What are the best Bluetooth speakers money can buy? Ive tested more than 30 models, and these are my top picks for every budget

Date:
Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:50:11 +0000

Description:
Looking for the best Bluetooth speaker money can buy? Here are the top portable speakers on the market right now, all TechRadar tested.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

If youre looking for a new Bluetooth speaker, the pure volume of choice can
be overwhelming. Whether youre searching for a small, portable option or a
big booming party speaker, Ive collected my definitive list of the best Bluetooth speakers money can buy.

Ive personally tested every single Bluetooth speaker model on this list, as well as a huge portion of their competitors more than 30 models have gone through my rigorous testing process. And it doesnt matter what kind of budget youre working with I've got everything from impulse budget buys up to a speaker that can power an actual concert.

I've analytically listened to hours of music, exhausted each of their features, assessed all aspects of their design, and directly compared all
the options to their key competitors. I undertook this effort at the music testing space at TechRadar's reviewing lab a controlled environment for assessing audio quality, and the ultimate location to craft my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers around.

Below, you'll find my number one overall pick for most people, as well as my other picks for the best models to buy right now with different price
brackets in mind. Within each entry, I've included the official prices of the speakers, but also a target price. This indicates how much I think you should aim to pay for these speakers in the real world, where prices are regularly lower. My #1 overall pick Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) JBL Flip 7

A compact yet mighty speaker that has it all Punchy, detailed, and
full-bodied sound Strong battery life to match strong feature-set Ultra durable and waterproof Not the fastest to charge No built-in mic 3 reasons
why this Bluetooth speaker beats the rest

Unbelievable sound quality in a highly compact model: I was blown away by
the Clip 7s impactful yet regimented bass response, but also its clear midrange performance and expressive treble. For its size, the Flip 7 offers a beautifully balanced, cohesive, and dynamic listen that made me want to bump my tunes for hours on end.

Top-tier durability and waterproofing: With an IP68 rating, the JBL Flip 7 isnt just fully dustproof, but its also able to survive being dunked in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It has a drop-proof design and is scratch-resistant, making it an extremely hardy speaker indeed.

Unbeatable value for money: For its mid-range price, the JBL Flip 7 is incredibly talented. I was wowed by its sonic capabilities, especially in the bass department, but it also has a great set of features, admirable battery life, and a rugged design. I also love the JBL Charge 6 for similar reasons, but the Flip 7s unbeatable value for money helps it take top spot. Why you
can trust my picks TechRadar's review history More than 1,300 reviews per year
17 years of product testing
Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
Nearly 200,000 hours of testing tech
Read TechRadar's review guarantee

For more than a year and a half, I've served as a resident Reviews Writer
here at TechRadar, where I have a particular focus on audio tech. Ive tested some of the best noise-cancelling headphones , best soundbars , and, of course, the best Bluetooth speakers on the market right now.

I built this guide from the ground up after testing a range of speakers against one another. Im talking everything from small budget options up to premium, towering party speakers. The vast majority of the models that Ive tested havent made the cut here after all, I re-tested more than 30 in my quest to provide you with the definitive Bluetooth speaker guide! Best Bluetooth speakers my picks in-depth Best for less than $50 / 50 Image 1 of
3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) JBL Go 4

The best ultra-cheap Bluetooth speaker Official Price: $49.95 / 39.99 / AU$59.95 | Target Price: $40 / 35 / AU$49 | Release date: May 2024 | Drivers: 1x 45mm full-range | Frequency response: 90Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 | Audio codecs: SBC | Battery life: 7 hours | Weight: 0.4lbs / 0.2kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Very solid audio for its size Highly durable and waterproof Extremely light and compact Small size restricts sound quality Battery life isnt very impressive The low-down

Im going to kick off the full-list with my choice for the best ultra-cheap Bluetooth speaker. Yes, the JBL Go 4 is the ideal pick for anyone looking to spend less than $50 / 50. I love the fact that it can supply punchy, clear audio, even through such a tiny form.

