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If you want to buy a new Bluetooth speaker but you’re not sure which is right for you, I’m here to help. Whether you’re after a compact value-beating speaker for listening on the move or you’re shopping for a big, booming party speaker, I’ll help you cut through the noise with this guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.
I’ve personally tested each and every Bluetooth speaker recommended in this list, as well as many of their rivals, so I know which are most worth your time and money. To date, more than 30 speakers have gone through my thorough testing process and there are lots of different budgets and styles on offer. You’ll find options to suit everyone here, from quick, cheap buys through to a speaker that can power an actual concert.
In the guide below, you’ll find my number one pick, which is my top recommendation for most people, as well as other choices based on different budgets and preferences. I've included the official prices of the speakers alongside each entry, as well as a target price. That’s how much I think you should aim to pay for these speakers in the real world, where you can regularly find prices for much lower. Especially this month as the Amazon Prime Day sales approach; we're anticipating some world-beating deals on many of the speakers featured in this list. So why not read up on them now in preparation?
June 9, 2026
Refreshed the introduction, and added the JBL Xtreme 5 to our 'best party speaker' category. Additionally, the JBL Go 5 is our new sitter in the 'best budget' speaker category.
My #1 overall pick
3 reasons why this Bluetooth speaker beats the rest
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✅ Unbelievable sound quality in a highly compact model: I was blown away by the Clip 7’s impactful yet regimented bass response, but also its clear midrange performance and expressive treble. For its size, the Flip 7 offers a beautifully balanced, cohesive, and dynamic listen that made me want to bump my tunes for hours on end.
✅ Top-tier durability and waterproofing: With an IP68 rating, the JBL Flip 7 isn’t just fully dustproof, but it’s also able to survive being dunked in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It has a drop-proof design and is scratch-resistant, making it an extremely hardy speaker indeed.
✅ Unbeatable value for money: For its mid-range price, the JBL Flip 7 is incredibly talented. I was wowed by its sonic capabilities, especially in the bass department, but it also has a great set of features, admirable battery life, and a rugged design. I also love the JBL Charge 6 for similar reasons, but the Flip 7’s unbeatable value for money helps it take top spot.
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For more than a year and a half, I've served as a resident Reviews Writer here at TechRadar, where I have a particular focus on audio tech. I’ve tested some of the best noise-cancelling headphones, best soundbars, and, of course, the best Bluetooth speakers on the market right now.
I built this guide from the ground up after testing a range of speakers against one another. I’m talking everything from small budget options up to premium, towering party speakers. The vast majority of the models that I’ve tested haven’t made the cut here – after all, I re-tested more than 30 in my quest to provide you with the definitive Bluetooth speaker guide!
Best Bluetooth speakers – my picks in-depth
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
The low-down
I won't beat around the bush; the JBL Go 5 is the best cheap Bluetooth speaker I've ever tested. Compared to its predecessor - the JBL Go 4 - the new model remains impressively affordable (even if it's 5 bucks north in the US) and boasts improvements to connectivity, battery life, and waterproofing.
While bass won't reach the considerable highs of a larger party speaker like the JBL Xtreme 5 (see below), the overall soundstage is mighty impressive for such a tiny device. Battery life still isn't exceptional, sure, but if you're after a cheap portable speaker with an attractive design, look no further than the JBL Go 5.
Scorecard
What you're really getting here is an accomplished upgrade over the already excellent JBL Go 4. The JBL companion app works just as well here, opening up EQ adjustment and stereo pairing if you have another JBL speaker via Auracast. PlaytimeBoost can also provide a few more hours of listening, which you may need, given the speaker’s fairly limited battery life.
Like its predecessor, bass isn't perhaps as booming as we'd like given the brand's pedigree. However, I was still surprised by the overall energetic quality of the mix, particularly with those mids and trebles.
The JBL Go 5 is such a smart little speaker. It comes in multiple colorways and has some nice lighting effects, which is really impressive for a device on the more affordable side of the budget spectrum. Portability is a real win here, too, as the device can fit in a pocket or a bag with little issue. An improved IP68 waterproof rating also matches its larger brethren, making it highly resistant to water damage and general wear and tear.
At $54.95 / £39.99 (about AU$75), need we say more? This is incredible value for such an accomplished Bluetooth speaker. At this price, even if you're looking for something pricier and more feature-rich, I'd still handily recommend the Go 5 as a backup.
