅ You take long vacations: Going away, don't have the necessary adapter, want music to last the whole trip? You'll get a whopping 30 hours from this.
✅ You like a clean, fuss-free aesthetic: Look, it's not the last word in design, but it's durable, solid, and does the job of playing your music very well indeed.
❌ You like to pump up the volume: the Tribit Stormbox Flow sounds best up to 75% volume, because of its bass-heavy tuning. Crank it up further and things get a little congested.
❌ You're concerned about baggage weight allowance: considering its bijou dimensions, the Tribit is heavy, at 660g, so if you're struggling with flight carrier weight stipulations it may be a little much.
What you need to know: It's one of the newer products in this list, arriving in August 2023 and Tribit's making quite a name for itself in this particular arena – ie. Bluetooth belters at around $79 / £79. It's not winning any awards for design, but it is IP67 water- and dustproof and it has a loud, likeable, bass-heavy sound that'll work for many a summer gathering – at home or on the road.
Audio performance: For a little speaker, the Stormbox Flow can boom out tunes at the pool party, or give you some impressive sound-per-pound audio if you're chilling at home. The bass is arguably the most impressive aspect – although it does get a little cluttered and bloated you turn things up beyond 75% volume.
Pair two of them up in stereo mode (like we did, because they're affordable little speakers, so this is a viable and cost-effective option for a desktop or party) and it’s even more compelling, with a much wider soundstage, just don’t be surprised if you lower the volume a little more than usual. Another tip for the best listen: stick to the XBass sound mode, for the punchiest, crispest sound through the low end.
Design: Tribit's a little hit-and-miss when it comes to design flourishes and, truth be told, you won't be bowled over by how the Stormbox Flow looks. There's nothing offensive or ugly about it, but there's nothing particularly classy about it either. Also the power button takes a bit of getting used to for timing. Other than that, it's a solid home run here – oh, and did we mention the awesome 30-hour battery?
Value: Compared to similarly-priced Bluetooth speakers, the battery life here offers immense value for money. In fact, value for money is one of Tribit's main selling points as a brand, and the Stormbox Flow proves it. Yes, the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 is a great little thing, but if you want a slightly larger, louder product that'll last out your entire trip without needing a charge, you may have found it.
Read our full Tribit Stormbox Flow review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The Tribit StormBox Flow makes pairing two speakers easy, while the handy EQ button lets you tune audio to your liking | 4/5 |
| Design | Its look is plain and unassuming, but the practical, functional design makes it easy to use | 3/5 |
| Sound quality | Surprisingly loud and clear, the StormBox Flow delivers audio that exceeds expectations for its size and price | 4/5 |
| Value | With solid features and performance at an affordable price, the StormBox Flow offers good value for money | 4/5 |
The best premium Bluetooth speaker
✅ You fancy big sound no matter where you are…
The Bose SoundLink Max is more than ready to fill a very large space with sound – even the great outdoors is no issue
✅ … and you might be in dusty and/or damp scenarios
An IP67 rating means the Bose is happy to travel wherever you go
❌ You really do mean ‘quick-charging’
Five hours isn’t an age, but if you’re waiting for your speaker to charge so you can take it to the beach, it'll feel like it.
❌ You’ve got a firm grasp on what ‘portable’ means
The handle is useful it's true, but the Bose will start to feel its 2.13kg weight sooner rather than later.
What you need to know: The 2024-issue Bose SoundLink Max is the biggest, burliest model in the company's already well-stocked and well-reviewed SoundLink lineup. It's a rugged (IP67), go-anywhere design with the stamina to keep you entertained right around the clock. The carry-handle can be swapped out for a shoulder-strap (as an additional extra, mind you), and when you’re out and about, the Bose SoundLink Max is a truly enjoyable companion.
