A Bluetooth speaker is an awesome audio device to have. They give us the wireless freedom to take the party atmosphere anywhere. A Bluetooth speaker can make just about any boring get-together just that bit more fun and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for something tough and durable for outdoor adventures like camping or you’re just looking for something that sounds great and can also make a backyard barbecue an absolute hit, you can’t go wrong with any of the speakers on this list.
JBL Flip 6
If you want a solid and reliable little speaker for everyday use, the JBL Flip 6 is a great option. JBL’s signature Flip series of Bluetooth speakers have become synonymous in the audio space for their signature cylindrical shape, dual-passive bass radiators at both ends, rock-solid build quality, and good dependable audio experience. The JBL Flip 6 has a new IP67 rating, which means it’s now water and dust-resistant. Plus, it will survive plunges into saltwater should it fall in. And when it comes to audio, this speaker is able to get loud enough to be enjoyed on a patio, while hiking, biking, at the beach, or indoor parties.
JBL made small improvements to the Flip 6 to further improve the audio quality so you get clear mids, balanced high, and strong thumping bass. If you want to take things up a notch and take your party atmosphere to the next level, you’ll need to take advantage of the PartyBoost feature and add more speakers. Finally, with the Flip 6, you can get up to 12-hrs of playtime on a single charge and can be recharged via a USB-C port.
JBL Clip 4
Another JBL speaker on our list is the JBL Clip 4. This is one of the best ultra-portable mini Bluetooth speakers you can get at any price point. JBL has redesigned this latest Clip 4 with a more robust carabiner for extra protection, so you can clip it and enjoy your music without ever worrying. And because the fabric cover has an IP67 waterproof rating, you won’t have to worry about dust and water causing any damage. Battery life remains the same as the older Clip 3 at 10-hrs.
While the sound won’t blow you away, the Clip 4 will deliver an enjoyable audio experience for its small size. It can be enjoyed in the shower, backyard, or in outdoor activities like a picnic or hiking. If you’re looking for a small speaker durable speaker that you can clip or throw around and not worry, you can’t go wrong with the JBL Clip 4.
Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM
The big, powerful UE HYMBOOM is our pick for listeners who want a top-sounding jumbo portable Bluetooth party speaker that delivers on all fronts. UE has brilliantly designed this party speaker to wirelessly connect and play music from 2 devices at the same time. So while one person is playing music a second person can connect to the speaker and line up the next track without disrupting the music that’s coming from the first device. And you’re able to get an impressive 150 feet in wireless range with no connection issues. Read Full Our Review
Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a great option for listeners who want one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers to enjoy when outdoor adventures or even on bike commuting. It offers an IP67 rating so it’s fully protected against the elements. This speaker also floats and will survive drops and bumps on hard surfaces. Plus the powder-coated steel grill won’t peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light.
For such a compact size the SoundLink Flex sound quality is one of the best around with super clean vocals and extra bass performance thanks to Bose PositionIQ technology, which helps the speaker detect its orientation and adjust the sound accordingly so audio output stays consistent. Like most Bose speakers, the SoundLink Flex also supports multipoint connectivity and will connect to 2 devices simultaneously.
JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 is a step above the Flip 6. It is the best all-around Bluetooth speaker for any occasion. For the price, you are getting an ultra-durable JBL speaker that offers the best balance of size, performance and durability. And despite its bulky size, it does have IP67 dust and water protection and It can also survive underwater for up to 30 minutes.
This speaker delivers impressive sound thanks to a racetrack-shaped driver, a separate tweeter and dual passive radiators, designed to improve both clarity and bass performance. You’ll also get around 20-hrs of battery life on a single charge, plus you can even use it to charge some of your other devices, thanks to a USB-A output.
Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam isn’t just another Bluetooth speaker, it also boasts support for voice assistance along and Wi-Fi network connectivity. So if you have other Sonos speakers at home you can tap into your existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link to them if compatible. Whenever you are away from your Sonos home audio network, Roam will automatically switch to Bluetooth and switch back whenever you are in range of your network. There is also integrated AirPlay 2 support, so you can stream directly from an iPhone and even ask Siri to play Apple Music.
The sound quality that Roam delivers is great, where this speaker beats other speakers of the same size from JBL and UE is that it has more bass plus a much fuller and more natural-sounding audio experience. It also features Trueplay technology which adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s position. The app allows for Google and Alexa voice assistance and the ability to pair the speaker with other devices. Battery life is only 10-hrs if used at low to moderate volume levels but you get wireless charging for seamless charging.
Marshall Stanmore III
The Marshall Stanmore III Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is currently our top pick when it comes to overall sound quality. It produces a unique sound signature that’s perfect for virtually any genre thanks to Marshall’s years of experience in the audio industry. Vocals provide clean precise clarity with great balance that’s backed up by just the right around of bass even at the highest volume levels.
If the audio is not quite up to your style, you can tweak or fine-tune the sound using the treble and bass control knobs at the top of the speaker. You also get access to the Marshall Bluetooth app, which gives another layer of customization. The app gives you access to a five-band EQ, to fully personify your listening experience.
It also has the latest Bluetooth technology with aptX support and multi-host Bluetooth functionality with up to 30 feet in wireless range. If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker that is perfect for any room in your home with top-notch sound quality, the Stanmore II may be the speaker for you.
Honourable Mentions
Sony SRS-XB43
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a durable, rugged and well-made little Bluetooth speaker. Like the previous version, this speaker has the same water, dust, and drop-proof qualities. UE has implemented a new unique Outdoor button. This button enables a louder and crisper sound experience. It’s a pre-adjusted equalizer that’s meant for the outdoors. Additionally, you’re now able to get up to 14 hours of playtime. Read Full Review
UE MegaBoom 3
The UE MegaBoom 3 has support for connecting multiple devices. UE stands for Ultimate Ears and this Ultimate speaker offers more advanced Bluetooth connectivity for better sound with greater range. You can pair this speaker with virtually any Bluetooth device like a Smartphone, tablet or laptop. It’s an IP67 rated waterproof speaker which means it can be immersed in water as deep as 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. Read Full Review
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