Compare the best Bluetooth and wireless speakers

Bluetooth speakers a portable, convenient solution for listening to music, podcasts and other audio from your phone or another device. But the right speaker for you depends on your budget — and where you plan to take in the tunes.

Top Bluetooth speakers

• Low-cost speakers
• High-end speakers

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Max. battery life	Max. wireless range	Purchase
Polk BOOM Bluetooth Swimmer	$44.99	8 hours		Buy now
JBL Go 2	$32.99	5 hours		Buy now
Anker Soundcore Flare	$99.99	12 hours	66 ft	Buy now
JBL Clip 2	$57.99	8 hours		Buy now
Philips ShoqBox SB300	$39.00	8 hours	66 ft	Buy now
Creative Metallix	$63.95	24 hours	33 ft	Buy now
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom	$88.99	10 hours	100 ft	Buy now
Logitech X300	$138.97	6 hours	30 ft	Buy now
JBL Flip 4	$99.00	12 hours		Buy now
Ultimate Ears Boom 2	$69.99	15 hours	100 ft	Buy now

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Max. battery life	Max. wireless range	Purchase
JBL Charge 3	$99.00	20 hours	30 ft	Buy now
Bose SoundLink Mini II	$149.99	7 hours	30 ft”	Buy now
Fugoo Style-S	$169.99	15 hours	30 ft	Buy now
Creative iRoar	$179.28	20 hours		Buy now
Denon Envaya (DSB-250BT)	$228.48	13 hours	100 ft	Buy now
Marshall Kilburn	$299.00	20 hours		Buy now

How do Bluetooth speakers work?

These speakers use Bluetooth technology to link to your TV, computer, phone or another audio source, unlike traditional speakers that require a cable.

Bluetooth transmits radio waves across short distances to all types of wireless devices, like keyboards, mice and digital cameras. You can send and receive signals over this Bluetooth connection to download photos from your camera, connect your phone to a hands-free headset or listen to music with Bluetooth speakers.

Bluetooth speakers are designed to be portable. Without a cable, you can connect your speaker to any Bluetooth-capable device no matter where you are. Some Bluetooth speakers are designed specifically for the outdoors.

Why should I consider Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are a convenient way to listen to high-quality audio. Use them at the beach, while camping, when traveling overseas or at home.

These speakers have all but taken over the role of traditional portable stereos. You need only a Bluetooth-capable device to connect to your speakers. And today, just about any device that plays digital music is now Bluetooth capable.

Pros and cons of Bluetooth speakers

How to compare Bluetooth speakers

The best speakers for you comes down to how you want to use them. If you want a speaker you can take to the beach, look for a waterproof model. If you want to stream music on vacation, look for a portable speaker you can fit in your carry-on.

No matter what, look for a speaker with the longest battery life and highest-quality sound within your budget.

Quick Stats

• Cost. Affordable Bluetooth speakers can cost as little as $30, while high-end speakers could set you back $700 or more. After you’ve determined your budget, consider size, sound quality, battery and durability.
• Size and weight. Most Bluetooth speakers are easily carried in a bag. But opting for a smaller, ultra-portable speaker can sometimes mean sacrificing sound quality, especially when the volume is turned up.
• Volume. Larger speakers often produce clearer audio at higher volumes, while smaller speakers can sound strained at their highest volumes. Look for a speaker with a volume capacity of at least 85 decibels.
• Battery. When it comes to portability, long battery life is key. If charging won’t be easy where you’re going, look for a speaker with a long battery life.
• Durability. If you want to take your speaker anywhere, choose one that’s durable. Many speakers are splash-resistant or dust-resistant, and some are completely waterproof.

Other features to look for

• Speakerphone. Some speakers include built-in microphones so that you can use the speaker as a hands-free device.
• USB charging. Speakers with larger batteries offer the ability to charge other devices with a USB cable. So if your phone’s battery is running low from playing music all day, you can plug it into the speaker and use the extra battery to charge your phone.
• Near field communication. NFC connects two Bluetooth devices when they’re within a few centimeters of each other. If you have an NFC-compatible device, consider buying a speaker with the same feature for added convenience.
• Cable input. Bluetooth devices are designed to be wireless, but some models include an audio cable port. The port is helpful if you want to connect your speaker to a device that’s not Bluetooth capable, such as a desktop PC, or if the Bluetooth connection malfunctions.
• Surround sound. Some Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect additional speakers to create surround sound. However, if you’re primarily buying speakers for surround sound at home, consider using more powerful Wi-Fi multiroom speakers.

Bottom line

You’ll find many Bluetooth speakers on the market, but choosing the best for comes down to four questions:

• What is my budget?
• Where do I plan to use my speaker — and how portable and durable does it need to be?
• Do I need the ability to connect with other speakers or charge my phone?
• How important is audio quality?

After narrowing down your needs and comparing your options, you’ll be ready to take in your tunes untethered.

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Frequently asked questions

Are Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Many models are. You’ll want to determine whether your Bluetooth speakers are water-resistant or waterproof.

Water-resistance generally means that it can handle getting splashed or dripped on, while waterproof means it can be submerged under water without damage. Check the specifications for your model before getting your speaker wet.

The trademarked brand name comes from Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, a 10th-century king of Denmark known for uniting Scandinavia — like Bluetooth technology wirelessly “unites” two devices.

What are the best brands of Bluetooth speakers?

The best brand and model of speaker for you depends on your needs, budget and personal preferences.

Popular Bluetooth speaker brands include: