The best portable speakers and Bluetooth speakers available
Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers Of 2024 Because of their small size and portability, the finest Bluetooth speakers have become an essential piece of equipment for both home and travel, whether you’re cleaning the kitchen, taking a shower, mowing the lawn, lounging in your hotel room, or hosting a house party.
For years, we have been testing the best portable speakers available in a wide range of sizes and, most importantly, price points. If you’re looking at something the size of a coffee cup, audiophile sound quality and a pounding bottom end are always going to be high standards, but if you go larger, you can obtain a portable speaker that produces clear, balanced audio outside. When assessing Bluetooth speakers, these are the things we look for first, and we naturally balance that with battery life and cost, or value for money.
Our comprehensive guide to the finest waterproof speakers is a terrific place to start if you think that a robust speaker design that can withstand dropping and being submerged is your top priority. If mobility isn’t a concern, see our list of the top wireless speakers.
Table of Contents
Best Bluetooth Speakers Of 2024
NO.1 : Sonos Roam
The best Bluetooth speaker for most people
Pros
- Big, booming, room-filling sound
- Rugged design for max portability
Cons
- Average battery life
- Bass can be overwhelming indoors
What you should know: The Sonos Roam, which won the TechRadar Choice Awards for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), has been our top Bluetooth speaker since its release in 2021. Even though there are many different portable speaker options available, the Roam continues to be our top choice because of its large, room-filling sound, small size, and extensive list of connectivity features, which includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so it can be used both as a standalone speaker and as a component of a larger Sonos multi-room system. When connected to Wi-Fi, it also comes equipped with Google Assistant and Alexa, enabling it to function as a smart speaker.
Audio performance: The Roam’s audio performance is bass-heavy, which is perfect for outdoor use, as the first thing we noticed about it. We tested it and discovered that while the bass was strong enough to muffle wind noise, it was a little too loud indoors. Even while the Roam lacks the rhythmic accuracy one would want from an audiophile speaker, it still produces a robust sound performance despite its diminutive size.
Design: The Sonos Roam will look great in your house thanks to its sleek design. However, it also has a sturdy, dust-resistant, and waterproof construction that makes it perfect for outdoor music listening. However, the battery life isn’t very long. It’s sufficient for a day out, but if that’s your top priority, check out the JBL Charge, ranked #6, or the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2, ranked #4.
Value: For the money, you’re getting a lot more functionality here than you would with comparable Bluetooth speakers that we’ve tested. The Sonos Roam SL, a little less expensive model of the Roam that is devoid of a microphone but has otherwise the same specifications, has also been added to the Sonos roster. The Roam SL can be just what you’re looking for if you want to save roughly $20, £20, or AU$30 and are concerned about privacy.
NO.2 : Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
Pros
- Surprisingly big sound
- Doubles as a phone charger
- Unbeatable value
Cons
- No 3.5mm jack
- Audio quality is easily beat
What you should know: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the most feature-rich and well-sounding tiny Bluetooth speaker we’ve tested, especially considering how tiny it is. You can’t currently get anything better at this size and price, but it’s not the loudest or most powerful device available.
Audio performance: The bass response, which is typically where compact speakers fall short, was really pleasing to us in this instance. The precise specs of the driver in this model are unknown, however Tribit says that it has a very compact footprint and produces amazing bass. Additionally, the Micro’s 8 hours of battery life have been improved to a whopping 12 hours, making it ideal for vacation or beach days.
Design: The Micro 2 is a surprisingly loud portable speaker that fits neatly in your pocket. It’s a great choice for viewing TV shows on your mobile device or listening to podcasts. If you’re searching for a stereo set of speakers for a tiny space, this is also a fantastic choice because you can get two of them for the price of one of its more well-known competitors.
Value: It’s difficult to find a better speaker at such a low cost if you’re seeking for something to throw in a backpack or attach to a bike. It’s amazing, and the only really small drawback is that it doesn’t have a wired connection.