Best mid-range Bluetooth speaker
The low-down
When I tried out the Edifier ES20, I really wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it is. After all, it’s a very cheap model, often available for less than £50 in the UK (it’s typically a bit more in the US, hence its position in the $50-$100 category). On top of that, it’s ultra-compact and hardly the most powerful model on the market. But it still performs fantastically.
During a test against rivals in this price category, I was wowed by the ES20’s clean, balanced audio performance. The detail it showcased in the mid-range was something the spectacular JBL Clip 5 and Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speakers couldn’t quite match. It also has attractive lighting, great waterproofing, and a luxurious look that far surpassed my expectations in this price range.
Scorecard
The Edifier ES20 is equipped with so many tools that helped it to stand out over other options I tested in this price-range. Perhaps the most memorable was its in-built mic with integrated noise-cancelling technology. This means you can enjoy clear, hands-free calls without running for your phone. I also appreciated its strong 15-hour battery life, customizable lighting, and multi-speaker pairing options. It's just a shame about the limited EQ adjustment.
As I mentioned above, the mid-range performance of the ES20 is where it really shines. When comparing this to the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, I was struck by the definition and tonal accuracy of guitars and vocals more than anything. You get natural-sounding treble too, which stays disciplined until you hit those really high volumes. Bass heads may prefer the weight of the Wonderboom 4, but the ES20 still offers a punchy and relatively clear low-end effort. Just don’t expect it to hit those deep dark notes in the sub-bass realm.
The star of the show, though, is the ES20’s design. I found that a number of my colleagues really loved the retro-inspired look of this Edifier speaker, with an appealing speaker grille protecting the driver and a faux leather material used for the outer casing and button controls. Lights positioned on the reverse side of the speaker can illuminate a wall behind it, increasing immersion in your favorite tunes. Oh, and it's also IP67 dust and waterproof, meaning it's as durable as it is beautiful.
If the ES20’s cost in the US were closer to its UK pricing, the ES20 would easily score a 5/5 in the value department. However, as it stands, it gets slightly marked down. I still think the ES20 is well-worth its sub-$90 list price, though, thanks to its surprising sound quality, striking design, and plentiful playtime.
Best premium Bluetooth speaker
The low-down
I had so many options to choose from in the $200 and up bracket, but the Bose SoundLink Max is the true all-rounder that deserves to be top dog. It offers a nuanced listen while also packing a real punch. It looks absolutely beautiful, but still has a rugged and drop-proof build. And it has a nice set of features to keep the user experience fresh and easy.
On top of that, you can find the SoundLink Max for a great deal less than its list price, especially when large sale events come around – Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, I’m looking at you. I adore this model’s agile, full-scale sound, eye-popping color options, and power bank capabilities – all of which make the SoundLink Max the full package for parties, home listening, or taking on the go.
Scorecard
Look, I think Bose could’ve done better with the EQ adjustment tools here, but otherwise there’s plenty to like about the options at your fingertips. It can offer wired listening, multi-speaker pairing, external device charging, and multi-point connectivity. There’s also 20 hours of battery life, which is nothing special, but should be enough for multiple days of listening. The five-hour recharge time is a little slow, though.
I love the sound of the SoundLink Max. It supplies hefty yet agile bass, complexly layered mids, and carefully detailed highs, which kept me listening for hours on end. I considered the Bose SoundLink Plus for this category, given its lower (but still premium) price, but its low-end performance just couldn’t compare, and I found the Max offered generally more immersive, moving audio. Oh, you also get access to the aptX Adaptive codec here, opening up higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming.
Drop-dead gorgeous. That’s how I’d describe the Bose SoundLink Max, which is an absolute joy to look at. It's got a smooth, rubbery exterior that protects it against tumbles, but looks very sleek indeed. You also get IP67 dust and water protection, and can pick the model up in a range of enticing colors, with some of my favorites including Blue Dusk and Citrus Yellow.
This model is regularly discounted for large-scale sales events, and if you can grab it for my target price, it’s astonishingly good value for money. Raw power, intricate details, and great functionality. That’s everything you could want and more from a premium, larger-sized speaker like the SoundLink Max, and, in my view, its commitment to quality is deserving of the high asking price.