Audio performance: Sonically, the SoundLink Max is as big and heavy as the speaker that delivers it, but don't get us wrong – it is by no means a blunt instrument. It’s actually quite a gifted and agile listen for something with as much out-and-out punch as this, and can gesture, albeit only slightly, towards a truly stereo presentation, too.
Design: The silicone element of the build here is tactile and helps the Bose SoundLink Max absorb the bumps and shocks it's sure to get at the shindig. The quoted 20 hours of battery life is both acceptable and achievable – but do note that to go from ‘flat’ to ‘full’ takes five hours via the USB-C socket on the rear when it does run out of juice. There are some nice controls on the top of the speaker – power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause and volume up/down – plus a cutomizable ‘shortcut’ button too.
Value: OK, so a few cents short of $400 / £400 / AU$600 is a fair wedge of cash for a Bluetooth speaker without a hint of smart functionality. But the Bose SoundLink Max is specified to perform beautifully in pretty much any realistic environment. Think big, burly and oh-so convincing sound, which it can churn it out for hour after hour. As long as you accept the SoundLink Max for what it is (a very talented Bluetooth speaker; nothing more, nothing less), this beast of a Bose speake represents very good value indeed.
Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The Bose SoundLink Max offers Bluetooth connectivity, Aux-in, USB-C charging, and Class D amplification, making it a versatile choice | 5/5 |
| Design | With sturdy construction, intuitive top controls, and optional strap colorways (at an extra cost), the SoundLink Max blends style with practicality | 4.5/5 |
| Sound quality | Delivering punchy, full-bodied sound with agility rather than brute force, the SoundLink Max provides an engaging listening experience | 4/5 |
| Value | Though pricey, its impressive feature set, durable build, and high-quality sound make it a worthy investment | 4.5/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for design
✅ You like a premium-looking design: This speaker stands out in a sea of boring, minimal designs.
✅ You want top volumes and good sound: The LG XBoom XO2T sounds great for the most part, and gets loud.
❌ You want connectivity beyond Bluetooth: Unfortunately you won't find a 3.5mm port or wi-fi support here.
❌ You need stereo audio: You won't experience the hi-fi stereo sound you'd get from bookshelf speakers.
What you need to know: The LG XBOOM XO2T isn't LG's only attempt to create a stylish speaker. The larger XO3C is still around. The audio quality on offer here is good, especially considering it's fairly small stature. As well as delivering some impressive, detail-rich sound, it looks great. It's an unusual design for a Bluetooth speaker, with a sleek, teardrop-like shape and customizable mood lighting built-in. Frustratingly, the fabric exterior does attract hair and dust, but otherwise this is a great alternative to other Bluetooth speaker designs that may sound good, but look dull.
Audio performance: It can get loud, surprisingly loud. And unless you're playing very aggressive bass the clarity is excellent at those high volumes, too. We were impressed with the presentation across the lows and the mids, this speaker really does perform well. It's just the high notes that we felt could be improved a tad, but the audio here should impress most people.
Design: Where looks are concerned, this is where the LG speaker really shines – both literally and figuratively. It has a teardrop lamp-like design and at the top there's a downward-facing LED light, which can be customized from within the accompanying app. The only design downside is the fabric exterior can attract dust and pet hair. There'a a 15 hour battery life here, which can be bested by other portable speakers but still fares well. Especially because we don't imagine this will be the kind of speaker you'll take on an all-day-long adventure.
Value: Considering this is a mid-range portable speaker, it's certainly solid value because you'll score style points and you'll get impressive audio. This does all depend on your priorities, if you want a speaker that's more portable, you'll find better options in this guide. For example, the Ultimate Ears Everboom also serves up 360-degree and looks good with a slightly better IP67 rating, but it's considerably more expensive. If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker that sounds excellent and looks great, this is our top pick.
