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The 8 Best Portable Speakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never miss a beat with these high-quality portable speakers.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re looking to host parties pool-side or just want a reliable way to listen to music while getting ready for a night out, a portable speaker can be a great accessory for your next trip. Many portable speakers are dustproof and waterproof so you can truly take them with you wherever you go. Plus, the enhanced sound quality and customization provides a better way to listen to your favorite music.

To determine the best and most reliable portable speaker, we reviewed nearly a dozen options from top brands like Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Bose. We tested each portable speaker to evaluate how easy it is to use, how far the Bluetooth range can reach, how long the battery lasts, and then assessed its overall value. The compact and vibrant Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is our favorite option after weeks of tests. Whether you’re an audiophile or looking for a simple way to share your music on-the-go check out our lists of the best portable speakers for every occasion.

Best Overall

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

• Useful Features 5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Setup Process 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

It connects to your phone almost instantly for easy setup.

It isn’t the easiest to pair with other Wonderboom speakers.

When you want to guarantee you can hear your favorite music wherever you go, be sure to pack the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable mini speaker. It comes in four colors (with two additional web-exclusive shades ), so you can mix and match, pairing the devices for an even more powerful sound. We tested this speaker in a variety of different environments, including at the beach and camping and never had any issues losing a connection.

This speaker connects to your phone almost instantly without issue or complications. It’s also easy to charge and comes with the necessary USB cord, so you don’t have to worry about sharing cords. And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case, this was one of the most durable portable speakers we tried as it’s both waterproof and dustproof. We also love that it doesn’t require any additional apps, making setup and use an absolute breeze.

The Details: 14 hours of battery | 131.2-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.75 x 4 x 4 inches | 0.94 pounds

Best Clip-on

The lightweight design and convenient clip is perfect for hiking or walking long distances.

The battery doesn’t last quite as long as other portable speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect option for lightweight packers and hikers alike. When you turn it on, it connects to the nearest phone almost automatically just like wireless headphones and is easy to switch devices if you want to give your friend a turn picking the music. While it does not have a carrying case, it does feature a cute and convenient clip so you can attach it to backpacks, bags, and even belt loops for constant listening. For how small this portable speaker is, we love the sound quality, which is great even in crowds and on windy beaches. 

The Details: 10 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 0.53 pounds

Best for Parties

Treblab hd77 ultra premium bluetooth speaker.

It’s one of the loudest portable speakers we’ve tested.

It’s heavier than other similarly sized portable speakers.

When you know you’re going to spend your vacation hosting parties or entertaining friends poolside, the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth Speaker is an absolute must. This speaker can overpower any noise, even in a crowded room or busy outdoor space. When you turn it on, we found it automatically pops up in your device’s Bluetooth settings, so you just click connect and get the party started quickly. There are even color-coded LED lights to indicate the speaker’s status (i.e., on, searching for connection, low in battery, etc.), and they all pop up in different colors so you can easily know what it needs. 

The connection never changed throughout our use, even when we walked into the water with the attached phone and the speaker stayed connected on the beach. There was no static or interruptions in the music, plus we could still hear the tunes in the water over the sound of the waves. We also love that it can last a couple of days without charging, depending on how much you use it.

The Details: 20 hours of battery | 33-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 7.3 x 3 x 3 inches | 1.38 pounds

Best Budget

Dosmix retro bluetooth speaker.

The sound quality is better and louder than most phones of similar size.

We wouldn’t recommend this for outdoor or party use. 

This teeny tiny speaker takes “portable” to a whole new level — it fits right in the palm of your hand like a phone, but has a stronger speaker for better quality music. We are absolutely in love with the retro vibe down to the working, light-up knob to adjust volume. For looks alone, we recommend this for anyone who wants something more than just a phone speaker, but that also looks cute sitting out. While we don’t think it’s a great option for on-the-go use (the battery and connectivity range are not as strong as other portable speakers), it’s a great small speaker for when you’re lounging or getting ready for a fun day out.

The Details: 6 hours of battery | 32.8-foot range | 2.8 x 4.3 x 2 inches | 0.43 pounds

Best Splurge

Ultimate ears epicboom.

The sound quality is unmatched.

The one-touch playlist feature doesn’t work with Spotify.

The minute you turn on this speaker for the first time, a voice welcomes you and tells you to download the app that then walks you through the simple setup instructions. You’re then able to easily switch between phones (and even connect it to an Apple TV for the ultimate listening experience). The connectivity range is also so strong that you can easily walk away from the speaker up to 180 feet without losing the signal. This is also the best sounding speaker we tested by far, and there are custom settings like bass boost and cinema mode so you can adjust for the perfect sound quality to match whatever you’re listening to. While this is certainly a pricier option, audiophiles and party-throwers alike are sure to love this high-powered speaker. 

The Details: 17 hours of battery | 180-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 6.3 x 4.6 x 9.4 inches | 4.4 pounds

Most Durable

During testing, this speaker fell out of a bag and tumbled down the stairs and there’s not a single mark, dent, or scratch on it.

We would love to see the exact charge percentage left on the speaker. 

Leave it to Sony to create a high-powered portable speaker that can withstand a fall down the stairs and still provide excellent sound for any occasion. While it didn’t automatically connect to devices, once we turned it off and on, and turned the phone’s Bluetooth capabilities off and on, we were able to pair the devices. Once connected the first time, it was instantaneous to connect for future use. The first time we used it, we charged it for about 15 minutes and it then worked for two hours straight. It’s also seamless to switch from phones to this speaker when playing music and also simple to swap to other devices without hassle. The Sony XB 100 comes with a little carrying sack, but we especially love that the speaker itself has a strap that can be used to attach it to the outside of any bag.

The Details: 16 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches | 0.61 pounds

Most Versatile

Bose soundlink flex bluetooth speaker.

We dropped it into a pool and the speaker still works and is undamaged.

It’s a bit big for a portable speaker, but it can still easily fit in carry-on and tote bags. 

Whether you’re lounging poolside or at the beach , this portable speaker is the perfect addition to your day of relaxation. It’s not a small speaker, but it’s still a good size for fitting into backpacks and totes to take with you on a variety of trips. Considering it’s not an Apple product, we were surprised by how quickly the speaker paired to iPhones and easily switched between devices. The speaker takes just a few hours to charge with the included USB-C cord. The battery also lasts up to 17 hours on one charge and it still plays music when it’s charging, so you never miss a moment of music. And while you don’t need the Bose app to use the speaker, it has so many sound customizations, you may want to utilize the app to get the best listening experience for your environment. 

The Details: 12 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | 1.3 pounds

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

It’s a smart speaker that’s perfect for making your Amazon Echo a portable device.

With just a five-hour battery life, this isn’t the best for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Yes, Alexa is normally only used inside, but this base turns your Echo Dot into a portable speaker. The device pairs instantly after you connect to your Amazon account and it doesn’t need to be operated using a phone (as long as your music services are linked to your Amazon profile). The speaker itself is connected to Wi-fi so your device doesn’t even need to be near a phone at all once hooked up to the internet. While the sound quality is good, our favorite part of this portable speaker is the ability to use Alexa. In fact, we find that the addition of this base makes your existing Echo device even more useful.

The Details: 5 hours of battery

Our team tested nearly a dozen portable speakers, evaluating each one on ease of use, range, sound quality, battery life, portability, and more. Testers were first asked to pair their speakers with a device to determine the ease of setup and then work with required apps or device settings to test the speaker’s range, customization, and sound quality. Each portable speaker was then brought out and tested in a variety of conditions from hiking trails to poolside and more. Throughout the testing period, we took careful note of the speakers’ durability and waterproofing if applicable.

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Decide how much sound you need.

Not all portable speakers are designed to overpower a room full of party people or even the sound of crashing waves. When selecting a portable speaker, think about where you intend to use it so you can prioritize a speaker that gets loud enough to suit your environment. If you are just looking for a speaker to enhance your music to a higher quality than your phone’s speaker, you may not need something as powerful as a speaker designed for outdoor use.

Consider size and portability 

When selecting a portable speaker, obviously, the size and weight of the device should be your top priorities. If you’re looking for a device that simply doesn’t need to be plugged in, but just moved around your home, the portability may not matter quite as much as if you plan to bring your speaker hiking. Know what you have in mind (and what weight you’re willing to carry) when you look into purchasing a portable speaker. Also, keep in mind that most portable speakers connect via Bluetooth; if you want to be able to connect to your home’s internet, or use voice assistants, you’ll likely need a speaker that also has Wi-fi capabilities. 

Prioritize durability

Since you’ll be taking this speaker with you on hikes, to the pool, or just over to your friend’s house, you want to make sure your portable speaker is durable. Consider opting for a speaker that is not only waterproof, but dustproof as well to ensure it can withstand your travels. You may also want to prioritize a portable speaker that comes with a carrying case, dustbag, or strap to make transportation a breeze.

Some portable speakers require a specific app that allows you to adjust the settings and check on the status of your device while other speakers just need to connect using your phone’s Bluetooth. Be sure to read all manufacturer’s instructions to determine exactly what you need in order to use your specific portable speaker. 

Portable speakers are allowed inside your carry-on or personal item. However, you are generally not allowed to play music or movies outside of headphones, so if you plan to bring your portable speaker on board, be sure it stays off and tucked away in a safe place. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she researches, reviews, and writes about a wide range of products. To select the best portable speakers, she called on her own experience as a traveler and worked with editors and T+L testers on a series of lab and real-world insights.

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• Electronics

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

By Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a writer dedicated to audio gear. He has been reviewing speakers and other audio products for more than 30 years.

Portable Bluetooth speakers are the easiest, most affordable way to spread music and podcasts across a room, backyard, or beach blanket. Because these speakers come in a variety of designs and sizes, no model is perfect for every situation—but the excellent sound and rugged design of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 made it the favorite in our tests.

Everything we recommend

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The best portable bluetooth speaker.

This small, round speaker has a natural sound and a cool design, and it’s built to survive outdoor adventures. But it’s a little chunky, and it uses an outdated Micro-USB port for charging.

Buying Options

Soundcore Motion 300

If usb-c charging is a must-have.

This speaker is larger than our top pick, but its slender form may fit more easily into tight spaces. The sound quality is comparable, and it offers convenient USB-C charging.

You save $16 (20%)

Upgrade pick

Larger and louder, yet still portable

This speaker plays very loud while maintaining its clear, full sound, and it has a long battery life. But it’s larger and a little less rugged than our top pick.

Budget pick

Tribit XSound Go

Very good sound for under $50.

This is the best speaker we’ve heard in its price range, and it’s compact and waterproof to boot. But it can’t play as loud as our larger, more expensive picks.

Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

For pool parties and tailgating.

This speaker plays loud enough to fill a backyard and sounds much like a good small stereo system. However, it’s much larger and pricier than our other picks.

How we picked and tested

We tested Bluetooth speakers with expert listeners, and we concealed the identities of the speakers to eliminate bias.

The speakers we tested ranged from tiny travel models to 40-pound backyard blasters. All of them included rechargeable batteries.

We continue to spend many hours with our recommended speakers to make sure they survive day-to-day use.

To give readers a full picture of the category, we tested models priced as low as $10 and as high as $500.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 had our listeners raving over how clear and spacious it sounded, and they couldn’t help cooing over its cute design. With its IP67 water-resistance rating, it can handle immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Plus, it’s dustproof, it can survive a 5-foot drop onto concrete, and it floats. We got 11 hours of battery life in our tests.

It’s too chunky to pack easily into a purse or a small bag, and it uses a Micro-USB jack for charging, which may require you to carry an extra cable when you travel.

Although the simpler, smaller, more rugged design of the Wonderboom 3 won the day with our listening panel and staff, the Soundcore Motion 300 is a great alternative because of its slim, suitcase-friendly styling, USB-C charging, and lower price.

Sound quality is similar between the two, but the Motion 300 plays a few decibels louder and puts more emphasis on instruments than vocals. A carrying strap with a snap closure lets you hang the speaker from objects such as a shower curtain rod or backpack strap.

This speaker is IPX7-rated, so it can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The battery ran for about 12 hours in our tests, but the Bluetooth signal range was lower than that of the Wonderboom 3.

The W-King X10 is an astonishingly affordable upgrade for those who need a larger, louder speaker with a long battery life. It plays almost 8 decibels louder than the Wonderboom 3, so it can easily be heard over a roomful of chatty partygoers. Even when cranked full-blast, it sounds clear and doesn’t seem to lose any bass. We got 24 hours of playtime from the internal battery—less than the claimed 42 hours but still impressive.

The X10 is about the size of a football and weighs 6.5 pounds, but its shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. Its IPX6 rating means it can withstand being sprayed by a hose—but it can’t be safely submerged in water like some of our other picks.

If you want to spend less than $50 on a good portable Bluetooth speaker, the Tribit XSound Go is the best choice. It’s been our budget pick for five years because it still clearly beats almost all of its similarly priced competitors with its loud, full sound—though it can’t play as loud as our larger, more expensive picks.

The XSound Go is small enough to slip into a laptop bag, it runs 10.5 hours on a charge, and it charges via USB-C. Plus, it has an IPX7 rating, so it can survive a half-hour dunking in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is the best choice for those who need high-quality sound for large areas, such as tailgate parties and neighborhood barbecues. It plays almost twice as loud as the W-King X10, and it sounds beautiful, with smooth vocals, ample bass, and surprising ambience.

At 14.3 inches high and 16.6 pounds, it isn’t the type of speaker you can just toss in a backpack or suitcase, but it is light enough that most people can carry it easily. It has an IPX4 rating, so it’s splashproof but not waterproof.

In our tests, it played at a fairly loud volume for 27.5 hours on a single charge, but it relies on a dedicated charger that you have to remember to bring along on any extended outing.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, our pick: ultimate ears wonderboom 3, runner-up: soundcore motion 300, an upgrade pick for larger spaces: w-king x10, best budget portable speaker: tribit xsound go, best for pool parties and tailgating: ultimate ears hyperboom, other good portable bluetooth speakers, what to look forward to, the competition, frequently asked questions.

I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. I’ve worked as an editor or writer in audio publishing for over 30 years, and I’ve previously served as a consultant on speaker tuning and measurement for some of the world’s biggest tech companies.

In the course of producing the original version of this article and many updates, we’ve enlisted feedback from numerous listeners, including senior staff writer Lauren Dragan and Dan Gonda, a Los Angeles woodwinds player, who is also a certified Avid Pro Tools user .

Veteran audio enthusiasts Darren Vaughan and Tony Krawzik also contributed their opinions when we conducted brand-concealed listening tests at Innovative Audio , a vintage-audio dealer based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Anyone who owns a smartphone or tablet is likely to enjoy owning a portable Bluetooth speaker, which usually has a rechargeable battery and is often waterproof and/or dustproof. Bluetooth support is available in every current smartphone and tablet, as well as in most laptop computers, so you don’t need additional equipment.

Unlike smart speakers and Wi-Fi speakers, Bluetooth speakers don’t require a network connection, and most don’t require the use of special apps—whatever you play on your phone will play through the speaker.

If sound quality and volume are your top priorities, and you don’t plan to take your speaker out of your house, you may want to check out the larger, more powerful speakers featured in our tabletop speaker guides:

We use the following criteria to help us decide which portable Bluetooth speakers to call in for testing:

• Portability and battery life: We focus on models that have rechargeable batteries and are designed to take a trip to the beach or the park with no hassle. In selecting our top pick, we prioritize speakers that are compact and easy to toss into a backpack or beach bag.
• Ruggedness and waterproof design: We give priority to speakers that are built to survive the knocks and bumps of travel. We prefer speakers with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating , which tells you exactly how dustproof and waterproof a speaker is.
• Price: We set a bottom price of $10. Less-expensive models often don’t sound better or play much louder than a phone’s built-in speakers.
• Playback controls: Because you can control the playback from your Bluetooth source device (usually a phone or tablet), we don’t require the speaker itself to have playback controls, but it’s a convenient perk.
• Bluetooth codecs: We don’t award extra points for inclusion of additional Bluetooth codecs beyond the standard SBC codec found in all Bluetooth devices. The sonic differences among these codecs are insignificant next to the easily heard differences among the speakers themselves.
• Special features: Bluetooth speakers may offer extra features, including speakerphone capability, multi-speaker pairing (the ability to play the same material through two Bluetooth speakers at once), and built-in lighting. We don’t consider any of these features essential, but they can be convenient add-ons.

For each new round of tests, I begin by comparing the new models with each other and with some of our previous picks. I measure the maximum output of each speaker indoors at a distance of 1 meter, using an NTi Minilyzer audio analyzer and a calibrated NTi MiniSPL test microphone and playing a 34-second section of ZZ Top’s very loudly mastered tune “Chartreuse” (video) .

The chart below shows the results for our current speaker recommendations, plus a few models mentioned in Other good portable Bluetooth speakers . For more details, see our results and our explanations of our testing process .

Portable Bluetooth speaker maximum output

From these tests, I narrow down the group of contestants to the models that have a real chance to impress our listening panel, in addition to all of our past picks. To prepare for our brand-concealed panel testing, I hide the speakers behind black fabric and divide them into four groups: ultra-compact, small, medium, and large. To make the test fair, I set the volume within a particular group to the same approximate level by using a shaped-noise channel-balancing test tone recorded from a Dolby Digital receiver.

During our brand-concealed tests, our listeners pay particular attention to:

• how clear the speakers sound at normal levels
• how the speakers balance bass to midrange to treble
• how loud the speakers are able to play when cranked up
• how clear they sound when cranked up

Lastly, I check the battery life of each of our top picks by repeating Steely Dan’s “Aja” (video) at an average level of 75 dB (measured at 1 meter) over and over until the power runs out. (For the larger Ultimate Ears Hyperboom speaker, I increased the level to 81 dB.)

I also measure the maximum Bluetooth range of all our picks by placing my Samsung Galaxy S10 phone indoors, in a window, and carrying the speaker away in my backyard until the connection becomes unreliable. There are no industry-standard methods of testing these functions, but our methods have worked well through 10 years of testing 393 portable Bluetooth speakers to date.

With each model that offers speakerphone functionality, I try placing a call to Wirecutter senior staff writer Lauren Dragan. I note how the speaker sounds to me, and she tells me how my voice sounds on her end.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is the closest thing we’ve found to an ideal all-around Bluetooth speaker, thanks to its great combination of performance, ruggedness, and portability.

It sounds great for its size. Both of the panelists in our most recent listening test picked the Wonderboom 3 as their favorite in its class without hesitation, citing a more “open, 3D sound” than on the others, as well as a natural balance of bass to midrange to treble—which means no instruments or voices are unnaturally boosted.

It’s loud enough for most everyday uses. We measured maximum volume at 84.4 dB at 1 meter; that’s enough to fill a bedroom or kitchen with sound. The Outdoor Boost button kicks up the level by about 3 decibels, which makes the speaker a little louder but sacrifices bass.

It’s tough. This IP67-rated speaker is dustproof, can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for a half hour, and also floats. When we dropped it from 5 feet onto a backyard deck and then onto concrete, it kept playing and exhibited just a couple of small scuff marks.

It’s practical. We measured its Bluetooth range at an impressive 100 feet, and we got 11 hours of battery life—not quite the 14 hours that Ultimate Ears promises, but still plenty. An elastic strap on top lets you hang the speaker from various objects. You can pair one Wonderboom 3 with another to create stereo sound or to deliver sound in a second nearby room.

It’s fun. This round speaker is available in four color schemes— black , pink , light gray , and blue .

How the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has held up

Numerous Wirecutter staffers have bought some version of the Wonderboom. Our editor-in-chief selected it from the thousands of top picks on Wirecutter to write about in our “ 52 Things We Love ” series, and it’s still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• It uses an outdated Micro-USB charging jack. While the world has moved on to USB-C and Apple Lightning connectors, with this speaker you have to carry a USB-A–to–Micro-USB charging cable when you travel. If that sounds intolerable, check out our runner-up pick .
• It’s light on bass. It doesn’t have the oomph for hip-hop or heavy rock.
• It’s chunky. This speaker’s 3.75-inch diameter makes it too stout to fit comfortably in a briefcase or laptop bag.
• It lacks some features. The Wonderboom 3 has neither a speakerphone function nor an analog input, but we seldom use those.

The Soundcore Motion 300 is a great choice for those who need a Bluetooth speaker for travel. The slim design lets it fit into spaces where many Bluetooth speakers might not, and its USB-C charging jack is the same as you’ll find on most smartphones and tablets, so you may be able to use the same cable for both.

The travel-friendly design is only 2 inches thick. This speaker fits more easily into places where the rotund, 3.75-inch-diameter Wonderboom 3 might not, such as a suitcase or a car’s glove compartment. Even if you lose your charging cable while traveling, USB-C cables are easier to find than the increasingly rare Micro-USB cable that the Wonderboom 3 requires.

That said, the Motion 300 is larger overall than our top pick, and a little on the heavy side. At 1.7 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the 0.9-pound Wonderboom 3.

The speaker comes in three different colors: black, light blue, and light green. A carrying strap with a snap closure lets you hang it from objects such as a shower curtain rod or backpack strap.

It sounds excellent for its price and size. Whether the Motion 300 sounds better than, or not as good as, the Wonderboom 3 depends on your taste. The Motion 300 doesn’t sound as clear with voices as the Wonderboom 3 does, but it does a much better job of reproducing musical instruments, so you hear more of the band (especially the bass) and less of the singer. The Motion 300 also plays about 4 dB louder—not quite party level, but loud enough to fill a large living room—although the bass thins out when the speaker is fully cranked.

We listened mostly in the Soundcore Signature EQ sound mode, found in the app. A few other modes are available, and there’s a Bass Boost button on top, but we usually preferred the sound without it.

The Motion 300 also includes a sensor that detects whether it’s standing vertically or lying flat, and it optimizes the sound for that position.

Soundcore touts the Motion 300’s inclusion of Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec, which allows the transmission of higher-quality sound if you have an LDAC-equipped smartphone. However, with inexpensive speakers like these, the Bluetooth codec has a negligible effect on sound quality.

This speaker is not as rugged as our top pick, but it is waterproof. The Motion 300 is IPX7-rated, so it’s not dustproof but can survive 30 minutes of submersion in 1 meter of water. The battery ran a little longer than that of our top pick: 12 hours in our tests, which is probably enough for a weekend trip without a recharge.

However, the Bluetooth range in our tests was notably less than the Wonderboom’s: about 60 feet, which is adequate but not impressive by today’s standards. The Motion 300 has a speakerphone function that works pretty well; my voice sounded a little muffled to the person on the other end, but the speaker did seem to cancel room echoes.

Like the Wonderboom 3, this model has no 3.5 mm analog input. Also, Soundcore’s promotional materials don’t mention stereo pairing, and we can’t find that option in the app; this is a surprising omission, as stereo pairing is found even in many under-$25 models.

The W-King X10 is the best portable speaker to use in larger areas, such as at a picnic, a small beach party, or a yoga class. This speaker costs only a little more than the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, but it sounds about as good as, and plays louder than, our previous upgrade pick, the much more expensive Sony SRS-XG300 .

It plays louder. The X10 maxes out at about 7 decibels louder than the Wonderboom 3, which is roughly the difference between talking normally and raising your voice to address someone 30 feet away. Even at that loud volume, during our tests it sounded smooth and balanced, with clear voices and plenty of bass. The Outdoor mode cut the bass some but didn’t boost the volume. (Unfortunately, the speaker has no indicator to tell you which mode it’s in.)

The battery life is impressive. In our tests we got 24 hours, which is excellent—although short of W-King’s claimed 42 hours.

It’s larger. The X10 is about the size of a football and weighs 6.5 pounds, a manageable weight when you use the included shoulder strap (which sports an integrated bottle opener). Once you reach your destination, you can lay the speaker down horizontally or stand it on end.

It isn’t quite as rugged. The X10 has an IPX6 rating, which means it can withstand spraying from a hose but not submersion in water, and it’s not dustproof. Its buttons require a firm push; the similar but slightly less powerful W-King D8 has bigger buttons that are easier to use.

It has a lot of helpful features. The back panel offers a USB-C charging port, a 3.5 mm analog audio input, an SD card slot for playing MP3s, and a USB-A output for charging mobile devices. You can pair two X10 units for stereo audio. Its speakerphone function worked okay in our tests, but for both my conversation partner and me, it sounded dull and somewhat noisy, as if we were both in our cars.

We measured the speaker’s Bluetooth range at 70 feet, which is more than adequate.

If you want a great all-around portable Bluetooth speaker for under $50, the Tribit XSound Go is a terrific choice. Five years after its debut, it still sounds better than almost everything else in its price range. It’s also small enough to slip into a laptop bag, and it’s IPX7-rated, which means it can survive a half-hour swim in 1 meter of water.

It sounds surprisingly good for its size and price. When the XSound Go accompanied me through four weeks of travel, I continued to be surprised by how clear and full its sound was. Voices were natural and distinct, never bloated or hoarse, as they can be on most inexpensive Bluetooth speakers. In our tests, the XSound Go didn’t sound as full, or play quite as loud, as the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 , but all of our panelists thought it delivered amazing sound quality for its price.

It has good features for the price. In addition to top-panel controls, you get a 3.5 mm analog input to connect external audio sources that lack Bluetooth support, plus a usable if somewhat noisy speakerphone function.

Although the battery life is rated at 24 hours, we got only about 10.5 hours—but for a cheap Bluetooth speaker, that’s okay.

It’s not dustproof, and it doesn’t offer stereo pairing. We measured its Bluetooth range at about 50 feet, which is good for a speaker in this price range.

How the Tribit XSound Go has held up

A few Wirecutter staffers have purchased the XSound Go and lived with it for a while. Here are some long-term test notes:

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is a huge step up from your average portable Bluetooth speaker—in performance, size, and price. You could call it our ultra-upgrade pick, and it’s great for a variety of listeners, from the person who wants to fill their backyard with music for a pool party to the audio aficionado who wants a portable speaker with sound quality approaching that of a decent stereo system.

It plays very loud. In our tests, the Hyperboom maxed out at 99.1 dB—almost 8 decibels louder than the W-King X10 . That’s enough volume for a big pool party. “For picnics or group workout sessions in the park, this is ideal,” one of our panelists said.

It performs more like two good stereo speakers in one box. With two tweeters (to reproduce the higher-frequency sounds), two woofers (for the lower-frequency sounds), and two passive radiators (to further help with bass reproduction), this speaker produces the kind of clear, robust sound we’re used to hearing from a good small stereo system.

The Hyperboom also incorporates an Adaptive EQ feature, which Ultimate Ears says will adapt the sound to suit the surroundings. During our tests indoors, Adaptive EQ sometimes made the sound a little too bassy, but outdoors it worked great. Ultimate Ears also offers an app with special sound modes and a manual EQ function for tuning the sound.

It has an optical digital audio input. This rare inclusion on portable speakers makes it easy for you to connect the speaker to a TV set for louder, fuller sound. (In this case, though, you have to control the volume on the Hyperboom, rather than on the TV.) A top-mounted ring switch lets you choose between two Bluetooth sources and select the optical or analog input. Through the app, you can connect this speaker to any number of additional Hyperboom units, as well as any speakers from the Ultimate Ears Boom and Megaboom lines.

It’s heavy and big. The Hyperboom weighs 16.6 pounds and measures 14.3 inches high, but its rear-mounted retractable rubber handle makes it pretty easy to lug around. It has a rated battery life of 24 hours; we got 27.5 hours with it running at 81 dB, or 6 decibels louder than the other speakers. We measured its Bluetooth range at 110 feet, but getting Bluetooth at that length sometimes required us to turn the Hyperboom in a particular direction.

It has a proprietary charger. If you take the speaker along on your vacation for more than a day or two, you’ll have to remember to bring the charger with you. It lacks a speakerphone function, and it’s only IPX4-rated, which means it’s splash resistant but not waterproof or dustproof.

If you want a powerful portable speaker with Wi-Fi and smart-speaker functions (and don’t mind paying a premium): The Brane X is about 50% more expensive than our also-great pick , the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, but it’s half the size, offers similar sound quality and maximum volume, and includes many more features. In addition to Bluetooth, it has onboard microphones that allow it to work as an Amazon Alexa device. It can stream many services directly through Wi-Fi, including Spotify, Pandora, Prime Music, TuneIn Radio, and iHeart. It’s IP57 rated, so it’s better armed against the elements than the Hyperboom. It requires a separate AC adapter for charging, and in our tests it typically ran for 11.25 hours on a charge.

If you want bigger, fuller sound than our picks offer, in a midsize package: The Tribit StormBox Blast is the best value if sound quality and volume are most important to you, and if you don’t mind lugging around a 12-pound speaker. This affordably priced speaker provides excellent sound quality, and it plays about 5 decibels louder than the W-King X10 .

If you want smart-speaker functions or a speaker that works with a Sonos system: The Sonos Roam is technically a portable Bluetooth speaker, with a travel-friendly, IP67-rated design—but it’s so much more. It offers Wi-Fi support and can join a Sonos S2 multiroom speaker system , automatically reconnecting to your Wi-Fi when you bring it home from an outing. It also works as an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant smart speaker, and any content you stream to the Roam from a Bluetooth source can beam to the rest of a Sonos system. On top of all that, the Roam sounds smoother and more natural than any small Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried. As you can read in our first look at the Roam , the downsides are a roughly six-hour battery life and a high price.

If you want the least-expensive portable Bluetooth speaker that still sounds decent: The Punkwolf D68F sounds fuller and more natural, and plays louder (an impressive 84 dB), than any other under-$25 Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried. Plus it has cool-looking internal lights that can be switched off, and it even offers stereo pairing. This speaker is also sold under the Rofall brand on Amazon, but other than the Rofall model being silkscreened “PUNK WOLF” instead of “PUNKWOLF,” we found no difference between the two.

If you want a speaker for your bike: The JBL Wind 3 includes a mount that lets you attach it quickly and securely to handlebars. It also has a simple FM radio and an SD card slot for playback of downloaded or ripped tunes. It’s surprisingly satisfying to cruise around town with this speaker playing.

At the CES 2024 trade show, JBL introduced numerous portable Bluetooth speakers . Most relevant to this guide are the Xtreme 4 ($380), the Clip 5 ($80), and the Go 4 ($50). All three feature Auracast , a new technology that allows Bluetooth streaming to multiple speakers—and also allows one speaker to tune in to multiple Bluetooth streams. The speakers are made from recycled plastic and fabric. The Xtreme 4 features a replaceable battery, so you can carry multiple batteries to get longer run time or replace a battery that’s nearing the end of its useful life.

JBL also announced two additions to its high-powered PartyBox line , the PartyBox Stage 320 ($600) and PartyBox Club 120 ($400). Both feature a replaceable battery, and the Stage 320 includes Auracast. Also in the lineup is the new PartyBox Wireless Mic ($150 for two), which JBL says is compatible with all PartyBox speakers.

EarFun showed its largest portable Bluetooth speaker yet, the UBoom X ($180), which measures nearly 16 inches long.

Soundcore launched the Boom 2 ($130), a new version of its Motion Boom speaker with a higher power rating and a floating design.

We’ve reviewed hundreds of Bluetooth speakers for this guide. Below are capsule descriptions of some of the models that might be of most interest to Wirecutter readers. If you don’t see a certain model you’re interested in, check out our running list of portable Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested .

The Avantree BTSP-850 is an especially affordable and versatile Bluetooth speaker, offering SD card playback and FM radio (with stations tunable by number or auto-programmed). In our tests, it had hardly any bass and didn’t play loud, but as a system for light background music in a cubicle or office, it’s a good choice.

The EarFun UBoom L is a former runner-up pick, but we prefer the more portable design and somewhat clearer sound of the Soundcore Motion 300 .

Most people won’t need something as big or loud as the JBL PartyBox 110 and PartyBox Encore Essential , but they’re both very good-sounding, muscular speakers that are great for pool parties and tailgating, and can also be used as instrument and/or microphone amplifiers for performance. The PartyBox 110, in particular, plays loud enough for even the wildest pool party, and it has separate microphone and instrument inputs. The PartyBox Encore Essential is about half the size and doesn’t play as loud, and it has just one microphone input (which can be used for instruments, though).

By a small margin, the Marshall Willen is the best sounding speaker of the ultra-portable Bluetooth models we’ve tested, but it typically costs more than twice as much as—and plays only slightly louder than—the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 (see below)n.

The Skullcandy Terrain sounds fairly full, although its internal limiter thins the bass out when the speaker is turned up. If you want a decent-sounding, nice-looking speaker for about $50, it’s a solid choice.

The Sony SRS-XG300 (a former upgrade pick) is a great-sounding speaker with a cool design, but the W-King X10 sounds as good and plays a little louder for a much lower price.

The upward-firing “immersive” speaker in the Soundcore Motion x600 sounds crude and excessively bright. The speaker sounds pretty good when the immersive sound is turned off, although it needs more bass. When the bass boost is activated, the bass tends to distort.

The Sway MagBoom is the only one of the many golf-ball-sized portable speakers that we consider worth buying. It sounds surprisingly full, plays reasonably loud, and has a magnetic base for attaching to phones, appliances, and other surfaces.

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is great for lightweight traveling, with a compact design and a rubbery strap that attaches it to poles and straps. It sounds much like the Tribit XSound Go , but it costs more.

The Tronsmart Bang Max delivers the most decibels per dollar (100.2 dB) of any large portable Bluetooth speaker we’ve found. It sounds less smooth and you can hear more bass in the midrange than the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom , but for outdoor parties, it might be better. As one of our listeners said, “I’d prefer the UE for indoor listening and the Tronsmart speaker for dancing or playing music by the pool.”

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is like a bigger, more advanced version of our top pick, the Wonderboom 3 . But despite its size and fairly high price, it has a rather trebly sound that didn’t appeal to us.

The Zvox AccuVoice AV70 has a voice-boosting mode that, as with other Zvox models, does a nice job of making voices sound clearer for those with hearing-health issues. It can’t match the volume or bass output of our top picks, though.

This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.

Can I connect multiple Bluetooth speakers?

Many portable Bluetooth speakers can pair for stereo operation, with one speaker playing sound from the left stereo channel and the other playing from the right channel. Some offer the option of mono pairing, which plays the same sound from both speakers; this feature lets you play sound in two different rooms. Note that both speakers must be within range of a Bluetooth signal.

How can I reset my portable Bluetooth speaker?

Most portable Bluetooth speakers can be reset, which restores the factory control settings and erases any previous Bluetooth connections from memory. Many speakers have a tiny reset button, often placed near the charging jack and sometimes hidden behind a rubber jack cover. Usually, pressing this button for a few seconds with a slim object, such as a toothpick or an unfolded paper clip, resets the speaker; sometimes the button is hidden inside a tiny hole. Other speakers allow you to reset them by pressing the control buttons in a certain way, such as holding down the power and volume-down buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. Some speakers that you control through a dedicated smartphone app let you reset them through the app. Consult your speaker’s operating manual to find its reset procedure.

How waterproof are most waterproof Bluetooth speakers?

Many portable Bluetooth speakers offer some degree of moisture resistance, a characteristic that is rated according to the IP (Ingress Protection) standard. You’ll see ratings such as “IP67” or “IPx4”; the second digit indicates the moisture resistance. A rating of 7, the best moisture resistance currently available in a portable Bluetooth speaker, indicates that the speaker can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. A rating of 4 means that the item is splashproof. For more, see this complete list of IP ratings .

Meet your guide

Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a senior staff writer covering audio and musical instruments at Wirecutter. Since 1989, he has served as an editor or writer on audio-focused websites and magazines such as Home Theater, Sound & Vision, and SoundStage. He regularly gigs on double bass with various jazz groups, and his self-produced album Take2 rose as high as number three on the Roots Music Report jazz album chart.

Further reading

Great Sound on a Small Budget

by Grant Clauser

Good sound doesn't have to cost a lot. We found the best audio gear for around $100 or less.

The Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System

by Dennis Burger

The Sonos multiroom music platform offers great-sounding speakers, supports the widest variety of streaming services, and is easy to set up and use.

The Best Bluetooth Audio Receiver for Your Home Stereo or Speakers

The iFi Audio Zen Air Blue Bluetooth receiver offers excellent signal range and surprisingly good audio performance for the price.

The Best Outdoor Speakers

by Brent Butterworth

The OSD Audio AP650 is the best all-around choice in a passive outdoor speaker because it sounds great and has a rugged, sealed design with a versatile mount.

