jbl trip alternative

The Best JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers: A Side-by-Side Comparison, Mini-Reviews, and FAQ

Last Updated: 2022-08-13 Published: 2019-10-02

We’ve done in-depth reviews of all current portable JBL Bluetooth speakers, but understandably you folks don’t want to read all that. So here’s a quick set of comparisons, mini-reviews, and an FAQ to help you choose the right JBL sonic portable delight for you.

JBL makes great-sounding, well-regarded, very reasonably priced portable Bluetooth speakers that are durable and road-worthy. Any of them could be smart picks; which you get depends largely on the size you’re willing to carry, the price, and a few other feature factors.

We’ve got the basic facts in a side-by-side table below; we also have a variety of FAQs below that.

JBL Speakers: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Find out more about jbl and other portable speakers.

• What's the loudest JBL portable speaker?

Which portable JBL speaker has the best bass?

• What's the smallest JBL Bluetooth speaker?
• What's the best JBL shower speaker?
• What's the trippiest JBL speaker?
• What's the newest JBL Bluetooth speaker?

Will there be a JBL Flip 7?

Will there be a jbl charge 6, will there be a jbl pulse 5, how long do jbl portable bluetooth speakers last, are jbl bluetooth speaker batteries replaceable, update history of this article.

We’ve ordered the speakers below from most portable at the beginning (that is, the lightest and smallest) and going up in size to the boombox-sized portable party monsters at the end.

Further down on this page we also offer more in-depth side-by-side comparisons of specific JBL speakers plus some non-JBL speakers to recommend.

Also note that while JBL speakers are quite well regarded by others (and by us), we have another pick for our top travel speaker as well as for our favorite larger, louder Bluetooth speaker . JBL speakers particularly excel, however, if you want full waterproofing and strong, even sound in a portable, durable package.

We have specific comparison articles devoted to the following JBL speakers if you’re just deciding between two or three. From smallest to largest, the comparisons are:

• JBL Go vs JBL Go 2 vs JBL Go 3 — The smallest JBL speaker line
• JBL Clip 3 vs Clip 4 — The palm-sized speakers that clip onto a backpack strap
• JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 — The most recent update of this portable line
• JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5 — Mid-sized, gorgeous-sounding speaker: A comparison of the upgrade
• JBL Pulse 4 vs Flip 5 vs Charge 4 — A direct comparison of the mid-sized JBL options
• JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3 — Still portable but loud: Mid-sized vs. mini-boombox speakers
• JBL Xtreme (original) and Xtreme 2 vs the new JBL Xtreme 3 — A comparison of the upgrade
• JBL Xtreme 3 vs Boombox 2 — For super-loud outdoor parties: The mini-boombox vs. the mega-boombox
• JBL Boombox vs Boombox 2 (as upgraded back in 2020) and JBL Boombox 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 (upgraded in 2022) — The boss outdoor party speaker and our total favorite for really cranking the volume
• JBL Link 10 vs Link 20 — JBL’s attempt at a smart speaker, with Google Assistant (we’re not huge fans of these two)

F.A.Q. on JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers

We’ve tried to answer the most key questions we’ve gotten from readers in the process of choosing speakers.

If this mega-JBL-coverage somehow doesn’t do the trick, feel free to drop your own questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer (and improve this article) if needed.

Questions on Choosing JBL

Still can’t decide between JBL speakers? The table at top should help, but here are answers to the most common questions.

What’s the loudest JBL portable speaker?

Though it stretches our definition of portable, the loudest JBL Bluetooth speaker that you could still consider taking around is the JBL PartyBox 300 . It weighs 41.5 lbs. (18.84 kg) and only has a five-hour battery. It’s also not at all water resistant. But it can put out a wallop of a sound, and you can plug a guitar or mic into it for karaoke.

More realistically, the loudest truly portable JBL speaker is the JBL Boombox 2 , which is soon being replaced by the JBL Boombox 3 . It’s 13 lbs (5.9 kg) of pure party madness on the go. It’s rugged, it floats, and it is fully waterproof (IPX7 rated). There’s a carry handle, which is key, and still relatively compact and easy to carry for its outsized sound.

As with the previous answer, the JBL PartyBox 300 can deliver the deepest bass, but is quite a lot to carry around. The JBL Boombox 2 (also just above) is the closest you can get to a true, quality subwoofer-style bass experience in a speaker on the go.

What’s the smallest JBL Bluetooth speaker?

The smallest JBL speaker we’d recommend is the JBL Go 3 . It’s about the size of a bar of soap, and if your phone, tablet, or laptop isn’t producing enough sound, this is an excellent option to boost things a bit on the go. It’s a great travel speaker.

Add to this the fact that the Go 3 syncs well over Bluetooth and generally causes no problems for matching dialogue with whatever device you’re watching videos on. It’s certainly not going to sound as good as a home theatre system, but if you’re watching Netflix on a laptop, this little speaker will certainly improve the audio experience.

What’s the best JBL shower speaker?

Hands-down the speaker we’d opt for in the shower is the JBL Clip 4 , though with their full-on waterproofing any of the JBL speakers above would also work in a humid environment.

The Clip 4’s advantage is its small size, solid construction, and built-in, wide carabiner that allows you to easily hang it from a toiletry shelf or towel hook. The JBL Clip 4 is a solid improvement on the JBL Clip 3 and we think a better overall deal than the JBL Go 3; it sounds much better and is only slightly bigger and more expensive.

The Clip 4 goes plenty loud enough to be heard over spraying water and your own terrible crooning. The mix is even and there’s plenty of clarity for such a small speaker with an emphasis on the mids.

The Clip 4 doesn’t have a lot of bass (to be expected for a speaker of its size) — if you need some thump with your shower experience, check out (from smallest to largest) the JBL Charge 4, Xtreme 2, or Boombox 2 in the table above. But those are kind of overkill for a shower.

What’s the trippiest JBL speaker?

Could any speaker seem more expressly designed for passing a joint or tripping balls than the JBL Pulse 4 ?

This modern take on the lava lamp pumps out detailed 360-degree sound while offering a fully customizable light show. Place it in the middle of a room for best effect.

What’s the newest JBL Bluetooth speaker?

New speakers are released all the time, but as of this writing, the newest speakers in the main, popular, portable JBL lines are the JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Pulse 5 , coming out in summer/fall of 2022.

The Future of JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers

We’ve been following JBL quite carefully for years. So while the following is conjecture, it’s very carefully considered conjecture. We update this section as new information is released/leaked. In the past, JBL has sometimes previewed its new speakers for journalists at electronics shows, and we’ll be all over that too if it happens.

If you’re shopping, it’s not worth waiting around for a new speaker model to be released, in our opinion. The last several models of various lines of JBL speakers have been consistently good, so we wouldn’t bother waiting for the latest version in general. Also, it can be wise to wait until a speaker has been out for a few months in any case; this gives you a chance to wait for review sites (especially us!) to cover it thoroughly, and notice any firmware or manufacturing problems that JBL may need to correct. There’s really very little sense in being a first adopter.

Since new JBL Flip speakers have been released about every two years, if the schedule is maintained we would expect a future JBL Flip 7 speaker to come out in mid-to-late 2023 .

That’s guesswork, but it’s based on the following: The JBL Flip 3 was released in September of 2015, the JBL Flip 4 was launched in April 0f 2017, and the JBL Flip 5 was released in August of 2019. As we originally predicted on this page, the JBL Flip 6 was released in late 2021—and exactly as we predicted JBL prioritized better high-volume performance in this latest version.

You can find out more in our review of the JBL Flip 5 versus Flip 6 ; there’s some definite improvement between versions.

Given JBL’s past schedule of new Charge releases every two or so years, we’d expect a JBL Charge 6 (if it is indeed made) to be released in late 2022 . In the meantime, consider our previous review of the JBL Charge 4 with the current JBL Charge 5 .

We’re basing this educated guess on the past: the JBL Charge 2 was released in late 2014, the JBL Charge 3 was released in May of 2016 and the JBL Charge 4 was released in Oct of 2018. The JBL Charge 5 came along in April 2020.

Yes. The JBL Pulse 5 is coming out in summer or fall of 2022 . This JBL Pulse series of unique digital-lava-lamps-cum-speakers has been a hit, and we expect minor improvements from this one, especially better sync of the lights and sound.

The release timing fits JBL’s patterns; the JBL Pulse 2 was released at the tail end of 2015, the JBL Pulse 3 was released in January of 2017, and the JBL Pulse 4 was released in September of 2019.

Note also that some features tend to be both gained and lost, as happened in the upgrade from the JBL Pulse 3 to Pulse 4 , which we covered here. In particular, speakerphone features have been on their way out with current JBL Bluetooth speaker models.

Durability of JBL Portable Speakers

Don’t expect any piece of electronics with a battery to last for life. But compared to other such speakers (and electronics products generally) JBL speakers do pretty well.

All of JBL’s powered speakers have a one-year warranty , so you’re at the very least guaranteed that they’ll last at least that long. But we’d expect any JBL portable Bluetooth speaker to last for at least a few years beyond that.

JBL speakers are quite well-built and survive some degree of rough handling; most of those discussed above are also IPX7 waterproof, which is to say that they can survive up to 30 minutes under a meter of water.

It’s instructive to look back at the JBL Bluetooth speakers that have been around for a while. Amazon reviews of the durability of the JBL Flip 4 show that people can be total jack-donkeys with their speakers: dropping them, throwing them down stairs, leaving them in the pool, etc. Generally the results are very positive in terms of survival stories in such reviews. JBL speakers deal with quite a lot.