Read our full LG XBoom XO2T review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The LG XBoom XTO2 offers extensive customization options and useful features accessible through its user-friendly companion app | 4.5/5 |
| Design | With a sci-fi lamp aesthetic, good battery life, and a sturdy build, its appeal is slightly marred by limited ports and connectivity | 4.5/5 |
| Sound quality | While not the most detailed, the XBoom XTO2 delivers rich, full, and well-balanced sound that satisfies | 4.5/5 |
| Value | Combining premium design and solid performance at a mid-tier price, the XBoom XTO2 offers excellent value for money | 4/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for training
✅ You want to pump up the volume: Not many options that get as loud as this speaker and still sound great.
✅ You need a long-lasting listen: You can get up to 24 hours of playback here on a single charge.
❌ You're on a budget: It's an excellent speaker, but you can find a similar performance for less.
❌ You want a pocketable pick: It's portable, but not the smallest or the lightest option in this list.
What you need to know: The We Hear Pro is the latest speaker from luxury brand Loewe. We tested a limited edition version, which is a collaboration between Loewe and French football (or soccer) player Kylian Mbappé. This doesn't mean he designed it, but he's the brand ambassador, which works well considering this is our top pick if you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker for sports. Whether you want to blast out the tunes as you warm-up, get motivated with a pre-match playlist or chill out with a post-match cool down. What we're saying is this speaker has all the specs and features that make it a powerful and durable choice for listening as you train, including an excellent 24 hours of battery life.
Audio performance: The headline feature here is that this speaker gets very loud, we called it "impressively loud" in our review – ideal for outdoor listening. As with most party speakers, the louder you push it, the more detail you'll lose out on. But despite that, in our review, we said: "it remains punchy and fun, especially on dance tracks such as Charli XCX’s 360." Some rivals will go deeper on the bass, but it definitely wasn't lacking in the low end and, if you have more than one speaker, you can sync them up for a big boost.
Design: Like several speakers in this guide, the Loewe We Hear Pro has a cylindrical design with ports at either end and easy-to-read touch controls on top. You'll find an USB-C port and aux cable socket on the rear behind a weatherproof flap. It has a IPX6 water resistant rating, which means it should survive a light rain shower, but it's not strictly waterproof. It comes in black, blue or neon yellow. We loved the neon shade during testing and because it's so eye-popping, you're unlikely to ever misplace it. At 2.2kg it's not the most portable option in this guide, but it comes with a matching carry strap, which is handy.
Value: There's a lot to love here. The We Hear Pro is powerful, lasts for ages and works very well. But it's not cheap and at this price it has stiff competition from the likes of Sonos. If you want a tough speaker that's high-end and high-performance, this is it. But if you're on a budget, you can find some this speaker's best features elsewhere – but maybe not all in one super eye-catching design.
Read our full Loewe We Hear Pro vs Kylian Mbappé review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | The Loewe We Hear Pro boasts long battery life, impressive sonic power, and doubles as a convenient device charger | 4/5 |
| Design | Opt for the neon color for extra flair, and enjoy the practicality of on-device EQ controls | 4/5 |
| Sound quality | Exceptionally loud with deep bass, it excels at dance and electronic music, delivering an energetic listening experience | 4/5 |
| Value | While pricey, its superior power and performance justify the cost compared to less powerful rivals | 4/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for picnics
✅ You want a durable speaker that travels well: It's light and small but it's also drop-proof, dust-proof and waterproof.
✅ You want a powerful listen: Considering its size, this speaker packs a punch with beefy bass and crisp detail.
❌ You want to tweak app settings: It won't work with the Boom app, so you can't change up EQ settings.
❌ You want really loud outdoor audio: There's a reason it's our recommendation for picnics and not parties.
What you need to know: Ultimate Ears has long been one of the best audio tech brands for reliable, top-performing Bluetooth speakers – many of which are budget-friendly. The Wonderboom 4 doesn't change much on the Wonderboom 3, this is still a powerful little portable speaker that ticks all of the right boxes and it's affordable. This speaker is ideal for all sorts of purposes, but it's our top choice for picnics thanks to a neat Outdoor Boost button, portable mug-sized design and powerful, clear audio.