The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers for any budget

Simply the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers you can buy

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best mid-range
• Best for sound
• Best for parties
• Best for charge
• Best for battery
• Best premium
• Best for design
• Also consider
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best mid-range 5. Best for sound 6. Best for parties 7. Best to charge a phone 8. Best for battery 9. Best premium 10. Best for design 11. How to choose 12 . How we test 13. Latest updates

The best Bluetooth speakers have become a staple household (and travel) item thanks to their compact size and convenience for listening anywhere, whether you're in the shower, mowing the lawn, chilling in your hotel room, having a house party or cleaning the kitchen. 

We've been testing the best portable speakers for years, in all shapes and sizes – and crucially, for all budgets. Audiophile sound quality and a thumping low end is always going to be a big ask if you're looking at something the size of a coffee cup, but you can get a portable speaker that delivers balanced and clear audio outdoors, especially if you go larger. These are our priorities when testing Bluetooth speakers and obviously we balance that with battery life and price – aka value for money. 

If your biggest priority is a rugged speaker design that can deal with being dropped and dunked, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers is a great place to look. And if portability isn't a factor, check out our guide to the best wireless speakers .

The quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out which Bluetooth speakers are the absolute best in the business? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices for different needs. You can also jump to a more detailed review of each product, and the best deals on them online.

The best Bluetooth speaker overall

The Sonos Roam delivers powerful sound for a small box, a rugged design that can take a tumble, excellent connectivity features (including Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth) and even smart home control. 

Read more below

The best budget Bluetooth speaker

The most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've tested, with great sound quality. It's not the loudest option, but at this size and price, you can't buy better. 

The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker that sticks to the basics, and gets them all right. This rugged model is super simple to use, sounds good and can be linked to up to 100 other JBL speakers to create a big wall of sound.

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound This sophisticated speaker offers crisp audio performance that makes it ideal for the audiophile: think impeccable balance between bass, mid and treble in a bijou design. Read more below

Te best Bluetooth speaker for parties The Blast is heavy and unsubtle, but that's where the criticism ends. It sounds every inch as detailed as models from better-known audio specialists at three times the price (and you can turn its flashy lights off).

Best Bluetooth for reverse charging 

Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof).

Read more below  

Load the next 3 products...

The best Bluetooth speaker for long battery life

It's not a looker and it's a tad heavy to boot, but that's because it's got a massive 30 hours of battery life under the hood. With a sub-$80 / £80 price tag, it's hard to complain…  Read more below

The best premium Bluetooth speaker

This is great for both the home and outdoors. It's got big sound and big battery life, but that means a big size and big price tag, so it's not for everyone.    

The best Bluetooth speaker for design

This 2023 starlet looks the absolute business. It's pricey, but if you want that funky Ultimate Ears design aesthetic and sound, it's back – in a big way. Read more below

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.

Recent updates

May 8, 2024 Updated the intro, and checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated some product information throughout.

1. Sonos Roam

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You own more Sonos speakers: Given that you can pair multiple Sonos speakers together, the Roam – alongside the Move 2 at #8 in this list – is perfect for a home audio system. ✅ You like your tech to look as good as it sounds: Sonos' minimalist design aesthetic makes it standout in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space. 

❌ You're an audiophile: The Roam's sound quality isn't flawless due to the bass being a little unruly. Instead, look to B&O at #4 in this list for the best in portable audio.     ❌ You're often far from a plug: With only 10 hours of battery, the Roam offers a lot less than most like the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list , which doubles it at 20 hours. 

What you need to know: Since its release in 2021, the Sonos Roam has remained our favorite Bluetooth speaker, winning the TechRadar Choice Awards two years in a row (2021 and 2022). While there are plenty of portable speaker options around, the Roam remains our top pick for its big, room-filling sound, compact design and long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has  Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too. 

Audio performance: The first thing we noticed about the Roam's audio performance is that it's bass-heavy, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. During our testing, we found that the bass was powerful enough to cut through wind noise but it was a bit overbearing while inside. Despite its small stature, the Roam delivers a powerful sonic performance – even if it does lack the rhythmic accuracy you'd expect from an audiophile speaker.

Design: Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home. But it also has a rugged, waterproof and dust proof build that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn't huge, though. It's enough for a day out, but if that's a priority then check out either JBL Charge at #6 in the list or the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2 at #4 in this list instead.

Value: Compared to similar priced Bluetooth speakers we've tested, you’re getting a lot of features for your money here. Sonos has also now added the Sonos Roam SL to its lineup, which is a slightly cheaper version of the Roam that lacks a microphone – but it's otherwise identical in terms of specs. If you’re concerned about privacy and want to save around $20 / £20 / AU$30, then the Roam SL could be exactly what you want.  

Read our full Sonos Roam review

• ^ Back to the top

2. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

✅ You love to listen to music while on the move: As the smallest and lightest speaker on this list, the Stormbox Micro 2 is by far our most portable pick. ✅ You don't want the music to stop: At 12 hours, this doesn't have the longest battery life but it is above average. If you need 30 hours, look to the Stormbox Flow at #7 on this list . 

❌ You want the best sound quality: It's a small speaker, which is why it goes for such a low price, don't expect big volume and class-leading detail. ❌ You value a good control app: While Tribit does have an app for some of its other products, this isn't one of them so you won't be able to access settings through your phone. 

What you need to know: Considering its extremely small size, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best-sounding and most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've had the pleasure of testing. It's not the most powerful or the loudest out there, but at this size and price you can't currently buy better. 

Audio performance: We particularly enjoyed the bass response here, which is where small speakers usually fall down. Tribit is keeping quiet about the exact specifications of the driver in this model but whatever it is, it delivers impressive bass for such a small footprint. And battery life is superb, up from the 8 hours of the original Micro to a travelling or beach day-friendly 12 hours.

Design: The Micro 2 is a brilliantly pocketable portable speaker that delivers a surprisingly loud audio performance, which makes it an excellent option for listening to podcasts or just watching TV shows on a mobile device. It's also a great option if you're looking for a stereo pair of speakers for a small room: you can pick up two of these for what you'd pay for one of its better known rivals.

Value: If you're looking for a speaker to toss in a bag or clip to a bike, you'll find it hard to get a better speaker for such a low price. It's superb, and its flaws are very minor – only that there's no wired connection, really.

Read our full Stormbox Micro 2 review

3. JBL Flip 6

✅ You're a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that's it! ✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.  

❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth's limited bandwidth. ❌ You tend to run out of charge often: If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list as it can also charge your phone.  

What you need to know: There's not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that's all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we're expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that's something you need.  

Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn't have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we  described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there's still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.   

Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn't have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There's also a wide range of colors to choose from so there's plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don't have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life. 

Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you're listening at home or on the go. It's also priced slightly lower than the  JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.       

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound

4. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

✅ You appreciate a well designed speaker: Bang & Olufsen is renowned for its Scandi style and the Beosound A1 embodies that minimalist charm effortlessly. ✅ You're an audiophile: This speaker values premium sound quality above all else and really does pull it off. It is by far the best sounding we've come across with Bluetooth.   

❌ You want a speaker with big, powerful sound: This is better suited to a more intimate environment. For something bigger, look at the Tribit at #5 here or the Sonos at #8 on the list . ❌ You're known to be clumsy: Yes, it's waterproof and dust proof but it isn't as tough as say the JBL speakers in this list like the Flip 6 at #3 and Charge 5 at #6 .  

What you need to know: Bang & Olufsen didn't make too many changes to the second generation of the Beosound. The A1 is quite similar in looks to its predecessor but there are some helpful improvements at the feature level. One of those features is Alexa support, although being a Bluetooth speaker without any Wi-Fi support, this does require you to connect to your phone so can be a bit slow sometimes.  

Audio performance: Despite being a small speaker, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) delivers an exceptionally clear and crisp sonic performance. It manages the difficult task of balancing treble with the mids and bass to produce a smooth sound. During our review, we found the sound quality to be so accurate that it was as if we were listening to our favorite songs for the very first time. The way it manages to control the bass, while still delivering a punchy and exciting sound is outstanding for a Bluetooth speaker. 

Design: Thanks to its circular shape, it can also achieve a full 360-degree soundstage that is surprisingly immersive for such a small device. It's also simply stunning to look at. It has been designed with a slick, minimalist look that makes it feels very classy thanks small details like a thin leather strap. However, although it has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, it is not the most rugged of Bluetooth speakers we've tested and didn't feel it would be best suited for say a muddy hike. 

Value: Bang & Olufsen is known for being a premium audio brand and so the Beosound A1 is a top shelf Bluetooth speaker. Despite this, it is half the price of our top premium pick, the Sonos Move 2 at #9 in this list . As a result, we think the Beosound A1 is best suited to hardcore music lovers who appreciate a beautifully designed speaker. 

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties

5. Tribit Stormbox Blast

✅ You like to have your music up loud: Like its namesake, the Stormbox Blast really does knock your socks off with its powerful, room-filling sound. ✅ You're all about the bass: This delivers exceptionally balanced bass that doesn't overpower the sound – it's a ton of fun.

❌ You don't want a dumb speaker: Okay, this isn't dumb by any means but without any mics, you won't be able to use voice assistants like Alexa or Siri.    ❌ You want something portable: The Stormbox Blast is reminiscent of a hefty boombox. Look at the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 in this list for something super-compact.   

What you need to know: The Tribit Stormbox Blast isn't going to be for everyone. Its heavy, has flashing lights that don't turn off completely (the best you can do is make it so they only flash when you're switching the volume levels) and doesn't have the same smart features as some of the other Bluetooth speakers in this list. But if you're after a dedicated party speaker that is powerful enough to be heard when outdoors, then it is hands down the best. 

Audio performance: If you're looking for a portable speaker that you can take into the backyard without annoying the neighbors, then this isn't it. We think it's important to note that during our tests, we found the difference of two to three volume increments was enough to go from too quiet to too loud indoors, so if you want quiet background playlists then we'd suggest looking at the Beosound A1 at #4 in this list .  

Design: Out of all the speakers we've seen, the Stormbox Blast is definitely not the subtlest of looking device we've tested. But that's where the criticism ends. The Stormbox Blast is the biggest and most powerful Bluetooth speaker in Tribit's ever-growing arsenal of portable speakers and it sounds every inch as detailed – even at higher volumes – as models from better-known audio specialists at three times the price. 

Value: Compared to other portable speakers of this size, the Tribit Stormbox Blast offers the best value we've found. Its priced at the middle end of the market, which means its closest rivals are speakers like the JBL Flip 6 at #3 in this list . If, however, you can afford to spend a bit more and still want seriously impressive sound balance, take a look at the Sonos Move 2 at #8 on the list , though it's not as easy to carry longer distances. 

Read our full Tribit Stombox Blast review

The best Bluetooth speaker for charging

6. JBL Charge 5

✅ You want a speaker that sounds detailed: Compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5 has an additional tweeter that makes it have better clarity, with more impactful bass.     ✅ You tend to need a charger while on the go: With 20 hours of battery life, the Charge 5 can top up your device's battery life thanks to a USB-C port.  

❌ You want to play music extremely loudly: It may not have the big sound that the Tribit at #5 and Sonos Move at #8 can deliver, but it holds its own against the loudest. ❌ You want delicate audiophile sound: It sounds great, but it's still made for impact outdoors, not for refined ears. Think fun and energetic, not classy and controlled.

What you need to know: There aren't a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It's priced a little bit more than JBL's more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list , but that's down to the added tech, which we think makes it's a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.  

Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn't advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.   

Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There's no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).  

Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there's no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.   

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life

7. Tribit Stormbox Flow

✅ You take long vacations: Going away, don't have the necessary adapter, want music to last the whole trip? You'll get a whopping 30 hours from this. ✅ You like a clean, fuss-free aesthetic: Look, it's not the last word in design, but it's durable, solid, and does the job of playing your music very well indeed. 

❌ You like to pump up the volume: the Tribit Stormbox Flow sounds best up to 75% volume, because of its bass-heavy tuning. Crank it up further and things get a little congested. ❌ You're concerned about baggage weight allowance: considering its bijou dimensions, the Tribit is heavy, at 660g, so if you're struggling with flight carrier weight stipulations it may be a little much.

What you need to know: It's one of the newer products in this list, arriving in August 2023 and Tribit's making quite a name for itself in this particular arena – ie. Bluetooth belters at around $79 / £79. It's not winning any awards for design, but it is IP67 water- and dustproof and it has a loud, likeable, bass-heavy sound that'll work for many a summer gathering – at home or on the road. 

Audio performance: For a little speaker, the Stormbox Flow can boom out tunes at the pool party, or give you some impressive sound-per-pound audio if you're chilling at home. The bass is arguably the most impressive aspect – although it does get a little cluttered and bloated you turn things up beyond 75% volume.

Pair two of them up in stereo mode (like we did, because they're affordable little speakers, so this is a viable and cost-effective option for a desktop or party) and it’s even more compelling, with a much wider soundstage, just don’t be surprised if you lower the volume a little more than usual. Another tip for the best listen: stick to the XBass sound mode, for the punchiest, crispest sound through the low end. 

Design: Tribit's a little hit-and-miss when it comes to design flourishes and, truth be told, you won't be bowled over by how the Stormbox Flow looks. There's nothing offensive or ugly about it, but there's nothing particularly classy about it either. Also the power button takes a bit of getting used to for timing. Other than that, it's a solid home run here – oh, and did we mention the awesome 30-hour battery? 

Value: Compared to similarly-priced Bluetooth speakers, the battery life here offers immense value for money. In fact, value for money is one of Tribit's main selling points as a brand, and the Stormbox Flow proves it. Yes, the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 is a great little thing, but if you want a slightly larger, louder product that'll last out your entire trip without needing a charge, you may have found it. 

Read our full Tribit Stormbox Flow review

8. Sonos Move 2

✅ You want to go from indoors to outdoors: Sonos has essentially added portable features like waterproofing and a carry handle to one of its elite home speakers.     ✅ You're looking for a long battery life: Like its namesake, the Sonos Move 2 can keep moving for a full day, with one charge lasting a full 24 hours.   

❌ You're on a budget: Sonos isn't as affordable as the likes of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 in this list , and that comes down to its premium features, design and sound.    ❌ You want to take your music wherever you go: There is a handle to make it easy to carry, but at 3kg it isn't the lightest so isn't best suited for constant maneuvering.

What you need to know: If you're after a Sonos speaker for your home but also want the ability to be able to take it outside with you, then the Move 2 is the Bluetooth speaker you've been looking for. It's both flexible and reliable, and looks classy to boot. There's both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a USB-C port that can be used for a 3.5mm jack with an adapter, multi-room support including through the Sonos control app, a 24-hour battery life, and you can charge your phone from it. 

Audio performance: The Move 2 also delivers premium sound to match its premium price tag. It has a three-driver speaker system, made up of two angled tweeters and one central midwoofer. Although we found the audio quality to be excellently balanced with great detail, the stereo sound wasn't very convincing, but that's okay. 

Design: Sonos has also updated the design of the Move 2 from its predecessor, slightly. It has new plastic finish, slightly different curved edges, a new top panel, is splash-proof and comes in an olive color, which is a new option in addition to black or white. It's sleek and good looking but loses points for the lack of a proper handle, because it weighs 3kg, and that weight isn't balanced when you lift it.

Value: It's a lot more heftier and heavier than your average portable speaker though, and a has a larger than average price tag to match of $449 / £449 / AU$799, which is a lot more than most options. As a result, the Move 2 is firmly a premium speaker, but you do get a lot of features for the price. 

Read our full   Sonos Move 2 review

9. Ultimate Ears Epicboom

✅ You appreciate UE's iconic aesthetic: If you adored the mug-sized 2019 Wonderboom, you'll love this much bigger version. ✅ You've just redecorated your apartment: Few audio products will look as good next to the clean, chic lines in your newly-updated bedroom, den or kitchen as this speaker. 

❌ You want a speaker that'll work over Wi-Fi: No dice here. For all its talents, it is just a Bluetooth speaker, unlike the Sonos Move 2 listed above. ❌ You're on a tight budget: UE kit doesn't often come with a tiny price tag (the Wonderboom being a notable exception) but this one of the priciest options on this list, owing to its size, newness and talent. 

What you need to know: Epicboom arrived in September 2023 and, we mean this, it is finally something to get excited about from Ultimate Ears. It is surprisingly big, very talented and essentially does for big Bluetooth speakers what the Wonderboom 2 did for mug-sized options – level up the game in terms of audio prowess. But this is also a fair wedge of money for a Bluetooth speaker and however likeable it is, it won't play nice with your home Wi-Fi to create a multi-room system, where cheaper options from Sonos (above) can. 

Audio performance: It's meaty, it's zealous, it's fun, it's resoundingly tight through the bass even at high volumes. It's basically everything that made Ultimate Ears a household name in this product category. If we were worried, we needn't have been; this is where Ultimate Ears' engineers shine.

Design: Those big tactile plus and minus signs for volume are back along its body, and the flecked rubberised plastic is now much more eco-conscious. The wrist strap is somewhat surplus to requirements (don't allow it to take the full weight of the thing on your arm – it's 1979g and that might hurt) but it's a beautifully crafted thing – and it offers truly omnidirectional sound too. 

Value: The Boom companion app here is an excellent addition. That said, at this level we might have expected wireless connectivity using your home broadband (hey, Sonos!). Another fly in the ointment is this: although a fan-favorite feature within UE's Boom app, PartyUp, lets you pair multiple compatible Ultimate Ears speakers to beef up the audio, it's limited to Epicboom, Boom, Boom 2,  Boom 3 ,  Megaboom ,  Megaboom 3 , and Hyperboom speakers. Want to pair it with your beloved Wonderboom 2 or newer Wonderboom 3 ? Sadly, that's not possible, because PartyUp is not compatible with any Wonderboom, Blast or Megablast UE speaker. Harrumph! 

Read our full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review

Other Bluetooth speakers to consider

We recently decided to remove the Cleer Audio Scene . We originally recommended it as an alternative to the JBL Flip 6 with an aux-in but it has since been surpassed by newer models. Of course, if a 3.5mm port is important to you then we’d recommend looking at the Tribit Stormbox Blast at #5 in this list . There are other options, too, like the Orange Box , for example, but as a whole, an aux-in does not appear to be readily available among top Bluetooth speakers. If the Stormbox Blast or Orange Box are not as portable as you’d like, then the Cleer Audio Scene can still be found available to buy.  

We also dropped the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as the best Bluetooth speaker for powerful sound. While it packs in tons of bass, this entry was too similar to other recommendations we have included such as the Sonos Move 2  at #8 in this list and Ultimate Ears Epicboom at #9 in this list . If big sound is what you're after, we'd also recommend looking at the Brane X speaker that was launched in December 2023. The reason why we haven't included this in our list more permanently is because it has very limited availability at the time of writing. When it becomes more widely available, we'll be happy to recommend it equally widely.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker

What's the best bluetooth speaker brand.

The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too. 

JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.

If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.

Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.

Is JBL or Bose better?

Both JBL and Bose produce a range of speakers, some are small and compact whereas others are big enough to fill a room with sound at a party. Bose tends to make products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of both excellent audio performance, design and price. JBL is more affordable and its products tend to fall in the mid-range when it comes to quality. 

The brand you choose is all about what you're looking for. If you value quality sound above all else, pick a Bose option, like the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the JBL Flip 6 pushes this speaker out of our list because it's a fantastic all-rounder, sounds good and handles drops, knocks and splashes well. Bose might be the better audio tech brand, but we think JBL outperforms in the portable Bluetooth speaker competition, especially when it comes to sheer value for money.

Is Bose better than Sonos?

Both Bose and Sonos create excellent-sounding audio tech that tends to be at the premium end of the spectrum. We love Bose products and often recommend them, but in terms of the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers, we think Sonos is the better option.

The Sonos Roam has been sitting at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list for some time now and we love that it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, too.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

We've tested and thoroughly reviewed all of the Bluetooth speakers in this guide ourselves by listening to them on their own and by comparing them to the current class-leaders. Basically, if it's listed here, you know we think it's worth it over the myriad rival models we've reviewed (because plenty do not make it here, believe us). 

We test countless portable speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the battery life and connectivity is as good as the brands say they are. 

We test each Bluetooth speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you know that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.

On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and stream from various sources, to ensure that these speakers can handle everything from thumping dance tracks to softly-spoken podcasts. 

With more years in this game than we'd care to admit behind us, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the Bluetooth speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it. 

The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide

April 4, 2024 Removed the Cleer Audio Scene as best for aux-in and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as best for powerful sound. Added in a new 'Also consider' section that highlights upcoming new releases to look out for.

Read more updates

March 4, 2024 Added Tribit Stormbox Flow and Ultimate Ears Epicboom to this buying guide. Updated biog and key points. Reworte intro to reflect current tech updates in the category. 

January 25, 2024 Updated write-ups for each product to include extra summaries from key points of their respective reviews. 

November 30, 2023 Updated copy throughout, added Sonos Move 2 details. September 25, 2023 Updated lead image, added 'buy it if' boxouts to product write-ups and swapped out the Sonos Move for the Move 2 as the best premium Bluetooth speaker.   Aug 10, 2023 Updated intro, checked prices, considered other competing options for entry to this guide 

July 25, 2023 Added links to our recent IKEA shower speaker feature and mini Bluetooth speakers roundup. Updated the intro to reflect current trends and best choices. 

June 15, 2023 Updated the format of this guide to make it easier to navigate. Added more about how we test Bluetooth speakers to the introduction. Updated FAQs at the end to reflect our current choices. Removed a discontinued product from the list.

June 6, 2023 Updated introduction to reflect the new season, and checked all products.

May 18, 2023 Changed images to our own hands-on pictures. Reordered products to reflect the latest prices.

April 13, 2023 Checked all products against our latest reviews and ratings.

February 17, 2023 Added Cleer Audio Scene to the list. Reordered products accordingly.

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Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

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We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound

Mose Hayward

Travel Nerd

I’ve been travelling the world for a decade and a half, and no matter how much I whittle down my luggage to the bare essentials, I always have room for a small speaker. I love to follow my podcasts, to share and discover music with people from all over the world, and to improvise occasional mini-dance party on the go. My phone’s speaker just doesn’t cut it.

It’s pretty vital to travel with good sound.

We’ve tried out dozens of different Bluetooth speakers for this site, and we also continue to read all speaker reviews from top consumer test organizations, tech sites, and bloggers around the world. It’s not easy to pick just one travel Bluetooth speaker from the heap, but if we had to do it, here’s the current winner we’d take on any trip.

The Best Travel Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is our favorite travel speaker.

Why: An even mix of punchy, dynamic sound in a small, nearly indestructible waterproof cylinder; the overall best portable replacement for a full speaker system

But:  While we think the Boom 3 is the best speaker for its size and price, there are also cheaper, smaller options discussed below that are quite worthwhile (though with less loudness and bass)

Our first Bluetooth speaker article was published way, way back in 2015. It has since been updated every few months with additions, changed recommendations, and new speakers. On April 14, 2017, we started logging these changes here; we added the UE Wonderboom to the recommended cheaper speakers. On May 3, 2017 we made a few changes and added the Etekcity RoverBeats T3. On May 8, 2017 we added the CRDC Life. On May June 2, 2017 we added a discussion of the JBL Flip 4 and made a few other updates. On June 21, 2017 we updated the discussion of the CRDC Life. On August 11, 2017, we updated the information on the Fugoo and Bose Soundlink Revolve speakers. On August 15-16, 2017, we removed speakers that were no longer available, updated the descriptions of our main pick, added some great alternate recommendations that have been recently released. We also rewrote the dumb parts. On Nov. 2, 2017, we added the AOSM speaker. On Nov. 3, we added the Bose Soundlink Micro. On Nov. 7, 2017, we added the supercheap tiniest speaker. On July 18-20, 2017, we did a major overhaul of the whole article with some updated recommendations concerning new speakers and eliminating those that are no longer available. On July 22. 2018: removed the no-longer-available the AOSM Portable TWS Bluetooth speaker, CRDC Life and Etekcity RoverBeats T3. Complete overhaul with updated recommendations on October 23, 2018. April 8, 2018: Updated with more opinions on the sound of the Boom 3 and better photos. Updated on Oct. 1, 2020 with a much better cheap pick. Added the JBL Flip 5 on Nov. 5, 2020. Updated with some minor changes to cheaper picks on July 21, 2022. Updated to remove older speakers and fix links on May 2, 2023. Similar update to remove outdated speakers but keep our main recommendation, with updated photos of it, on July 11, 2023.

This site (and our travel adventures) are rather meagerly funded through affiliate links; this means that when our readers click on shopping links to Amazon or pretty much anywhere, if they buy something, like it, and keep it, we get a small percentage. So we’re not particularly incentivized to recommend any one brand over another, but rather to have people find what they will like and use. We have received free speakers on occasion from manufacturers (who have no input on what we write) for review. Some of of those speakers sounded terrible, as noted below (Dodocool, Rise, etc.). Some of them sounded good. Ultimate Ears, for its part, only woke up and sent us a free speaker after we had been buying them with our own money and recommending them for years.

Why the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Is Our Favorite Travel Speaker

We’ll discuss its main road-worthy features first, then its sound — including a meta-take on critics views of this versus other portable speakers.

Features of the Boom 3: Rugged, Ready to Travel

This is not a feature-rich speaker, but it does include everything we find essential for use anywhere.

Waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof

No you’re not actually going to listen to your speaker underwater. But with the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, you could. The IP67 waterproof rating means that the unit is rated to be immersed under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes with no damage. This is a specific and meaningful claim (with legal implications) under the conditions of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standards .

In our test it sounds fine in the bathtub, but really, just put it next to your bath, shower, or pool. We do like knowing that we can easily wash it when needed, and that the odd splash of water won’t hurt it, but the 7 rating in waterproofing (meaning it can be submerged) is a bit overkill.

The 6 in the rating also means that it is “dustproof” and meets the standards for keeping dust out of the unit — an extra level of protection that is rare in such speakers, even those that are rated as waterproof.

The “drop-proofing” is a vaguer claim from Ultimate Ears that meets no specific standards, but the company claims that the Boom 3 passed various drop and durability tests. We were not so interested in testing this particular claim, but clumsier Amazon reviewers report that they’ve dropped it with no problems or even scratches . (The same was reported with its predecessor UE Boom 2 .) And prior to picking up a Boom 3, I myself was using, dropping, and bumping an (ancient-model, long discontinued) UE Mini speaker from the same manufacturer for many, many years and to this day it plays perfectly. The battery still works great too.

 Convenient Charging and a 15-hour Battery for Long Parties Away from a Power Source

This is not the longest battery life for a quality small travel speaker (the Fugoo Tough described below goes for 40 hours) but the Boom 3 has more battery time than most reasonable people will ever need. (We also recommend carrying a backup battery for devices when on the road, which could be used to charge a speaker in a pinch.) The Boom 3 lasts for 15 hours of constant use. In the real world, I used it without charging for a two-week trip that included several spurts of use in (3-4-hour) car trips, and use in hotel rooms, showers, little improvised dance parties, and more with more battery to spare at the end.

The Boom 3 charges via a standard mini USB-B port, and you may be traveling with other devices using the same cable, like a Kindle for your language learning or your headphones. It’s too bad that the Boom 3 doesn’t use USB-C, like modern phones, but most other Bluetooth speakers are still on USB-B (micro) ports as well.

If you’ve seen our commentary on  toiletry kits , you know that we’re obsessed with the utility of being able to hang things while travelling, and staying in cramped quarters.

You can use a carabiner —or, my favorite, a travel hook —to attach your Ultimate Ears Boom 3’s hang loop to a backpack, a fence, a chair, a towel hook when you’re the shower… this is a very small but incredibly convenient feature. At least I think so; I always seem to run out of space to set stuff out on when I’m staying in weird corners of the world.

The Boom 3’s Dedicated Apps: Equalizer, Pair Multiple Speakers, and More

You can use the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 without installing any special apps as a simple Bluetooth-connected speaker. But you’ll want the relevant  Android or iOS  app for your phone as they add quite a bit of functionality.

• The “block party” features allows three people to share/fight for DJ-rights to the speaker.
• You can remotely turn the speaker on and off, which turns out to be quite convenient for making sure you save battery when the speaker is a bit further than you’d like to reach, or for turning it on to find it by sound if misplaced.
• Customize the EQ to your taste.
• Use the speaker as a musical alarm.
• Connect multiple Boom 3 speakers for bigger sound. You can also connect 150+ Ultimate Ears Boom, Boom 2, Megaboom, and Megaboom 3 and have them all blasting music from your little old phone.

Portable Size and Weight

The Boom 3 is a very packable 2.9-in. (7.3 cm.) diameter cylinder and is 7.2 in. (18.4 cm.) tall. It weighs 1.34 lbs. (608 g.).

The Feature It Lacks: The Boom 3 Is Not a Smart Speaker

If you want a speaker you can chat with (ask about the weather, news, control a smart home) that is similar to the Boom 3, you can see our comparison  of it with the Ultimate Ears Blast . But note that we wouldn’t really recommend  any  smart speaker, at least in terms of travel, as all smart speakers currently only work when connected to WiFi.

We also think that smart speakers are a bit gimmicky and not all that useful; if you want an assistant we’d just talk to the one built into any modern smart phone. And for a home unit, go instead for a (much more useful) unit with a screen like the Echo Show or Google Home Hub  for your home.

How the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Sounds

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is, as you may expect, the third in a series. The previous versions, the UE Boom and UE Boom 2, were both revolutionary  hits   with   reviewers   when   released   with tech   press , audiophiles , and international consumer and  testing  organizations. These were the first speakers to really do 360-degree audio and they packed an incredible punch for their small size.

The competition has caught up, definitely, and plenty of other portable Bluetooth speakers sound wonderful. But the Boom 3 has improved over the Boom 2 too . Thus far the critics have   been heaping  praise on the new portable party guy from Ultimate Ears, saying that its sound has a bit better performance at top volumes. Since speaker tastes are subjective, our meta-take is always to look for an overall consensus in this way rather than taking just our ears or any other one critic’s tastes as gospel.

And overall the experts think that the Boom 3 sounds fantastic. Its 2-inch drivers and 2×4-inch passive radiators punch out powerful sound and relatively deep bass for such a small unit with little risk of distortion. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and it doesn’t — like certain competitors, hike up the bass end to try to cover sloppy performance. The sound is balanced and rich, clear and sweet in the mids, and often described as “punchy” or “dynamic”.

Of the many Bluetooth speakers that I’ve personally listened to, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is the best sounding of its size, and certainly has the most convincing bass — not quite as deep and pleasing as high-end home bookshelf speakers, but it’s getting well close, which to my mind is fantastic for someone who is rarely in my living room enough to enjoy those.

The speaker  goes quite loud (up to 90 dBA) and doesn’t have issues with distortion or odd mix effects when it gets up to its limits. Pushed to the max it was uncomfortably loud in a large interior living room/dining area, and could certainly serve as the sound system for a house party if needed.

Also crucial for good sound in practical outdoor settings or larger rooms is the Boom 3’s 360-degree output . No matter which side of the speaker you’re on, it sounds the same. The speaker is designed to be placed in the center of the action, and be equally enjoyable from any side. This means you can take a party to go and place the speaker in the center of the action, and it will sound great to everyone.

Downsides of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 (But Not Enough to Hold Us Back)

• There is always a trade-off between a speaker’s size and its ability to deliver convincing bass and volume, so of course some larger Bluetooth speakers do sound better, especially on the bass end. In this article we focus on portable units and compare the Boom 3’s sound to them; we separately cover bigger, less portable Bluetooth speakers here . The Boom 3 is to most ears the best-sounding speaker with the features and the size that a traveller wants, but you might also compare it to the Megaboom 3 if you’re willing to carry about twice the weight.
• It’s a bit expensive. You can certainly spend less and still have a great-sounding and robustly durable travel speaker (see below ).

Buying Options for the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Scoring the Best Prices

In addition to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 at Amazon , you can check for it on  Best Buy , although we haven’t thus far seen better prices there. Amazon sometimes has different prices depending on which color you buy, so you may want to click around to different colors if you’re flexible.

We wouldn’t recommend buying a used Boom 3 —or any other battery-containing electronic device — as there is no telling how many cycles the battery has already been through at the time of purchase. You may end up having to replace the battery too soon (though our experience with Ultimate Ears batteries has generally been quite good).

Protecting Your Boom 3: Carrying Cases

The Boom 3 is an incredibly rugged speaker and we don’t think it really needs a case (we do travel with our cables neatly stored and protected in a  Skooba Cable Stable however).

But we know that lots of our readers do buy cases. Such cases do at least provide a nice way to organize and protect the charging cable and keep it alongside the speaker. Our readers’ top three picks are below.

A Larger Travel Speaker—with Even More Volume and Bass: The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

We’re all about travelling light so we’ve focused this article on speakers that are about the size and weight of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

If you think you can carry more, you’ll also be able to get more volume and better sound — this is a basic law of speaker tech.

Our rugged, larger travel speaker recommendation is the  Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 . In our direct comparison of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 we note that they’re almost identical in terms of design but the Megaboom 3 offers a bit more soundstage and performs better on the bass end. It goes deeper, and its lows on bass-heavy tracks are more full and convincing.

Otherwise it’s nearly the same as the Boom 3, so if you’re willing to carry a bit more weight (and pay a slightly higher price), this would be the one to go for.

The Most Rugged Bluetooth Speaker We’d Recommend—and with a Crazy Long Battery Life

The  Fugoo Tough is designed to withstand snow, mud, shocks, and submersion underwater. It has an IP67 rating just like our main pick and a removable jacket that suggests it’s going into war — It’s not going to have any issues with being dropped, bumped, or kicked around.

Of the speakers we recommend it also has the most battery life: 40 hours.

Overall it doesn’t get near as many accolades for sound as our main pick, but it’s not too bad either.  Several   reviewers quite like how it handles music, while another faults it for lack of bass and volume.

Fugoo sells basically the same speaker in Sport , Style S , and Fugoo Style versions, but the Tough version is the only one that might make sense for some travellers as it is the most indestructible of the lot, and that’s what Fugoo has going for it in comparison to other options. We have done a full analysis of the differences between these Fugoo speakers . And we have a more complete comparison of the Fugoo, UE, and Bose lines of speakers .

The Best Smaller Bluetooth Speaker (Slip it in a Pocket, Clip it to Your Pack): Bose Soundlink Micro

At about half the size and weight of our main pick, the Bose has introduced a clippable, pocketable marvel that still somehow manages to deliver signature Bose evenness and clarity, and even enough loudness to fill a room or work for outdoor listening.

The Bose Soundlink Micro measures 3.87 inches (9.8 cm) square and is 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) thick; it weighs 0.64 pounds (.29 kg), making it one of the lightest speakers we’ve ever recommended. It’s fully IPX7 waterproof and has a very durable rubberized chassis.

The tech critics   and audiophiles   who   have reviewed it tend to agree that its clarity is great and there is even somewhat of a soundstage and a solid bass end; it’s widely held to be the best-sounding small speaker of its size.

The main complaint it gets is its price; this costs more than most such tiny speakers. And the battery life of six hours may deter some (though if you’re carrying your own spare USB battery in your pack you don’t have to worry).

Overall, if you’re someone who is into extremely light packing and you need your tunes on the go, this is the speaker to go for.

See also our  comparison of the Micro with the Bose Soundlink Color II .

The Best Cheap, Small Clip-on Speaker for Travel: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is half the price of the Bose Soundlink Micro above, and to some sounds even better. I personally have loved listening to most music on it, as it really excels in delivering a full, well-rounded impression of the mid-range that you’d normally get from a much larger speaker.

It’s also significantly cheaper and more portable than my top-choice Boom 3. While it can’t come anywhere near delivering the powerful bass and immersiveness of my top travel speaker pick, if I were just slightly less snobby about sound, or if I needed to lighten my load, I’d happily carry the Stormbox Micro 2.

It charges via USB-C (how modern), so you can use it with the same USB-C travel charger that you likely already use for your phone and perhaps laptop and other devices. The new version adds to that the ability to charge a phone or other device off of the speaker’s battery—a lifesaver after a long flight.

Add to that Bluetooth 5.0 and full IP67 waterproofing, and it’s hard to find any objection.

Other Travel Speaker Options (Not Our Top Picks)

A quieter but excellent-sounding travel bluetooth speaker: bose soundlink color ii.

The Bose Soundlink Color II is the small-to-mid-sized Bluetooth speaker to get if you want a decent soundstage and the smooth mids and trebles that the Bose universe tends to provide.