The most likely part of a JBL portable speaker (or any Bluetooth speaker) to fail is the internal battery; all such rechargeable speaker batteries have a limited number of cycles. I have one that has lasted for about five years of frequent use, but I think I just got lucky. It wouldn’t be surprising for a speaker battery to conk out after 3-4 years.

Individual results will vary widely based on your usage and the temperatures that the speaker is operating at.

When the battery doesn’t hold a charge any more, you can use the speaker plugged into the wall as either a kitchen or bathroom speaker, for example. Or you can replace the batteries yourself, as discussed just below.

Note that if you’re interested in durability we also strongly recommend speakers from JBL’s competitor Ultimate Ears . They have twice the warranty period of JBL at two years and are at least as well built if not more so. See for example our review of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 (which is similar to the JBL Flip 5), the smaller, cheaper Wonderboom 1 or 2 , or how the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 stacks up against JBL Charge speakers.

The batteries are unfortunately not replaceable directly from JBL. If you’ve had your speaker for less than a year, you can expect the battery to be replaced by them under the warranty policy .

Otherwise, you can check IFixIt for your speaker model (for example, here’s the JBL Flip 4 battery replacement ); they have do-it-yourself guides and sell the battery and tools to open your speaker. These run about $30, which is certainly cheaper than a new speaker and extending your speaker’s life is more environmentally friendly as well.

By the time your speaker’s battery does give out, there will also likely be newer, better models to consider and tempt you to simple replacement. You can keep the old speaker to use as a bathroom speaker, exercise space speaker, or in any other space where you can keep the speaker always plugged into an outlet and not have to use the battery any longer.

Related Posts

Which Tribit Speakers Are Actually Worth It? A Deep Analysis of the Ultra-Cheap, Small, Loud Marvels

JBL Boombox 2 vs JBL Boombox 3: Improvements to the Portable Bass-Pounding Delight

JBL Pulse 4 vs Pulse 5: The Trippy, Lava-Lamp-Style Speaker Gets a Bit Better

Speakers are just a means to an end. I love music, especially Brazilian music like samba rock, MPB, and chorinho, which are often the genres that I use in speaker tests. You can discover more about SelectoGuru's philosophy and people here .

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These staff-favorite Bluetooth speakers are compact and portable

Whether you’re hanging out in your backyard, heading out on a camping trip or enjoying a day at the beach, you’re probably looking to take your favorite tunes along with you. Listening to music in your earbuds or headphones might be better if you’re by yourself, but a Bluetooth speaker can be more beneficial when you want to enjoy music with family and friends.

“Bluetooth speakers are often compact and lightweight, making them highly portable,” says Sean Roe, senior product development manager at House of Marley. “They can be easily carried around, allowing you to enjoy your music wherever you go.”

Below, we’ve listed some of the best Bluetooth speakers as well as answered frequently asked questions, including what to look for in a good Bluetooth speaker and advice for first-time shoppers. 

SKIP AHEAD The best Bluetooth speakers | How to shop for a Bluetooth speaker

Our top picks

• Best overall/editor’s pick : Marshall Emberton II
• Best budget pick : Anker Soundcore 2
• Most water resistant : Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

select Find out how water-resistant your devices are

How we picked the best bluetooth speakers.

To pick the best Bluetooth speakers, we spoke with experts about what to look for when shopping. Here is what we kept in mind: 

• Wireless: Bluetooth speakers are available in wired or wireless versions. Every option we chose is wireless and rechargeable via a USB-C or USB cable so that you can use them wherever you are.
• Water resistance : Most options we picked have an IPX6 water resistance rating , which means they won’t be damaged if splashed by water. This rating will allow you to take your speaker to the beach or by the pool without having to worry water will impact your sound, according to our experts
• Battery life : Every device has a battery life of at least 10 hours, allowing you to use them continuously without needing to stop for a recharge. 
• Portability: Every speaker we chose weighs under 2 pounds, making them portable enough to take on the go. 

The best Bluetooth speakers

The below options include staff favorites and speakers I have owned for over three months. We also included important specifications including battery life, IPX rating and weight.

I own the Sonos Roam in the Wave colorway and have been using it for over six months. I love the sound quality on this speaker — it’s loud enough to fill my entire studio apartment even at low volumes. Its design is sleek and compact, and I can easily carry it in my tote or beach bag without feeling its weight. Battery life lasts 10 hours, according to the brand, and ithas an IP67 rating, which means it can handle the occasional splash of water. You can also use voice commands to operate this pick hands-free. Plus, it’s compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and can be paired with a second Sonos Roam speaker for fuller sound. 

Battery life: 10 hours | IPX rating: IP67 | Weigh t : 0.95 lbs.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The Wonderboom 3 is a favorite of NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz because it’s compact, durable and can get really loud — “I never have to push the volume past 70 percent,” he says. There’s a small fabric loop that you can use to sling a shoulder strap on, and the speaker is both water and dust-resistant making it a good match for outdoor use. It also floats, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it in the pool or lake, according to the brand. You can pair it with a second speaker for stereo sound, and it’s drop-tested from up to 5 feet, according to the brand. 

Battery life: 14 hours | IPX rating: IP67 | Weigh t : 1.17 lbs.

JBL’s Flip series has been with me through countless house parties, days in the park and overnight trips. One of the things I like most about this speaker is how clear the bass sounds — my EDM music sounds really good when I use this.With the compatible JBL Portable app, you can tweak bass and adjust other audio settings, plus install updates, according to the brand. The speaker also has a tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for mid and low frequencies, according to the brand. It’s both dust and water-resistant, and can be paired with another JBL speaker for a more surround sound experience.

Battery life: 12 hours | IPX rating: IP67 | Weigh t : 1.21 lbs.

Polaroid P2 Speaker 

Polaroid is known for its instant cameras , but last year it launched its first-ever line of portable Bluetooth speakers. I’ve owned the P2 since its launch and love its funky colorful design, reminiscent of their instant cameras. It’s also got a color-matched shoulder strap, so I can carry it with ease. Unlike some of the other speakers on our list, the Polaroid P2 comes with a dial top, allowing you to surf internet radio stations. There’s also a heart-shaped button that you can use to favorite songs from streaming apps, Audio-wise, you’ll be happy with the bass and vocals on most songs — the only time I had trouble with this speaker was when I turned the volume up really loud and noticed low levels of distortion. You can also pair the P2 with another Polaroid speaker for stereo sound. 

Battery life: 15 hours | IPX rating: n/a | Weigh t : 1.46 lbs.

Polaroid P2 Speaker

Marshall emberton ii.

The Marshall Emberton II is my top choice for audiophiles, as it delivers balanced, clear and bass-heavy audio at all volumes, in my experience. It delivers 360-degree sound, producing room-filling audio, according to the brand. It also has 10 extra hours of battery life compared to its predecessor and is both dust and water-resistant so you can take this speaker with you on your next adventure. Pair it with a second Emberton speaker for an amplified sound session. 

Battery life: 30+ hours | IPX rating: IP67 | Weigh t : 1.5 lbs.

Anker Soundcore 2  

NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio likes this pick for its portability and sound quality. “I’ve brought it to outdoor picnics and parties, and the music is always audible and crisp even when there’s a number of other competing noises,” she says. It’s built to boost low-end frequencies (bass) and deliver little to no distortion at all volumes, according to the brand. It’s water resistant, according to the brand, and has physical touch controls up top to help you play/pause your music. 

Battery life: 24 hours hours | IPX rating: IPX7 | Weigh t : 0.79 lbs.

Anker Soundcore 2

How to shop for bluetooth speakers.

If you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speaker, here’s what our experts recommend keeping in mind while shopping:  

• Size and portability : “Bluetooth speakers come in various sizes, from compact and highly portable models to larger ones with more powerful audio output,” says Roe. “Consider whether you’ll be using the speaker mainly at home, outdoors, or for travel, and choose a size that suits your needs.” Wireless speakers are usually more compact than wired speakers, as they’re built with portability in mind, according to our experts. 
• Durability : “A simple rule of thumb is: The longer you can use the speaker before having to replace it, the better — both for the environment and for your wallet,” says André Fredriksson, the global training manager for Marshall , an audio brand.  Look for certifications like IPX ratings to determine the level of water and dust resistance. Ideally you want an IP67 rating , which means your speaker is water resistant up to a depth of about 3 feet for up to 30 minutes and dust proof as well. 
• Sound quality : Music is a personal experience, “some folks like a big bass sound and others like a more technical crisp sound,” says Roe. If you have the chance to test the speaker out in person before you buy, that might help you better understand if it’s right for you, according to our experts. Room placement, acoustics and whether or not your speaker can be paired with another will also alter the sound quality, so you might want to keep this in mind while shopping, according to our experts. 

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Meet our experts.

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Sean Roe , Sr. Product Development Manager at House of Marley , an audio brand. 
• André Fredriksson is the global training manager for Marshall , an audio brand. 
• Saied Swalee is an audio engineer at Fluance , a Canada-based home audio brand. 

Why trust Select?

Nishka Dhawan is an associate commerce editor at Select who’s written about smartphones , tablets and earbuds for over three years. For this article, she asked Select staff about their favorite Bluetooth speakers and also tried a few options herself. She also interviewed audio industry experts on what to keep in mind while shopping. Experts were only used for shopping advice, none of the experts mentioned recommend products. 

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Nishka Dhawan is the associate commerce editor at NBC Select.

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The best Bluetooth speakers for 2024: Marshall, Soundcore, JBL, and more

Bluetooth speakers have become such commonplace audio devices that it'd be odd not to see one (or several) speakers at parties, poolside, at the beach, or even strapped to the front of a mountain bike.