Best party speaker
The low-down
The JBL Xtreme 5 has the power to turn any social gathering into a full-throttle party. By our metrics, it's far and away the best party speaker available right now, capable of delivering truly earth-shaking bass while delivering a waterproof rating that's able to withstand wear and tear both in and outdoors.
While this Bluetooth speaker is a touch on the bulky side, it is considerably cheaper than the previous sitter here; JBL's own Boombox 4. If you're planning a lot of gatherings out in the sun over the summer months, we can think of few greater companions than the JBL Xtreme 5.
Scorecard
The JBL Xtreme 5 comes equipped with everything you could possibly want from a booming party speaker. Bluetooth 6.0 is supported here, and like other JBL devices, you've got the option for USB-C connectivity if you're after lossless audio playback (and yes, you can charge your phone with it, too). Awesome ancillary features include customizable RGB lighting and JBL EasySing Mic compatibility if you want to get your karaoke on. The only slight downside is a battery life of 24-28 hours, which falls short of the JBL Boombox 4.
If we had to sum up the Xtreme 5 in a word, it'd be 'powerful'. Bass heads will find so much to be excited about here, with the speaker particularly suited to house, EDM, rock, and club bangers. Amazingly, mids and trebles aren't lost in the sauce, making for a speaker with impressively well-rouded audio.
JBL really knows what it's doing when it comes to chunky and durable speakers. The JBL Xtreme 5 has a hefty look and feel, it's clad in a thick fabric and has a big handle on the top. While on the bulkier side compared to other party-focused speakers, it's not absurdly so, coming in at 6.4lbs / 2.9kg which is lighter than the Boombox 4. It feels incredibly durable and there's an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, meaning it can take a full dunking in a pool, or withstand notable water-based accidents like spillages.
The JBL Xtreme 5 is expensive, and as a relatively new product launching in 2026, it's going to hold its price quite well outside of major sales events. But it is worth pointing out that the premium you're paying here is worth the quality of the build, excellent software and big, booming sound. If you can afford it, it's worth it, is what we're saying.
Best Bluetooth speakerfor design
The low-down
If you want a Bluetooth speaker that looks unbelievably cool in addition to being an immensely versatile party speaker, look no further than the awesome Marshall Bromley 450... if you can afford it, of course. Bearing the look of an electric guitar amp - and with flashy lights to boot - the Bromley 450 is like a compact, space-friendly variant of the similarly great Marshall Bromley 750.
It's far from a style-over-substance product, though, as there's heaps of both. The Bromley 450 packs powerful, immersive audio and incredible 40+ hour battery life. And with plenty of connectivity options, it's beyond ideal for parties, karaoke and even jam sessions. It does take up a bit of real estate, even as the smaller model compared to the Bromley 750, but this is such an impressive product for what it sets out to achieve.
Scorecard
You're getting top-tier 40+ hour battery life with quick-charge support, loads of connectivity options, and those stage lights are such a wonderful touch. The only real markdown here is the companion app which feels a bit underbaked.
It doesn't have the most fulsome bass out there, but you can still expect powerful and spacious audio that's right at home in party and karaoke environments.
The amp-inspired look is superb, adding so much flair to any sound setup the Bromley 450 is placed in. IP55 dust and waterproofing is fantastic to see, too. It's a pretty hefty product, though, and the lack of wheels here could make moving it from room to room a chore.
The Marshall Bromley 450 is undoubtedly a seriously luxurious product that's likely to hold its price for some time. However, the sublime build quality, great sound, and top-tier battery life absolutely make it well worth investing in.
Best for battery life
The low-down
It’s actually unbelievable how long the Marshall Kilburn III can go for without needing a charge – 50 hours to be exact. For a model in its weight class, that’s an outrageous amount of playtime. This model can also be used to charge external devices like mobile phones and headphones, so you can share the power around with ease.
But this thing’s not only a leader in the battery life department – it’s also a top performer when it comes to audio. You’ll uncover phenomenally balanced, detailed, and impactful audio on the Kilburn III, and the Marshall app enables EQ tuning, so you can find your perfect sound.
Scorecard
The Kilburn III has just about everything you’d want from a modern Bluetooth speaker. The Marshall companion app opens up EQ adjustment, Auracast functionality, and battery preservation options. It also has placement compensation, which optimizes audio for your listening space. Of course, you’re also getting 50 hours of playtime, which is truly exemplary.