The Color II not as loud, and doesn’t kick out as much powerful bass as some of the other options, but the critics and consumer organizations report that holds it own and is excellent for filling a room with clean, detailed sound. We offer a full comparison of the Soundlink Color II with the other Bose speakers .

The Color II is directional, meaning that it sounds best when you’re right in front of it, and it’s spash-resistant (but not waterproof) and has a rubberized body so is expected to survive drops well. Overall, that makes it a nice-enough speaker to travel with, but the Boom 3 seems like a better deal to us.

The Bose Soundlink Color II measures 2.2 x 5.0 x 5.2 inches (5.6 x 12.7 x 13.2 cm) and weighs 1.2 pounds (.544 kg).

Generally Well-Liked: The JBL Flip 6

We think that the JBL Flip 6 is a good speaker and a slight improvement on the JBL Flip 5 (see this review for full thoughts) . It could be a decent in-between-priced pick if your budget falls between our main pick and the cheaper pick above.

A Few More Notes…

The AYL Portable Mini Capsule Speaker System is not actually a bluetooth speaker, but connects via a mini cable. It’s really small and really cheap, and considering that sounds decent  according to some . If you have a modern smartphone or tablet, though, your sound may already be better directly from that.

We completed a comparative meta-review of the differences between the Bose Soundlink Revolve II and Bose Soundlink Revolve + II , which we think are both quite fine Bluetooth speakers but perhaps not what we’d want to take on the road, as they’re not as waterproof and dustproof.

As of this writing there are a couple of reviews out there of the Oontz Angle 3 , but no serious comparisons to other speakers by anyone who is an expert in audio. This speaker is quite popular on Amazon, and most reviewers there seem to be enjoying their purchase as a functional and loud-enough option for “rocking out in the shower” or listening to audio books. We can’t recommend this over the other cheap options (above)  until we see more written about it or try it out ourselves, but it may be another good option at the lowest price point.

The Rise MiniBoom Wireless Speaker is a tiny, palm-sized and well-built speaker that would be a great road companion if it sounded better. Unfortunately, I found the sound at high volumes to be so harsh and unpleasant that I didn’t even want to use it for listening to podcasts — the sound from my Pixel phone itself was actually more even and listenable. If you lower the volume and listen to music, there is a bit more body and presence than a cell phone’s own speaker, but unsurprisingly not the clarity of the larger speakers we review here, and the sound is muffled. I wanted to love this speaker for its small footprint and obvious convenience as a minimalist travel accessory, but unfortunately the sound quality for me is overall not worth adding to one’s bag (or even pocket).

The SOL Republic Deck was pretty well-liked by some reviewers , though they weren’t in completely in love with it or anything. It is long and thin, and its price has dropped significantly, so it could now be considered a decent cheap option, but still not as good as our other cheap picks above.

Wrap-Up: And the Best Speaker for YOUR Travels Is…

With Ultimate Ears speakers especially, it’s very worth clicking over to Amazon and checking out prices for various colors in order to get the best deal, as they vary widely at times.

Our Reviewers’ Picks of Underrated, Useful Travel Gear

About The Author

31 thoughts on “We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound”

I’d like to see Minirig Mini and Wonderboom 2 compared, they’re both smaller than Boom 3 and sound quality would be at least close.

I’d agree that Wonderboom 2 (or previous version, both reviewed here) is excellent and an in-between spot for a small, great-sounding travel speaker. I haven’t heard the Minirig Mini yet but others’ reviews for it have not been good at all.

I recently purchased two Creative Muvo 2c speakers as my go to travel speakers. They connect as a stereo pair and the sound is great, not overly bass heavy (which I prefer) but the mids and trebles are crystal clear and they don’t distort at maximum volume. Priced at around Euros 35 each they don’t break the bank and are easily portable. Wonder if you would review a set and see what you think?

Great reviews. Can you recommend something that’s small and flat like the jbl go 2 or altec lansing h20 3, that can pair with another, that sounds decent? Neither of these get loud enough. I have a pair of oontz angles, but they’re too big for a pocket and won’t pair to each other.

Thanks, you’re all so sweet. In your shoes I think I’d go for two UE Roll 2s, as mentioned above. They’re flat-ish, but not quite pocket-sized. You really do have to trade off larger size for larger sound, I’m afraid.

Creative Muvo 2c Buy two, pair them up and you won’t be disappointed.

This is one of the best reviews I’ve read about any item. It’s given added credibility because you draw on third party opinions. I’m seeking lightweight, stereo and good battery life. Still deciding, but you’ve given plenty of food for thought Thanks!

I think leaving out any Marshall product is a terrible oversight in this otherwise very useful roundup!

I own the 1st gen Kilburn, and it still pumps out more bass than almost anything listed here, boasts a carry handle, solid highs and mids with very pleasing, warm sound, and excellent battery life. It falls right in line with the price of several entries in this list, and has great build quality.

The only negative is the weight, but if you’re traveling by vehicle to your campsite (or other destination) the weight is less of an issue, and you are rewarded with shockingly good sound for the size of the speaker.

They make a smaller portable BT speaker, in addition to the Kilburn.

Agreed. We love the Marshall Kilburn II too, but it’s much larger than the speakers in this article. We cover the larger speakers like the Kilburn here: https://minimalist.travel/en/reviews/big-loudest-bluetooth-speakers/

Nice job. You say that some critics say the Charge 2+ sounds better than the 3, and you give a link. 3 links indeed. Well, in none of them there is such a statement. The Charge 3 isn’t mentioned at all. Wrong links?

You’ll want to look at the links reviewing the Charge 3 in the paragraph above that; several reviewers made that comment though it was a mixed sentiment. Thanks for your careful reading, hope you find the right speaker for you!

How can it be voice controlled with google home?

Edit (Oct 23, 2018): Nope. Voice-controlled speakers need to be connected to wifi to work and we’re discussing travel speakers here. We’d recommend checking out our smart speaker reviews .

What a fantastic review!

Which bluetooth speaker has the smallest form factor because portability is my main requirement. Thanks

Hi Akshat, we have a separate review of the smallest speakers . Enjoy!

I was wondering. Would two UE Roll 2’s in stereo be better than one UE Boom 2?

In a word, yes. The two UE Roll 2s can provide stereo separation or simply more sound. On the other hand, it’s more to carry around than if you get a single UE Boom 2 . The best speaker is the one that you have with you; you may be more likely to carry a single UE Boom 2 more often than if you have two UE Roll 2s.

Attention Aussie customers …

The Fugoo Style is available on the Official US site for $89US The same item in the AU site is $289AU

You do the math… (not great value for money for the Aussies)

What about JBL Flip 3? No mention of that?

I realisre the article must have been written before Flip3 was released. So if you could give an opinion now?

Frankly, an oversight from our last update. We’ve now updated our coverage from the JBL Flip 2 to JBL Flip 3. As we describe in our update (above), it’s pretty well liked by critics and not a bad option, but most people will frankly prefer our other budget picks. It’s a decent speaker though. Thanks for commenting.

I purchased the phk brick sounds really good its punchy and clear !

Awesome article. I love your thorough, meta style. Q: any word on the UE Megaboom? Given the fine coverage you give of the Boom 2, surely the Megaboom deserves some discussion, and a comparison of its sound with the Boom 2. Thx!

Thanks! We’re glad you found it useful. Perhaps a bit late for you, but we now have a comparison of the UE Boom 2 and UE Megaboom . The Megaboom was considered too large for this article.

No mini rig?

? How can you not have JBL Extream and Fugoo XL in this list?

We certainly considered them; both the JBL Xtreme and the Fugoo XL are quality speakers, but far too bulky (I’ve added them just now to that list).

In this analysis, we focus on options that are small enough that you are always tempted to throw them in your bag, and yet they still deliver on great audio. Our bigger, chunkier recommendation would be the Bowers & Wilkens T7 , which we think is a bit of a step up from those two…

Our recommendations are very much focused on portable options. It sounds like the Bowers & Wilkens T7 would be the best option for you, however.

This article is fantastic — thank you!

I’m looking for something self-powered that gets produces good sound and gets loud — that’s my main requirement. Cost, portability etc are less important. Do you have any recommendations? The only really loud option I could find is the Soundboks, but review sites indicate that the sound quality isn’t very good. What’s the next loudest option out there that has good sound quality?

This site focuses on portable equipment at this time; it sounds like you want battery-powered loudspeakers like these — you might start your search there.

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: Top models for great sound

These are the very best Bluetooth speakers at every budget based on our in-depth testing

• Best home speaker overall

Best Sonos speaker

• Best spatial audio speaker
• Best Apple HomePod
• Best home portable
• Best for festivals
• Best budget
• Best under $100

Best for bass

• Best light-up speaker
• Best for day sacks

Best waterproof speaker

• Best for parties
• Best for travel
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best Sonos speaker 4. Best spatial audio speaker 5. Best HomePod Speaker 6. Best home portable 7. Best for festivals 8. Best budget 9. Best under $100 10. Best for bass 11. Best light-up speaker 12. Best for day sacks 13. Best waterproof speaker 14. Best for parties 15. Best for travel 16. How to choose 17. How we test

The best Bluetooth speakers market is bursting with options. From the best smart speakers that also include Bluetooth connectivity to portable speakers that you can carry around in a day sack, narrowing down the list of speakers for every kind of activity is a huge undertaking. 

As Tom's Guide audio editor with more than 30 years of listening and testing all kinds of audio products — from budget speakers to Hi-Fi systems that cost as much as a luxury car — I've listened to hundreds of speakers and I know what makes the grade when it comes to balancing great sound, durability and features. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge on something a bit more powerful with Wi-Fi smarts, you can rest assured that each of the options listed below has a thumbs up from me and our team of audio experts. 

While all the models here offer superb value for money, it's important to remember that certain features will increase the cost. Built-in digital assistance (e.g., Alexa , Google Assistant) or AirPlay and multiroom support, for example, will add to the price so it's worth considering how you're likely to use a Bluetooth speaker before making any buying decision.

Below, I've selected the top models for all kinds of activities. Read on to find out which models rank among the best Bluetooth speakers I've tested.

The best Bluetooth speakers available now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The quick list

Best multiroom speaker overall  

The Denon Home 150 has all the right Wi-Fi smarts for listening to music, and has bigger bass than most when used as part of a surround sound home theater setup.

Read more below

The Sonos Era 100 offers bigger, clearer sound and improved Bluetooth connectivity, and it lets you play from all the top streaming services as well as a turntable.

Best speaker for spatial audio  

The Sonos Era 300 smart speaker delivers amazing spatial audio in a compact package and lets you stream from numerous audio sources — including your turntable.

Best for Apple's ecosystem

The Apple HomePod 2 delivers amazing sound quality, and works incredibly well within Apple’s ecosystem — such as the Apple TV 4K, iPhone and iPad. 

Best Bluetooth portable with Wi-Fi smarts

The Move 2 lets you go anywhere, with a 24-hour battery packed into a portable (albeit fairly hefty) design. Auto Trueplay tunes the speaker's audio output for wherever you're listening, inside or out.  

Best for festivals  

The UE Megaboom 3 excellent sound, can handle the elements, plays for a long time on a charge and can pair with other UE speakers for stereo sound.

Load the next products...

Best budget  

Anker's Soundcore 3 is big on sound and battery life, but lightweight enough to be easily portable, and at just $50, is something of a bargain.

Best waterproof speaker under $100

One of the most well-rounded Bluetooth speakers under $100, and its IP67-rating means it ranks as one of the  best waterproof speakers  too. 

The JBL Boombox 3 looks like a giant  JBL Charge 5  with a handle on top. It stands out for its size and sound quality and with 24 hours of battery life has all the right credentials to keep the party going.

Best Bluetooth speakers rated and ranked 

Best home speaker overall with bluetooth.

1. Denon Home 150

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

As one of the most versatile wireless speakers around, the Denon Home 150 is much more than a Bluetooth speaker and comes with plenty of Wi-Fi smarts and Alexa voice control, too. It needs to be connected to a power outlet but can form part of a multi-room music or home theater system paired with other HEOS platform speakers. It has integrated app support for all the best music streaming services .

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or old-school wires; whatever kind of connectivity you go for, it has a big sound that's great with all kinds of music. Throw in the Home 150's versatility as a set of surround sound speakers in a home theater setup, flexible wireless and wired connectivity options, hi-res audio file support, and this is one of the best entry-level speakers we've heard.

• Read our full Denon Home 150 review

Best Sonos entry-level speaker with Bluetooth

2. Sonos Era 100

The Era 100 is the successor to the extremely popular  Sonos One  smart speaker, and the revamped design adds Bluetooth to the roster of connectivity upgrades and stereo sound. Just like all other Sonos speakers, the Era 100 supports dozens of streaming services will seamlessly connect and integrate with other Sonos models networked around the home. Along with built-in support for Alexa and Sonos voice assistants, the Era 100 can also connect to external sources such as one of the  best turntables .

During testing, we enjoyed the greater bass depth, which seemed to dig deeper than the Sonos One, which had plenty of energy even at lower volume levels. Midrange clarity had just the right balance, and radio voices and vocal clarity were always convincing and expertly conveyed with whatever song or radio show we streamed. The stereo soundstage is perhaps a bit narrow even with the Era 100’s twin tweeter arrangement, but nevertheless it's a strong performance and a great Bluetooth addition to Sonos’ ecosystem.

• Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

Best spatial audio speaker overall with Bluetooth

3. Sonos Era 300

With Bluetooth support now added to Sonos' Era speaker series, this smart speaker really does bring you the best of both worlds. This smart speaker features support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio, meaning that compatible music tracks will feel like they're enveloping you from all sides. It sounds amazing, and all from a speaker that's slightly smaller than a shoebox. And, because it's Sonos, you can stream Dolby Atmos tracks from both Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited (sorry, no Spotify yet). 

We also like that the Era 300 is both retro- and future-proof: A USB-C port in the back lets you hook it up to your turntable, and both Wi-Fi 6 support means it'll work with the next generation of wireless routers, too. The Era 300 is Sonos' most versatile home speaker yet, bringing spatial audio content to life like no other. It can be paired in stereo with another Era 300 as well as a Sonos soundbar for spatial audio Dolby Atmos capabilities with movies in a home theater setup.

• Read our full  Sonos Era 300 review

Best HomePod speaker with Bluetooth support

4. Apple HomePod (2nd Generation)

While it largely locks you into Apple's ecosystem, the HomePod 2 delivers some of the best sound we've heard from a smart speaker. Thanks to a beefier woofer and redesigned tweeters, it pumps out some impressive audio no matter what audio connectivity you're using. And, it's also compatible with Dolby Atmos, so you can play spatial audio tracks — from Apple Music only, of course. 

Its gorgeous circular touchscreen is larger than the original, and while its smart features mean you can automate smart home scenes using HomeKit, its Bluetooth connectivity means that its not looked out to playback devices that aren't already part of your home network, so anyone can connect to it and play music or podcasts etc. You can also link a HomePod 2 (or two) to an  Apple TV 4K  for audio output, which really makes watching movies that more exciting. This is Apple's best-looking HomePod speaker to date and it sounds great too.

• Read our full  Apple HomePod review

Best portable speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

5. Sonos Move 2

The Sonos Move 2 might not be as portable as the Roam (below), but it ranks as one of the  best smart speakers  and is one of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market. The updated Move 2 takes the well-tuned sound and rich feature set found in the Sonos One and lets you take it on the go, with a 24-hour battery packed into a portable (albeit fairly hefty) design. 

In our review, the Move 2 delivered a crisp sound with satisfying bass and clear, engaging vocals. As with all Sonos speaker designs, the Move 2 works with the best music streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music. Wireless connectivity has support for Apple AirPlay 2, and can seamlessly switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth on the fly. Alexa and Google Assistant support allow you to do anything from check the weather to control your smart home, while the Sonos Voice Assistant offers hands-free playback even when you're on Bluetooth. 

But the best part is the Move 2's Auto Trueplay that tunes the speaker's audio output for wherever you're listening, whether you're having a rooftop party or rocking out in your bedroom.  

• Read our full  Sonos Move 2 review

Best portable Bluetooth speaker overall that's just right for festivals

6. Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

Thanks to its excellent sound quality, long battery life and travel-ready ruggedness, the UE Megaboom 3 is the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy right now. This big, bold portable speaker pumps out rich 360-degree sound complete with detailed highs and satisfying low-end, and maxes out at 100 decibels of noise. It's one of our  best outdoor speakers  thanks to an IP67-rated design, which means it can survive drops, shower splashes, and can even be submerged for short periods without skipping a beat.

The Megaboom 3 is on the bigger side compared to other portable speakers, and unlike many of its competitors, it doesn't have Alexa or Google Assistant support, or any other smart features. But if that’s not a deal breaker, the Megaboom 3's sound quality and ruggedness can't be beat for the price. You can also pair it with older Megaboom and Boom models for a stereo sound experience.

• Read our full  UE Megaboom 3 review

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

7. Anker Soundcore 3

The Anker Soundcore 3 is an amazing little Bluetooth speaker and makes the top of our list as one of the  best cheap Bluetooth speakers  around. For just over $50, this tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water and dust, while the robust rubberised outer case takes care of protection from everyday knocks. The speaker lasts up to a whopping 24 hours, thanks to Anker's best-in-class battery technology, and the Soundcore 3's dual tweeter drivers and central mid/bass woofer allied to a passive bass driver and Anker's BassUp technology, ensure you'll get powerful sound in any setting.

The Soundcore's compact design makes it perfect for tossing into your bag for a quick road trip, and SharePlay allows multiple Soundcore speakers to be synced for an even bigger sound. It's also available in blue, red and silver colors for a little extra ($56) cost in addition to the standard slick black we tested.

• Read our full  Anker Soundcore 3 review

8. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

For most people, the UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth speakers under $100. Its IP67-rating means it's dust and water protected to such a level that it ranks as one of the best waterproof speakers . Its balanced sound and a portable design make it a great travel companion for life on the go. The Outdoor Boost feature does its job in bringing more energy when it's free from room boundaries, and 14-hour battery life should be enough for most situations away from a power outlet.

As with UE's other speaker models, the Wonderboom 3 can be paired with another for stereo sound. The time taken for recharges is the only real disappointment. It took more than two hours from flat to reach the chime that indicates a full charge. Whether this is because of its Micro-USB port is hard to say, but it feels a little outdated given that a USB-C charging port appears to be the universal standard on most other Bluetooth speakers.

• Read the full UE Wonderboom 3 review

Best portable Bluetooth speaker for bass

9. JBL Boombox 3

The JBL Boombox 3 is one of the larger portable Bluetooth speakers around. As the latest generation model, JBL has built on its Boombox predecessors with a new three-way speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a racetrack-shaped bass driver. Its deep bass and vocal clarity fills large open spaces with a big sound that's perfect for larger outdoor parties, and the IP67-rated beast makes it perfect for outdoors events and pool parties.  

As the name implies, the JBL's size and shape looks like a throw-back to the boombox heyday of the 1990s. It's not nearly as bulky as models of the era, though. The Boombox 3 measures a more practical 19.0 x 10.1 x 7.9-inches, and weighs an entirely portable 14.7 pounds. According to JBL, battery life can last all-day from a 6.5-hour charge. It available in two colors including black and squad options.

• Read our full JBL Boombox 3 review

Best light-up Bluetooth speaker

10. Tribit StormBox Blast

While it costs about $200, the StormBox Blast is not nearly as expensive as some of our best Bluetooth speakers like the powerful  UE Hyperboom  or the  JBL Boombox 3 , but it sounds nearly as good, making it something of a bargain compared to other extra-large portable Bluetooth speakers.  

If you’re looking for a big speaker that can withstand the elements, the Tribit StormBox Blast has a lot going for it. It fills any space with a big sound and our vocals on our favorite tracks sounded clear. You can boost the bass further with the XBass button on the speaker, and you can link two StormBox Blasts together for an even bigger sound. It can play all day without needing a recharge, and it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about it falling into the pool or getting rained on for a while. And it puts on a light show if you want some visuals to go with your audio. 

• Read our full Tribit StormBox Blast review

Best compact portable speaker for day sacks

11. Sonos Roam

Building on the success of the Sonos Move, which has now been superseded by the Move 2 and ranks ranks as one of our  best outdoor speakers , the Sonos Roam is a connected smart speaker at home and powerful Bluetooth beast on the road. It’s the more practical Sonos portable that you can throw into a day sack. Plus, it has Sonos' auto Trueplay feature, which adjusts the sound to suit your surroundings wherever you’re listening. 

It is available in five color options including sunset (orange) as pictured, and although we wish the battery lasted more than 10 hours, it juices up quickly via USB-C or wireless charging. When you return back from your latest excursion, the Sonos Roam should rejoin your larger Sonos home system on its own. Listeners are also able to hand off whatever's playing to the nearest Sonos speaker. Or you could stick to Roam, bringing your voice assistant and streaming services room-to-room, or as far as your Wi-Fi can reach.

• Read our full Sonos Roam review

12. JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 makes only a few changes to the Charge 4's formula, but thanks to the new model's improved sound output and even greater ruggedness, it's a deserving member of the best dorm room speakers club. Its IP67 rating, signaling high dust resistance and full waterproofing, is about as good as you'll get on a portable Bluetooth speakers and along with the UE Megaboom 3 is one of our  best outdoor speakers .

JBL's app isn't as advanced as the UE Megaboom 3, but the Charge 5 can show off a few tricks of its own. Chief among them being able to act as a power bank for phones and tablets. So if your device is running out of juice which you're streaming music, just connect it into the Charge 5 to get a top-up.

• Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Best Bluetooth speaker for parties

13. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom

Looking to go big? The UE Hyperboom is the best Bluetooth speaker for large gatherings, thanks to its massive size and big, booming audio output. This 14-inch tall speaker offers a big and balanced sound that's especially ideal for barbecues and outdoor parties.

The Hyperboom is as rugged as it is big, with IPX4 water resistance for surviving splashes. And you'll get 24 hours of battery life for keeping the outdoor tunes going all day and night long. Pair that with seamless Bluetooth connectivity and plenty of volume, and you have the ultimate speaker for filling a large outdoor space with great sound.

• Read our full UE Hyperboom review

Best portable speaker for travel

14. Tribit StormBox Micro

If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker that offers practical portability at a great price, the  StormBox Micro is currently discounted to $49 at Amazon . Although it has been around for a while it's a very worthwhile on-the-go option and has plenty of great features, including IP67-rated to protect it from water (to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 mins) and against dust and dirt.

Despite its very small size, the StormBox Micro sounds great. It's particularly strong with vocals, and pushes out surprising bass levels. It's performance is impressive given that it's compact enough to be attached to a bag or fitted to bike handlebars. The only drawbacks are the lack of an app (although you can pair with two devices at once) and a relatively low battery life, which sees the StormBox Micro run dry after 8 hours.

• Read our full Tribot StormBox Micro review

How to choose the best speaker for you

4 things to consider when choosing a bluetooth speaker.

1. Mains or battery power: There are a couple things you’ll want to consider when shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, the first of which is whether you want it to be rechargeable or mains powered. While a number of wired speakers provide excellent Bluetooth listening, you can’t take them far from a power socket. Stick to a speaker with a rechargeable battery for on-the-go audio.

2. Voice control: With that, you’ll need to decide if a Bluetooth speaker with a voice assistant is the best for you. If you plan to use your speaker in your backyard, it could be useful to have Google Assistant’s or Alexa’s powers at your disposal. That way you can change the music using your voice, rather than controlling the audio through your phone. These smart features will not work beyond your home’s Wi-Fi, so opt for a non-smart Bluetooth speaker for the beach or other outdoorsy locales.

3. Power output: Sound quality should always be a priority when considering one of the best Bluetooth speakers, but it's important you know what to look out for. Maker's specifications may highlight the frequency range, which indicates the range of sounds a speaker is able to produce, but these figures are often presented in an inconsistent manner between brands that mean comparisons between one maker's claims and another should be taken with a pinch of salt — this is particularly true with rated power output claims. 

That's why we assess performance in real-world situations, taking into consideration how a product is likely to be used and listening to it in different environments to fully evaluate its sound output. Bass quality is important to many, and although small speaker cabinets can defy belief and achieve a bigger sound than their size might suggest, generally speaking, the larger the speaker drivers, the more powerful a speaker is likely to sound. And those with passive bass radiators or bass ports are likely to sound even bigger still.

4. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best Bluetooth speakers. Although I've tested some great-sounding cheap Bluetooth speakers , generally speaking, the bigger the brand the lower the chances are that performance and features will be compromised. They often cost a bit more, but going for a budget option isn't always the best choice as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you don't enjoy listening to it because the sound quality is poor. 

Don't forget to bookmark our  tech deals  pages to keep on top of the all the best Bluetooth speaker bargains.

How we test the best Bluetpoth speakers

How we test the best bluetooth speakers.

Every product on this list is considered the best Bluetooth speaker for one or more standout features, however each must meet basic requirements during our testing to be considered. We spend several hours listening to music, making calls and toting around every speaker to make sure it sounds great across all music genres, provides solid call quality and withstands minor bumps or splashes. 

To determine sound quality, we listen to many tracks across multiple music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. Movies, podcasts, and video games are also considered, when necessary.

If a speaker offers smart features, we enable the supported voice assistant to see how it fares against other top rated smart speakers. We’ll use it to control smart home devices, browse playlists and get answers to other common queries. 

We also test battery life, exhausting each speaker’s battery after a full charge to see how long it can last under realistic conditions. A smart speaker connected to Wi-Fi should last at least 10 hours, while a standard Bluetooth speaker should last around 20. Most people want to know how much play time they can expect when their speaker comes along on a day trip. 

The best Bluetooth speakers are rated on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Our reviews on products that hit nearly every mark are awarded an Editor's Choice. 

Find out how we test for more information on our reviewing procedures.

Contributions from: Michael Gowan, Kate Kozuch, Mike Prospero

More from Tom's Guide

• Sonos Move 2 vs. Ultimate Ears Epicboom  
• JBL's Authentics 300: this smart portable speaker is one I'd buy
• Devialet's Mania Bluetooth speaker has impossibly big bass for its size

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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The Best Bluetooth Speakers

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Best Overall UE Boom 3 Read more

Pocket Bass JBL Charge 5 Read more

Best Micro Speaker Sony SRS-XB100 Read more

Best Bargain Tribit StormBox Read more

The best Bluetooth speakers still have a place near and dear to our hearts, even as we've seen better (and more portable) smart speakers creeping into the universe. It's fun and easy to ask an Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker to play your favorite track or tell you the weather, but smart speakers require stable Wi-Fi and updates to work. By (mostly) forgoing voice assistants and Wi-Fi radios, Bluetooth speakers are more portable, with the ability to venture outside of your house and withstand rugged conditions like the sandy beach or the steamy Airbnb jacuzzi. They'll also work with any smartphone, and they sound as good as their smart-speaker equivalents.

We've tested hundreds of Bluetooth speakers since 2017 (and many before that), and we can happily say they are still some of the best small devices for listening on the go. Here are our favorites right now. Be sure to check out all our buying guides , including the Best Soundbars , Best Wirefree Earbuds , and Best Smart Speakers .

Updated February 2024: We've added the JBL Charge 5 and Tribit Stormbox Flow, as well as honorable mentions for the Tivoli Model Two and Dali Katch G2.

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Best Overall

There are bigger and badder Bluetooth speakers, but none match the fun and convenience of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). It's been our top pick since 2018 and the Boom 2 was our favorite before that. It puts out some of the most pleasant and balanced sound for its size. The waterproof cylinder comes in multiple colors, lasts 15 hours between charges, and gives you 100 feet of Bluetooth range. On top of all that, it has a two-year warranty.

If you really need to get a party kicking, Ultimate Ears' Megaboom 3 ($148) is a beefier model that amps up the bass.

Pocket Bass

If you like to shake the room even if the “room” is the Great Outdoors, you can’t do better than the latest Charge from JBL. The speaker is IP67-rated against dust and moisture and offers a 20-hour battery life. It has up to eight different finishes and the ability to charge your phone while off the grid. Its tubular shape is designed to fit neatly into your hand, and just as important, it’s capable of kicking the party right off if you want it to. It’s not a blunt instrument, but its prodigious and frankly unlikely low-frequency response never stops surprising. If it’s portable party time you’re after, JBL has you covered in fine style. — Simon Lucas

Best Micro Speaker

This sub-$100 speaker from Sony has become a go-to when riding to gatherings, thanks to a clever built-in strap, and the fact that it sits flat in a bike basket. It gets up to 16 hours of battery life, is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, and you can even link two of them together for stereo sound. It comes in a variety of awesome colors—my favorites include bright blue and bright orange—so you'll never be lost in the crowd. At just under 4 inches tall, they're also some of the smallest speakers to take everywhere.

Best Bargain

You probably haven't heard of Tribit, but its line of Bluetooth speakers sound a lot better than they should for the price. The StormBox is our favorite model. It has dual-firing drivers and passive radiators in a 7-inch-long pill shape. No, it can't fuel a trance dance party on its own, but its clarity is impressive, and it has a fun extra bass button that adds some surprising, if slightly muddy, thump.

With 20-ish hours of battery and an IPX7 waterproof rating —which means it's not dust-proof but can be submerged in water—it's a great companion for backyard tunes, a trip down the river, or other informal gatherings.

Reece Rogers

Matt Burgess

Brenda Stolyar

Biggest Battery

Tribit has been raising its game in the portable audio category lately, and the Stormbox Flow ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) is another great example of the brand’s portable prowess. The headline here is a rival-stomping 30 hours of max battery life, but the Stormbox Flow has plenty more to give, from an elegant yet weatherproof design to clear and punchy audio with thumpy bass to match. Maybe the speaker’s best feature is its low price of $80 or less, making it a fine fit for budget shoppers seeking a versatile speaker that keeps rocking long after the party is done. — Ryan Waniata

Best for Water Slides

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom was a WIRED Gear of the Year award winner in 2017 because it was the best pool companion you can own. The Wonderboom 2 is even better. The little 4-inch ball of joy now sports IP67 water and dust resistance. It gets 13 hours of battery, has a 100-foot Bluetooth range, floats, and pumps out surprisingly potent audio while doing it.

UE says it's "drop-proof" up to 5 feet, but you can honestly play some light catch with it on the lawn and it won't be any worse for wear. Just wash it off when you're done. You can pair two together for proper stereo sound.

A Medium-Size Speaker

Ultimate Ears appears many times in this guide because it makes some of the best-looking, best-sounding, and most durable speakers we test. The Epicboom is no exception to this trend, with a curvy, pill-shaped body that is easy to transport and place anywhere. It projects sound well in medium-sized outdoor spaces and can connect to other Ultimate Ears models inside the Boom app, potentially creating a party channel of up to 150 speakers. We also like the fact that this speaker is made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabric and 59 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

Adventure Time

We like the JBL Clip 4 more than its three predecessors. It's the size of a hockey puck—small enough that you can take it with you on almost any adventure. It's waterproof and has a carabiner clip up top so you can snap it to all kinds of stuff. It also has more controls (volume, play, Bluetooth, power) than other micro speakers, and its sound is surprisingly bold, making this a great one to hang off of packs or harnesses while on weight-limited outings.

Handlebar Ready

We loved the first generation of the Tribit StormBox Micro for its easy-to-use silicone strap, which firmly held it against bicycle handlebars. In this update, Tribit has maintained the rugged IP67 rating against water and dust, and given us more battery life (around 12 hours) plus better bass. Also, the new Bluetooth 5.2 tech allows it to cast a wider signal than its predecessor, for when you're wandering around the yard or house.

★ Also handlebar-ready: Bose also makes a great speaker of a similar design called the SoundLink Micro ($119) , which was previously our top bike handlebar pick. It sounds about the same but is twice as expensive as the Tribit.

Best Smart Bluetooth Speaker With a Battery

The larger Sonos speakers are great if you want a speaker that usually lives inside, but they aren't the kind of thing you'd want to throw in a backpack. That's where the Roam comes in ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). This tiny Sonos speaker has all the same smarts as its bigger siblings but with an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating and 10 hours of listening time. It's about the size of a 16-ounce beer can and easily fits in cup holders and knapsacks alike.

★ A bigger portable Sonos: The Sonos Move 2 costs $449 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) and is a larger version of our top pick, the Sonos Roam. It's good if you're trying to fuel a real dance party, or if you want a mostly indoor speaker you can take onto the patio for get-togethers.

Best for Home

If you want a home speaker that can occasionally connect to friends' phones or other devices not on your Wi-Fi, snag an Era 100 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). It's a speaker that must be plugged in and mostly streams music over your Wi-Fi network, but it can also function as a Bluetooth speaker. We love that this model is stereo. With dual beam-forming tweeters aimed off-center, you get real, room-filling sound. It's our favorite smart speaker right now .

A Bluetooth Guitar Amp

Positive Grid's Spark Mini ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is one of our favorite portable tools for musicians. You can pair your phone and play music via the cube-shaped speaker, but also plug in a guitar and blend yourself in to jam along. It's a perfect playing tool for campfires and backyard barbecues (8 hours of battery), and it even doubles as an audio interface if you need to scratch down an idea quickly. Because it's a guitar amp, the thing is much louder than it looks, easily able to fuel sing-alongs and shredding interpretations of The Star-Spangled Banner on Independence Day.

Looking for a smaller way to shred on the go? The Spark Go ($129) is about half the size of the Spark Mini and comes with all the same great sounds, making it perfect for those who don't need much volume (or who plan to practice with headphones anyway).

Another Smart Speaker

This smart speaker from JBL ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) gives Sonos a run for its money, thanks to the ability to use both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa at once. We like it as a Bluetooth speaker as well, given its classy, old-school aesthetics (especially evident in the foam grill cover). If you want a Bluetooth speaker that you can park at home between trips outdoors, this is a great Sonos alternative.

Rock and Roll

If you're a music fan or just love the classic Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. Like all Marshall products, you pay a price for the style, but the audio lives up to expectations. For a speaker that's about as big as four old DVD cases stacked, standing upright, it sounds killer, with a smooth, balanced, and refined sound.

The exterior has a durable-feeling, splash-resistant silicone finish, and the front and back are covered with a steel grille. It has a front-facing woofer and a tweeter on each side, powered by a battery that lasts around 20 hours (USB-C charging with a 3.5-mm jack too), depending on how much you tweak the stylish volume, treble, and bass knobs up top. The battery indicator is also handy. You'll enjoy toting all 3 pounds of it around with its carry strap, which has a leather feel on the outside and red velvet on the inside.

If you want a little more power and heft, the Marshall Kilburn II ($267) is similarly excellent, and the Marshall Emberton ($121) is a great extra-portable addition to the amp company's Bluetooth line. Like the Stockwell II, it has a built-in battery gauge.

Porta Party

With 24 hours of battery life, a rugged design, and a huge yard-filling sound, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the perfect speaker for a party. Intelligent algorithms use data from a built-in mic to analyze where you've placed the speaker, ensuring the best possible sound, much like the Sonos Move. This is a better option than the Sonos if you have no interest in a future home network of speakers.

It doesn't have lights or cup holders like some other party speakers, but this is the best-made large Bluetooth speaker we've tested. It's been dropped from trucks, left out in the rain, and used at summer barbecues. It's even got a big silicon strap, inviting you to take it everywhere.

Elegant Accessory

Bang & Olufsen's round, IP67-rated Bluetooth speaker has a luxe price, but it's one of the best-sounding small speakers we've ever heard. With the included leather strap, excellent controls, and super-durable build, it quickly became a favorite. If you're willing to spend a lot more for the best of all portable worlds—looks included—this is the tiny luxury option to beat.

Powered by the Sun

We're not the biggest fans ever of the Urbanista Malibu's sound ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), but it is notable in that it can be charged using solar power. That makes it a great speaker for those of us who are forgetful beach bums, or who only use a speaker like this on rare outdoor occasions, but stick to smart speakers or earbuds at home.

A Bluetooth Record Player

This suitcase-style turntable has a built-in Bluetooth speaker that you can pair your phone to, and it can also transmit the sounds of your record to other speakers and headphones. We're big fans . It's made of 25 percent recycled plastic, comes in cute colors, and all it requires is a single power outlet. It's the perfect little case to bring along with you on your next trip out of town, and the lid even doubles as a record holder when it's not protecting the deck.

