What are the best Bluetooth speakers today? What are the Top Cheap Wireless Speakers? Which are the most powerful? Let’s be clear!
Finding Bluetooth speakers isn’t difficult. There are hundreds of them. Finding the best Bluetooth speakers for YOUR OWN needs is another matter entirely.
First of all, in fact, we need to understand what we are looking for:
- A Bluetooth amplified speaker, perhaps for TV or PC?
- A portable Bluetooth speaker that is convenient anywhere?
- Powerful Bluetooth speakers (for example for music or sporting events?)
- Maybe some waterproof Bluetooth speakers?
- Or some cheap but satisfying Bluetooth speakers?
In short, Bluetooth speakers can really mean many things!
Today, however, we will really clarify this area. In fact, we will see:
- A mini-guide in 5 points, to understand what to focus on when choosing a Bluetooth speaker
- The best Bluetooth speakers for every need, in a ranking that I constantly update
- Finally, I have collected some of the most frequently asked questions I have received. You can find them at the bottom of the article!
IN SHORT, WITHIN A FEW MINUTES YOU WILL NOT ONLY KNOW THE BEST DEVICES ON THE MARKET, BUT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE IN COMPLETE AUTONOMY.
Let’s get started right away!
Bluetooth speakers: the right choice in 5 points
The dimensions
When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, first of all, I suggest you think about how and where you will use it.
Do you need a Bluetooth speaker for the bedroom, living room, bathroom or do you need something you will carry around all day?
This is an important factor because there are usually no ‘everything’ Bluetooth speakers and these different use cases mostly mean different sized speakers.
The dimensions for Bluetooth speakers are typically 4:
- Micro Bluetooth speakers
- Portable Bluetooth Speakers
- Medium Bluetooth Speakers
- Large Bluetooth Speakers
On the “big” there is actually a bit of confusion: if we look for particularly powerful Bluetooth speakers, in fact, we also take into consideration real quality Soundbar.
The size of a Bluetooth speaker affects not only portability but also sonic capacity, depth (or absence) of bass, and battery capacity (how portable). This is why it is important to ask ourselves how we will use it!
But the differences?
Micro Bluetooth speakers
So, Bluetooth Micro speakers are purse or pocket speakers. They also exist in “keychain” format!
Due to their size, however, they usually have a battery life of 2-5 hours and very limited sound
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
The portable Bluetooth speakers are a little larger, always suitable to fit in a bag, but up to 5/10 cm wide.
They have sufficient sound for small rooms or are otherwise able to offer better sound quality than a normal computer speaker.
These are outdoor Bluetooth speakers, suitable for the beach, hiking, or to attach to a bicycle. For this, before buying, it is worth checking if the speaker has water protection and if it is resistant enough.
A good speaker in this category has a battery life of around 10-15 hours at moderate volume.
Medium Bluetooth Speakers
The next category is mid-sized Bluetooth speakers, typically 10 to 20cm in size.
They are suitable to take to the beach or to use outdoors, but they are not very comfortable to carry around all day, which is why they are considered “less” portable.
You can choose from this category even if you need a bookshelf speaker for the home because the best ones have a very satisfying sound too. They can fill a living room, and larger ones can even function as a good quality home sound system.
In this case, the battery is structured to last from 12 to 24 hours in autonomy.
They are the most popular Bluetooth speaker segment, in fact, as we will see, there are many models in this range.
Large Bluetooth Speakers
If you want to use the speaker in a larger space such as for a garden party or want serious sound at home, then you will have to turn to Bluetooth speakers that are over 20 cm, and still have important nominal power outputs (from 100W to grow ).
These speakers can get extremely loud and provide a full sound effect with deep, punchy bass.
Usually, they are Bluetooth speakers with power cables, designed to be used as “fixed” speakers, to listen to the audio of the PC, TV, or smartphone.
Let’s just be careful not to mistake them for TV Soundbars: the latter, for the same price, offer more powerful sounds, at the expense of larger dimensions (and often a separate subwoofer).
Portable Bluetooth Speakers: The Battery
As I mentioned earlier in Bluetooth speakers, the battery is affected by both the power and size of the Bluetooth speakers.
