A dependable, high-quality Bluetooth speaker will let you take your playlist on the move. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to discern the audio elite from the audio inadequate. No worries; we combed the shelves (and digital store fronts) to find the best Bluetooth speakers you can snatch up right now.
The speakers on the list not only serve up an elite listening experience but also pack durability and smart features in droves. Whatever your budget, there’s a Bluetooth speaker that’ll check all the boxes:
Under R2k
1. Sony XRS-XB100
It’s a micro speaker with massive sound chops, measuring in at just 7.6cm along its diameter. With a powerful speaker under the hood capable of pumping out clear, rich sound, the SRS is the dictionary definition of “dynamite in small packages”.
You’ll also bag water- and dust-resistant ratings of IPx7 and IP6x respectively. (In layman’s terms: this speaker will survive lengthy stints in the outdoors.) The speaker also feels sturdy and will even float if it takes a spill.
Along its side you’ll find a set of simple controls which will respond with various audio cues to help take the guesswork out of adjusting your listening experience. The device takes around three hours to charge, but you’ll get a generous amount of battery life in return (up to 16 hours).
The speaker is available in four different colourways and is fitted with a handy strap that can be attached to your bag for easy carrying. Unfortunately, the speaker won’t hit volumes necessary to fill larger spaces, so take that into consideration if you’re on the hunt for a party-starter. However, at this price point (the Sony is the most affordable portable speaker on our list) you’ll struggle to find something that cinches out the SRS.
2. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
The Wonderboom 3 is a Bluetooth speaker that wants to be noticed. With its bulging, squashed “pill” design to some of its striking colourways (read: pink and neon green), there’s something satisfyingly ostentatious about its design. We love it.
But what about its audio performance? Thankfully it’s just as bold as its exterior, with the Wonderboom delivering on both “wonder” and “boom” with high-quality sound at even higher volumes. With enhanced bass and 360-degree audio, it’s capable of serving up room-filling noise for up to 14 hours of playback.
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Stand out features include an expanded wireless range of 40m that’ll let you move about without cutting the sound. The speaker is also sturdy enough to survive 150cm falls and can be paired up with other Wonderboom 3 devices to spread your playlist further.
Under R3k
3. JBL Flip 6
Most portable speakers sound muffled at high volumes, but not the JBL Flip 6. This travel-sized device pushes sound at party-starting levels without killing the vibe.
The secret sauce? A 2-way speaker system engineered to provide loud, crystal-clear sound. The speaker’s racetrack-shaped woofer will conquer the low- and midranges while a separate tweeter will give you ear-pleasing crispness in the highs. They’ve also managed to pack in dual passive radiators for rattling bass.
The Flip is also a durable option offering up a water- and dustproof rating of IP67. That’ll let you take this device wherever you go, from poolside parties to overly ambitious pre-dawn hikes. Bonus: a single quick charge will give you 12 hours of playtime.
We’re big fans of the JBL Portable app which makes it easy to manage and configure your device. For instance, want a bit more thump in your dance playlist? The app lets you tweak your settings for a low-end boost.
Under R4k
4. JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 takes another step up from the Flip’s top-level audio experience to back in even more features. You still get massive, room-filling sound, but this time you’re also snagging 20 hours of playtime (an 8 hour jump from the Flip’s 12).
The Charge also includes a built-in powerbank that lets you keep your phone charged without interrupting your playlist. You also have access to PartyBoost which allows you to pair two compatible speakers together for full stereo sound. And, yes, it’s also dust- and water-resistant.
Want reliable sound with room to move? The Charge is our top pick. Plus, it’s available in camo.
Under R5k
5. Bose SoundLink Flex
Bose is a name synonymous with high-tier audio quality and, now, they’ve packed their impressive audio resume into one compact and endlessly portable package. The SoundLink might come at a premium but for your hard-earned Randelas you’re getting something seriously premium.
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Built to survive spills, tumbles and falls, you can take this along wherever you go. And you’ll want to once you’ve had a listen: it produces incredibly clear sound, giving you a dynamic listening experience across all frequencies. Bonus: uitilising PositionIQ tech, the speaker will adjust to any orientation to optimise the audio. So whether you’ve got it standing upright, hanging from your bag or lazing on its back, your listening experience won’t be affected.
The speaker can also be paired up with another Bose device to amplify your playlist or spread the tunes beyond the living room.
6. Marshall Stockwell II
If your playlist is stacked with 70s rock anthems, this is the speaker for you. Complete with retro stylings (it resembles a miniscule guitar amp), this speaker is nostalgia and new-era tech rolled into one. But it’s not all style and zero substance; the backbone of this neo-vintage device is made up of a subwoofer and front/rear speakers. The cabinet design also does more than just conjure up old-world memories, it also constructed with a bass reflex system to nix distortion and pump up the low tones.
The speaker serves up true 360-degree sound so you won’t worry about where you position it. All that, and it’s still incredibly rugged. Our favourite feature: the analogue control knobs that are incredibly simple (and satisfying) to use. Bonus: the speaker packs 20+ hours of portable playtime, make it a serious powerhouse in more ways than one.
7. Sonos Roam
Sonos is probably best known for their advanced home audio tech to spread your music throughout every room. The Roam takes their innovations on the road with all-day battery life and dependable waterproof durability.
Audio quality is up there with the rest of the pack, but it’s the device’s easy connectivity that sets it apart. The Roam automatically hooks up to your wifi network at home and pairs with your device when you’re out and about. All you have to do is hit play.
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Another stand-out feature is Sonos’ Trueplay tuning tech. This feature will tweak the Roam’s sound to your surroundings (and even adjust for specific content) to ensure you’re getting the best audio experience no matter where you are. While it’s battery life can’t keep up with the Charge or Stockwell, it will still give you around 10+ hours of playback.
R7k+
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1
They’re known as the top dogs when it comes to audio quality, and now B&O have condensed down their next-level engineering into its tiniest form yet. This low-profile speaker sports a simplified design that makes it easy to stash in your bag when you’re on the go (or stow away at home when the party is on hiatus).
With up to 18 hours of playtime, you’ll pretty much never run out of juice. And that battery is powering plenty: from Alexa integration to crystal-clear speakerphone settings. It also goes loud… seriously loud… with little-to-no distortion, so you can crank it up when the occasion calls.
