Best Bluetooth speakers for 2024: Beats, JBL, Soundcore, and more

Bluetooth speakers are everywhere. I think it’s safe to say that they’ve replaced the receiver-based component setup as the main music delivery system for most people (unless you’re into hi-res digital music or vinyl records). They’ve become such commonplace audio devices that it’d be odd not to see one (or several) speakers at parties, poolside, at the beach, or even strapped to the front of a mountain bike.

And rightfully so. Bluetooth speakers have come a long way. They sound better than ever, are reliable, portable, and they come in so many varieties that it’s becoming easier to find one perfect for your needs.

From compact waterproof outdoor speakers to those with multiroom features for whole-home listening to audiophile speakers with high-quality Bluetooth codecs (such as aptX or aptX HD), you can find what you’re looking for.

But for our purposes, when we talk about Bluetooth speakers, we mean speakers that are portable, battery-powered, and may also have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities for maximum home-and-away versatility (like the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2).

If a more stay-at-home Wi-Fi speaker is what you’re after, we also have a list of the best wireless speakers you can check out.

But at the moment, our favorite Bluetooth speaker is the back-from-extinction Beats Pill (2024). It’s just $150, sounds fantastic, is IP67 for use wherever you need it, and has battery life for ages. Plus, they’re cheap enough that you can get two and make for a pretty impressive stereo pair.

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

Beats Pill (2024)

Best overall Bluetooth speaker

We only had to wait 10 years, but the Beats Pill is back, baby! And we’re delighted to report that the wait has been worth it, as the 2024 redux model has nailed the perfect mix of size, sound quality, and price, making one of the best new portable Bluetooth speakers of the year.

At a very reasonable $150, the new Beats Pill is small enough to fit in a backpack (at 8 inches long, 2.75 inches in diamater, and just 24 ounces), but delivers surprisingly clear, loud sound with some smooth, resonating bass. But one of its superpowers, as we discuss in our video review of the Beats Pill, is that by combining two Pills together in a stereo pair you get an excellent soundstage and much bigger sound. Plus, it’s all handled well in the Beats app.

The new Pill lacks any kind of EQ adjustment (it’s tuning is solid out of the box, though) and some controls are difficult to see at night, but overall, the Beats Pill is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable speaker with good sound quality and a stylish design. It’s available in three colors (black, red, and champagne gold) and carries an IP67 dust and waterproof rating making it good to go in sand or surf.

Battery is excellent, too, getting 24 hours of playback on a single charge (double that of the old Pill+). It can also be used as a speakerphone and supports fast pairing with both iPhones and Android devices.

JBL Xtreme 4

Best premium mid-sized Bluetooth speaker

If you’re on the hunt for a premium, mid-sized Bluetooth speaker that consistently punches above its weight in terms of sound-to-size ratio, is good for adventures both rugged and refined, and has some excellent future-proofing tech built-in, then it’s time to get Xtreme… 4, that is. That was lame. So sorry.

But seriously, don’t be scared off by the Xtreme 4’s hefty price tag, it’s well worth it. For its rugby-ball sized package, the Xtreme 4 pumps out some serious sound, to the tune of 100 watts RMS total from its dual 2.75-inch woofers, two 0.75-inch tweeters, and double bass radiators on its sides. And it’s pristine sounding, even at peak volumes, with scrumptiously warm bass and clear mids and highs.

It’s also got some expansive soundstaging on its own, but with the help of the JBL Portables app (or the push of a button on the speaker) you can either add additional JBL speakers to the mix for even more volume, or add a second Xtreme 4 to make a stereo pair.

This is all made possible via an upgraded Bluetooth technology called Auracast that JBL has baked in to several other of its speakers for expansive connectivity and other features going forward.

Like the Xtreme 3, this latest model maintains is IP67 dust and waterproof rating for pool- or beach-side party use, and it comes with a sturdy nylon strap with a built-in bottle opener because why not?

Let’s talk battery life now, because the Xtreme 4 has it in spades with a 9,444 mAh powerpack that not only delivers up to 24 hours on a charge, but is removable and replaceable. This means that when the battery reaches its end of life, the speaker can get a new lease on its, which makes its $380 price seem like more of an investment than a splurge.

Soundcore Motion 300

Best sounding compact under $100

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

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

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

Sonos Roam 2

The best portable Sonos speaker

While our review of the Sonos Roam 2 is in the works, from our initial impressions, what we can tell you is that the second generation of Sonos’ smallest and mighty Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker is just about identical to its first-gen sibling, only slightly better.

And that is not a bad thing at all, because the Sonos Roam has been on this list since it debuted in 2021, and that’s in no small part due to its exceptionally clear and full sound that comes from an impossibly compact form that, thankfully, Sonos hasn’t messed with.

