Our expert audio team has spent nearly 20 years testing and reviewing the best Bluetooth speakers on the market. Want proof? Our Parrot DS1120 Bluetooth Speakers review shows just how long we’ve been hands-on with portable audio gear and why our rigorous testing process holds strong today.
I’ve been working as a dedicated audio reviewer (now editor) since 2019, backed by a brilliant team of specialists with decades of experience – check the 'tested by' section below for the talented team involved in this guide. Every product here has gone through in-depth, real-world testing by us, so our recommendations come from genuine experience.
Small speakers won’t deliver huge bass, but that’s not the point – they’re built for convenience and portability. We’ve selected the best for sound, battery, usability and value. Looking for something tougher? See our best waterproof speakers guide. Want high-end audio with seamless home integration? Check out our best wireless speakers list. Otherwise, keep reading!
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 for most people
We gave this speaker a rare 5 stars after testing because it sounds excellent, has good features including 14 hours of battery and a great value price. It's easy to see why it's the best option for most people, it really does tick all the boxes.
The best budget Bluetooth speaker
A dinky, retro-styled speaker with punchy, mostly distortion-free sound and plenty of playtime. The price is a little steeper in the US, but it's still excellent value.
The best Bluetooth speaker for Wi-Fi too
A portable speaker with a sleek, minimalist design that delivers rich and powerful audio with excellent connectivity features – including multi-room Wi-Fi at home, as well as Bluetooth on the go.
The best small speaker for sound
A compact speaker that doesn't sacrifice sound or style. It's premium, but the sound balance is worth it – and it's tough and waterproof, with above average battery life.
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
A great-sounding speaker debut, packed with plenty of power, connectivity options, long battery life and immersive lighting – perfect for getting everyone moving.
The best Bluetooth speaker for reverse charging
Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. It also delivers balanced, powerful audio, supports hi-res sound with the right setup and stays genuinely portable thanks to a new built-in handle.
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The best Bluetooth speaker for long battery life
Sound is exquisite with Marshall's cute amp-inspired design. But it's the 50 hours of battery life that earns it a place in this guide. So not only are you getting good audio in a great package, you'll so rarely have to charge it.
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.
The best Bluetooth speaker for karaoke
This big, powerful party speaker delivers bass-heavy audio and immersive lighting, and its karaoke features are a lot of fun, with vocal effects, a DJ mode and more – a top choice for parties.
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.
October 16, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Switched the Edifier ES20 into the no 2 spot as 'best budget', replacing the JBL Clip 5, which is now in our 'also consider' section. Switched the Marshall Bromley 750 into no 5 spot as 'best for parties'. Replaced the older JBL Charge 5 model in the 'best to charge a phone' spot with the newer JBL Charge 6.
The best Bluetooth speakers for all budgets – the list
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The best Bluetooth speaker overall
✅ You want all-day listening: The sound is energetic and fun, but it’s the 14-hour battery life that keeps the party going from morning to night.
✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 7 is seriously tough, with an IP68 rating that makes it dustproof and able to withstand full submersion in water.
❌ You want to sync it with other Flip speakers: There's a cool feature that lets you connect multiple speakers. But it only works with other Flip 7s, not older models.
❌ You're impatient: It takes more than 2.5 hours for the Flip 7 to fully charge. Not terrible, but slower than many rivals.
What you need to know: It's rare we award any device 5 out of 5 stars during our testing process, especially across the board in all of the key areas we consider for this guide, including features, sound, design and value. But the JBL Flip 7 really is deserving of them. It's a follow-up to the immensely popular Flip 6, which was long our top pick in this guide. But JBL improves on it in almost every way, offering better sound, performance, and design. If you’re after a Bluetooth speaker that does everything well without breaking the bank, the Flip 7 is a no-brainer.
Audio performance: JBL has always done speakers well, but the Flip 7 is something else where sonic performance is concerned. In our review, we wrote that it "outperforms its asking price to an almost startling degree". This is thanks to a sound that's detailed and confident, perfect for parties and outdoor listening. It does well across the range, delivering overall tonality that we described as "nicely natural and consistent from top to bottom". We struggled to find a single flaw with its sound – especially at this price point.
