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Best OverallJBL Flip 7Read more$150 $120 (20% off)-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Ryan-Waniata.jpg)
Amazon
Best Smart SpeakerSonos Roam 2Read more$175
Amazon
Best Budget Bluetooth SpeakerTribit StormBox 2Read more$80
Amazon
Best Midsize Bluetooth SpeakerBose Soundlink PlusRead more$269
Bose
The best Bluetooth speakers have a place near and dear to our hearts. These speakers are ultraportable, able to venture into the world and withstand rugged conditions like a sandy beach or a steamy Airbnb jacuzzi. They provide worry-free connection to any smartphone, and the top options offer sound that meets or beats the average smart speaker.
We've tested hundreds of Bluetooth speakers at every price range going back to 2013, and they improve every year. Today's models are designed for nearly every use case you can imagine, which is exactly how we test them. Our top pick is the JBL Flip 7 ($150), but we've got a specialized speaker for nearly every use case and at every price point. From outdoor parties to white water rafting, and pretty much anything else you can think of, these are the best speakers for everything you do. Don't forget to check out our other audio guides, including the Best Soundbars, Best Wireless Earbuds, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.
Updated April 2026: We've added the Sonos Play and Soundboks Mix, and we updated pricing and copy with the latest information.
How We Test Bluetooth Speakers
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWe test Bluetooth speakers indoors, outdoors, and around mud, sand, and water to ensure they match their IP ratings. For durability, we do drop testing, battery life testing, and long-term listening over several weeks or months to ensure that the speakers function as advertised. When listening and comparing speakers, we run through a range of genres, including bass-heavy music, acoustic music, and heavy music, as well as podcasts and YouTube videos. Our reviewers typically use professional studio monitors for reference, and have degrees in music performance and recording. Though we don't use calibrated microphones to take EQ readings for each speaker, we aim to provide an accurate description of our real-world listening experiences with the best portable speakers based on our expertise.
What Should I Look for in a Bluetooth Speaker?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThat entirely depends on what you plan to use it for! The best advice we have is to start with how and where you'd like to listen to music and work backwards to a specific model from there. Speakers range from tiny keychains to larger boomboxes and everything in between. We select speakers based largely on how they perform in their specialty, whether that is audio quality, durability, or some other particular niche.
As far as durability, we look for things with solid IP ratings for dust and water resistance and tend to prefer long battery life; batteries with larger capacities tend to still work well even after a few years of degradation.
Best Overall
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
JBL
Flip 7
$150 $120 (20% off)Amazon
$150 $120 (20% off)Walmart
$150 $120 (20% off)Best Buy
$150 $110 (27% off)JBL
Compromise isn't great for your principles, but it's essential for portable Bluetooth speakers. JBL’s Flip strikes the perfect balance between mobility and sound quality, offering clean detail with plenty of punch in a durable, droppable, and utterly portable package. The Flip 7 provides new goodies like increased water resistance, an easy-release strap, and a two-hour battery boost (or four with reduced bass).
The latest Flip also supports Auracast to sync with other new JBL models like the Clip 5 and Charge 6. Auracast may provide future connectivity benefits, but it leaves the latest speakers unable to connect with older ones, so if you already have a family of older JBLs it may make more sense to go with the JBL Flip 6. Otherwise, the Flip 7 is a killer speaker that happily tags along on virtually any adventure you can handle. —Ryan Waniata
★ 360 alternative: If you’re after a speaker with a wider and more expansive soundstage, the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 ($125) is a great alternative. Its 360-degree soundstage offers great performance from any angle, and though it doesn’t have the same bass thump as the Flip 7, its clear and balanced sound provides smooth definition across your catalog.