They've come a long way over the years. Modern Bluetooth speakers sound better than ever, are reliable, portable, and are a must-have for music lovers who want to have their music with them no matter where they are. There's seemingly no end to the variety on the market for every need and use. From compact waterproof outdoor speakers to those with multiroom features for whole-home listening to audiophile speakers with high-quality Bluetooth codecs (such as aptX or aptX HD), you can find what you're looking for.

Battery power is reaching new heights and sound quality rivalling many passive speaker setups. But our purposes, when we talk about Bluetooth speakers, we mean speakers that are portable, battery-powered, and may also have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities for maximum home-and-away versatility (like the Sonos Roam and Move). If a more stay-at-home Wi-Fi speaker is what you're after, we also have a list of the best wireless speakers you can check out.

But at the moment, our favorite Bluetooth speaker is the Soundcore Motion 300 . It's portable, waterproof, has a 13-hour battery, and has SmartTune, a clever auto sound adjustment feature to ensure the best sound wherever you put it. Plus, it's just $80.

Whether you're looking for one Bluetooth speaker or five of them, or you simply want something you can hook up to your bike for budget-friendly listening while you ride, we've put together this list of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today to help you with your next wireless audio shopping trip.

Soundcore Motion 300

The best overall bluetooth speaker.

• Full stereo sound
• Totally waterproof
• Speakerphone built-in
• Handy carry strap
• Illuminated controls
• No battery level indicator
• Bigger, heavier than alternatives
• Hi-res audio is underwhelming
• Sound gets rough at higher volumes

The Soundcore Motion 300 offers a powerful and immersive listening experience, thanks to its 30W stereo sound output. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, this portable speaker is sure to enhance your experience. Additionally, its IPX7 waterproof rating makes it perfect for outdoor use, as you don't have to worry about it getting damaged by rain or splashes.

One of the standout features of the Soundcore Motion 300 is SmartTune, which automatically adjusts the sound based on the speaker's orientation and direction. This ensures that you always get the best possible sound, no matter where you are or how you're using the speaker.

The built-in speakerphone, illuminated controls, and convenient carry strap make the Soundcore Motion 300 even more appealing. Plus, its excellent battery life of up to 13 hours means you can enjoy your music or other audio content for extended periods without having to recharge the speaker.

Marshall Emberton II

The best runner-up bluetooth speaker.

• Excellent sound quality
• Rugged IP67 build
• Easy portability
• Great battery life
• Sync with similar speakers
• No AAC or aptX support
• No wired playback

Right off the bat, let's just say that we were massive fans of the first-gen Marshall Emberton . With the original speaker's impressive stereo soundstaging that delivered an excellent balance of highs, mids, and lows, along with its 20-hour battery life, it was hard to imagine how Marshall could one-up itself. But the arrival of the Marshall Emberton II proves that there were still plenty of things to amaze us with.

One of our new favorite features is called True Stereophonic. Think of it like Sonos' TruePlay capability, which allows for the speaker to automatically adapt to its listening environment. Whether you're in a regular bedroom or a massive living room, the Emberton II will do its very best to send out sound that is the best fit for the acoustic space, and the results are pretty grand.

Adding a little extra battery time never hurt either. The Emberton II delivers 30 full hours of playtime, with the promise that it can return to a full charge after only three hours of charging. It will deliver up to four hours of playtime after charging for only 20 minutes.

The Emberton II also added something called "Stack Mode," which grants the ability to multi-pair it with other Emberton II speakers, a feature that was missing from the first-gen model.

After you factor in the IP67 rating, Bluetooth 5.1 pairing technology, and awesome Marshall app for dialing in the perfect sound with advanced EQ settings, you've got yourself one of the most powerful, feature-rich Bluetooth speakers on the market.

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The best portable Sonos speaker

• Excellent design
• Lightweight and portable
• Totally water and dustproof
• Very good sound for its size
• Choice of smart speaker assistants
• Wireless charging
• No Bluetooth stereo pairing
• Doesn’t work as a speakerphone
• Less battery life than some other speakers

When it comes to wireless audio excellence, Sonos is one name that grabs plenty of the limelight. And in terms of sound quality, battery life, and smart capabilities, the Sonos Roam edges pretty close to the No. 1 spot on this list. So what's all the fuss about this grab-and-go Sonos speaker? For starters, it offers unparalleled sound quality for both indoor and outdoor settings, with articulate midrange and treble frequencies, rich bass, and little to no breakup at the loudest volumes.

In terms of music streaming, you can send audio to the Roam over Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Bluetooth connections, with a simple long-press of the button on the back of the speaker to switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And because it's a Sonos, when connected to Wi-Fi, the Roam integrates into your existing Sonos network for multiroom listening.

You can expect decent battery performance too, with up to 10 hours of juice on a single charge. If you've been looking around for a smart speaker, the Roam is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant (Wi-Fi connection required), allowing you to fire up your favorite playlists, check the weather, and add to your shopping list, all through simple voice commands.

Best of all, the IP67 rating means the Sonos Roam is fully capable of taking a dunk in your swimming pool, but be aware that this wireless Sonos entry does not float.

Sonos Move 2

A multi-use sonos speaker.

• Balanced and immersive sound
• 24-hour battery
• Analog line-in (with optional adapter)
• Charges your devices
• Awkward to carry
• No Google Assistant option

The Sonos Move 2 has a similar design to its original model, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sonos has kept almost every curve intact, including the integrated carry handle. However, it's the internal features that set the two Bluetooth speakers apart.

The newer model offers even better sound quality than its predecessor, despite being more expensive. The biggest sound changes are noticeable in the midrange, which now provides improved clarity and definition. Additionally, the Move 2 delivers more low-end due to its dual-angled tweeters.

The Move 2 is also notable for having significantly better battery life than the original model. While the first generation Move promised 11 hours between charges, the new model offers up to 24 hours. Like the first-gen model, the battery is replaceable and can be accessed via hidden screws on the bottom of the speaker.

It’s worth noting that the Move 2 model still has some drawbacks, such as being awkward to carry and, unlike its first-gen predecessor, lacks the Google Assistant option due to a legal dispute with Google. The Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 also share this voice limitation. However, despite these limitations, the Move update is still a worthwhile investment as it’s currently one of the best Bluetooth speakers in the market.

JBL Authentics 300

Best alternative to the sonos move 2.

• Unique, retro design
• Easy set up
• Excellent build, top-notch materials
• Intuitive controls
• Powerful sound
• Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Limited battery life
• Bass suffers at low volumes
• Awkward multiroom control
• Chromecast requires Google Assistant

If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker with a vintage look, you should consider the JBL Authentics 300. The speaker not only has a unique appearance, but it also offers a variety of features. However, it is a bit expensive.

In terms of hardware, the speaker includes a 2.1-channel sound system with two 25mm tweeters, a 5.25-inch woofer, and a down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator. Additionally, the JBL Authentics 300 features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to eight hours of playtime. It also has Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration.

The speaker can be connected to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can also use a 3.5mm auxiliary cable to connect the speaker to your audio source.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best floatable speaker for the pool.

• Excellent durability
• Light and portable
• Balanced, 360-degree sound
• Affordable price point
• Somewhat lacking in bass
• Not as slim as other competitors
• Some minor connectivity issues

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom portable Bluetooth speakers have consistently made it on our best-of lists for years because of their surprisingly great sound, along with better-than-you'd-expect bass, ultra-portability, and ruggedness in and out of the water.

It's no surprise, then, that the third generation of the Wonderboom has usurped its predecessor (we still think the Wonderboom 2 is a great buy, too).

But let's get to the main reason the Wonderboom 3 is on our list: it floats. To be more specific, the 14.8-ounce speaker is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning that not only does it float on water so you can toss the thing in the pool and have it play Bobby Darin's Splish Splash while you do the backstroke, but it can withstand being submerged up to one meter for up to 30 minutes (for when the track switches to Yellow Submarine ).

As we mentioned, the sound is great across the spectrum of highs, mids, and low frequencies, and it still has the boost button for that added volume and oomph.

As noted in our review of the Wonderboom 3 , there's not much different between it and the Wonderboom 2 except an additional hour of battery life (from 13 to 14 hours, according to Ultimate Ears), a little longer range in Bluetooth connectivity (from 30 meters to 40 meters), and the fact that the 3 is made from 100% recycled polyester fabric and 31% consumer-recycled plastic.

The best rugged speaker for outdoorsy types

• Solid build quality
• Loud and clear sound
• Excellent water and dust protection
• EQ offers some sound tweaking
• Works with JBL Portable app and PartyBoost
• Can't stereo pair with non-Flip 6 JBL speakers
• Not drastically different from Flip 5

Time and time again, JBL's Flip line of rugged, superportable Bluetooth speakers land on our Best-of lists, and continuing the tradition is the California-based company's latest, the Flip 6.

A mighty speaker is once again packed into a small, cylindrical form that owners of the Flip 5 and Flip 4 have come to love. And while its diminutive size is what matters most to fans of the Flip, the Flip 6 ups the ante on the other feature most people with their eye on this speaker admire — its ruggedness. The Flip 6 goes one step further than the 5, upgrading from IPX7 to IP67 , which essentially makes it dust-tight, in addition to it already being safe for the shower, rain, and submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

The JBL Flip 6 sounds remarkable for such a small package. It's bold and clear, with ample bass and a wider-than-you'd-expect soundstage — audiophiles won't be impressed, but this speaker isn't for them. It gets loud too, and manages to stave off distortion. Plus, JBL's PartyBoost feature is here as well, which allows you to link two PartyBoost-compatible speakers for extra volume and stereo sound, or link even more together for a synchronized sound that can be spread around a whole house.