Keep in mind that the volume also heavily affects battery life: the data provided by the manufacturers in the specifications are usually measured around 50% of the volume level.
Raising the volume level to maximum can mean approximately 70-80% shorter battery life, which is a huge difference from the claimed nominal life.
At a moderate volume level, smaller speakers provide around 3-5 hours of playback, while a good decent-sized speaker can last for around 15-20 hours depending on battery capacity.
Resistance and impermeability
When we buy Bluetooth speakers, it may happen that we come across acronyms, such as IPX7, or IP35.
We usually have no idea what they refer to, but they are much easier to “translate” than we think.
The IP ratings are written in an IPXX format to quickly communicate to the reader what type of protection the device has.
The first “X” represents the numerical score of the device’s ability to protect against solid foreign bodies such as dust or sand. It ranges from 0 to 6, where 0 is no protection and 6 is maximum protection.
The second “X” represents the ability to protect against liquids such as water. It ranges from 0 to 9, where 0 is no protection and 9 is maximum protection.
If “X” is marked it means that the data is not available. So, for example:
- IPX5, indicates no indication on solid bodies, while the good ability to resist contact with water.
- IP67 indicates complete protection from solid bodies and complete protection for up to 30 minutes of immersion in water.
To deepen more specifically each “degree” of coverage we can find the complete IP classification on Wikipedia.
NB: A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is splashproof if it is IPX 5 or higher certified. Total impermeability (intended as immersion in water ) is certified by IPX 7 onwards. Resisting a splash of water… it’s not waterproof!
Smart features
The Smart functionality in a Bluetooth speaker may or may not be of interest. However, most Bluetooth speakers are capable of more than just streaming music. Smart speakers provide access to virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Amazon Alexa is available in the company’s Echo line of speakers, Google has its own Home series of smart speakers, and Apple offers the HomePod.
You’ll also find that many third-party Bluetooth speakers have microphones for hands-free calling and support for voice-activated virtual assistants.
JBL, for example, offers more than a Google assistant speaker. At the top of the speaker you will find a dedicated button: hold it down for more than two seconds to activate the Google Assistant.
Amazon’s Echo smart speakers are primarily designed to aid home automation and require a power outlet, but if portability isn’t top of the list, the Amazon Echo is one of the most feature-packed Smart Bluetooth speakers ever.
The maximum range and Bluetooth power
The Bluetooth range is the maximum possible distance between the speaker and the input (smartphone or other) up to which playback is guaranteed.
The strength of Bluetooth is instead the “resistance” before the signal skips due to an unstable connection.
Maximum range and Bluetooth signal strength are strongly intertwined characteristics.
The range essentially depends on the version of Bluetooth used.
Nowadays, most Bluetooth speakers use the type 4 version or version 5.
Basically, the wireless range of the Bluetooth 5.0 version reaches a maximum of 120 meters while the 4.2 version reaches a maximum of around 30 meters.
It is also worth noting that version 5 is faster than version 4. Bluetooth 5 reaches speeds of 2 Mbps and is compatible with a number of smart home devices, while version 4.1 reaches a maximum of 1 Mbps.
Finally, most smartphones today are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. They are backward compatible with older versions of Bluetooth, but with Bluetooth 5.0 you can pair multiple devices to one speaker, while with version 4 you can’t. Useful for those with family or for anyone who thinks they will use multiple devices with the same Bluetooth speaker.
Already with this quick information, we are able to have a clear picture of what we are looking for.
WELL: NOW YOU KNOW A LOT MORE THAN BEFORE. BUT WHICH ARE THE BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS FOR EVERY NEED?
I’ve picked a few, each with a specific destination. Let’s see them!
Best Bluetooth Speakers – RANKING [Updated]
Best Marshall Bluetooth Speaker
1. Marshall – Acton II
Marshall is not the type of product that compromises. Modern technology in vintage format, some would say.
If we are looking for a powerful Bluetooth speaker, then I would recommend Acton 2, a relatively compact but truly powerful technological marvel.