Even when I played a few of my favorite house tracks, I was surprised with
the bass weight the Go 4 could muster up. And when you combine that with a waterproof, durable build and feature-rich companion app, youre getting a ton of bang for your buck. Scorecard Best between $50-$100 / 50-100 Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future) Edifier ES20

The best budget-friendly pick Official Price: $89.99 / 50 / AU$99.99 | Target Price: $70 / 40 / AU$90 | Release date: June 2025 | Drivers: 1x 43mm full-range driver | Frequency response: 93Hz-19kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 | Audio codecs: SBC | Battery life: 15 hours | Weight: 0.7lbs / 0.3kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Clear audio with especially rich mids Luxurious looks and lighting Great waterproofing Noticeable compression at high volumes Lacking
EQ options The low-down

When I tried out the Edifier ES20, I really wasnt expecting it to be as good as it is. After all, its a very cheap model, often available for less than 50 in the UK (its typically a bit more in the US, hence its position in the $50-$100 category). On top of that, its ultra-compact and hardly the most powerful model on the market. But it still performs fantastically.

During a test against rivals in this price category, I was wowed by the ES20s clean, balanced audio performance. The detail it showcased in the mid-range was something the spectacular JBL Clip 5 and Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speakers couldnt quite match. It also has attractive lighting, great waterproofing, and a luxurious look that far surpassed my expectations in
this price range. Scorecard Best between $100-$200 / 100-200 Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future) JBL Flip 7

The best mid-range option Official Price: $149 / 129 / AU$179 | Target Price: $130 / 115 / AU$170 | Release date: March 2025 | Drivers: 45 x 80mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 16mm tweeter | Frequency response: 60Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC | Battery life:
16 hours | Weight: 1.2lbs / 0.6kg | Waterproofing: IP68 Punchy, detailed, and full-bodied sound Strong battery life to match strong feature-set Ultra durable and waterproof Not the fastest to charge No built-in mic The low-down

As you can see, I selected the JBL Flip 7 as the best Bluetooth speaker overall, so it makes the cut as the best mid-range option too! The Flip 7 bowled me over mainly because I couldnt believe such meaty bass was coming from such a small cylindrical device. But it offers more than powerful
low-end output: it's generally an excellent-sounding model, with direct and detailed audio.

The Flip 7 ticked all of my boxes outside of the sound department too, with phenomenal durability and waterproofing, a broad feature-set, and a low
launch price. Its already gone on sale a couple of times too, so if you can scoop it for less, youre getting the deal of a lifetime. Scorecard Best over $200 / 200 Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Bose SoundLink Max

The best premium Bluetooth speaker Official Price: $399 / 399 / AU$599 | Target Price: $300 / 300 / AU$500 | Release date: June 2024 | Drivers: 2 x 89mm transducers, 1 x 23mm transducer, 2 x 104x79mm racetrack passive radiators | Frequency response: Not stated | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | Battery life: 20 hours | Weight: 4.7lbs / 2.1kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Imposing yet deft sound Robust construction and finish It works as a power bank too Battery life could be better and so could its recharge time EQ options need some work The low-down

I had so many options to choose from in the $200 and up bracket, but the Bose SoundLink Max is the true all-rounder that deserves to be top dog. It offers
a nuanced listen while also packing a real punch. It looks absolutely beautiful, but still has a rugged and drop-proof build. And it has a nice set of features to keep the user experience fresh and easy.

On top of that, you can find the SoundLink Max for a great deal less than its list price, especially when large sale events come around Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, Im looking at you. I adore this models agile, full-scale sound, eye-popping color options, and power bank capabilities all of which make the SoundLink Max the full package for parties, home listening, or
taking on the go. Scorecard Best small speaker for audiophiles Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Future) Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

The best compact, audiophile-grade option Official Price: $349 / 299 / AU$639 | Target Price: $349 / 299 / AU$639 | Release date: May 2025 | Drivers: 1x 0.6-inch tweeter; 1 x 3.25-inch woofer, each with 1x 30W Class D
amplification | Frequency response: 54Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | Battery life: 24 hours | Weight: 1.3lbs / 0.6kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Spacious, controlled sound A truly luxurious appearance Detailed, feature-rich companion app No Auracast support You can get more power for less The low-down

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen was one of the speakers on this list that I tried for the first time just for this guide. And honestly, I hope I never have to give it back. Ive been playing tunes on it constantly , and enjoying every little detail in my favorite tracks, marveling at its undeniable beauty, and playing around with the fun options in the Bang & Olufsen app.