Audio performance: In our Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review, we wrote that this impressive little speaker "punches well above its weight when it comes to both low-end oomph and overall clarity." Expect bold bass, rich sound, a nicely balanced soundstage and a good performance at higher volumes. But be warned that it's our top pick for picnics and not parties because it performs well and gets loud, but not huge outdoor party loud. You'll need something more expensive and more powerful for that. That said, there is an Outdoor Boost setting designed to push the bass down and the treble up, producing audio that sounds better outside – although expect a drop in clarity.
Design: This is a neat and portable speaker, weighing only 420g, ideal for throwing in a bag. In Ultimate Ears fashion, there are some nice color options to choose from here, including Active Black, Hyper Pink and Joyous Bright. It might be small and colorful, but it's also very durable. For starters, there's an IP67 rating against water – it even floats if you throw it in a pool – and dust. It’s also drop-proof from 1.5m. This makes it a top pick for travel, adventures and stress-free listening.
Value: This little speaker represents excellent value. You get a great-sounding, portable and tough device that will do in all sorts of situations. It's worth mentioning that, due to some recent discounts, you might now find the Wonderboom 3 for less, which could make that older version the best choice for those on a budget. But otherwise, you can't go wrong with the latest Wonderboom 4.
Read our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 revew
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | With 14 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, and stereo pairing, the Wonderboom 4 is packed with useful features | 4/5 |
| Design | Compact, colorful, and built to last, its rugged, waterproof construction is perfect for outdoor adventures | 4.5/5 |
| Sound quality | Delivers punchy bass, good separation, and clear details, offering impressive sound for its size | 4/5 |
| Value | A feature-rich, reliable speaker that balances performance and price exceptionally well | 4.5/5 |
Other Bluetooth speakers to consider
Marshall Emberton III: Another Marshall speaker that looks lovely, with black and brass retro styling. There's also a fantastic battery life here and mostly balanced sound. However, as you'll read in our Marshall Emberton III review, this speaker sounds a bit harsh when you pump it up to higher volumes – and as a speaker that looks very party friendly that's a shame.
Earfun UBoom X: In our Earfun UBoom X review we explained that this is an enjoyable speaker with some lovely boot-shaking bass and a very pleasing low price tag. But unfortunately the mids and trebles aren't as crisp as you might like.
Tribit Stormbox 2: Ultimately, it's no five-star speaker – it looks a little plain next to its JBL Flip counterparts and the included strap isn't very helpful, but then again, it's also a lot cheaper than the JBL alternative. It sounds good for the price, too, so if your budget's tight, our Tribit Stormbox 2 review is still worth a look.
Ultimate Ears Miniroll: Read our Ultimate Ears Miniroll review and you'll see there's a lot to love about this teeny party speaker. It's portable, it's cheap and it's got surprisingly powerful bass for its size. But it's lacking in a couple of key ways, with no accompanying app, no EQ presents and it vibrates a bit when the bass and volume are pumped up high.
Morel Biggie: The Morel Biggie is a small and powerful speaker with a cute, cube-like design, which you can read more about in our Morel Biggie review. The problem? It doesn't have an accompanying app, was sonically disappointing and you won't find any top features here. It's an interesting device, but ultimately it couldn't make the cut.
Edifier D32: We'd also recommend you take a look at our Edifier D32 review. This is a wi-fi enabled speaker, so it can't be included in this Bluetooth-only roundup. However, it's well worth a look if you want AirPlay.
Beats Pill: We've also got our hands on the Beats Pill, a Bluetooth speaker that boasts great sound and oodles of style. The problem? There's no dedicated iOS app. This isn't a deal-breaker in itself, and the speaker could make up for this with plenty of on-device controls… but they're just not there. This means some of the simplest things, like turning it on and off, become unnecessarily frustrating. You can find out more about Beats' latest speaker in our Beats Pill review.