Design: Like previous Flip models, the Flip 7 sticks with a cylindrical shape wrapped in rubber and fabric. It’s extremely durable, boasting an IP68 rating – one of the best you’ll find – meaning it’s dustproof and can handle full submersion in water. Perfect for festivals, pool days, beach trips... pretty much anywhere. Plus, it comes in seven finishes. JBL has always nailed the fun, colorful vibe, which is great since most of us use these speakers on holidays or at parties.
Value: All in all, the Flip 7 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants a solid sonic performance, good specs, a really impressive battery life and a design that'll withstand almost everything you can throw at it.
Read our full JBL Flip 7 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating | Header Cell - Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Features | Bluetooth 5.4 is onboard here, along with USB-C data transfer and SBC and AAC codecs. That's pretty solid for a speaker at this price. | 5/5 | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Design | There are seven finishes to choose from, which is fun. It looks sleek, it's fairly portable and, most importantly, it's very durable. | 5/5 | Row 1 - Cell 3 |
Sound quality | Punchy, directly and immensely enjoyable sound, especially considering the price. | 5/5 | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
Value | It looks good, sounds good and is packed with good features, all for a fairly reasonable price. | 5/5 | Row 3 - Cell 3 |
The best budget Bluetooth speaker
✅ You want a super compact option: This tiny, square speaker fits into any nook or slips easily into a bag. Ideal for travel.
✅ You need something a little rugged: There's full IP67 dust and water protection, making it great for the bathroom or beach.
❌ You want the best audio quality possible: It's limited by its size and only supports the basic SBC codec, so you won’t get ultra-detailed or high-resolution sound.
❌ You need enough power for parties: At just 6W and under 10cm tall, it isn’t built to fill a room or fuel a gathering.
What you need to know: If you're looking for a (fairly) cheap, portable and super small speaker, then the Edifier ES20 is our top pick. You don't get audiophile-grade listening, but you wouldn't expect it at this size. What you do get is a small but mighty performance with solid bass. It has a gorgeous retro-style design, and it's light and dinky enough to throw into a bag, which makes it perfect for listening on the move. It's also a solid pick for travel if you want something portable that'll withstand the elements, as it's IP67-rated.
Audio performance: During testing, we were really impressed with the sound on offer here, especially considering the dinky size of the ES20. The bass won't beat the best party speakers, but it was surprisingly powerful minus the ‘boomy’, muddy low-frequency of some budget rivals. There's also controlled treble here and well-balanced mids. The listen isn't the most detailed or nuanced – though this improves if you pair two together in stereo mode. There's only the most basic SBC Bluetooth audio codec, which means no LDAC or aptX support.
Design: The ES20 is small and square, making it perfect for small spaces, listening on the move and for travel – it really is compact enough to be thrown into a handbag. But it's not just small, it's adorable. It has a gorgeous retro-style design, with a speaker grille and faux leather outer casing, which really makes it stand out from many boring-looking rivals. There are also customizable ambient lights on the rear and it's well protected against the elements, thanks to its IP67 rating.
Value: It's compact, portable and IP67-rated with a gorgeous design and clear, punchy audio all for an affordable price. Which means the Edifier ES20 is great value for money. However, it is worth pointing out that it's a little pricier in the US compared to other regions. We’d still recommend it – it’s just not quite as much of a no-brainer for our US readers.
Read our full Edifier ES20 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | Ambient lighting, multi-speaker pairing, a good mic and solid battery life – although the EQ options are a bit limited. | 4.5/5 |
Design | Gorgeous retro styling, excellent waterproofing and eye-catching lighting. | 5/5 |
Sound quality | Punchy and clear with a bass-forward profile, but it only supports SBC and can compress slightly at max volume. | 4/5 |
Value | Even with slightly higher US pricing, it’s still affordable and delivers plenty of quality for the money. | 4.5/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for Wi-Fi too
✅ You own more Sonos speakers: You can connect multiple Sonos speakers together, which makes the Roam 2 perfect for your broader 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 – that's why we recommend the JBL Flip 6 over it for most people.