Seriously, this thing doesnt suggest that it's premium it yells it. It
perhaps doesnt offer the same sound-for-pound value as the considerably
larger and mightier Bose SoundLink Max, but considering its small size, the
A1 3rd Gen is a phenomenal-sounding model. If youre short on space, the impressively room-filling-yet-revealing sound of this speaker will suit you
to a T. You can also show it off to your guests; theyll almost certainly be wowed by its beauty just as much as its sonic talents. Scorecard Best party speaker Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Tribit Stormbox Blast 2

The best speaker to get the party going Official Price: $299 / 279 / AU$375 | Target Price: $269 / 279 / AU$375 | Release date: October 2024 | Drivers: 1x 80W subwoofer; 2x 45W mid-range drivers; 2x 15W tweeters | Frequency
response: 40Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm, 2x 6.35mm | Audio codecs: SBC | Battery life: 30 hours | Weight: 19.2lbs / 8.7kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Incredible bass weight Fun and customizable lighting Wonderful battery life Fidelity takes a hit at peak volumes Weighs an awful lot The low-down

The Tribit Stormbox Blast dishes out earth-shaking bass and supplies up to 200W of power output. That means youre getting the commanding sound required for busy house parties or outdoor events. But the Stormbox Blast 2 isnt just loud it genuinely sounds great. With a rhythmic, cohesive sound, youll want to blast tunes for hours on end.

On top of that, the Stormbox Blast 2 supports wireless pairing for microphones, and has 6.35mm ports for wired alternatives, making it a fantastic choice for karaoke fans. Couple that with a 30-hour battery life
and customizable LED lighting, and its a smash hit. Scorecard Best for
battery life Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Marshall Kilburn III

The best speaker for long listening sessions Official Price: $379 / 299 / AU$599 | Target Price: $379 / 299 / AU$599 | Release date: May 2025 |
Drivers: 1x 30W woofer; 2x 10W full ranges | Frequency response: 45Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast, 3.5mm | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3 | Battery life: 50 hours | Weight: 6.2lbs / 2.8kg | Waterproofing: IP54 Jaw-droppingly good battery life Exquisite sound quality Classy amp-inspired design No higher-res Bluetooth codecs Not as tough/waterproof as some options The low-down

Its actually unbelievable how long the Marshall Kilburn III can go for
without needing a charge 50 hours to be exact. For a model in its weight class, thats an outrageous amount of playtime. This model can also be used to charge external devices like mobile phones and headphones, so you can share the power around with ease.

But this things not only a leader in the battery life department its also a top performer when it comes to audio. Youll uncover phenomenally balanced, detailed, and impactful audio on the Kilburn III, and the Marshall app
enables EQ tuning, so you can find your perfect sound. Scorecard Best with Wi-Fi too Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Sonos Roam 2

The best speaker that supports streaming over Wi-Fi Official Price: $179 /
179 / AU$299 | Target Price: $140 / 140 / AU$250 | Release date: May 2024 | Drivers: 1x tweeter, 1x mid-woofer | Frequency response: Not specified | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC | Battery life: 7 hours | Weight: 1lbs / 0.4kg | Waterproofing: IP67 Powerful and rich audio performance Nice design and color options Dual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options Weak battery life Cant get all that loud The low-down

If I was to pick a portable speaker capable of playing music over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth, Id have to go for the Sonos Roam 2. Playing tunes over Wi-Fi will generally mean that less quality is lost than would typically disappear when streaming over Bluetooth, and the Roam 2 takes advantage of that to deliver detailed, engaging listening experiences.

Of course, you get the benefits of Sonos' multi-room technology too. So, if I had a Sonos Move 2 and a Sonos Era 100 , say, I'd be able to link this lil fella up to my home system. It's not perfect battery life is a little underwhelming above all. But if you want the ease and quality of Wi-Fi streaming, then this is still my top overall pick. Scorecard Best giant party speaker Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future) Marshall Bromley 750

The best hulking party speaker Official Price: $1,299 / 899 / AU$1,799 | Target Price: $1,299 / 899 / AU$1,799 | Release date: September 2025 | Drivers: 2x 10-inch 150W woofers, 2x 5.25-inch 50W mid-rangers, 2x 1-inch 7W tweeters, 2x 0.8-inch 14W tweeters | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast, 3.5mm, USB-C, RCA, 2x XLR/6.35mm combo jacks | Audio codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3 | Battery life: 40 hours | Weight:
52.7lbs / 23.9kg | Waterproofing: IP54 Epic yet regimented sound Immersive lighting experience Excellent battery life Expensive compared to rivals in
its weight class Slightly underequipped companion app The low-down

Can debuts get much better than that of the Marshall Bromley 750? I'm really not too sure! Marshalls first ever gigantic party speaker is fantastic-sounding, gorgeous-looking, and long-lasting beast, and I'd recommend it for any larger-scale event remember, this thing is large enough that requires wheels and a handle, like a suitcase.