The only other piece of the puzzle JBL was missing with the Flip 5 was its lack of app support. That has been remedied with the Flip 6, giving users the ability to use the JBL Portable app to do a handful of things including the ability to adjust the speaker EQ.

Lastly, on the battery front, the Flip 6 stays the same with up to 12 hours on a charge, which is still plenty for an entire day's worth of tunes. A USB-C charging cable juices it up, and you can keep the music playing while it does so.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Best budget bluetooth speaker.

• Excellent 120-foot Bluetooth range
•  IP67 weather resistance
• Can be paired with another Micro 2
• Doubles as a portable charger
• The sound is what it is

Tribit's popular budget portable Bluetooth speaker, the StormBox Micro, hits our list again with its second generation, the Micro 2. It's got all the same ruggedness and waterproof IP67 rating (for full submersion for up to 30 minutes) that nature freaks loved because they could take it with them to go mountain biking, rock climbing, or camping, but it's more or less improved slightly in every other way from the first gen.

First, the StormBox Micro 2 gets a bump from 9 watts to 10 watts of sound output, which isn't a lot (it wasn't too loud to begin with), but every bit counts, and it's a good-sounding Bluetooth speaker for its size. Playtime on a single charge has improved too, going from 8 hours to 12 hours. New for the Micro 2 is the ability to charge a device like a phone or a tablet off the speaker in case you need a top up on the hiking trail. Lastly, Tribit has improved the Bluetooth range on the Micro 2, squeezing 120 feet of range out of it (up from 100 feet) so you can wander a bit further from the campsite with your phone while your friends still enjoy the tunes.

Still one of the best budget Bluetooth speakers around, the Micro 2 comes in black, blue, and mint colors.

Marshall Middleton

Classic amp looks, classically clear sound.

• Big soundstage for a small package
• Bold bass, clear highs
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof
• Picks up dust and fingerprints easily
• A bit expensive

The only thing keeping the Marshall Middleton from the top spot on our list is its $300 price tag, which perhaps puts it just a little out of reach for many. But if you're looking to up your Bluetooth speaker game from budget to the next step up, you cannot go wrong with the Middleton.

Not too big and not too small, the 4.29 by 9.06 by 3.74-inch (109 by 230 by 95 mm) Middleton is compact enough to put in a backpack or beach bag (it's also IP67 water and dust proof) but don't let that fool you. The Middleton's two 3-inch, side-firing woofers are powered by two 20-watt class D amps that can pump it out, while a set of drivers consisting of a 0.6-inch tweeter and a passive radiator fires sound out the front and it mirrored on the back, bringing the driver count to six to deliver what Marshall calls "True Stereophonic" sound. And it works. There's a good stereo separation from the Middleton, and the sound is clean, full-ranged, and big for a chassis of its size.

Bluetooth connectivity is of the SBC variety, and while it would have been nice to see AAC at this price, sound is still great but if you like you can use the line-in AUX input to hardwire a device to the Marshall if you have hi-res streaming from Tidal or Apple Music you'd like to listen to. The well-designed Marshall app's "Stack" mode allows you to link multiple MIddletons together for even bigger sound. The app also has EQ features for fine-tuning your sound.

Many Bluetooth speakers these days are forgoing physical buttons, forcing you to use an app for everything, which can be annoying if your phone's not close. The Middleton's physical controls are well placed on the top of the rugged unit and include a bright gold button for power, volume, and track skip control. There are also physical controls for bass and treble, Bluetooth pairing, and activating Stack mode. Helpful red LEDs also indicate batter power, volume, and treble and bass levels when adjusting them.

Perhaps helping to justify the extra cash for the Middleton is its ample 20-hour battery, which puts it out in front of many competitors in the price range, such as the JBL Pulse 5 and even the Sonos Move. If you've got the means, the Marshall Middleton is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we've come across in a while.

Soundboks Go

A bluetooth speaker with big sound.

• Great sound at loud volumes
• Sturdy cabinet and bumpers
• Good battery life
• Effective app support
• Awesome when paired with other speakers
• Not as useful indoors
• Limited codec support

Sometimes you just need a speaker that can get really loud. And when it comes to big decibel levels, not many can compete with the Soundboks Go.

Equipped with dual 72-watt Class D amplifiers, a single 10-inch woofer, and a silk dome tweeter, the Soundboks Go can output up to 121 decibels of crisp, clear, and loud sound. At full volume, you can expect this titan of a speaker to last up to 10 hours, but keeping the sound at mid-levels will net you closer to 40 hours of playtime.

If you think you're going to need more juice in a pinch, you can purchase additional Soundboks batteries so you can swap out the power source and keep the party going. And for those that require a complete mountain of sound, the Soundboks Go can be paired with up to five additional Go speakers.

The Soundboks Go can also take quite the beating. Splash-proof, dent-proof, but lightweight enough to carry around with its built-in handle, you'll be able to rock out with the Soundboks Go day or night, rain or shine.

Sony SRS-XG300

The best boombox design.

• Nice and rugged build
• Great sound quality
• LEDs are cool
• Easy pairing and app support
• Party Connect works well
• Solid battery life
• Only one custom EQ setting allowed
• Phone calls could be better

Sony is no straggler when it comes to producing some of the best audio products you can find on shelves, and while the company may not possess the same market presence as competitors when it comes to Bluetooth products, the amazing XRS-XG300 shouldn’t be passed up.

Weighing only 6.6 pounds, the XG300 is the cosmetic equivalent of a carry-around boombox. Touting up to 25 hours of battery life, topping up the cell is simple with the included USB-C charge cable, giving you an additional 70 minutes of playtime for only 10 minutes of re-juicing. Better yet, the additional USB-A will allow you to charge up devices like phones and tablets, turning the XG300 into a bonafide power brick.

And in terms of overall sound quality, there’s onboard support for Sony’s LDAC hi-res codec, along with AAC and SBC audio formats. Sans the on-paper specs, the XG300 sounds fantastic, with plenty of low-end even without the Mega Bass function enabled and lots of articulation in the mid- and high-range frequencies, too.

The IP67 rating also means you won’t have to worry about taking the speaker to the beach or near water. While we wish the call quality could be better (although integrated call options are a bit of a rarity for Bluetooth speakers overall), the Sony SRS-XG300 is one of our favorite boombox replicas for your next aquatic excursion.

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

Excellent sound for its size.

• Loud, dynamic sound
• Easy to use
• Some functionality only supports Apple Music/Deezer

With 20 hours of battery life, the ability to withstand both dust and water, and sound quality that makes you forget it's a Bluetooth speaker, the UE Megaboom 3 is an ideal portable companion.

The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 lacks a lot of features you might find in some other Bluetooth speakers, like the ability to take phone calls, plug in an external music source, or charge up your phone. So why would we pick it?

Simple: The UE Megaboom 3 sounds amazing — so good in fact, that we'd happily give up those extra features to get this kind of sound. Then there's the weekend's worth of battery life, and the Megaboom 3's beach-proof construction — it's IP67 rated for dust and water, can stand being submerged, and it floats! Add its attractive design and clever multifunction button, and you've got a Bluetooth speaker that will make any setting feel like your own private listening lounge.

The Boom app is easy to navigate around and offers a ton of features like custom EQing, remote volume and on/off control, and the PartyUp feature that lets you connect up to 150 UE speakers together (limited to the Boom 3, Megaboom, 3, and Hyberboom speakers, but you can combine them).

Even though this Ultimate Ears speaker has been round for a while and likely needs a refresh (we reviewed it back in 2018), it still holds its own, maintaining UE's reputation for big sound in small packages.

Bose Soundlink Revolve+ Series II

Amazing bose sound, with smart speaker skills.

• 17-hour battery life
• 360-degree sound
• Remembers the last eight connected devices
• On the expensive side

The smart home speaker niche is quickly growing, and Bose’s Soundlink Revolve+ Series II is one of the best all-around.

With an IP55 rating for dirt, debris, and water-splash protection, the Revolve+ Series II is perfect for a day at the beach and pool parties. And not to worry if you've got a big yard to fill with sound, for like its predecessor, the Series II is designed for an immersive 360-degree sound that sounds great no matter where you place it. The speaker is also smart enough to remember the last eight Bluetooth devices that were linked to it.

In terms of battery life, the Series II sees a decent boost in charge, netting you 17 hours on a single charge as opposed to the original Revolve's 13 hours.

Speaking of smart: The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ Series II also features built-in Alexa support for controlling your smart home, managing your daily schedule, streaming your favorite music services, and more. While it's one of the higher-priced offerings of our roundup, the portability, performance, and feature set of the Revolve+ Series II are hard to beat.

LG XBoom XL7 party karaoke speaker

Best bluetooth party speaker.

• It's loud
• Sound is balanced and distortion-free
• Telescoping handle and smooth wheels
• 20-hour battery
• Fun LED light and DJ features
• Karaoke mic and guitar inputs
• Excellent app
• LED lights aren't that bright
• No stereo sound
• Guitar input sound isn't great

OK, so the massive LG XBoom party XL7 speaker isn't "portable" in the same way as the other Bluetooth speakers on our list, but with its suitcase-style telescopic handle and smooth rubber wheels, you'd be surprised just how portable this karaoke party on wheels can be.

Its $600 price tag is easily matched by its 250-watt output, which, as our review points out, is enough volume to please crowds of dancing partygoers or send a message to your late-night noisy neighbors that you can dish out the sound, too.