What you need to know: The original Sonos Roam has been one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers 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 great 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 Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too. The JBL Flip 6 is better bang-for-buck when focused on Bluetooth audio only, but the flexibility of the Sonos Roam 2 to work with Sonos multi-room or AirPlay 2 as well is real bonus.
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, especially if you're tempted by Wi-Fi connectivity too, something that isn't always a given in this category.
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 small bluetooth speaker for sound
✅ You like premium tech: It looks, sounds and feels like every bit a Bang & Olufsen product – a lovely metal finish and the most refined and full sound of a small speaker.
✅ You like a dependable app: The Bang & Olufsen control app is easy to use with good EQ settings.
❌ You want a party speaker: It's surprisingly powerful, but a small speaker can only do so much, the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 at #5 is a better bet.
❌ You want multi-speaker connectivity: Unlike some options here, this can't connect to lots of similar speakers for a bigger sound (though it can do a stereo pair).
What you need to know: The 3rd generation of an already popular and well-regarded speaker is better than ever. As you'd expect from Bang & Olufsen, this is a high-end product in all respects: design, build, performance and, of course, price. This means you'll get all of the top features here too, including multipoint connectivity, apt X Adaptive compatibility, 60 watts of power, an IP67 water- and dustproof rating, and a USB-C socket for charging. But it enters our guide for its small size paired with its way above average audio skills for something this portable. It's easily our top pick if you need a compact design without making any sacrifices.
Audio performance: For its size, the sonic performance is impressive. We particularly rated its low-frequency presence and substance, but the whole range shines, sounding really very unified compared to most portable speakers. Detail here is also noticeably revealing, and you can crank up the volume without losing any of it. Of course, given the size of the speaker, it's not a large scale listen. It might be organized and open, but where scale is concerned we just can't ignore the fact it doesn't sound especially big. There also isn't a neutral tonal balance here. It's warm, rich and not at all unpleasant, but worth mentioning.
Design: It's our top choice if you want good Bluetooth sound in a small package, measuring only 46x133x133mm and weighing in at 576g – striking a balance between portability and premium-feeling heft. The materials and level of finish are high-end and we love the unique color options on offer too. The interesting thing here is that, to some extent, it's modular, which means it can be repaired and its battery can be replaced. Bang & Olufsen has made modular tech before, so this isn't a surprise but it's still worth applauding here – this is a pricey choice, but should be a long-lasting one.
Value: It's not an affordable speaker by any means, and there are a lot of worthy alternatives in the small Bluetooth speaker space. But if you want a small speaker with an impeccable finish and build that looks incredibly cool and sounds great, you absolutely cannot go wrong here.
Read our full Bang & Olufsen A1 3rd Gen review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | An amazing app we enjoyed using, a couple of good connectivity options and multipoint. Lack of Auracast is the only sticking point. | 4.5/5 |
Design | A stunning design that uses quality materials. That makes it expensive, but it's also modular with a replaceable battery. | 5/5 |
Sound quality | Exceptional low-end presence and detail across the range. Surprisingly powerful for a speaker of this size. | 5/5 |
Value | While it's not the cheapest choice, not by far, it's still exceptional value for money. You're getting oodles of quality here and it's longer lasting than much of the competition. | 5/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for parties
✅ You host parties often: The Bromley 750 brings huge sound, serious power and karaoke features – ideal for lively get-togethers.
✅ You love the Marshall aesthetic: With its faux leather finish, quality grille and stylish lighting, it nails that classic retro-styled Marshall look.
❌ You want the best value: It’s pricey, and some similarly sized rivals cost less. You’re paying extra for battery life and build quality.
❌ You’re short on space: This speaker is big and heavy (over 25 inches tall and 52lbs), so it needs plenty of room.
What you need to know: Marshall knows all there is to know about the best audio tech. But this is the brand's first ever party speaker, so the pressure is on. We're happy to report, the Bromley 750 delivers in spades. Big, loud spades with almighty bass output. It also lasts for a solid 40 hours, which is impressive compared to rivals and vital if it's going to give the best party speakers currently on the market a run for their money. The main drawback is this is one expensive speaker. You'll find other powerful rivals that are much more affordable. But it's still our top party pick because the audio is phenomenal and you get lighting as well as plenty of playtime. If you have the cash, it's worth every penny.