Let’s talk about a Bluetooth speaker that we can safely use to enhance the surround effect of the TV: the effect will be amazing. But let’s go in order.
Acton II may be compact, but its sound is nothing short of deep. This dynamic compact speaker features three dedicated Class D amplifiers that power its dual tweeters and subwoofers, for a sound that’s effectively on par with a soundbar. With Bluetooth 5.0 technology you can play any track with stereo sound and excellent stability. Positive note also the 3.5mm Aux input.
For a compact speaker, the overall sound is very impressive. I don’t recommend touching the equalizer settings too much. The woofer is already equalized out of the factory.
The dimensions are quite important (26 x 16 x 15 cm), with a weight certainly not “Feather”: over 2.8 kg.
On the other hand, we are talking about a powerful Bluetooth speaker capable of replacing the speakers of a PC, TV, or any household device.
In short, a powerful (but really powerful) Bluetooth speaker, born for audiophiles. A luxury item, to be jealously guarded at home.
PROS
- Powerful sound, both in the mids and in the bass
- Top build quality
- High maximum volume
- Integration with Alexa
- Unmistakable vintage design
CONS
- At maximum volume, slight distortion in the bass
- It weighs 2.85 kg: not too “portable”
Marshall – Acton II – Price: $249
Best B&O Bluetooth Speaker
2. Bang & Olufsen – Beosound A1
Those who know Bang & Olufsen know that we are talking about a brand born to always seek the best from their devices. In the catalog of the Danish electronics specialist, we find a wireless speaker different from all the others, a cylindrical speaker with a diameter of 14 cm and 2 X 140 Watts of power.
To be clear, some soundbars for Smart TVs have half the power.
The new A1 supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec and of course, Alexa is built-in.
This means smart capability, voice control, powerful signal (and wide range) as well as one of the best audio quality of all portable Bluetooth speakers.
Thanks to the IP67 degree of protection, it is waterproof to a depth of one meter, for up to 30 minutes (but only in freshwater!).
The connection with various devices, smartphones, PC or TV, also works in an excellent way, offering a pleasantly comfortable performance, which does not make you regret more powerful systems.
The battery side is one of the best. With 3 hours of charging, the autonomy is close to 20 consecutive hours.
We combine these features with the elegant and well-made design, the ease of use, and the bonus of Alexa, and we understand why it is a type of portable Bluetooth speaker recognized around the world for being among the absolute Top.
PROS
- Incredibly powerful for its size
- Deep, satisfying sound, powerful bass
- Excellent autonomy
- Full Alexa integration
- Top-level construction and solidity
CONS
- Price is not for everyone
Bang & Olufsen – Beosound A1 – Price: $200
Best Bose Bluetooth speaker
3. Bose – SoundLink Revolve II
The Bose SoundLink Revolve is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a true 360-degree listening experience. This Bose Bluetooth speaker, in fact, aims to solve the main problem with most wireless speakers: directionality. Bose attempted to solve this problem with 360-degree deep sound technology.
The main reason to choose Bose SoundLink Revolve over others is the multi-directionality of the sound. It is an advantage if you are in a company so that everyone can have the same listening experience no matter where they are.
In terms of volume, the SoundLink Revolve does a great job of putting out loud music in all directions. That said, when placed in the center of the room, the speaker lacks some bass response, although you can remedy this by placing the speaker close to the walls to help reflect sound and boost bass response as well.
It is a smart device, with a built-in microphone that allows you to answer calls and access the default voice assistant of the device directly from the speaker. It can be integrated with Amazon Alexa and allows you to control music with voice commands.
Overall, the sonic performance of the Bose SoundLink Revolve is excellent, especially when compared to other competitors.
The biggest problem is that Revolve doesn’t have much protection from either solids or liquids, with an IP55. For what it costs you could expect something more.
That said, it remains a Bose Bluetooth speaker among the best, both for design and for modern functionality and excellent performance. A solid choice.
NB: there is also the “with handle” version, which is the big brother, the Bose Revolve + diffuser. It offers a deeper sound and a handle to facilitate portability, but the price suffers. The choice is ours.