At a hefty 34.2 pounds and sized at 27.6 inches in height and 12.2 inches by 12.4 inches in width and depth, the XBoom XL7 is loud, but we were surprised that all that volume doesn't come at the expense of clarity, soundstage, and definition, even at its peak volumes.

All controlled by the well-designed LG XBoom app, there are several EQ presets to get the party up and running fast, or users can create a custom EQ profile to suit their own tastes. The app also controls the XL7's LED lighting effects, which include a customizable color ring around the main woofer and a "Pixel LED" panel that has several dot-animated scenes that sits above the woofer that can be customized with text and messages.

The app is also the hub for the XL7's DJ and karaoke features, the former of which lets would-be Jazzy Jeff's add samples for sound effects, fire off air horn shots, hand-claps, and even scratch with turntable-style digital scratch pad in the app. Two 1/4-inch inputs on the back panel of the speaker open up another party world by allowing users to plug in a microphone and even a guitar for karaoke for days. The app controls this, too, and you can stream music from sources like Spotify (the app magically strips back the vocals in the songs so yours can come through) or a USB drive. The karaoke feature has a list of vocal effects like reverb, a weird robot filter, and can even make you sound like you're singing a duet.

The LG XBoom XL7 will last up to 20 hours on a charge with the LEDS off, and can be recharged in just 3.5 hours.

Additionally, if you want a party speaker, but need one with the most monstrous sound possible, consider the 1,100-watt beast that is the JBL PartyBox Ultimate .

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi

A great bluetooth/wi-fi speaker not by sonos.

• Lots of ways to connect
• 20 hours between charges
• Compact and rugged
• Somewhat expensive
• Much better than the non-Wi-Fi version

Looking for a powerful and rugged portable Bluetooth speaker? The JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi is the perfect choice for you. It delivers an amazing sound quality, has a long battery life, and a durable design that can withstand harsh conditions.

The JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi is equipped with JBL Original Pro Sound, which is made possible by its optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators. In addition, the Wi-Fi version also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect.

With a playtime of up to 20 hours, you can enjoy your music all day long without worrying about the battery life. Plus, its IP67 rating means that it's waterproof, dustproof, and can withstand any type of weather condition. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, or on a camping trip, the JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi is the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure.

Don't confuse this with the JBL Charge 5 , which only supports Bluetooth 5.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

These days, it seems like you can't turn around without knocking over a Bluetooth speaker. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to nail down which is best for your needs. The first things we recommend thinking about before deciding are how and where you'll be using your Bluetooth speaker.

If you're primarily using it indoors and leaving it there, for example, then the field of choices opens up dramatically in terms of size and durability considerations — you can go as big and feature-filled as your budget will allow. If portability and the outdoors is your jam, then read on...

If you're an on-the-go type, you're going to want to consider portability and ruggedness. There are plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers with durable rubber features that can withstand being dropped and banged around inside a backpack. And if your travels should take you to the great outdoors, poolside, or beachfront, consider getting a speaker with a good IP rating to stave off any water or dust. IP67, for example, will actually let you submerge the device for a short period of time (read below for more on that).

When it comes to sound features, give some thought to how you want to use your Bluetooth speaker. If you're fussy about sound, put sound quality at the top of the list. If you want something loud to fill a room at get-togethers, you may want to err on the bigger side, although there are several smaller speakers that pump out some volume, too, and even compact speakers that can be chained together and placed around the room for the ultimate in flexibility and a big sound.

The good news is that there are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from that are bound to hit on every one of your priority needs, making it easier than ever to find the right fit.

Editors' Recommendations

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• The 6 best wireless headphones for watching TV in 2024
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Derek Malcolm is a Toronto-based technology journalist, editor, and content specialist whose work has appeared in publications such as Toronto Life, Canadian Business, The Globe and Mail, Business Insider, Today's Parent, and The Huffington Post. Derek has been covering the worlds of technology and entertainment for more than 20 years and is currently a Contributing Editor for the AV and Home Theater section at Digital Trends. When he's not obsessing over turntables, projectors, speakers, vintage audio gear, or what movies and shows to binge, Derek can be found at home spinning vinyl with his daughter.

Michael Bizzaco has been writing about and working with consumer tech for well over a decade, writing about everything from A/V components and smart home devices to encryption software, cloud backup platforms, search engine tools, and more. He has written for Digital Trends for over three years, covering entertainment content, A/V, and smart home devices.

If you’re looking for more than just soundbar deals to spruce up your home theater setup, you need to check out Best Buy right now. Currently, the retailer has a big sale on many home theater receivers with some Sony models available from just $250. There are 27 AV receivers in all in the sale so the best thing you can do is hit the button below to check things out for yourself. However, if you want some guidance on what to buy, we can help. Keep reading while we take you through what you need to know and what you should buy.

What to shop for in the Best Buy Home Theater Receiver sale Considered to be the best AV receiver for a budget purchase, the is even more affordable right now as it’s $100 off bringing it down to $250. The AV receiver has support for 4K and is Dolby Vision compatible with HDCP 2.2. With 145W RMS power x 5 channels, it can provide powerful sound with surround sound decoders including Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, Dolby Vision, Dolby Dual Mono, DTS 96/24, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced Audio Codecs. There’s also built-in Bluetooth while advanced surround modes mean you can pick different settings for different scenarios. There’s also Hi-Res audio support and even an FM tuner if you want to listen to the radio.

JBL is one of the most popular brands in the audio industry, so you shouldn't pass up any chance to enjoy savings when buying one of its devices. If you're on the hunt for Bluetooth speaker deals, wireless earbuds deals, or discounts for any other type of audio device, you should check out what's available in Best Buy's JBL sale. You can get something for as low as $30, but there are bargains for some of JBL's premium products as well. Take a look at our recommendations below or go through everything that's on sale -- either way, you need to hurry because there's no telling how long stocks will last.

What to buy in Best Buy's JBL sale The JBL Flip 6 portable speaker. JBL / JBL

One of the best speaker brands is Sonos so it’s a smart move to kit your home out with some great Sonos speakers. The range is busy enough that it can be tricky to know where to start. To an extent, any Sonos speaker is sure to delight you with some of the best wireless speakers around coming from Sonos. There’s also the benefit of Sonos’s multi-room system so you can easily get all your speakers to work together across the house. However, certain speakers are better for certain scenarios so a little research is always wise.

Below, we’ve picked out all the best Bluetooth speakers from Sonos. That includes some more affordable options, speakers that can be taken out and about with you, and ones that give you sound that will fill the room with joy. Whatever you pick here, you’re going to love it. A great speaker really does make the ambience at home so much better and you’ll soon notice some details you wouldn’t hear through inferior speakers. Keen to learn more? Let’s get straight into the best Sonos speakers. The best Sonos speakers in 2024

Tronsmart Trip review: portable speakers under $30 don't get better than this

This speaker is so cheap, it's almost too good to be true..

Android Central Verdict

The Tronsmart Trip portable speaker is the embodiment of the term "cheap and cheerful." You get a sweet set of specs like Bluetooth 5.3, IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, and more, for the cost of a steak dinner. Admittedly, there are some caveats, but the speaker's price-to-feature ratio is impeccable.

Bluetooth 5.3 with good range

IPX7 waterproof rating

Four vibrant colorways

Built-in mic with Google Assistant and Siri support

USB-C and audio ports with both cables included

Filthy cheap

No companion app support

Bass isn't as heavy as I would've liked

Takes 3 hours to charge up

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Price and availability

What you'll appreciate, what you'll dislike, competition, should you buy it.

As audio technology advances, it continues to push the boundaries of what we currently perceive as normal. Bluetooth speakers have gotten more compact, gained portability, improved audio quality, and even become rugged as of late. Brands have started to play around with components such as the form factor and materials used.

Imagine my excitement when I discovered that Tronsmart's latest foray into the world of wireless speakers is a budget device. It's so refreshing to see companies trying to challenge price as a factor to overcome, in addition to other features such as quality and size. Just like cheap Android phones, affordable accessories are also getting better and better by the minute.

The Tronsmart Trip aims to compete with the most capable portable Bluetooth speakers under $50 . To make things more challenging, the price is even more competitive because it falls under the $30 price range. Upon receiving the device, my first thoughts were somewhere along the lines of "How bad can this be?" and then they morphed into "How is this possible?" real quick.

The Tronsmart Trip launched globally in April 2022, going on sale across popular platforms like Amazon a few months later. You can get this portable Bluetooth speaker from the official Tronsmart website or other retailers for anywhere between $22 to $30.

Depending on where you buy it from, the Tronsmart Trip speaker officially comes in a mix of six funky, plain, and patterned shades. The main colorways are red, black, grey, blue, orange, and camouflage. Unfortunately, the orange and camo finishes are yet to make their way to the store shelves anywhere.

Unlike most of Tronsmart's plain-Jane cheap Bluetooth speakers, the Tronsmart Trip makes a bold statement. Although I tested out the black variant, there are a handful of vibrant color combos available. Those bright reds and blues pair wonderfully with the compact, modern, and minimalist look of the Bluetooth speaker.

I love the rugged woven fabric exterior of the Trip speaker. There's a handy nylon strap protruding from one end of the portable audio device. Just like the entire body of the speaker, the handle is incredibly sturdy. 

You just know it won't easily tear in the wild if you hang it in your tent while camping or attach it to your bike. Since the Tronsmart Trip touts a robust IPX7 waterproof rating, you can take it outdoors without any reservations.

