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The 8 Best Portable Speakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Never miss a beat with these high-quality portable speakers.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Whether you’re looking to host parties pool-side or just want a reliable way to listen to music while getting ready for a night out, a portable speaker can be a great accessory for your next trip. Many portable speakers are dustproof and waterproof so you can truly take them with you wherever you go. Plus, the enhanced sound quality and customization provides a better way to listen to your favorite music.

To determine the best and most reliable portable speaker, we reviewed nearly a dozen options from top brands like Ultimate Ears, Sony, and Bose. We tested each portable speaker to evaluate how easy it is to use, how far the Bluetooth range can reach, how long the battery lasts, and then assessed its overall value. The compact and vibrant Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is our favorite option after weeks of tests. Whether you’re an audiophile or looking for a simple way to share your music on-the-go check out our lists of the best portable speakers for every occasion.

Best Overall

Ultimate ears wonderboom 3.

• Design 5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Useful Features 5 /5
• Setup Process 5 /5
• Overall Value 5 /5

It connects to your phone almost instantly for easy setup.

It isn’t the easiest to pair with other Wonderboom speakers.

When you want to guarantee you can hear your favorite music wherever you go, be sure to pack the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 portable mini speaker. It comes in four colors (with two additional web-exclusive shades ), so you can mix and match, pairing the devices for an even more powerful sound. We tested this speaker in a variety of different environments, including at the beach and camping and never had any issues losing a connection.

This speaker connects to your phone almost instantly without issue or complications. It’s also easy to charge and comes with the necessary USB cord, so you don’t have to worry about sharing cords. And, while it doesn’t come with a carrying case, this was one of the most durable portable speakers we tried as it’s both waterproof and dustproof. We also love that it doesn’t require any additional apps, making setup and use an absolute breeze.

The Details: 14 hours of battery | 131.2-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.75 x 4 x 4 inches | 0.94 pounds

Best Clip-on

The lightweight design and convenient clip is perfect for hiking or walking long distances.

The battery doesn’t last quite as long as other portable speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect option for lightweight packers and hikers alike. When you turn it on, it connects to the nearest phone almost automatically just like wireless headphones and is easy to switch devices if you want to give your friend a turn picking the music. While it does not have a carrying case, it does feature a cute and convenient clip so you can attach it to backpacks, bags, and even belt loops for constant listening. For how small this portable speaker is, we love the sound quality, which is great even in crowds and on windy beaches. 

The Details: 10 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 0.53 pounds

Best for Parties

Treblab hd77 ultra premium bluetooth speaker.

It’s one of the loudest portable speakers we’ve tested.

It’s heavier than other similarly sized portable speakers.

When you know you’re going to spend your vacation hosting parties or entertaining friends poolside, the Treblab HD77 Bluetooth Speaker is an absolute must. This speaker can overpower any noise, even in a crowded room or busy outdoor space. When you turn it on, we found it automatically pops up in your device’s Bluetooth settings, so you just click connect and get the party started quickly. There are even color-coded LED lights to indicate the speaker’s status (i.e., on, searching for connection, low in battery, etc.), and they all pop up in different colors so you can easily know what it needs. 

The connection never changed throughout our use, even when we walked into the water with the attached phone and the speaker stayed connected on the beach. There was no static or interruptions in the music, plus we could still hear the tunes in the water over the sound of the waves. We also love that it can last a couple of days without charging, depending on how much you use it.

The Details: 20 hours of battery | 33-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 7.3 x 3 x 3 inches | 1.38 pounds

Best Budget

Dosmix retro bluetooth speaker.

The sound quality is better and louder than most phones of similar size.

We wouldn’t recommend this for outdoor or party use. 

This teeny tiny speaker takes “portable” to a whole new level — it fits right in the palm of your hand like a phone, but has a stronger speaker for better quality music. We are absolutely in love with the retro vibe down to the working, light-up knob to adjust volume. For looks alone, we recommend this for anyone who wants something more than just a phone speaker, but that also looks cute sitting out. While we don’t think it’s a great option for on-the-go use (the battery and connectivity range are not as strong as other portable speakers), it’s a great small speaker for when you’re lounging or getting ready for a fun day out.

The Details: 6 hours of battery | 32.8-foot range | 2.8 x 4.3 x 2 inches | 0.43 pounds

Best Splurge

Ultimate ears epicboom.

The sound quality is unmatched.

The one-touch playlist feature doesn’t work with Spotify.

The minute you turn on this speaker for the first time, a voice welcomes you and tells you to download the app that then walks you through the simple setup instructions. You’re then able to easily switch between phones (and even connect it to an Apple TV for the ultimate listening experience). The connectivity range is also so strong that you can easily walk away from the speaker up to 180 feet without losing the signal. This is also the best sounding speaker we tested by far, and there are custom settings like bass boost and cinema mode so you can adjust for the perfect sound quality to match whatever you’re listening to. While this is certainly a pricier option, audiophiles and party-throwers alike are sure to love this high-powered speaker. 

The Details: 17 hours of battery | 180-foot range | Waterproof | Dustproof | 6.3 x 4.6 x 9.4 inches | 4.4 pounds

Most Durable

During testing, this speaker fell out of a bag and tumbled down the stairs and there’s not a single mark, dent, or scratch on it.

We would love to see the exact charge percentage left on the speaker. 

Leave it to Sony to create a high-powered portable speaker that can withstand a fall down the stairs and still provide excellent sound for any occasion. While it didn’t automatically connect to devices, once we turned it off and on, and turned the phone’s Bluetooth capabilities off and on, we were able to pair the devices. Once connected the first time, it was instantaneous to connect for future use. The first time we used it, we charged it for about 15 minutes and it then worked for two hours straight. It’s also seamless to switch from phones to this speaker when playing music and also simple to swap to other devices without hassle. The Sony XB 100 comes with a little carrying sack, but we especially love that the speaker itself has a strap that can be used to attach it to the outside of any bag.

The Details: 16 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 3.43 x 3.43 x 4.41 inches | 0.61 pounds

Most Versatile

Bose soundlink flex bluetooth speaker.

We dropped it into a pool and the speaker still works and is undamaged.

It’s a bit big for a portable speaker, but it can still easily fit in carry-on and tote bags. 

Whether you’re lounging poolside or at the beach , this portable speaker is the perfect addition to your day of relaxation. It’s not a small speaker, but it’s still a good size for fitting into backpacks and totes to take with you on a variety of trips. Considering it’s not an Apple product, we were surprised by how quickly the speaker paired to iPhones and easily switched between devices. The speaker takes just a few hours to charge with the included USB-C cord. The battery also lasts up to 17 hours on one charge and it still plays music when it’s charging, so you never miss a moment of music. And while you don’t need the Bose app to use the speaker, it has so many sound customizations, you may want to utilize the app to get the best listening experience for your environment. 

The Details: 12 hours of battery | Waterproof | Dustproof | 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | 1.3 pounds

Made for Amazon Battery Base for Amazon Echo Dot

It’s a smart speaker that’s perfect for making your Amazon Echo a portable device.

With just a five-hour battery life, this isn’t the best for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Yes, Alexa is normally only used inside, but this base turns your Echo Dot into a portable speaker. The device pairs instantly after you connect to your Amazon account and it doesn’t need to be operated using a phone (as long as your music services are linked to your Amazon profile). The speaker itself is connected to Wi-fi so your device doesn’t even need to be near a phone at all once hooked up to the internet. While the sound quality is good, our favorite part of this portable speaker is the ability to use Alexa. In fact, we find that the addition of this base makes your existing Echo device even more useful.

The Details: 5 hours of battery

Our team tested nearly a dozen portable speakers, evaluating each one on ease of use, range, sound quality, battery life, portability, and more. Testers were first asked to pair their speakers with a device to determine the ease of setup and then work with required apps or device settings to test the speaker’s range, customization, and sound quality. Each portable speaker was then brought out and tested in a variety of conditions from hiking trails to poolside and more. Throughout the testing period, we took careful note of the speakers’ durability and waterproofing if applicable.

Tips for Buying a Portable Speaker

Decide how much sound you need.

Not all portable speakers are designed to overpower a room full of party people or even the sound of crashing waves. When selecting a portable speaker, think about where you intend to use it so you can prioritize a speaker that gets loud enough to suit your environment. If you are just looking for a speaker to enhance your music to a higher quality than your phone’s speaker, you may not need something as powerful as a speaker designed for outdoor use.

Consider size and portability 

When selecting a portable speaker, obviously, the size and weight of the device should be your top priorities. If you’re looking for a device that simply doesn’t need to be plugged in, but just moved around your home, the portability may not matter quite as much as if you plan to bring your speaker hiking. Know what you have in mind (and what weight you’re willing to carry) when you look into purchasing a portable speaker. Also, keep in mind that most portable speakers connect via Bluetooth; if you want to be able to connect to your home’s internet, or use voice assistants, you’ll likely need a speaker that also has Wi-fi capabilities. 

Prioritize durability

Since you’ll be taking this speaker with you on hikes, to the pool, or just over to your friend’s house, you want to make sure your portable speaker is durable. Consider opting for a speaker that is not only waterproof, but dustproof as well to ensure it can withstand your travels. You may also want to prioritize a portable speaker that comes with a carrying case, dustbag, or strap to make transportation a breeze.

Some portable speakers require a specific app that allows you to adjust the settings and check on the status of your device while other speakers just need to connect using your phone’s Bluetooth. Be sure to read all manufacturer’s instructions to determine exactly what you need in order to use your specific portable speaker. 

Portable speakers are allowed inside your carry-on or personal item. However, you are generally not allowed to play music or movies outside of headphones, so if you plan to bring your portable speaker on board, be sure it stays off and tucked away in a safe place. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure where she researches, reviews, and writes about a wide range of products. To select the best portable speakers, she called on her own experience as a traveler and worked with editors and T+L testers on a series of lab and real-world insights.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Best Bluetooth speakers 2024: tried and tested for every budget

The best Bluetooth speakers for your at-home and on-the-go needs

• Best overall
• Best portable
• Best budget
• Best mid-price
• Best premium
• Best multi-room

Best for music and movies

Also consider.