A Tiny Soundbar

Sennheiser's Ambeo Mini is the best-sounding compact soundbar I have ever tested, and it does exceptionally well as a Bluetooth (or smart speaker) for music. Pair a phone and put on some tunes between viewing sessions on your TV, or do like I recently did and use the speaker for karaoke (you supply your own karaoke mic, or just sing a cappella). The German brand's excellent drivers and audio design work to keep things balanced, and you can get this setup with or without a subwoofer, depending on how much you hate your neighbors.

For Proper Hi-Fi

This pair of wireless bookshelf speakers from Kef not only look great, they sound amazing ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). They're easily mountable, thanks to threaded 1/4-inch mounting holes on the bottom, and they feature numerous wired and wireless connection types, including Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. A companion app on your phone controls everything, with the speakers providing extremely high-fidelity, room-filling audio with a wide stereo image.

Made to Last

Bang & Olufsen makes some of the best high-end audio gear, and it has recently taken a “ buy once, cry once ” policy when it comes to wireless listening. The Beosound Level is a very expensive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, but it is modularly designed and aims to be repairable forever. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, and it also has replaceable wood and cloth elements. The gorgeous and great-sounding speaker could be a lifetime audio addition that can be upgraded as technology changes, or accidents happen.

If you want something portable designed on the same principles, check out the basket-like Beosound A5 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which has a cute wooden handle and a wicker-like grill cover.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few other products we've tested that aren't as nice as our picks above.

• Dali Katch G2 for $600 : Danish specialist Dali's second generation of its remarkably elegant Katch speaker is a balanced, open, and extraordinarily positive listen, able to extract a stack of information from even the meanest Bluetooth stream. Thanks to a choice of three finishes, a leather handle, and some typically Scandi industrial design, it looks the part as well as sounding it, but its price is very high.
• Tivoli Model Two for $450 : This radio is gorgeous to look at, with its midcentury modern feel, and it can sit both vertically and horizontally. It’s almost a little too minimalist, with its single button and surrounding LED light to control and indicate what mode the speaker is in. It has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming options that you can toggle between, works with Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, and gets plenty loud. It’s pricier than it needs to be, unless you’re looking for a design statement first and a speaker second.
• DemerBox DB2 for $399: The DB2 is a perfect companion to your boldest outdoor adventures, in large part because it serves two purposes: It's a loud portable speaker with 40 hours of built-in battery life, and it's also a crushproof Pelican case. Load it up with any particularly fragile items, plug the bass port with an included rubber stopper, and you've got yourself an everything-proof box to keep your stuff safe.
• Oontz Angle 3 Speaker for $40: This speaker has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and is pretty great for a dirt-cheap Bluetooth speaker in our testing. If you just want something to sing along with in the shower—and you're not a stickler for great audio quality—snag one of these.
• Bose's SoundLink Revolve II for $219: Both this speaker and the Soundlink Revolve+ II ($329) aren't the cheapest, cutest, or most waterproof speakers, but we like their sound and their aesthetics. If you're not hard on your speakers, they're worth considering.
• Sony SRS-XG500 for $498: This is a very loud boom-box-shaped speaker with up to 30 hours of battery life. It sounds and works great, but it just doesn't sound as good as the Ultimate Ears model listed above, and we don't quite like the aesthetics.

Eric Ravenscraft

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The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 15 portable options for every price range

In an overcrowded space, we narrowed down the best speakers in every price range..

One thing became apparent after testing dozens of Bluetooth speakers: there are plenty of good options out there for most people. While that variety is great to have, it can also lead to confusion and overwhelm when you go to buy a new one ahead of your next camping trip, beach outing or backyard barbecue. I set out to try some of the best Bluetooth speakers available now, at all different price points, to see which are worth your money. I’m happy to report that most of them sounded pretty good upon first listen. But in comparing them head-to-head, that’s when I began to suss out the nuances among the best-sounding ones. Ultimately, out of all of the portable speakers out there, you won’t find a single “best” one. But there are a number of solid choices out there that should fit most use cases. These are our favorites.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Soundcore motion 300, ue wonderboom 3, anker soundcore motion+, bose soundlink flex, marshall emberton ii, jbl charge 5, marshall middleton, bose portable smart speaker, jbl xtreme 3, marshall tufton, ultimate ears hyperboom, soundboks go, factors to consider, weather-proofing.

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are the alphanumeric indicators you often see in a product’s spec sheet that define water and dust resistance. It’s usually a combo of two numbers with the first indicating solid object ingress and the second being water. The former goes from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dustproof). The water-resistance rating goes from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against immersion and high pressure jets). When an X is used instead of a number, that means the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it may have some innate resistance to solids, but there’s no guarantee.

IP67 is a common rating these days indicating highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers suitable for outdoor adventures. These are safe for quick dunks in the pool or tub and should be more than OK in the rain or in the shower. They’re also good options for the beach, playground and other rough environs.

Additionally, speakers with ports and a high rating will often include a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product's rated ability to fend off the elements.

Consider the IP rating and also how you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker when making your decision. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.

Battery life

The focus of this guide is on portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.

That said, be careful when looking at battery specs, as they frequently list a maximum runtime (“up to” x amount of hours). This usually means they tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your tunes loud, it can often end up cutting the expected usage time in half or more. Luckily, some manufacturers also list the expected hours of battery life when used at full volume and that transparency is appreciated.

Additionally, if your Bluetooth speaker also happens to have WiFi connectivity, they're usually designed for always-on functionality. Unlike normal Bluetooth speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly run down the battery. If you're out and about, you'll want to remember to turn these speakers off manually when not in use to maximize battery life.

Bluetooth range is tricky business. Some companies list their product’s longest possible range, usually outdoors and in an unobstructed line-of-sight test environment. Other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be running Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That’s likely underselling the speaker's potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there’s little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.

I’ve seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue across several devices regardless of their listed Bluetooth connectivity range.

If you’re hosting a patio party and duck inside, it’s wise to keep any wireless Bluetooth speakers relatively close by just in case. It’s hard to gauge what aspects of any environment may interfere with a Bluetooth signal. In general, take range specs around 100 feet or more as a perfect-world scenario.

This is a minor mention for those out there who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setups like a monitor and streaming box. It’s annoying to find that your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Luckily, it seems that most speakers these days don’t often have these problems. Only a handful of the few dozen speakers I tried had persistent, noticeable lip-sync issues. Aside from occasional blips, all of our picks worked well in this regard.

If you plan to frequently use a speaker for video playback, look for devices with the most recent Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and lower latency codecs like aptX. Also make sure the speaker is close to the source device as distance can be a factor. To avoid the issue altogether, though, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.

Best Bluetooth speakers: $50 to $200

Features: Built-in power bank to charge other devices | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1 pound | Wireless range: 120 feet | USB charging: Yes

If you’re just looking for a small, cheap Bluetooth speaker that can kick out some decent volume, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 fits the bill. The audio quality here is fine; it doesn’t stand out in terms of fidelity, but the volume you get from this affordable little speaker is what makes it a good choice. If you’re bopping about outdoors on your bike or chilling in the park, it’s usually more about portability and volume anyway. The rubbery rear strap works well on relatively thin things like belts, backpacks and bike handlebars.

While it’s small and affordable, the speaker supports USB-C charging for your devices in a pinch and you can wirelessly connect two of them for party mode or stereo sound. It also supports voice assistants for both iOS and Android users.

Features: IPX7 waterproof, custom EQ settings using companion app | Battery life: Up to 13 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Wireless range: 120 feet | USB charging: Yes

Soundcore has been releasing some very able speakers lately and one of its newest is a quality personal portable. The Motion 300 is of the pint-sized variety, but offers 30-watts of punchy and bright output. It’s IPX7 rated so it can handle a bit of water, and it works with the Anker Soundcore app that allows a fair amount of customization from EQ settings to button brightness. It also supports hi-res audio using the LDAC codec for Android users with a compatible device.

The Motion 300’s size and frequency range don’t quite allow for a ton of bass, but it’s relatively loud and thumpy, especially when it has surfaces to reflect off of. Soundcore has even extended its high-frequency range to 40kHz, and while its utility is debatable, the Motion 300 does sound crisp in the high-end spectrum. You can also enable adaptive audio, which helps optimize its sound delivery depending on the speaker orientation (on its back, standing up or hanging from its removable button-fastened strap).

The speaker’s design merges a funky style with office-machine chic, from the playfully speckled soft touch exterior to the metallic, logo-emblazoned grille. Its 1.7-pound weight and clutch-purse size makes it better as a handheld or stowed in your bag rather than hanging from a backpack or bike handlebars. Ultimately, you get great sound in a small package with features you can tweak to your liking, all at an approachable $80 price tag.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 14 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Wireless range: 131 feet | USB charging: Yes

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a tiny yet powerful portable, delivering the biggest sound in its size range that we tested. It’s still a cute, barrel-shaped small speaker with a nubby little strap that probably needs a carabiner to help attach it to most things. But this refreshed model includes a couple of bright new colors, an extra hour of battery life and improved wireless range. With an IP67 rating on top of the company’s five-foot drop test durability, it can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.

The audio quality is punchy and bright enough for what you’d expect at this scale and price range. Although there’s no app support or connectivity with the rest of the Ultimate Ears speaker lineup, you can easily pair it with speakers like the Wonderboom 2 or Megaboom 3 for stereo sound. There’s also an outdoor mode button on the bottom that boosts the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.

Features: IPX7 waterproof, custom EQ settings using companion app | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

This nondescript wedge of a wireless speaker could easily slip under your radar, but it’s worth a listen. It has a bright and bassy output, which is helped along by Qualcomm aptX support for hi-res audio. This Anker Soundcore device has a solid, slightly heavy build with a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch rubberized exterior (that loves your greasy fingerprints) and IPX7 water resistance. While it’s not the lightest or most portable, it has good sound, especially for the price. Plus the app offers EQ customization, so you can fine tune to your liking.

There’s also a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections. That’s fortuitous, as we found that this small speaker works well as a mini soundbar alternative and the wired input offers a foolproof connection.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.2 pounds | USB charging: Yes

JBL’s Flip 6 deserves high marks for overall sound quality, durability and volume considering its size, and those features make it the best JBL speaker for most people. As with most JBL speakers, it has a good dynamic range from solid lows to crisp highs with volume tipped towards higher registers. The cylindrical shape works well on its side or even standing on its end to save desk space. It has a capable carrying (or hanging) strap and raised buttons you can discern in the dark.

The JBL Portable app gives you a 3-band EQ to customize the sound profile if desired and if you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can run them as a stereo pair. If you happen to have a mix-and-match assortment of different PartyBoost-enabled JBL devices, you can connect multiple speakers for a bigger sound.

Features: Built-in mic for assistant support and phone calls, IP67-rated design | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Wireless range: 30 feet | USB charging: Yes

While the $99 Bose SoundLink Micro is half the size, we found that it's definitely worth the extra $50 if you trade up to the SoundLink Flex . While it’s still not a room filler, the speaker offers some bright, dynamic finesse to your tunes, along with a significant amount of bass for its size. It’s similar to the scale of a small clutch bag, with a very small strap for carabiner-type hanging. Much of the exterior is sheathed in soft-touch silicone, except for the powder-coated steel speaker grilles. Like others in this range, the speaker is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements and sound good doing it.

Setup and connecting to the speaker should be done from within the aptly named Bose Connect app. You can also turn off voice prompts (which can become annoying) and pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo.

Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 30 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 0.26 pounds | USB charging: Yes

The recently released Emberton II Bluetooth portable from Marshall has a bumped up set of specs that make it a better value than the previous gen. This clutchable rectangular slab still has a pair of 10-watt full-range drivers and passive radiators to deliver the brand’s signature sound. It may not be the loudest in its size range, but it focuses more on balanced output than raw power. There’s still 360 sound as well, making it a good companion for small get togethers. Although, with its 60hz low end threshold, you’ll find a better bass response when there are surfaces to reflect off of, and not so much if it’s in the middle of a table.

This new model now offers up to 30 hours of listening on a charge (10 hours better than before) and a more rugged IP67 rating. There’s also a new ability to pair with another Emberton II or Willen II using the new “Stack Mode”. The range between them is limited, however, so stacking them probably is the best way to go. Additionally, Marshall is offering a more environmentally friendly product than before, using 50 percent post-consumer plastics in its construction.

Features: Built-in power bank to charge other devices, IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.1 pounds | USB charging: Yes

If you’re willing to spend a little more for bigger sound, more hours of battery life and a USB-C port to charge your devices, the midrange JBL Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6. It has the same bright output and capable low end, but in a slightly larger package. If you’re looking for a smallish portable speaker, but something capable enough to entertain a few guests, this works.

Best Bluetooth speakers: $200 to $450

Features: Retro design with carry strap, 3.5mm aux input | Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 6.6 pounds | USB charging: No

The Orange Box portable Bluetooth speaker from legendary guitar amp maker Orange is essentially a no-frills product with great analog sound and ‘60s-era bohemian chic. For Orange Amp fans, it’s a faithful mini-version of a classic (although you can’t plug in your guitar). It’s not particularly heavy, but it is a bit chunky and the wooden frame means there’s no waterproofing or ruggedness rating. Battery life is average with up to 15 hours run time and you’ll want to keep track of that DC power cable since it doesn’t support any USB charging.

That said, we like this speaker in part for its natural charm and unique design (at least as far as Bluetooth speakers go). There’s a 3.5mm aux input, a mechanical power toggle switch, a cool domed power light and several dials for volume and EQ. The front-facing grille is audio transparent fabric emblazoned with the classic Orange logo. It’s also a proper piece of kit built for a long life, with authorized repair centers across the globe.

Most importantly, you get both analog and digital amps pushing 50 watts of bright, clear and unadulterated output with plenty of low end, at least for nearby listeners. It also supports aptX, so if you have high-quality files or hi-res streaming, you’ll get the most out of it.

This speaker is ideal for Orange Amps fans or those who like no-fuss operation, natural analog sound quality and generally want a mid-sized device they’ll keep close to home. Most styles of music sound great on the Orange Box, but the speaker really shines with songs that have live instrumentation or anything that can benefit from an analog touch.

Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 3.9 pounds | USB charging: Yes

Marshall launched the Middleton in January 2023 and positioned it as the new flagship for its portable Bluetooth speaker line. It’s the largest of the company's IP67 rugged portables (measuring 4.3 x 9 x 3.75 inches) and offers a significantly louder output, with 50-watts of 360-degree sound. There are dual woofers and tweeters for the front and back, with passive radiators along each side. It also offers Stack Mode, which lets you pair with any other Middleton, Emberton II or Willen speakers nearby to expand your listening experience.

The Middleton can be managed through the Marshall Bluetooth app, but it also includes most of those same controls on the top. There’s a Bluetooth button (which doubles as the Stack Mode control) and a multi-use joystick for power on/off, volume control and track selection (forward or back). You also get bass and treble controls, which are a welcome addition and a first for one of Marshall’s speakers without physical knobs.

It has that traditional Marshall look, made with a soft-touch exterior composed of 55-percent post-consumer recycled plastic and is 100-percent PVC free. It also has a carry strap you can easily fit your hand through. Any dust, dirt or prints on the outside can be scrubbed off with a damp cloth, and even the exposed USB-C and 3.5mm input port components are waterproofed. That USB-C port can be used to recharge the speaker, or power up your other devices with its 9,600mAh battery.

Of course audio purists should know that it only supports SBC, but the sound quality is still top notch for most people. And while Marshall devices are usually priced at a slight premium, the good sound quality and decent low-end capability definitely makes this model worth checking out.

Features: IPX4-rated design, Wi-Fi connectivity | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: Alexa, Google Assistant | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

We did test a couple smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart and I decided to compare it with its closest Bluetooth equivalent: the Revolve+ II . While that’s best suited for portability, has a loud bright sound that will carry outdoors and long battery life, its low end is a little less pronounced than its smart companion. If you’re willing to spend more and appreciate bass, the Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big improvement. It has a well-rounded low end and a bright dynamic sound with plenty of nuance that makes for a great listening experience.

This 360-degree portable comes as a combo WiFi/Bluetooth speaker primarily geared toward smart home use with the occasional outing. It’s rated IPX4, so not the most weatherproof, but good for casual outdoor listening. The battery is rated for up to 12 hours, but since this is an always-on smart device, you’ll need to be more attentive at keeping it topped up. There’s a charging dock accessory for use around the house, but as an away-from-home portable, you should power it down when not in use.

Smart features: WiFi, voice and app control, support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Chromecast (built-in), Apple AirPlay 2 and SimpleSync connectivity with Bose Bluetooth speakers.

Features: IP67-rated design| Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 4.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

If you’ve enjoyed any of the smaller JBL speakers out there and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to warrant a shoulder strap, but still only about the size of a football. There’s a pleasant dynamic sound here with hefty lows and a lively high end that seems slightly better balanced at this size than the smaller options from JBL in this range.

This is easily a favorite if you want something under $400 with a little more gusto than your average portable, but still being IP67 weatherproof. It has enough output to breathe life into a small soiree or backyard hang, although while it’s quite loud, it’s best when it’s close by or indoors where the bass can resonate to its fullest.

Best high-range portable bluetooth speakers: $450 and higher

Features: IPX2-rated design, support for multi-host functionality | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 10.8 pounds | USB charging: No

If you didn’t know about Marshall’s history in amplifiers and rock music, the design should clue you in. The Tufton is the largest portable Bluetooth speaker from the company, looking much like an amp itself (as do most of them). It has physical knobs at the top and a carry strap to help move it about. While it may appear as rugged as concert gear, it’s less impervious to the elements as some with just an IPX2 rating, so it’s protected from light splashes from above.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the brand, the rich and distinctly thumping output may make you one. We felt pulled into the sound while listening to the Tufton, a bit more than most other speakers we tested at this scale. It’s dynamic, warm and, dare we say, analog in its audio presence. It’s also multi-directional with a supplemental driver on the back along with a bass port.

There’s no app to adjust the EQ, just the physical controls including a Bluetooth connect button, a power/volume knob and two for bass and treble. Once powered on, you can use the volume knob to set a max headroom and adjust volume on the fly from your source. The bass and treble knobs help you choose the tone of your adventure, from a purely flat soundscape to an enhanced one. We just wish you could see the dial indicators in the dark. Other features include aptX support and quick-charge capabilities that provide four hours of listening time in just 20 minutes, plus great standby battery life.

Features: IPX4-rated design, support for multi-host functionality | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 13 pounds | Wireless range: 150 feet | USB charging: No

The UE Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portability, plenty of connectivity options and a loud and punchy (albeit compressed) output. The technical fabric exterior (which now includes a white option) lets it live among your furniture without screaming “party box,” while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large capacitive buttons on top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent Bluetooth connections or a hardwired input (3.5mm or optical). On the edge with the silicone carrying handle there are the wired ports, plus one for charging USB devices and another for power. You can expect to get up to 24 hours of battery life, and the Hyperboom is good at holding a charge on standby.

This capable and loud (roughly 100dB) speaker will please most people as long as the party is of primary concern over fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device on or off using the UE app is also a welcome feature. Plus you can easily expand the sound to other Ultimate Ears Boom speakers (except Wonderboom) using the PartyUp feature. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won’t hassle it, but it’s not the best Bluetooth speaker choice for all-weather adventures.

Features: App connectivity with custom sound profiles, swappable battery | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 20 pounds | USB charging: No

The Soundboks Go is a great speaker if you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth option that provides a big sound for larger spaces, although it comes at a price. This unpretentious black rectangle is half the size of its more professional sibling the Soundboks Gen 3. It packs one 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch domed tweeter, both powered by two 72W RMS amps for massive sound and chunky bass, even at a distance.

At 20 pounds, this party speaker is fairly easy to lug around and looks about the size of carry-on luggage. You can even get the optional shoulder strap, which helps for longer missions. It has a flexible TPE handle on top, silicone bumpers around the edges and ABS+Polycarbonate exterior and grill. The IP65 rating also marks it as a resilient device in most environments.

The sound makes a big statement here. Output levels are rated at up to 121dB, with clear mids and highs projecting clearly across large areas. The low end also has a significant presence at a distance, matching up with 40Hz frequency response. It's definitely capable enough to support large gatherings.

The speaker is easy to connect to via Bluetooth and the partner app offers EQ customization, audio profiles and OTA firmware updates. There’s a solitary 3.5mm stereo input on the Go, but its wireless expansion shines, letting you connect up to five Soundboks Gen 3 or Go speakers at the touch of a button with its built-in SKAA wireless support.

Lastly, the battery pack is removable, swappable and also long-lasting for a speaker this size; at low to mid volume, it’s rated at up to 40 hours runtime. For transparency, Soundboks also lets you know to expect around 10 hours of play at full volume. You can also run this while charging, but there are strict warnings about keeping the volume low while doing so (it’s not recommended unless you're desperate).

Other portable Bluetooth speakers we tested

While there's a lot to like about the Sonos Roam , there are plenty of other Bluetooth speakers with more features and better battery life. In our review , we gave the Roam a score of 87, praising it for its good sound quality, durable waterproof design and ability to work well within an existing Sonos speaker ecosystem. But the price is just fine at $180, and we found Bluetooth speakers that offer more at lower price points. Plus, the Roam taps out at 10 hours of battery life, and all of our top picks can run for longer than that on a single charge.

Monoprice Soundstage3

The Monoprice Soundstage3 offers relatively big sound at a midrange $250 price, with a variety of inputs rarely found on a portable Bluetooth speaker. The boxy, minimalist design is no nonsense, even if it's more of a less-rugged, bookshelf-styled homebody. While the speaker puts out crisp highs alongside booming lows, we found the bass can overpower the rest of the output, so it's not for everyone. And after using the speaker for many months, we also found the low-slung, poorly labeled button panel along the top can be a bit annoying to use. If you want a speaker for road trips, favor mids and highs, and plan on using physical buttons for volume control and input selections, there are better options out there.

JBL Boombox 3

Fans of JBL’s bluetooth speaker sound profile who want to crank up the volume, but also want a rugged and portable option, may enjoy the JBL Boombox 3 . It’s a decent grab-and-go speaker with a very loud output, although it's not as good as some of the loud-speaker styled options for long-throw sound and big outdoor areas. However, the price for this speaker line remains prohibitively expensive compared to other options with big sound that cover a bit more ground. If the JBL brand is your thing and you like the rugged, portable form factor, we recommend looking for discounts, or shopping around and exploring the available options including the (less portable) JBL PartyBox series.

Soundcore Motion X500

Soundcore speakers have generally been good and often reasonably priced. The Motion X500 loosely falls into that category. It has a tall, metallic lunchbox vibe with a fixed handle and pumps out a respectable 40 watts of crisp, clear sound for its size. It can get pretty loud and serves up a good dose of bass, although its primarily a front-facing speaker.

There’s LDAC hi-res audio support for Android users, but the main selling point on this is spatial audio. This is done through an EQ change and the activation of a small, up-firing driver. There’s a slight benefit from this if you’re up close and directly in front of it, but it’s not a total game changer for your listening experience. The original pre-order price of $130 made it a decent option in terms of bang for your buck. But it went up to $170 at launch, making it less appealing even if it’s still a good middle-of-the-road option if you want small-ish, clear and loud. If you can find one on sale for the lower price , it’s definitely worth considering. There’s also the larger and louder X600 ($200) if the overall concept is working for you.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth technology lets devices connect and exchange data over short distances using ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves. It’s the frequency range that’s carved out for industrial, scientific and medical purposes, called the 2.4GHz ISM spectrum band. This range is available worldwide, making it easy for companies to use with devices for global markets.

Bluetooth speakers include this tech, which lets them communicate with source devices like smartphones, tablets or computers in order to exchange data. The two devices pair by sharing a unique code and will work within the proscribed range for the device and Bluetooth version.

Ever since Bluetooth 4.0 was released over a decade ago, new iterations usually improve on range, use less power and offer expanded connectivity with features like multipoint (allowing more than one device to be connected at the same time, for instance).

Who should buy a Portable Bluetooth speaker?

If you want to play music while you’re out-and-about on something other than headphones, a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably what you want. There’s a broad range of devices for all types of circumstances. Many adventurous people will want a relatively lightweight portable that’s rugged enough to handle the elements while also packing enough charge to play for hours on end. Others may simply need a speaker they can move around the house or use in the backyard. In this case, you can choose larger less rugged models that may offer better sound.

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Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

The best Bluetooth speakers for your at-home and on-the-go needs

• Best overall
• Best portable
• Best budget
• Best mid-price
• Best premium
• Best multi-room

Best for music and movies

Also consider.

• How to choose
• How we test

Recent updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best portable 4. Best budget 5. Best mid-price 6. Best premium 7. Best multi-room 8. Best smart 9. Best for music and movies 10. Also consider 11. How to choose 12. How we test 13. FAQ 14. Recent updates

Bluetooth speakers are one of the easiest, most versatile and budget-friendly ways to get music playing. These wire-free wonders come in so many shapes and sizes that their various use cases are near-endless, from sticking them in the corner of your office to popping one in a backpack and taking it with you to the park.

Ok, the sound is rarely audiophile-grade quality, but brands such as JBL have realised that people do care about sound quality alongside other user-friendly features, meaning the level of audio has improved over the last few years.

We’ve heard everything from large room-filling Bluetooth speakers to dinky travel options, and many have impressed by offering great value for money, lengthy battery life, waterproofing and even engaging, competent audio quality. Naturally, there are plenty of speakers that haven't made the grade, which is why our team of experienced reviewers have created this guide recommending only the best Bluetooth speakers that are worth considering for your budget.

Every single model has been tested by our team of expert reviewers both in the real world and in our dedicated test rooms to ensure they’re worth your time. You can find out more about  our testing process or else keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available.

• IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your speakers?

The quick list

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for under £200/$200.

Read more below

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

With its diminutive dimensions, 12-hour battery life and punchy bass, the Flip 6 is the ideal travel companion. 

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

A tiny budget speaker that makes a big impact – if you’re watching the pennies there’s no better option right now than Tribit's Stormbox Micro 2.

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

B&O’s eye-catching compact speaker justifies its price with a refined performance and typically classy build.

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

A luxurious, lovely-sounding speaker that’s just as comfortable in your home as it is on the road.

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

If you’re looking to build a multi-room system that also has Bluetooth capability, the brilliant Sonos Era 100 is the speaker for you.

Load the next 2 products... ↓

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

A versatile little speaker that combines Bluetooth connectivity with a handy voice assistant that does much more than just read the weather forecast. 

Best Bluetooth speaker for music and movies 

Audio Pro’s feature-packed C20 offers a raft of features and such an impressive sonic profile that it will excel no matter how you use it. 

I'm a staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products during my time at What Hi-Fi? . Hi-fi loudspeakers and fancy amps are all well and good, but I love a great Bluetooth speaker that can offer a fast, fuss-free and often fantastically affordable solution to your everyday needs. I've had hands-on experience with every model on the list below, putting them through their paces to ensure you know exactly which speaker to go for. Good sound quality, durability, waterproofness, features and connectivity; we've assessed them all to put you fully in the picture before buying.

1. JBL Charge 5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The JBL Charge 5 has become one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but with the longevity it continues to display. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still the best in its class. 

The IP67-rated Charge 5 is fully dustproof and waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a meter for around 30 minutes before doing itself any damage. Thanks to its 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, it's imperious and forthright sounding, trouncing the competition at this £200 / $200 / AU$300 price point. The arrival of the slightly more expensive Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230 / AU$330) has made things a little more complex,  but the invigorating, cohesive listen of the standard Charge 5 model remains very tough to beat. 

That new Charge 5 Wi-Fi model does offer a slightly more refined sound alongside more flexible wi-fi-enabled capabilities such as AirPlay 2 and Alexa Multiroom, but the more affordable Charge 5 remains a superb portable speaker that offers enjoyable sound in a neat, durable package. With a Charge 6 surely on the horizon soon , expect prices to fall if and when the sixth-gen model is finally unveiled to the world.  

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Which JBL speaker to choose has been made trickier by the emergence of the Charge 5 Wi-Fi , a wi-fi enabled speaker model that earned five stars during testing. The big bonus of the Wi-Fi model is that you can use features such as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, giving you the freedom to continue using your phone or source player without affecting your music. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi does also sound a little better, but bear in mind that we tested it at £230 / $230 / AU$330, a significant advance on the standard Charge 5's current £130ish ($160 / AU$250).

2. JBL Flip 6

Anyone who finds the considerable heftiness of the Charge 5 above to be a little too much for them should consider stepping down to the five-star JBL Flip 6. When we say "stepping down", incidentally, we mean that with regard mainly to price and size, as while it may be a slimmer model, the Flip 6 remains a consummate pro at delivering everything you'd expect from a JBL portable companion.   

The Flip's durability is up there with the more costly Charge 5 (it's IP67 water- and dust-proof), while the sound offers space, zeal and musicality in spades. Ok, it won't hit the breadth of sound that its bigger brother can, never mind those higher volumes, but that's what you sacrifice if you want a smaller form factor. 

If you desire more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, which adds significant value. For a nominal price hike over the launch price of the soon-to-be-redundant Flip 5, there’s certainly more detail here, too.

If you need more oomph and drive, the larger JBL Charge 5 is the speaker for you, but for a more compact and admirably musical performer, the Flip 6 is the way to go. All in all, another winner courtesy of JBL.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

3. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

If all you need from your ideal Bluetooth speaker is portability alongside affordability, you'd struggle to improve on the small, satchel-friendly Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Flip 6 above, the Micro 2 fits flat in your hand in contrast to the cylindrical form of the Flip.

Sporting a utilitarian but not unattractive woven finish design, the Micro 2 pumps out genuinely enjoyable audio and a rather impressive battery life of around 12 hours during testing. Better yet, its IP67 rating allowed one of our team to test it in the shower without causing any lasting damage. Again, the Stormbox Micro 2's compact size and robust construction make it well-suited for venturing far beyond the confines of a bathroom or kitchen.

The audio is certainly a big plus point, too, going bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a diminutive unit, doing justice to most tracks in terms of tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The Stormbox's Midrange is particularly pleasing, and we'd even go so far as to say that it's as good as anything else we’ve seen at this price. 

Fine, the Stormbox Micro 2 can suffer from distortion at louder volumes, but it's still one of your best-value options if you’re really on a tight budget. 

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

4. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

This is definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics. This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made burger only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 below.  

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest  aptX Adaptive  Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.  

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day. Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense. 

Incidentally, look out for discounts around sales periods, as we've seen certain colourways plummet considerably during Black Friday, Prime Day and the festive period. 

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review  

5. Dali Katch G2

Now this is how you make a premium Bluetooth speaker. A step up from the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 in terms of price, sound and style, the Dali Katch G2 proves that you don't need to sacrifice a premium look and feel for portability or sonic prowess: the G2's compact dimensions, retractable travel handle and 30-hour battery mean it could easily become your go-to travel speaker. If you've got the money, of course - a current RRP of roughly £349 / AU$749 isn't exactly budget.

The rather lovely Katch oozes a sort of continental class, finished to the highest quality and with a luxurious aesthetic that really can rival some of the best dedicated domestic speakers in the style stakes. Our white and caramel unit slots in perfectly to the aesthetic of a clean conservatory or cosy living room, and when it came time to take some hands-on pics, the G2 proved itself to be the ideal model thanks to its timeless beauty from every angle.

And the sound! The G2 is still picking up Awards in 2023 thanks to its unbeatable sonic chops at this level, delighting us with phenomenal clarity, impressive bass weight and a real adeptness at understanding the music played through it. That's now three What Hi-Fi? Awards for the Katch 2 (in 2021, 2022 and 2023), and it'll take some beating to stop it picking up any more.  

If you've got the money and want to push beyond even what most JBL speakers on this list are offering, this is our go-to recommendation. For musicality at this size, the Dali Katch G2 is the king of the hill.

Read our full Dali Katch G2 review  

6. Sonos Era 100

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level. Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One,  with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier. 

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience. The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price. 

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

7. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all. You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-round excellence and hugely attractive price tag. It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs. The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

8. Audio Pro C20

If it's a cliché to use the term "jack-of-all-trades", then you know what? Let's use a cliché. The five-star Audio Pro C20 is yet another supremely capable performer from one of the most consistent, and underrated, audio brands around, melding a variety of functionalities and potential use cases into a unified, deeply impressive package. If ever there was a time to use that jack-of-all-trades label, this is it. 

The C20 is a Bluetooth speaker thanks to its 5.0 connectivity, yet its wi-fi capabilities allow the C20 to stream tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, as well as via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and even Audio Pro multi-room. That's a lot of choice, and it makes this mains-powered powerhouse an incredibly versatile solution that goes far beyond the capabilities of your traditional Bluetooth speaker.

That's before we get on to physical connections. The C20 offers a set of RCA inputs alongside HDMI ARC for boosting your TV's sound, as well as a sub out if you want to add a subwoofer into the mix. There's also an optical input for hooking up to digital sources, plus an MM phono stage if you're planning on connecting up your turntable to the C20's convenient, one-stop-shop.

And we haven't even arrived at the sound of the thing yet. What's remarkable about the koala-faced wonder (it does look like a koala, right?) is just how open and broad the soundscape it conjures is, offering a presentation that grows and expands with an awesome sense of breadth and scale for your music and movies. Painted within this wide sonic landscape are plenty of details and nuances, each one finding its own happy place within the wider composition. If you thought the C20 would go so heavy on features that it would forget about proper sound, boy is there egg on your face.

A superb speaker that does a lot of things very, very well, there are very few single-box units that can compete. 

Read our full Audio Pro C20 review

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: A wonderful spin on one of our favourite JBL speakers of all time, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi, naturally, adds wi-fi streaming and a little bit of extra musicality to the Charge 5's Award-winning recipe. It's more expensive than the basic model (sitting at around £200 / $200 at the time of writing), so you'll be forking out a little more for the convenience of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. That said, it's a great speaker in its own right and a lovely addition to the JBL family. As far as spin-offs go, this one's a hit in our book.

JBL Xtreme 3: One of the biggest speakers in the JBL range that could still be confidently classified as "portable", the Xtreme 3 is a powerful, robust marvel that tasks the basic form and recipe of the Charge 5 and makes it, well, bigger. It's not just a brainless brute, though - instead, the Xtreme 3's sound is laden with snap and detail, not to mention an impressive sense of dynamics and musicality. A five-star alternative that we'd urge you to check out.

Sonos Move 2: One of the big benefits of any Sonos speaker is its ability to integrate into the peerless Sonos ecosystem. Don't let its burly design fool you; the Move 2 is portable by virtue of its Bluetooth connectivity, even if it's more the sort of speaker you'd take down the bottom of the garden rather than anywhere much further afield. 

Audio Pro C10 MkII : Just because it didn't fit into this particular list, don't ignore the C10 Mk II. Despite qualifying as what we'd normally call a "wireless speaker", the C10 is a fine alternative to the models on this list courtesy of its Bluetooth capabilities. A former What Hi-Fi? Award-winner, it's versatile, portable, great-sounding and often enjoys major discounts. What's not to like?

Sonos Roam: We like the Roam, and we're confident that the legions of Sonos lovers will like it even more. Despite not being outstanding for timing and dynamics, it's a speaker with a meaty, full-bodied presentation that boasts a lovely build quality, slimline design and plenty of features, including wi-fi capabilities and AirPlay 2. Plus, you can immerse it into the exceptional Sonos multiroom ecosystem, so if you have other Sonos speakers, the Roam makes a good deal of sense.

JBL Authentics 300: Big, handsome and extremely versatile, the Authentics 300 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants something semi-portable that can be carted from room to room before blasting out a robust, enthusiastic sound when it gets there. With dual voice assistants, Bluetooth, wi-fi streaming and Alexa Multiroom, the 300 is a lot more than a pretty face. 

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker , the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors ? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound , of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre. Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Size and power , too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 5, or models that allow daisy-chaining, will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness. 

If you're choosing portability , you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays.

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality, higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD , for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free. Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery. Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors. Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All new Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with  What Hi-Fi?  proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

What's the difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are wireless in that they don't require a wire to connect to an audio source; they use the Bluetooth streaming protocol. However, Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily also support wi-fi, which is a necessary feature of what we term 'wireless speakers'. A wireless speaker can connect to an audio source via the internet (i.e. your home wi-fi) – by way of Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast, for example – whether or not it also has Bluetooth.

While this will depend on the kit you are using and your wi-fi limitations at home, transmitting audio over wi-fi rather than Bluetooth comes with certain benefits: wi-fi doesn't have as limited a signal range as Bluetooth, generally facilitates better sound quality and is capable of transmitting higher-quality audio. The standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) are not widely capable of transmitting CD-quality (or higher) files, and even the higher-quality codecs like aptX are lossy (i.e. data gets lost during the transmission).