The Tronsmart Trip makes a bold statement and it touts a robust IPX7 waterproof rating.

The budget speaker is also super lightweight and has a really tiny footprint. You can easily slip this rectangular Bluetooth accessory into your travel backpack. The speaker's immunity to rainfalls and dunks in pools of water make it great for the shower as well. No, I am not embarrassed to admit that it also makes for a fantastic pretend mic during jam sessions in the bath.

In my review of the larger Tronsmart Bang party speaker, I pointed out a recurring issue across most of the brand's audio gear. The buttons used to be undiscernible alongside the hardware's design, but thankfully, the Trip speaker resolves that issue. 

Props to Tronsmart for fixing that! Regardless of the colorway you choose, the hue of the buttons contrasts with the body so you can sport them clearly. For instance, the black model of the Trip speaker has grey accents, making it easy to spot all the controls.

Tronsmart equipped the Trip speaker with a blend of new-fangled specs, while still trying to keep the costs as low as possible. This effectively makes it the first portable speaker that I have used with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 profile in it. Thanks to the newest version of Bluetooth, Tronsmart Trip sports a really wide range — 59 feet to be exact.

It also has a built-in mic and smart assistant integration that allows you to use your speaker hands-free with Google Assistant and Siri. 

The 10W Bluetooth speaker produces crisp sound and it gets pretty loud. The audio quality is incredibly well-balanced, and you won't face issues at max volume levels. For outdoor use, the sound quality and loudness is good enough for most people. You also get Tronsmart's proprietary SoundPulse technology, allowing you to sync up to 100 Trip speakers together.

The little Tronsmart speaker's ports include a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C charging port. You don't have to worry about purchasing compatible audio and USB-C cables as the brand thoughtfully includes them in the box.  It's a subtle touch, but one that I really appreciate as this increases the overall value prospect of this $30 speaker.

The uptime is no joke either, giving you 20 hours of playback if you're mindful of the volume levels. Going all out will still give you around 10 hours of usage.

With a device so cheap, I find it really hard to complain about the lack of upscale features. The Tronsmart Trip is a brilliant, value-packed Bluetooth speaker, but I do see space for a few more improvements that could make it the ultimate budget speaker.

For example, the device has no app support which was a bummer. I like to manage my devices from my Android phone, especially audio accessories like speakers and wireless earbuds . One of the reasons for that is that it's nice to have a customizable equalizer in-app.

In the case of the Tronsmart Trip, I felt like the bass just wasn't deep enough for my prissy ears. I should mention that this review is coming in hot on the heels of higher end audio gear like Huawei's Sound Joy and Tribit's XSound Mega . 

The affordable Tronsmart Trip's soundstage didn't feel like it could blast the very soul out of my body. Having used countless audio gadgets in the past, I know fiddling around with the equalizer would've tuned it to my liking.

While I'm glad that Tronsmart added USB-C charging to the portable Trip speaker, it still needs more oomph in the charging department. You see, the charging speed itself is limited to 15W. This results in a tedious three-hour timeframe to charge it fully when flat dead. To put things in perspective, we're talking about topping up a teensy 2,000mAh cell.

What a wonderful world we live in. A few crispy tenners can fetch you some spectacular Bluetooth speakers, complete with RGB lighting and rugged waterproofing in some cases.

With $40 in your pocket, you can purchase the JBL Go 2, which also comes in red, black, and blue shades just like the Tronsmart Trip. It boasts a similar squarish form factor, heavy-duty fabric covering, and the same IPX7 waterproof rating. The battery specs aren't as good though, with an average uptime of five hours paired with an ancient micro-USB port.

JBL has already launched the newer JBL Go 3 with upgraded IP67 water and dust resistance, five assorted colorways, and USB-C charging. The price is closer to $50 though, and you still get the only five hours of playback time.

Other worthy alternatives to the cheap Trip speaker include the OontZ Angle Solo, which has a wider 100-foot Bluetooth range and a similar rugged design. It costs even lesser than Tronsmart's offering, but you'll have to settle for an IPX5 splash-proof rating, a shorter 10-hour battery life, and the dreadful micro-USB port once again.

Tronsmart's own Groove 2 outdoor speaker also competes with the Tronsmart Trip. It costs the same as the Trip speaker, but you get RGB lights, better bass, an IPX7 rating, and USB-C charging. Needless to say, the fancy color-changing lights strain the Tronsmart Groove 2's lifespan quite a bit, and the rugged portable speaker weighs much more, too.

You should buy this if...

• You've only got $30 to spare
• You need a lightweight outdoor speaker
• You want an IPX7 waterproof rating
• You like vibrant colored portable speakers
• You want USB-C charging and an audio jack

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You need dust resistance in your speaker
• You want something with incredible bass
• You can't forgo a companion app

The Tronsmart Trip is gunning for a very specific niche within the Bluetooth speaker market. If you're on a tight budget, this Bluetooth 5.3 enabled audio gear will make you very happy. It's hard to find another speaker that sports a USB-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack, with the cables included, for the price.

It's not even a boring budget device, even if the bass isn't on the premium tier. You can't ask for mind-blowing sound quality when spending such less money. The color options look snazzy and the Trip speaker is built to endure. To add to that, it has a stellar battery life for something so small and lightweight.

You should definitely buy it if you're thinking about it. Pro tip: Tronsmart's products are always on sale, so you can score one for even cheaper if you comb through the listings online. For $30, the Tronsmart Trip does it's best to satisfy.

Ric flair drip

The portable Tronsmart Trip speaker comes in many bold colors that make a statement. It may not be the most premium sound quality you've ever heard, but I doubt you'll find something this good and feature-rich under $30.

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS .

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Most Popular

82 facts in comparison

JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Flip 5

Why is jbl clip 4 better than jbl flip 5.

• 0.9 newer Bluetooth version ? 5.1 vs 4.2
• Higher Ingress Protection (IP) rating ? IP67 vs IPX7
• Has a detachable cable ?
• 301 g lighter ? 239 g vs 540 g
• 94.7 mm narrower ? 86.3 mm vs 181 mm
• 23 mm thinner ? 46 mm vs 69 mm

Why is JBL Flip 5 better than JBL Clip 4?

• 35 Hz lower low-frequency ? 65 Hz vs 100 Hz
• 15W more audio output power ? 1 x 20W vs 1 x 5W
• 4 mm bigger driver unit ? 44 mm vs 40 mm
• 2 hours longer battery life ? 12 hours vs 10 hours
• 0.5 hours shorter charge time ? 2.5 hours vs 3 hours
• Has a sleep timer ?
• 60.5 mm shorter ? 74 mm vs 134.5 mm

Which are the most popular comparisons?

Bose SoundLink Micro

JBL Charge 2

JBL Charge 3

JBL Charge 5

Sony SRS-XB100

JBL Flip Essential

Marshall Willen

JBL Charge 4

Skullcandy Kilo

Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker MDZ-36-DB

Sony SRS-XB13

Tribit XSound Go

Altec The Jacket

Cheap alternatives

Tribit XSound Surf

Energy Sistem FS2

Tronsmart T7 Mini

Energy Sistem Yume Eco

JBL Boombox

Energy Sistem Eco Speaker

Tronsmart Element T2 Plus

Tronsmart Element Groove

Anker Soundcore 3

User reviews

Overall rating.

Build quality

Sound quality

Value for money

Portability

Very happy with this purchase

Bought this speaker for a snowboarding trip where it served its purpose. The IP resistance and clip made it very versatile. It's relatively compact so I could fit it in my pocket, but I saw other people on the run having it clipped to their backpacks. It didn't get the advertised 10h of playtime, but that's fine since it was on the highest volume. Got me nearly through the whole day of skiing (with breaks). Later I used it in my apartment and I'm even happier with it. The sound is great, no need for the highest volume inside so the battery lasts a long time. As I said, I'm very happy with the purchase and I quite recommend it.

• Relatively compact size
• Integrated clip

The sound does not do the speaker justice

It sounds way off has a 2-3 second latency and overall is quite bad

Jhon sebastian

10 months ago

El parlante tiene excelente sonido

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (JBL Clip 4)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (JBL Flip 5)

Connectivity

Miscellaneous, which are the best portable speakers.

Sony SRS-XE300

Sony SRS-XV900

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen

Sony SRS-XG300

Tribit StormBox Pro

Anker Soundcore Motion Plus

Libratone Zipp 2

Libratone Zipp Mini 2

Xiaomi Sound Pro

Sony SRS-XB43

JBL Trip Review: Add A Great Bluetooth Speakerphone To Your Car

Justin Jelinek | April 28, 2016 February 7, 2016 Audio , Android , Audio Hardware Reviews , Auto , Editor's Choice & Top Picks , iOS , Mobile , Reviews , Windows Phone

Most new cars come with Bluetooth functionality built in as a standard option. Even so, there are all sorts of older cars — and some newer cars — on the road that have absolutely no Bluetooth capabilities whatsoever. The JBL Trip is a device meant to add some Bluetooth functionality to cars that don’t have it. though that’s not all it can do. Keep reading our JBL Trip review to see just what this mini Bluetooth speakerphone can do for you, and see why it was named one of our Top Picks of 2016.

Specifications

• Rated Power : 3.2W
• Battery Type : Lithium-ion Polymer (3.8V, 1200mAh)
• Music Playtime : Up to 8 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
• Call Time : Up to 20 hours
• Standby Time : Up to 800 hours
• Frequency Response : 160Hz to 20KHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio : >80dB
• Transducer : 1 x 40mm
• Height : 134mm
• Width : 64mm
• Depth : 34mm
• Weight : 230g
• Connectors : Micro USB
• Bluetooth : Version 3.0
• Supported Bluetooth Profiles : A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2

What’s in the Box

• Magnetic visor clip
• MicroUSB cable
• User manuals

A device meant to be clipped to your car’s visor needs to be able to be easy to access while not causing a distraction. The JBL Trip hits both of those marks with its relatively small footprint and easy to use layout.