One of the most portable speakers on the market, the cylindrical Sonos Roam 2 still features a single tweeter and a single midwoofer driven by two Class-H amplifiers. It’s both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable, meaning you can take it anywhere and use it like any other Bluetooth speaker on this list. But when connected to Wi-Fi, you can tap into the full potential of Sonos’ ecosystem, add another Roam or Roam 2 to it as a wider, stereo pair (you can’t do this via Bluetooth, unfortunately), or just add it as a part of your multiroom Sonos network.

The new features with the Roam 2 are few, with the most significant being the addition of a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button (no more guesswork with the single button’s functions). The Sonos logo has also changed to now match the color of the speaker you choose (Olive, Sunset, Wave, black, and white), and, sadly, due to Sonos and Google’s legal woes, the Roam 2 no longer has support for Google Assistant (Alexa snd Sonos Voice remain, though).

Everything else is the same — up to 10 hours of juice on a single charge, IP67 dust and waterproof rating, AirPlay 2 support, and automatic Trueplay tuning. Now, if Sonos can get its app back in shape, all will be well again in Sonos land. That still shouldn’t stop you form getting a Roam 2, though — it’s still one of the company’s best speakers.

Sonos Move 2

Best multi-use Sonos speaker

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

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

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

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

JBL Authentics 300

Best alternative to the Sonos Move 2

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

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

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

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Best floatable speaker for the pool

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

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

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

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

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

JBL Flip 6

The best rugged speaker for outdoorsy types

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

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

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

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

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

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

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

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

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

Marshall Middleton

Classic amp looks, classically clear sound

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

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

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

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

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

Soundboks Go

A Bluetooth speaker with big sound

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

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

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

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

Bose SoundLink Max

The best boombox Bluetooth speaker

You’re a busy person, so let’s but the bottom line right up here at the top: The Bose SoundLink Max is a $400 portable Bluetooth speaker that looks great, sounds great, has prestige Bose quality, and more than enough features to justify its price.

Still here? OK, we’ve got more for you then. The star of the SoundLink Max’s show is its impressive sound performance. Indoors, it’ll fill a decent-sized room with music. Outdoors, things fall off a bit, but it can still hold its own at a party.

Bose didn’t skimp on the design either. The speaker is wrapped in a soft-touch exterior coating with a silicone-wrapped steel build for durability. And don’t get our reviewer, Phil Nickinson, started on the detachable handle — a clever touch that uses a rope attachment that adds to the speaker’s rugged good looks.

Battery life is impressive, too. Bose claims up to 20 hours on a single charge, and Nickinson was able to get several hours of playback at mid-volume without a significant battery drain. Plus, the speaker can be used as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch, thanks to the built-in USB-C port.

There’s an app you can use with the SoundLink Max, but it’s not mandatory. If you do use it, you’ll get access to EQing, speaker customization options, and firmware updates.

Overall, the Bose SoundLink Max is a feature-rich speaker with excellent sound quality. It’s expensive, but it’s Bose.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

Best budget boombox speaker

A lot of Bluetooth speakers are small, backpackable (is that a word?) little devices that are great to have on hand when you want to add some musical ambiance. But if you’re looking to rock up to a party and make an impression with big sound and, hell, even a lightshow to turn some heads, then there a few ways better than with a big, boombox on your shoulder. And there are even fewer ways to do it better (and less expensively) than with the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus.

OK, so $250 doesn’t seem that “budget,” but when when you consider that what you get isn’t too-too far off, sound- and feature-wise, from the top-dog $500 JBL Boombox 3, then the Boom 2 Plus looks super good.

With its clear, balanced sound across all frequencies, booming bass delivered by its beefy BassUp button, the Boom 2 Plus is perfect for genres like rock and hip-hop, effortlessly filling a large room or even a backyard with rich sound. Be warned though, at high volumes and especially in tight spaces, the bass can become overpowering.

But if it gets to be too much, you can just throw it in the lake. It’s ok, it floats. Anker built the Boom 2 Plus to take a beating, boasting a rugged, almost military-grade design that comes in three colors. A built-in handle and shoulder strap make it easier to carry around, and its IPX7 rating means you can bring it to the pool without worrying about spills or even a quick dip.

Battery life is another strong point. With BassUp turned off you can expect up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. Even better, it supports fast charging, so you can quickly get it back up and running in just 3 hours. There’s even a built-in USB-C port that lets you use the speaker as a power bank for your phone in a pinch.

Anker’s Soundcore app gives you even more control over the Boom 2 Plus. Use it to fine-tune the sound with a 9-band equalizer and presets, adjust volume and playback, or silence notification sounds from your phone. The speaker also boasts built-in LED lights that you can customize through the app, adding a fun touch to any event.

Marshall Emberton II

Best sound for its size

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

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

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

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

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

LG XBoom XL7 party karaoke speaker

Best Bluetooth party speaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honorable mention goes to the new JBL PartyBox Stage 320 speaker. It’ll cost you more at around $600, but it’s 240 watts of ridiculous sound, Auracast Bluetooth connectivity, and excellent app make it a great choice, too.

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi

A great Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speaker not by Sonos

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

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

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

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

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