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 14 hours (16 in boost mode)Dust/Water ResistanceIP68ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesAuracast multispeaker, stereo pairingDimensions7.2 x 2.7 x 2.8 inchesWeight1.23 poundsBest Smart Speaker
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
Sonos
Roam 2
$175Amazon
$179Sonos
The larger Sonos speakers are great if you want a model that usually lives inside, but they aren't the kind of thing you'd want to throw in a backpack. That's where the Roam 2 comes in. This tiny tube has all the same smarts as its bigger Sonos siblings but with an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating and 10 hours of listening time, letting you move from your living room to the great outdoors. It's about the size of a 16-ounce beer can and easily fits in cup holders and knapsacks alike. The most recent update comes with easier Bluetooth pairing via a dedicated button. —Parker Hall
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 10 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIP67ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesSonos multiroom, Trueplay Audio adjustment, built-in voice commandsDimensions6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inchesWeight.95 pounds
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Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Tribit
StormBox 2
$80Amazon
$80Tribit
Tribit Bluetooth speakers sound a lot better than they should for the price. The StormBox 2 is largely the same as the original model, with dual-firing drivers and passive radiators in a 7-inch-long tube, but it comes with upgraded controls and about 6 watts more output (up to 30 watts from 24). No, it can't fuel a trance dance party on its own, but its clarity is impressive, and it has a fun extra-bass button that adds some surprising, if slightly muddy, thump. Its long battery life and robust design make it a great companion for backyard tunes, a trip down the river, or other informal gatherings. —Parker Hall
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 24 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIPX7ConnectivityBluetooth, 3.5-mm aux in, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesStereo pairing, bass boost buttonDimensions7.09 x 2.72 x 2.72 inchesWeight1.28 poundsBest Midsize Bluetooth Speaker
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Bose
Soundlink Plus
$269Bose
$269 $209 (22% off)Amazon
Never underestimate the middle child. Set between the plucky Soundlink Flex and beefy Soundlink Max, Bose’s Soundlink Plus offers impressive performance in a posh yet robust frame. You’ll find full and clear sound thanks to its articulate tweeter and punchy woofer backed by four passive bass radiators, along with convenient controls and stylish color options like the Citrus Yellow model I reviewed. Extras like a removable battery (from Bose) and the ability to charge other devices sweeten the deal, though in true Bose fashion, the price is as premium as the vibe. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 20 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIP67ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesMultipoint pairing, Google Fast PairDimensions4.11 x 11.17 x 3.4 inchesWeight3.37 pounds
Best Everywhere Speaker
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Sonos
Play
$299Amazon
$299Walmart
$299Best Buy
$299Sonos
The Sonos Play may just be the most versatile portable speaker I've ever tested. Its sound quality gets very close to the fabulous Sonos Era 100 smart speaker thanks to a similar configuration of dual tweeters and a powerful woofer, but in a portable design. Using Wi-Fi, you can stream from over 100 services, control it with your voice, link with other Sonos speakers in a group, and even plug in an analog audio source (with a Sonos adapter, that is).
Hitting the road? Take the Play off its charging cradle, tap the Bluetooth button, and it's ready for any adventure with a full day of battery. If you're after a speaker that's perfect inside, outside, and everywhere in between (even a dunk in shallow water), you want the Sonos Play. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 24 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIP67ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesSonos multiroom, Trueplay Audio adjustment, built-in voice commandsDimensions7.57 x 4.43 x 3.02 inchesWeight2.87 poundsA Crazy Cheap Bluetooth Speaker
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
JLab Audio
Go Party
$30 $28 (7% off)Walmart
$50 $28 (44% off)Amazon
$28Target
JLab made its name on budget-friendly wireless buds, and now the company has brought that philosophy to Bluetooth speakers with several new models. The JLab Go Party hits the sweet spot with solid battery life, convenient controls (including a volume knob!), and customizable lights, all for a wildly affordable $30 or so. The sound can’t keep up with our favorite budget speaker, the Tribit Stormbox 2 ($80), but the EQ3 preset provides a nice balance between the bass and mids. Plenty of battery life and solid water resistance round things out for a tempting appeal to squeaky tight budgets. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 16 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIPX6ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesLight show, multispeaker link, stereo pairingDimensions8.27 x 3.07 x 3.07 inchesWeight1.46 pounds
Best Clip Speaker
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
JBL
Clip 5
$80 $60 (25% off)Walmart
$80 $60 (25% off)Amazon
$80 $60 (25% off)Best Buy
The JBL Clip 5 is a tad pricey for a micro-sized portable, but this is a classic case of getting what you pay for. I think of the sound as “fat” in a good way, with fuller bass and midrange frequencies than expected. The warmer sound still offers rich detail and definition, and you can adjust the sound in the JBL Portable app. I love listening to podcasts in the shower, or even clipping its wide carabiner on my belt loop for cranking tunes while doing yard work.
The speaker's stout body is dust- and water-resistant, and adds advanced features like the ability to stereo-pair two Clip 5s or connect to newer JBL speakers via Auracast. Battery life is still middling, but a two-hour boost over the previous Clip (five extra hours with Playtime Boost) provides a solid upgrade that makes the Clip 5 more versatile than ever. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 12 hours (15 in boost mode)Dust/Water ResistanceIP67ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesAuracast multispeaker, stereo pairingDimensions3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inchesWeight.63 poundsBest Party Speaker
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
- Photograph: Parker Hall
Soundboks
Mix
$799Soundboks
The Soundboks Mix is powerful, durable, and aimed at raucous outdoor adventures. It doesn't offer the same PA-style design as my favorite karaoke speakers, but as reviewer Parker Hall notes, it dishes out surprisingly sophisticated (and loud) sound and includes extras like a replaceable 40-hour battery and the ability to pair multiple speakers together for larger jams.
Its rugged design includes Soundboks' signature tennis-ball corners to keep you from putting a hole in the wall or scratching your tailgate. It's also large and heavy, and its reliance on USB-C charging is rather a hassle for its size, especially since there's no charger included. Those knocks aside, the Mix is a great, weather-ready sound solution that should last for years to come. —Ryan Waniata
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 40 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIP65ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesStereo pairingDimensions19.1 x 13.4 x 10.8 inchesWeight21.4 pounds
-SOURCE-Ryan-Waniata.jpg)
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Best Bluetooth Speaker for Bikes
Courtesy of TriBitSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTribit
StormBox Micro 2
$60 $49 (18% off)Amazon
We loved the first generation of the Tribit StormBox Micro for its easy-to-use silicone strap, which firmly held it against bicycle handlebars. In this update, Tribit has maintained the rugged IP67 rating against water and dust, and given us more battery life (around 12 hours), plus better bass response and upgraded Bluetooth for improved connectivity. —Parker Hall
★ Also handlebar-ready: Bose makes a great speaker of a similar design called the SoundLink Micro ($119), which was previously our top bike handlebar pick. It sounds about the same but is twice as expensive as the Tribit.
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 12 hoursDust/Water ResistanceIP67ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C chargingSpecial FeaturesStereo pairing, spare device chargingDimensions4.1 x 3.92 x 1.68 inchesWeight.64 poundsA Bluetooth Guitar Amp
Courtesy of Positive GridSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPositive Grid
Spark Mini
$149Amazon (Spark Go)
$229Positive Grid
Positive Grid's Spark Mini is one of our favorite portable tools for musicians. You can pair your phone and play music via the cube-shaped speaker, but also plug in a guitar and blend yourself in to jam along. It's a perfect playing tool for campfires and backyard barbecues (eight hours of battery), and it even doubles as an audio interface if you need to scratch down an idea quickly. Because it's a guitar amp, the thing is much louder than it looks, easily able to fuel sing-alongs and shredding interpretations of The Star-Spangled Banner on Independence Day. —Parker Hall
★ Miniaturize it: Looking for a smaller way to shred on the go? The Spark Go ($129) is about half the size of the Spark Mini and comes with all the same great sounds, making it perfect for those who don't need much volume (or who plan to practice with headphones anyway).
SpecsBattery LifeUp to 8 hoursDust/Water ResistanceN/AConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C charging/output, 3.5-mm input/output, guitar inputSpecial FeaturesMultiple effects and amp modelingDimensions5.77 x 4.84 x 6.5 inchesWeight3.3 pounds
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other good speakers we've tested that didn't quite make the cut for our top picks:
Bose Soundlink Max for $329: The Bose SoundLink Max has quickly become my favorite speaker to drag along to outdoor events. It's not as big as the boombox that John Cusack held over his head in the '80s, but this robust, rubberized speaker has bold sound and gets loud enough to woo your sweethearts with a love song. I also like that you can plug in your phone while it plays music, which is nice for those of us who are forgetful on our days off. Bold bass, even when outside, makes this good for dance parties in the middle of nowhere, and the handle is easy to tie up to packs, kayaks, or tents. —Parker Hall
Brane Audio Brane X for $499: The Brane X speaker may be shockingly spendy, but this lunchbox-sized bomber has something no other portable we've tested has: A true, fully functional subwoofer. Thanks to Brane's mystifying RAD (Repel Attract Driver) technology, the Brane X hits all the notes in your music, with unadulterated bass to bring more punch, gravitas, and sheer emotionality to everything you play. You'll get both Bluetooth streaming and Wi-Fi, with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Alexa with up to 12 hours per charge.
Beats Pill.
Photograph: Ryan WaniataBeats Pill for $100: Apple’s latest Beats Pill is surprisingly versatile. Quick one-touch pairing for iOS and Android devices make it great for mixed-phone homes, while old-school callbacks like a built-in speakerphone and the ability to charge other devices can come in handy. Beats didn’t stop there, offering massive playtime, great dust and water resistance, and the ability to play lossless audio over USB-C with supported devices. While the design isn't as robust as my favorites, new drivers provide the slick treble and hefty bass you expect from Beats, with refined clarity.