However, Bluetooth-only speakers are generally more portable, as they don't require an internet connection or being plugged into the mains, and often more affordable than wi-fi-enabled wireless speakers. If you're interested in wi-fi-ready speakers, you should look at our best wireless speakers guide instead.

How many watts is good for a home Bluetooth speaker?

There isn't a simple answer here, as a higher wattage number doesn't necessarily equal good sound quality, but it does determine how loud your speaker can go. Basically, you'll want a speaker that's going to be able to fill your intended space with a good amount of sound. So, if you're looking for a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use casually on the table in a small space, a relatively low-powered speaker output (10W or thereabouts) will get that job done for you without any problems.

However, if you've got a big, spacious room or the outdoors that you want to fill with sound at decent volumes, a bigger speaker with a higher watt output (25W to 50W) will likely serve you best.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth is a short-range, low-powered, low-bandwidth streaming protocol used to connect compatible devices together wirelessly. Bluetooth uses radio waves just like wi-fi does but at a different scale.

A Bluetooth speaker relies on this short-range Bluetooth connection to connect to a Bluetooth-supporting audio source and accept audio data from it. Both the speaker and source device need to have compatible Bluetooth codecs to send this information between them – SBC and AAC are the standard codecs. A wireless speaker operates similarly but instead relies on a wi-fi network connection to accept audio data transmitted from an audio source.

Pairing a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth device is easy: you simply put the speaker in 'pairing mode' (usually by pressing a button), go into a device's Bluetooth settings and 'scan' for available speakers and then select your speaker.

Is JBL a good brand? Better than Bose?

At What Hi-Fi? , we have reviewed many products from both JBL and Bose and find that many of JBL's current speakers provide excellent audio quality and great value, earning them many five-star reviews. Bose speakers tend to satisfy on the features and design front, and while we used to see budget and great-sounding speakers from Bose a few years ago, recent models have seen costs rise. These pricier models don't always offer the same performance-per-pound value as their rivals.

In the audio world, it is tough to compare how good one brand is to another on the whole, especially when it comes to big brands that have many products in their arsenal. While we do recommend a fair few JBL speakers on the above list, don't assume that everything JBL makes is better than everything Bose makes.

• April 2024: Added the Audio Pro C20 following a five-star review.
• March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
• February 2024:  Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
• November 2023:   What Hi-Fi?  Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

Planning on a pool party? These are the best outdoor speakers

For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

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Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied law and history at university before working as a freelance journalist covering TV and gaming for numerous platforms both online and in print. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or forcing himself to go long-distance running.

• atkins14 What is actually the best sounding speaker though? You don't actually seem to compare them to each other? Such as the Dali Katch to say the UE Megablast, Audio Pro C3 etc. Ignoring hardwired speakers and price. Also how do they hold up to say the Sonos Move, Bose home, Vifa Oslo, Beolit 17 etc? I had the Dali Katch but had to return as bluetooth connectivity was too temperamental. Reply
• StevieDee No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded? Reply
• Jmr1969x This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info. Reply

StevieDee said: No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded?

Jmr1969x said: This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info.

• DailyDose Inappropriate content deleted by moderation. Reply
• MrBuffy Minirig 3 is the GOAT, don't bother with anything else. Reply
• View All 7 Comments

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• > Travel

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel, Tested

I love music. Can’t live without it. It doesn’t matter where I am: office, in transit or home. I’ve always got sweet grooves washing through my headphones. So when I travel, be it weekends away or international voyages, I need not only great tunes, but great sound quality. It’s super important to me.

And sure, in most traveling scenarios headphones work well for solo music appreciation, but sometimes I want to fill a room or a poolside with waves of sound. Invite people over. Get a ‘vibe’ going. Cut loose a little, you know? And that’s when a portable bluetooth speaker comes into play. Something small and compact (and hopefully waterproof) that’s easy to pack, but can push out one heck of a jam at ample levels, cleanly and crisply, for a good stretch of time.  

So, in the search for the best portable bluetooth speakers for travel, I’ve sourced the very best, to pit them against each other, in the hope of finding… well, the best option for most people. 

Here’s my shortlist.

Tough, waterproof, and compact, the JBL Clip 3 is designed to offer a lot in a little package. It includes a carabiner to attach it to clothing or a bag, with lots of colorways to suit your own style. In addition to its IPX7 waterproof rating you get 10 hours of playtime, plus an inbuilt noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone. And it’s not too pricey either, coming in at US$59.95.

The JBL Flip 4 costs a little more than the Clip 3, with a price tag of $79.95. But you get up to 12 hours of battery life and can wirelessly connect up to two smartphones or tablets to take turns as DJ. The Flip 4 has an IPX7 waterproof build and provides a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone for clear calls. And if you feel the desire (unlikely, but who knows where a party might lead), you can wirelessly link over 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers for one heck of an amplified tune session. And the Flip 4 also allows button activation for Siri or Google Now.

Anker Motion Q

An understated design, 360-degree sound, a waterproof IPX7 rating (and it floats), a respectable 10 hours of battery life, and all for $45.99? The Anker Motion Q is firmly set on showcasing that you don’t need to break the bank in order to enjoy functional, versatile design.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom has plenty of great features in a burly design that lets you showcase your personality a little, with a wide range of colorways to choose from (because sometimes you want something a little different to black, ya know?). It’s got an IPX7 waterproof rating, it floats, and aims to deliver 360 degrees of sweet tunes for up to 10 hours. All yours for the cost of $99.99.

And if you’re looking for something with more volume, you can upgrade to their Boom 3 or Megaboom .

Bose SoundLink Micro

Small but mighty, the SoundLink Micro aims for quality sounds in a rugged, waterproof and easily portable form. It comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, speakerphone capabilities, and Siri and Google Assistant voice command. For portability it also includes a tear-resistant silicone strap that can secure to bikes, bags and more. Price-wise the SoundLink Micro will set you back $99.95.

Again, if you’re looking for more volume, and don’t mind the size / weight penalty, an upgrade to their Revolve is certainly recommended.

Beats by Dre Pill+

At $179.95 the Beats by Dre Pill+ is the most expensive speaker on the list. So what do you get for the money? A sleek and durable style that adapts to diverse environments and adds a little suave to your music setup. Up to 12 hours of battery life. And the ability to charge your phone or similar devices, as the speaker doubles as a battery pack. The music can be controlled from two separate Bluetooth sources and you can tag-team with a second Pill+ to play simultaneously from both speakers. Worth noting though is that unlike the others on the list, it’s not waterproof.

First, I pinpointed the key elements of what makes an excellent travel speaker and ordered them in a table from highest to lowest priority as below (granted, your criteria may look a little different from mine, but this should act as a solid base). And then measured, weighed, listened, dunked and dropped my way to a result. 

Sound quality / strength

This is my number one. Not only am I looking for quality of sound across the entire spectrum, from lows to mids to highs, but also strength of sound. Sound that can fill a room (and not crackle or distort when pushed to its limits). So I locked myself and a few friends in a room, blindfolded ourselves, and scored each speaker on its ability to nail this playlist –  filled with  Classic Rock (mids),  Soul (mids and highs),  RnB (highs) and  Hip-hop and Dance (lows) – and here are the averaged scores. 

Size and weight

When traveling anywhere, the space in your bag is at a premium. And when lumping your bag onto a plane, be it carry-on or checked, its weight (or lack thereof) is also a defining factor. So speakers that swallow as little space and tip the scales as little as possible get big points here, no doubt.

Space it’ll take up in your bag

Battery Life

Nothing hurts more than a speaker running out of juice mid-playlist. Sure, if you’re hotel-bound and near an outlet then you can simply plug it in and carry on. But if you’re on a boat or around a campsite, then it’s the pits. So a long battery life goes a long way (quite literally) in certain circumstances.

Durability / Protection against the elements

Can my speaker of choice survive dust or dirt swirling about? Can it survive a drop from a tabletop? Can it survive a dive into the pool or ocean… and will it float so I can retrieve it? All questions most of us will ask ourselves before or after we elbow our speaker of choice off of the tiki bar.

Murphy’s law . This. Will. Happen. Be prepared.

Personally, all I want is a compact speaker that chucks out great sound that will last me a long time, period. But I’m a simple man with simple needs. Other folks care a whole lot about features like speaker phone adaptability or voice activation or being able to pair your speaker with another sister speaker or one hundred other sister speakers like the below JBL Flip 4 (for the record, I think the latter is kinda cool but totally impractical).

Portability

Bluetooth range

Not a huge deal for me because most of the speakers here have ample range but certainly something worth considering if you’re likely to be a good distance away from your speaker.

The best portable bluetooth speaker?

Editor’s Pick – Bose SoundLink Micro

The SoundLink Micro scores our Editor’s Pick with a well-rounded design and feature set. It feels ultra-premium in the hand, with Bose’s signature world-class sound quality offering very minimal distortion even when the volume is maxed out. It’s the perfect size and weight for travel use, with added portability for extra points. And importantly, it’s well protected against drops (y ou won’t even cringe when you drop it) and water.

Granted, if I wanted to throw a big party I’d upgrade to the SoundLink Revolve or pair two Micros. It’s lovely sound and bursts forth volume that’s totally ample for traveling or chilling, but you’ll want something with more grunt if you want to throw a real shindig.

Best Budget Option – Anker Motion Q

Scoring the Best Budget Option nod is the Anker Motion Q. The d esign is very subdued and good for professionals, with a  durable build. The  IPX7 waterproof rating is a definite benefit too, enabling full submersion up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes. Plus it f loats in water, so you’ve got ample opportunity and time to retrieve it if disaster strikes. The speaker’s buttons are also e asy to press and the X2 pairing is handy. In terms of sound quality it offers a bright mid-range and vocals are clear and distinct, though the low end could be better. In addition it’s very loud and very reasonably priced at US$45.99.

High Commendation – Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and JBL Flip 4

Well-deserved High Commendations go to the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and the JBL Flip 4. Both worthy additions to your packing list. They’re incredibly loud. And  both benefit from a good low end that offers deeper base and full-bodied sound. 

Both offer an IPX7 waterproof build, with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s added ability to float making it a savvy pick for travels involving water-based activities. Though the Flip 4 gets its nose ahead in the battery life department and might appeal to outdoor enthusiasts looking for added playtime.

Durability is on point with both, though the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom’s d rop test win from the height of 5 metres gets bonus points. And if you like a little color pop they’re both good picks too, in particular the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom with its f un color choices and patterns.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Michael Knispel

Editor-in-chief.

Mike’s our head honcho, master wordsmith and token urban dude. When he’s not talking carry or digging up stories, he’s scouring the interweb for obscure hip hop.

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Finding the best travel speaker for your needs can be a difficult task. There are thousands on the market and a lot of considerations to ponder.

If you’re heading away on a trip and want to be able to bang out some tunes, it’s an essential piece of kit. And they’re great for the beach, around the pool, or in your hotel room. 

We’ve put together this definitive list of the best travel speakers on the market right now to help making your choice a little simpler.

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Speakers

How to choose the best travel speaker.

The best travel speakers all share a number of impressive elements. Here’s how we went about picking which ones made it onto our list:

If you’re buying a speaker to take travelling then it needs to be pretty hardwearing. 

It’s not going to be safely tucked away on a dresser in the corner of a room. So it has to be able to withstand the rigours of your trip, regardless of where your adventures take you. 

The last thing you want is for it to fall apart during a trip and be left carrying a useless lump of plastic. 

At the very least it should be water resistant, and ideally fully waterproof. Not only is this perfect for stress-free fun around the pool or on the beach, it’s also ideal for humid conditions.

It also needs to be generally travel-proof, i.e hard enough to be chucked in your bag and survive a few knocks.

Battery Life

Picture the scene. You’re chilling on the beach with your buds in the midday sun, enjoying some tunes and generally having a good time.

Then your travel speaker dies. Just cuts out. Mood killed.

Most good travel speakers have a battery life of a minimum of 6 hours with continuous playback. But the very best can last up to around 20.

If you anticipate using your travel speaker for long periods at a time, battery life will be an important consideration. One thing to note is that all of the listed battery playback duration here is the maximum for each device.

There are lots of factors that affect how much play you’ll get out of a single play. For example, blasting it at volume will drain it extremely quickly.

Portability

When you’re packing for a trip, the weight and bulk of your baggage is all important. No one wants to be lugging around unnecessary weight.

So when it comes to choosing the best travel speaker for you, one factor will be how much it weighs. 

There’s no ideal weight as such, instead you need to find the best compromise for you between weight and performance. This is because generally speaking, a larger speaker will have better specs.

That said, if weight or size are huge considerations for you, there are small travel speakers out there whose sound belies their size.

This is a very personal thing, and may even depend on how much baggage allowance you have. But think about what you’re willing to lug around in your daypack when you hit the beach when choosing your travel speaker.

Connectivity

The best travel speakers are obviously wireless, and therefore come with bluetooth connectivity. However, there may be times when some people may want or need to plug their device in.

While most travel bluetooth speakers receive solely via bluetooth, some do have an auxiliary port.

If you have no idea what I’m on about or why you might need that, then in truth you probably don’t. So don’t sweat it.

But it gives you another option for getting your sounds from whatever device they’re on to the speaker. So if that’s something you’ll potentially need, pick a speaker which provides that choice.

Sound Quality

For many people, sound quality will be the most important factor in choosing what the best travel speaker for them is. No one wants a tinny, barely audible embarrassment of a speaker which makes every song sound the same. 

Rest assured, every travel speaker on this list has got very good sound quality. Now that’s not to say that there may be some aspects missing, because the perfect travel speaker literally hasn’t been invented yet.

But we’ve gone for speakers that have a full, round sound overall. And we’ve pointed out their high points and low points as best we can. 

Whatever you choose from this list will allow you to happily get down to your jams.

The Best Travel Speakers

So without further ado, let’s rundown the best travel speakers on the market right now.

• Weight : 608 g (1.34 lbs)
• Battery Life : 15 hours
• Wireless Range : 45 m (150 ft)
• Connectivity : Bluetooth 

The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market. 

UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it’s our preferred brand.  

The 3 is the latest incarnation of their best selling Boom range. It’s got absolutely everything that you need in a portable travel speaker, starting with its mind-blowing overall sound.

The cylindrical shape means it pumps out 360° sound creating an immersive experience. What it produces is well balanced with a nice, warm tone and deep base. 

You can customise your settings using the adjustable EQ on the app, or alternatively pick from the available presets.

This portable travel speaker sounds great whether your inside your hotel room or out chilling on the beach. And trust us when we say it gets LOUD!

The UE Boom 3 is built to last, with lots of features that make it super durable. 

It’s completely waterproof for a start. And not only that, but it actually floats meaning you’ll never lose it at the bottom of the pool or ocean.

It’s also made from durable material that’s resistant to knocks and scrapes, helped by the rubber end caps. It can survive a pretty hefty drop, and is certainly fine with being roughed up in your daypack.

One of the only complaints about the UE Boom 3 is that it doesn’t feature an auxiliary port. However, as a travel bluetooth speaker I’d argue that’s really not an issue.

The whole idea is to use it wirelessly. So it’s unlikely you’d need a line in anyway and is in no way a deal breaker.

Another potential downside is that, while it’s definitely small and portable, there are smaller, lighter travel speakers. 

If you’re on the lookout for a mini travel speaker, bear in mind that this is slightly larger than a standard water bottle. To give you an idea, it fits anywhere a water bottle does i.e backpack side-pocket or bicycle drinks holder.

Bose Soundlink Micro

• Weight : 290 g (0.63 lbs)
• Battery Life : 6 hours
• Wireless Range : 9 m (30 ft)

The Bose name is one that’s synonymous with fantastic quality in the audio equipment market. As a company it’s known for concentrating on great sound, and the Bose Soundlink Micro is no different.

Despite being pocket-sized, it’s crisp and balanced and has a decidedly decent bass. In fact, considering just how small this travel speaker is, you’ll be amazed at the sound it pumps out.

It’s also perfect for all and any travel adventures and was designed to be both portable and durable. 

The Soundlink Micro’s exterior is made entirely from silicone rubber. It’s soft yet rugged, and built to withstand dents, cracks and scratches.

It’s also completely waterproof making it perfect for outdoor use, particularly around the pool or on the beach.

A clever and unique travel feature is the tear-proof silicone strap on its back. This allows you to strap it to virtually anything it will fit around.

The handlebars of a bike, a bag strap, your wrist, your belt loop, nothing’s off limits. The strap makes it even easier to transport.

Perhaps surprisingly for a mini travel speaker, it has speakerphone capabilities. Perfect if you’re doing something active like hiking or cycling so you don’t need to physically pick your smartphone up.

The main drawback of the Bose Soundlink Micro is that its battery life is not amazing. If you’re after something that will keep the tunes banging all day, this isn’t it. But unfortunately it’s a necessary trade off for such a small device.

Bose Soundlink Revolve

• Weight : 680 g (1.5 lbs)
• Battery Life : 12 hours
• Connectivity : Bluetooth and 3.5 mm auxiliary input

Next up is another from the wireless Bose range, the Soundlink Revolve. This one’s for Bose fans after a travel speaker with longer battery life and bigger sound than the Soundlink Micro.

It takes all of the great stuff that you get from the Micro and dials it up a notch.

The aesthetic design is completely different. It’s a gorgeous-looking piece of kit made from durable aluminium and with a seamless body for true 360° sound.

The slightly conical shape provides you with deep, immersive sound from all angles. It also makes it easy to grab from the top of the speaker.

The Revolve can go astonishingly loud for its relatively small size and has a beautiful overall tone. However, at the very top volumes you may experience some distortion, depending on what you’re playing.

Like the Micro it has speakerphone capabilities. Additionally there’s a special button to access Siri or Google Assistant.

Another cool feature is its universal threaded mount. This allows you to connect it to a tripod and create an elevated speaker to really get the party started.

While it’s not fully water-submersible, the Revolve is water-resistant so still protected against splashes and spills. This means it’s still great to take to the pool or beach and there’s no problem if it gets rained on.

It’s not as rugged as some of the other travel speakers on this list, but it sounds and looks delicious. 

• Weight : 540 g (1.19 lbs)
• Wireless Range : 30 m (100 ft)

JBL has developed a reputation for building awesome bluetooth speakers that far outperform their price point. The JBL Flip 5 continues that tradition, packing a huge punch for the price.

Its slick, cylindrical design is relatively similar to the UE Boom 3 with rubber end caps and a similarly tough material cover.

And like the UE Boom3, it’s extremely durable. Fully waterproof, and resistant to knocks and bangs, it’s perfect for standing up to the day-to-day challenges of travelling.

The JBL Flip 5 also sounds fantastic, particularly if you’re into bass-heavy music. The bass is bone-rattlingly booming, without compromising the overall sound.

It uses USB-C quick charge capability meaning it takes less time to fill the battery. You can charge up and get back on the road even faster.

This is a great all-round travel speaker at a very fair price. 

Anker Soundcore Flare

• Weight : 530 g (1.17 lbs)

If you’re looking for a low-cost travel speaker that still combines many of the features of the top-range models in this category, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare.

It looks a bit like the Bose Soundcore Revolve with its conical shape. But rather than being made from aluminium, it’s got the durable fabric covering of the UE Boom 3. 

Like the best travel speakers, the Soundcore Flare is also completely waterproof and extremely durable.

Anker have also added an LED lightshow feature. While for some this might seem a bit unnecessary from a speaker, there’s no denying it’s great in a party setting.

The lights have various different modes to suit your mood, but can also be turned off completely. This saves battery and will obviously be more appropriate for certain settings.

The Souncore Flare makes a surprisingly impressive noise for the price point, providing well balanced 360° overall.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the more expensive models in this department, you can’t complain for the price. And unless you’re a stickler, you probably won’t be disappointed.

That is unless you plan on really banging out the beats. Because while this small travel speaker is good at lower volumes, it’s a different matter when you crank it up.

It can start to sound a bit harsh when you dial it up. And even with Anker’s advertised Bass Up tech, it lacks real resonance and bite in the lower ranges.

For your average user, this is going to be a perfectly decent travel bluetooth speaker. 

OontZ Angle 3

• Weight : 283 g (0.62 lbs)
• Battery Life : 14 hours

For a pretty premium travel speaker on a pauper’s budget, take a look at the OontZ Angle 3. While it’s not mind-blowing, it ticks a lot of the boxes without breaking the bank. 

I’ll say right off the bat, for this price, you can’t expect it to perform like the very best travel speakers on this list.

Despite that, if you’re searching for a cheap and cheerful small travel speaker, this won’t be far off.

So first the good stuff. It’s a small travel speaker. I mean, really small and far more portable than most on this list.

It weighs hardly anything and could fit in your back pocket making it super-easy to carry around anywhere.

It’s hard-wearing, water resistant and dustproof, perfect for taking on trips. The materials are solid and it’s protected by rubber end caps.

It’s also got hands free capability, a rarity in a bluetooth speaker of this size and price.

So the bad? Well while it’s reasonably loud for its size, it doesn’t project amazingly in outside spaces. If you’re down at the beach, for example, you’re gonna need to crank it up.

On the plus side, unlike most cheaper speakers, there’s no distortion at top volumes. 

On the face of it this should solve the issue. But bear in mind playing at high volume reduces the battery faster.

Having said that, the battery life is excellent, so the negatives are counteracted overall by the positives!

The OontZ Angle 3 probably isn’t suitable if you’re partying and blasting the tunes. But if you’re looking for a low-priced speaker that’s suitable to take on your travels, you could do far worse.

Tribit StormBox

• Weight : 498.9 g (1.1 lbs)
• Battery Life : 20 hours
• Wireless Range : 20.1 m (66 ft)

I don’t think it would be unfair to say that the Tribit StormBox looks like it’s been directly modeled on the JBL Flip 5.

Its shape and design is strikingly similar, down to the little wave in the rubber end plates. But let’s not pretend that’s a bad thing, because the Flip 5 is a sweet piece of kit.

Unlike the Flip 5, this travel speaker isn’t equipped with a big booming bass. In fact, that lack of deep resonance is probably the most disappointing thing about the StormBox. Especially when they specifically emphasise its XBass Technology.

Despite this, the overall sound is actually really crisp and balanced. So unless you’re a bass freak, you shouldn’t be too worried.

The StormBox is also waterproof and highly durable, perfect for taking on your travels. 

One of this travel speaker’s best features is the extremely long battery life. Lasting up to 20 hours, it will make the party last all day and all night.

Given its relatively low price point, it’s a remarkably well put together piece of kit. 

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10 Tiny Wireless Travel Speakers You Can Take Anywhere

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

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Summer means outdoor BBQs, sunsets on the beach, bonfires, hikes, and everything outdoors—liven things up with some music courtesy of these wireless travel speakers. Whether you’re looking for a super compact version or a durable, waterproof speaker, you’ll find a perfect match for your vacation on this list.

The Best Wireless Travel Speakers

Marsboy portable bluetooth speaker.

This small and powerful pocket-sized wireless travel speaker is great for travel. The best-selling, tiny speaker has a 50-foot Bluetooth range and a battery that lasts up to 12 hours—perfect for long days at the beach.

Price and Where to Buy: $20 on Amazon (originally $35)

Kunodi F4 Outdoor Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Bring this guy to the pool deck or outdoor shower on your summer vacation. Amazon reviewers love the high-quality sound and waterproof feature. This is one of the best wireless travel speakers out there, and also has a hands-free function and displays the battery life on your phone (when connected to Bluetooth).

Price and Where to Buy: $17 on Amazon (originally $24)

Anker SoundCore Mini  

Anker makes some of the best tiny speakers on the market, and the AnkerSoundCore Mini is no different. The SoundCore Mini travel speaker delivers 15 hours of playtime and a connection range up to 66 feet. The speaker also has a microSD card reader, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AUX port, so you can choose how to connect to your devices. Amazon reviewers love the sound quality and long battery life.

Price and Where to Buy: $30 on Amazon

PINGKO Sport Speakers

At just four ounces, this is one of the smallest travel speakers out there. The top-rated speaker on Amazon has a six-hour battery life and has a handy LED-light battery level indicator. I love the attachment options for this one, which allows you to hang the speaker almost anywhere.

Price and Where to Buy: $24 on Amazon (originally $49)

AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers

This wireless travel speaker has the highest waterproof rating on the list (IPX7), making it your perfect pool companion—it even comes with a pool float. Buy two and you can pair them together for a surround-sound experience.

Price and Where to Buy: $36 on Amazon (originally $130)

Anker SoundCore Nano

This is one of the lightest travel speakers on the list, weighing in at just 2.9 ounces. The small speaker packs a big punch, with Amazon reviewers raving about the sound quality and volume. Due to its smaller size, the battery life is four hours and the connectivity range is 33 feet.

Price and Where to Buy: $21 on Amazon (originally $50)

Aud Mini by iLuv

About the size of an iPhone 6, this tiny travel speaker has a loud bass and high-quality sound, especially for its size. I own a similar iLuv speaker and have been impressed by its quality and connectivity strength for the price.

Price and Where to Buy: $11 on Amazon (originally $40)

dodocool Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Another super-lightweight travel speaker is the dodocool Mini; at 3.2 ounces you get four hours of battery and a 33-foot connectivity range. This tiny speaker has a few other functions too: It’s also a selfie remote and has a built-in microphone for hands free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $13 on Amazon

LESHP Portable Bluetooth Mini Speaker

This super-small speaker has a five-star rating on Amazon and reviewers love the sound quality for the speaker size. The battery lasts up to five hours and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling.

Price and Where to Buy: $16 on Amazon (originally $30)

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

While this is one of the larger wireless travel speakers on the list, it’s the smallest speaker out there that offers 360-degree sound. So, if you’re serious about your sound quality but are still looking for travel speakers, this may be your perfect match.

Take it from Senior Editor Caroline Morse: “The  Wonderboom speaker  delivers crisp, clear, and loud music that will liven up a party of any size. You can play your music for up to 10 hours on a single charge, so there’s no need to worry about electricity … The sound quality is worth the price tag, which is an average price for a drop-proof, water-proof speaker.” Read her full review here .

Price and Where to Buy: $80 on Amazon (originally $100)

More from SmarterTravel:

• 11 Things You Need to Pack When You Stay at a Summer Vacation Rental
• 11 Travel Tools You Won’t Regret Splurging On
• 7 Tiny Travel Gadgets You Can’t Leave Home Without

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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• In Progress
• Newsletters
• Table of Contents
• Best Speaker
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 7 best bluetooth speakers - spring 2024 reviews.

If you like to wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks from mobile devices, you'll want a speaker that supports Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike speakers with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-compatible speakers don't rely on an Internet connection to stream audio. As a result, they tend to be more portable, and many also have an outdoor-oriented design with carrying straps or water-resistant bodies. However, finding the best speaker comes down to what matters most to you. With so many Bluetooth speakers on the market, you have many options for finding a device that meets your unique needs.

We've tested over 130 speakers, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth speakers. If you want more options, check out our picks for the best Alexa speakers , the best sounding Bluetooth speakers , and the  loudest Bluetooth speakers .

Best Bluetooth Speaker

The best Bluetooth speaker we've tested is the JBL Boombox 3. This large and powerful Bluetooth speaker really packs a punch when it comes to its sound. Whether you're listening to bass-heavy hip-hop or vocal-centric folk music, this speaker provides a clear and accurate reproduction of your favorite tracks. It gets plenty loud, with lots of bass to bring out the thump and rumble in songs. Plus, the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable companion app means you can customize its sound however you want. You may even snag this speaker on sale for a great deal.

With a portable design, this speaker is also a solid pick for listening to music on the go. It lasts almost 30 hours off a single charge. Plus, it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can handle some light exposure to the elements. It's a little bigger than other portable Bluetooth speakers on our list. It also lacks voice assistant support—if you want a speaker that's activated with your voice, you'll want to check out our best home pick, the JBL Authentics 500 .

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Speaker

If you're looking for a premium Bluetooth speaker at a more affordable price, check out the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM. This portable Bluetooth speaker offers great sound quality for the price, with lots of enhancement tools to make the most of your listening experience. Its Adaptive EQ feature is similar to room correction tools that other premium speakers are equipped with, and it optimizes its sound to the unique acoustics of your listening space. Those who prefer to manually adjust the sound can always use the graphic EQ and presets in the Ultimate Ears companion app, too.

With a sleek and sturdy design, this speaker is suitable for lots of different uses. It's on the larger side for a Bluetooth speaker, but you can still carry it around with one hand using its built-in handle. It's also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, which is handy for planning a day at the park or beach. That said, its 7.8-hour battery life falls short of what you get with the JBL Boombox 3 , and it doesn't deliver quite as much low bass as our top pick. Still, it offers a great sound at a more wallet-friendly price.

Best Mid-Range Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is another great Bluetooth speaker available at a lower price point. You can stream music and other content right to the speaker via Bluetooth and enjoy an impressive sound quality, with a clear and detailed reproduction of instruments and vocals in the mix. The speaker also brings a little extra boom in the high bass, which livens up bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. It doesn't have a room correction tool like the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM , so it sounds slightly different depending on the room you're in. Thanks to its graphic EQ, you can make up for this a bit.

Available in many different color variants, the speaker comes with a built-in hook so you can easily clip it onto your bag or backpack when you want to listen to your favorite tunes on the go. Smaller and more lightweight than the EPICBOOM, it's much easier to take to the park or on a camping trip. It's even rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can withstand some exposure to the elements. That said, one big trade-off for its smaller size is that it can't bring as much rumble in the low bass as the more premium EPICBOOM. You may still find that's worth it, especially if you're shopping with portability in mind.

Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best wireless speaker at the budget level that we've tested. This portable Bluetooth speaker is another great choice for listening to music wherever you go, from the local park to the beach to the mountains on your next hike. Like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 , it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can handle some exposure to the elements. Plus, it lasts 22 hours off a single charge, so you can rock out all day without worrying about a recharge.

This speaker is made of recycled plastic and is available in a couple of different colors to suit your style. Its sound quality is quite impressive, too, especially for the price. Vocals and lead instruments are clear in the mix, and the Outdoor preset brings more clarity and crispness to the sound when you're listening in a larger, more open-air space, like your backyard. You won't find a companion app with a graphic EQ like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, so you're limited when it comes to customizing the sound. Still, this speaker's a great option if you're on a tighter budget. If portability is important, check out our recommendations for the  best small Bluetooth speakers .

Best Cheap Bluetooth Speaker

The Anker Soundcore 3 is the best wireless speaker in the cheap price range we've tested. This speaker's sound quality isn't as impressive as our top pick, the JBL Boombox 3 , but it's still a great choice for those looking for something more affordable. Its all-black design fits in easily with your home decor, and if you choose to take it outside, its small and lightweight design makes for easy portability. Plus, it's rated IPX7 for water resistance, so it's safe against the elements. A 14-hour battery life is also handy for longer listening sessions, even if it falls a little short of the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 .

This speaker can't deliver much in the way of powerful bass, and sibilants sound a bit dull. Thankfully, the mid-range is well-balanced, so podcasts and audiobooks still sound clear. If you want to change the mix, the companion app features a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune the sound to your preference, including a 'Bass Up' feature that slightly boosts the low end. It offers many features for an affordable speaker, so it's worth a look.

Best Home Bluetooth Speaker

Many of our top picks include portable Bluetooth speakers designed to bring with you on the go. However, if you only plan to use your speaker within the confines of your home, you may prefer our best speaker for home use—the JBL Authentics 500. This premium speaker has a stylish retro design that can easily fit into your home decor, and its built-in voice assistant support makes it easy to check traffic, the weather, and more. You can only use it when plugged into a power outlet, but if you plan to listen at home, you won't find it much of an inconvenience.

This speaker comes with lots of premium sound enhancement tools. Its room correction feature, called Self-Tuning, automatically optimizes the speaker's sound based on your room's unique acoustics. If you prefer manual customization, there's a graphic EQ in the app as well as bass and treble knobs on the speaker itself. This speaker gets quite loud, too, and you can pair it up with multiple compatible devices to spread sound throughout your home. It does come at a more premium price point, though, so if you want to look at more affordable options, you can see our full recommendation for the  best home speakers .

Best Bluetooth Party Speaker

Party speakers make a great addition to your next big event, and the best ones come with lots of extra features to make the most of the experience. The JBL PartyBox 310 is a great pick, and its large and striking design ensures it'll stand out from the crowd. You can customize the RGB lights beneath its grilles to set the right party mood, and mic and guitar inputs give extra flexibility for musicians and karaoke lovers. This speaker gets loud, so your floor shakes with a thunderous sound.

Any good party speaker can bring the boom in the bass, and the JBL is no exception. Blast bass-heavy tunes like EDM and hip-hop, and you'll shake the dance floor. Voices and lead instruments remain clear in the mix, meaning you can enjoy other vocal-centric genres easily. Plus, the sound customization tools in the speaker's companion app let you customize its sound to get your desired output. However, its size means it won't be for everyone, especially with smaller options like the JBL Boombox 3 on the market. You can also check out our  best party speakers  article for more affordable and portable options in this category.

• Sonos Move 2: The Sonos Move 2 is a good alternative to the JBL Boombox 3 if you want a premium speaker with voice assistant support. It's a big speaker with many features, but its battery life isn't as long-lasting as the JBL. See our review
• Sonos Roam/Roam SL: The Sonos Roam/Roam SL is a portable Bluetooth speaker smaller than the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 and has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. In our tests, its battery lasted only five hours, which is significantly shorter than the MEGABOOM 3's almost 18 hours of playtime. It also doesn't get quite as loud, and there's a lot more compression at max volume, so your audio doesn't sound as clear. See our review
• Sony SRS-XB100: The Sony SRS-XB100 is a small portable speaker with a carrying strap. It's well-built, has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and floats in water. While it can deliver a lot of boomy high-bass, its soundstage isn't as wide or spacious as the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3. See our review
• JBL PartyBox 710: The JBL PartyBox 710 is a much larger speaker than the JBL PartyBox 310 that can produce a more extended low bass. You can feel the deep thump and rumble typically present in bass-heavy music, and this speaker can also get incredibly loud. However, unlike the 310, it isn't battery-powered or very portable, so you can't easily transport it. See our review
• Sonos Era 300: The Sonos Era 300 is another premium home speaker that's a good alternative to the JBL Authentics 500 if you want to build out your Sonos ecosystem. However, its dynamics aren't quite as impressive as those of the JBL. See our review
• Brane X: If you're looking for a home speaker with portability options, consider the Brane X. This speaker packs smart features like Wi-Fi and Alexa integration while still being battery-operated, unlike the JBL Authentics 500. Although it packs some low-end punch for its size, its overall sound profile isn't quite as balanced as the JBL, and it can't get as loud. See our review

May 17, 2024: We've added the Brane X speaker as a Notable Mention due to its smart features and powerful sound for its size. Otherwise, we've made no changes to our picks but have checked the text for accuracy.

Apr 18, 2024: We've checked to ensure all our picks remain in stock but have made no changes. However, we've added a mention of the Brane X, which we've ordered and received.

Mar 20, 2024: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock. There haven't been any changes to our recommendations.

Feb 23, 2024: We've made minor changes to the text and checked to ensure all our picks are in stock and their prices remain the same.

Jan 30, 2024: Each pick remains the best available for its category. No changes.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best wireless Bluetooth speakers for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price (cheaper speakers win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no speakers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here's a list of all our reviews for the best speakers with Bluetooth. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect speakers. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.

The best Bluetooth speakers to buy right now

Water resistance and lengthy battery life are now standard.

By Chris Welch , a reviewer specializing in personal audio and home theater. Since 2011, he has published nearly 6,000 articles, from breaking news and reviews to useful how-tos.

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Wireless Bluetooth speakers have become ubiquitous, indispensable gadgets. Everyone’s got one somewhere, and the use cases vary from person to person. Maybe you use your speaker around the house or as a shower soundtrack. Maybe you bring it along to the park or beach. And then there are those people who take a portable speaker practically everywhere they go — sharing their music from a bike or backpack with everyone nearby. 

I know a lot of people who have old Bluetooth speakers kicking around, and if the one you’ve got is still working for you, there’s no immediate need to upgrade to something newer. But Bluetooth speakers have gotten very good in recent years. Sound quality continues to improve, battery life is stretching to new records, and they’re more robust and durable than ever before. 

