Want impressive sound that travels anywhere? Today's portable speakers deliver surprising audio quality in increasingly durable, adventure-ready packages.
We've identified the standout portable Bluetooth speakers across every price point - from budget-friendly options that outperform their price tags to premium models that justify every penny with exceptional sound quality, battery life, and durability.
Whether you need a waterproof companion for outdoor adventures or a compact powerhouse for home use, our straightforward guide highlights exactly what makes each speaker worth your consideration.
Here are the best portable speakers worth your money right now:
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
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Read more about our company, services and process here.
- Battery life varies significantly across models (12-27 hours), making some speakers better suited for weekend trips versus day outings
- Waterproof ratings differ between speakers (from splash-resistant IPX4 to fully waterproof/floatable IP67), an essential consideration for outdoor use scenarios
- Price doesn't always correlate directly with sound quality, as demonstrated by the JBL Flip 5's excellent rating despite being the lowest-priced option
- 360° sound capability is becoming a standard feature in premium portable speakers, providing more flexible placement options
- Connectivity features beyond basic Bluetooth (like multi-device connection and app control) significantly enhance user experience for social settings
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
👇 Find Your Perfect Sound Companion
Looking for the ideal portable speaker? We've researched and compared the top-rated options across price points to help you quickly find the perfect match for your listening style, environment, and budget.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Portable Speaker & Beosound A1
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Portable Speaker & Beosound A1
- Powerful Sound: Delivers deep bass and 360° audio to enhance any space, indoors or outdoors.
- Built to Last: Waterproof, dust-resistant, and shockproof, designed to withstand rough conditions.
- Extended Battery: Up to 27 hours (Explore) and 18 hours (A1) of playtime, ensuring non-stop music during long trips.
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight with a carry strap, perfect for travel or clipping onto a bag for hands-free convenience.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore and A1 speakers combine sleek design with powerful performance, making them ideal for those who value quality sound on the go.
- Portable yet Powerful: Despite their compact size, these speakers deliver rich, immersive sound with impressive bass, perfect for filling any space—whether at home or outdoors.
- Durable and Adventure-Ready: Built to withstand the elements, both models are fully waterproof and dust-resistant, making them reliable companions for travel, hikes, or poolside relaxation.
For users seeking robust sound quality in a durable and stylish package, these speakers stand out as a versatile choice.
- Excellent Sound Quality: Users appreciate the rich, clear sound that fills the room, with particularly strong bass for such compact speakers.
- Impressive Battery Life: The Beosound Explore and A1 consistently receive praise for long-lasting battery life, with many noting it easily lasts through a day’s adventures.
- Travel-Friendly Design: Lightweight and easy to carry, both speakers are popular for their portability, fitting effortlessly into backpacks or bags.
- Built for the Outdoors: The rugged, waterproof design is a highlight, allowing users to confidently take these speakers to the beach, poolside, or on hikes.
- Simple Setup and Use: Many reviews mention the straightforward setup process, with intuitive controls and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
- Price Considerations: Some users note that while the price is on the higher side, the durability and sound quality justify the investment.
- Long-lasting battery suitable for extended use.
- Strong, immersive sound quality despite compact size.
- Durable, waterproof, and dust-resistant build for outdoor use.
- Portable design that’s easy to carry or clip on a bag.
- Premium price may not fit all budgets.
- Lack of an integrated smart assistant on the Beosound Explore.
- The bass might not satisfy users looking for ultra-heavy bass.
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Portable Speaker
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Portable Speaker
- Adaptive Sound: Automatically adjusts the audio to fit your environment for the best listening experience.
- Extended Playtime: Enjoy up to 24 hours of continuous music on a single charge.
- Seamless Connectivity: Easily switch between four connected devices with the touch of a button.
- Splash Resistant: IPX4 rating protects against spills, making it great for outdoor gatherings.
The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom portable speaker delivers powerful sound with deep bass, making it a versatile choice for music lovers who want to elevate any gathering.
- Its adaptive equalizer reads the environment and adjusts the sound profile automatically, ensuring optimal audio quality whether indoors or outdoors.
- The long-lasting 24-hour battery life and multi-device connectivity (Bluetooth, auxiliary, and optical) make it perfect for uninterrupted music during extended gatherings.
With its robust build and IPX4 splash resistance, this speaker is well-suited for both casual indoor use and outdoor events, offering convenience and reliability.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users praise the Hyperboom’s deep bass and clear audio, noting that it delivers rich sound that fills any room or outdoor space effortlessly.
- Long-Lasting Battery: The 24-hour battery life is a standout feature, keeping music going throughout extended gatherings without needing a recharge.
- Versatile Connectivity: Seamlessly switching between up to four devices via Bluetooth or auxiliary inputs makes it easy for friends to share their playlists.