JBL Charge 6 for $160: The JBL Charge offers big and beautiful sound from its football-shaped frame, along with extras like a USB-C port to charge your phone from and its 24 hour battery. It can be plugged in for lossless playback on supported devices and uses Auracast to sync up with other newer JBL models, though that leaves out older versions like the Charge 5. The Charge isn't as easy to pack as our top pick, weighing 3 pounds and stretching 9 inches across, but if you bring it along, you’ll be rewarded with clear jams and plenty of bass.
Tribit Stormbox Mini+ for $30: This little speaker from Tribit is an excellent budget option. It boasts bold low-end and can be easily paired in stereo for a multi-channel listening experience. They're a nice shape, and I like that they have multi-colored lights on top for when you need a little vibe. I took it camping and had a great time pairing two of these $50 speakers together for a full campsite musical experience. They're nice for surrounding you with sound at a reasonable (read: not annoying to neighbors) volume. —Parker Hall
UE Megaboom 4.
Photograph: Ryan WaniataUltimate Ears Megaboom 4 for $170: If packability isn’t of top concern, the 9-inch-tall Megaboom 4 is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy. It's got rich and full 360-degree sound with plenty of low-end punch. Its drop-tested, weatherproof body is ready for any outing, from surf to sand, and it offers over 150 feet of wireless range and up to 20 hours of battery life (more like 15 hours at volume). As with other UE speakers, the app adds features like the ability to connect multiple speakers in a group or two Megaboom 4s in stereo, adjust the EQ, and wake the speaker from sleep. This rugged sound pillar is key to my backyard jams and well worth adding to your semi-mobile arsenal.
Sony Ult Field 1 for $108: The smallest of Sony’s Ult speakers is a solid tubular portable up against tough competition. It offers good sound with the “Ult” bass key engaged, but its midrange is less defined and dynamic than favorites like the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or JBL Flip 7, and it packs less battery life than either.
Marshall Stockwell II for $150: If you're a music fan or just love the classic Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. This small, relatively pricey speaker serves up smooth, balanced, and refined sound. The durable exterior is splash-resistant, the front and back have a steel grille, and the battery lasts around 20 hours depending on how much you tweak the stylish volume knob.
DemerBox DB2 for $399: The DB2 is a great companion for your boldest outdoor adventures, in large part because it serves two purposes: It's a loud portable speaker with 40 hours of built-in battery life, and it's also a crushproof Pelican case. Load it up with any particularly fragile items, plug the bass port with an included rubber stopper, and you've got yourself an everything-proof box to keep your stuff safe.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level for $1,900: Bang & Olufsen takes a “buy once, cry once” policy for wireless speakers. The Beosound Level is a crazy expensive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, but it is modularly designed and aims to be repairable forever. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, as are the wood and cloth elements. The gorgeous and great-sounding speaker could be a lifetime audio addition that can be upgraded as time passes.
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Parker Hall is a former longtime senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focused on audiovisual (A/V) and entertainment products. Parker is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz drums with Billy Hart (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock). Prior to WIRED, he was a senior ... Read MoreWriter and Reviewer
Ryan Waniata is a staff writer, editor, video host, and product reviewer for WIRED with over 10 years of experience in A/V. He has previously published at sites including Digital Trends, Reviewed, Business Insider, Review Geek, and others. He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ... Read MoreTopicsShoppingbuying guidesSpeakersBluetoothhome entertainmentaudioThese Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your WorkstationTake your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.Nicole KinningThe Best Wi-Fi Routers to Reach Every Corner of Your HomeDon’t suffer the buffer. These WIRED-tested home routers will deliver reliable internet across your home, whatever your needs or budget.Simon HillThe Best Pixel 10 Cases and Accessories for Accidental Phone-DroppersSlap a case on your shiny new Pixel, whether you have the Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, or Pixel 10 Pro XL. We also have recommendations for Qi2 chargers and other accessories.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Espresso Machines, Including—Surprise—the Most-Hyped Pick of 2026The best espresso makers can turn your kitchen into a café and help you hone the art of the perfect shot.Matthew KorfhageThe Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your BloodWith almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.Adrienne SoThe Best Smart Video Doorbell CamerasNever miss a delivery. These WIRED-tested picks will help you keep tabs on your front door from anywhere.Simon HillThe Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Cases and AccessoriesProtect your new Samsung phone with the help of these cases and screen protectors.Louryn StrampeThe Best 5 Pillows for Neck PainNeck pain takes many forms, but these WIRED-tested pillows may save your sleep.Julia ForbesThe Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on ThingsKeep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.Louryn StrampeGive Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuDeath to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than ChapstickFrom models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.Matthew KorfhageThe 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions of 2026 to Keep You WiredThese services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.Matthew Korfhage
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