The Best Portable Speaker of 2023

The Best Portable Speaker for your needs may not be as simple to find as it initially appears. There is no lack of options; every internet manufacturer, from Apple to Ultimate Ears, is competing for a piece of the Bluetooth pie and, consequently, your hard-earned money.

Knowing which model is worth your priceless pound coins the most presents a hurdle. Do not worry since we can help with that. We've done the legwork and compiled our list of the top Bluetooth speakers in a variety of styles, sizes, and pricing ranges.

1. JBL Xtreme 3

Important Specifications 

• Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.9 x 29.8 x 13.4cm

• Power: 100W

• Features: Bluetooth v5.1, PartyBoost for multiple connections to PartBoost enabled JBL speakers, IP67 rated

• Connections: 3.5mm, USB-C, USB-A out

Product's highlights

A versatile, gifted wireless speaker, the JBL Xtreme 3 is equally at home lounging at home as it is being the life and soul of a party. You'd be forgiven for supposing at first appearance that it could be more concerned with the amount of bass it's producing than with musical quality because it is, in fact, tough and IP67 dust- and waterproof certified. However, we want to reassure you that the JBL Xtreme 3 performs thoughtfully and carefully, from the lowest lows to the highest highs.

The healthy amount of low-end power available should satisfy bassheads, but there is also quality. During our thorough in-house testing, the JBL Xtreme 3 earned five stars overall, never seeming to be out of its element no matter how complex the musical arrangement.

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Pros

• Tough build

• Stunning dynamics and detail

• Strong timing sense

Cons

• Lack of smart features

• No hands-free calling on phones

2. Audio Pro Addon C3

Important Specifications 

• Connectivity: Bluetooth and wi-fi

• Power: Battery

• Inputs: 3.5mm

• Battery life: 15hrs

• Dimensions (hwd): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5cm

• Weight: 2.45kg

Product's highlights

The Audio Pro Addon C3 is not only the best Bluetooth speaker for the money at this pricing, but it's also a chic, wi-fi linked, multi-room capable centerpiece and a What Hi-Fi? Awarded in 2021 and 2020.

As a result of the sound's emphasis while remaining open and airy, a respectable-sized room may be filled with rich, immersive sound. For such a little speaker, it offers an amazing sense of smoothness, not to mention a rear-firing bass reflex port that provides plenty of low-end power.

This model lacks a charging port for your smartphone but does have an ethernet port so you may hardwire it onto your home network. The battery provides around 15 hours of playback.

Despite not having a built-in voice assistant, the C3 supports streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music. You can operate the speaker using the Alexa app even though it doesn't have one.

We might choose competitors like Ultimate Ears or JBL's Xtreme if you're looking for something more durable and transportable. However, this speaker gives Sonos a serious run for its money as a sensational-sounding multi-room offering.

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Pros

• Advanced, elegant sound

• Exceptional timing

• Textured, tight bass

Cons

• The control app might be improved.

3. Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII

Important Specifications 

• Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.6 x 32 x 18cm

• Power: 2x20W + 40W Digital class D

• Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2

• Connections: RCA, sub out

Product's highlights

The three-time Award-winning Audio Pro C10 (also listed below) update, appropriately labeled MkII, adds AirPlay 2 and Google Cast to make it a multi-room home run.

When we evaluated its older sister, we compared it against models that cost roughly twice as much as it did and discovered that it outperformed them. If £500 ($500) is your maximum spending limit, you won't be able to find a speaker that compares to the Audio Pro C10 MkII, which is good news because it's still the case today.

We miss the original's leather handle, fun, rock-and-roll aesthetic, and aural presentation, but we can't knock its three multi-room streaming options (AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Audio Pro's own slick and useful app), leveled-up gripping bass, or enhanced high-fidelity performance.

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Pros

• Improved streaming assistance

• Improved clarity

• Tighter and cleaner bass

Cons

• Lacks the original's enjoyment

4. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

Important Specifications 

• Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 4.6 x 13.3 x 13.3cm

• Power: 2x30W

• Features: Alexa inbuilt, water/dustproof IP67, Bluetooth 5.1, stereo-pairing mode

• Connections: USB-C

Product's highlights

Bang & Olufsen is not known for going along with the crowd. A TV that opens up like a butterfly, an 8200-watt monolithic speaker with 18 drivers, and a wireless speaker in the shape of a wheel can all be found in the Danish electronics specialist's catalog. The B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) wireless speaker is one example of how it produces "premium" and "innovative" sound.

Its dimensions are comparable to those of a giant floury bap, but beyond that, there are no similarities to baked foods. The newest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec from Qualcomm is supported by the new A1, and Alexa is naturally integrated.

Additionally, it performs well, giving you a pleasingly cozy yet authoritative performance that you would like listening to all day. Add in its elegant, well-made design, simple functioning, and Alexa's added benefit, and you have a Bluetooth speaker sequel that has been well worth the wait.

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Pros

• Sweeping audio, substantial bass

• Able to integrate Alexa

• Amazing design and execution

Cons

• Finish not very durable

5. JBL Charge 4

Important Specifications 

• Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 22 x 9.5 x 9.3

• Power: 30W

• Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, power bank, voice assistant integration

• Connections: 3.5 mm stereo

Product's highlights

Those who have read our reviews of the JBL Charge 3 and the most recent Charge 5 shouldn't be surprised by the fact that we truly like the Charge 4. This Bluetooth speaker is among the best-sounding ones available at this end of the market and offers a remarkable 20 hours of playback on a single charge. Additionally, several stores are currently offering discounts on this slightly older model as a result of the release of its newer brother.