The Trip is a pill-shaped speaker just over five inches long, two and a half inches wide, and about an inch and a third deep. The speaker grill is adorned with the JBL logo in the middle, while the body of the speaker has the buttons and microUSB input. The back of the speaker includes two divots where the visor clip attaches via two powerful magnets on the speaker.

The power button and Bluetooth pairing button are located on the right side of the speaker, while the front of the speaker has volume up/down buttons, a telephone handset button that answers/ends calls as well as plays or pauses music. The front also includes a microphone button that allows you to use voice commands, or interact with Google Now or Siri without taking your phone out of your pocket. While you’re on a call the microphone button acts as a mute switch.

The power and Bluetooth pairing buttons are hardware buttons while the controls on the front of the speaker are capacitive. All in all the JBL Trip looks nice, but still stays mostly out of the way.

Ease of Use

Pairing your phone to the JBL Trip is easy. If you’re at all familiar with pairing Bluetooth devices you should be all over this, but it’s as easy as pressing the Bluetooth pairing button on the speaker while your phone’s Bluetooth capability is turned on andscanning. Your phone will recognize the Trip quickly, and pairing will happen soon after.

Once you’re paired, using the Trip isn’t too much more difficult. You’ll need to long-press the power button to turn the speaker on. You’ll hear an ascending set of tones when the speaker turns on. You’ll hear another tone once the speaker has connected to your phone and then you’re ready to rock and roll. When you’re done, another long-press of the power button will bring a descending set of tones and the speaker will turn off. The power button does take some getting used to. While it is a hardware button, it sits flush with the body of the speaker. Since it is on the side it’s not directly in your view, and it took some hits and misses to really accurately find the power switch with regularity.

Answering and ending calls is as easy as using the phone button on the speaker. Playing or pausing music uses the same button. Voice commands are simple as well. You just need to tap the microphone button and it will connect you with Google Now or Siri depending on your mobile OS of choice. The volume buttons are pretty self explanatory.

JBL makes some great sounding speakers, and the Trip is no exception, though it isn’t exactly meant to be used as a speaker, at least not primarily. If you’re going to use the Trip as a speaker you’ll want to do so in a relatively small, quiet room. The Trip can play music relatively loudly, but if you’re mostly just leaving it in your car, or using it in a rental car when you travel, chances are very good you’ll have an overall better sounding stereo system already available to you.

Where the JBL Trip really shines is with phone calls (which we’ll talk about in the next section, don’t worry), navigation, and voice commands. More and more states are cracking down on texting while driving — as they absolutely should be, I might add — so voice commands are a great way to help keep your eyes on the road. Anything you’re able to do with Google Now or Siri via your voice, you’ll be able to do through the JBL Trip.

The Trip is great for navigation too. Even if you are already able to connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth, or if you car already has a navigation system built in, the Trip is going to be in a place on your visor that’s quite a lot closer to your head than your car’s speakers. My car does have a navigation system, though it’s admittedly rather old, and if I’m listening to music, the voice on the navigation doesn’t always come through very clearly. I didn’t have that problem with the Trip. Listening to music even at slightly louder volumes wasn’t an issue since the Trip is positioned on your visor. I mentioned just a few paragraphs ago that the Trip can get pretty loud. With navigation in particular it’s able to be loud without getting distorted.

Reception/Call Quality

I wasn’t kidding when I said this is the area where the Trip really shines. Every call I made through the Trip sounded crisp and clear. Callers could hear me very clearly, and I didn’t have any issues hearing the people I was calling.

JBL suggests that the Trip will even work with the windows down, which I was a bit skeptical about. I was testing the speaker in late December and January in Chicago… not the warmest time of year… but I wanted to see if the Trip could put its money where its mouth is, so on a slightly warmer day I rolled down the windows while on a call. If you’ve ever tried to make a phone call while driving with the windows down you’re probably familiar with the normal pain points. If you’re making a call on speaker phone that’s a whole new level of pain. While the JBL Trip was quite a lot better than your standard cell phone speakerphone combination while driving with the windows down, it still wasn’t without limitations. You could probably get away with the windows down if you’re driving through a neighborhood, or at slower speeds, but anything much more than 35 mph and you may still have some trouble. That said, I was impressed with how well the JBL performed on calls overall, it is a definite improvement over using your phone by itself.

Battery Life

JBL suggests that you’ll be able to get 8 hours of music playback, 20 hours of calls, and 800 hours of standby on a single charge. I used the Trip only very briefly to play music, and even through numerous phone calls, and leaving the Trip on whenever I was driving over the span of the last month I still haven’t killed the battery. If you’re using this simply as a speakerphone and hands free system for your phone, you’ll be able to let the Trip run for quite some time. With microUSB charging, you could even charge it while you’re on the road if you’ve got a decent car charger.

Price/Value

At $99.95, the JBL Trip is priced reasonably for what it offers. It fills an admittedly rather specific set of uses, though it handles those uses very well.

If you, like me, have an older car that does not have Bluetooth functionality, you need to give the JBL Trip a look. With some states cracking down on even holding a cell phone while driving, the Trip lets you make calls, send messages, or even ask questions of Google Now/Siri all with your voice.

*We were sent a demo unit of the JBL Trip for the purposes of this review.

Last Updated on April 28, 2016.

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• Reviews TV REVIEWS   v1.11 HEADPHONES REVIEWS   v1.7 MONITOR REVIEWS   v2.0 SOUNDBAR REVIEWS   v1.3 MOUSE REVIEWS   v1.5 KEYBOARD REVIEWS   v1.3.1 PRINTER REVIEWS   v1.2 VACUUM REVIEWS   v1.3 PROJECTOR REVIEWS   v0.8 TOASTER REVIEWS   v1.0 BLENDER REVIEWS   v1.0 KEYBOARD SWITCH REVIEWS   v1.0 SPEAKER REVIEWS   v0.8 CAMERA REVIEWS   v0.12.1 LAPTOP REVIEWS   v0.8.2
• In Progress
• Newsletters
• Table of Contents
• Review Updates
• Best Speaker
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Lower Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Page Updates

The 7 Best JBL Speakers of 2024 Reviews

We've currently tested 24 JBL speakers. JBL is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of Bluetooth speakers, from small, portable Bluetooth speakers you can bring with you on the go, like their Flip and Clip lineups, to much larger and more powerful party speakers that can produce enough bass to rumble a room from their PartyBox lineup.

• 04/12/2024 JBL PartyBox 310 updated
• 02/16/2024 JBL Pulse 4 updated
• 01/26/2024 JBL Flip 6 updated
• 01/25/2024 JBL Charge 5 updated
• 01/24/2024 JBL PartyBox Encore Essential updated

Best JBL Speakers

Best jbl bluetooth speaker.

The best JBL Bluetooth speaker we've tested is the JBL Boombox 3. It's a portable Bluetooth speaker with a boombox-style design and a built-in carrying handle to help you bring your favorite tunes on the go. Thanks to its versatile performance, it's suitable for listening to lots of different audio content, whether at home or outside on your porch. Since it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, it's protected against some exposure to the elements, and it can even float in the water at your next pool party.

This speaker offers great sound quality, whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Voices and lead instruments reproduce with clarity, and it's easy to follow along with dialogue. If you prefer a different sound, a graphic EQ is available in the JBL Portable app, meaning you can add more bass or brighten up the treble. This speaker gets loud, too, and its battery life of over 29 hours lets you rock on late into the night without a recharge.

See our review

Best Mid-Range JBL Speaker

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential. JBL designed this portable Bluetooth speaker with parties in mind, but it's still suitable for cranking out your favorite tunes at home. Its stylish design brings excitement to your next event with a circular RGB light ring that you can customize to suit the mood through the JBL PartyBox app. There's even a microphone input if you want to host a karaoke session and some extra party-centric features through its companion app.

This speaker provides an even and balanced sound right out of the box. Voices and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix, and there's plenty of rumble in the bass to bring genres like EDM and hip-hop to life. There's a graphic EQ to switch up its sound and a Bass Boost feature to shake the room with your favorite tunes. This speaker also gets loud, but with a little over eight hours of battery life, it doesn't last quite as long off a single charge as the JBL Boombox 3 . It isn't quite as suitable for outdoor use since it can't float in water. Still, it's a solid choice if you want a powerful speaker to crank up the music at your next party.

Best Lower Mid-Range JBL Speaker

The JBL Charge 5 is another versatile speaker available at a more wallet-friendly price. Found in lots of different color variants, this stylish speaker is a great choice for listening to everything from music to podcasts to audiobooks. It's compatible with the JBL Portable app, where you can customize its sound with the graphic EQ or pair it with other PartyBoost speakers to spread sound throughout your room. Given its smaller size, it brings less rumble in the low bass than other picks, like the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential . However, it's not a big deal if you mostly listen to music without a lot of bass mixed in.

Thanks to its small and lightweight design, this device ranks as the best JBL portable speaker we've tested. You can easily carry it in one hand, making it a great choice for your next backyard party or camping trip. Throw it in your bag or backpack to enjoy your favorite music while on the go. It has a sturdy build, and the IP67 rating for dust and water resistance means it can withstand some exposure to the elements. Since it lasts over 14 hours off of a single charge, you don't have to worry about running back inside to recharge it often.