I found that this model could dish out almighty, yet regimented bass, while still giving mid-range sounds like guitars and vocals plenty of room to play. Treble also comes through with clarity and precision, while Marshalls 360-degree true stereophonic sound tech keeps audio well-defined from all angles. The gorgeous lights and amp-inspired design also help the Bromley to feel worth its fairly hefty price tag, and though its companion app could use some work, the speakers physical controls and connectivity options won me over. Scorecard Best Bluetooth speakers comparison chart

Bluetooth speaker

Features score

Sound quality score

Design score

Value score

Battery life

JBL Go 4

4/5

4/5

4.5/5

4/5

7 hours

Edifier ES20

4.5/5

4/5

5/5

4.5/5

15 hours

JBL Flip 7

4.5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

16 hours

Bose SoundLink Max

4/5

5/5

5/5

4.5/5

20 hours

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

4.5/5

5/5

5/5

4.5/5

24 hours

Tribit Stormbox Blast 2

4.5/5

4.5/5

4/5

4/5

30 hours

Marshall Kilburn III

4.5/5

5/5

4.5/5

4.5/5

50 hours

Sonos Roam 2

4/5

4.5/5

4.5/5

3.5/5

10 hours

Marshall Bromley 750

4.5/5

4.5/5

5/5

4/5

40 hours More speakers I tested for this guide (A-Z)

Speaker

Why it missed out

Score

Anker Soundcore Boom 2

It delivers solid bass at a cheap price, but its sound quality can't compare to similarly priced rivals.

3.5/5

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

Similar story to the above, though it does look and sound a little more refined than its smaller sibling.

4/5

Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2

A great waterproof speaker, but doesn't sound as good or last as long as the Flip 7.

4/5

Bose SoundLink Plus

Bass seemed a little distant to me, and lacked the weight I'd expect.

4.5/5

JBL Charge 6

It's a tragedy it doesn't make the cut I just think the Flip 7 edges it slightly on value for money.

5/5

JBL Clip 5

It's a brilliant speaker, but the ES20 just beats it, thanks to its superior battery life and mid-range detail.

4.5/5

JBL Grip

Sonically, I expected a little more from the Grip, but it's still a fun lil' speaker.

4/5

JBL Xtreme 4

I think the SoundLink Max sounds a little better, and looks a lot more beautiful to boot.

4/5

JLab Pop Party

This did not sound good at all in my testing, especially compared to the JBL Go 4.

Not yet rated

Happy Plugs Joy

Sonically, this thing isn't very impressive, and on that basis, it loses out to the Go 4.

3.5/5

LG xboom Go XG2T

A neat small-sized JBL Clip 5 rival, but I'm still giving the ES20 the edge over either of them.

4/5

LG xboom Go XG8T

A mediocre effort from LG with underwhelming battery life and sound quality.

3/5

LG xboom Grab

I felt that the bass sounded a little bloated compared to the Flip 7 and Charge 6, so it falls short.

4.5/5

LG xboom Stage 301

A top-notch party speaker that doesn't quite offer the value-for-money or power output of the Stormbox Blast 2.

4.5/5

Sharp PS-921

A middling party speaker that doesn't look or sound interesting enough to
make the cut.

3.5/5

Sodapop Bluetooth Speaker

An average-at-best sounding Bluetooth speaker, but I do love the design concept.

Not yet rated

Sony SRS-XB100

It lacks the full-bodied sound of rivals in its price range, so doesn't get a spot in my guide.

3.5/5

Sony ULT Field 3

I was disappointed by this speaker's sonic capabilities, especially given
it's not the cheapest model around.

