Best portable speakers

Beach parties, backyard BBQs, camping trips — they all need a solid soundtrack. Portable Bluetooth speakers are your ticket to setting the vibes, no matter the scene. These compact powerhouses pump out tunes that get people moving, talking, and having a damn good time. No cords, no fuss, just grab and go. Whether you’re looking to crank it up or keep it chill, there’s a speaker out there that fits your style. So, let’s cut through the noise and find the best portable speakers that’ll keep your world bumping from sunrise to last call.

Editor’s note: this list was published on July 29, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

Best portable speaker with a handle: Anker Soundcore Motion X500

The Anker Soundcore Motion X500 stands out as one of the best portable speakers, particularly because of its sturdy handle. It offers a perfect balance of power and portability. Its unique three-driver design, including two forward-facing drivers and one upward-facing driver, delivers an impressive 40 watts of stereo sound that punches above its weight class.

With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, support for high-quality codecs like LDAC and AAC, and an IPX7 waterproof rating, it’s ready for both indoor and outdoor adventures. The Motion X500’s premium build, featuring lightweight aluminum construction, ensures durability without sacrificing mobility. Add in the customizable EQ via the companion app, backlit controls for ease of use, and a 12-hour battery life, and you have a versatile speaker that caters to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, all at a competitive price point.

Best portable speaker you don’t have to carry: JBL Clip 5

The JBL Clip 5 stands out as one of the best portable speakers, particularly because you don’t have to carry it, thanks to its built-in carabiner. This ultra-compact speaker is designed for adventure, featuring an upgraded IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it ideal for outdoor excursions. With improved sound quality, delivering 7W of output from its 1.75″ driver, the Clip 5 offers a noticeable audio upgrade from its predecessor.

The addition of JBL Portable app support brings customizable EQ options and the ability to link with other compatible JBL speakers. Its 12-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and multipoint connection feature further enhance its versatility. Whether clipped to a backpack, hung from a tree branch, or resting on a surface, the JBL Clip 5 proves to be a rugged, portable powerhouse that punches above its weight in both sound quality and convenience.

Best portable speaker with bass: Beats Pill

The Beats Pill stands out as one of the best portable speakers for bass enthusiasts, delivering impressive low-end output that defies its compact size. This revamped classic combines powerful sound with modern features, making it a versatile choice for various settings. The Pill boasts an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, ensuring durability for outdoor adventures. With an exceptional 24-hour battery life, it outlasts many competitors in its class.

The speaker excels in bass reproduction, providing a rich, full sound that’s particularly noticeable even at lower volumes. Its 20-degree tilt design optimizes sound projection, while fast pairing and cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android devices enhance its user-friendliness. Despite some limitations at higher volumes, the Beats Pill’s robust bass performance, coupled with its portability and feature set, makes it an attractive option for those seeking a bass-heavy sound in a compact package.

Best waterproof portable speaker: JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 stands out as one of the best waterproof and durable portable speakers, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. With its robust IP67 rating, this speaker is not only waterproof but also dustproof, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its rugged design, featuring durable fabric and protective silicon bumpers, ensures it can handle the rigors of outdoor use.

The Charge 5 delivers impressive sound quality with clear vocals and powerful bass, thanks to its long-excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual passive radiators. With a 20-hour battery life and the ability to charge other devices via its USB-A port, it’s a versatile companion for extended outings. The speaker’s PartyBoost feature allows connection with up to 100 compatible JBL speakers for an even bigger sound. While it’s bulkier than some portable options, the JBL Charge 5’s combination of durability, sound quality, and features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a rugged, waterproof speaker for their outdoor activities.

Best small portable speaker: JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 stands out as one of the best compact portable speakers, offering impressive features in a tiny package. Weighing less than a pound and small enough to fit in a back pocket, it’s the epitome of ultra-portability. The Go 4 boasts an upgraded IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or even as a shower speaker. Its durable design now includes additional silicone protection around the edges, enhancing its ruggedness.

A significant improvement over its predecessor is the support for the JBL Portable app, which provides a 5-band customizable EQ for personalized sound tuning. Despite its small size, the Go 4 delivers decent audio quality, especially after tweaking the EQ settings. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and multipoint connection support, it offers versatile pairing options.

The speaker provides 7 hours of playback time, an improvement from the previous model. Additional features like the ability to pair with other JBL speakers for a larger sound and its affordable price point make the JBL Go 4 an excellent choice for those seeking a highly portable, durable, and feature-rich compact speaker.

