The Best Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth technology has revolutionized our world by extending the capacity of wireless devices to connect with little more than a press of a button. And fortunately for those of us who value quality sound, there are some fantastic Bluetooth speakers out there. Here are our top picks to share with you.

Buying Guide for Bluetooth Speakers

Why buy Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers allow you to listen to music and podcasts and take calls hands-free and with unbeatable sound quality. They’re wireless and more compact than a stereo set and, therefore, portable. If you enjoy music outdoors, you may appreciate that many are water-resistant or waterproof.

What should you look for in a set of Bluetooth speakers?

• Connectivity: Though it’s not very common anymore, you or some of your music-loving friends may own some devices that don’t have Bluetooth capability. If that’s the case, look for Bluetooth speakers that can connect with non-Bluetooth devices like computers, televisions, MP3, and MP4s. Excellent connectivity also entails range. Some speakers have a transmission range of up to 100 feet, some around 30 feet.
• Special Features: The variety of special features across speakers is large. We review a Bluetooth speaker that you can safely take a meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. There are speakers equipped for karaoke or bike riding. Many feature voice-activation integration and long battery life.
• Sound Quality: Fantastic sound quality is everything when shopping for speakers of any kind. Bluetooth speakers come in a remarkable range of audio capabilities. Some pill speakers offer powerful bass technology like bass radiators, adjustable bass, and treble levels. Look for wide range frequency response depending on your preferences (20 to 300 Hz is bass, 300 Hz to 4 kHz is mid-range, and 4 kHz+ is treble).

How do you choose a Bluetooth speaker that’s best for you?

The most expensive Bluetooth speaker may or may not be your ideal option. Think about the qualities most important to you and your openness to new features that could add value to your wireless audio experience. You may want to consider where you best like to listen to music: indoors, outdoors, at parties, for example. If your priority is superior bass or a wide frequency range, keep your eyes open for those details.

Our Picks for the Best Bluetooth Speakers

Pros: There are so many good things to say about these speakers. With the Flip 4, you get Bluetooth streaming, noise cancellation, and connection to up to two devices. The speakers are IPX7 waterproof so that you can enjoy music at the pool and for up to 12 hours, thanks to the 3,000-mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. If you have friends with JBL Connect+ enabled speakers, you can have a huge dance party with the Flip 4 because it connects up to 100 of the same speakers.

Cons: The battery life looks great on paper, but in reality, it lasts only four hours on high volume.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a way to enjoy music wirelessly anywhere near or in water, the JBL Flip 4 is made for individuals like you. This speaker gets great ratings for its waterproof capability and solid sound.

 

Pros: The variety of capabilities and features of the SUPNIU is impressive. It’s a party-making machine with RGB LED lights, flashing strobe modes, and a 360-degree stereo effect. The SUPNIO isn’t just a speaker; it’s a four-in-one technology with dual tweeters and woofers. It’s more than a party in a box, though. With the microphone playback system and the purchase of a microphone, this speaker works for presentations and teaching.

Cons: It needs to be clarified whether the SUPNIO has fixed EQ sound effects. Also, it’s larger than other Bluetooth speakers we review, measuring 8.3 x 5.9 x 11.4 inches.

Bottom Line: Overall, the SUPNIO comes with dozens of details aimed to appeal to the widest range of customers possible. The party-making, karaoke-equipped, portable Bluetooth speaker transfers to professional settings and at-home enjoyment.

 

Pros: Some Bluetooth speakers on the market aren’t made with style in mind. JBL takes care of this issue by offering this speaker a variety of colors to choose from. Each speaker has premium sound quality and is waterproof. The speaker provides 12 hours of playtime and can pair with multiple other speakers using its patented JBL PartyBoost technology.

Cons: According to some users, the FLIP 5 has average-quality sound and lacks speakerphone functionality.

Bottom Line: JBL strikes again with its superior waterproof Bluetooth speaker collection. The Flip 5 has a racetrack-shaped driver and comes in various colors. Even with the focus on style, JBL doesn’t compromise its level of high-functioning capabilities.

 

Pros: Bose continues its legacy with the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker II, one of the most respected audio equipment brands. It performs well outdoors with its durable silicone exterior protection and water-resistant quality for picnics or lounging by the pool. Use the built-in microphone for personal or business calls with clear speakerphone audio quality. The speaker has an ample wireless range of approximately 30 feet. Also, this compact speaker comes in traditional black and white and aqua blue and citron colors.

Cons: This Bluetooth speaker delivers the Bose superior sound quality but falls short on durability.

Bottom Line: We love how seamlessly this Bluetooth speaker transforms from professional conference call audio quality to party mode. The compact size and box shape with curved edges give the speaker a touch of uniqueness among Bluetooth speakers.

 

Pros: This Bluetooth speaker has an impressive wireless range of up to 66 feet—the greatest we’ve seen in Bluetooth speakers. The surprises continue; the Anker Soundcore has an ultra-long battery life of 24 hours. It also delivers fantastic sound quality, with dual full-range drivers, fine-tuned digital signal processor, and a patented bass port. Music lovers will appreciate the wide range of frequency and nominal distortion at high volumes.

Cons: Those with highly sensitive ears may notice some distortion.

Bottom Line: You can’t go wrong with the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker in terms of quality sound, battery life, wireless range, and a durable drop-proof body. Just don’t drop it in a swimming pool.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be an audiophile to appreciate the combination of Bluetooth technology, fantastic sound quality, and heavy-duty quality of our top five Bluetooth speakers. But if you are, you’re bound to be impressed with the versatility of each of these products. Create a party, manage a conference call, or dive into a swimming pool with your favorite tunes.