• How to choose
• How we test

Recent updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best portable 4. Best budget 5. Best mid-price 6. Best premium 7. Best multi-room 8. Best smart 9. Best for music and movies 10. Also consider 11. How to choose 12. How we test 13. FAQ 14. Recent updates

Bluetooth speakers are one of the easiest, most versatile and budget-friendly ways to get music playing. These wire-free wonders come in so many shapes and sizes that their various use cases are near-endless, from sticking them in the corner of your office to popping one in a backpack and taking it with you to the park.

Ok, the sound is rarely audiophile-grade quality, but brands such as JBL have realised that people do care about sound quality alongside other user-friendly features, meaning the level of audio has improved over the last few years.

We’ve heard everything from large room-filling Bluetooth speakers to dinky travel options, and many have impressed by offering great value for money, lengthy battery life, waterproofing and even engaging, competent audio quality. Naturally, there are plenty of speakers that haven't made the grade, which is why our team of experienced reviewers have created this guide recommending only the best Bluetooth speakers that are worth considering for your budget.

Every single model has been tested by our team of expert reviewers both in the real world and in our dedicated test rooms to ensure they’re worth your time. You can find out more about  our testing process or else keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers currently available.

• IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your speakers?

The quick list

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker for under £200/$200.

Read more below

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

With its diminutive dimensions, 12-hour battery life and punchy bass, the Flip 6 is the ideal travel companion. 

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

A tiny budget speaker that makes a big impact – if you’re watching the pennies there’s no better option right now than Tribit's Stormbox Micro 2.

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

B&O’s eye-catching compact speaker justifies its price with a refined performance and typically classy build.

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

A luxurious, lovely-sounding speaker that’s just as comfortable in your home as it is on the road.

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

If you’re looking to build a multi-room system that also has Bluetooth capability, the brilliant Sonos Era 100 is the speaker for you.

Load the next 2 products... ↓

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

A versatile little speaker that combines Bluetooth connectivity with a handy voice assistant that does much more than just read the weather forecast. 

Best Bluetooth speaker for music and movies 

Audio Pro’s feature-packed C20 offers a raft of features and such an impressive sonic profile that it will excel no matter how you use it. 

I'm a staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products during my time at What Hi-Fi? . Hi-fi loudspeakers and fancy amps are all well and good, but I love a great Bluetooth speaker that can offer a fast, fuss-free and often fantastically affordable solution to your everyday needs. I've had hands-on experience with every model on the list below, putting them through their paces to ensure you know exactly which speaker to go for. Good sound quality, durability, waterproofness, features and connectivity; we've assessed them all to put you fully in the picture before buying.

1. JBL Charge 5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The JBL Charge 5 has become one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but with the longevity it continues to display. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still the best in its class. 

The IP67-rated Charge 5 is fully dustproof and waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a meter for around 30 minutes before doing itself any damage. Thanks to its 10W tweeter and racetrack-shaped driver, it's imperious and forthright sounding, trouncing the competition at this £200 / $200 / AU$300 price point. The arrival of the slightly more expensive Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230 / AU$330) has made things a little more complex,  but the invigorating, cohesive listen of the standard Charge 5 model remains very tough to beat. 

That new Charge 5 Wi-Fi model does offer a slightly more refined sound alongside more flexible wi-fi-enabled capabilities such as AirPlay 2 and Alexa Multiroom, but the more affordable Charge 5 remains a superb portable speaker that offers enjoyable sound in a neat, durable package. With a Charge 6 surely on the horizon soon , expect prices to fall if and when the sixth-gen model is finally unveiled to the world.  

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

Which JBL speaker to choose has been made trickier by the emergence of the Charge 5 Wi-Fi , a wi-fi enabled speaker model that earned five stars during testing. The big bonus of the Wi-Fi model is that you can use features such as AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, giving you the freedom to continue using your phone or source player without affecting your music. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi does also sound a little better, but bear in mind that we tested it at £230 / $230 / AU$330, a significant advance on the standard Charge 5's current £130ish ($160 / AU$250).

2. JBL Flip 6

Anyone who finds the considerable heftiness of the Charge 5 above to be a little too much for them should consider stepping down to the five-star JBL Flip 6. When we say "stepping down", incidentally, we mean that with regard mainly to price and size, as while it may be a slimmer model, the Flip 6 remains a consummate pro at delivering everything you'd expect from a JBL portable companion.   

The Flip's durability is up there with the more costly Charge 5 (it's IP67 water- and dust-proof), while the sound offers space, zeal and musicality in spades. Ok, it won't hit the breadth of sound that its bigger brother can, never mind those higher volumes, but that's what you sacrifice if you want a smaller form factor. 

If you desire more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, which adds significant value. For a nominal price hike over the launch price of the soon-to-be-redundant Flip 5, there’s certainly more detail here, too.

If you need more oomph and drive, the larger JBL Charge 5 is the speaker for you, but for a more compact and admirably musical performer, the Flip 6 is the way to go. All in all, another winner courtesy of JBL.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

3. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

If all you need from your ideal Bluetooth speaker is portability alongside affordability, you'd struggle to improve on the small, satchel-friendly Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. A great and inexpensive alternative to the Flip 6 above, the Micro 2 fits flat in your hand in contrast to the cylindrical form of the Flip.

Sporting a utilitarian but not unattractive woven finish design, the Micro 2 pumps out genuinely enjoyable audio and a rather impressive battery life of around 12 hours during testing. Better yet, its IP67 rating allowed one of our team to test it in the shower without causing any lasting damage. Again, the Stormbox Micro 2's compact size and robust construction make it well-suited for venturing far beyond the confines of a bathroom or kitchen.

The audio is certainly a big plus point, too, going bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a diminutive unit, doing justice to most tracks in terms of tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The Stormbox's Midrange is particularly pleasing, and we'd even go so far as to say that it's as good as anything else we’ve seen at this price. 

Fine, the Stormbox Micro 2 can suffer from distortion at louder volumes, but it's still one of your best-value options if you’re really on a tight budget. 

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

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

This is definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics. This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made burger only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 below.  

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest  aptX Adaptive  Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.  

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day. Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense. 

Incidentally, look out for discounts around sales periods, as we've seen certain colourways plummet considerably during Black Friday, Prime Day and the festive period. 

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review  

5. Dali Katch G2

Now this is how you make a premium Bluetooth speaker. A step up from the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 in terms of price, sound and style, the Dali Katch G2 proves that you don't need to sacrifice a premium look and feel for portability or sonic prowess: the G2's compact dimensions, retractable travel handle and 30-hour battery mean it could easily become your go-to travel speaker. If you've got the money, of course - a current RRP of roughly £349 / AU$749 isn't exactly budget.

The rather lovely Katch oozes a sort of continental class, finished to the highest quality and with a luxurious aesthetic that really can rival some of the best dedicated domestic speakers in the style stakes. Our white and caramel unit slots in perfectly to the aesthetic of a clean conservatory or cosy living room, and when it came time to take some hands-on pics, the G2 proved itself to be the ideal model thanks to its timeless beauty from every angle.

And the sound! The G2 is still picking up Awards in 2023 thanks to its unbeatable sonic chops at this level, delighting us with phenomenal clarity, impressive bass weight and a real adeptness at understanding the music played through it. That's now three What Hi-Fi? Awards for the Katch 2 (in 2021, 2022 and 2023), and it'll take some beating to stop it picking up any more.  

If you've got the money and want to push beyond even what most JBL speakers on this list are offering, this is our go-to recommendation. For musicality at this size, the Dali Katch G2 is the king of the hill.

Read our full Dali Katch G2 review  

6. Sonos Era 100

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level. Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One,  with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier. 

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience. The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price. 

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

7. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all. You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-round excellence and hugely attractive price tag. It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs. The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

8. Audio Pro C20

If it's a cliché to use the term "jack-of-all-trades", then you know what? Let's use a cliché. The five-star Audio Pro C20 is yet another supremely capable performer from one of the most consistent, and underrated, audio brands around, melding a variety of functionalities and potential use cases into a unified, deeply impressive package. If ever there was a time to use that jack-of-all-trades label, this is it. 

The C20 is a Bluetooth speaker thanks to its 5.0 connectivity, yet its wi-fi capabilities allow the C20 to stream tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, as well as via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and even Audio Pro multi-room. That's a lot of choice, and it makes this mains-powered powerhouse an incredibly versatile solution that goes far beyond the capabilities of your traditional Bluetooth speaker.

That's before we get on to physical connections. The C20 offers a set of RCA inputs alongside HDMI ARC for boosting your TV's sound, as well as a sub out if you want to add a subwoofer into the mix. There's also an optical input for hooking up to digital sources, plus an MM phono stage if you're planning on connecting up your turntable to the C20's convenient, one-stop-shop.

And we haven't even arrived at the sound of the thing yet. What's remarkable about the koala-faced wonder (it does look like a koala, right?) is just how open and broad the soundscape it conjures is, offering a presentation that grows and expands with an awesome sense of breadth and scale for your music and movies. Painted within this wide sonic landscape are plenty of details and nuances, each one finding its own happy place within the wider composition. If you thought the C20 would go so heavy on features that it would forget about proper sound, boy is there egg on your face.

A superb speaker that does a lot of things very, very well, there are very few single-box units that can compete. 

Read our full Audio Pro C20 review

JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi: A wonderful spin on one of our favourite JBL speakers of all time, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi, naturally, adds wi-fi streaming and a little bit of extra musicality to the Charge 5's Award-winning recipe. It's more expensive than the basic model (sitting at around £200 / $200 at the time of writing), so you'll be forking out a little more for the convenience of AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast. That said, it's a great speaker in its own right and a lovely addition to the JBL family. As far as spin-offs go, this one's a hit in our book.

JBL Xtreme 3: One of the biggest speakers in the JBL range that could still be confidently classified as "portable", the Xtreme 3 is a powerful, robust marvel that tasks the basic form and recipe of the Charge 5 and makes it, well, bigger. It's not just a brainless brute, though - instead, the Xtreme 3's sound is laden with snap and detail, not to mention an impressive sense of dynamics and musicality. A five-star alternative that we'd urge you to check out.