Even though it skips on higher-resolution Bluetooth audio codecs, this model is one of the best performers, sonically speaking, in its size class. You get seriously weighty, yet responsive bass output, fantastically defined mids, and expressive treble. True 360 stereophonic sound keeps your music sounding unreal from all angles, while deft instrument separation ensures a layered, nuanced listen.
I adore the amp-inspired look of the Kilburn III, which is impeccably crafted with metallic physical controls, hardy faux-leather, and a red velvet-infused carry strap. Its IP54 waterproofing doesn’t stack up too well against some rivals, but it's still splashproof and decently protected against dust.
The Marshall Kilburn III is pricier than its predecessor, but it really does feel worth its cost. With improved acoustics, a significantly upgraded look, and better waterproofing, it more than earns its higher price tag. Even against rivals, I’d consider it fairly priced; it's cheaper than the Bose SoundLink Max, for instance.
Best smart Bluetooth speaker
The low-down
So you're looking to buy a Bluetooth speaker, but you're also slightly concerned about the drop in audio quality a Bluetooth connection can bring? In that case I can't recommend the new Sonos Play enough. Its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities mean you get to enjoy its rich, powerful audio with much less of a hit to overall sound quality.
And if you're already a Sonos head with some of the brand's products under your belt, multi-room technology is fully supported by the Sonos Play. That means devices including the Sonos Move 2 and a Sonos Era 100 can interact with the Sonos Play and form a home-wide sound system. Battery life is a huge improvement; at 24 hours, it'll last at least thrice as long as our previous sitter in this category — the Sonos Roam 2.
Scorecard
Wi-Fi streaming is of course the standout feature of the Sonos Play, but the device is also just so versatile. Expect robust connection options and fantastic streaming support. There's even a charging cradle bundled with the device. However, it is a bit cheeky that Sonos hasn't included a plug in the box, which may be understandably irksome to some.
Sound quality is the next big highlight of the Sonos Play. While it's not the most detailed sound you'll ever hear, and that lower end certainly lacks subtlety, you'll still be getting powerful, well-rounded audio.
Impressively portable, and that weight of 1.3kg means there's a satisfying heft to the Sonos Play. It's incredibly well-made from both a design and build quality standpoint, though I'm not especially keen on the overly subtle buttons lining the top of the speaker.
The Sonos Play is definitely pricier than the Sonos Roam 2 and certainly isn't easy on the wallet at $299 / £299. But it's hard to find similarly versatile products at this price point.
Best Bluetooth speaker for large spaces
The low-down
Can debuts get much better than that of the Marshall Bromley 750? I'm really not too sure! Marshall’s first ever gigantic party speaker is fantastic-sounding, gorgeous-looking, and long-lasting beast, and I'd recommend it for any larger-scale event – remember, this thing is large enough that requires wheels and a handle, like a suitcase.
I found that this model could dish out almighty, yet regimented bass, while still giving mid-range sounds like guitars and vocals plenty of room to play. Treble also comes through with clarity and precision, while Marshall’s 360-degree true stereophonic sound tech keeps audio well-defined from all angles. The gorgeous lights and amp-inspired design also help the Bromley to feel worth its fairly hefty price tag, and though its companion app could use some work, the speaker’s physical controls and connectivity options won me over.
Scorecard
With EQ adjustment, customizable lighting, and a whopping 40 hours of battery life, the Bromley 750 is a master in the features department. There are a range of connectivity options too, like RCA ports for keyboards and turntables and XLR/6.35mm combo ports for microphones and electro-acoustic guitars – perfect for karaoke. The Marshall app is a little underequipped, however, meaning you’ll often have to rely on physical controls.
If you need powerful, disciplined audio output, the Bromley 750 is my top choice, as it offers meaty, yet controlled bass response, defined mids, and expressive treble. Sound character control also means you can stick with a more dynamic listen, or sacrifice a bit of fidelity for maximum loudness – you can also live somewhere in between. This works very well, and believe me, if you want to turn it up to 11 here, you can!
I love the way the Bromley 750 looks. Attractive lights shimmer behind its beautiful speaker grille, it has a sleek faux leather exterior, and luxurious physical controls. IP54 waterproofing is up-to-scratch for a speaker of this type, and the built-in handles make the speaker feel pleasingly portable considering its weighty build.