NO.3 : JBL Flip 6
The best Bluetooth speaker at a mid-range price with no frills
Pros
- Brilliantly balanced bass
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- Pairing restricted to Flip 6 speakers
- No Alexa or Siri support
What you should know is that a portable speaker only needs to be able to play high-quality music when you’re on the road. If that’s all you need, then JBL is the only brand to choose. Simple to operate and incredibly good-sounding, the Flip 6 is a Bluetooth speaker without any extras. Since it was debuted in 2021, a new model is anticipated to be unveiled shortly; in the interim, though, it continues to be our top choice at this mid-range price point. As a JBL speaker, it also gives you access to features like the ability to simultaneously join up to 100 of the brand’s speakers to build an even bigger music system. However, this model does not support reverse charging. as an alternative, go to
Audio performance: The Flip 6 only has a few capabilities, so producing accurate and clear audio is its primary goal. It may only be able to do one thing, but it does it exceptionally well. We found the Bluetooth speaker’s sound to be surprisingly balanced and warm for a device this compact when we were reviewing it. Despite its diminutive size, the treble can occasionally sound harsh when played at high volumes, but it still offers a great deal of clarity and detail.
Design: The Flip 6 isn’t shaped like a lot of other portable speakers that are available on the market. Instead, it has a traditional cylinder shape that slides into any backpack’s side pocket. Additionally, there is a large selection of colors, giving you lots of alternatives to make sure it suits your equipment. Its 12 hour battery life means you won’t have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of power because it is also very durable and water resistant.
Value: Whether you’re listening at home or on the move, the Flip 6 is the perfect speaker for anyone who wants to just plug in, turn up the volume, and enjoy their music at a fair price. Because it lacks the additional phone charging feature, it is also marginally less expensive than the JBL Charge 5, putting it squarely in the mid-range segment of the market.
NO.4 : B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
The best small Bluetooth speaker for audiophiles
Pros
- Exceptional, audiophile level sound
- Solid but lightweight design
Cons
- Alexa but no Wi-Fi
- Buttons not raised
What you should know: The second generation of Beosound was largely unaltered by Bang & Olufsen. Although the A1’s appearance is largely unchanged from its predecessor, there are some beneficial feature upgrades. One of those features is Alexa support, which can occasionally be a little slow because it requires a phone connection and is a Bluetooth speaker without Wi-Fi.
Audio performance: The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) has remarkably clean and sharp audio even for such a little speaker. It accomplishes the challenging task of creating a smooth sound by balancing the treble with the mids and bass. We discovered that the sound quality was so realistic during our evaluation that it gave us the impression that we were hearing our favorite tunes for the first time. For a Bluetooth speaker, its ability to subdue the bass without sacrificing punch and excitement is remarkable.
Design: Because of its circular design, it is also capable of producing an incredibly immersive 360-degree soundstage for a compact gadget. It also has an absolutely gorgeous appearance. Thanks to subtle features like a thin leather strap, its sleek, minimalist form gives it an air of sophistication. It isn’t the most durable Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried, so even with its IP67 water and dust resistant designation, we didn’t think it would be the ideal choice for, say, a muddy trip.
Value: The Beosound A1 is a top-tier Bluetooth speaker because Bang & Olufsen is renowned for producing high-end audio products. Despite this, it costs half as much as the JBL Xtreme 4, which is eighth on our list and is our best premium choice. Therefore, we believe that die-hard music enthusiasts who value a wonderfully built speaker would be the ideal fit for the Beosound A1.
NO.5 : JBL Xtreme 4
The best Bluetooth speaker for big party sound
Pros
- Full-sounding, well-defined audio
- Limited distortion at louder volumes
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Default EQ settings lack low-end impact
- Better value, cheaper alternatives exist
- Exterior design lacks sex appeal
What you need to know: The newest model in JBL’s Xtreme line is a big, sturdy portable speaker that might seem a little boring, but let’s face it, you want your guests and their attire to steal the show, and this speaker excels in terms of functionality. It’s the perfect all-around premium outdoor speaker, with an IP67 dustproof and waterproof protection, robust and high-quality sound, and an exceptional battery life. It’s not cheap at $379 / £329 / AU$499, but if you can extend your budget, it’s a terrific option.