PROS
- True 360 degree sound
- Excellent constructive solidity
- Excellent range of sounds at all volumes
CONS
- Only 15 meters of range
- IP55: not submersible in water
Bose – SoundLink II Revolve – Price: $219
Bose – SoundLink II Revolve + – Price: $329
Best JBL Bluetooth speaker
4. JBL – Charge 5
There are electronic products that have written “history”, and the JBL Charge Bluetooth speakers belong to this category.
No wonder the fifth generation of these portable speakers is therefore among the best on the market.
The JBL Charge 5 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, a significant improvement over its predecessor’s support for Bluetooth 4.2.
Inside the JBL Charge 5 is a track driver, a separate tweeter, and dual passive radiators, which actually manage to deliver impressive audio clarity.
Like its predecessor, the Charge 5 is equipped with JBL’s PartBoost function, which means you can connect it to other compatible JBL speakers to further boost the sound.
We add the high-level classification, IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) and we can truly define it as an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor, including the beach!
The battery life reaches 20 hours, therefore among the best ever. A nice feature is the ability to use the JBL Charge speaker as a Power Bank for your smartphone. In fact, by connecting the two, the smartphone will begin to recharge. Convenient for when you are out!
In short, all in all, we are talking about a model of Bluetooth speakers that is constantly improving and that has now become synonymous with the power, sound quality, and reliability of the brand.
The JBL Charge is one of the best-selling portable speakers in the world, and the Charge 5 remains one of the best choices you can make.
PROS
- Excellent autonomy of 20 hours
- Modern and solid design
- Really high sound power
- It can turn into a power bank
- Good impermeability and resistance to dust (or sand)
CONS
- Maybe too small for some
JBL – Charge 5 – Price: $147
Multiroom portable speaker
5. Audio Pro – Addon C3
The Audio Pro Addon C3 is not only among the best Bluetooth speakers, but it is also a stylish multi-room centerpiece with a Wi-Fi connection.
The sound is focused yet open and airy, which means it is possible to fill a medium-sized room with immersive and clear sound. It has excellent clarity for such a small speaker, not to mention a rear bass reflex port that offers an extra boost in bass.
At both high and low volumes the speaker excels, with dynamic and punchy sound when the track calls for it, but also able to slow down the pace and communicate more subtly when needed.
This model does not recharge the smartphone but is equipped with an ethernet port, giving the possibility to connect it to the home network. The battery offers about 15 hours of playback (less if you turn the volume up to maximum).
The C3 supports streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music, and while there is no built-in voice assistant, you can control the speaker via the Alexa app.
Objectively the C3 is another superb addition to Audio Pro’s arsenal of multi-room speakers.
Starting with a T3 speaker, he repackaged the Bluetooth speaker in a multi-room proposal with a crystalline and deep sound.
If you’re looking for a multiroom portable Bluetooth speaker, this remains the best choice you can make.
PROS
- Powerful and clear sound at all levels
- Deep and structured bass
- Solid construction
- Multiroom
CONS
- The control app could be easier to use
Audio Pro – Addon C3 – Price: $330
Boom portable Bluetooth speaker
6. Ultimate Ears – Boom 3
If we’re looking for a portable speaker that doesn’t skimp on performance, looks good, and is easy to carry, the Boom 3 Bluetooth speaker could be the perfect choice.
The modern and robust design is combined with a deep sound capable of convincingly satisfying.
Setup is really simple: just download the Connect app and follow the steps to connect it to WiFi, choosing your preferred voice assistant and selecting music and radio services. These include Spotify, Deezer, YouTube, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and others, as well as AirPlay 2 for iPhone and iPad users.
In this Bluetooth speaker, it is evident that it winks at the youngest. We find buttons for the ignition, easy to identify, light and modern design, and 8 colors to choose from.
Battery life is around 15 hours which is great for a speaker of this size.
This is a Bluetooth speaker to choose from if you are looking for high sound quality. While many portable speakers deliver loud or distorted mids, in this case, the quality is indisputable.
Each note is taut and crisp, voices are extremely rich, and instruments are given room to breathe. Only the bass is not up to par with other Bluetooth speakers previously seen, but for the use for which it is designed it is fine.