When I reviewed the Marshall Bromley 750, I found myself comparing it to the recently released JBL PartyBox. See, that model's priced very similarly to Marshall’s party debut, but it's got a significantly higher power output. If you want raw might, that one may well offer you better bang for your buck. Still, the ultra-premium build of the Bromley 750, paired with its great sound and repairability, give it great long-term value.
More speakers I tested for this guide (A-Z)
Speaker | Why it missed out | Score |
|---|---|---|
It delivers solid bass at a cheap price, but its sound quality can't compare to similarly priced rivals. | 3.5/5 | |
Similar story to the above, though it does look and sound a little more refined than its smaller sibling. | 4/5 | |
The battery life here really impressed us during testing – you get a whole 25 hours. But it's just not good enough sonically and lacked bass. | 3/5 | |
A great waterproof speaker, but doesn't sound as good or last as long as the Flip 7. | 4/5 | |
Impressively small and packing a clear audio profile, but its limitations make it hard to recommend at retail price. | 3.5/5 | |
Bass seemed a little distant to me, and lacked the weight I'd expect. | 4.5/5 | |
Look, we applaud Edifier for trying to take on Marshall but it doesn't succeed in terms of audio or features. Having said that, it does look nice. | 3.5/5 | |
It's a tragedy it doesn't make the cut – I just think the Flip 7 edges it slightly on value for money. | 5/5 | |
It's a brilliant speaker, but the ES20 just beats it, thanks to its superior battery life and mid-range detail. | 4.5/5 | |
Sonically, I expected a little more from the Grip, but it's still a fun lil' speaker. | 4/5 | |
I think the SoundLink Max sounds a little better, and looks a lot more beautiful to boot. | 4/5 | |
JLab Pop Party | This did not sound good at all in my testing, especially compared to the JBL Go 4. | Not yet rated |
Sonically, this thing isn't very impressive, and on that basis, it loses out to the Go 4. | 3.5/5 | |
A neat small-sized JBL Clip 5 rival, but I'm still giving the ES20 the edge over either of them. | 4/5 | |
A mediocre effort from LG with underwhelming battery life and sound quality. | 3/5 | |
I felt that the bass sounded a little bloated compared to the Flip 7 and Charge 6, so it falls short. | 4.5/5 | |
A top-notch party speaker that doesn't quite offer the value-for-money or power output of the Stormbox Blast 2. | 4.5/5 | |
A great choice that looks and sounds fantastic, but we still think the Kilburn III is the better-value buy, which is why it's in the guide. | 4/5 | |
A middling party speaker that doesn't look or sound interesting enough to make the cut. | 3.5/5 | |
An average-at-best sounding Bluetooth speaker, but I do love the design concept. | Not yet rated | |
This excellent speaker once sat on our 'best with Wi-Fi too' throne, and it's still great if you're after a minimalist option with booming audio. | 4.5/5 | |
It lacks the full-bodied sound of rivals in its price range, so doesn't get a spot in my guide. | 3.5/5 | |
I was disappointed by this speaker's sonic capabilities, especially given it's not the cheapest model around. | 3/5 | |
Yes, it's lightweight and has some excellent waterproofing. But it's trying to be a JBL Go 4 for even cheaper, and it doesn't achieve that. | 3/5 | |
An excellent party speaker that used to be in this guide. Very bassy with fantastic battery life. But it's heavy and fidelity takes a hit when it gets loud. | 4.5/5 | |
This one just can't hit the deep, dark notes well enough, so it's a no from me. | 3.5/5 | |
I liked the Mini Plus, it just struggles a bit at higher volumes and the Go 4 feels a little more stylish. | 3.5/5 | |
As much as I love the look and name of the Miniroll, its feature-set isn't fleshed out enough to make the cut. | 3.5/5 | |
An absolutely excellent small speaker that ran so close to the ES20, but while its bass is more impactful, I felt it lacked the nuance and detail that some competitors offer. | 4.5/5 |
How I tested Bluetooth speakers for this guide
I have personally tested every single Bluetooth speaker listed in this guide, including a number that didn't quite make the cut – those are listed above. In order to build this guide, I spent multiple weeks testing a whole lot of models, comparing a load of rivals on aspects like sound quality, features, and design. On top of this, I've been consistently reviewing Bluetooth speakers and other related audio gear for more than a year and a half here at TechRadar.