Audio performance: Throughout the frequency range, anticipate a powerful and well-rounded performance. Its command of clean highs right out of the box really pleased us; the vocals sound fantastic even at loud settings. This has excellent bass as well, making it perfect for outdoor use where background noise is expected. We had to adjust the EQ settings of the software to enhance the lower frequencies throughout our testing, but once we achieved that, the Xtreme 4’s performance left us utterly amazed. In the article 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 may not be the most aesthetically pleasing speaker, but that is only because endurance and durability were given top priority throughout construction. With rubber strips bottom for a stable base and a detachable strap for easy carrying, it is a big 4.63lbs/2.1kg item. It’s waterproof and dustproof, certified IP67, as you would expect from an outdoor speaker.
Value: Although this speaker is excellent, it must be considered a premium option given its price. It has a sturdy build, amazing 24-hour battery life, and excellent sound. However, in comparison to other solutions in this guide, its cost is high. So, is the cost justified? Indeed. However, anything this large and challenging must truly be desired.
Other Bluetooth speakers to consider
This year, we’ve had the opportunity to review a number of excellent Bluetooth speakers that were so good that they just missed the cut for this recommendation. These include the Ultimate Ears Everboom, a Bluetooth speaker that we evaluated but finally disqualified from our list because it doesn’t provide enough value for the money. See our review of the Ultimate Ears Everboom for more information about this Bluetooth party speaker alternative.
Check out our evaluation of the inexpensive Bluetooth speaker Tribit XSound Plus 2, which we loved for its loud, clear sound. Its amazing 24-hour battery life makes it an excellent value. Like the Ultimate Ears option mentioned above, though, we wouldn’t choose it over any of the speakers we’ve already suggested on this page.
Additionally, we have the Beats Pill, a Bluetooth speaker with amazing quality and tons of design. The issue? There’s no specific iOS application. This alone wouldn’t be a deal-breaker, and there are plenty of on-device settings available from the speaker to make up for it. however, they are simply absent. This makes doing some of the most basic tasks, like turning it on and off, needlessly difficult. See our Beats Pill review to learn more about Beats’ most recent speaker.
The previous Tribit Stormbox Blast is no longer available, while the Bose SoundLink Max has made its debut in this July 2024 guide. However, we would still suggest that as a workable solution. Check out our evaluation of the Tribit Stormbox Blast to see why we gave this large speaker that produces rich, room-filling, musical sound 4.5 stars.
Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers Of 2024 : FAQS
Q. What’s the best Bluetooth speaker brand?
The greatest Sonos speakers sound amazing and are an excellent choice for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor audio experience. They may also be integrated into a larger multi-room system.
JBL is renowned for producing some of the best waterproof speakers at competitive pricing points; its party speaker range even includes speakers with built-in light displays.
If waterproofing is a top concern, keep an eye out for Ultimate Ears models, many of which can survive a swim in the pool and feature vibrant, lively designs combined with sturdy construction.
If you’re looking for a high-end audio brand that combines superb sound quality and elegant design, consider Bose and Bang & Olufsen, but be prepared to pay relatively high costs. Anker and Tribit both make affordable, high-quality speakers that are worth investing in.
Q. Is JBL or Bose better?
Both JBL and Bose manufacture a variety of speakers; some are tiny and portable, while others are large enough to project sound throughout a large space during a gathering. Bose typically produces items that are priced, designed, and have exceptional audio performance at the top end of the market. JBL is more reasonably priced, yet the quality of its goods typically falls in the middle.
What you’re searching for is the main factor in selecting a brand. Select a Bose device, such as the Bose SoundLink Flex, if you place the most importance on sound quality. However, because the JBL Flip 6 is an excellent all-arounder, sounds great, and withstands drops, bangs, and splashes well, it replaces this speaker on our list. Though we believe JBL beats the competition in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, particularly in terms of absolute value for money, Bose may be the superior audio technology brand.
Q. Is Bose better than Sonos?
Bose and Sonos are two companies that produce high-quality audio technology that is typically priced higher than average. Although we adore Bose products and frequently suggest them, we believe Sonos to be a superior choice when it comes to the best portable and Bluetooth speakers.
Since it can be easily integrated into your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, the Sonos Roam has been at the top of our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for a while.