Audio performance: So here's the thing, the Bromley 750 isn't the most powerful party speaker out there. But it'll get loud and it'll get everyone moving. The speaker can reach down to 20Hz, which means bass is deep and boomy. But during our testing we noted that nothing else suffered. For example, vocals in the mid range weren't obscured and high-pitched percussive elements were expressive yet controlled. There's a sound character control function, which lets you adjust audio between Dynamic and Loud. There's also Marshall’s 360-degree true stereophonic sound tech here. This works well, and creates a wide, well-adjusted soundstage wherever you're listening from.
Design: The classic Marshall design is here and we'll never tire of it. There's the retro-styling we've become accustomed to from previous Marshall devices, like the speaker grille, faux-leather exterior, luxurious physical controls, and easily accessible connectivity ports. Now, this is a powerful party speaker, which means it's hefty at 52.7lbs / 23.9kg. Luckily, it has a suitcase-style handle and wheels, making it easier to transport. It's IP54-rated, which means it has some dust protection and a little shielding against water splashes.
Value: The Marshall Bromley 750 is very expensive, there's no getting around it. And if the price just doesn't work for you, we recommend the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 as a solid cheaper alternative. But it offers better protection, longer battery life and a more premium design that its rivals. Whether that's enough for you to justify the price will depend on your priorities. What we think makes it solid value, beyond the obvious fantastic performance, is it'll happily sit in your living room and won't need to be tucked away. It’s also repairable, with replaceable parts and a removable battery for long-term durability. So yes, it's expensive. But it does deliver impeccable quality for the money.
Read our full Marshall Bromley 750 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | The app could offer more control, but lighting, connectivity and a 40 hour battery are excellent. | 4.5/5 |
Design | Stunning lighting, a premium exterior and splashproof build with a drainage system. | 5/5 |
Sound quality | Punchy, controlled bass with flexible sound tuning and good instrument separation. | 4.5/5 |
Value | Some more powerful speakers are cheaper, but you’re paying for build quality and long playtime. | 4/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for charging
✅ You want balanced but powerful sound: The Charge 6 may look chunky, but it delivers energetic, well-balanced audio with surprising clarity and detail.
✅ You appreciate hi-res audio: When connected via USB-C to a suitable source, it can handle genuine hi-res playback. Which is a rare perk for a portable speaker.
❌ You mostly listen at low volumes: It loses some of its energy and sonic character when played quietly, so it shines best at medium to high volume.
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 again with the Charge 6. It has significant upgrades over the Charge 5 that came before it, which all improve on the specs here, including an IP68 rating, a new carry handle and more recyclable materials. Pair those improvements with expansive sound, solid build quality and impressive volumes and you've got a speaker that, yes, is our top pick for phone charging but offers so much more on top. It's easy to see why we awarded it a rare 5 out of 5 stars during testing.
Audio performance: The Charge 6 delivers a big and punchy sound with plenty of drive and energy. However, it also reveals a lot of detail and handles subtle moments well, balancing force with nuance. The frequency response is mostly even, with only a slight emphasis on the bass, and the tonal balance is well judged too. Overall, it’s direct, assertive and more detailed than you’d expect, especially in USB-C mode. With 45W of power, a 54Hz–20kHz range, and the ability to play true hi-res audio when hard-wired, the Charge 6 is a surprisingly capable performer where sound is concerned.
Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker has sturdy rubberization on the ends to keep it stable and protect the passive radiator. It's wrapped in a hardwearing fabric and you'll find a few physical controls, as well as its USB-C slot at the rear. The IP rating has jumped from IP67 to IP68 in this latest version, meaning it'll withstand dust and has waterproofing. We also love the addition of a flexible handle, which now fits to the top of the speaker and makes it more portable. As we've come to expect from JBL, there's a choice of seven fun finishes to pick from here.
Value: If you just want a speaker for background listening, this isn't for you. You can spend less money if you don't need all of the perks of the Charge 6. Otherwise, this speaker has plenty of features, a great design and enough sonic talent to justify the price tag. The fact it's got an even higher standard of build and finish than previous models also makes it even more of a no-brainer for Bluetooth listening, especially on the move.