3/5

Tribit Stormbox Lava

This one just can't hit the deep, dark notes well enough, so it's a no from me.

3.5/5

Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus

I liked the Mini Plus, it just struggles a bit at higher volumes and the Go 4 feels a little more stylish.

3.5/5

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

As much as I love the look and name of the Miniroll, its feature-set isn't fleshed out enough to make the cut.

3.5/5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

An absolutely excellent small speaker that ran so close to the ES20, but
while its bass is more impactful, I felt it lacked the nuance and detail that some competitors offer.

4.5/5 How I tested Bluetooth speakers for this guide (Image credit: Future)

I have personally tested every single Bluetooth speaker listed in this guide, including a number that didn't quite make the cut those are listed above. In order to build this guide, I spent multiple weeks testing a whole lot of models, comparing a load of rivals on aspects like sound quality, features, and design. On top of this, I've been consistently reviewing Bluetooth speakers and other related audio gear for more than a year and a half here at TechRadar.

Anyway, what does the actual testing process look (and sound) like? Well, first of all, I make sure I'm using Tidal to listen to music, thanks to its support for quality up to 24-bit and 192kHz, so I'm started with the best possible source. In addition, I make sure to run through the TechRadar
testing playlist , which features tracks from a number of genres, like Classical, Electronic, Jazz, and Rock.

Of course, I want to have a bit of fun while doing this, so I always bump a few tracks from my personal music library too. I listen to a lot of house music and jazz funk fusion, but my playlists feature a range of tunes that help me to judge dynamics, tonal accuracy, and detail right across the frequency range.

I always test out audio gear in the music testing space we have here on TechRadar a quiet, acoustically treated and controlled environment for judging the quality of audio gear. However, I do try to take speakers into other environments too, including my home, the office, outdoor spaces, and sometimes even the shower (if that IP rating is high enough, of course).

On top of this, I'll make sure to test performance across different connectivity methods. Sometimes a speaker won't showcase its full potential unless its making use of a wired connection. Maybe it needs to be plugged
into a power source to hit its maximum power output. I'll try whatever is necessary to hear the full potential of each unit I try. This includes making use of higher resolution codecs, like aptX Adaptive, which require a compatible source device or USB-C dongle.

If a Bluetooth speaker has a companion app, I'll also ensure that it's downloaded (I have so many my phone is running out of storage). Then, I'll exhaust every option, from EQ adjustment through to customizable lighting or battery preservation modes.

Keen to learn more about how we review audio gear and more at TechRadar? Make sure you head on over to our ' how we test ' guide. Q&A: my advice for buying (Image credit: Future) How do I know which Bluetooth speaker to choose?

Let's start with the most important question first. To choose the perfect Bluetooth speaker, you'll have to ask yourself a few questions. What do you want to use it for? Personal listening? Parties? Playing music in the shower? Some speakers might not have the raw power needed for parties, and some may not have the waterproofing required for mid-scrub listening, so consider the amount of power and protection you'll need, for instance.

It's also important to think about size. Do you want a mini speaker for dropping tunes in your bedroom? Do you want a behemoth that can get everybody moving at an outdoor gathering? Consider how much portability and room you need.

And it goes without saying, but set yourself a budget. Good quality audio really doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Of course, the sub-$10 speakers on Amazon should probably be avoided, but there are a number of options under $50 that can serve you well. What is the best waterproof speaker?

There are a lot of great waterproof speakers, but I can run through a few top choices. For a smaller model, I recommend the Edifier ES20 or the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. These are both IP67-rated and each sound great.

For a mid-sized option, the JBL Flip 7 or JBL Charge 6 are exemplary choices. We scored both models five stars, and their IP68 dust and waterproofing is
out of this world.

Meanwhile, those seeking out a larger model will be best off with the Bose SoundLink Max or the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2. These both combine IP67 protection against the elements with seriously hefty audio output. Should I buy a JBL or a Bose Bluetooth speaker?

This comes down to two main things. First, budget; second, personal preference. JBL typically offers more budget-friendly audio gear than Bose, but you can still generally expect a terrific standard of sound and build quality. There's also a trademark look to a JBL speaker. It's rugged, outdoorsy, and often cylindrical. Maybe you dig that, maybe you don't!