Tested by
The audio tech team at TechRadar has years of experience testing all of the latest devices. This means we not only have hands-on review experience, but we understand the audio tech landscape, enabling us to make the very best recommendations. Because our team of experts are all knowledgeable about audio tech, we can also speak confidently about the key components that make up the best Bluetooth speakers. Because looks are important, but it's what's on the inside that counts.
Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment. He's in charge of all the TV and audio content on the platform. Matt has more than a decade of experience in tech publishing, having previously ran the TV and audio coverage for T3.com and T3 magazine.
Becky is TechRadar's Audio Editor, focusing on hi-fi systems, speakers and headphones. Before joining the TechRadar team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? and gained her MA in Journalism in 2018.
Jacob Krol is the US Managing Editor for News at TechRadar and is based out of New York City. He oversees the daily content and coordinates with various section leads across the globe. He has years of experience of testing the latest devices across all consumer tech sectors.
Cesci is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. She specializes in writing in-depth reviews with a keen interest in smart home and audio tech. She wrote for 3D World and Creative Bloq before joining TechRadar.
Hamish is a Staff Writer at TechRadar. He used to write for the platform and Gfinity Esports as a freelance writer. He has been covering consumer tech news and reviews for many years.
Harry is one of the Reviews Staff Writers at TechRadar. He tests all sorts of products, with a particular focus on audio tech and speakers. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.
Lewis Leong is a freelance writer for TechRadar with a passion for headphones. He’s a true audio enthusiast and has reviewed many record players, headphones and speakers for the platform over the years.
Jennifer is a tech writer with over 10 years of experience, contributing to T3, Eurogamer, and NME. Based in Swansea, she’s a BAFTA Cymru member and specializes in headphones, smart tech, and gaming, delivering in-depth reviews, guides, and deal roundups.
Simon Lucas is a seasoned tech journalist and consultant with a focus on home audio and video. Formerly the editor of What Hi-Fi?, he now writes for Wired, Metro, and GQ, and advises leading electronics brands.
James Holland is a tech reviewer for several Future Publications, covering everything from audio gear to robot vacuums for TechRadar, T3, and Top Ten Reviews. He’s an expert on in-depth reviews.
Carrie Marshall has been writing about tech for more than 20 years, contributing news, opinions and reviews for all kinds of magazines and websites, as well as writing more than a dozen books.
Chris was formerly the News Editor at tech website Stuff, He now writes about tech and is passionate about reviewing cameras and audio tech.
How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker
What's the best Bluetooth speaker brand?
The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too.
JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.
If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.
Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.
Is JBL or Bose better?
Both JBL and Bose produce a range of speakers, some are small and compact whereas others are big enough to fill a room with sound at a party. Bose tends to make products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of both excellent audio performance, design and price. JBL is more affordable and its products tend to fall in the mid-range when it comes to quality.
The brand you choose is all about what you're looking for. If you value quality sound above all else, pick a Bose option, like the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the JBL Flip 6 pushes this speaker out of our list because it's a fantastic all-rounder, sounds good and handles drops, knocks and splashes well. Bose might be the better audio tech brand, but we think JBL outperforms in the portable Bluetooth speaker competition, especially when it comes to sheer value for money.
Is Bose better than Sonos?
Both Bose and Sonos create excellent-sounding audio tech that tends to be at the premium end of the spectrum. We love Bose products and often recommend them, but in terms of the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers, we think Sonos is the better option.
The Sonos Roam has been sitting at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list for some time now and we love that it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, too.
How we test the best Bluetooth speakers
Weighing up the competition: We've tested and thoroughly reviewed all of the Bluetooth speakers in this guide ourselves by listening to them on their own and by comparing them to the current class-leaders. Basically, if it's listed here, you know we think it's worth it over the myriad rival models we've reviewed (because plenty do not make it here, believe us).