Best Budget JBL Speaker

On a budget? Check out the JBL Flip 4. This portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to listen to your favorite tunes wherever you go. Available in many different colors, this speaker boasts a small and lightweight design, and it's well-built. Plus, its IPX7 water resistance rating means it's certified to withstand some immersion in water. Its carrying strap is removable, and you can attach it to your bag or backpack for easier transport. Depending on the retailer, you can find it on sale for a similar price to the JBL Clip 4 .

Given the budget-friendly price, it's little surprise that this speaker has fewer features than the JBL Charge 5 . There's no graphic EQ, so you can't customize its sound—though you may find that you don't need this tool in the first place. This speaker's sound is clear and detailed out of the box, making it suitable for many different audio content types. It also supports JBL's Connect+ feature, so you can pair it up with other compatible speakers from the manufacturer to spread audio throughout your room to your next party. Overall, it's a solid pick for the price.

Best Cheap JBL Speaker

The JBL Clip 4 is a more affordable alternative if you want an entry-level speaker without breaking the bank. It's another small and lightweight Bluetooth speaker designed with portability in mind, and as its name implies, it comes with a built-in clip to attach the speaker to your bag or backpack. Its solid and sturdy design is ideal for listening to music outdoors, so you can take it with you on your next hike or picnic in the park. It's also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, which is great for holding up to the elements.

This speaker offers a decent solid quality, especially compared to similarly priced models. While its low-frequency extension isn't as impressive as the JBL Flip 4 , it brings a little extra boom in the high bass to the mix. Some of the bass leaks into the mids, which muddies voices in the mix. Still, it's suitable for listening to many different types of audio content, from music to podcasts to audiobooks. It's also available in many colors, so you can pick a model that suits your style. It's a great place to start if you want to enter the speaker space.

Best JBL Speaker For Parties

If you love hosting events, you'll want a powerful party speaker like the JBL PartyBox 310. It's the best in JBL's party-centric lineup and packs a punch. You enjoy a great sound quality right out of the box, with a deep and extended low bass to ensure that genres like EDM and hip-hop come with lots of thump and rumble. You can use its Bass Boost feature to pump up the bass or the full graphic EQ in its companion app to customize its output across the range. Like any good party speaker, it gets super loud, too.

This speaker has some extra features to make the most of your next party. For example, you can connect a microphone and a guitar to sing along with your favorite tunes or customize its RGB lights to set the right mood. In the JBL PartyBox app, you'll find karaoke and DJ effects and that graphic EQ. It's a big speaker, though, and even with its telescopic handle built-in, it can be challenging to transport, especially compared to portable Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Boombox 3 . The JBL PartyBox 110 is another good alternative that's smaller and more affordable, though it can't reproduce as much low bass as its bigger counterpart.

Best JBL Home Speaker

If you only plan to listen to music at home, the JBL Authentics 500 is worth a look. This sleek and stylish speaker boasts a retro design inspired by classic JBL speakers with lots of modern-day features built inside. For example, you can control the speaker using Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, which is cool if you want to switch between features offered by each. This speaker supports Bluetooth, but it's wired-only, so you'll have to keep it plugged in while you listen to all your favorite tunes.

As with other premium home speakers, this model has a room correction feature designed to optimize its sound based on your room's unique acoustics. With it on, the speaker reproduces voices and instruments in all your favorite tracks with clarity, and there's a little extra warmth in the bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop. A graphic EQ gives you the option to customize its sound. If you have a smaller room, the JBL Authentics 200 is a good alternative, too. It's smaller, so it doesn't get as loud as the 500, but it still offers many of the same features for less.

Compared To Other Brands

• Bluetooth-compatible. The JBL speakers we've tested support Bluetooth connectivity, so you can pair other Bluetooth-compatible devices like your smartphone or laptop to the speaker wirelessly to play audio.
• Well-balanced sound profile. The JBL speakers we've tested tend to have a pretty neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for listening to a wide variety of music genres and audio content. It can reproduce vocals and lead instruments clearly.
• Well-built, portable design. Most of the speakers we've tested offer a solid, durable build quality and have IP ratings for water resistance. They're also battery-powered, so you can bring them outdoors without worrying about finding an outlet to plug them into.
• No built-in voice assistant support. Most JBL speakers don't support voice assistant connectivity, so you can't control them using your voice. Some models let you use the voice assistant from your paired smartphone, but there aren't any built-in capabilities.
• No graphic EQs. Some of the company's speakers are compatible with the JBL Portable and the JBL Partybox app. However, only the newer models tend to have access to the app's graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound profile based on your preferences.
• Some models lack low bass. If you love listening to bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop, you'll want a speaker with a thumpy low bass. Some of JBL's models struggle to reproduce deep rumbles, especially those on the smaller and more portable side.

JBL vs Sonos

Sonos and JBL are both popular speaker manufacturers, though they address different market segments. Sonos speakers are on the higher end of the market and are designed to fit into its existing ecosystem of audio products. Meanwhile, JBL's speakers are generally more outdoor-oriented, and you can find high-end party speakers and budget-friendly portable models in their lineup.

JBL vs Bose

Bose is another speaker manufacturer geared towards making smart speakers, though they also have a few outdoor-oriented models in their lineup. The manufacturer is known for its signature sound, though generally speaking, their speakers aren't as customizable as other models on the market. Meanwhile, JBL sells everything from premium party speakers to budget Bluetooth speakers without as many integrated smart features for hands-free control.

JBL vs Sony

Sony and JBL are similar in many ways—both manufacturers produce a wide array of speakers at both ends of the market, so you can find big party speakers and small Bluetooth speakers to bring on the go. Their devices are pretty customizable in terms of sound, though they don't offer many smart features like built-in voice assistant support. That said, JBL tends to have a more even sound quality out of the box compared to Sony's speakers.

JBL manufactures a wide array of speakers, and most of their models are portable Bluetooth speakers designed to hold up when you use them on the go. With solid, sturdy builds and IP ratings for dust and water resistance, they're ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. You can also find a lineup of party speakers with some extra features. Since they aren't designed for home use, most of their speakers lack built-in voice assistants or other smart features.

JBL manufactures a wide array of speakers for a variety of different uses.

Portable Bluetooth Speakers

• Authentics Series:  Premium portable smart speakers
• Boombox series: Higher-end portable speakers
• Charge series: Mid-range portable waterproof speakers with a powerbank
• Clip series: Budget-friendly ultra-portable waterproof speakers
• Flip series: Mid-rang portable waterproof speakers
• Go series: Budget-friendly waterproof speakers
• JR series: Kid-friendly portable speakers
• Pulse series: Portable speakers with built-in LED lights
• Xtreme series: Mid-range portable waterproof speakers
• Soundgear series: Wearable speakers that sit on your neck

  Home Speakers ​

• C series: In-ceiling and in-wall loudspeakers
• Control series: Indoor/outdoor speakers
• Horizon series: Bluetooth clock radio speakers
• Link series: Voice-activated speakers
• Stage series: Loudspeakers

  Party Speakers

• PartyBox series: Bluetooth speakers with built-in lights

Recent Updates

Mar 22, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure all our picks remain in stock and relevant but have made no changes. We've updated the lineup section to include the Authentics series.

Jan 25, 2024: We've checked to ensure all products are still in stock and made minor changes to the text to ensure it's accurate and up-to-date.

Nov 28, 2023: Added the JBL Authentics 500 as the 'Best JBL Home Speaker'.

Oct 04, 2023: We haven't tested any new JBL speakers since the last update. Some text edits for clarity.

Aug 10, 2023: Confirmed accuracy and availability of product picks. Minor text updates.

If you're looking for the best JBL speaker, they offer many speakers for many uses, from small and compact portable speakers to larger and more powerful party speakers. Generally, JBL speakers have a neutral sound profile, but many older models don't have graphic EQs to customize their sound based on your preferences. Their well-built, portable Bluetooth speakers are ideal for bringing with you on the go, but you probably can't use them with voice assistants, even through your paired smartphone.

Test Results

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• Support Why Buy Direct Buy Authentic Order Status Product & Customer Support

Portable Bluetooth® handsfree kit that can be clipped to your car's sun visor

• Award Winner

It's portable

No installation required, can be easily used in another car

Exclusive Patented Noise Cancelling Technology

Allows the driver to enjoy crystal clear phone calls even with strong road or wind noise.

Wireless Bluetooth Streaming

Enjoy JBL quality sound wirelessly via Bluetooth

Extended Rechargeable Battery Life

Up to 8 hours of wireless music, 20 hours of talktime and 800 hours of standby.

Navigation and ADAS prompts from smartphone

Various navigation and ADAS apps can send safety and navigation prompts via Bluetooth; simultaneously, the driver can continue to listen to their factory radio for local newscasts or traffic updates.

Supports Siri, Google Now

Supports Siri, Google Now from smart phone via Bluetooth

Specs & Downloads

Item# JBLTRIP

Product Description

Drive safe, drive smart with this portable bluetooth handsfree kit., general specifications, audio specifications, what's in the box.

• Micro USB Cable
• Safety Sheet
• Quick Start Guide

Documents & Downloads

The latest owner's manuals, quick start guides, and documents.

Spec Sheet (EN)

Firmware usb update tool for jbl headsets and jbl portable speakers for windows, quick start guide (multilingual), declaration of conformity, reviews and q&a, customer reviews, register your jbl product.

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About this jbl alternatives grid, how we score and rank jbl competitors, how to find more information on brands like jbl.

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

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An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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