Need to bring more bass? The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is bigger but still portable

The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is an excellent choice for those who need more bass in a still-portable package. This speaker packs a serious punch with its dual 4.5-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters, delivering up to 140 watts of power. Its “BassUP 2.0” technology boosts the low-end significantly, making it perfect for outdoor parties and beach gatherings. Despite its larger size, the Boom 2 Plus remains portable with a sturdy handle and removable carrying strap.

It’s built to withstand the elements with an IPX7 water-resistance rating and even floats, making it ideal for poolside or beach use. The speaker also features customizable LED lights on its passive radiators, adding a visual element to your music. With a 20-hour battery life, companion app support for EQ customization, and the ability to connect with up to 100 other compatible speakers, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus offers a powerful, feature-rich audio experience for those who want big sound in a portable format.

The best portable speakers: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Motion 300 ($79.99 at Amazon): The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly audio adventure companion. Featuring an IPX7 protection rating and decent sound in a durable, compact package, you don’t have to think twice before tossing this speaker into your backpack or gear bin for a weekend getaway.
• Bose Portable Smart Speaker ($399 at Amazon): The Bose Portable Smart Speaker works well and has impressive bass for such a small speaker. You can indeed take it around with you — even outside on a picnic, thanks to its water-resistant build. It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can pick the smart assistant you want.
• Bose SoundLink Flex ($129 at Amazon): The Bose SoundLink Flex makes for a good hiking or shower companion and delivers playback that distinguishes vocals and instruments well, making it a solid pick for adventures who want something rugged and loud.
• JBL Flip 6 ($99 at Amazon): Hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the- IP67 rating when they take the Flip 6 out and about. Similarly, shower singers will also enjoy the loud output from the Flip 6 that overcomes ambient sounds. Anyone who wants an easy-to-use Bluetooth speaker will get JBL’s speaker to work in no time.
• Sonos Roam 2 ($179 at Sonos): The Sonos Roam 2 has a portable-friendly size and build with great sound to boot.  Existing Sonos users will benefit from their home smart setup reaching a little further. Still, with its new Bluetooth connection option, anyone can use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker for their next adventure without relying on the finicky Sonos app.

What you should know about portable Bluetooth speakers

Durability

When it comes to portable speakers, durability is key. Look for speakers with IP ratings that indicate water and dust resistance. IPX7 or higher is ideal for waterproof speakers that can withstand submersion, while IP67 offers both water and dust protection. Rugged designs with rubberized exteriors or impact-resistant materials are also beneficial for outdoor use.

Battery life

Battery life varies widely among portable speakers. Consider how you’ll use the speaker — if you’re planning long beach days or camping trips, opt for models offering 15+ hours of playtime. Some speakers also double as power banks, allowing you to charge your other devices.

Connectivity

Most portable speakers use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. Look for Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for improved range and stability. Some speakers offer additional connection options like aux-in ports or NFC pairing for added versatility.

Sound quality

While portable speakers have come a long way, they still have limitations due to their size. Bass response is often the biggest challenge. Some speakers use passive radiators or “bass boost” features to enhance low-end performance. Consider speaker size and driver configuration when evaluating sound quality.

Additional features

Many portable speakers now come with companion apps for EQ adjustment, firmware updates, and additional features. Some offer speakerphone functionality, voice assistant integration, or the ability to pair multiple speakers for stereo sound or larger parties.

How we test portable speakers

At SoundGuys, we put every portable speaker through a standardized testing process to ensure our recommendations are based on objective data and real-world performance. Our testing includes:

• Output measurements to determine maximum volume and distortion levels
• Battery life testing under standardized conditions
• Durability tests to verify manufacturer claims about water and dust resistance
• Subjective listening tests in various environments to assess real-world performance

For a more detailed look at our testing methodologies, check out our How We Test page and our article on why we test.

How we choose the best portable speakers

When selecting the best portable speakers, we consider a combination of factors:

• Sound quality: We prioritize speakers that offer balanced, clear audio across a wide range of music genres.
• Durability: Given their portable nature, we favor speakers with robust build quality and weather resistance.
• Battery life: Longer playtime is always better, but we also consider charging speed and power bank functionality.
• Features: We look for useful additions like app support, multi-speaker pairing, and voice assistant integration.
• Value: We consider the overall package and price point to ensure our recommendations offer good value for money.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

At SoundGuys, our team combines years of audio engineering experience with rigorous testing protocols to deliver accurate, unbiased reviews. We don’t just rely on marketing claims — we verify performance through our own measurements and real-world testing.

Our editorial independence is paramount. We never accept payment for positive coverage, and our writers are prohibited from owning stock in audio companies. This ensures that our recommendations are based solely on product merit, not financial incentives.

Please visit our Ethics Policy page for a deeper look into our ethics policy and how we maintain our integrity.

Frequently asked questions