Testing the specs: We test countless portable speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the battery life and connectivity is as good as the brands say they are.
Trialling in a range of environments: We test each Bluetooth speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you know that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.
Playing different genres: On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and stream from various sources, to ensure that these speakers can handle everything from thumping dance tracks to softly-spoken podcasts.
Only impartial reviews: With more years in this game than we'd care to admit behind us, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the Bluetooth speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it.
The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide
December 12, 2024
Refreshed the introduction. Added more images to each of our reviews to give readers a better look at our recommendations. Included scorecards under each Bluetooth speaker we've recommended so readers can get a quick sense of what each entry has to offer.
November 15, 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Slotted in a new 'Black Friday' section to share buying advice and news of relevant upcoming deals. Refreshed our 'also consider' section to include the Marshall Emberton III and the Earfun UBoom X. Added a 'Tested by' section to highlight the expert knowledge and experience of our audio review team.
October 23, 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Added the Loewe We Hear Pro vs Kylian Mbappé speaker as our 'best for training' pick and the recently reviewed Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 as our 'best for picnics' choice, based on our testing. Refreshed the 'also consider' section and added the Ultimate Ears Miniroll. Condensed our 'how we test' advice to make our review process clearer for readers.
Read more updates
September 26, 2024
Swapped the Ultimate Ears Epicboom for the new LG XBoom XO2T as our 'best for design' choice based on our recent testing. Added a few additional options in our 'also consider' section, including the Morel Biggie.
August 22, 2024
Switched the Sonos Roam for the Sonos Roam 2 as our best Bluetooth speaker overall. also replaced the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for the JBL Clip 5 in our 'best budget' category. Finally, swapped the B&O A2 for the UE Everboom, which is now our 'best sound-per-pound' pick.
July 30, 2024
Updated the 'Also consider' section with information about the latest products we've reviewed, and why they didn't make it into this list.
July 1, 2024
Removed the older Tribit Stormbox Blast and added the JBL Xtreme 4 as our recommendation for best party speaker. Added the new Bose SoundLink Max as our pick for the best premium buy. Removed the quick menu, updated the copy throughout.
June 5, 2024
Replaced Sonos Move 2 with the JBL Xtreme 4 as our best premium pick, due its more portable nature. Updated our other options to consider based on the latest reviews.
May 8, 2024
Updated the intro, and checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated some product information throughout.
April 4, 2024
Removed the Cleer Audio Scene as best for aux-in and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as best for powerful sound. Added in a new 'Also consider' section that highlights upcoming new releases to look out for.
March 4, 2024
Added Tribit Stormbox Flow and Ultimate Ears Epicboom to this buying guide. Updated biog and key points. Reworte intro to reflect current tech updates in the category.
January 25, 2024
Updated write-ups for each product to include extra summaries from key points of their respective reviews.
November 30, 2023
Updated copy throughout, added Sonos Move 2 details.
September 25, 2023
Updated lead image, added 'buy it if' boxouts to product write-ups and swapped out the Sonos Move for the Move 2 as the best premium Bluetooth speaker.
Aug 10, 2023
Updated intro, checked prices, considered other competing options for entry to this guide
July 25, 2023
Added links to our recent IKEA shower speaker feature and mini Bluetooth speakers roundup. Updated the intro to reflect current trends and best choices.
June 15, 2023
Updated the format of this guide to make it easier to navigate. Added more about how we test Bluetooth speakers to the introduction. Updated FAQs at the end to reflect our current choices. Removed a discontinued product from the list.
June 6, 2023
Updated introduction to reflect the new season, and checked all products.
May 18, 2023
Changed images to our own hands-on pictures. Reordered products to reflect the latest prices.
April 13, 2023
Checked all products against our latest reviews and ratings.
February 17, 2023
Added Cleer Audio Scene to the list. Reordered products accordingly.