Read our full JBL Charge 6 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | Battery life, USB-C connectivity and Auracast support are all excellent. A higher-res wireless codec would make it even better. | 4.5/5 |
Design | Tougher than ever, made with more recycled materials and we liked the the built-in handle that adds genuinely useful portability. | 5/5 |
Sound quality | Surprisingly powerful and well-balanced, with more detail than expected. Especially when using the USB-C connection. | 4.5/5 |
Value | It's reliable, durable and sounds great. A fantastic all-round package for the price. | 5/5 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life
✅ You need long battery life: With up to 50 hours of playtime, it’ll keep the music going all weekend.
✅ You love the Marshall look: The Kilburn III nails that classic amp-style design with luxe details like a gold control panel and tactile knobs.
❌ You’re on a budget: It’s pricier than the last model. If cost is a concern, check out the Kilburn II instead.
❌ You want a massive party speaker: It’s punchy for its size, but for room-shaking sound, the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 is your best bet.
What you need to know: Marshall is known for creating great-sounding and great-looking speakers that bring a retro amp aesthetic to your home. The Kilburn III is no exception, packing fantastic sound into the brand's distinctive design. As if that wasn't enough, this speaker is seriously impressive thanks to its 50 hours of battery life, which blows the competition well and truly out of the water. Now, it's not cheap and isn't the best choice for big, booming parties. But if you love the design, want top sound and like the idea of not having to charge it much, this is a top pick.
Audio performance: There's really impressive bass here, but there's also no distortion or muffling. And even though the bass was pumping, it didn't overpower the synths or vocals either. There's impressive detail, too, which is thanks to Kilburn III’s dynamic loudness tech. It automatically adjusts bass, mids, and treble, so you don’t lose out on any detail. And that's at any angle. We also noted great instrument separation and that level of clarity, detail and precision was present across every genre we threw its way. Unfortunately, there's no hi-res Bluetooth codec support though, such as LDAC or aptX Adaptive
Design: We've always loved Marshall's distinctive, retro design aesthetic, bringing an amp-like look to much smaller speakers. The Kilburn III looks great, with grilles on its front and reverse side, a gold-plated control panel, tactile knobs and a sleek handle that has a red velvet underside. It's not the most durable option, but it does also have a IP54 dust- and waterproof-rating too.
Value: If you're on a budget this isn't the speaker for you. It's expensive and pricier than its predecessor. However, its strengths, particularly that battery life, do make it solid value and worth it if your budget will stretch. Especially if longevity is a priority and you're already a fan of Marshall's distinctive amp-like design. You might also want to look elsewhere if you want a big and booming party speaker. It gets loud and bass is good, but it won't beat the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 in that regard.
Read our full Marshall Kilburn III review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | Some small omissions can’t overshadow amazing battery life and in-app functions. | 4.5/5 |
Design | Attractive amp-inspired design with gorgeous golden details. | 4.5/5 |
Sound quality | Beautifully balanced audio even at high volumes, no matter the listening angle. | 5/5 |
Value | A price bump over its predecessor, but sounds, looks, and feels well-worth it. | 4.5/5 |
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 review
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 |
The best Bluetooth speaker for karaoke
✅ You want plenty of bass: This speaker delivers clean, punchy bass that’s powerful without sounding muddy – perfect for house tunes and dance tracks.
✅ You want a versatile party speaker: With its floor-standing design, immersive lighting, thumping bass and DJ and karaoke modes, it's built for parties.
❌ You need a rugged design: With only an IPX4 rating, the Stage 301 can handle light splashes but isn’t ideal for rain or poolside use.
❌ You want a long battery life: Expect around 12 hours at best, which is fairly standard for its size. Push the volume and it drains faster than some rivals.
What you need to know: LG has always known how to do Bluetooth speakers well, especially with its xboom range. The Stage 301 builds on that reputation with more power, polished performance, and a design that feels at home in any setup. It’s versatile enough for everyday use, but really shines as a party speaker – especially for karaoke fans, thanks to its fun features and immersive lighting.