JBL improved the audio quality for even more discerning ears. The bottom floor of a speaker this large undoubtedly has a limit, but the low-end is tasteful and packs a powerful punch.

Additionally, you get a lot of features for your money. The Charge 4 can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep thanks to its IPX7 water resistance. Additionally, unlike the Flip 5, you may use the Charge 4 to recharge any item that can be charged by USB from a 5V supply, including your phone.

The Charge 4 is almost the ideal speaker for camping, beach excursions, and home usage despite being more affordable and lighter than the Flip 5. This is due to its durable build, long battery life, and "battery sharing."

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Pros

• Water-resistant and tough

• USB charging port

• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• Possibly too subdued for some

1. Who should buy a portable Bluetooth speaker?

A portable Bluetooth speaker would likely be appreciated by anyone who has a smartphone or tablet because it can enhance listening anyplace. You don't require additional hardware because Bluetooth is a feature of the majority of modern laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. Bluetooth speakers don't need a network connection or the use of specific apps, in contrast to smart speakers and Wi-Fi speakers; whatever you play on your phone will play through the speaker.

You can move portable Bluetooth speakers around the house or take them to a park or the beach because they feature a rechargeable battery and are typically waterproof or splashproof. They, in our experience, give hotel rooms a more homey vibe.

The best of these speakers provide sound quality suitable for podcasts, internet radio, and light music listening. Although Bluetooth does significantly lower the music quality, you probably won't notice the affects through speakers like these.

If volume and sound quality are your primary concerns and you don't intend to carry your speaker outside your home, you might want to look at the bigger, more potent speakers we've included in our tabletop speaker guides:

For truly high-fidelity sound, we advise a stereo receiver and a pair of good bookshelf speakers, or one of the top choices from our guide to the best computer speakers. You get much clearer audio, much better stereo image, and typically much deeper bass response from one of those systems. If Bluetooth isn't already incorporated into the system, you can add a Bluetooth adaptor.

It is rare to find voice control similar to that used by Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers in portable Bluetooth speakers. However, there are a few portable devices that enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections and offer smart speaker features, such as the Sonos Roam and Ultimate Ears Megablast. The voice-command functions of your smartphone, such as Google Assistant, may be accessed directly from your phone, therefore this feature isn't particularly advantageous with Bluetooth-only speakers.

2. What are the audio specs to look out for?

When choosing a speaker, consider audio quality as a top consideration if you want your music to sound as excellent as it possibly can.

The frequency response of a portable speaker, which essentially indicates how effectively the speaker can duplicate the range of tones we can hear, is something that the majority of portable speaker makers will draw attention to. Most frequency responses fall in the 20–20,000Hz range, which is roughly the range of human hearing. However, readings below 20Hz typically indicate that the speaker may produce sub-bass tones that are felt rather than audible. If you want bass that will make your chest bang, you should pay attention to those lower frequencies.

Again, if bass is important to you, seek for Bluetooth speakers with passive bass radiators. These speakers can generate a powerful bottom end while still being as compact and portable as possible. However, larger speakers typically have a higher volume since there is more room for these radiators to move air, which results in a louder, more powerful sound.

If you want to hear every nuance of your music, you should look into speakers that support aptX, which offers high-quality streaming and low latency in comparison to lossy common Bluetooth codecs. Although the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is an option, there aren't many Bluetooth speakers available today that support aptX, so if you're worried about music quality, look at speakers that also offer Wi-Fi networking, such the Sonos Roam.

Another option to guarantee high-quality music is to use Bluetooth speakers that can be stereo-paired or even are a part of a multi-room audio system. Even if standalone speakers are popular, having a left and right channel would significantly improve music immersion. Most audiophiles also concur that two speakers are preferable than one.

Finally, keep an eye out for portable speakers that feature an associated app so you may change the EQ settings. You can then fine-tune the audio to suit your preferences and the circumstances. For instance, you might want to turn up the bass if you're listening outside in an open area, whereas listening inside lends itself to a more balanced sound.

3. What about the brands to watch?

There are many inexpensive Bluetooth speakers available on Amazon, but not all of these models are great. If you want to be confident of the quality, it's worth keeping a few brands in mind.

With the potential to integrate into a larger multi-room system, Sonos Bluetooth speakers are perfect for bridging the gap between indoors and outside. You can also be confident that they'll sound amazing, too.

JBL is renowned for producing durable outdoor speakers at competitive costs. Its party speaker series even features built-in light shows.

If waterproofing is important to you, keep an eye out for models from Ultimate Ears. These headphones combine vibrant, fun designs with tough construction, and many of them can withstand a swim in the pool.

If you want a combination of beautiful design and superb sound, take into account high-end audio companies like Bose and Bang & Olufsen - but be ready to pay somewhat high costs. Urbanista, Tribit, and Anker all offer excellent speakers at reasonable prices if you're looking to save money.

According to the needs of the majority of people, the Bluetooth speakers we suggest above are the best available right now. We consider the cost (cheaper speakers prevail over more expensive ones if the price difference isn't significant), comments from visitors, and availability (no speakers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

Here is a list of all of our best portable speaker reviews so you can make your own decision. Avoid getting sucked into the details. Nobody is a flawless speaker. Your choice will be more influenced by your own preferences, tastes, and listening styles.