Bose, for many, is synonymous with luxury. And that makes a lot of sense, especially given that the Bose SoundLink Max made the cut as my top premium pick. You often get impressive levels of sonic detail and a spectacular
finish from Bose speakers. I'd argue that some models don't offer the spectacular value that JBL do, but if you've got the cash and want to hear some finer details, it may well be worth the additional spend. Which is better: Bluetooth or wireless (Wi-Fi) speakers?

A lot of the time, wireless speakers those capable of streaming over Wi-Fi are better equipped for home listening, often featuring a less rugged or portable design. But that comes with the benefit of playing music over Wi-Fi, which often sounds better than Bluetooth streaming.

That's because more data is typically lost during a Bluetooth stream, though some higher-quality codecs can retain a tad more detail. But the best Bluetooth speakers still sound great, and they can often offer superior portability and waterproofing among other things.

Some speakers can do both see the Sonos Roam 2. If you're going to be using
a speaker almost exclusively at home, indoors, then I'd recommending taking a peek at our best wireless speakers guide. Otherwise, one of the options on this list will certainly suit your needs. (Image credit: Future) What is frequency response?

In this context, frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that a speaker can reproduce. For example, if a speaker's frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz, that suggests that it is capable of replicating all sounds within the average human's range of hearing. What are codecs?

Audio codecs compress and encode audio signals, which are transmitted wirelessly from one device to another. These are then decoded by another device, and delivered to you, the listener.

Allow me to provide an example. Say you're playing music via Spotify on the Edifier ES20 speaker, which is connected to your Android phone. The audio
file playing from Spotify would then be compressed and re-encoded by your phone with the SBC codec, before being decoded by the Edifier speaker and played to you.

SBC is the most basic codec, and the vast majority of Bluetooth devices support it. AAC offers better sound quality than SBC, and can potentially transmit audio without compressing or re-encoding it, if the source music
file is AAC, if both the speaker and your source device support AAC transmission, and if the file isn't too high-quality for Bluetooth's bandwidth.

There are some more fancy codecs to uncover that audiophiles will likely appreciate.

For instance, LDAC Sony's proprietary coding tech and aptX codecs, like
aptX Adaptive, can open you up to higher-resolution Bluetooth audio. A lot of modern Android devices support LDAC, but not as many phones and tablets support aptX Adaptive.

Crucially, you'll need to make sure your source device and Bluetooth speaker both support the codec you want to make use of. For instance, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the Bose SoundLink Plus each support aptX Adaptive. Make sure the streaming service you use also enables higher-resolution streaming. Tidal,
for instance, can open up streaming in 24-bit, 192 kHz, so you'll be able to hear those additional details that aptX Adaptive can uncover.

A Bluetooth speaker doesn't necessarily need to support LDAC or aptX to sound good the JBL and Marshall speakers on this list, for example, offer impressive sound without them. But it can be a nice touch for those listeners who want a more intricate, revealing listen. What are IP ratings?

OK, this one's a little less tech intensive! IP ratings refer to the dust and water protection a product has. After the letters IP, you'll find two additional characters. The first indicates its dustproof rating, while the second shows its waterproof rating.

For example, if a Bluetooth speaker is IP67-rated, then that tells us two specific things. Firstly, the '6' shows that the model is dust-tight, and completely protected against dust ingress. Meanwhile, the '7' means that the speaker is waterproof, and can safely be submerged under a meter of
freshwater for up to 30 minutes.

When you buy a new Bluetooth speaker, you should always check its IP rating. If it's IPX7 rated, for example, that means it does not have a dust
resistance guarantee, but is safe to be submerged underwater. If it is IP54 rated, say, that means that it's partially dust-proof, but only splashproof, rather than fully waterproof. Does it matter which Bluetooth version a
speaker is?

If you're buying a more recently released Bluetooth speaker, like the ones in my guide, then my honest answer to this question is: not much.

All modern phones can connect to the speakers in this guide, though its worth noting that only speakers with the Bluetooth 5.2 version or later support the LC3 codec, which is used for Auracast streams. Can I pair multiple Bluetooth speakers together?