Audio performance: Let's start with the bass, because it's really powerful without being overwhelming. Is it the deepest bass we've heard? No. But in our review, we wrote: "Low-end output remains meaty, but it doesn’t smother sounds elsewhere in the frequency range." The result is clean, responsive sound with the option to enable Bass Boost in the companion app or set your own EQ. Importantly, there’s no distortion at top volumes, making it ideal for karaoke. LG’s AI calibration tool is another highlight, automatically tailoring the sound to your room. Add in DJ mode and karaoke mode, with mic support and vocal effects, and you’ve got plenty of ways to keep a party going.
Design: It's chunky, but unlike other party speakers it looks pretty classy too. Customizable LED lighting syncs with your music for an immersive feel, and you can position it three different ways to optimize sound and display. It’s not the most portable pick, but the built-in handle makes moving it around fairly straightforward.
Value: If you want a party speaker that's packed with plenty of fun features, you've found it here. The Stage 301 offers versatile design, smart modes and plenty of personality. Battery life is a standard 12 hours and its IPX4 rating means it’s not the most rugged option. But overall it’s a well-rounded, great-looking choice for quality sound and entertainment.
Read our full LG xboom Stage 301 review
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Features | Battery life is standard, but the AI features shine. Plus you get customizable sound and lighting. | 4.5/5 |
Design | Attractive lighting, flexible placement options, but only average IPX4 waterproofing. | 4.5/5 |
Sound quality | Clean, punchy bass with disciplined, well-controlled audio even at higher volumes. | 4.5/5 |
Value | Well-priced compared to rivals, with solid quality across the board. Overall, a worthwhile buy. | 4.5/5 |
More Bluetooth speakers we've tested
Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus: This is a good speaker, it's bass-heavy and a top choice for parties. But it's just not as musically gifted for the money as the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, which is in the list as our 'best for parties' pick. Read our Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review to find out more.
Beats Pill: This Bluetooth speaker boasts great sound and oodles of style, but there's no dedicated iOS app. This isn't a deal-breaker in itself, but on-device controls aren't there, so some of the simplest things, like turning it on and off, become unnecessarily frustrating. Find out more in our Beats Pill review.
Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2: If you need a cheaper alternative for the Bose SoundLink Max in our 'best premium' spot above, check out our Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review. It's cheaper, smaller and still looks similar to its more expensive sibling. However, the disappointing 12-hour battery meant we couldn't give it a dedicated spot in this guide.
Bose SoundLink Plus: The 'Plus' version from the popular SoundLink range delivers spacious sound, solid connectivity and a durable IP67-rated design – it even floats! However, battery life takes a noticeable hit at higher volumes, and the bass isn’t as powerful as we’d hoped. It’s still a great speaker, as you’ll see in our Bose SoundLink Plus review, but a few stronger-performing rivals have just edged it off our shortlist.
Groov-e Wave Glow: This speaker is very portable and the LED lights add a fun touch, but that's about all it has going for it. Our Groov-e Wave Glow review explains why its audio quality and battery life fall short compared to rivals.
Happy Plugs Joy: This speaker, which has nothing to do with 'plugs' is very stylish. But that's all it really has going for it. If you want a cute speaker on a budget, do take a look at our Happy Plugs Joy review.
House of Marley Roots Solar: There's a lot to love here at first glance, this is a party and pool-friendly speaker that's robust, waterproof and gets major bonus points for being made of sustainable materials. However, bass lacks a powerful party punch and the solar charging feature was disappointing. Take a look at our House of Marley Roots Solar review to find out more.
JBL Charge 5: If you're looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too, then take a look at our JBL Charge 5 review. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof). It only left our list because it was replaced by the upgraded Charge 6.
JBL Clip 5: This is a super compact Bluetooth speaker that's durable, practical, and delivers a thoroughly enjoyable sound with surprising bass and volume for its tiny size. It was only removed as our 'best budget' pick because the Edifier ES20 that replaces it represents slightly better value. Read our full JBL Clip 5 review.
JBL Xtreme 4: This used to hold our 'Best for parties' title, but the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 is better value. But this is a superb hefty party speaker, with JBL's super-tough design and very rich sound. The shoulder strap is nice, too… You can read what we liked, and where it struggled for value, in our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.