Other speakers are better value for money, but this Bose speaker remains the choice to make when looking for a small, yet impressive speaker.
In short, the splendid design meets a light structure that lends itself to listening on the go. We note that there is a “retractable” handle on the side, so you can tie it to your wrist and have your hands free.
It has an IP67 rating, so it is designed to be “mistreated” both in the sand and in the water without being affected (but the sand is still treacherous, so let’s not exaggerate).
Connectivity, battery life, and smart features are all at the highest level and the flexibility of having both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in is a big plus.
Compared to many cheaper portable speakers, it sounds fantastic, with a sound that is always well balanced and resonant. Designed for those who want a functional object for every occasion, but also really nice to look at.
In this case, there are two versions: Boom and MegaBoom. The difference is in the size, and in what follows: the Megaboom weighs 300 grams more (925 grams in total), offers 5 hours more autonomy, and an inevitably wider sound, with higher maximum volume. For the same price, Megaboom is better, but otherwise, Boom offers better value for money.
PROS
- Excellent battery life (15h)
- Rich and satisfying sound, especially in the mids and highs
- Modern design, in various colors
- Lightweight and with removable side handle
CONS
- Not too deep bass
Ultimate Ears – Boom 3 – Price: $135
Ultimate Ears – MegaBoom 3 – Price: $194
JBL Flip Bluetooth speaker
7. JBL – Flip 5 Speaker
If all we are looking for is a portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds good and costs right, then surely one of the best candidates is without a doubt the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker.
This JBL speaker sounds great for the price it is offered and is sturdy enough to cope with a day at the pool.
The Flip 5 is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, boasts a 12-hour battery life, and has a USB-C charging port, with a charging time of just 2.5 hours. It is a pleasure to use and is among the best for portability too, with a wrist strap that slides comfortably over the hand.
Again we find a PartyBoost button that helps to pair two PartyBoost enabled speakers (JBL naturally) to create a stereo pair or connect over n PartyBoost compatible speakers in mono.
The sound is extraordinarily pure and clear, with great bass depth and a real sense of openness and texture.
Assuming you don’t mind the lack of an aux-in port or built-in microphone, you will almost certainly be blown away by the sonic qualities of this speaker. A Bluetooth speaker to choose if you are looking for a high-quality, reasonably priced product that can be taken anywhere.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Solid bass and timing
- Excellent acoustic effect
- PartyBoost stereo pairing
CONS
- No aux or microphone input
- Not perfect app
JBL – Flip 5 Speaker – Price: $100.67
Wonderboom Waterproof Bluetooth case
8. Ultimate Ears – Wonderboom 2
Ultimate Ears has really made a splash in the Bluetooth speaker market with a number of colorful, fun, and portable models. One of your biggest hits? The world-famous Wonderboom 2.
It is a waterproof, sandproof, dustproof (IP67 rated) portable Bluetooth speaker.
Especially useful is the fact that it’s also designed to float, so it can withstand the liveliest pool parties (or the sea, but will struggle harder because of the salt). Battery life is 13 hours, and a full charge takes just under three hours.
Sonically, Wonderboom 2 is an exciting device. The bass is impressive considering its small size and also has the ability to create a stereo effect by pairing two Wonderbooms that can be easily combined.
We also find a “boost” button on the underside of the unit. When pressed, it limits the bass frequencies, allowing the UE to play louder through the mid-range, which in turn makes the sound easier to hear when the unit is used outdoors.
There’s no built-in microphone or app, but the Wonderboom 2 is easily one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers ever, for value for money.
Powerful, modern, beautiful to look at. A Bluetooth speaker that looks great on vacation!
PROS
- Good value for money
- Punchy and fun sound
- Powerful bass
- Good battery life
CONS
- No wi-fi or built-in smart assistant
Ultimate Ears – Wonderboom 2 – Price: $98.99
Sony Srs Bluetooth speaker
9. Sony – XB13 Extra Bass
Let’s move on to another sample of features, at an affordable price.
The XB13 wireless speaker is a Sony Bluetooth speaker designed for “holiday” use, but not only.