I’m The Verge’s resident audio gear reviewer , and I’ve spent dozens of hours testing our picks below in various scenarios. I’ve listened to them at home, outdoors, in hotels — and yes, in the bathroom. Each product is easy to recommend for different reasons.

If you’re shopping around for a new speaker, start off by considering what size you want. For this guide, I’m mostly sticking to portable Bluetooth speakers and excluding anything that’s impractical to take on the go. From there, you need to weigh other criteria like audio quality, ease of use, durability, and bonus features like speakerphone functionality. Some speakers let you stereo pair two of them together, and several companies include “party mode” capabilities that let you link many speakers together. If you don’t really care about any of that, you can get a tiny Bluetooth speaker for as little as $25 . But all of the picks here go a little further in terms of features and style.

The best portable Bluetooth speakers

Best Bluetooth speaker under $200

Bose soundlink flex.

Weight: 1.3 pounds / Battery life: 12 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: Yes / Charging port: USB-C

Bose’s newest Bluetooth speaker, the SoundLink Flex, offers pristine, detailed sound quality with a surprising amount of bass for its size — all in a rugged design that you can take anywhere.

I don’t know what kind of engineering sorcery goes into Bose’s Bluetooth speakers; I just know that going back to the SoundLink Mini II , they’ve simply sounded clearer and better — to my ears, at least — than any competitors in the same size range. The $149 SoundLink Flex is Bose’s latest portable speaker, and it continues to make good on that reputation. 

Despite only having a mono driver (which isn’t uncommon for Bluetooth speakers), the SoundLink Flex delivers expansive sound with a genuinely surprising amount of bass. And crucially, that low end isn’t muddy or boomy. Everything about this speaker is rich and clear. That’s even more surprising when you consider that it only supports the baseline SBC Bluetooth codec instead of AAC or the more advanced LDAC. And yet, this speaker sounds excellent. 

You can expect around 12 hours of battery life, and like many other speakers in this guide, the SoundLink Flex is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Bose is very confident it can withstand tumbles and swims. Whether you lay the speaker flat or stand it upright, the Flex will automatically optimize the EQ for either orientation. And it also works better than most as a speakerphone with the help of built-in mics. Not everything about the SoundLink Flex is ideal: its buttons aren’t easy to use by feel alone, and it’s strange that Bose opted to go with Bluetooth 4.2 instead of a newer version of the spec. But if those are my biggest gripes, it’s fair to say that the SoundLink Flex is a winner. 

Best waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 1.34 pounds / Battery life: 15 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: MicroUSB

Ultimate Ears Boom 3

Few portable speakers have enjoyed the same popularity as the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. With 360-degree sound, a waterproof construction, and easy controls, it’s not surprising this Bluetooth speaker has stuck around for so long.

It’s frankly a little mind-boggling that I’m still writing about the UE Boom 3 in 2023. This speaker was released in 2018, and Ultimate Ears has been coasting on it ever since. Maybe that says something about how stagnant the Bluetooth speaker market has become, or maybe UE just hasn’t come up with anything that outshines the $149.99 Boom 3 in a meaningful way. Or maybe it’s just a testament to how good of a portable speaker the Boom 3 is.

• The Boom 3’s Magic Button turned a good speaker into the best one

The company considers this the “perfected” take on the cylindrical, 360-degree speaker design that it pioneered with earlier Booms. And with 15-hour battery life, a fully waterproof exterior that floats in swimming pools, and those giant, foolproof volume buttons, the UE Boom 3 still holds up. Its standout feature compared to older models is the Magic Button , which lets you quickly play a specific playlist with a press and hold of the top button. But what’s given the Boom 3 such staying power is its simplicity, rugged build, and satisfactory sound. Having drivers fire in all directions makes for an expansive soundstage, even if the Boom 3 can lack the detail and sharpness of some competitors. But as an all-rounder, there’s a lot to like.

Best Bluetooth smart speaker

Weight: 0.95 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C, Qi wireless

The Sonos Roam is a small, very portable Bluetooth speaker that integrates with the company’s popular whole-home audio platform. It also supports hands-free voice commands with either Alexa or Google Assistant.

It’s important to keep your expectations reasonable if you’re looking at buying the Sonos Roam. The company’s larger speakers often deliver audio performance that sounds bigger and more spacious than you’d expect, but that’s not necessarily true of the tiny Roam. Don’t get me wrong: while it’s not going to blanket a room with music, it’s more than capable of putting out clear, dynamic sound if you’re sitting nearby or using it as a shower speaker. 

• Sonos Roam review: portable potential
• The best Sonos speakers to buy right now

The real selling points of the Roam are its smarts and tight integration with Sonos’ whole-home audio platform. When at home, the Roam streams music over Wi-Fi, so you’re getting better fidelity than Bluetooth. You can seamlessly hand off playback from the Roam to another nearby Sonos speaker with the press of a button, and it’s a cheap way of adding a turntable to your Sonos system — so long as your turntable supports Bluetooth. You can also easily group it with other Sonos speakers for multi-room playback. If you want to use the Roam as a smart speaker, take your pick between Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice commands.  

Sonos recently released a slightly cheaper Roam SL that omits the built-in microphones. But unless you’re adamantly opposed to having mics in your gadgets, I’d steer clear of the Roam SL. It only saves you $20 but loses fairly substantial features like automatic Trueplay sound quality tuning, the Sound Swap feature mentioned above, and (obviously) all voice interactions. For $99 or $129, I could absolutely see it. But $159 is just too much to ask for the Roam SL.

READ MY REVIEW OF THE SONOS ROAM .

Bluetooth speaker with the best battery life

Jbl charge 5.

Weight: 2.1 pounds / Battery life: 20 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C

JBL’s Charge 5 is a powerful Bluetooth speaker with a marathon battery life of up to 20 hours. It also lets you charge your phone through the built-in USB-A port.

If you’re looking for something a little more powerful, JBL’s Charge 5 is beefier than the UE Boom in terms of both dimensions and audio reproduction. I’m not a fan of JBL putting a super-sized logo on its newest speakers; so much for subtlety. But if you don’t mind that aesthetic decision, the Charge 5 ticks off many boxes for functionality. 

It’s a stamina champ with up to 20 hours of continuous playback. Speaking of batteries, a unique trick offered by the Charge 5 is its ability to recharge external devices: there’s a USB-A port for topping up your own phone or a friend’s as you listen to tunes. 

My main disappointment with the Charge 5 is its mono driver, which has to downmix stereo content. When you’re dealing with mono portable speakers, there might be sections of a song or particular instruments that aren’t as prevalent as they are on stereo speakers. And since the Charge 5 doesn’t sound quite as pristine and detailed as Bose’s SoundLink Flex, it’s more noticeable here.

Best small Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 0.53 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP67 / Can you stereo pair two? : No / Speakerphone: No / Charging: USB-C

The latest entry in the JBL clip line of Bluetooth speakers retains the same integrated carabiner of its predecessor while including a more powerful speaker.

The Clip 4 from JBL is actually a bit larger than I would’ve expected when looking at marketing images. But the integrated carabiner makes it effortless to attach to your bag, bike, and who knows what else. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound this compact speaker can produce.

The bass is a little recessed, but the Clip 4 puts out clear and crisp mids and treble. Like our other picks, it’s rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Combined with its diminutive size and 10-hour battery life, you’re looking at a great speaker for bringing along on hikes or other adventures. 

Best outdoor Bluetooth speaker

Weight: 6.61 pounds / Battery life: 10 hours / Water resistance: IP56 / Can you stereo pair two? : Yes / Speakerphone: No / Charging port: USB-C, proprietary wireless

The Sonos Move is a large speaker that’s designed to be moved around the house or used outside in the yard. It offers powerful sound and full support for countless streaming apps through the Sonos app. Read our review .

At 6.61 pounds, the Sonos Move is a hefty thing to lug around. That’s why it’s mainly intended to be moved around the house or out to the backyard. It’s not what I’d consider convenient, but in exchange for putting up with a much bigger speaker than the Roam, you’re rewarded with a substantial sound upgrade.

• Sonos Move review: house shaker, not road warrior

The Move is more than capable of filling a room with resonant audio, and like the Roam, you get your choice of using it like a regular Bluetooth speaker or playing music over Wi-Fi with the Sonos app. With an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, the Move is designed to be weatherproof, and it’s able to withstand some bumps. You’d hope for as much considering this speaker’s $400 price tag. But when you add in extras like hands-free voice controls and automatic Trueplay, the Move has a large bag of tricks that make it a unique choice if you’re after a larger, louder speaker.

READ DAN SEIFERT’S REVIEW OF THE SONOS MOVE .

Update March 21st, 12:35PM ET: The buying guide has been reformatted, and our previous pick for an outdoor party speaker — the Sony SRS-XB43 — has been removed since it’s now discontinued.

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Article updated on May 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM PDT

Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers for 2024: Top Compact Waterproof Wireless Speakers

Here are our picks of the best small Bluetooth speakers for great audio on the go, many of which cost less than $100.

Our Experts

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What to consider

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new Bluetooth speaker.

Be sure to balance size with performance if you're looking for something that's easily portable. 

Many Bluetooth speakers are now fully waterproof and some are fully dust-proof. If you're planning on taking the speaker with you to the beach or on a hiking trip, consider a more durable speaker.

Speakerphone Capabilities

Some speakers have a built-in microphone that turns them into a speakerphone when making calls on your cell phone. 

What is the best mini Bluetooth speaker overall?

There are a slew of options depending on the kind of sound you like, so it's difficult to declare one model as the best overall mini Bluetooth speaker. A few speakers like the  Bose SoundLink Flex  and  Tribit StormBox Micro 2 do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, which is why we've given them our prestigious CNET Editors' Choice Award.

We have a separate list of the best overall Bluetooth speakers of 2024 , which offers beefier portable wireless speakers and also includes wireless Bluetooth boom boxes with built-in handles. This is a list of compact Bluetooth speakers that are affordable and highly portable, with many models costing less than $100. It's important to note that mini and micro Bluetooth speakers have some sound limitations. The smallest Bluetooth speakers are technically mono speakers, which means that the bass output from such a tiny speaker will be limited. Despite this, many of these speakers deliver surprisingly decent sound considering their size.

Best mini Bluetooth wireless speakers of 2024

• Great sound for the size
• Waterproof and dust-proof with powder-coated steel grille for durability
• Smart position technology delivers optimized sound
• Uses old Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0
• Not as loud as advertised

Compact and powerful

Bose soundlink flex.

When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. It mostly lives up to the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker for its relatively compact size. Available in three colors -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- the speaker is IP67 dust- and waterproof, and rated for 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels.

It's also equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it's upright, hanging or flat on its back. The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that "won't peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light."

While Bose's  SoundLink Micro  also delivers impressive sound for its tiny size, this speaker is bigger, weighing just over a pound (0.45 kg) and measuring 7.9 inches wide, 2.1 inches deep and 3.6 inches high (20 by 5.3 by 9.1cm), so the Flex sounds significantly better than the Micro. For some reason, it uses the older Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0, but I didn't have any problems with connectivity.

Bose says it can fill a living room with sound. From my tests, I'd say it would have to be a relatively small living room -- it can only output so much sound as a single speaker. If you pair two of them together in stereo mode, the sound gets to a whole other level and indeed fills a larger room with sound.

• Good sound for its ultracompact size and modest price
• Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
• Integrated strap
• USB-C charging in/out with 12 hours of battery life
• Not as durable as Bose SoundLink Micro
• Distorts slightly at higher volumes with certain tracks

Best value micro Bluetooth speaker

Tribit stormbox micro 2.

Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose's excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike's handlebars.

Like the original, it's an excellent value and easy to recommend if you're looking for a super compact portable wireless speaker. 

• Decent sound for its size
• Lightweight and compact
• Up to 15 hours of battery life
• IPX7 waterproof
• It can output only so much sound

Good value mini Bluetooth speaker

Soundcore by anker mini 3.

The very compact Soundcore by Anker Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker may not deliver huge sound but it delivers more sound than you'd think (with just enough bass) from a speaker of its size. Available in multiple color options and weighing around 8 ounces or 223 grams, it has an integrated strap and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

The 6-watt Mini 3 sounds fairly similar to the new Sony SRS-XB100 , which retails for $60 or around $20 more, and features good battery life -- up to 15 hours at moderate volume levels. You can wirelessly link multiple Mini 3s together to create a wider sound field, but most people will use this speaker for casual listening on the go. It also makes for a good bathroom or shower speaker and does have speakerphone capabilities with a built-in microphone. 

• Slightly improved sound and speakerphone performance
• Up to 16 hours of battery life
• IP67 waterproof and dust-resistant
• Can output only so much sound
• No companion app

Best mini canister speaker

Sony srs-xb100.

For 2023, Sony's smallest Bluetooth speaker has once again been modestly upgraded, with a new Bluetooth chipset and slightly improved sound and speakerphone performance. This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and, like its predecessor (the SRS-XB13), it's rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and it charges via USB-C. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the AAC and SBC audio codecs, the speaker plays bigger than you'd think for its small size, with some punch to its bass. It's pretty impressive for a mini mono speaker.  

Although the 9.6-ounce (272-gram) speaker appears to have the same design as the XB13, Sony says its new sound diffusion processor "realizes richer spread sound," which basically means this has a bit wider soundstage, which I can confirm. It can output only so much sound -- yes, it has its limitations -- but if you add a second XB100, you can get stereo sound. Alas, there's no companion app, but that isn't a huge deal.

The XB100 is available in multiple color options and includes a strap so you can attach it to various objects. It also has speakerphone capabilities with an integrated microphone (as I said, the speakerphone's performance has been improved, and callers said they could hear me clearly indoors).

• One of the best-sounding speaker for its size
• Good design
• Listen to it horizontally or vertically
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof
• A liittle overpriced

Better-sounding Flip

With each new version of the Flip, JBL makes small improvements, and while the latest model -- the Flip 6 -- doesn't look much different from the Flip 5 on the outside, it does feature improved sound. It has two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter and dual passive radiators that help the Flip 6 deliver much deeper bass than you think it could. 

It's fully waterproof and dustproof with an IPX67 rating. Like the Flip 5, it's rated for up to 12 hours of audio playback at moderate volume levels and charges via USB-C. Available in multiple color options, it's one of the best-sounding speakers for its compact size.

• For its size, the affordable Tribit MaxSound Plus delivers strong sound that's a nice jump in quality over the smaller XSound Go. It's fully waterproof, seems durable and has an attractive design with a more tastefully sized logo. Battery life is good at up 20 hours.
• It takes a long time to fully charge.

Best sound under $60

Tribit maxsound plus.

The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best-sounding speakers in its size and price class. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and superior audio quality for a Bluetooth speaker. Be sure to activate the instant coupon on the product page for $10 off. 

• Decent sound for size
• Covered in stylish, durable fabric in multiple color options
• Waterproof and dust-proof
• Shorter battery life

Pocket-friendly

The JBL Bluetooth speaker that received the biggest improvements over the previous model is among the company's smallest. The JBL Go 3 has a completely new look -- it's now covered in durable fabric instead of having the naked plastic design of its Go predecessors -- and that new design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its small size, makes the Go 3 one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.

Available in multiple color options, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can be dunked in water and is dustproof. Battery life is rated at up to five hours.

• Very good sound for its size with decent bass
• Rugged design
• Extended wireless range (40 meters)
• Waterproof and dust-proof (and it floats)
• Micro-USB charging (not USB-C)
• Less slim than some micro Bluetooth speakers

Most durable

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

We liked Ultimate Ears'  Wonderboom 2  and the third-generation model, the Wonderboom 3, offers some small improvements, including slightly better battery life (up to 14 hours instead of 13, at moderate volume levels) and a new Bluetooth chip that allows for extended wireless range of over 130 feet (40 meters). The design has not changed, although the speaker now comes in different color options.

Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 carries a list price of $100 but sometimes sells for a little less. Its IP67 rating means that it's not only waterproof but also dust-proof (and able to float).

This model retains the special Outdoor Boost mode that boosts treble and you can link two together (or pair a Wonderboom 3 to a Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo sound pairing by simply pressing a button on each speaker. As far as I can tell, the Wonderboom 3 sounds very similar to the Wonderboom 2 and features very good sound for its small size. That said, while there's some punch to the bass (being short yet squat helps it produce more low-end), it can only deliver so much kick. 

Alas, Ultimate Ears, which is owned by Logitech, has not upgraded the charging port to USB-C. The speaker still charges with a Micro-USB cable, which is a bit of a bummer.

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi equipped
• USB-C and wireless charging
• Attractive design
• Pricey compared to many mini Bluetooth speakers
• No power adapter included, only USB-C

Portable Sonos Wi-Fi/Bluetooth speaker

The Roam is currently Sonos' smallest and most affordable speaker (if you don't count those $99 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk Ikea Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers). This model, like  Sonos' earlier Move  portable speaker ($400), is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can tap into an existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers. The Sonos Roam makes for a good starter Sonos speaker for those new to the Sonos world.  Read our Sonos Roam review .

• Great overall sound for the price.
• More volume, bigger bass and better clarity.
• Fully waterproof.
• Up 12 hours of battery life.
• USB-C charging.
• Not as compact as the top mini Bluetooth speakers.
• Some colors inexplicably cost more.

Best sound for around $100

Anker soundcore motion plus.

While Anker's  Soundcore Motion Plus  came out in 2019 it remains one of the best-sounding speakers for around $100. It's larger than many mini Bluetooth speakers, but it's still compact. It manages to sound quite a bit fuller than much of the competition in its price range, with bigger bass, more volume and better clarity. It's also fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and has support for the aptX streaming codec for devices like Samsung's Galaxy phones that support it.

It's currently priced at $107 at Amazon, but you can save money by activating the instant coupon on the product page. 

• Very compact
• Good sound for its tiny size
• Fully waterproof and dust-proof with an IP67 rating
• Speakerphone
• Only outputs so much sound, particularly bass

Best Marshall micro speaker

Marshall willen.

Marshall's little mono Willen speaker is similar to Bose's SoundLink Micro and other micro speakers like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. Also like those speakers, it has an integrated strap on its base so you can clip it onto a backpack or even to your bike's handlebars. Its 2-inch full-range driver and two passive radiators put out more sound than you'd think it would for its tiny size, and it offers decent clarity as well as just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny (you can choose from three preset sound modes). 

Battery life is good at around 15 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels, and the speaker is IPX67 dust-proof and waterproof. The main strike against it is its $120 price -- ideally, it would cost around $80, although right now you can pick it up on sale for $100. It's nicely designed, feels rugged and fits in a jacket pocket, weighing just 0.68-pound (308 grams).

The Willen can stand up vertically or lay down horizontally and has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. It comes in a couple of color options and can be linked wirelessly with other Willen speakers to augment the sound.

• Plays pretty loud with decent bass and reasonable clarity
• LED light show
• Fully waterproof 
• A little generic looking

Best value mini Bluetooth party speaker

Tribit xsound mega.

Over the last few years, Tribit has made several Bluetooth speakers that deliver a lot of boom for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the list.

Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as more of an outdoor speaker -- a lanyard is included for toting it around as a sort of mini boombox -- but it works just fine indoors. It has an LED light show that you can turn on or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Additionally, it can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile devices.

In my tests, the speaker compared pretty favorably to more expensive speakers like the JBL Charge 5. There's plenty of bass and the speaker plays loud for its size, with decent clarity. It's a mono speaker with a single driver and two bass radiators -- that's how you get all that bass. So while you can expect big sound, the soundstage doesn't feel all that wide, particularly at lower volumes. It actually sounds better at higher volumes.

• Durable with integrated carabiner clip
• Good volume and bass
• Waterproof in shallow water
• Not the best sound
• Pricey compared to many micro Bluetooth speakers

Best for clipping onto a backpack

For its first three generations, JBL's Clip micro Bluetooth speaker had a circular design. For the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging. This portable Bluetooth speaker does seem more durable, with a sturdier integrated carabiner clip. Also, it sounds a little better, with more volume, clearer sound and more bass. With an IP67 water resistance rating, it can survive being dunked in shallow water and is dust-proof. The Clip 4 is right up there with the best overall micro Bluetooth speakers.

• Built-in light show
• JBL expanded the transparent outer body
• Improved sound
• Somewhat pricey
• Very good but not great sound for its size

Best compact Bluetooth speaker with 360-degree light show

Jbl pulse 5.

JBL Pulse speaker is now in its fifth generation and both the sound quality and 360-degree light show have been improved. JBL has "expanded the transparent outer body" so the customizable light show (there's a companion app for iOS and Android that allows you to alter the colorful lighting effects) looks more impressive. The speaker is also IP67 dustproof and waterproof, and it offers up to 12 hours of battery at moderate volume levels.

The speaker now has a separate tweeter and a passive bass radiator that delivers fairly punchy bass. I'd say the speaker delivers very good but not great sound for its size and price (it distorts a little at higher volumes). For sound, it's sort of in between JBL's Flip 6 and Charge 5, so you'll arguably get slightly better sound from the Charge 5. You're primarily buying this speaker for the light show -- that's what makes it unique and special and it does look mesmerizing.

Note that you can pair this with another JBL PartyBoost compatible speaker for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost speakers for augmented sound. Also, you can find this speaker on Amazon as part of a bundle with a protective carrying case thrown in for the same price as the speaker by itself. 

• More affordable option for the brand
• Multipoint Bluetooth
• Alexa-enabled
• Long battery life
• Still expensive compared to other speakers of the same size

Impressive sounding ultracompact speaker (and speakerphone)

Bang & olufsen beosound a1 2nd gen.

Bang & Olufsen has upgraded its dome-shaped aluminum-clad A1 speaker with improved battery life, better speakerphone performance (it now has a three-microphone array) and slightly improved sound. It's not only the smallest wireless speaker from the Danish company but also the most affordable as it often drops to around $200.

While the speaker drivers remain the same, the Qualcomm chipset that powers the speaker has been upgraded (the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1), bumping the sound quality up a tad, particularly at higher volumes, with better digital signal processing. It remains one of the best-sounding mini Bluetooth speaker models, with richer more tonally balanced sound than other Bluetooth speakers its size -- and it should sound good, considering its elevated price point.

It's also worth noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect this to your PC and smartphone at the same time and easily switch back and forth between the two if a call comes in on your phone. Additionally, the speaker is Alexa-enabled, meaning you can activate Amazon's voice assistant by just saying "Alexa." 

Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours at 50% volume (the earlier A1 didn't live up to its battery life claims, but this number is more accurate) and if you can afford it, you can link two A1 speakers to create a stereo pair. The speaker is waterproof with an IP67 rating that allows it to be submerged briefly in shallow water.

• Fully waterproof
• Great battery life
• Only OK sound

Excellent value

Tribit xsound go.

At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has excellent battery life -- up to 24 hours at 50% volume levels.

• Powerful bass
• Available in three color options
• A little pricey
• Due for an upgrade

Micro favorite

Bose soundlink micro.

Although a little pricey and due to be upgraded, the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It's a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and is available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find. 

While this model is truly pocket-size -- and that's certainly an appealing feature -- the bigger but still compact SoundLink Flex sounds significantly better and is also the better value, although it costs more.

• Great sound
• Affordable option
• Shape only allows one orientation (can't stand on side or back)

Cheaper alternative to Flip 6

Tribit stormbox.

Tribit's StormBox speaker looks like a cross between a UE and a JBL speaker. We suspect that's not an accident. Fully waterproof, it costs about $50 less than the JBL Flip 5, produces a bigger sound and has up to 20 hours of battery life. Tribit's XSound speakers are probably a better value, but the Stormbox is more stylish. It also has a rechargeable li-ion battery able to power up to 20 hours of continuous playtime.

Factors to consider when choosing a mini Bluetooth speaker

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new Bluetooth speaker. Value-priced wireless speakers continue to improve, so you can find good "cheap" Bluetooth Bluetooth speakers from Chinese brands like Tribit for not too much money (less than $60). If you're looking for a more premium speaker, you can expect to pay $100 or more, especially for larger portable speakers that deliver better sound

Bigger speakers tend to sound better, delivering a bigger sound with more bass. Going bigger means they weigh more, which can make them a little harder to carry around. So you have to balance size with performance if you're looking for something that's easily portable. If you're interested in a larger portable speaker, one feature worth looking out for is a built-in handle. 

Many Bluetooth speakers are now fully waterproof and some are fully dustproof. If you're planning on taking the speaker with you to the beach or on a hiking trip, having a more durable speaker is a desirable trait.

Speakerphone capabilities

Some speakers have a built-in microphone that turns them into a speakerphone when making calls on your cell phone. Many speakers don't offer that feature, so choose accordingly if that's something you're looking for.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

In assessing what the best Bluetooth speakers are, we consider the design of the speaker, and particularly how durable it seems, along with sound quality and overall value. The list includes everything from  compact mini models  and pocket-size micro versions to heftier models with powerful audio. For more, check out our lists of the  best smart speakers  and the  best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems .

Other Bluetooth speakers we tested

Anker Motion Boom : Anker's more expensive Soundcore Motion Boom Plus (see above) is a substantial sound upgrade over the original Motion Boom but this model remains a very good mini boom box for the money. Equipped with a handle and weighing a little over 4 pounds, the speaker reminds me of one of those giant flashlights or "floating lanterns" that were in vogue about 30 years ago. For the record, the Motion Boom actually does float and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. 

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore : While it's a little overpriced for the sound quality it ultimately delivers, the Beosound Explore is a very good little speaker that has a sleek, eye-catching design, is fully waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating), and offers excellent battery life, with up to 27 hours of music listening at moderate volume levels. 

Monoprice Soundstage 3 : Monoprice tends to make pretty generic-looking electronic products, and its understated Soundstage 3 Bluetooth speaker probably isn't going to wow you with its design although its minimalist aesthetic has its appeal. I wouldn't buy this speaker at its list price of $250, but it's often discounted to closer to $150, where it's a good value thanks to its ability to play big sound with strong bass and decent clarity, with 50 watts of power that drives a 5.25-inch "concave aluminum cone woofer" flanked by two 1-inch silk-dome tweeters. It also has good connectivity options, including digital optical, 3.5mm analog and RCA analog wired inputs that allow you to connect your television or another stereo component. There's also a sub-out port. 

UE Hyperboom : Ultimate Ears' Boom Bluetooth speakers come in a few different sizes, but none of them are as big as the  Hyperboom . A supersize wireless speaker that tips the scales at a hefty 13 pounds, the Hyperboom makes the  UE Megaboom 3  look unquestionably puny. It's not cheap, but its sound quality is better than a lot of the jumbo portable speakers on the market right now. Read our review .

Bluetooth wireless speaker FAQs

How do i choose a bluetooth speaker.

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, what it really comes down to is size and price. If you're looking for a very portable speaker, you'll want to get something very compact, but remember that smaller speakers usually produce less sound and bass than larger ones. While there are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver a bigger sound than you might expect, they do have their sonic limitations. For a lot of people, it's a question of finding a speaker that's not too big or too small -- one that travels well but also is capable of producing good sound for its size. But finding the best portable Bluetooth speaker also comes down to your budget.

Price can be a limiting factor. You may not want to spend $150 or more for a small speaker. Luckily, there are plenty of good options for $100, and some decent mini Bluetooth speakers can cost less than $50. Also, certain "value" brands that sell primarily on Amazon are strongly worth considering because they do offer a lot for the money.

If you're looking for the best sound quality, as I said, bigger is usually better, and some larger portable Bluetooth speakers -- sometimes referred to as Bluetooth boom boxes -- can put out a lot of sound and have an integrated handle for toting them around.

What is the loudest Bluetooth speaker?

The loudest Bluetooth speakers are the biggest ones. Sometimes they're referred to as boom boxes or "party" speakers. Some of those speakers are portable and have built-in rechargeable batteries while the biggest party speakers literally have wheels on them for transport and need to be plugged in with an AC adapter because they require so much power. 

We have a  list of the best wireless boom box speakers  if you're looking for a bigger Bluetooth speaker. It's also worth noting that Bluetooth speakers from the same company can be daisy-chained together to augment their sound or paired together as a left-right stereo pair. Often, the best way to get a bigger sound is to pair two Bluetooth speakers together in a stereo pair.

Are mini Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Mini Bluetooth speakers are increasingly being made waterproof, which means they can be fully submerged in water. A few models even float. For full waterproofing, look for an IPX rating of IPX7 or higher. Sometimes speakers will also have a dust-resistance rating. For example, an IP68 speaker is fully dust-proof and fully waterproof. The first number is the dust-resistance rating while the second refers to water resistance. So a speaker with an IP68 rating has the same water-resistance rating as an IPX8-rated speaker. 

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The 8 Best Speakers To Make Your Music Sing In All Settings

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Headphones are great, but the best speakers can make your listening experience more natural and more social. You probably don’t want to watch TV exclusively with headphones, after all. Sometimes, you want a speaker to take to the beach or park to listen with your friends. Sometimes, you simply want to make your music sound the best it can in your home.

A speaker for every occasion—some of our best speakers include Bose, Ultimate Ears and Sonos.

No speaker is a one-size-fits-all situation, so you might want more than one option—a soundbar for your TV, a portable speaker for gardening and a shower speaker for... showering. Our top pick for the best speaker for most people is the Sonos Era 100 , but other options for specific needs are below.

• Best Speaker Overall: Sonos Era 100 Smart Speaker
• Best Hi-Fi Speakers: KEF LS50 Meta Passive Speakers (Pair)
• Best Bluetooth Speaker: Sonos Roam Bluetooth Speaker
• Best Smart Speaker: Sonos Era 300 Wireless Smart Speaker
• Best Waterproof Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Waterproof Speaker
• Best Soundbar: Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar (Bundle)
• Best Shower Speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex Waterproof Speaker
• Best Portable Speaker: Bose Portable Smart Speaker

Best Speaker Overall

The best general-use speakers for most situations, sonos era 100 smart speaker.

Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.7 x 5.1 inches | Ports: USB-C (supports 3.5 mm and ethernet with dongle) | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | Subwoofer: Supports Sonos Sub and Sub Mini (sold separately) | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Spatial audio: None

Best for: Anyone who wants a great-sounding speaker that supports smart features and offers a sleek design.

Sonos has been building some of the best modern speakers for years now, and the Sonos Era 100 is a continuation of that tradition. The speaker replaces the much-loved Sonos One, offering even more powerful and rich audio. You can technically use the speaker with a Sonos subwoofer, but it actually offers pretty good bass response without one, along with good clarity and detail in the high end. This isn’t an audiophile-level speaker, but the vast majority of buyers will be surprised by how great the speaker sounds.

The Era 100 has Amazon Alexa and Sonos’ own voice assistant built in, and while it doesn’t have Siri built into it, it does support AirPlay 2 for multi-room audio in the Apple ecosystem. You can also control the speaker straight through the Sonos app, and you can connect it to a wider Sonos speaker system. For example, it can be used as rear speakers in a home theater system in conjunction with a Sonos soundbar. It has Bluetooth, and supports wired audio through the use of an adapter. Note: This isn’t a portable speaker—there’s no battery built into it, and it needs to be plugged in to a power outlet to use.

What our writers say: “The Era 100 isn’t for audiophiles, but it easily punches above its weight-class—and the smart features it has are the icing on the cake.”

• Excellent audio
• Tons of smart features
• Sleek and stylish design
• Limited Google support
• Adapter needed for most wired audio

Best Hi-Fi Speakers

Stunning audio and a premium build, kef ls50 meta passive speakers (pair).

Dimensions: 11 x 7.9 x 11.9 inches (each) | Ports: Speaker wire | Wireless connectivity: None

Best for: Those who prioritize top-tier audio and have the money to get it.

If there’s any set of “traditional” speakers on this list, the KEF LS50 Meta is it. These speakers are passive—so they need to be wired to an external amplifier. But if you have the ability to set up a dedicated speaker system, then these are the speakers to get—they sound absolutely stunning. They deliver deep bass and well-tuned mids with excellent detail and clarity in the high end. The speakers make any audio sound its absolute best, with things you’ve never heard before in your favorite tunes.

The speakers are really built for a specific purpose, so they don’t include smart features or voice assistants, and you wouldn’t necessarily expect that. The main issue you might have with the speakers is the price—but again, if the best-sounding audio is what you’re looking for, then they’re worth the cost.

What our writers say: “These embody what audiophile speakers can be, and the clarity and detail in the high-end immediately puts them in a different class than the vast majority of other speakers you’ll find out there right now.”

• Stunning audio
• Strong, sleek build
• Available in a few different colors
• Very expensive
• No smart features or wireless connectivity

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Easy connectivity and a portable build, sonos roam bluetooth speaker.

Dimensions: 6.61 x 2.3 x 2.4 inches | Ports: USB-C (charging only) | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | Battery life: 10 hours | Water resistance: IP67 | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Sonos Voice Control

Best for: Those who want a great-sounding Bluetooth speaker that can be taken on the road.

Plenty of speakers on this list support Bluetooth, but if you’re specifically looking for a Bluetooth speaker then you’re probably looking for something you can take on the road—in which case the Sonos Roam is an excellent option. One of the best things about this speaker is the fact that it works with the wider Sonos ecosystem of speakers and, when you’re at home, connects through Wi-Fi for better multi-room audio. It even supports AirPlay 2 for Apple users, and you can use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It has an IP67 water-resistance for better durability, so you can take it to the pool without having to worry about it getting splashed—just don’t submerge it.

The speaker sounds great, but as a smaller, cheaper speaker, it doesn’t sound as good as Sonos’ other options, especially when it comes to bass response. And, while the 10-hour battery life is enough for a day out, it’s not as high as other options, so keep it charged with the included wireless charger. That said, it’s perfect for those who want a smart speaker that boasts tons of smart features at home, but that can still be taken on the go.

What our writers say: “The fact that this speaker can be taken on the road, but then used at home with Sonos’ full feature-set, makes it much more versatile than the average Bluetooth speaker.”

• Still has all the Sonos smarts
• IP67 water-resistance
• Battery life is a little low
• Bass is slightly limited

Best Smart Speaker

Super smart and great-sounding, sonos era 300 wireless smart speaker.

Dimensions: 6.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | Ports: USB-C (supports 3.5 mm and ethernet with dongle) | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 | Subwoofer: Supports Sonos Sub (sold separately) | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos

Best for: Those who want the best-sounding smart speaker available right now.

The Sonos Era 100 is a great all-around speaker, but if you want the best smart speaker, the Sonos Era 300 is it. The Era 300 has all the smart features you would expect from a Sonos speaker, such as integration with other Sonos speakers, AirPlay 2 support, and Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control built in.

But where the Era 300 really shines is in its audio quality. Its size allows it to offer deeper and punchier bass than smaller smart speakers, and it still offers excellent detail in the high end. Its unusual shape lets it bounce audio off the ceiling and walls around it for a full Dolby Atmos experience. That can make listening to music a little more immersive, and it helps for those who want to use the speaker with a Sonos home theater system—such as for rear speakers paired with a Sonos soundbar. The speaker is a little expensive and a little bulky, but for those who want the best smart speaker experience out there, it’s the way to go.

What our writers say: “I use two Era 300 speakers in conjunction with a Sonos Arc soundbar, and love the fact that it delivers a more immersive, Dolby Atmos experience, on top of supporting all the smart features I would expect from Sonos.”

• Great frequency response
• Tons of features
• Supports Dolby Atmos
• A bit bulky

Best Waterproof Speaker

Perfect for the beach or the pool, ultimate ears wonderboom 3 waterproof speaker.

Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.5 x 4.7 inches | Ports: Micro-USB port (charging only) | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 14 hours | Water resistance: IP67

Best for: Those who want something relatively inexpensive they can use at the beach.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is the best choice for those looking for a portable waterproof speaker. To be clear, the speaker has the same level of water-resistance as the Sonos Roam speaker, which is also on this list. But if you’re looking for something to use occasionally near the pool or at the beach, you probably don’t want to spend as much as the Sonos Roam costs. That’s where the Wonderboom 3 comes in. It’s not as amazing-sounding or as feature-rich, but it does have Bluetooth built into it, and a pretty good frequency response overall, especially for something in its price range.

The speaker is a little low-tech. Unfortunately, it has a Micro-USB port for charging, not a newer USB-C port. And, it really only connects through Bluetooth—there’s no wired or Wi-Fi connectivity. But, it does have some helpful design touches to it, including a loop to hang it up and big volume buttons for easy control. Ultimately, it’s an excellent option for those who want something to blast tunes with their friends by the pool. It’s available in a bunch of cool colors, too.