Sonos Move 2: One of the big benefits of any Sonos speaker is its ability to integrate into the peerless Sonos ecosystem. Don't let its burly design fool you; the Move 2 is portable by virtue of its Bluetooth connectivity, even if it's more the sort of speaker you'd take down the bottom of the garden rather than anywhere much further afield. 

Audio Pro C10 MkII : Just because it didn't fit into this particular list, don't ignore the C10 Mk II. Despite qualifying as what we'd normally call a "wireless speaker", the C10 is a fine alternative to the models on this list courtesy of its Bluetooth capabilities. A former What Hi-Fi? Award-winner, it's versatile, portable, great-sounding and often enjoys major discounts. What's not to like?

Sonos Roam: We like the Roam, and we're confident that the legions of Sonos lovers will like it even more. Despite not being outstanding for timing and dynamics, it's a speaker with a meaty, full-bodied presentation that boasts a lovely build quality, slimline design and plenty of features, including wi-fi capabilities and AirPlay 2. Plus, you can immerse it into the exceptional Sonos multiroom ecosystem, so if you have other Sonos speakers, the Roam makes a good deal of sense.

JBL Authentics 300: Big, handsome and extremely versatile, the Authentics 300 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants something semi-portable that can be carted from room to room before blasting out a robust, enthusiastic sound when it gets there. With dual voice assistants, Bluetooth, wi-fi streaming and Alexa Multiroom, the 300 is a lot more than a pretty face. 

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker , the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors ? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound , of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre. Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Size and power , too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 5, or models that allow daisy-chaining, will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness. 

If you're choosing portability , you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays.

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality, higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD , for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free. Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery. Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors. Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All new Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with  What Hi-Fi?  proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

What's the difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers?

Bluetooth speakers are wireless in that they don't require a wire to connect to an audio source; they use the Bluetooth streaming protocol. However, Bluetooth speakers don't necessarily also support wi-fi, which is a necessary feature of what we term 'wireless speakers'. A wireless speaker can connect to an audio source via the internet (i.e. your home wi-fi) – by way of Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast, for example – whether or not it also has Bluetooth.

While this will depend on the kit you are using and your wi-fi limitations at home, transmitting audio over wi-fi rather than Bluetooth comes with certain benefits: wi-fi doesn't have as limited a signal range as Bluetooth, generally facilitates better sound quality and is capable of transmitting higher-quality audio. The standard Bluetooth codecs (SBC and AAC) are not widely capable of transmitting CD-quality (or higher) files, and even the higher-quality codecs like aptX are lossy (i.e. data gets lost during the transmission).

However, Bluetooth-only speakers are generally more portable, as they don't require an internet connection or being plugged into the mains, and often more affordable than wi-fi-enabled wireless speakers. If you're interested in wi-fi-ready speakers, you should look at our best wireless speakers guide instead.

How many watts is good for a home Bluetooth speaker?

There isn't a simple answer here, as a higher wattage number doesn't necessarily equal good sound quality, but it does determine how loud your speaker can go. Basically, you'll want a speaker that's going to be able to fill your intended space with a good amount of sound. So, if you're looking for a small, portable Bluetooth speaker to use casually on the table in a small space, a relatively low-powered speaker output (10W or thereabouts) will get that job done for you without any problems.

However, if you've got a big, spacious room or the outdoors that you want to fill with sound at decent volumes, a bigger speaker with a higher watt output (25W to 50W) will likely serve you best.

How does a Bluetooth speaker work?

Bluetooth is a short-range, low-powered, low-bandwidth streaming protocol used to connect compatible devices together wirelessly. Bluetooth uses radio waves just like wi-fi does but at a different scale.

A Bluetooth speaker relies on this short-range Bluetooth connection to connect to a Bluetooth-supporting audio source and accept audio data from it. Both the speaker and source device need to have compatible Bluetooth codecs to send this information between them – SBC and AAC are the standard codecs. A wireless speaker operates similarly but instead relies on a wi-fi network connection to accept audio data transmitted from an audio source.

Pairing a Bluetooth speaker and Bluetooth device is easy: you simply put the speaker in 'pairing mode' (usually by pressing a button), go into a device's Bluetooth settings and 'scan' for available speakers and then select your speaker.

Is JBL a good brand? Better than Bose?

At What Hi-Fi? , we have reviewed many products from both JBL and Bose and find that many of JBL's current speakers provide excellent audio quality and great value, earning them many five-star reviews. Bose speakers tend to satisfy on the features and design front, and while we used to see budget and great-sounding speakers from Bose a few years ago, recent models have seen costs rise. These pricier models don't always offer the same performance-per-pound value as their rivals.

In the audio world, it is tough to compare how good one brand is to another on the whole, especially when it comes to big brands that have many products in their arsenal. While we do recommend a fair few JBL speakers on the above list, don't assume that everything JBL makes is better than everything Bose makes.

• April 2024: Added the Audio Pro C20 following a five-star review.
• March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
• February 2024:  Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
• November 2023:   What Hi-Fi?  Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

Planning on a pool party? These are the best outdoor speakers

For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

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Harry McKerrell is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied law and history at university before working as a freelance journalist covering TV and gaming for numerous platforms both online and in print. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or forcing himself to go long-distance running.

• atkins14 What is actually the best sounding speaker though? You don't actually seem to compare them to each other? Such as the Dali Katch to say the UE Megablast, Audio Pro C3 etc. Ignoring hardwired speakers and price. Also how do they hold up to say the Sonos Move, Bose home, Vifa Oslo, Beolit 17 etc? I had the Dali Katch but had to return as bluetooth connectivity was too temperamental. Reply
• StevieDee No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded? Reply
• Jmr1969x This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info. Reply

StevieDee said: No mention of the Soundcore Flare or Flare+ which are well regarded?

Jmr1969x said: This article should say best bang for your buck. Best bluetooth speaker title makes me think best sounding and bose and UE don't come to mind for sound quality. Maybe do an best sounding or audiophile like sound. I would look for speakers like B&O, Harmon Kardon, Klipsch ? Mini Rig ? Not JBL and Sony. I come to What HiFi for audiophile info.

• DailyDose Inappropriate content deleted by moderation. Reply
• MrBuffy Minirig 3 is the GOAT, don't bother with anything else. Reply
• View All 7 Comments

We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound

Mose Hayward

Travel Nerd

I’ve been travelling the world for a decade and a half, and no matter how much I whittle down my luggage to the bare essentials, I always have room for a small speaker. I love to follow my podcasts, to share and discover music with people from all over the world, and to improvise occasional mini-dance party on the go. My phone’s speaker just doesn’t cut it.

It’s pretty vital to travel with good sound.

We’ve tried out dozens of different Bluetooth speakers for this site, and we also continue to read all speaker reviews from top consumer test organizations, tech sites, and bloggers around the world. It’s not easy to pick just one travel Bluetooth speaker from the heap, but if we had to do it, here’s the current winner we’d take on any trip.

The Best Travel Speaker

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is our favorite travel speaker.

Why: An even mix of punchy, dynamic sound in a small, nearly indestructible waterproof cylinder; the overall best portable replacement for a full speaker system

But:  While we think the Boom 3 is the best speaker for its size and price, there are also cheaper, smaller options discussed below that are quite worthwhile (though with less loudness and bass)

Our first Bluetooth speaker article was published way, way back in 2015. It has since been updated every few months with additions, changed recommendations, and new speakers. On April 14, 2017, we started logging these changes here; we added the UE Wonderboom to the recommended cheaper speakers. On May 3, 2017 we made a few changes and added the Etekcity RoverBeats T3. On May 8, 2017 we added the CRDC Life. On May June 2, 2017 we added a discussion of the JBL Flip 4 and made a few other updates. On June 21, 2017 we updated the discussion of the CRDC Life. On August 11, 2017, we updated the information on the Fugoo and Bose Soundlink Revolve speakers. On August 15-16, 2017, we removed speakers that were no longer available, updated the descriptions of our main pick, added some great alternate recommendations that have been recently released. We also rewrote the dumb parts. On Nov. 2, 2017, we added the AOSM speaker. On Nov. 3, we added the Bose Soundlink Micro. On Nov. 7, 2017, we added the supercheap tiniest speaker. On July 18-20, 2017, we did a major overhaul of the whole article with some updated recommendations concerning new speakers and eliminating those that are no longer available. On July 22. 2018: removed the no-longer-available the AOSM Portable TWS Bluetooth speaker, CRDC Life and Etekcity RoverBeats T3. Complete overhaul with updated recommendations on October 23, 2018. April 8, 2018: Updated with more opinions on the sound of the Boom 3 and better photos. Updated on Oct. 1, 2020 with a much better cheap pick. Added the JBL Flip 5 on Nov. 5, 2020. Updated with some minor changes to cheaper picks on July 21, 2022. Updated to remove older speakers and fix links on May 2, 2023. Similar update to remove outdated speakers but keep our main recommendation, with updated photos of it, on July 11, 2023.

This site (and our travel adventures) are rather meagerly funded through affiliate links; this means that when our readers click on shopping links to Amazon or pretty much anywhere, if they buy something, like it, and keep it, we get a small percentage. So we’re not particularly incentivized to recommend any one brand over another, but rather to have people find what they will like and use. We have received free speakers on occasion from manufacturers (who have no input on what we write) for review. Some of of those speakers sounded terrible, as noted below (Dodocool, Rise, etc.). Some of them sounded good. Ultimate Ears, for its part, only woke up and sent us a free speaker after we had been buying them with our own money and recommending them for years.

Why the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Is Our Favorite Travel Speaker

We’ll discuss its main road-worthy features first, then its sound — including a meta-take on critics views of this versus other portable speakers.

Features of the Boom 3: Rugged, Ready to Travel

This is not a feature-rich speaker, but it does include everything we find essential for use anywhere.

Waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof

No you’re not actually going to listen to your speaker underwater. But with the Ultimate Ears Boom 3, you could. The IP67 waterproof rating means that the unit is rated to be immersed under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes with no damage. This is a specific and meaningful claim (with legal implications) under the conditions of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standards .

In our test it sounds fine in the bathtub, but really, just put it next to your bath, shower, or pool. We do like knowing that we can easily wash it when needed, and that the odd splash of water won’t hurt it, but the 7 rating in waterproofing (meaning it can be submerged) is a bit overkill.

The 6 in the rating also means that it is “dustproof” and meets the standards for keeping dust out of the unit — an extra level of protection that is rare in such speakers, even those that are rated as waterproof.

The “drop-proofing” is a vaguer claim from Ultimate Ears that meets no specific standards, but the company claims that the Boom 3 passed various drop and durability tests. We were not so interested in testing this particular claim, but clumsier Amazon reviewers report that they’ve dropped it with no problems or even scratches . (The same was reported with its predecessor UE Boom 2 .) And prior to picking up a Boom 3, I myself was using, dropping, and bumping an (ancient-model, long discontinued) UE Mini speaker from the same manufacturer for many, many years and to this day it plays perfectly. The battery still works great too.

 Convenient Charging and a 15-hour Battery for Long Parties Away from a Power Source

This is not the longest battery life for a quality small travel speaker (the Fugoo Tough described below goes for 40 hours) but the Boom 3 has more battery time than most reasonable people will ever need. (We also recommend carrying a backup battery for devices when on the road, which could be used to charge a speaker in a pinch.) The Boom 3 lasts for 15 hours of constant use. In the real world, I used it without charging for a two-week trip that included several spurts of use in (3-4-hour) car trips, and use in hotel rooms, showers, little improvised dance parties, and more with more battery to spare at the end.

The Boom 3 charges via a standard mini USB-B port, and you may be traveling with other devices using the same cable, like a Kindle for your language learning or your headphones. It’s too bad that the Boom 3 doesn’t use USB-C, like modern phones, but most other Bluetooth speakers are still on USB-B (micro) ports as well.

If you’ve seen our commentary on  toiletry kits , you know that we’re obsessed with the utility of being able to hang things while travelling, and staying in cramped quarters.

You can use a carabiner —or, my favorite, a travel hook —to attach your Ultimate Ears Boom 3’s hang loop to a backpack, a fence, a chair, a towel hook when you’re the shower… this is a very small but incredibly convenient feature. At least I think so; I always seem to run out of space to set stuff out on when I’m staying in weird corners of the world.

The Boom 3’s Dedicated Apps: Equalizer, Pair Multiple Speakers, and More

You can use the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 without installing any special apps as a simple Bluetooth-connected speaker. But you’ll want the relevant  Android or iOS  app for your phone as they add quite a bit of functionality.

• The “block party” features allows three people to share/fight for DJ-rights to the speaker.
• You can remotely turn the speaker on and off, which turns out to be quite convenient for making sure you save battery when the speaker is a bit further than you’d like to reach, or for turning it on to find it by sound if misplaced.
• Customize the EQ to your taste.
• Use the speaker as a musical alarm.
• Connect multiple Boom 3 speakers for bigger sound. You can also connect 150+ Ultimate Ears Boom, Boom 2, Megaboom, and Megaboom 3 and have them all blasting music from your little old phone.

Portable Size and Weight

The Boom 3 is a very packable 2.9-in. (7.3 cm.) diameter cylinder and is 7.2 in. (18.4 cm.) tall. It weighs 1.34 lbs. (608 g.).

The Feature It Lacks: The Boom 3 Is Not a Smart Speaker

If you want a speaker you can chat with (ask about the weather, news, control a smart home) that is similar to the Boom 3, you can see our comparison  of it with the Ultimate Ears Blast . But note that we wouldn’t really recommend  any  smart speaker, at least in terms of travel, as all smart speakers currently only work when connected to WiFi.

We also think that smart speakers are a bit gimmicky and not all that useful; if you want an assistant we’d just talk to the one built into any modern smart phone. And for a home unit, go instead for a (much more useful) unit with a screen like the Echo Show or Google Home Hub  for your home.

How the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Sounds

The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is, as you may expect, the third in a series. The previous versions, the UE Boom and UE Boom 2, were both revolutionary  hits   with   reviewers   when   released   with tech   press , audiophiles , and international consumer and  testing  organizations. These were the first speakers to really do 360-degree audio and they packed an incredible punch for their small size.

The competition has caught up, definitely, and plenty of other portable Bluetooth speakers sound wonderful. But the Boom 3 has improved over the Boom 2 too . Thus far the critics have   been heaping  praise on the new portable party guy from Ultimate Ears, saying that its sound has a bit better performance at top volumes. Since speaker tastes are subjective, our meta-take is always to look for an overall consensus in this way rather than taking just our ears or any other one critic’s tastes as gospel.

And overall the experts think that the Boom 3 sounds fantastic. Its 2-inch drivers and 2×4-inch passive radiators punch out powerful sound and relatively deep bass for such a small unit with little risk of distortion. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and it doesn’t — like certain competitors, hike up the bass end to try to cover sloppy performance. The sound is balanced and rich, clear and sweet in the mids, and often described as “punchy” or “dynamic”.

Of the many Bluetooth speakers that I’ve personally listened to, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is the best sounding of its size, and certainly has the most convincing bass — not quite as deep and pleasing as high-end home bookshelf speakers, but it’s getting well close, which to my mind is fantastic for someone who is rarely in my living room enough to enjoy those.

The speaker  goes quite loud (up to 90 dBA) and doesn’t have issues with distortion or odd mix effects when it gets up to its limits. Pushed to the max it was uncomfortably loud in a large interior living room/dining area, and could certainly serve as the sound system for a house party if needed.

Also crucial for good sound in practical outdoor settings or larger rooms is the Boom 3’s 360-degree output . No matter which side of the speaker you’re on, it sounds the same. The speaker is designed to be placed in the center of the action, and be equally enjoyable from any side. This means you can take a party to go and place the speaker in the center of the action, and it will sound great to everyone.

Downsides of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 (But Not Enough to Hold Us Back)

• There is always a trade-off between a speaker’s size and its ability to deliver convincing bass and volume, so of course some larger Bluetooth speakers do sound better, especially on the bass end. In this article we focus on portable units and compare the Boom 3’s sound to them; we separately cover bigger, less portable Bluetooth speakers here . The Boom 3 is to most ears the best-sounding speaker with the features and the size that a traveller wants, but you might also compare it to the Megaboom 3 if you’re willing to carry about twice the weight.
• It’s a bit expensive. You can certainly spend less and still have a great-sounding and robustly durable travel speaker (see below ).

Buying Options for the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Scoring the Best Prices

In addition to the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 at Amazon , you can check for it on  Best Buy , although we haven’t thus far seen better prices there. Amazon sometimes has different prices depending on which color you buy, so you may want to click around to different colors if you’re flexible.

We wouldn’t recommend buying a used Boom 3 —or any other battery-containing electronic device — as there is no telling how many cycles the battery has already been through at the time of purchase. You may end up having to replace the battery too soon (though our experience with Ultimate Ears batteries has generally been quite good).

Protecting Your Boom 3: Carrying Cases

The Boom 3 is an incredibly rugged speaker and we don’t think it really needs a case (we do travel with our cables neatly stored and protected in a  Skooba Cable Stable however).

But we know that lots of our readers do buy cases. Such cases do at least provide a nice way to organize and protect the charging cable and keep it alongside the speaker. Our readers’ top three picks are below.

A Larger Travel Speaker—with Even More Volume and Bass: The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3

We’re all about travelling light so we’ve focused this article on speakers that are about the size and weight of the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

If you think you can carry more, you’ll also be able to get more volume and better sound — this is a basic law of speaker tech.

Our rugged, larger travel speaker recommendation is the  Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 . In our direct comparison of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3 we note that they’re almost identical in terms of design but the Megaboom 3 offers a bit more soundstage and performs better on the bass end. It goes deeper, and its lows on bass-heavy tracks are more full and convincing.

Otherwise it’s nearly the same as the Boom 3, so if you’re willing to carry a bit more weight (and pay a slightly higher price), this would be the one to go for.

The Most Rugged Bluetooth Speaker We’d Recommend—and with a Crazy Long Battery Life

The  Fugoo Tough is designed to withstand snow, mud, shocks, and submersion underwater. It has an IP67 rating just like our main pick and a removable jacket that suggests it’s going into war — It’s not going to have any issues with being dropped, bumped, or kicked around.

Of the speakers we recommend it also has the most battery life: 40 hours.

Overall it doesn’t get near as many accolades for sound as our main pick, but it’s not too bad either.  Several   reviewers quite like how it handles music, while another faults it for lack of bass and volume.

Fugoo sells basically the same speaker in Sport , Style S , and Fugoo Style versions, but the Tough version is the only one that might make sense for some travellers as it is the most indestructible of the lot, and that’s what Fugoo has going for it in comparison to other options. We have done a full analysis of the differences between these Fugoo speakers . And we have a more complete comparison of the Fugoo, UE, and Bose lines of speakers .

The Best Smaller Bluetooth Speaker (Slip it in a Pocket, Clip it to Your Pack): Bose Soundlink Micro

At about half the size and weight of our main pick, the Bose has introduced a clippable, pocketable marvel that still somehow manages to deliver signature Bose evenness and clarity, and even enough loudness to fill a room or work for outdoor listening.

The Bose Soundlink Micro measures 3.87 inches (9.8 cm) square and is 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) thick; it weighs 0.64 pounds (.29 kg), making it one of the lightest speakers we’ve ever recommended. It’s fully IPX7 waterproof and has a very durable rubberized chassis.

The tech critics   and audiophiles   who   have reviewed it tend to agree that its clarity is great and there is even somewhat of a soundstage and a solid bass end; it’s widely held to be the best-sounding small speaker of its size.

The main complaint it gets is its price; this costs more than most such tiny speakers. And the battery life of six hours may deter some (though if you’re carrying your own spare USB battery in your pack you don’t have to worry).

Overall, if you’re someone who is into extremely light packing and you need your tunes on the go, this is the speaker to go for.

See also our  comparison of the Micro with the Bose Soundlink Color II .

The Best Cheap, Small Clip-on Speaker for Travel: The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is half the price of the Bose Soundlink Micro above, and to some sounds even better. I personally have loved listening to most music on it, as it really excels in delivering a full, well-rounded impression of the mid-range that you’d normally get from a much larger speaker.

It’s also significantly cheaper and more portable than my top-choice Boom 3. While it can’t come anywhere near delivering the powerful bass and immersiveness of my top travel speaker pick, if I were just slightly less snobby about sound, or if I needed to lighten my load, I’d happily carry the Stormbox Micro 2.

It charges via USB-C (how modern), so you can use it with the same USB-C travel charger that you likely already use for your phone and perhaps laptop and other devices. The new version adds to that the ability to charge a phone or other device off of the speaker’s battery—a lifesaver after a long flight.

Add to that Bluetooth 5.0 and full IP67 waterproofing, and it’s hard to find any objection.

Other Travel Speaker Options (Not Our Top Picks)

A quieter but excellent-sounding travel bluetooth speaker: bose soundlink color ii.

The Bose Soundlink Color II is the small-to-mid-sized Bluetooth speaker to get if you want a decent soundstage and the smooth mids and trebles that the Bose universe tends to provide.

The Color II not as loud, and doesn’t kick out as much powerful bass as some of the other options, but the critics and consumer organizations report that holds it own and is excellent for filling a room with clean, detailed sound. We offer a full comparison of the Soundlink Color II with the other Bose speakers .

The Color II is directional, meaning that it sounds best when you’re right in front of it, and it’s spash-resistant (but not waterproof) and has a rubberized body so is expected to survive drops well. Overall, that makes it a nice-enough speaker to travel with, but the Boom 3 seems like a better deal to us.

The Bose Soundlink Color II measures 2.2 x 5.0 x 5.2 inches (5.6 x 12.7 x 13.2 cm) and weighs 1.2 pounds (.544 kg).

Generally Well-Liked: The JBL Flip 6

We think that the JBL Flip 6 is a good speaker and a slight improvement on the JBL Flip 5 (see this review for full thoughts) . It could be a decent in-between-priced pick if your budget falls between our main pick and the cheaper pick above.

A Few More Notes…

The AYL Portable Mini Capsule Speaker System is not actually a bluetooth speaker, but connects via a mini cable. It’s really small and really cheap, and considering that sounds decent  according to some . If you have a modern smartphone or tablet, though, your sound may already be better directly from that.

We completed a comparative meta-review of the differences between the Bose Soundlink Revolve II and Bose Soundlink Revolve + II , which we think are both quite fine Bluetooth speakers but perhaps not what we’d want to take on the road, as they’re not as waterproof and dustproof.

As of this writing there are a couple of reviews out there of the Oontz Angle 3 , but no serious comparisons to other speakers by anyone who is an expert in audio. This speaker is quite popular on Amazon, and most reviewers there seem to be enjoying their purchase as a functional and loud-enough option for “rocking out in the shower” or listening to audio books. We can’t recommend this over the other cheap options (above)  until we see more written about it or try it out ourselves, but it may be another good option at the lowest price point.

The Rise MiniBoom Wireless Speaker is a tiny, palm-sized and well-built speaker that would be a great road companion if it sounded better. Unfortunately, I found the sound at high volumes to be so harsh and unpleasant that I didn’t even want to use it for listening to podcasts — the sound from my Pixel phone itself was actually more even and listenable. If you lower the volume and listen to music, there is a bit more body and presence than a cell phone’s own speaker, but unsurprisingly not the clarity of the larger speakers we review here, and the sound is muffled. I wanted to love this speaker for its small footprint and obvious convenience as a minimalist travel accessory, but unfortunately the sound quality for me is overall not worth adding to one’s bag (or even pocket).

The SOL Republic Deck was pretty well-liked by some reviewers , though they weren’t in completely in love with it or anything. It is long and thin, and its price has dropped significantly, so it could now be considered a decent cheap option, but still not as good as our other cheap picks above.

Wrap-Up: And the Best Speaker for YOUR Travels Is…

With Ultimate Ears speakers especially, it’s very worth clicking over to Amazon and checking out prices for various colors in order to get the best deal, as they vary widely at times.

Our Reviewers’ Picks of Underrated, Useful Travel Gear

About The Author

31 thoughts on “We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here Are the Top Small, Durable Marvels with Great Sound”

I’d like to see Minirig Mini and Wonderboom 2 compared, they’re both smaller than Boom 3 and sound quality would be at least close.

I’d agree that Wonderboom 2 (or previous version, both reviewed here) is excellent and an in-between spot for a small, great-sounding travel speaker. I haven’t heard the Minirig Mini yet but others’ reviews for it have not been good at all.

I recently purchased two Creative Muvo 2c speakers as my go to travel speakers. They connect as a stereo pair and the sound is great, not overly bass heavy (which I prefer) but the mids and trebles are crystal clear and they don’t distort at maximum volume. Priced at around Euros 35 each they don’t break the bank and are easily portable. Wonder if you would review a set and see what you think?

Great reviews. Can you recommend something that’s small and flat like the jbl go 2 or altec lansing h20 3, that can pair with another, that sounds decent? Neither of these get loud enough. I have a pair of oontz angles, but they’re too big for a pocket and won’t pair to each other.

Thanks, you’re all so sweet. In your shoes I think I’d go for two UE Roll 2s, as mentioned above. They’re flat-ish, but not quite pocket-sized. You really do have to trade off larger size for larger sound, I’m afraid.

Creative Muvo 2c Buy two, pair them up and you won’t be disappointed.

This is one of the best reviews I’ve read about any item. It’s given added credibility because you draw on third party opinions. I’m seeking lightweight, stereo and good battery life. Still deciding, but you’ve given plenty of food for thought Thanks!

I think leaving out any Marshall product is a terrible oversight in this otherwise very useful roundup!

I own the 1st gen Kilburn, and it still pumps out more bass than almost anything listed here, boasts a carry handle, solid highs and mids with very pleasing, warm sound, and excellent battery life. It falls right in line with the price of several entries in this list, and has great build quality.

The only negative is the weight, but if you’re traveling by vehicle to your campsite (or other destination) the weight is less of an issue, and you are rewarded with shockingly good sound for the size of the speaker.

They make a smaller portable BT speaker, in addition to the Kilburn.

Agreed. We love the Marshall Kilburn II too, but it’s much larger than the speakers in this article. We cover the larger speakers like the Kilburn here: https://minimalist.travel/en/reviews/big-loudest-bluetooth-speakers/

Nice job. You say that some critics say the Charge 2+ sounds better than the 3, and you give a link. 3 links indeed. Well, in none of them there is such a statement. The Charge 3 isn’t mentioned at all. Wrong links?

You’ll want to look at the links reviewing the Charge 3 in the paragraph above that; several reviewers made that comment though it was a mixed sentiment. Thanks for your careful reading, hope you find the right speaker for you!

How can it be voice controlled with google home?

Edit (Oct 23, 2018): Nope. Voice-controlled speakers need to be connected to wifi to work and we’re discussing travel speakers here. We’d recommend checking out our smart speaker reviews .

What a fantastic review!

Which bluetooth speaker has the smallest form factor because portability is my main requirement. Thanks

Hi Akshat, we have a separate review of the smallest speakers . Enjoy!

I was wondering. Would two UE Roll 2’s in stereo be better than one UE Boom 2?

In a word, yes. The two UE Roll 2s can provide stereo separation or simply more sound. On the other hand, it’s more to carry around than if you get a single UE Boom 2 . The best speaker is the one that you have with you; you may be more likely to carry a single UE Boom 2 more often than if you have two UE Roll 2s.

Attention Aussie customers …

The Fugoo Style is available on the Official US site for $89US The same item in the AU site is $289AU

You do the math… (not great value for money for the Aussies)

What about JBL Flip 3? No mention of that?

I realisre the article must have been written before Flip3 was released. So if you could give an opinion now?

Frankly, an oversight from our last update. We’ve now updated our coverage from the JBL Flip 2 to JBL Flip 3. As we describe in our update (above), it’s pretty well liked by critics and not a bad option, but most people will frankly prefer our other budget picks. It’s a decent speaker though. Thanks for commenting.

I purchased the phk brick sounds really good its punchy and clear !

Awesome article. I love your thorough, meta style. Q: any word on the UE Megaboom? Given the fine coverage you give of the Boom 2, surely the Megaboom deserves some discussion, and a comparison of its sound with the Boom 2. Thx!

Thanks! We’re glad you found it useful. Perhaps a bit late for you, but we now have a comparison of the UE Boom 2 and UE Megaboom . The Megaboom was considered too large for this article.

No mini rig?

? How can you not have JBL Extream and Fugoo XL in this list?

We certainly considered them; both the JBL Xtreme and the Fugoo XL are quality speakers, but far too bulky (I’ve added them just now to that list).

In this analysis, we focus on options that are small enough that you are always tempted to throw them in your bag, and yet they still deliver on great audio. Our bigger, chunkier recommendation would be the Bowers & Wilkens T7 , which we think is a bit of a step up from those two…

Our recommendations are very much focused on portable options. It sounds like the Bowers & Wilkens T7 would be the best option for you, however.

This article is fantastic — thank you!

I’m looking for something self-powered that gets produces good sound and gets loud — that’s my main requirement. Cost, portability etc are less important. Do you have any recommendations? The only really loud option I could find is the Soundboks, but review sites indicate that the sound quality isn’t very good. What’s the next loudest option out there that has good sound quality?

This site focuses on portable equipment at this time; it sounds like you want battery-powered loudspeakers like these — you might start your search there.

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The best Bluetooth speakers 2024: top portable speakers for any budget

Simply the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers you can buy

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best mid-range
• Best for sound
• Best for parties
• Best for charge
• Best for battery
• Best premium
• Best for design
• Also consider
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best mid-range 5. Best for sound 6. Best for parties 7. Best to charge a phone 8. Best for battery 9. Best premium 10. Best for design 11. How to choose 12 . How we test 13. Latest updates

The best Bluetooth speakers have become a staple household (and travel) item thanks to their compact size and convenience for listening anywhere, whether you're in the shower, mowing the lawn, chilling in your hotel room, having a house party or cleaning the kitchen. 

We've been testing the best portable speakers for years, in all shapes and sizes – and crucially, for all budgets. Audiophile sound quality and a thumping low end is always going to be a big ask if you're looking at something the size of a coffee cup, but you can get a portable speaker that delivers balanced and clear audio outdoors, especially if you go larger. These are our priorities when testing Bluetooth speakers and obviously we balance that with battery life and price – aka value for money. 

