Table of contents
Introduction
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become the most convenient way to listen to music with a streaming music app (e.g. Spotify, Apple Music) on any smartphone. That is because they are easy to setup and use, and sound quality can be quite good. Only an initial “pairing” process is required to link sending and receiving devices. Then once paired, music selected on a phone will playback on a speaker.
Bluetooth wireless versions have advanced over the years, bringing greater range, transfer speeds, and battery efficiency among other technical improvements. Luckily for consumers, all Bluetooth devices are backward compatible. However, to take advantage of the latest Bluetooth capabilities both sending and receiving devices must support the same version.
Why Spend More on a Bluetooth Speaker?
Every Bluetooth speaker has the same core function but that is where the similarities end. Typically when you spend more on a portable Bluetooth speaker you’ll get better sound quality, but the trade-off is portability. Bigger speakers can sound better simply because larger speaker drivers move more air. However, we have come across some small speakers that punch above their weight class while being more convenient to take places.
There are a dizzying array of portable Bluetooth speakers to choose from, but we’ve narrowed done some of the best ones we’ve heard that are on sale now for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Deals Under $100
Sony ULT Field 1
New for 2024, the ULT Field 1 is Sony’s smallest portable Bluetooth speaker with a secret weapon: a button labeled “ULT” for “ULTimate Power Sound”. It instantly creates a prodigious amount of bass energy while still maintaining clarity and overall musicality. Plus it carries an IP67 dust/waterproof rating and two can pair together for stereo listening. Available colors include black, forest gray, off-white, and orange.
JBL Flip 6
Released in 2022, the JBL Flip 6 is a very popular rugged portable Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 waterproof rating and 12 hours of playtime. It’s easy to throw in a bag for a beach trip, camping trip, or outdoor party by the pool and small enough to fit in a cargo pant pocket. Plus its PartyBoost features allow more than one wirelessly connected together. Available in many colors including black, blue, red, white, green, gray, pink, teal and camouflage.
Tronsmart Bang
Of the low cost models on our list, the Tronsmart Bang from 2022 is the largest and most powerful. Plus it features dual tweeters and dual subwoofers with a party light show. It’s got a built-in power bank enabling 15 hours of playtime, but gets a slightly less rugged IP6 rating for durability.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Deals Under $200
Monster Blaster 3.0
Jumping up in size, the Monster Blaster 3.0 moves closer to boombox territory disguised as a portable Bluetooth speaker. Introduced in 2022, this 13 lbs speaker features four full-range drivers and two passive radiators, plus a woofer. Available in white, red or black.
Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen)
When we reviewed the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Generation) in 2021, it beat out competing models from Sonos, JBL, Apple, and UE priced under $300. The A1 is great sounding little speaker that’s easy to take anywhere. Plus it’s IP67 rated waterproof with up to 18 hours of battery life. Available in many colors including black, gold, grey, green, and pink.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Deals Under $300
Bose SoundLink Max
Released summer of 2024, the SoundLink Max is Bose’s largest portable Bluetooth speaker yet still compact at just under five pounds. This IP67 rated rugged speaker is waterproof, and gets 20 hours of battery life, combined with proprietary Bose sound technology. Available in black or blue.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Deals Under $400
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
Although the Beolit 20 was released in 2020, it’s quite robust sounding with gorgeous industrial design and a convenient wireless Qi charging area on top. Enjoy 360-degree sound for up to 8 hours. Available in black anthracite or grey mist.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Deals Under $500
Brane X
The Brane X is the king of bass among portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s truly an amazing wireless speaker with unbelievable sound. Plus it works over Wi-Fi and with Amazon Alexa and is great for the beach or pool thanks to its IP57 waterproof rating, while offering up to 12 hours of play time. Only available in black.
DALI KATCH G2
The DALI KATCH G2 earned our Editor’s Choice award in 2022. It impressed us with its resolution, spacious sound, immediacy, and top end detail. Although it’s not as durable as other portable Bluetooth speakers on our list, it outlasts them all with 30 hours of battery life and stunning industrial design. Available in black, blue, or caramel.
Still Need Help Deciding?
Our final recommendation is to buy the one that you think looks the best within your budget at the size you’re looking for. However, we’re aware it can be hard to judge the size of a portable Bluetooth speaker from their online photos. We’ve experienced that problem ourselves, so be sure to double check dimensions.
Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding what’s important to you:
- Durability rating – e.g. IP67 signifies dustproof and waterproof durability.
- Stereo pairing – ability to pair two models together for stereo sound.
- Party mode – allows multiple speakers to be linked together.
- Multipoint – ability to pair a Bluetooth speaker with two or more source devices.
- Auto connect – when previously paired devices are within range, they should reconnect automatically.
- NFC (near field communication) – simplifies initial pairing or re-pairing.
- Wi-Fi compatibility – speakers that connect to home Wi-Fi allow for higher resolution music streaming and allow devices simultaneously
- Built-in microphone – allows for voice interactions via Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant (usually requires Wi-Fi).
- Power saving mode – when a Bluetooth speaker is powered-on but not in use, it can automatically switch into a lower power state to conserve battery life.
- Battery life – look for longest number of hours.
- Bluetooth version – look for the highest number.
- Quick charge – allows a brief recharge to enable 2+ hours of listening time in a pinch.
- Build quality – look for higher quality materials (metals, fabrics)
- 360-degree sound – speaker drivers that face multiple directions can create a wider soundstage.
- Warranty – longer the better
- Amplification – higher quality amplifiers should contribute to better sound quality
- Brand name – premium and luxury brands charge more for the cache of their brands
Need more ideas? Check out our latest Gift Guides