Anyway, what does the actual testing process look (and sound) like? Well, first of all, I make sure I'm using Tidal to listen to music, thanks to its support for quality up to 24-bit and 192kHz, so I'm started with the best possible source. In addition, I make sure to run through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a number of genres, like Classical, Electronic, Jazz, and Rock.
Of course, I want to have a bit of fun while doing this, so I always bump a few tracks from my personal music library too. I listen to a lot of house music and jazz funk fusion, but my playlists feature a range of tunes that help me to judge dynamics, tonal accuracy, and detail right across the frequency range.
I always test out audio gear in the music testing space we have here on TechRadar – a quiet, acoustically treated and controlled environment for judging the quality of audio gear. However, I do try to take speakers into other environments too, including my home, the office, outdoor spaces, and sometimes even the shower (if that IP rating is high enough, of course).
On top of this, I'll make sure to test performance across different connectivity methods. Sometimes a speaker won't showcase its full potential unless its making use of a wired connection. Maybe it needs to be plugged into a power source to hit its maximum power output. I'll try whatever is necessary to hear the full potential of each unit I try. This includes making use of higher resolution codecs, like aptX Adaptive, which require a compatible source device or USB-C dongle.
If a Bluetooth speaker has a companion app, I'll also ensure that it's downloaded (I have so many my phone is running out of storage). Then, I'll exhaust every option, from EQ adjustment through to customizable lighting or battery preservation modes.
Keen to learn more about how we review audio gear and more at TechRadar? Make sure you head on over to our 'how we test' guide.
Q&A: my advice for buying
How do I know which Bluetooth speaker to choose?
Let's start with the most important question first. To choose the perfect Bluetooth speaker, you'll have to ask yourself a few questions. What do you want to use it for? Personal listening? Parties? Playing music in the shower? Some speakers might not have the raw power needed for parties, and some may not have the waterproofing required for mid-scrub listening, so consider the amount of power and protection you'll need, for instance.
It's also important to think about size. Do you want a mini speaker for dropping tunes in your bedroom? Do you want a behemoth that can get everybody moving at an outdoor gathering? Consider how much portability and room you need.
And it goes without saying, but set yourself a budget. Good quality audio really doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Of course, the sub-$10 speakers on Amazon should probably be avoided, but there are a number of options under $50 that can serve you well.
What is the best waterproof speaker?
There are a lot of great waterproof speakers, but I can run through a few top choices. For a smaller model, I recommend the Edifier ES20 or the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. These are both IP67-rated and each sound great.
For a mid-sized option, the JBL Flip 7 or JBL Charge 6 are exemplary choices. We scored both models five stars, and their IP68 dust and waterproofing is out of this world.
Meanwhile, those seeking out a larger model will be best off with the Bose SoundLink Max or the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2. These both combine IP67 protection against the elements with seriously hefty audio output.
Should I buy a JBL or a Bose Bluetooth speaker?
This comes down to two main things. First, budget; second, personal preference. JBL typically offers more budget-friendly audio gear than Bose, but you can still generally expect a terrific standard of sound and build quality. There's also a trademark look to a JBL speaker. It's rugged, outdoorsy, and often cylindrical. Maybe you dig that, maybe you don't!
Bose, for many, is synonymous with luxury. And that makes a lot of sense, especially given that the Bose SoundLink Max made the cut as my top premium pick. You often get impressive levels of sonic detail and a spectacular finish from Bose speakers. I'd argue that some models don't offer the spectacular value that JBL do, but if you've got the cash and want to hear some finer details, it may well be worth the additional spend.
Which is better: Bluetooth or wireless (Wi-Fi) speakers?
A lot of the time, wireless speakers – those capable of streaming over Wi-Fi – are better equipped for home listening, often featuring a less rugged or portable design. But that comes with the benefit of playing music over Wi-Fi, which often sounds better than Bluetooth streaming.
That's because more data is typically lost during a Bluetooth stream, though some higher-quality codecs can retain a tad more detail. But the best Bluetooth speakers still sound great, and they can often offer superior portability and waterproofing among other things.
Some speakers can do both – see the Sonos Roam 2. If you're going to be using a speaker almost exclusively at home, indoors, then I'd recommending taking a peek at our best wireless speakers guide. Otherwise, one of the options on this list will certainly suit your needs.