If your biggest priority is a rugged speaker design that can deal with being dropped and dunked, our dedicated guide to the best waterproof speakers is a great place to look. And if portability isn't a factor, check out our guide to the best wireless speakers .

The quick list

Want to cut to the chase and find out which Bluetooth speakers are the absolute best in the business? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices for different needs. You can also jump to a more detailed review of each product, and the best deals on them online.

The best Bluetooth speaker overall

The Sonos Roam delivers powerful sound for a small box, a rugged design that can take a tumble, excellent connectivity features (including Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth) and even smart home control. 

Read more below

The best budget Bluetooth speaker

The most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've tested, with great sound quality. It's not the loudest option, but at this size and price, you can't buy better. 

The best mid-range Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker that sticks to the basics, and gets them all right. This rugged model is super simple to use, sounds good and can be linked to up to 100 other JBL speakers to create a big wall of sound.

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound This sophisticated speaker offers crisp audio performance that makes it ideal for the audiophile: think impeccable balance between bass, mid and treble in a bijou design. Read more below

Te best Bluetooth speaker for parties The Blast is heavy and unsubtle, but that's where the criticism ends. It sounds every inch as detailed as models from better-known audio specialists at three times the price (and you can turn its flashy lights off).

Best Bluetooth for reverse charging 

Looking for a portable speaker that can charge your phone too? Here it is. In terms of features it's fairly basic other than this trick, but the sound is solid and it's built tough (and waterproof).

Read more below  

Load the next 3 products...

The best Bluetooth speaker for long battery life

It's not a looker and it's a tad heavy to boot, but that's because it's got a massive 30 hours of battery life under the hood. With a sub-$80 / £80 price tag, it's hard to complain…  Read more below

The best premium Bluetooth speaker

This is great for both the home and outdoors. It's got big sound and big battery life, but that means a big size and big price tag, so it's not for everyone.    

The best Bluetooth speaker for design

This 2023 starlet looks the absolute business. It's pricey, but if you want that funky Ultimate Ears design aesthetic and sound, it's back – in a big way. Read more below

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. I'll always extol the virtues of listening (and dancing) to the best musical file quality and audio gear you can stretch to.

Recent updates

May 8, 2024 Updated the intro, and checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated some product information throughout.

1. Sonos Roam

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You own more Sonos speakers: Given that you can pair multiple Sonos speakers together, the Roam – alongside the Move 2 at #8 in this list – is perfect for a home audio system. ✅ You like your tech to look as good as it sounds: Sonos' minimalist design aesthetic makes it standout in the crowded Bluetooth speaker space. 

❌ You're an audiophile: The Roam's sound quality isn't flawless due to the bass being a little unruly. Instead, look to B&O at #4 in this list for the best in portable audio.     ❌ You're often far from a plug: With only 10 hours of battery, the Roam offers a lot less than most like the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list , which doubles it at 20 hours. 

What you need to know: Since its release in 2021, the Sonos Roam has remained our favorite Bluetooth speaker, winning the TechRadar Choice Awards two years in a row (2021 and 2022). While there are plenty of portable speaker options around, the Roam remains our top pick for its big, room-filling sound, compact design and long list of connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which means it can work as both a portable speaker and as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system. It also has  Google Assistant and Alexa onboard (when you're on Wi-Fi) to make it double as a smart speaker too. 

Audio performance: The first thing we noticed about the Roam's audio performance is that it's bass-heavy, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. During our testing, we found that the bass was powerful enough to cut through wind noise but it was a bit overbearing while inside. Despite its small stature, the Roam delivers a powerful sonic performance – even if it does lack the rhythmic accuracy you'd expect from an audiophile speaker.

Design: Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home. But it also has a rugged, waterproof and dust proof build that makes it ideal for listening to music outdoors. The battery life isn't huge, though. It's enough for a day out, but if that's a priority then check out either JBL Charge at #6 in the list or the B&O Beosound A1 Gen 2 at #4 in this list instead.

Value: Compared to similar priced Bluetooth speakers we've tested, you’re getting a lot of features for your money here. Sonos has also now added the Sonos Roam SL to its lineup, which is a slightly cheaper version of the Roam that lacks a microphone – but it's otherwise identical in terms of specs. If you’re concerned about privacy and want to save around $20 / £20 / AU$30, then the Roam SL could be exactly what you want.  

Read our full Sonos Roam review

• ^ Back to the top

2. Tribit Stormbox Micro 2

✅ You love to listen to music while on the move: As the smallest and lightest speaker on this list, the Stormbox Micro 2 is by far our most portable pick. ✅ You don't want the music to stop: At 12 hours, this doesn't have the longest battery life but it is above average. If you need 30 hours, look to the Stormbox Flow at #7 on this list . 

❌ You want the best sound quality: It's a small speaker, which is why it goes for such a low price, don't expect big volume and class-leading detail. ❌ You value a good control app: While Tribit does have an app for some of its other products, this isn't one of them so you won't be able to access settings through your phone. 

What you need to know: Considering its extremely small size, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is the best-sounding and most fully-featured mini Bluetooth speaker we've had the pleasure of testing. It's not the most powerful or the loudest out there, but at this size and price you can't currently buy better. 

Audio performance: We particularly enjoyed the bass response here, which is where small speakers usually fall down. Tribit is keeping quiet about the exact specifications of the driver in this model but whatever it is, it delivers impressive bass for such a small footprint. And battery life is superb, up from the 8 hours of the original Micro to a travelling or beach day-friendly 12 hours.

Design: The Micro 2 is a brilliantly pocketable portable speaker that delivers a surprisingly loud audio performance, which makes it an excellent option for listening to podcasts or just watching TV shows on a mobile device. It's also a great option if you're looking for a stereo pair of speakers for a small room: you can pick up two of these for what you'd pay for one of its better known rivals.

Value: If you're looking for a speaker to toss in a bag or clip to a bike, you'll find it hard to get a better speaker for such a low price. It's superb, and its flaws are very minor – only that there's no wired connection, really.

Read our full Stormbox Micro 2 review

3. JBL Flip 6

✅ You're a technophobe: JBL has made the Flip 6 extremely easy to use. Just connect the speaker to your phone or laptop and that's it! ✅ You love the great outdoors: The Flip 6 has one of the most hardiest shells, boasting an IP67 rating, which makes it both water and dust resistant.  

❌ You want the best possible sound quality: Without Wi-Fi like the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , the Flip 6 is restricted to Bluetooth's limited bandwidth. ❌ You tend to run out of charge often: If this is feature you value, then we suggest looking at the JBL Charge 5 at #6 in the list as it can also charge your phone.  

What you need to know: There's not a lot that a portable speaker needs to do outside of delivering good quality audio while on the go – and if that's all you need, then look no further then JBL. The Flip 6 is a no frills Bluetooth speaker that is easy to use and sounds great. It was released in 2021 so we're expecting a new model to be announced soon but until then, it remains our top pick at this mid-range price point. Being a JBL speaker, it also offers access to features like being able pair up to 100 speakers from the brand at once to create an even larger sound system, but there is no reverse charging with this model – instead check out at #7 in the list if that's something you need.  

Audio performance: Given that the Flip 6 doesn't have a lot of features, its main focus is on delivering clear and accurate audio – yes, it does one thing but it does it very well. While we were reviewing the Bluetooth speaker, we  described its sound as warm and well-balanced, which was surprising for a speaker of this size. Its small stature does mean that the treble can sound a little harsh at times when played at loud volumes but there's still a lot of clarity and detail on offer.   

Design: Unlike a lot of other portable speakers on the market, the Flip 6 doesn't have an obscure shape to it. Rather, it comes in a classic cylinder style that fits in the side pocket of any backpack. There's also a wide range of colors to choose from so there's plenty of options to make sure it matches your gear. It is also extremely rugged, and can withstand a splash of water so you don't have to worry too much about it breaking or running out of battery with its 12 hours battery life. 

Value: The Flip 6 is an ideal speaker for anyone who wants to simply play their music, crank it up loud, sit back and enjoy for a reasonable price – no matter whether you're listening at home or on the go. It's also priced slightly lower than the  JBL Charge 5 due to it not having the extra phone charging feature, which places it firmly in the mid-range part of the market.       

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for sound

4. B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

✅ You appreciate a well designed speaker: Bang & Olufsen is renowned for its Scandi style and the Beosound A1 embodies that minimalist charm effortlessly. ✅ You're an audiophile: This speaker values premium sound quality above all else and really does pull it off. It is by far the best sounding we've come across with Bluetooth.   

❌ You want a speaker with big, powerful sound: This is better suited to a more intimate environment. For something bigger, look at the Tribit at #5 here or the Sonos at #8 on the list . ❌ You're known to be clumsy: Yes, it's waterproof and dust proof but it isn't as tough as say the JBL speakers in this list like the Flip 6 at #3 and Charge 5 at #6 .  

What you need to know: Bang & Olufsen didn't make too many changes to the second generation of the Beosound. The A1 is quite similar in looks to its predecessor but there are some helpful improvements at the feature level. One of those features is Alexa support, although being a Bluetooth speaker without any Wi-Fi support, this does require you to connect to your phone so can be a bit slow sometimes.  

Audio performance: Despite being a small speaker, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) delivers an exceptionally clear and crisp sonic performance. It manages the difficult task of balancing treble with the mids and bass to produce a smooth sound. During our review, we found the sound quality to be so accurate that it was as if we were listening to our favorite songs for the very first time. The way it manages to control the bass, while still delivering a punchy and exciting sound is outstanding for a Bluetooth speaker. 

Design: Thanks to its circular shape, it can also achieve a full 360-degree soundstage that is surprisingly immersive for such a small device. It's also simply stunning to look at. It has been designed with a slick, minimalist look that makes it feels very classy thanks small details like a thin leather strap. However, although it has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, it is not the most rugged of Bluetooth speakers we've tested and didn't feel it would be best suited for say a muddy hike. 

Value: Bang & Olufsen is known for being a premium audio brand and so the Beosound A1 is a top shelf Bluetooth speaker. Despite this, it is half the price of our top premium pick, the Sonos Move 2 at #9 in this list . As a result, we think the Beosound A1 is best suited to hardcore music lovers who appreciate a beautifully designed speaker. 