LG xboom Bounce: This has all the makings of a great party speaker – high max volume, bass-heavy sound, long battery life, and military-grade durability. But while the sound is big and bold, it’s not the most refined, and portability is a downside – it’s bulky and awkward to carry if you’re after something more travel-friendly. Check out our LG xBoom Bounce review for the full breakdown.
LG xboom Go XG8T / LG xboom Go XG2T: There are two possible alternatives here. Both narrowly miss out on being the best in their category, but if you need rugged durability, LG says both models offer 'military-grade durability', having passed seven tests apiece to be worthy of the claim. Check out the small XG2T in our LG XBoom Go XG2T review. Need something equally as rugged, but bigger? See our LG XBoom Go XG8T review. And go beast mode!
LG xboom Grab: With its compact size, built-in strap, and sturdy build, this is a great pick if portability is your top priority. It also boasts a solid 20 hours of battery life and surprisingly full, powerful sound – though it leans a little heavy on the bass. You’ll also get in-app EQ controls and all at a very reasonable price. As you'll see from our LG xboom Grab review, it's a fantastic little speaker and well worth a look if the smaller options above don’t quite do it for you.
Marshall Emberton III: This Marshall speaker is all black and brass glorious retro styling. There's also a fantastic battery life here and a 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.
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. However, 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 doesn't make the cut.
Sony LinkBuds Speaker: We enjoyed testing this small and cute speaker with some cool features built-in. The problem is they don't all work seamlessly, and the sound is limited. Read our full Sony LinkBuds Speaker review to find out more, because it could still be the home-friendly speaker you're looking for.
Tribit Stormbox 2: 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. hTen again, it's also cheaper than the JBL alternative. It sounds good for the price, too, so if your budget's tight, our Tribit Stormbox 2 review is worth a look.
Tribit Stormbox Flow: It's not a looker and it's a bit heavy, but that's because it's got a massive 30 hours of battery life under the hood. With a sub-$80 / £80 price tag, that's a great bargain. So why isn't it in the list? Well, it was replaced as our top battery life pick when the Marshall Kilburn III came along with its whopping 50 hours of battery life. Still, it's well worth considering so do read our Tribit Stormbox Flow review.
Tribit Stormbox Lava: Take a look at our Tribit Stormbox Lava review and you'll see there's a lot to love here. It's affordable, audio is decent and you get dual wired and Bluetooth connectivity. But it's firmly in the 'good but not great' category because it's boring to look at, the sound needs some major adjusting, and it struggles to hit those deeper notes.
Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus: Look, it's fine. It's cheap, covers the basic and it's portable. But the battery life is only average and even for its size there isn't enough audio oomph – the audio also weakens as you turn up the volume. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus review for more.
Ultimate Ears Everboom: This speaker was at one point our best sound-per-pound value pick for a while, packing in sonic performance for a reasonable price. You'll see from our Ultimate Ears Everboom review that we acknowledge you can find better, but not for such solid value – and it's also super-rugged and portable, too.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4: Expect plenty of volume and lots of battery life from this portable speaker. But although it's fine, it's not a huge upgrade on the older model and a bit jumbled sonically. Read our full Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 review for more.
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, cheap and has a 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.
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 consumer 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.
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.
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.
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.
What’s a good battery life for a Bluetooth speaker?
This all depends on what you need. But, as a general rule, we'd recommend only considering a Bluetooth speaker that'll give you 10 hours of playback or more on a single charge.
Think about it. 10 hours is a nice aim as it's enough for a full day at the beach or a weekend of casual use here and there.
You may also need to make sacrifices to battery life depending on the design you're after. For example, larger speakers often have more room for more power and can offer 20 hours or more, so could get you through a weekend. Ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers might only manage 10 hours at a push.
Battery life can also drop if you play music loud or use additional features, such as lights, so do always check our reviews to see how long the speakers lasted during testing – not just how long the manufacturer says they should last.
What do different waterproof and dustproof ratings mean on Bluetooth speakers?
Waterproof and dustproof ratings are called IP ratings (which is short for Ingress Protection), and they tell you how resistant a speaker (or any piece of tech for that matter) is to water and dust.