What the reviews say: One Amazon reviewer was particularly impressed with the audio quality for such a small speaker. “I’ve been searching for a compact speaker that delivers impressive sound quality without sacrificing portability, and this speaker exceeds all expectations.”

• Compact build
• Inexpensive
• Solid audio for the price
• Limited feature-set

Best Soundbar

A full home theater in your living room, samsung hw-q990d soundbar (bundle).

Dimensions: 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches (main soundbar) | Ports: 2 x HDMi 2.1 in, 1 x HDMI 2.1 out, optical | Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast | Subwoofer: Yes, included | Channels: 11.1.4 | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Bixby | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

Best for: Those who want to turn their living room into a full home theater.

The best soundbar available right now is the Samsung HW-Q990D. This is actually a larger home theater package that comes with rear speakers and a subwoofer for full-bodied, immersive audio. When it’s all set up, the system supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so you get a complete surround-sound experience. The soundbar has two HDMI 2.1 inputs that can pass through to your TV, and it supports all the latest-and-greatest gaming tech, including a variable refresh rate from your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. It also supports all the major wireless connectivity standards, including AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, so you can use it as part of a wider multi-room audio setup.

The main downside is the fact that the system is more expensive than most soundbars out there right now. Additionally, it is a little complicated to install, especially given the fact that installing it involves placing rear speakers for surround sound. That said, if you can afford the HW-Q990D and don’t mind spending some time to set it all up, it’s easily the best soundbar setup you can get right now.

What our writers say: “The HW-Q990D is a follow-up to the HW-Q990C, which offered one of the best-sounding, most immersive audio experiences you could get in your living room.”

• Stunning audio quality
• Supports all modern wireless standards
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• Slightly complicated setup

Best Shower Speaker

Don't stop listening, even in the shower, bose soundlink flex waterproof speaker.

Dimensions: 3.6 x 7.9 x 2.1 inches | Ports: USB-C (charging only) | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 12 hours | Water resistance: IP67

Best for: Those who want to keep up-to-date on their podcasts and favorite tunes even when they’re getting clean.

Who wants to stop listening to music just because they’re headed into the shower? There are plenty of shower speakers out there, but the best of them is the Bose SoundLink Flex. Sure, it’s expensive and slightly bulky, but it looks good, sounds great and is water-resistant enough to survive shower use. The speaker has an IP67 water-resistance rating, which means that while you should do your best to avoid completely submerging it, it withstands splashes from the shower or an accidental quick drop in the tub.

Even better is the fact that the speaker sounds great, as you would expect from Bose. It’s a little larger than many other shower speakers—it has larger drivers that can deliver deeper bass—coupled with a detailed and clear high-end response. It connects to your device through Bluetooth, and comes in a range of fun colors.

What the reviews say: One reviewer on Amazon was particularly impressed with the audio quality for a speaker of this size. “It has surpassed my expectations in several key areas. The sound quality, for starters, is incredible for a speaker of its size. The bass is robust and punchy, mids are clear and crisp, while the highs are distinct, creating a well-rounded and immersive audio experience.”

• Great audio response
• Sleek design
• Bulky for a shower speaker

Best Portable Speaker

Deep, rich audio wherever you go, bose portable smart speaker.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.7 x 4.1 inches | Ports: USB-C (charging only) | Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | Battery life: 12 hours | Water resistance: IPX4 | Voice assistant: Alexa, Google Assistant

Best for: Those who want the best on-the-go audio experience they can get.

If you’re looking for a high-end speaker that you can take wherever you go, then the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is the speaker to get. This certainly isn’t the only portable speaker on this list—and if you’re specifically looking for water-resistance, it’s worth considering the others. But, if simply getting something that’s portable yet still sounds amazing is your priority, then the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a great option. The speaker is a little larger than some others, but it delivers deep, rich bass and a well-tuned frequency response overall. It has a 12-hour battery life, which is fine, but not incredible.

The speaker supports Bluetooth for use outside of the home, but it also works with an array of other standards, including AirPlay 2. And, it has the option for either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built right into it, so it can be integrated into a wider smart home and multi-room audio setup. Sure, the speaker is expensive, but given how versatile it is, and that it’s useful inside the home as much as outside, it could be worth it for many buyers.

What the reviews say: A reviewer on Amazon was particular impressed with the solid bass response on offer by this speaker. “The sound quality is markedly superior to the smaller Bose Flex or the B&O A1 speaker I replaced. A clear difference is being able to hear the distinct bass notes, while the smaller speakers produce bass sound that isn’t clear.”

• Detailed audio
• Good smart features
• Strong build
• Battery life could be better

The 8 Best Foundations For Combination Skin, According To Experts

The best murphy beds to make the most out of your bedroom space, why trust forbes vetted.

At Forbes Vetted, we’re proud of our extensive library of tech and audio articles . We offer dozens of guides about speakers and headphones , as well as more niche products like turntables and streaming microphones .

• This guide was written by Christian de Looper , who has over a decade of experience writing about consumer technology, and specifically has a background in audio. He even earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Technology.
• Christian has written many consumer tech and audio guides for Forbes Vetted, including on wireless earbuds under $100 , the best karaoke machines and our tested best gaming headsets guide.
• All picks in this guide were approved by Rebecca Isaacs , Forbes Vetted’s tech editor, a consumer technology expert who has years of experience writing about and covering all the latest gadgets.
• The world of tech and audio moves fast, so we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. This article was last updated in May 2024.

How We Chose The Best Speakers

In building this list of the best speakers, we leveraged our own expertise and years of experience covering the speaker and smart home industries.

• We first looked at the different categories of speakers, and the top products that we’ve tested that are consistently recommended in those categories.
• Factors we considered included things like audio quality, connectivity options, design, and more.
• In certain situations, we also looked at metrics like water-resistance— like it the speakers are recommended for outdoor and shower use.
• We also pored over reviews from real buyers to make sure others’ experience aligned without own. We didn’t include any options that weren’t top-rated by reviewers.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Rolling Stone Summer Essentials 2024: The 30+ Best Travel, Beach, and Party Gear for the Season

By Sage Anderson

Sage Anderson

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Whether you’re gearing up for a “yacht party and polos” summer or “White Claw and napping by the pool” kind of summer, it feels damn good to get out once the temps start ticking up. To the beach , the campground , or just cruising around town, no matter where you’re heading off to, these are the products to pick up and make it your best getaway yet.

Think speakers that double as karaoke machines, pool loungers you can take into the ocean and — for wannabe high rollers — the return of an iconic Eighties Riviera sunscreen with a twist. We’ve tested these products to ensure they hold up to big parties and solo adventures alike, and make sure they come with a high rating from users like you. Here’s what earned our Rolling Stone seal of approval.

1. Sonos Move 2

2. jbl partybox club 120  .

With up to 12 hours of playtime and a splash-proof design, the JBL PartyBox Club 120 really lets you turn up the fun. Built-in light show (all synced to the beat of the music) and karaoke capabilities make this modern boombox a must-have. Not to mention that it delivers clear, dynamic sound and deeper bass than its predecessors, even at top volume. For backyard barbecues or days at the beach, this is the best way to get big sound in a portable package.

3. Novogratz Poolside Collection Asher Wood Burning Fire Pit

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Contrary to popular belief, no, you do not need to import water from the Big Apple to make a worthy pizza pie. All you need is a workhorse of an oven, or maybe just the impeccably-designed  Dome S1 . While we love wood-charred flavor as much as the next pizza lover, focusing on propane here makes for a (nearly) fool-proof cooking experience. Its removable stone floor, integrated temperature display, and high-heat propane gas control give you all the essentials to turn you into a bonafide pizzaiolo at home (please don’t use store-bought dough though, trust us here). 

5. Crocs Getaway Platform Flips

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The days of sacrificing portability for comfort at the shore are over thanks to the insanely-supportive Ostrich Deluxe 3-N-1 Lightweight Beach Chair . It’s got adjustable foot and backrests, and a lumbar pillow for long evenings prepping your campfire grub or watching the waves. By adjusting the back, you can lie completely flat, and there’s even a face hole for tanning and convenient reading. We’ve been on the hunt for the Goldilocks for beach chairs for ages, and credit Ostrich for upping our beachside enjoyment.

7. LG CineBeam Q

This new stylish and portable projector from LG is the best cinematic experience you’ll get in your backyard this year. The rotating handle has two practical benefits — swinging the handle up easily lets you transport the lightweight, 3-pound projector virtually anywhere. Adjusting it down also gives you the flexibility to point and play at any angle. What we love about this projector is that it displays a sharp, bright 4K picture with unreal color reproduction, even in the dark, so your movie nights will never be the same.

8. Polaroid Wave Underwater 4K Camera

Built to accompany you on all your underwater adventures, the Polaroid Wave is a fun, lightweight alternative to traditional action cameras. Since it’s waterproof in up to 10 feet and wrapped in a protective case, there’s very little terrain you can’t capture photos in. It’s also just a solid, high-quality camera you’d want to use anywhere, with 4K UHD 18mp video capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you share upload content to your social channels directly from the camera itself.

9. Bob Marley x Slowtide Blankets

10. igloo ecocool 24-can backpack cooler.

Sometimes your day trip to the beach doesn’t necessitate schlepping an entire hard cooler just to take the party with you. For wherever your next adventure goes, Igloo’s portable ECOCOOL Backpack is up to the task — without being hard on the environment. It’s tough as nails yet still lightweight, with a new kind of insulation made from repurposed algae and recycled EVA that keeps 24 bevvies cold for days. With more structure than your typical soft-sided cooler, it’s especially great for making sure those glass bottles won’t tip over and break (and being made out of plastic bottles gives it bonus points in our book).

11. Brümate BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler

Capacity is the name of the game when we’re shopping for coolers, and the Brümate BrüTank certainly delivers in this arena. Its 55-quart interior means you can transport your favorite canned or bottled bevs with ease, but did we also mention the removable 2.8-gallon drink tank with a built-in tap? The all-terrain wheels also afford it the ability to glide over any surface, so it’s quickly became a mainstay for all our backyard, park, and beach hangs.

12. Fun Boy Leisure Island: Classic Backrest Water Hammock

Looking to elevate your aquatic activities this summer? Fun Boy’s new Classic Backrest Water Hammock is a massive floating island with a large mesh relaxation area that makes basically the best floating dock ever. We’ve used it out on a lake, and while it looks chic, we were quite impressed by how heavy duty it feels. The mesh allows just enough water in to cool you down (without feeling like your skin is just sticking to nylon on a hot day), and with a couple canned drinks in hand, it’s so comfortable it’ll almost want to make you drift out to sea.

13. Snow Peak Festival Landbreeze Pro Air Duo Tent

14. sparrow eye 2 rooftop tent.

Cozy, easy-to-use rooftop tents like the Sparrow EYE 2 make it obvious why the tent style has become so popular. Roofnest’s sleek clamshell tent is extremely easy to set up and take down in under a minute, while its large windows and 40-inch height lend plenty of comfort. For “burning daylight” portability and “sleeping under the stars” comfort, it’s the best of both worlds.

15. Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent  

Not a fan of lounging on the hot, grainy sand while kicking back at the beach? If you want to forgo the typical towels and umbrellas, this beach tent is built for the hottest days of the season with three windows that can be opened for ventilation and an overhang that provides ample shade. While other tent counterparts can get pricey, you’ll get comparably high-quality water-proof materials with easy assembly and plenty of pockets — all for an affordable price tag.

16. Camelbak The A.T.P 20 Backpack

If you’re constantly on the never-ending search for that perfect travel backpack, we’re telling you to stop looking. Camelbak’s go-anywhere, do-anything A.T.P. 20 pack is a compact packer’s best friend, with plenty of storage at 20 L to work from a cafe in Austin or glide through customs on the way to Puebla. The streamlined design could clearly be mistaken for hiker’s gear, but little touches like the compression straps and removable laptop sleeve help this pack punch far above its weight in the luggage category.

17. Away The Outdoor Duffle 70L

Away’s outdoor travel collection features all the necessities you need for a weekend away, and The Outdoor Duffle 70L is constructed with a unique compression system that helps you pack even more in. The interior has a ton of space, including a mesh pocket for organization and the exterior has a hidden zipper compartment for additional items. If you’re heading out on a camping trip to Big Sur, or for an international weekend away to Iceland, The Outdoor Duffle 70L deserves to be your go-to carry-on. 

18. Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

19. yeti rambler 26 oz chug cap bottle.

Forget huge, bulky straw sippers — this is the summer of chugging water, and there’s no better bottle for quenching thirst than Yeti’s Rambler tumbler with its specialty chug cap . They brand is known for their insulation, so it’s no surprise that this is top-tier at chilling, and kept our drinks perfectly icy even after several hours in a hot car. But its best feature is the ability to gulp down a drink without all the ice spilling over your face, and the cap has the added benefit of keeping sand and bugs out of your precious bevvy.

20. Ray-Ban Aviator Reverse Sunglasses

Ray-Ban has been seen on everyone from Taylor Swift to JFK, and featured in movies like The Blues Brothers where they became film iconography. It’s hard not to say Ray-Ban is probably one of the most revered eyewear brands in history, but of their vast selection, we’re wearing the Aviator Reverse sunglasses this summer. They not only have classic appeal, but their high-performance anti-glare treatment means you’ll get the sharpest visuals possible in one frame. The sleek, inverted lens design follows the natural curve of your cheekbones, giving it a modern yet timeless look (so it’s safe to say you’ll have these around for a while).

21. J.Crew Stretch Swim Trunk

As a brand with a rich historical lens for American style, J.Crew’s selection is top tier — and of their summertime selections, Stretch Swim Trunk hits all the right notes. The 6-inch inseam sits comfortably on the upper leg, allowing the full length of your calves to really pop. The elastic stretch on the material also allows for thick thighs to feel comfortable while splashing in the waves or playing volleyball in the sand.

22. Apex Hybrid Trunks By Kelly Slater

23. everlane the day fisherman sandal.

Hailey Bieber set the trend when she wore them during the summer of 2023, and now the world can’t get enough. Fisherman sandals, when worn the right way with socks, are the best accessory to add some texture to an otherwise simple outfit. For those looking for an entry into this amazing trend, look no further than Everlane’s The Day Fisherman Sandal . Expect the incredibly soft Nappa leather upper to form perfectly to your feet over time, and the added buckle detailing adds some charming hardware to an otherwise minimalist shoe.

24. GoBQ Portable Charcoal Grill

The GoBQ is the most portable grill we’ve ever tried, so light and compact it’ll fit in a backpack. It’s even TSA-approved — yes, you heard us right, you can fly with this grill. Made of essentially the same material used in baking mats, the fabric is inherently fire-proof and non-stick, and can withstand over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Just toss some charcoal into the hanging mesh wire basket, roll the grilltop over it, and spark it up. It’s campfire cooking elevated to the next level, and lets you “grill out” far and beyond your boring backyard.

25. Reebok Unisex Club C 85 Sneaker

Reebok re-introduced one of their most iconic sneakers, the Club C 85 Vintage , that proves a low-key look doesn’t need to make a splash to make a statement. We think Reeboks timing is just right, as we’re all trying to get our hands on some court sneakers for the Challengers -inspired, tennis-core summer look. The classic Club C 85s fit the bill with high-quality leather construction and a low-top, Eighties-inspired silhouette.

26. Kangol Washed Bucket Hat

We consider bucket hats to be a summertime wardrobe staple even as we dip our toes in and out of Nineties/Oughts trends. This washed bucket from Kangol nails the look with a versatile cotton build and a low-key Kangol logo. Throw it on for a beach day or wear it with statement sneakers and cargo pants as a going-out look.

27. Sixthreezero Around the Block 500W Electric Bike

28. ride1up revv 1 e-bike.

The Revv 1 from Ride1Up doesn’t just look like one of the coolest new e-bikes on the block — it rides like it too. The beefy “moped-style” e-bike puts you in charge of a very powerful 750-watt battery, which propels the rugged ride to more than 30 miles per hour (even without pedaling) in our testing.

29. Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30 Sunscreen

This year, trendy sunscreen brand Vacation revived a nostalgic French Riviera classic, “Bain de Soleil Orange Gelée,” the Eighties Saint-Tropez icon revered for its sweet orange scent and powerful bronzing abilities. Developed alongside a panel of eleven fans and beauty experts, Vacation’s Orange Gelée pays homage to the legendary look, feel, scent and shine of the original. Only now it’s got an SPF 30 twist (the original had a pithy SPF 4) and more luscious natural oils and butters. The bottom line: You won’t find a more elegant sunscreen at the beach this year.

30. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

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This fragrance takes us away to where we always dreamed we’d be…sailing on a bay, preferably with some oysters and a spritz in our future. While aquatic scents can dip into laundry-ish territory, Maison Margiela’s Sailing Day feels fresh and invigorating in all the right ways. Besides the initial spray of ocean waves, the fragrance is rounded out with a sharp rush of iris and coriander, finished off with grounding notes of red seaweed essence and salty ambergris accord. It’s as sophisticated as an expression of the seaside can get, and this is officially our scent of the summer.

32. Boy Smells Sweet Pits Candle

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• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

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Moscow   Travel Guide

Why Go To Moscow

Moscow's opulence and high culture is a sight to be seen. Forget what you learned about Russia in grade school. This lavish capital of a formerly communist nation has fully embraced the luxuries, excesses and decadence of Western capitalism. Like many former Soviet countries, Mother Russia struggles to successfully confront issues of widespread poverty, alcoholism, failing healthcare, and environmental protection. But Moscow has burgeoned into one of the most expensive, exclusive and largest travel destinations in the world. It comes complete with world-class museums, magnificent palaces, $1,000-a-night hotels, "face-control" nightclubs and internationally-renowned restaurants. Don't think you can afford Moscow? Don't be afraid. You can still find affordable deals if you are vigilant. This metropolis has a big and bold character and grandiose setting that's definitely worth getting to know.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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Best of Moscow

Best hotels in moscow.

• # 1 in Hotel Metropol Moscow
• # 2 in Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow
• # 3 in Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow

Best Things to Do in Moscow

• # 1 in Red Square
• # 2 in Tretyakov Gallery
• # 3 in St. Basil's Cathedral

Moscow Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Moscow is April and May, when the temperature creeps into the 50s and 60s, the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day, and hotel rates have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges. Of course, the golden period is summer, when the city is warm and bustling. But if you want to (slightly) spare yourself from the perpetually expensive rates, try the shoulder seasons in the spring and early fall. Preferably spring, since fall experiences more rainfall and less sunlight. Winters are brutally cold, but this is when you'll get a true glimpse into the Moscow experience (A frost-bitten walk through Red Square seems to intensify the historical significance of this great capital city).

Weather in Moscow

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

A little Russian English is spoken only in major hotels and restaurants, and you'll find mostly Russian speakers in the less tourist-heavy areas. American visitors also struggle with the Cyrillic spellings and pronunciations. Practice some key Russian phrases on the long flight over.

A little tipping Unlike most other European cities, tipping (five to 10 percent) in restaurants is the custom.

A lot of vodka This Russian drink of choice (yes, they usually consume it straight) is found at any bar. But if you wish to taste it and learn about its origins, the Moscow Distillery Cristall is your best bet.

How to Save Money in Moscow

If it seems too good to be true It probably is. Take that proverb to heart in Moscow, and don't expect the Czarist medal you purchased off a street vendor to be worth anything more than a good memory.

If you're oblivious on the subway You'll probably leave several rubles lighter. Pickpockets prey on unsuspecting foreigners in crowded places, particularly metro cars. Beware!

If you're not scared of the dark You may be able to handle Moscow's long nights in fall, winter and spring, when hotels offer the lowest rates. December sees an average of 18 hours of sunlight … in total.

Culture & Customs

English is spoken in major hotels and restaurants, but you'll find mostly Russian speakers in the less tourist-heavy areas, such as at the market or in small inns. Some helpful Russian greetings include the informal hello (pronounced, pri-VET ); the formal hello ( Zdravst-vwee-tye ); the informal goodbye ( pah-KAH ); and the formal goodbye ( Dah svih-DA-nee-ye ). To thank someone, say " Spas-EE-ba ."

What to Eat

Traditional Russian fare focuses on hearty meat dishes and cold soup, a particularly Russian specialty. But don't arrive in Moscow thinking you'll experience only the old cuisine. Russia's new personality has been accompanied by a lavish taste for international cuisine, especially Asian food. Sushi and Asian fusion restaurants are among the most popular in the city, and other dining options include American and Italian cuisine. Eating out, like everything in Moscow, can be very expensive, but you can find cheaper restaurants in shopping centers and areas outside the city center. 

Stay alert for pickpockets when using public transport and when visiting the main tourist sites. Many an unsuspecting traveler has been relieved of some rubles on the Moscow Metro and near Red Square. Also, make sure to exercise extra caution when leaving bars and clubs at night.

There have been cases of corrupt police asking for random fines -- if this occurs, get the officer's number and name and ask to go to the police station with him or her.

Getting Around Moscow

The best way to get around Moscow is the metro. Faster and more efficient than the trolley buses and trams, this extensive system has stations that contain beautiful ornamentation, sculptures and mosaics. You could rent a car, but it's best to use public transportation to avoid the city's perpetually congested roads. Plus, street signs are all in Russian. In fact, English signs are nonexistent in the public transit system as well, so it's best to quickly get familiar with a map. Most travelers arrive through Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), but there are several other airports that serve the metro area. Several buses and a metro line shuttle airport travelers to and from downtown.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Acquiring a visa to travel in Russia is a bit more complicated and expensive than visiting other countries. Every foreign traveler entering Russia must have a Russian-based sponsor (like a hotel, tour company, university or relative). In addition to a valid U.S. passport, you must also obtain a travel visa from a Russian embassy or consulate prior to arriving in Russia. If you plan to stay in Russia for more than seven days, you have to register your visa and migration card (the white paper document given by the border police on first entry to Russia) with the Federal Migration Service. Visas can cost anywhere from $160 to $250 per person, depending on the length of your stay. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department website .

Red Square is one of the most famous squares in the world.

Explore More of Moscow

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

# 1 in  World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

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St. Petersburg

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• Smart Living
• Pack With Me

16 Essentials I Never Forget to Pack For a Trip to Charleston

In 'Pack With Me,' influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, Associate Director of Commerce Sarah Wasilak shares what essentials are in her suitcase for a trip to Charleston, SC.

Being that my entire immediate family lives in the Charleston area, I visit at least three times a year. At this point, packing for the tourist hot spot and popular bachelor/ette party destination has become second nature to me. I know exactly what essentials to double-check that I've packed, just like I know which items took up too much space last trip and proved themselves unnecessary. From skin-care items and wardrobe basics to travel must haves that are also pretty useful once I touch down, I'm providing you here with my tried-and-true list of packing items.

Of course, if you're attending a trip with a pre-planned itinerary, you probably already know whether you'll be embarking on a beach day at Folly, Sullivan's Island, or Isle of Palms, for example. And if you're staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo, you're likely able to check for staple items like towels, hair dryers, and a steamer. For that reason, this guide is mostly stocked with products that fit the Charleston "vibe." Think: a woven bucket hat, printed cabana shirt, comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, and retro-leaning aviator sunglasses that fare well with island-friendly outfits.

Best Packing Tips For Charleston

Whenever I go to Charleston, I try to pack neutral wardrobe basics that can be worn multiple ways. A bucket hat or baseball cap that goes with any (or preferably all) of your swimsuits and casual outfits is ideal. You'll want to leave a bit of room in your suitcase or carry-on for souvenirs, as shopping downtown on King Street is a must do — and there's a good chance you'll make at least one purchase. Weather-wise, temperatures average near 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, with cooler days near 60 November through February, and steamy, often humid 90-degree days common June through September. For this reason, I recommend packing at least one swimsuit and a pair of denim shorts.

There are fancier restaurants downtown (more on that ahead), so consider a nice outfit or two. But know that when you're island hopping — whether it's to Folly, Isle of Palms, James Island, Sullivan's Island, Johns Island, or Kiawah — you'll want beach cover-ups, games, portable speakers, and a good book to read. You can truly spend all day on the sand. And there are even some great boutique hotels downtown ( The Ryder is a personal favorite) that have pools, so expect to get in some R&R when you're not taking in the sights. There are many golf courses in Charleston, too, so don't forget your clubs if that's your thing.

Best Travel Tips For Charleston

Charleston International Airport is no more than a 30-minute drive from downtown. And if there's no traffic, you can make it even sooner. The airport has just one terminal; it's small, easy to navigate, and typically pretty quiet. Ubers and Lyfts can be easily secured wherever you go, although you can walk downtown by foot if you're up for a long, leisurely stroll and want to take in the sights. There are some very popular restaurants that you should reserve at least two weeks beforehand (The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan's Island and Poogan's Porch, 82 Queen, Circa 1886, Frannie & The Fox, and Church and Union downtown are personal favorites, with Basic Kitchen and Jackrabbit Filly being more casual alternatives). If you do make it out to Folly, I recommend spending a full day on the island to immerse yourself in the more laid-back beach town, and make sure you eat and drink at Taco Boy for the vibes and Lowlife Bar for the live music and margaritas.

Ahead, scroll through my packing check list and make sure you have what you need for your getaway in Charleston, SC.

Double Bananagrams Word Game ($19, originally $25)

The beaches of Charleston are decidedly peaceful. Even Folly — which is renowned for its easygoing, day party atmosphere — is never crowded . Given that there are mild temperatures to enjoy for the better-half of the year, you'll want to bring some carefree games to pass the time. Trust me, you can spend hours upon hours playing Bananagrams with family and friends. It's a crossword-style game that's easy to learn for newbies.

Tinted Face Sunscreen

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide ($38)

I rarely employ a full face of makeup while I'm spending time in Charleston. Since you'll be constantly hit with the sun's rays, you'll want a protective face SPF that also provides a consistent glow throughout the day. So many of our editors love this product, myself included. "The formula has a light, barely-there tint and a pearlescent shine that looks like you bathed in highlighter (but like, in a really, really good way)," Senior Beauty Editor Jessica Harrington wrote in her own review of Supergoop!'s Glowscreen Sunscreen . "I smeared it on with my fingertips and found it absorbed within seconds. It feels hydrating immediately upon application thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, but not greasy or wet like the sunscreen you grew up slathering on before pool days."

Gap Straw Bucket Hat ($45)

Bucket hats are my go-to silhouette when I want to marry fashion and function. While I like to add dimension to my outfits with patterns or a wicker weave, my best piece of advice is to invest in something neutral. This Gap sun hat strikes the perfect balance and will fit right in with your downtown outfits and beach getups alike.

Portable Speaker

JBL Clip 4 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker ($50, originally $80)

You'll definitely want a portable speaker for beach days in Charleston, whether you're headed to Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms. These hot spots are no more than a 15 to 30 minute drive from downtown Charleston, depending on traffic. You'll find that there's more than enough room on the long stretches of sand to space out away from other beachgoers and turn up your music. JBL's top-rated speakers are bluetooth compatible, waterproof (in case high tide gets the best of you), and they're equipped with up to 10 hours of playtime.

Insulated Water Bottle

Brümate Rotera 35oz ($53)

I like to hydrate ahead of a weekend in Charleston (there's lots of sun and plenty of cocktails to be had), so I fill up my tumbler with water after I've made it through security and sip away while I'm on the plane. I'll continue to use this insulated water bottle while I'm at the beach or rehydrating at the end of the day in my hotel room. This pastel color combination screams Charleston to me, and I love that the straw becomes accessible via an easy twist of the cap, which is a sanitary bonus.

Cabana Shirt

Duvin Design Beach Day Button-Up Shirt ($69)

Printed short-sleeved button-downs are not only my favorite swim cover-up while I'm in Charleston, but versatile enough to wear with denim shorts for many of the casual lunch spots — especially on Folly Beach. This Duvin Design style is hands down my most worn (I'm honestly obsessed with it). And the golden-yellow colorway earns me compliments everywhere I go.

Comfortable Sneakers

Vans Old Skool Sneaker ($90)

You'll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes on your trip to Charleston, especially for a day of taking in the sights downtown, from Rainbow Row to the Pineapple Fountain to the historic City Market. I lean toward the casual appeal of Vans when I'm in this beloved city. Sometimes, I even bring two different pairs (one in a bright color, and one in a neutral) for mixing and matching with my looks.

Ookioh Rockaway One-Piece ($125)

The Charleston temperatures do vary throughout the year, though you'll be able to hit the beach if you're visiting any time April through October. My advice? Bring a one-piece that can also work as a bodysuit. If you don't end up taking a dip, you'll be able to repurpose your suit and get an additional outfit out of it. Ookioh is my forever favorite brand, both because the designs are crafted from 100 percent regenerated materials and because they're accented with retro details like contrast piping, metal rings, and dungaree clips.

Aimee Kestenberg Milan Leather Belt Bag ($128)

While you could trek a favorite handbag around the streets of Charleston, I highly recommend bringing a pouch that allows for hands-free movement. Whether you need to hold a shopping bag after strolling through the shops on King Street or you're headed to the beach and lugging a towel, there are so many reasons to opt for a sporty waist bag over a designer purse while you're in this walkable city.

Crossrope Get Lean Jump Rope Set ($129)

If you're staying in an Airbnb in downtown Charleston and you don't have access to a gym, Crossrope is my favorite way to stay fit. It's easily packable with all accessories fitting right into the small drawstring bag. Download the accompanying app that's full of free workouts — plenty of which incorporate bodyweight strength moves — then step outside, turn on your favorite playlist, and start jumping.

Carry-on Backpack

Caraa Commuter Pack ($188, originally $288)

I usually stay in Charleston for four to five days, and there are times I can fit all my essentials into this oversize commuter pack. I swear, this is like the Mary Poppins bag of luggage, and there are so many zippered compartments you'll likely forget to fill them all. If you haven't filled the bag up to the brim, you can fold in the top, pull the drawstring to close, and stow it underneath the seat in front of you on the plane.

Running Sneakers

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 ($225)

There are so many incredible spots to run and take in the sights while in Charleston. My favorite? The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which arches over the Cooper River, connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. The bridge has a wide biking, running, and walking path on one side that spans 2.5 miles, so I usually aim for an out-and-back and completely lose myself in the breathtaking views on my jog. After completing my first run there, I never forgot to pack my most supportive running sneakers again.

Denim Shorts

Mother Down Low Undercover Cutoff Denim Shorts ($228)

I like to bring relaxed, loose-fitting denim cutoffs for a trip to Charleston — comfortable enough to wear with everything from slides to walking sneakers. I try to aim for a medium-wash pair so that the colorway is versatile and I don't have to pack extra styles. This is also the perfect year-round length given the average monthly temperatures.

Maui Jim Polarized Aviator Sunglasses ($319)

My Maui Jim aviators emit island vibes, so they're usually my go-to when I'm headed down South. I also love that they match seamlessly with my everyday jewelry (I'm a gold hardware gal), and the tortoise rubber arms are a comfortable fit behind the ear for all-day wear.

Summer Dress

Aje Belonging Mini Dress ($425)

I'd recommend packing at least one nicer summer dress for dinners out. There are some very chic hot spots downtown — including Fig, Stella's, High Cotton, 82 Queen, Anson, and Husk — so you can add a pair of strappy kitten heel sandals to finish off the look. The fact that this Aje minidress comes with a matching lightweight shirt ($325) means you'll have the perfect layering piece for when the sun goes down and the evening chill kicks in.

Vlog Camera

Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera ($498)

There's no doubt that Charleston is one of the most picturesque cities in the US, and you'll likely want to document some of your feel-good moments during your stay. I love the Sony ZV-1F camera because it allows you to seamlessly transition from picture to video mode, and it even comes with a small microphone attachment for high-quality sound. The camera is also relatively small, weighing nine ounces and measuring 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.83 inches, so it can be packed and even stowed away in the aforementioned belt bag with plenty of room to spare.

Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at PS. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.

• Editor's Pick
• Packing List
• Travel Inspiration
• Travel Products

The World’s Best Metro Systems, Ranked

R iding through some of the world’s most impressive metro systems will make your urban trip more than just traveling from point A to point B. These metro stations will provide you with efficiency and cleanliness, a pinch of local flavor, or a story that will stay with you forever. Also, these metro systems elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary, housing anything from underground art galleries to cutting-edge wonders that whiz past historic sites.

1. Tokyo, Japan – A Timeliness System

Tokyo’s metro system sets the gold standard if you’re looking for punctuality. With a network that feels like a living, breathing entity, it’s a marvel of precision engineering and courteous service. The trains are famously timely, and the stations are immaculately clean. Plus, it’s more than simply transportation; it’s a whole cultural experience, with each line narrating the city’s history.

2. Seoul, South Korea – The Digital Dynamo

A haven for techies, the Seoul Metro integrates modern conveniences with state-of-the-art amenities. It is a futuristic system with features like digital screens showing real-time travel information and trains equipped with Wi-Fi. You can easily navigate this extensive network with the T-money card. In addition, the cleanliness is top-notch.

3. Moscow, Russia – An Underground Palace

Stepping into Moscow’s metro stations is like walking into a wealthy art gallery. Decorated with mosaics, statues, and chandeliers, each station has its own theme and history, making your commute feel like a cultural expedition. Despite its grandeur, Moscow’s metro is also one of the most efficient, carrying millions of passengers daily with minimal fuss.

4. London, England – The Historical Pioneer

The London Underground, affectionately known as “The Tube,” is the world’s oldest metro system. Its iconic map and roundel are recognized globally. While it might not always boast the punctuality of its Asian counterparts, the Tube holds a special place in the heart of Londoners and travelers alike for its role in shaping the modern city and its resilience during adversity.

5. Paris, France – The Artistic Commute

Paris’s metro is as much a part of the city’s fabric as its cafés and boulevards. The art-nouveau entrances of certain stations and the modern art on display at others tell distinct stories. Enjoy a trip that echoes memories of Paris’s vivid past and dynamic present on this distinctively Parisian network.

6. Singapore – The Clean and Green Express

The MRT system in Singapore is an example of the city-state’s dedication to environmental preservation and cleanliness. It’s one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world, where eating and drinking are strictly prohibited to maintain its pristine condition. The system is also a ride through a garden, with many stations integrating natural elements and greenery.

7. Hong Kong – The Compact Powerhouse

In the densely packed city of Hong Kong, the MTR system stands out for its efficiency and ease of use. Trains and stations are spotlessly clean, and the Octopus card system makes navigating this metropolis a breeze. It exemplifies how a metro system can become ingrained in a city’s core and easily carry millions of people.

8. Madrid, Spain – The Expansive Network

Although it is one of Europe’s most extensive metros, Madrid’s system stands out for its efficiency and user-friendliness. The stations are spotless, brightly lit, and decorated with artwork, and the trains operate without a hitch. In keeping with the city’s kind and inviting vibe, the system manages to be both massive and personal.

9. Berlin, Germany – The Historical Connector

Berlin’s U-Bahn takes you on a journey through time. The network navigates through a city that has seen profound changes, and its stations often serve as mini-museums. These stops display photos and artifacts. Beyond its historical allure, the U-Bahn is known for its punctuality, comprehensive coverage, and spirited station art.

10. New York City, USA – The Unstoppable Workhorse

The New York City Subway is the lifeblood of the Big Apple. It may not win any awards for cleanliness, but its 24/7 service and extensive network are unparalleled. Each line has its own personality, and the system serves as a melting pot, reflecting the city’s diverse cultures. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s undeniably New York.

• No menu assigned!

SESSIONS & SCHEDULE

10:00 — 18:00 Build up (exhibitors only) 18:00 — 22:00  Badge Pick-Up Pre-Party

09:00 — 10:00 Registration 10:00 — 13:30 Sessions 13:30 — 15:30 Lunch break 15:30 — 18:00 Speed Game Dating 15:30 — 18:00 Sessions 20:00 — 01:00 Official DevGAMM Party

10:00 — 11:00 Registration 11:00 — 13:15 Sessions 13:15 — 15:00 Lunch break 15:00 — 17:15 Sessions 17:30 — 18:30 Game Lynch 18:30 — 19:00  DevGAMM Awards 19:00 — 20:00 Bye-Bye Mingle

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What Hidden Path Learned Building CS:GO

Jeff Pobst, CEO, Hidden Path Entertainment

• About Speaker

Jeff is a Founder and CEO of Hidden Path Entertainment. He has been heavily involved in the gaming industry for almost twenty years holding such roles as game programmer, producer, and chief operating officer. Before co-founding HPE 11 years ago, Jeff was a group leader at Microsoft for the Xbox and Xbox 360 platforms.