- Adaptive EQ for Any Space: The built-in adaptive equalizer automatically adjusts to your surroundings, ensuring optimal sound quality whether indoors or outside.
- Durable & Splash-Resistant: Many appreciate its IPX4 water resistance, making it a reliable option for poolside parties or unpredictable weather.
- Hefty Build & Weight: Some users mention that while it’s portable, the speaker’s weight might be a bit cumbersome for longer trips.
- Powerful Bass: Delivers deep, immersive sound for large spaces.
- Long Battery Life: Offers up to 24 hours of uninterrupted playtime.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Connects with multiple devices for easy music sharing.
- Durable Build: Spill and splash-resistant design suitable for outdoor use.
- Heavy Design: May be less portable for extended trips due to its weight.
- Limited Water Resistance: Only IPX4-rated, so it’s not fully waterproof.
- No Built-in Voice Assistant: Lacks integration with smart voice assistants for hands-free control.
Ultimate Ears Epicboom Portable Speaker
Ultimate Ears Epicboom Portable Speaker
- Immersive Sound: 360-degree booming bass and Adaptive EQ adjust to your surroundings for rich, full sound.
- Outdoor-Ready: IP67 waterproof rating and drop-proof design make it perfect for any adventure.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of playtime keeps the music going all day without frequent charging.
- Effortless Connectivity: Use the BOOM app to control music, connect devices, and access customizable sound profiles.
The Ultimate Ears Epicboom Portable Speaker combines versatility with impressive audio quality, making it a solid choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Powerful sound with flexibility: With 360-degree booming bass and Adaptive EQ, it delivers immersive audio, automatically adjusting to your environment. The Outdoor Boost feature further enhances sound clarity, perfect for gatherings outside.
- Durable and travel-friendly: Designed to withstand rough use, its IP67 rating makes it waterproof, dustproof, and even floatable. The drop-proof build and convenient loop ensure it’s easy to bring along on any adventure.
Overall, the Epicboom’s robust performance and rugged design cater to users seeking reliable, high-quality sound wherever they go.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users appreciate the rich bass and 360-degree sound that fills both indoor and outdoor spaces with clarity.
- Seamless Connectivity: Quick and easy Bluetooth pairing lets users stream music effortlessly, even from a distance.
- Great for Outdoors: Its waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof design makes it a reliable choice for beach trips, pool parties, or camping.
- Long-lasting Battery: The 17-hour battery life is praised for keeping the music going throughout the day without frequent recharging.
- Customizable Listening Experience: The BOOM app's EQ settings and modes—like Podcast or Deep Relaxation—allow for tailored sound profiles.
- Slightly Bulky for Travel: A few users note its medium size makes it less compact than other portable speakers, but the sturdy build and sound quality make up for it.
- Delivers powerful bass with 360-degree sound for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Waterproof, dustproof, and drop-resistant design ideal for outdoor activities.
- Long-lasting 17-hour battery life for extended listening sessions.
- Customizable EQ settings through the BOOM app for personalized sound.
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity with PartyUp feature to pair multiple speakers.
- Medium-sized design may not be as compact as other portable speakers.
- Some users may find it slightly bulky for travel.
- Custom EQ options require using the BOOM app for full functionality.
Marshall Stockwell II Portable Speaker
Marshall Stockwell II Portable Speaker
- 360° Sound: True Stereophonic technology offers balanced audio from any angle.
- Durable and Water-Resistant: IPX4 rating and rugged build withstand minor splashes and rough handling.
- Extended Playtime: Over 20 hours of battery life with a quick-charge option for 6 hours in just 20 minutes.
- Multi-Host Bluetooth: Effortlessly switch between two devices, making it simple to share control at gatherings.
The Marshall Stockwell II is a compact, robust portable speaker designed to deliver 360° sound. Its sturdy construction and versatile features make it a practical choice for users who want portability without sacrificing audio quality.
- 360° True Stereophonic Sound: With multi-directional audio, this speaker provides a balanced listening experience from any angle, ideal for gatherings or outdoor use.
- Long Battery Life and Quick Recharge: Offers 20+ hours of playtime on a full charge and quick-charge capabilities, so you can power up for six hours of listening in just 20 minutes.
With Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable connectivity and an IPX4 water-resistant rating, the Stockwell II is an excellent option for music lovers seeking durability and high-quality sound on the go.
- 360° Sound Experience: Users appreciate the immersive 360° sound, making it ideal for gatherings or personal listening.
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight with a guitar-inspired strap, it’s easy to carry, making it a favorite for outdoor activities.
- Reliable Battery Life: With over 20 hours of playtime, many users enjoy the long-lasting battery, especially with the quick-charging feature.