It has a compact design with a universal strap, thanks to which it can be attached almost anywhere. Thanks to the compact size of the XB13, you can carry it anywhere, including a backpack or bags, without the slightest effort.
The speaker case is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so suitable for music in the pool, park, or on a hike.
Remarkable is the fact that this Sony Bluetooth speaker guarantees up to 15 hours of battery life and thanks to the app it allows you to view the battery charge on the smartphone screen.
The XB13 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth specification, in fact, it possesses version 5.0, the problem of latency or low-quality connections. Also note that XB13 is equipped with Google Fast Pair 4 technology, so the almost instant connection of compatible Android smartphones or tablets is possible. Just turn on the speaker and a nearby smartphone will offer you to connect to it automatically.
The power of the Bluetooth speaker in question is amazing for the limited size of the object. The mids are clear, the bass discreet, even if of course it is not comparable to larger Bluetooth speakers like the ones we have seen previously.
All in all, this is a good-looking speaker that is easy to use and comfortable to carry. The power of the sound is good, for the size.
For the price at which it is proposed, it certainly ranks among the most interesting Bluetooth speakers in circulation!
PROS
- Good sound quality for the size
- Deep bass
- Great battery life
- Good dustproof and waterproof performance
- Very easy to use
CONS
- Maximum volume not high
Sony – XB13 Extra Bass – Price: $58.66
Wireless speakers / powerbank
10. W-King – Portable speaker
The W-King speaker is a really cool type of Bluetooth speaker. It is reasonably priced compared to other brands and offers useful and comprehensive features.
USB-C charging is convenient and “universal”, while the battery life is at the highest levels, reaching 15 hours (not 24).
The sound quality of the is surprisingly good. I recommend deactivating the sound effects mode and lowering the maximum speaker volume by about four levels, otherwise, you will most likely feel some distortion.
Sure, it doesn’t have the clarity or richness of others like JBL or Bose, but I doubt you’ll be disappointed with the overall audio quality of this Bluetooth speaker.
Build quality is ok, IPX6, so waterproof (not submersible). Personally, I don’t like the design very much, but it goes to taste. It can be paired with only one device due to Bluetooth version 4, but for the price at which it is offered, it remains a product that I find absolutely interesting.
Overall, the W-King is a powerful, clear-sounding, and solidly built speaker. An alternative brand capable of having its say.
PROS
- Clean, full-bodied sound
- It can be used as a power bank
CONS
- Distorted bass at maximum volume
- 50W is not that many
W-King – Portable speaker – Price: 67.99
JBL micro Bluetooth speaker
11. JBL – Clip 4 Speaker
The JBL Clip 4 is a small portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in carrying hook. It is easy to take on the road because it falls into the category of mini speakers: super transportable.
It is a portable Bluetooth speaker that has had enormous success because in the face of minimal dimensions it can offer acceptable sound.
That said, it struggles to reproduce loud bass and has a significantly more limited sound profile than larger Bluetooth speakers. It is physically impossible that he can do that much.
The battery life of around 6 hours is shorter than advertised up to 10 hours, which means it may need to be recharged more often.
That said, it has an excellent build quality and is IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, making it also suitable as a “holiday” speaker.
The sound profile has no equalization capability, which means that the audio is what it is, with no possibility of modification.
I advise? Why not. This is a best-selling mini Bluetooth speaker, capable of offering an enormously more powerful sound than its “Chinese” counterparts, even if of course it is not the speaker to be used for audiophiles.
It is a mini speaker that can truly amaze. Ideal if we are looking for perfect portability!
PROS
- Resistant to dust and water (even when submerged)
- Great design and incredibly portable size
- Clean and powerful sound for the size
CONS
- The battery life that does not exceed 6 hours of use
- Maximum volume not high
- Bass not on par with other devices seen
JBL – Clip 4 Speaker – Price: $58.99
Cheap Bluetooth speakers
12. Amazon Basics – Bluetooth speaker
If we are looking for a Bluetooth speaker without too many pretensions, but capable of listening to decent audio, the Amazon Basics speaker may be what we are looking for.