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

The best Bluetooth speaker for parties

5. Tribit Stormbox Blast

✅ You like to have your music up loud: Like its namesake, the Stormbox Blast really does knock your socks off with its powerful, room-filling sound. ✅ You're all about the bass: This delivers exceptionally balanced bass that doesn't overpower the sound – it's a ton of fun.

❌ You don't want a dumb speaker: Okay, this isn't dumb by any means but without any mics, you won't be able to use voice assistants like Alexa or Siri.    ❌ You want something portable: The Stormbox Blast is reminiscent of a hefty boombox. Look at the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 in this list for something super-compact.   

What you need to know: The Tribit Stormbox Blast isn't going to be for everyone. Its heavy, has flashing lights that don't turn off completely (the best you can do is make it so they only flash when you're switching the volume levels) and doesn't have the same smart features as some of the other Bluetooth speakers in this list. But if you're after a dedicated party speaker that is powerful enough to be heard when outdoors, then it is hands down the best. 

Audio performance: If you're looking for a portable speaker that you can take into the backyard without annoying the neighbors, then this isn't it. We think it's important to note that during our tests, we found the difference of two to three volume increments was enough to go from too quiet to too loud indoors, so if you want quiet background playlists then we'd suggest looking at the Beosound A1 at #4 in this list .  

Design: Out of all the speakers we've seen, the Stormbox Blast is definitely not the subtlest of looking device we've tested. But that's where the criticism ends. The Stormbox Blast is the biggest and most powerful Bluetooth speaker in Tribit's ever-growing arsenal of portable speakers and it sounds every inch as detailed – even at higher volumes – as models from better-known audio specialists at three times the price. 

Value: Compared to other portable speakers of this size, the Tribit Stormbox Blast offers the best value we've found. Its priced at the middle end of the market, which means its closest rivals are speakers like the JBL Flip 6 at #3 in this list . If, however, you can afford to spend a bit more and still want seriously impressive sound balance, take a look at the Sonos Move 2 at #8 on the list , though it's not as easy to carry longer distances. 

Read our full Tribit Stombox Blast review

The best Bluetooth speaker for charging

6. JBL Charge 5

✅ You want a speaker that sounds detailed: Compared to its predecessor, the Charge 5 has an additional tweeter that makes it have better clarity, with more impactful bass.     ✅ You tend to need a charger while on the go: With 20 hours of battery life, the Charge 5 can top up your device's battery life thanks to a USB-C port.  

❌ You want to play music extremely loudly: It may not have the big sound that the Tribit at #5 and Sonos Move at #8 can deliver, but it holds its own against the loudest. ❌ You want delicate audiophile sound: It sounds great, but it's still made for impact outdoors, not for refined ears. Think fun and energetic, not classy and controlled.

What you need to know: There aren't a lot of speakers on the market that are extremely small and portable and have detailed sound alongside helpful features like reverse charging, but JBL has pulled it off with the Charge 5. It's priced a little bit more than JBL's more streamlined Flip 6 at #3 in this list , but that's down to the added tech, which we think makes it's a worthwhile pick if these are the three main things you need out of a Bluetooth speaker.  

Audio performance: One of the big highlights of the Charge 5 is its balanced sound, which has a striking amount of clarity. The only downside is that it unfortunately starts to distort at high volumes. Because of this wouldn't advise turning it up past 60% of the volume bar as this is where we found it started to struggle. For the optimum volume, we found the sweet spot was more between 50–60%.   

Design: The cylinder-shaped speaker looks exactly the same as the Flip 6 except for a waterproof USB-C charging port and flap hiding the USB-A port that can be used to charge up your smartphone. There's no aux input for a 3.5mm jack but you do still have access physical buttons for playback, volume, power, pairing and dedicated party sound mode that turns up the volume up to 11 (use this sparingly).  

Value: The only thing about the cost of the Charge 5 is that it puts it squarely in line with the Sonos Roam at #1 in this list , which we think is by far the better all-rounder based on its added connectivity features like Wi-Fi that unlocks multi-room pairing and access to voice assistants. But frankly, there's no reverse charging so this will be the biggest point to consider if choosing between the two.   

Read our full JBL Charge 5 review

The best Bluetooth speaker for battery life

7. Tribit Stormbox Flow

✅ You take long vacations: Going away, don't have the necessary adapter, want music to last the whole trip? You'll get a whopping 30 hours from this. ✅ You like a clean, fuss-free aesthetic: Look, it's not the last word in design, but it's durable, solid, and does the job of playing your music very well indeed. 

❌ You like to pump up the volume: the Tribit Stormbox Flow sounds best up to 75% volume, because of its bass-heavy tuning. Crank it up further and things get a little congested. ❌ You're concerned about baggage weight allowance: considering its bijou dimensions, the Tribit is heavy, at 660g, so if you're struggling with flight carrier weight stipulations it may be a little much.

What you need to know: It's one of the newer products in this list, arriving in August 2023 and Tribit's making quite a name for itself in this particular arena – ie. Bluetooth belters at around $79 / £79. It's not winning any awards for design, but it is IP67 water- and dustproof and it has a loud, likeable, bass-heavy sound that'll work for many a summer gathering – at home or on the road. 

Audio performance: For a little speaker, the Stormbox Flow can boom out tunes at the pool party, or give you some impressive sound-per-pound audio if you're chilling at home. The bass is arguably the most impressive aspect – although it does get a little cluttered and bloated you turn things up beyond 75% volume.

Pair two of them up in stereo mode (like we did, because they're affordable little speakers, so this is a viable and cost-effective option for a desktop or party) and it’s even more compelling, with a much wider soundstage, just don’t be surprised if you lower the volume a little more than usual. Another tip for the best listen: stick to the XBass sound mode, for the punchiest, crispest sound through the low end. 

Design: Tribit's a little hit-and-miss when it comes to design flourishes and, truth be told, you won't be bowled over by how the Stormbox Flow looks. There's nothing offensive or ugly about it, but there's nothing particularly classy about it either. Also the power button takes a bit of getting used to for timing. Other than that, it's a solid home run here – oh, and did we mention the awesome 30-hour battery? 

Value: Compared to similarly-priced Bluetooth speakers, the battery life here offers immense value for money. In fact, value for money is one of Tribit's main selling points as a brand, and the Stormbox Flow proves it. Yes, the Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 is a great little thing, but if you want a slightly larger, louder product that'll last out your entire trip without needing a charge, you may have found it. 

Read our full Tribit Stormbox Flow review

8. Sonos Move 2

✅ You want to go from indoors to outdoors: Sonos has essentially added portable features like waterproofing and a carry handle to one of its elite home speakers.     ✅ You're looking for a long battery life: Like its namesake, the Sonos Move 2 can keep moving for a full day, with one charge lasting a full 24 hours.   

❌ You're on a budget: Sonos isn't as affordable as the likes of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 at #2 in this list , and that comes down to its premium features, design and sound.    ❌ You want to take your music wherever you go: There is a handle to make it easy to carry, but at 3kg it isn't the lightest so isn't best suited for constant maneuvering.

What you need to know: If you're after a Sonos speaker for your home but also want the ability to be able to take it outside with you, then the Move 2 is the Bluetooth speaker you've been looking for. It's both flexible and reliable, and looks classy to boot. There's both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a USB-C port that can be used for a 3.5mm jack with an adapter, multi-room support including through the Sonos control app, a 24-hour battery life, and you can charge your phone from it. 

Audio performance: The Move 2 also delivers premium sound to match its premium price tag. It has a three-driver speaker system, made up of two angled tweeters and one central midwoofer. Although we found the audio quality to be excellently balanced with great detail, the stereo sound wasn't very convincing, but that's okay. 

Design: Sonos has also updated the design of the Move 2 from its predecessor, slightly. It has new plastic finish, slightly different curved edges, a new top panel, is splash-proof and comes in an olive color, which is a new option in addition to black or white. It's sleek and good looking but loses points for the lack of a proper handle, because it weighs 3kg, and that weight isn't balanced when you lift it.

Value: It's a lot more heftier and heavier than your average portable speaker though, and a has a larger than average price tag to match of $449 / £449 / AU$799, which is a lot more than most options. As a result, the Move 2 is firmly a premium speaker, but you do get a lot of features for the price. 

Read our full   Sonos Move 2 review

9. Ultimate Ears Epicboom

✅ You appreciate UE's iconic aesthetic: If you adored the mug-sized 2019 Wonderboom, you'll love this much bigger version. ✅ You've just redecorated your apartment: Few audio products will look as good next to the clean, chic lines in your newly-updated bedroom, den or kitchen as this speaker. 

❌ You want a speaker that'll work over Wi-Fi: No dice here. For all its talents, it is just a Bluetooth speaker, unlike the Sonos Move 2 listed above. ❌ You're on a tight budget: UE kit doesn't often come with a tiny price tag (the Wonderboom being a notable exception) but this one of the priciest options on this list, owing to its size, newness and talent. 

What you need to know: Epicboom arrived in September 2023 and, we mean this, it is finally something to get excited about from Ultimate Ears. It is surprisingly big, very talented and essentially does for big Bluetooth speakers what the Wonderboom 2 did for mug-sized options – level up the game in terms of audio prowess. But this is also a fair wedge of money for a Bluetooth speaker and however likeable it is, it won't play nice with your home Wi-Fi to create a multi-room system, where cheaper options from Sonos (above) can. 

Audio performance: It's meaty, it's zealous, it's fun, it's resoundingly tight through the bass even at high volumes. It's basically everything that made Ultimate Ears a household name in this product category. If we were worried, we needn't have been; this is where Ultimate Ears' engineers shine.

Design: Those big tactile plus and minus signs for volume are back along its body, and the flecked rubberised plastic is now much more eco-conscious. The wrist strap is somewhat surplus to requirements (don't allow it to take the full weight of the thing on your arm – it's 1979g and that might hurt) but it's a beautifully crafted thing – and it offers truly omnidirectional sound too. 