A lot of the time, yes. However, speakers can only generally be paired with specific models often, multiple units of the same model. One brand that has
a slightly more expansive approach is JBL, which lets you connect a wide variety of its speakers together, so long as they support Auracast. You may need two of the exact same model for stereo pairing, though. The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide

October 16, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Switched the Edifier ES20 into the no 2 spot as 'best budget', replacing the JBL Clip 5, which is now in our 'also consider' section. Switched the Marshall Bromley 750 into no 5 spot as 'best for parties'. Replaced the older JBL Charge 5 model in the 'best to charge a phone' spot with the newer JBL Charge 6.

September 12, 2025
Updated author details. Added the LG xboom Stage 301 as our 'Best for karaoke' at the number 12 spot. Added a few recently reviewed devices to our also consider section, including the Groov-e Wave Glow and Tribit Stormbox Mini Plus. Updated the 'how we test' section.

August 7, 2025
Switched out the Tribit Stormbox Flow for the Marshall Kilburn III as 'best for battery'. Added the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 to the 'More we've tested' section and tidied up this list to remove some older recommendations.

July 2, 2025
Checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated and rewrote the entry for the JBL Clip 5, our 'best budget' pick, to reflect a year of real-world use. Added several new options to our list of other speakers we've recently reviewed. Updated our FAQ section with new entries to help readers better understand the Bluetooth speaker world.

May 22, 2025
Replaced the UE Everboom with the Bang & Olufsen A1 3rd Gen, making it our 'Best small speaker for sound' choice. The UE Everboom moved into our 'Also consider' section, as it's still a very good sound-per-pound option.

May 1, 2025
Replaced the JBL Flip 6 with the newly released JBL Flip 7 after our recent testing. Moved the Flip 6 into our 'also consider' section, as it's still
well worth it if you can find it discounted.

Read more updates

April 3, 2025
Rewrote the introduction and added the Tribit Stormbox Lava into our 'also consider' section based on our recent testing.

March 7, 2025
We refreshed the introduction to tighten it up. We added two products to our 'also consider' section, including the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus and Happy Plugs Joy. We also edited the other entries in that section to make them easier to scan.

February 8, 2025
Swapped the order of products based on the latest real-world prices. Swapped the JBL Xtreme 4 for the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, based on our testing. Added more recently reviewed options to the Also Consider sections.

January 9, 2025
Rewrote the introduction. Added the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2, LG XBoom Go XG8T and LG XBoom Go XG2T products to our 'also consider' section, based on our reviews published in the past two weeks.

December 12, 2024
Refreshed the introduction. Added more images to each of our reviews to give readers a better look at our recommendations. Included scorecards under each Bluetooth speaker we've recommended so readers can get a quick sense of what each entry has to offer.

November 15, 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Slotted in a new 'Black Friday' section to share buying advice and news of relevant upcoming deals. Refreshed our 'also consider' section to include the Marshall Emberton III and the Earfun UBoom
X. Added a 'Tested by' section to highlight the expert knowledge and experience of our audio review team.

October 23, 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Added the Loewe We Hear Pro vs Kylian Mbapp
speaker as our 'best for training' pick and the recently reviewed Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 as our 'best for picnics' choice, based on our testing. Refreshed the 'also consider' section and added the Ultimate Ears Miniroll. Condensed our 'how we test' advice to make our review process clearer for readers.

September 26, 2024
Swapped the Ultimate Ears Epicboom for the new LG XBoom XO2T as our 'best
for design' choice based on our recent testing. Added a few additional
options in our 'also consider' section, including the Morel Biggie.

August 22, 2024
Switched the Sonos Roam for the Sonos Roam 2 as our best Bluetooth speaker overall. also replaced the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 for the JBL Clip 5 in our 'best budget' category. Finally, swapped the B&O A2 for the UE Everboom,
which is now our 'best sound-per-pound' pick.

July 30, 2024
Updated the 'Also consider' section with information about the latest products we've reviewed, and why they didn't make it into this list.

July 1, 2024
Removed the older Tribit Stormbox Blast and added the JBL Xtreme 4 as our recommendation for best party speaker. Added the new Bose SoundLink Max as
our pick for the best premium buy. Removed the quick menu, updated the copy throughout.

June 5, 2024
Replaced Sonos Move 2 with the JBL Xtreme 4 as our best premium pick, due
its more portable nature. Updated our other options to consider based on the latest reviews.

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

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.

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.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/best-bluetooth-spe aker


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)