- Customizable Audio: The analog control knobs for volume, bass, and treble allow personalized sound adjustments for different music genres.
- Durability in Design: The silicone exterior and steel grille add to its rugged feel, with many noting its reliability in various environments.
- Minor Volume Limitations: Some users wish for a slightly higher maximum volume but still find the sound quality impressive.
Overall, users enjoy the Stockwell II for its blend of durability, portability, and sound customization options.
- 20+ hours of battery life supports extended use
- 360° sound delivers an immersive audio experience
- Quick-charge option for up to six hours in 20 minutes
- Multi-host Bluetooth functionality for shared listening
- May lack the volume needed for very large spaces.
- Compact size limits bass depth compared to larger models.
- Not the most budget-friendly option on the market.
JBL Flip 5 Portable Speaker
JBL Flip 5 Portable Speaker
- Rich Sound: Delivers robust JBL signature sound with deep bass.
- Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Long Playtime: Up to 12 hours of continuous music on a single charge.
- Waterproof Protection: IPX7 rating ensures safety against water exposure.
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to offer both sound quality and ease of use.
- Its robust design, featuring durable fabric and rugged rubber housing, provides reliable protection, making it suitable for outdoor use and travel.
- With IPX7 waterproofing, the speaker can withstand water exposure, making it practical for poolside use or unexpected weather changes, ensuring continuous entertainment.
The JBL Flip 5 serves as a practical option for those seeking a portable speaker with dependable sound and durability for various environments.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users praise the JBL Flip 5 for delivering rich sound that exceeds expectations for its compact size.
- Portability and Durability: The speaker’s sturdy build and lightweight design make it a favorite for outdoor adventures and daily use.
- Waterproof Design: Many appreciate its IPX7 waterproofing, finding it ideal for poolside or shower use without fear of damage.
- Easy Connectivity: The speaker is noted for seamless Bluetooth pairing with various devices, enhancing convenience.
- Battery Life: Users enjoy the long-lasting battery, though a few have noted occasional issues with unexpected shutdowns.
- Minor Sound Issues: Some reviews mention sporadic muffled sound, but these instances are relatively rare.
The JBL Flip 5 is appreciated for its reliable performance and affordability, making it a popular choice among portable speakers.
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability.
- Durable construction suitable for outdoor use.
- Excellent sound quality with powerful bass.
- IPX7 waterproofing provides protection against water.
- Occasional reports of unexpected shutdowns.
- Some users note sporadic muffled sound.
- Battery life might be shorter than some competitors.
Why should you invest in a portable speaker?
To begin, portable speakers are convenient. You can stream audio from a smartphone or tablet quickly and easily. They provide flexibility and mobility, letting you bring your entertainment with you wherever you go without the need for headphones (or giving you the ability for shared listening amongst friends and loved ones).
The second reason to invest in a portable speaker is for an enhanced listening experience. If you’re streaming audio outside (or in an indoors space, even your own home), portable speakers will give a superior sound quality compared to smartphone or built-in computer speakers. And with this device, you can jam out to richer, fuller sound instantly.
What should you look for in a portable speaker?
If you’re looking for good value and longevity in a portable speaker, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
When shopping for portable speakers, here are five features to consider:
- Price: This is the kick off point—define a budget and look for products within that range. Later on in this article we’ll review portable speakers that range in prices of $500, $400, $300, $200, and $100.
- Sound Quality: Look for speakers that offer clear, balanced sound with good bass response. Consider the speaker's wattage, drivers, and frequency response range to ensure high-quality audio performance.
- Portability: Opt for a speaker that is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. Consider factors such as size, weight, and durability, especially if you plan to use the speaker for outdoor activities or travel.
- Connectivity Options: Choose a speaker with versatile connectivity options such as Bluetooth, AUX-in, or USB ports. Bluetooth speakers allow wireless streaming from your smartphone or other devices, while AUX-in and USB ports provide alternative connection methods.
- Battery Life: Check the speaker's battery life to ensure it can last long enough for your needs. Consider factors such as battery capacity, playback time on a single charge, and charging options (aka, USB charging, built-in rechargeable battery).
Final Thoughts on the Best Portable Speakers
Let's be real - portable speakers have come a long way. Even the cheaper ones sound pretty amazing these days.
Sure, the fancy Bang & Olufsen speakers are beautiful and sound incredible if you've got $500 to spend. But honestly, that JBL Flip 5 at under $100 punches way above its weight class.
For most of us, something in the middle like the Ultimate Ears Epicboom hits the sweet spot - tough enough to survive a pool party but won't make your wallet cry.
Bottom line: think about where you'll actually use it. Heading to the beach? Make sure it's properly waterproof. Planning lots of backyard parties? Battery life and being able to connect multiple phones might matter more. Either way, you've got solid options regardless of your budget.