We are talking about a speaker equipped with an internal 15 W audio array and a water-resistant design. Attention, however, the classification is not specified so I would not immerse it in water. Probably resists splashing.
The autonomy is 7 hours per charge. In addition to Bluetooth, we also find a 3.5 mm input. Bluetooth is 4.0, and the maximum range is 10 meters (decreases if there are walls in the way).
The overall sound is acceptable. Discrete the mids, as well as the maximum volume, less well the bass that are not comparable to other speakers that we have seen in the list.
However, if we’re looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker to take around the house, well this might be the way to go. He will do his duty!
PROS
- Low price
- Sound acceptable
- Reasonable autonomy
CONS
- Bass not comparable to other competitors
- Bluetooth signal not strong (watch out for the walls)
Amazon Basics – Bluetooth speaker – Price: $31.91
Best Bluetooth Smart speaker
13. Amazon – 4th generation Echo
Amazon’s ever-expanding collection of smart speakers also includes premium sound-quality Bluetooth speakers, such as the Amazon Echo.
The Echo is an excellent quality Bluetooth speaker, capable of offering you clear and precise highs, on a par with excellent bass, also interesting for reproducing scenes transmitted by the TV.
But let’s go in order. It is not only a Bluetooth speaker but a Smart object capable of joining the Smartphone to obey all the orders we will give it.
All you have to do is take it out of the box, plug it into an outlet, and follow the instructions in the Alexa app available on iOS and Android. Once connected to Wi-Fi, you have access to the personal assistant Alexa.
Attention, however, that it is a NOT portable Bluetooth speaker: it only works when connected to the electrical outlet.
This aspect, on the other hand, allows the speaker to be a little more powerful than the average laptop. This Echo has three drivers in total: two 20mm tweeters and a single 76mm woofer. The large size of the woofer in fact guarantees a truly satisfying bass effect.
In short, if we are looking for a Bluetooth Smart speaker, which sounds good and capable of giving access to all Alexa compatible devices, then, Amazon Echo is definitely a good choice. Not only is it truly elegant to look at, but it also sounds very good.
The real cost, it must be said, is privacy. Some don’t care, others do. Echo (which can still be deactivated) will collect data to always offer us the best experience. Do not shoot the messenger!
PROS
- The most “Smart” of all Bluetooth speakers
- Great overall sound
- Really elegant design
- Easily integrated with Android or iOS
CONS
- It must be connected to the electrical outlet
- Bass not on par with more advanced speakers
- Privacy… is it a problem?
Amazon – 4th generation Echo – Price: $59
JBL portable Bluetooth speaker
14. JBL – GO 3 Speaker
The JBL Go 3 could be the perfect accessory for those looking for a mini Bluetooth speaker to always carry with them.
It’s a small speaker, no bigger than a bar of soap, able to fit comfortably in your pocket.
The Go 3 has an advanced IP67 waterproof rating, so it doesn’t matter if you accidentally drop it in the pool. Features are basic Bluetooth speaker, but still includes an aux input, plus a noise-canceling speakerphone and built-in microphone for hands-free calling.
There is no wi-fi, however, and battery life is limited to 5 hours. Convenient charging cable, USB Type C.
Despite only 4W of power, the Go 3 impresses when it comes to sound. For his size, he is a lively, balanced and stable little artist.
If you are the type of person who likes to travel light but likes to have a well audible sound always with you, this could be the ultimate solution. Maybe to keep tied to the wrist!
PROS
- Convenient micro case in your pocket
- Balanced sound
- Decent bass
CONS
- Battery life is at the limit
- Low minimums
- Limited maximum volume
JBL – GO 3 Speaker – Price: $39.99
Frequent questions
➤ How do portable Bluetooth speakers work?
Speakers typically require a cable to connect them to an audio playback device such as a stereo system and an iPod. Bluetooth speakers eliminate this hardware limitation by implementing the Bluetooth protocol for connecting to audio systems. All you have to do is enable Bluetooth on your audio device (be it your TV, PC, or Smartphone) and pair it with the Bluetooth speaker in output.
➤ How do I connect the Bluetooth speakers to the TV?