What is frequency response?
In this context, frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a speaker can reproduce. For example, if a speaker's frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz, that suggests that it is capable of replicating all sounds within the average human's range of hearing.
What are codecs?
Audio codecs compress and encode audio signals, which are transmitted wirelessly from one device to another. These are then decoded by another device, and delivered to you, the listener.
Allow me to provide an example. Say you're playing music via Spotify on the Edifier ES20 speaker, which is connected to your Android phone. The audio file – playing from Spotify – would then be compressed and re-encoded by your phone with the SBC codec, before being decoded by the Edifier speaker and played to you.
SBC is the most basic codec, and the vast majority of Bluetooth devices support it. AAC offers better sound quality than SBC, and can potentially transmit audio without compressing or re-encoding it, if the source music file is AAC, if both the speaker and your source device support AAC transmission, and if the file isn't too high-quality for Bluetooth's bandwidth.
There are some more fancy codecs to uncover that audiophiles will likely appreciate.
For instance, LDAC – Sony's proprietary coding tech – and aptX codecs, like aptX Adaptive, can open you up to higher-resolution Bluetooth audio. A lot of modern Android devices support LDAC, but not as many phones and tablets support aptX Adaptive.
Crucially, you'll need to make sure your source device and Bluetooth speaker both support the codec you want to make use of. For instance, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the Bose SoundLink Plus each support aptX Adaptive. Make sure the streaming service you use also enables higher-resolution streaming. Tidal, for instance, can open up streaming in 24-bit, 192 kHz, so you'll be able to hear those additional details that aptX Adaptive can uncover.
A Bluetooth speaker doesn't necessarily need to support LDAC or aptX to sound good – the JBL and Marshall speakers on this list, for example, offer impressive sound without them. But it can be a nice touch for those listeners who want a more intricate, revealing listen.
What are IP ratings?
OK, this one's a little less tech intensive! IP ratings refer to the dust and water protection a product has. After the letters IP, you'll find two additional characters. The first indicates its dustproof rating, while the second shows its waterproof rating.
For example, if a Bluetooth speaker is IP67-rated, then that tells us two specific things. Firstly, the '6' shows that the model is dust-tight, and completely protected against dust ingress. Meanwhile, the '7' means that the speaker is waterproof, and can safely be submerged under a meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
When you buy a new Bluetooth speaker, you should always check its IP rating. If it's IPX7 rated, for example, that means it does not have a dust resistance guarantee, but is safe to be submerged underwater. If it is IP54 rated, say, that means that it's partially dust-proof, but only splashproof, rather than fully waterproof.
Does it matter which Bluetooth version a speaker is?
If you're buying a more recently released Bluetooth speaker, like the ones in my guide, then my honest answer to this question is: not much.
All modern phones can connect to the speakers in this guide, though its worth noting that only speakers with the Bluetooth 5.2 version or later support the LC3 codec, which is used for Auracast streams.
Can I pair multiple Bluetooth speakers together?
A lot of the time, yes. However, speakers can only generally be paired with specific models – often, multiple units of the same model. One brand that has a slightly more expansive approach is JBL, which lets you connect a wide variety of its speakers together, so long as they support Auracast. You may need two of the exact same model for stereo pairing, though.
The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide
June 9, 2026
Refreshed the introduction, and added the JBL Xtreme 5 to our 'best party speaker' category. Additionally, the JBL Go 5 is our new sitter in the 'best budget' speaker category.
April 7, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. Added the Sonos Play as our new 'best with Wi-Fi too' pick, replacing the Sonos Roam 2 which has been moved to the 'also tested' table alongside the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2. A new product category has also been created: 'best for design'. Our product of choice debuting this category is the Marshall Bromley 450.
February 6, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. Added the JBL Boombox 4 as our 'best party speaker' pick. Moved the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 that was in that spot down to the 'also consider' section. Also added several other options to the 'also consider' section, including the Tribit PocketGo and Edifier ES60, based on our recent reviews.
January 8, 2026
Refreshed the introduction. Added several new picks to the 'more I've tested' section, based on recent reviews, including the Marshall Middleton II and Tribit PocketGo.
December 1, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added the AO Mini Portable Wireless Speaker to our 'more I've tested' section, based on our recent review.
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.