They're listed as 'IP' followed by two numbers: the first number refers to how dustproof they are, and the second number refers to how waterproof they are.
The higher the numbers, the tougher the speaker tends to be, which is great if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker you can use outdoors in any conditions, or that can survive an accidental trip into a pool.
For example, IPX4 means it can handle splashes, but has no dustproof rating – so it's fine for outdoors at home, where it might be rained on. IP67 is one of the best ratings. The ‘6’ here means it’s fully dustproof, and the ‘7’ means it can survive being submerged in fresh water for up to 30 minutes. So this could be ideal for the beach or carrying with you on a pool float.
Do Bluetooth speakers have Wi-Fi?
Some Bluetooth speakers have Wi-Fi, but not all of them. Most Bluetooth speakers are only designed to connect only via Bluetooth, which is perfect for quick, easy pairing to any audio source, more often than not, your phone.
But some higher-end or smart speakers also support Wi-Fi. This allows for multi-room setups, higher-quality streaming and smart assistant features too (like Alexa or Google Assistant). If you want better sound quality or to stream from your home network and unlock more features, Wi-Fi-enabled speakers are worth a look, such as the Sonos Roam 2 in our list.
Then again, if you’re only really going to be listening outdoors or on-the-move, you’re probably fine sticking with Bluetooth.
Can you connect multiple Bluetooth speakers together?
Yes, but it depends on the brand and model of your Bluetooth speaker. Some speakers, like those from JBL or Ultimate Ears, have special features that let you link two or more speakers together for stereo sound or bigger volume. This is usually done through the app, and only works for speakers of matching types or from the same brand.
Some speakers are starting to support Bluetooth Auracast for this purpose instead, which is a universal standard to send audio to multiple compatible speakers at once. This is still in its early stages, but keep your eye out for it on spec sheets if it's something you're interested in.
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.
This is just the start of our review process and buying advice. For a deeper look at our independent, authoritative testing, check out our full how we test guide.
The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide
October 16, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Switched the Edifier ES20 into the no 2 spot as 'best budget', replacing the JBL Clip 5, which is now in our 'also consider' section. Switched the Marshall Bromley 750 into no 5 spot as 'best for parties'. Replaced the older JBL Charge 5 model in the 'best to charge a phone' spot with the newer JBL Charge 6.
September 12, 2025
Updated author details. Added the LG xboom Stage 301 as our 'Best for karaoke' at the number 12 spot. Added a few recently reviewed devices to our also consider section, including the Groov-e Wave Glow and Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus. Updated the 'how we test' section.
August 7, 2025
Switched out the Tribit Stormbox Flow for the Marshall Kilburn III as 'best for battery'. Added the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 to the 'More we've tested' section and tidied up this list to remove some older recommendations.
July 2, 2025
Checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated and rewrote the entry for the JBL Clip 5, our 'best budget' pick, to reflect a year of real-world use. Added several new options to our list of other speakers we've recently reviewed. Updated our FAQ section with new entries to help readers better understand the Bluetooth speaker world.
May 22, 2025
Replaced the UE Everboom with the Bang & Olufsen A1 3rd Gen, making it our 'Best small speaker for sound' choice. The UE Everboom moved into our 'Also consider' section, as it's still a very good sound-per-pound option.
May 1, 2025
Replaced the JBL Flip 6 with the newly released JBL Flip 7 after our recent testing. Moved the Flip 6 into our 'also consider' section, as it's still well worth it if you can find it discounted.
Read more updates
April 3, 2025
Rewrote the introduction and added the Tribit Stormbox Lava into our 'also consider' section based on our recent testing.
March 7, 2025
We refreshed the introduction to tighten it up. We added two products to our 'also consider' section, including the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus and Happy Plugs Joy. We also edited the other entries in that section to make them easier to scan.
February 8, 2025
Swapped the order of products based on the latest real-world prices. Swapped the JBL Xtreme 4 for the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, based on our testing. Added more recently reviewed options to the Also Consider sections.
January 9, 2025
Rewrote the introduction. Added the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2, LG XBoom Go XG8T and LG XBoom Go XG2T products to our 'also consider' section, based on our reviews published in the past two weeks.
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.
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.