Before pairing with the Smart TV, you need to activate the pairing mode of the Bluetooth speaker. Most Bluetooth speakers will sound a notification to let you know it is actively attempting to pair. Open your TV menu and go to the audio settings. Select the item in Audio Out or Audio Out. Depending on your Smart TV model, a list of devices will appear, among which you should find Bluetooth speakers (it may appear as a Bluetooth audio device). Select the Bluetooth speakers from the list. In most cases, if successful, the Bluetooth speaker will emit another sound notification, confirming the connection.
➤ How do I connect the Bluetooth speakers to the Windows PC?
To connect the Bluetooth speakers to the PC you must have activated Bluetooth on the latter. Once activated, on your PC, select Start> Settings> Devices> Bluetooth and other devices> Add Bluetooth or other devices> Bluetooth. Choose your device and follow additional instructions if they appear, then select Done.
➤ What is the Multiroom of a Bluetooth speaker?
Multi-room audio means all speakers are connected to the same wireless network, so you can easily control them with a remote or using a mobile app. You can play the same music all over the house with just one click, or if you like, you can even set different music in each room. Some multi-room solutions allow you to group speakers, and if you have multiple speakers in a room you can even tell the app which is the left channel and which is the right channel, to get stereo sound.
➤ “IP” classification of a Bluetooth speaker: what is it?
IP classifications are a type of nomenclature in “IPXX” format useful for quickly indicating to the reader what type of protection the device possesses. The first “X” represents the numerical score of the device’s ability to protect itself from the entry of solid objects such as dust (and ranges from 0 to 6), while the second “X” represents its numerical ability to protect against liquids such as water in the device (and ranges from 0 to 9).
➤ Are waterproof Bluetooth speakers saltwater proof?
Waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers are not designed to be overly seawater resistant. IPX ratings do not allow submersion of waterproof Bluetooth speakers in sea or saltwater (unless fully waterproof, i.e. IPX7, IPX8, and IPX9). While the device is likely to degrade over time if submerged in seawater, most waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers are capable of withstanding seawater splashes.
➤ What is the operating range of a Bluetooth speaker?
The Bluetooth range is the maximum possible distance between the speaker and the input (smartphone or other) up to which playback is guaranteed.
The range from the used version of Bluetooth. Bluetooth version 4 has a maximum range of 30 meters, while devices with Bluetooth type 5 have a maximum range of 120 meters. A big difference!
➤ What is the difference between Bluetooth speakers and WiFi speakers?
Wi-Fi-based audio systems are significantly different from Bluetooth speakers. Firstly, Bluetooth speakers are wireless and aren’t limited to one particular point. Wi-Fi solutions, on the other hand, are permanently installed in a fixed location. Secondly, unlike Wifi speakers, which require Wifi network connectivity to connect the audio source and your device, portable Bluetooth speakers connect directly to your phone or tablet.
➤ Portable Bluetooth speakers: what autonomy should I expect?
The autonomy of Bluetooth speakers varies greatly between devices. It depends on the type of battery, the rated power, the size of the Bluetooth speakers, and also the volume at which the Bluetooth speaker itself is used. At moderate volume, the basic (smaller) speakers provide approximately 3-5 hours of playback time. High-level Bluetooth speakers, medium and large, can ensure batteries capable of guaranteeing 15 to 20 hours of playback. Hardly any portable Bluetooth speakers manage to go beyond 20 hours of playback.
➤ I found Bluetooth Speakers for 20 euros: why don’t you recommend them?
Given that everyone is free to choose what they want, I do not recommend products that are too cheap. Typically they are Bluetooth speakers with distorted bass, not high maximum volume and which (too) often have unstable Bluetooth connections (not to mention waterproofness or build strength). Music has to be a pleasure, if I have to hear it badly, what pleasure is it?
HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST PORTABLE OR STATIONARY BLUETOOTH SPEAKER!
As always, I periodically update the items on the list: sometimes I add them, other times I delete them. But you will always find the TOP of the moment (especially for a quality price!).
If you have any questions or unclear explanations, you can always email me in the comments below. I will answer you with pleasure!
Until next time… and good listening!