He has shipped over 30 different game titles on multiple PC, console, and VR platforms including Hidden Path Entertainment titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Age of Empires II HD, the Defense Grid franchise, and more. Prior to HPE, Jeff had the privilege of bringing games in the Half-Life, Homeworld and Lord of the Rings franchises to market.

Hidden Path Entertainment got an amazing opportunity to work with Valve and build a new version of Counter-Strike some years ago. With two existing popular versions of CS already being played, Jeff Pobst talks about the journey Hidden Path took to help build a version of Counter-Strike that had a chance to unify the CS audience.

Game Design by Community (based on Surgeon Simulator, I Am Bread and Worlds Adrift)

Imre Jele, Co-founder, Creator-In-Chief, Bossa Studios

Lifelong gamer and game-creator, Imre is an expert in game design, narrative, crossmedia and audience engagement. He’s known for promoting innovative and collaborative creative approaches including Bossa’s regular internal Game Jams. Throughout his colourful career, Imre has worked on a wide range of game genres and platforms. He’s Co-founder and Creator-in-Chief of Bossa Studios – winner of multiple BAFTA and other awards, creator of Surgeon Simulator and Worlds Adrift. Imre has been serving on BAFTA Games Committee since 2012, where his focus are to increase the popular cultural perception and governmental recognition of games, and helping young talent entering the industry.

Bossa Studios is famous for creating strange games in strange ways. We learnt to let go of dictatorial auteurship and embrace co-creation with our audience, allowing players to make us laugh through the irreverent comedy of Surgeon Simulator and build Worlds Adrift together, making it the first community-crafted MMO.

Move, or die…

Nicolae Berbece, Lead Bug Designer, Those Awesome Guys

Nicolae Berbece is an indie game developer from VampireLand (Romania) and the designer of Move or Die, the friendship ruining party game. He founded “Those Awesome Guys”, a small indie dev team striving to be the developers they would support as gamers.

Get your phone out and google “Move or Die”. Check out the trailer and look it up on steamspy. Done? Good! Now come see me attempt to figure out why my game sold as well as it did breaking everything down from development to marketing and post-release updates while being on stage.

Communication for the Benefit of the Project and Artistic Freedom

Max Schulz, Visual Development & Co-Art Direction, THREAKS

Max Schulz has worked as a Concept Artist & Illustrator for video games and movies the last 10 years. His latest work include Injustice 2, Wonder woman. He is currently working with the Hamburg Indie Studio Threaks. The focus of his work lies in creating coherent/comprehensive design visions.

In this session Max will talk about the impact personal opinions can have and should have in a professional work environment and the ways to present, justify and incorporate creative design decisions into a highly focused and fast-paced production

Ask Google Play Anything

Dmitri Martynov, Head of Google Play Apps & Games, Russia & CEE Roman Mardot, Business Development Manager CEE & Russia, Google Play

Dmitri Martynov is the Head of Google Play Apps & Games, Russia & CEE at Google. In his role, he helps apps & games businesses from Russia & CEE to find success on Android and Google Play. Prior to joining the Google Play team, Dima was a Regional Developers Relations Program Manager at Google Russia. Pre-Google, Dmitri spent almost 10 years at Microsoft, in various roles, focusing on Cloud Computing and Microsoft’s Azure platform. Dmitri has a BA in Computer Science from Moscow State University of Instrument Making and Information Science.

Roman Mardot has been working in the video-gaming and Business Development domain for the past 10 years. He attaches a big importance to the quality of products and the passion that drives the teams who are making great games.

Join Dmitri Martynov, Head of Google Play Apps & Games, Russia & CEE at Google, for a Q&A session on anything you’ve ever wanted to know about the games industry.

Hunting for exoplanets in EVE Online

Attila Szantner, CEO, Massively Multiplayer Online Science

Attila feels very lucky to have combined his two passions with Massively Multiplayer Online Science: citizen science and games. Before he had worked in IT, and in 2002 he co-founded iWiW, which was the biggest social network in Hungary with almost 5 million users at its height.

Project Discovery Exoplanets is the second iteration of the citizen science efforts in EVE Online, which became the most active citizen science efforts of all time with 70 million classifications submitted by players. Come and hear about the story, the results, the design challenges, the future.

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Rami Presents

Rami Ismail, Business & Development, Vlambeer

Rami Ismail is the Business & Development Guy at Vlambeer, a Dutch independent game studio known best for Nuclear Throne, Ridiculous Fishing, LUFTRAUSERS, Super Crate Box, GUN GODZ and Serious Sam: The Random Encounter.

Rami Ismail will share his experience being an indie developer for the last 7 years, launching games in different environments and dwell on problems in the industry as of now.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Workshop: Using cloud services in game development

Ivan Fateev, Tech Evangelist, Microsoft

Ivan Fateev is a tech evangelist in Microsoft. He specializes in modern application architecture and best practices of software development. He has a great experience both in server and client development. He started his career as a web developer in 2008 at PHP. After that, in 2010, he worked with client development of iOS apps, programming at Objective C. Later on, in 2012, he started a career in game development as a C++ Developer. After that, he used Unity/C# stack. Now, he specializes in app development with the use of cloud services. NB! Please, bring your own laptop for workshop!

During this workshop you will learn: saving game progress from Unity directly; using cloud to deliver downloaded content. NB! Please, bring your own laptop for workshop!

Workshop: Try Corona on

Vadim Bashurov, Evangelist, Corona Labs

Indie Game developer from 1990 Author of PC game “Pole Chudes”, 1991 Author of iOS game “Six Towers” (was UK TOP 1, US TOP1 in 2012) 10 years 3D numerical simulation in Intel.

Write a code in 45 minutes! 1 project – and you’re testing your game on all the platforms simultaneously. That’s easy. During this workshop Vadim will prove you that simplicity and promptness of games creation on Corona is not just a marketing trick. Take your laptop with you, download Corona SDK beforehand and see everything for yourself.

How bad sounds ruin your life: Interactive experience

Vasiliy Filatov, Founder, sound designer, SoundDesigner.PRO

Composer, sound designer, media manager. In 2008 opened a studio SoundDesigner.PRO that helps brands find their own unique sound. As well I lectured about the sound design, about music in cinematography and media producing. Founder of Sound Design Institute.

Interactive master class, during which you will participate in creating sound effects for the game, the movie scene and the digital interface. Together with the lecturer, you will determine and choose the best sound solution. Also you will learn about sound, as an element of empathy and drama.

TECHONOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT

Visual Tools for Level Design and Shader Creation in Unity 2018

Alessia Nigretti, Technical Evangelist, Unity Technologies

Alessia is a Technical Evangelist at Unity and AI enthusiast. She started developing small games at game jams, and she joined Unity to demonstrate feature projects and share tips about Unity at game conferences around the world. As a gamer, she is passionate about immersive story-based adventures.

The session covers the new powerful tools for artists and level designers in Unity 2018: ProBuilder – which provides artists with the power to build complex geometry within Unity; Shader Graph – a zero-knowledge shader editing tool that allows for rapid creation of materials; FBX Importer – to speed up artists’ workflow significantly.

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Twitch Integration – Implementation and Tricks

Alex Rose, Lead Developer, Alex Rose Games

Alex is a multi award winning game developer, and creator of Super Rude Bear Resurrection, which received Gamespot’s GOTY Editor’s Choice award. The game was one of the first Twitch Store titles and has many Twitch specific features.

This talk will show how to implement Twitch features in your PC game, specifically using Unity and C# to read from Twitch’s IRC chat. Future proofing that will prevent updates from breaking your game, and quick login.

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Lifelong learning games: while True: learn()

Oleg Chumakov, CEO, Luden.io

Programmer in Nival (strategy PC & mobile games) R&D Lead in Nival CEO in Luden.io

This talk will focus on the decisions made while development of the simulation game about programming, AI/ML. We will explain why we do see industry’s mission in the combination of lifelong learning and games. How we found the audience and why we decided to make a game for the very narrow audience. Talk: 60% marketing, 30% game design, 10% stories.

How to manage animations in a multiplayer souls-like project and survive

Dmitrii Kozlov, Lead Developer, Vizor Games

Dmitrii Kozlov is a lead developer on a new hardcore multiplayer game by Vizor Games. He leads a team in charge of gameplay features, and works on architecture of important systems lying in foundation of the game with tight communication with other team members.

A multiplayer session-based game with melee focus requires many animations and logic dependent on them. Dmitrii will talk about how can one avoid getting stuck in nested checks when deciding what animation to play, when an animation state machine is your worst enemy, when designing a system comfortable for different roles in the team.

Examples of automated testing of games in Unity

Eugene Eliseev, Unity Developer, Crazy Panda

Unity tech Eugene Eliseev is a professional game developer who worked in such companies as ZeptoLab, Social Quantum and Interactive moolt. The most famous projects are the Cut the Rope series and Papermates. Now he works in Crazy Panda and helps to develop social games.

This talk is about automated testing of games in Unity. We’ll take the Unity Test Runner and consider common problems that arise during the creation of integration tests. Separately, the methods of comparing screenshots and other more rare but interesting ways of applying the tests will be considered.

Soul of a man: Cyberpunk Environment

Timur Ozdoev, Environment artist, Self-employed Andrew Indrikson, Project lead, Trace studio N Kayurova, Head of 2d department, Trace studio

Timur had experience working in different companies in St. Petersburg as 3d Artist, he was lucky to took part in the development of the games like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Assetto Corsa, World of Warships, World of Tanks. At the moment he is a indie-developer in a small team of his friends.

Andrew Indrikson, 3D Art Lead at Trace Studio. Working in game development since 2011. Created art assets for Halo Anniversary, Call of Duty and various other AAA titles.

N Kayurova, 2D concept artist. Worked at Wargaming.net, Trace Studio. She teaches at the Amlab.me portal.

Andrew Indrikson, Timur Ozdoev, and N Kayurova is going to talk about their newest project, created for the #NeonChallenge, organized by Unity.

Infraworld: a long hard way to GRPC-based microservice interoperation for UE4

Raman Chakhouski, Lead R&D Software Engineer, Vizor Games Nikita Miroshnichenko, R&D Software Engineer, Vizor Games

As a professional programmer, Raman is working in game development industry for 5 years. Formerly as a programmer and an architect of Vizor’s own game engine, since 2017 Raman dove into Unreal engine 4 and now developing network client as well as editors and subsystems for project’s needs.

Nikita: As a graduate of České vysoké učení technické in Prague, worked in outsource game development companies across CIS. Now as a R&D and engine programmer, Nikita is responsible for creating robust network client for UE4-project.

This speech unveils an experience of integration and usage of GRPC library from Google as a transport layer, making UE4 client possible to communicate with microservices. Moreover, the speakers will present their own tool, making possible UE4 to work with GRPC fast and seamless way with either C++ or Blueprints cross-platform.

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Practical ways of optimizing and debugging memory leaks in Unity games

Andrey Oleynikov, Unity Teach Lead, Crazy Panda Pavel Shchevaev, CTO,  BIT.GAMES

Andrey is Unity tech lead in the company “Crazy Panda”. He is engaged in the management of the department, designing and developing the application architecture and the common software core for the company’s gaming projects.

Pavel has been developing software for 15 years in which most of the time he devoted to games development. He takes part in different Open Source projects. He gives talks at conferences from time to time. Pavel has a great experience of work with technologies both on server and client. He is interested in creating of entertaining mobile and console games with the efficient use of the device capabilities.

Memory leaks are one of the most common problems of any game projects. Due to the specific compilation methods, Unity developers do not have convenient tools for diagnosing and optimizing them. In this report, Andrey and Pavel are going to cover this problem comprehensively and tell about the opportunities and means that they managed to use on their personal experience.

TALENT MANAGEMENT

Content is Key: Pixonic Employer Branding Experience

Nikita Guk, Chief Strategy Officer, Pixonic

Starting as a copywriter and journalist, changed his career path in 2015, switching to PR to help startups reach their audience in Russia, Europe, and the US. Landed a job at Pixonic as an employer brand developer and director of PR in 2016. Currently works in the position of a Chief Strategy Officer.

Why Pixonic picked content marketing as a base for its HR brand and how exactly it helps to keep the industry curious about the company: a report by Pixonic Chief Strategy Officer Nikita Guk.

How to Innovate and Grow your HR Brand

Andrey Ivashentsev, Chief Innovation Officer, Yode Group International

Before he finished high school he started to work in IT. He was appointed to the first management role at age of 20, largely because of the deep tech knowledge of Microsoft platform and technologies. Three years later, he was promoted to the position of head of the Technology Evangelism and became the youngest people manager in Microsoft Russia at the time. In April 2016, in the role of Chief Innovation Officer he began to land new innovative technologies in Game Insight. From November 2017, as an independent expert, he does consulting and work on his own projects.

In this session, Andrey will share his insights about using innovative technologies and approaches and how it affects your team loyalty and attracts new team members. He will also cover how it influences company HR Brand inside and outside the market.

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Quit scrolling your Facebook feed, go get a job! – or Personal Brand Building Basics

Sergey Volkov, HR Director, 1C Online Games

Sergey has been in HR domain since the 4th year in the University (it’s hard to tell how much time has passed), he’s been in game development for 7 years and most of the last year he spent working as HR Director for Videogame branch of 1C. He still believes in professional HR in game dev.

How to build your personal brand and get awesome job offers and badass conference speaker invitations. How to look like a real expert, not a windbag scum on the web. General knowledge of what is good and what is bad in terms of personal HR brand.

Big Salary Report 2018

Tanja Loktionova, Founder, VALUES VALUE

Tanja is the head of VALUES VALUE, which helps gamedev companies build their HR, PR and recruiting processes, hire teams and setup new offices. Calls herself a hardcore casual player, has passed thousands of match-3 levels, loves games, people and cats.

VALUES VALUE has held the second salary survey of the Russian-speaking game development industry. Tanja will share its results for the first time. There will be data from more than a thousand respondents, a comparison with the previous year, and info on what else exept salaries motivates and demotivates game developers.

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Make your brand great again. Choose the right time and action plan

Yuriy Krasilnikov, Director, Business Development, Belka Games

Yuriy Krasilnikov is the Director of Business Development of Belka Games. He is responsible for new strategic markets for company products, new directions and brand awareness. Yuriy also leads all relationships with partners and platforms.

Your company has a successful game but no one knows about your company. Yes, it’s possible! You try to hire a new professional for your team but all ask you: “Who are you?” It’s time to work with your brand and make it great. When? Why? How? Yuriy will try to cover these questions.

Employees’ recommendations make the difference. Employee as an advocate of Employer’s Brand

Olga Abashova, HR Director, G5 Entertainment AB

Olga Abashova has 9 years of experience, specializing in Marketing, PR, and HR. Prior to G5, she was Marketing Director at Realore, a developer of casual games. Since joining G5, Olga set up the development studio in Kaliningrad as the Head of the Office. Since 2017, she has been HR Director at G5.

Employees’ recommendations are the main index of Employee Engagement, serving as an effective channel to attract candidates. Employee is an Ambassador of the company brand and a brand influencer at the same time. Olga will tell how to make employees more engaged and how to create the right message which employees should bring to the world.

Boosting Engagement with Competitive Games

Mike Hines, Developer Evangelist, Amazon

Mike Hines is a recovering tech entrepreneur, developer evangelist for Amazon Appstore, and active advocate for getting more developers over the app poverty line. Mike is on a continuing mission to find out and share what currently is and isn’t working in mobile app monetization, and to identify trends that shape the industry.

In this presentation, Mike Hines will talk about how competition promotes engagement and retention. Armed with research and data, Mike will share what Amazon has learned about where and when to offer competitions in your game, guidance on what kind of competitions to offer, and the right and wrong ways to use competitions. You’ll also learn how to pay for the player engagements only after you get the engagement!

Conversation with the audience: modern marketing and analytics from Google and AppsFlyer

Sandzhar Ismailov, Head of Industry, Entertainment, Google Arseniy Alikhanov, Analytical Consultant, Google Alexander Grach, Head of Sales, AppsFlyer

Sanjar Ismailov Old, very old googler (over 8 years) who loves playing games

Arseny Alikhanov He is working in internet marketing since 2007. Has a vast experience both on project and agency sides. His primary focus is marketing and analytics.

Alexander Grach He is responsible for growing AppsFlyer business in Eastern European and Mediterranean countries.

Google and AppsFlyer specialists will review current challenges and solutions, as well as analyze situations suggested by the audience on the spot. From presentations-monologues to dialogue and solutions.

GAME DESIGN

How to think out of the box you created

Vladimir Krasilnikov, Head of Game Design Department, Pixonic

A math school graduate, who started in game development in 2011 as a Junior Game Designer. Started working at Pixonic in 2015, focusing on War Robots — the game that didn’t have that much recognition back then. Leads the game design department as of last year.

The original War Robots meta was based on only three classes of robots: light, medium, and heavy. Our own Pixonic Head of Game Design will tell you what kinds of problems you may encounter with this approach, and how to find practical solutions to these problems.

How to figure all it takes with Excel and elementary education

Aleksey Rehlov, Head of Russian Branch, Creative Mobile

Aleksey is an external producer, game design and monetization consultant with Creative Mobile. He is a veteran of the game industry, and has been in it for over 10 years. He has been involved in dozens of game projects for different game platforms (PC, PS2, XBOX, GameCube, PSP, PS3, Mobile, etc).

A lot of game designers who don’t have any higher technical education need to do math on their projects. More often than not, it is very time consuming and is a real pain in the neck, yet the results can still be disappointing. This talk will help you save your glial cells and attain more predictable results in the future.

Neighbor’s design

Nikita Kolesnikov, Game design, Dynamic Pixels

Nikita Kolesnikov – game designer, artist, animator and music composer of Dynamic Pixels. Author of a single game – Hello Neighbor.

“Hello Neighbor” is unexpected YouTube phenomenon of 2017. Game that stretched its gameplay over a year long period. How was it all created? How all of it worked out? Is it fun to sleep on the floor? How not to die?

From idea to proposal: a method to make your game concept viable and strong

Sviatoslav Torik, Product Vision Expert, Research & Development, Wargaming.net

Sviatoslav has spend most of his life at the screen, with game console or PC. 15 years he’s been writing about video games, and 10 years – actually creating them as a game designer, lead GD, game director etc. Now he’s working for Wargaming R&D, researching new ways to make games.

This talk will explain a method to create and revise your game idea in a new, unexplored way. Sviatoslav will guide you through the whole process: from stating the idea to explained possibilities and USPs. To be totally fair with you Sviatoslav will provide a challenging game idea example as well.

Creating Game Design Tools

Konstantin Sakhnov, Head of Game Department, Rocket Jump

Konstantin Sakhnov is the Head of Game Department at Rocket Jump, a Moscow studio developing mobile games for 50+ million players worldwide. He is playing a key role in different studio’s projects sharing his extensive experience in game design and production.

This talk will cover useful cases of creation and tuning different game design tools (no need of in-depth programming skills) that can help every game designer optimise his work.

Prototyping pipeline: Lessons learned

Ivan Barishnikov, Team Lead Prototyping division, Wargaming.net

Ivan was at prototype division from the start, pass thru all problems and situations that happens with it and can share his experience. Now he working on standalone prototypes(PC, VR, Mobile, consoles) and features for company projects.

The session will focus on prototyping pipeline. Building process from the scratch, evolving and working on mistakes. Problems that we’ve got and solutions that we’ve found.

Pavel Sovushkin, Head of UX department, WOWlab

My name is Pavel Sovushkin.I have been a gaming industry professional since 2010. Currently I am the leading UX designer of VR projects for the company: “WOWlab”, which develops b2b projects and the project of its own franchise with VR full immersion technologies.

During this session, Pavel is going to share the insights on UX design for VR projects. You’ll learn: what actions will help you to reduce the risks and improve the quality of a project at the pre-production stage; what you should take into account to make a VR project intuitively understandable and interesting for audience; how to make a prototype of a VR project in two days.

Shame and money

Albert Zhiltcov, Creative producer, 1C game studios

He is a self-made man and he would like to help others to experience mistakes more easily.

Let’s talk about what money is in the gaming industry in Russia. Do you really need to become an entrepreneur for this?

Dawn of Blockchain Games

Sergey Kopov, Founder, 0xGames

Sergey Kopov managed the development in FunCorp, i-Free, HeroCraft for more than 10 years. Now he experiments with new technologies and develops his projects. Last of them is the 0xGames blockchain game development studio.

Blockchain has already earned an ambiguous reputation. Some people believe in its bright future, others rush to bury, referring to technical imperfections and a large number of scammers in the market. Without going to extremes, Sergey will talk about the emerging market of cryptogames, game mechanics and development features.

INDIE & POSTMORTEMS

How did we make the biggest game on Defold in 1 year

Nikolay Armonik, Technical Director, Easy Team

In the industry since 2000. The author-creator of the game “Discord Times” (2004), the technical director of the games “Legends of Eisenwald” (2015) and “Family Age” (2017). A big fan of hand-made graphics engines and huge shaders.

An extremely story about how the forces of a small young team for one year was created the largest game on Defold engine. Presentation of the solutions used, statistical measurements, defeated problems.

The X-Files Postmortem

Alina Brazdeikene, Game Producer, Creative Mobile

Alina Brazdeikene is a video game producer, screenwriter and narrative designer with some strong TV background. Being in the industry for more than 5 years, Alina had a chance to work with critically and commercially acclaimed franchises like The X-Files and The Simpsons.

The talk about ups and downs of two-year development of The X-Files: Deep State game from scratch to post-launch, including: pitch, storytelling, work with brand and big franchise holders, work with community.

Peace, Death! Postmortem

Azamat Bayzulaev, Indie, AZAMATIKA

Azamat “Xageu” Bayzulaev started his career as a developer in 2015 when he was tired of his life. He named his team as AZAMATIKA and developed nearly 10 games. A lot of people were really hyped up about Gun Done and Peace, Death!

During this session, Azamat is going to share the insights on Peace, Death! development. He’ll tell about all the mistakes and how he managed to correct them. You’ll also learn what were the problems with the game launching for mobile devices. This session will be really useful for small indie game studios.

BUSINESS & MARKETING

eSports for game developer

Alexey Ustyantsev, eSports platform manager, Mail.Ru Games

Over 15 years experience: both in game development/operations and web development. Head of eSports platform at Mail.Ru Games. Before that – CTO in Nival Network, Head of Nival GamesLab, lots of other great companies.

When you think about eSports – you imagine Dota2 International, stadiums filled with people and streams with millions of viewers. And you know that all of that applies only to top competitive games. So why would a normal down to earth game developer want anything with that?

Marketing. Understanding your audience

Anna Grigoryeva, Chief strategy officer, GameNet

Anna has more than 10 years of experience in game industry. She brings an impressive breadth of knowledge with producing and publishing more than 25 games, including RF Online, R2, Lineage II, Point Blank and Black Desert.

If you have a finished Game, you need to know your audience. From this talk you will learn: what is positioning and brand philosophy, audience segmentation and how it is used, and some useful advertising metrics.

How to deal with Chinese developers: lessons learned

Dmitry Ryabchikov, CEO, CreaGames

Dmitry is a Founder and CEO of CreaGames Ltd. For the last 7 years he has been also holding such roles as BD manager, BD director and chief operation officer. Much earlier Dmitry already had strong ties with game industry being one of the best FPS pro-players in Unreal Tournament 2004 in Europe and Russia.

When you take on a Chinese game, you need to know what to expect, and be aware of all the factors involved. We’ll share our experience in working with Chinese developers, and also talk about the features and risks of localization.

Dante-style QA. Which circle of hell is awaiting you in case you refuse testing

Evgeny Krukov, Deputy Head of QA Department, Bytex LLC

Having started work in industry in Bytex development department, Evgeny Kryukov soon attained the position of the deputy head. In 2016, he was transferred to Bytex QA department, consisting of more than 150 skilled specialists. At present, Evgeny occupies a position of deputy head of QA department.

On each stage of development, there is always a concern about creating an internal QA-department or engaging outsource testers. In this report, Evgeniy will investigate some typical problems facing the projects which decided to refuse testing, and consequences of such refusal.

Game analytics battle: Playtest vs Statistics

Alexander Dzyuba, CEO, Sense.Vision Vasiliy Sabirov, Lead analyst, Devtodev

Alexander Founder & CEO at Sense.Vision. We do the most scientific playtests worldwide with real players. 5+ years in playtesting, the first professional CIS team. The highest international quality standards. Loving games and developers.

Vasiliy started his career working at a game monetization service. Then he worked as a Lead Analyst at a big MMO game, where he learned specifics of virtual economy. At the moment Vasiliy is the Lead Analyst at devtodev, and he has already helped more than 50 game projects to improve their KPI.

Two leading in CIS game analytics companies with the different approach to analytics are going to have a “battle”. Or, rather, to cover a number of game development and operation cases – how to solve them with instruments from each company with direct comparison and winner determination. Full coverage and the final point in game analytics.

Game Art: the financial aspect

Vera Velichko, CEO, Art Director, Owl Studio

Drawing more than 22 years, last 10 years in game industry. In 2015 she  founded Owl Studio, and have more than 20 project that she’ve been leading in her portfolio. Currently, they’re working with the leading publishing companies of mobile and social games on Russian and foreign markets. Vera also made an education activities, for instance, last year she opened their Online School for artists.  

You can talk a lot about art and how it is made: beautiful, functional, and technically correct. But only a few people know how to put a price on it. In this talk, Vera will explain you on what features depends on the price of the artwork, what are the pricing policies on the market. You’ll learn how to save money while developing a visual content for your game.

Localization with a 1,890% Return on Investment: from Theory to Practice

Denis Khamin, CMO, Allcorrect Group

The CMO at Allcorrect since 2006. Ideologist of the only specialized conference on localization in Russia.

A practical case study of implementing an ROI-driven approach to localization (focused on return on investment) in collaboration with the developers of a mobile game, as well as an approach to calculating return on localization investment and a concept of localization focused on the developer’s profits.

Boost app downloads without a budget!

Iryna Pyrih, Product Marketing Manager, Gameloft

Marketing manager who has practical experience in entertainment industry and works in one of the biggest gamedev companies – Gameloft. Has successful experience and real cases in the app and mobile games promotion. Provided consulting services to startups in CIS countries, Europe and the USA.

Know how improve downloads of your app quickly and without a budget. I’ll explain how to determine your audience, how reach your user with marketing. Only real cases and hardcore are waiting for you!

How to do financial modeling to attract investments for mobile games

Alexander Nasonov, CEO, GROSSING.GAMES

Alexander began his gamedev career in 2006 at Akella. Since 2010 he has been developing mobile games as a producer, shipping a number of successful projects including an App Store “App of the Year”. Throughout the career Alexander attracted a few hundred thousand dollars via investments deals.

The session is designed to help developers to better plan production budgets, soft launches, release preparations and post release project operation. The principles and approaches to such modeling will be analyzed using a real financial planning case made for the purpose of attracting investments.

ART & VISUALS

Action is driven by thought: How to create believable character animation

Konstantin Chenchikov, Animation Director, Playrix

Konstantin Chenchikov is Animation Director at Playrix. He graduated from Animation Mentor and has 6+ years of work experience in animation. He is responsible for improving the quality of animation in company’s game and marketing projects, including team development and training.

Animation is usually understood as a collection of motions, actions, and some other visual aspects, but we are going to explore it on a deeper level. Get ready to find out what it takes to create truly realistic characters – in this session we’ll talk about how characters’ internal reasons determine their actions!

Shadow Fight 3: Environment design

Alexander Nemov, Lead Artist, Banzai Games

Alexander Nemov is the Lead 2d Artist at Banzai Games. He’s been in the games industry since 2012, recently specializing in concept art and visual development both in 2d and 3d. His main experience on Unity is working on Shadow Fight 3, mobile 3d fighting game.

This speech is about the evolution of the environment design in fighting games, its specifics and the problems Banzai Games faced in production process. Alexander will tell you how to make a believable picture and what artistic decisions are worth taking for this.

2D Dynamic Lighting: Tips and Tricks

Kirill Zolovkin, Developer, Gripper Team

Kirill Zolovkin, lead game designer of OctoBox Interactive, has been developing games in GameMaker for 17 years. His projects, Steam Panic and Paper Knight, have won multiple awards including Best Game Design at DevGAMM. During Game Lynch of his game Gripper all of the experts took off their shirts.

Kirill will speak about the ways light and shadows in 2D can significantly improve the quality of your graphics and — after some investment — your life as well. Using Gripper, a game currently in development, he will demonstrate a number of quick techniques that can create new gameplay situations and atmosphere.

Between the devil and the deep blue sea: how to keep art-manager’s mind is clear and productivity is high

Marya Yartseva, Art Lead, OwlStudio

Marya is Art Lead and 2d artist, teacher, the author of courses on gaming graphics, the First of Her Name, Breaker of Office Chains.

During this session Maria is going to share how to avoid professional burnout in art-manager daily routine. It will explore some details of art management in outsource studio, where customer and your team both rely on you.

True purpose of art and 3d artist in AAA projects and how to optimize art production

Alexander Boluzhenkov, Art-Director, Advanced Schematics

More than 10 years in industry as 3D artist. Participated in such projects as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Quake, Doom, Halo, Batman, Evolve, LawBreakers. Supervises a team of experienced artists working for the most difficult tasks – the main characters, weapons, etc.

What is the real role of visual content in modern projects? What else should an artist be able to do besides modeling and texturing? Against the backdrop, increasing sophistication and higher production costs, skills and knowledge enabling to optimize processes, allow to be demanded by a specialist and reduce production costs.

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Alex Nichiporchik, CEO, TinyBuild

Discussion Panel: Investment and business organization done right

What problems do developers face while seeking funding? What kind of projects are more interesting for investors and and how they make decisions?

Aleksey Savchenko, Licensing Manager, Epic Games

Ilya Karpinskiy, Director, MRGV

Mikhail Verbilo, Product Analytics Lead, Wargaming.net

Discussion Panel: Recruiting and employer brand

Why are companies often spoiling their image in search of new employees? We will analyze the main problems, the claims from the candidates and what to do with this.

Marina Goncharova, Head of partnership projects 3i Games, Mail.Ru

Kirill Goncharik, Head Of Life is Feudal MMO Publishing, Bitbox, Ltd

Oleg Dobroshtan, Chief Talent Office, 101xp

Alexandra Pestretsova, Independent Expert (Ex marketing director My.com, Game Insight)

Serge Himmelreich, Game Designer, Co-founder, GDCuffs, ARPU.GURU

Experienced game designers offer publically practical ways of gameplay improvement to 3 selected but not released projects.

Vladimir Kovtun, Creative Mobile

Gregory Choporov, Producer, 2RealLife

Conference content is prepared with the help of our advisors.

Alex Nichiporchik

CEO, tinyBuild

Vera Velichko

CEO, Art-director, OWL-Studio

Vladimir Kovtun

Lead Game Designer, Creative Mobile

Sergey Bababev

Independent Expert

Valentin Simonov

Field Engineer, Unity Technologies

Konstantin Sakhnov

Head of Game Department, Rocket Jump

Aleksey Savchenko

Licensing Manager, Epic Games

Tanja Evdokimenko

Founder, Values Value

Alexandra Pestretsova

Ressa Schwarzwald

Audio Producer, tinyBuild

Lerika Mallayeva

Email: [email protected] Skype: mallayeva Phone: +79035826001

Maria Chyrvona

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Sergey Chernobrivets

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Tori Pavlenko

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Sales and business relationships with sponsors.

• Parties & Networking
• Career Wall
• Awards 2018 Winners
• Speed Game Dating
• Submit Game

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I went on an incredible sleeper train journey for £19 – but there’s a catch

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‘You’ve lost your mind,’ said people at my Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala when I told them I was travelling solo by train for so long.

‘Why come all this way to relax 
and then ruin it all by taking the cheapest ticket on the slowest train? It’s only two hours to fly – and it’s hardly any more money.’

Yes, my internal flight from Mumbai to Kerala a week earlier cost about £40. But this wasn’t anything to do with money – it was everything to do with wanting to immerse myself in India and extract the most of being in this mesmerising country.

As Japan ’s Shinkansen marks its 60th birthday and India starts building its first bullet train, I celebrated my solo-travel , 27-hour, sleeper-train journey from Kerala to Mumbai.

Travelling third-class

Waiting to board the hilariously misnomered Kochuveli Superfast Express for its 1am departure from Thiruvananthapuram, I saw no other white travellers – and no lone females.

Some people warned me against solo travel as a woman in India but I never felt unsafe on my stay.

First-class rail was sold out, so here I stood with my ticket for a bunk in what was still available – Third Class (3A) – having paid the laughably small sum of £19 to travel the 1,126 miles from nearly the southern tip of India through four states to the country’s largest city by population.

I was so glad I missed out on first class, and even second. Sure, 3A – which most Indians choose – is far from the apex of luxury. Each non-partitioned section of the carriage has eight fold-down berths, and there are no curtains for privacy and no gender segregation, but there is air-conditioning. If you’re open to this, you may well be rewarded with 
a convivial atmosphere and come away with new friends and perhaps
a different perspective on life.

I can’t deny the first night was sleep-lite as we rattled our way up the long, thin state of Kerala, stopping at 13 stations before we even got to the next state of Karnataka.

Passengers bustled on and off at each stop, but there was such a fascinating array of them – from a sports team of teenage boys to a couple with a roaming toddler – that I didn’t mind at all.

A bunk with a view

When I finally woke for good, it was to the surreal sight of an ant-like human figure wading across a river as a fat orange sun rose behind him; and to views of farmers leading buffaloes across marshland, wild peacocks strutting around and egrets standing as impassively as statues. I felt so blessed, I almost pinched myself.

Being tired didn’t matter a jot, because I could nap whenever I wanted. And the rest of 
the journey was quiet, as fellow passengers dozed in their bunks.

From here until Mumbai, I shared my area on the train with two girls in their late teens and a young man who introduced himself as Sangeena and was returning with his mother and grandmother from a wedding in Kerala.

He translated for me so I could chat to his two relatives. Despite not being well-off – they live in a Mumbai hostel – the three insisted on sharing jackfruit chips and other spicy snacks with me.

You’ll never go hungry

Sangeena helped me hop off the train at stations to buy meals on platforms. Few food sellers spoke any English, but my new friend helped me understand and find the correct money in the few minutes before we had to leap back on the train.

There was no danger of being hungry on the journey because, as well as the station vendors, food sellers climbed aboard to ply their wares from carriage to carriage.

Tasty biryanis, steaming garam tomato soup and crispy bhaji rolls, to name just a few of the tempting options – plus endless cups of steaming sweet chai.

Tea cost less than 10p a cup while curries as tasty as those you get in 
a restaurant were as little as 50p. If you’re organised, you can order food via apps – and there’s catering in the more expensive carriages.

Taking it slow

Travelling by slow train was perfect for my state of mind, and even though delays added two hours, I could have stayed for another 27 – or more. It was hypnotic and addictive.

I napped, read a bit and wrote in my notebook. I occasionally switched on my data to pick up messages (there’s no wi-fi on these trains). But mainly I simply gazed out of the window at the lush landscapes and took advantage of a rare opportunity to switch off and be unavailable.

The train terminated one stop short of its final destination for technical reasons, dropping us off at a station on the outskirts of Mumbai – at which point the lovely Sangeena wrote me directions on how to get where I needed to go using local trains.

Travelling in a female-only carriage

This turned out to be another felicitous occurrence, as I got to travel on one of India’s female-only carriages alongside scores of sleepy women making their way into Mumbai at 5am to sell baskets of food they’d got up even earlier to cook.

Once again, a few were kind enough to check I knew where I was going and which stop to get off at.

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Travelling by train in India is magical and humbling – and something to be savoured and drawn out. And that’s why, even as the country begins building its first bullet train and expands its newish Vande Bharat network of ‘semi-high speed’ trains, I’ll always insist on taking the slow route.

Getting there

Rhonda bought train tickets from 12go.asia/en , a reliable operator for booking rail, buses, ferries, transfers and flights in Asia
(it’s not possible
to book advance tickets from the UK directly with Indian Railways).

• Man In Seat 61 is a great source of practical info on travelling by train in India.
• In Kerala, Rhonda stayed at Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort . In Mumbai, she toured the city with Intrepid Travel , with whom she got an overview of the Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry and the Dharavi slum, and visited sights including the Mani Bhavan museum and historic building dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

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