Value: The Boom companion app here is an excellent addition. That said, at this level we might have expected wireless connectivity using your home broadband (hey, Sonos!). Another fly in the ointment is this: although a fan-favorite feature within UE's Boom app, PartyUp, lets you pair multiple compatible Ultimate Ears speakers to beef up the audio, it's limited to Epicboom, Boom, Boom 2,  Boom 3 ,  Megaboom ,  Megaboom 3 , and Hyperboom speakers. Want to pair it with your beloved Wonderboom 2 or newer Wonderboom 3 ? Sadly, that's not possible, because PartyUp is not compatible with any Wonderboom, Blast or Megablast UE speaker. Harrumph! 

Read our full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review

Other Bluetooth speakers to consider

We recently decided to remove the Cleer Audio Scene . We originally recommended it as an alternative to the JBL Flip 6 with an aux-in but it has since been surpassed by newer models. Of course, if a 3.5mm port is important to you then we’d recommend looking at the Tribit Stormbox Blast at #5 in this list . There are other options, too, like the Orange Box , for example, but as a whole, an aux-in does not appear to be readily available among top Bluetooth speakers. If the Stormbox Blast or Orange Box are not as portable as you’d like, then the Cleer Audio Scene can still be found available to buy.  

We also dropped the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as the best Bluetooth speaker for powerful sound. While it packs in tons of bass, this entry was too similar to other recommendations we have included such as the Sonos Move 2  at #8 in this list and Ultimate Ears Epicboom at #9 in this list . If big sound is what you're after, we'd also recommend looking at the Brane X speaker that was launched in December 2023. The reason why we haven't included this in our list more permanently is because it has very limited availability at the time of writing. When it becomes more widely available, we'll be happy to recommend it equally widely.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker

What's the best bluetooth speaker brand.

The best Sonos speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too. 

JBL is well known for making some of the best waterproof speakers affordable prices, and it’s line of party speakers even come with built-in light shows.

If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.

Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Tribit and Anker offer strong speakers that won’t break the bank.

Is JBL or Bose better?

Both JBL and Bose produce a range of speakers, some are small and compact whereas others are big enough to fill a room with sound at a party. Bose tends to make products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of both excellent audio performance, design and price. JBL is more affordable and its products tend to fall in the mid-range when it comes to quality. 

The brand you choose is all about what you're looking for. If you value quality sound above all else, pick a Bose option, like the Bose SoundLink Flex. But the JBL Flip 6 pushes this speaker out of our list because it's a fantastic all-rounder, sounds good and handles drops, knocks and splashes well. Bose might be the better audio tech brand, but we think JBL outperforms in the portable Bluetooth speaker competition, especially when it comes to sheer value for money.

Is Bose better than Sonos?

Both Bose and Sonos create excellent-sounding audio tech that tends to be at the premium end of the spectrum. We love Bose products and often recommend them, but in terms of the best Bluetooth speakers and portable speakers, we think Sonos is the better option.

The Sonos Roam has been sitting at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list for some time now and we love that it seamlessly becomes part of your Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room setup indoors, too.

How we test the best Bluetooth speakers

We've tested and thoroughly reviewed all of the Bluetooth speakers in this guide ourselves by listening to them on their own and by comparing them to the current class-leaders. Basically, if it's listed here, you know we think it's worth it over the myriad rival models we've reviewed (because plenty do not make it here, believe us). 

We test countless portable speakers every year at TechRadar, and that means we know exactly which features and specs to look out for. It's important for us to compare the performance of these speakers against the specs claimed by their manufacturers, which is why we take the time to make sure the battery life and connectivity is as good as the brands say they are. 

We test each Bluetooth speaker in a range of environments and against its chief competitors too, so you know that the product will work just as well in the great outdoors as it does in your home. We live with these speakers in our homes to make sure that their performances are consistent, and we don't finalize our testing until we are certain of the sound quality.

On this, we test the audio performance using a range of musical genres and stream from various sources, to ensure that these speakers can handle everything from thumping dance tracks to softly-spoken podcasts. 

With more years in this game than we'd care to admit behind us, we are truly confident that our star-rated reviews are the best indication of the quality of the Bluetooth speakers in this list. There are no sales teams involved in our verdicts, which means if we don't like it for sound, design, usability and features, we simply won't recommend it. 

The latest updates to this Bluetooth speakers guide

April 4, 2024 Removed the Cleer Audio Scene as best for aux-in and Ultimate Ears Hyperboom as best for powerful sound. Added in a new 'Also consider' section that highlights upcoming new releases to look out for.

Read more updates

March 4, 2024 Added Tribit Stormbox Flow and Ultimate Ears Epicboom to this buying guide. Updated biog and key points. Reworte intro to reflect current tech updates in the category. 

January 25, 2024 Updated write-ups for each product to include extra summaries from key points of their respective reviews. 

November 30, 2023 Updated copy throughout, added Sonos Move 2 details. September 25, 2023 Updated lead image, added 'buy it if' boxouts to product write-ups and swapped out the Sonos Move for the Move 2 as the best premium Bluetooth speaker.   Aug 10, 2023 Updated intro, checked prices, considered other competing options for entry to this guide 

July 25, 2023 Added links to our recent IKEA shower speaker feature and mini Bluetooth speakers roundup. Updated the intro to reflect current trends and best choices. 

June 15, 2023 Updated the format of this guide to make it easier to navigate. Added more about how we test Bluetooth speakers to the introduction. Updated FAQs at the end to reflect our current choices. Removed a discontinued product from the list.

June 6, 2023 Updated introduction to reflect the new season, and checked all products.

May 18, 2023 Changed images to our own hands-on pictures. Reordered products to reflect the latest prices.

April 13, 2023 Checked all products against our latest reviews and ratings.

February 17, 2023 Added Cleer Audio Scene to the list. Reordered products accordingly.

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Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

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• By Destination
• By Trip Type
• Luggage Expertise
• Packing Tips

• 1 Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Speaker
• 2 OontZ Angle 3 Speaker
• 3 AYL Outdoor and Shower Speaker
• 4 JBL Clip 2 Speaker
• 5 Bose SoundLink Micro Speaker
• 6 Creative Muvo 2c Speaker
• 7 Scosche BoomBottle with Magic Mount Speaker
• 8 JBL Link Speaker

The Best Portable Speakers for Travel

Streaming music from your phone is fine for when you're at the airport or on the train, but your device doesn't cut it for every travel situation. If you're biking rough terrain or partying by the pool, you’ll want something more durable, and, well, loud. That’s where a portable speaker comes in handy. We picked eight travel-friendly options that are small, but still pump out high-quality sound, wherever your music takes you.

See recent posts by Maggie Puniewska

Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Speaker

We’ve all been there: you’re throwing a party, the good vibes are flowing, and then bam! The music cuts off. Eep!  This speaker will prevent that party foul from happening when you’re having a get-together at your Airbnb, hotel room, or campsite. The Boom 3 delivers super-crisp, 360-degree sound for 15 hours, so you can jam until the wee hours, if it’s that kind of night. If you bring it to the pool or a boat ride and it takes a tumble—no worries! This baby will float to the top, so you can just scoop it up and keep on grooving.

OontZ Angle 3 Speaker

With 30,000 overwhelmingly reviews (and counting!), this speaker is a clear customer favorite. Splash-, rain-, dust-, and sand-proof (and apparently Chevy 2500-proof, as one owner accidentally drove over it with their truck and trailer, and it came out the other end A-OK), this is a solid travel buddy whether you’re Bali-bedding it on South Beach or hiking through Joshua Tree. The sound quality is pretty impressive, too—considering the under-$30 price.

AYL Outdoor and Shower Speaker

Getting a speaker near water is risky—just a tiny bit of moisture can wreak havoc on most sound systems. So it’s a quite a relief that if this speaker gets wet, it’s not “goodbye, speaker.” The AYL SoundFit’s waterproof shell is designed to withstand H20 from any angle—it can even survive an accidental plunge. Plus, the high-capacity battery means you can stream your playlists for up to 12 hours.

JBL Clip 2 Speaker

We’re all for the peace and solitude of hiking, but sometimes what you need on a long walk (especially if you’re solo) are some tunes. This speaker has a durable clip that latches on to any bag or backpack so you can listen on the go. Plus, the IXP7 waterproof rating (the second highest) means that a rain shower won’t stop the music.

Bose SoundLink Micro Speaker

Constructed with a tough silicone rubber exterior (we sure love the peachy/Creamsicle-y color), this speaker can withstand all the snafus that happen when you’re in transit, like falls and scratches. The tear-resistant strap means you can secure it to the straps of your backpack, the handlebars of your mountain bike, or the handles of your beach or camping cooler.

Special Features

Creative Muvo 2c Speaker

Most speakers play music by tapping into your phone’s or tablet’s playlists via a Bluetooth connection. But if you’re traveling sans iPhone (good for you) or don’t want to drain its battery, this palm-sized model lets you download your music onto a micro SD Card and play it on the built in MP3 player.

Scosche BoomBottle with Magic Mount Speaker

If you have a tendency to misplace your phone, then 1) welcome to the club, and 2) welcome to your new portable speaker. The waterproof BoomBottle has a magnetic strip for securing your device directly to the sound system. The circular design fits into most cup holders, so it can blast your playlists or podcasts on long road trips. Oh, and there’s a built-in bottle opener, for when you’re ready to, you know, get the party started.

JBL Link Speaker

If you find yourself suddenly in need of directions or restaurant recs, this speaker has you covered. It’s enabled with Google Assistant to get you answers ASAP, as well as handy indicators to let you know if the connection is poor or if the battery is low.

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• Best Travel Speakers 2024: Rated & Reviewed

Disclaimer : We may receive a small fee for any purchases made through links in this post. Learn more

Finding the best travel speaker for your needs can be a difficult task. There are thousands on the market and a lot of considerations to ponder.

If you’re heading away on a trip and want to be able to bang out some tunes, it’s an essential piece of kit. And they’re great for the beach, around the pool, or in your hotel room. 

We’ve put together this definitive list of the best travel speakers on the market right now to help making your choice a little simpler.

Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Speakers

How to choose the best travel speaker.

The best travel speakers all share a number of impressive elements. Here’s how we went about picking which ones made it onto our list:

If you’re buying a speaker to take travelling then it needs to be pretty hardwearing. 

It’s not going to be safely tucked away on a dresser in the corner of a room. So it has to be able to withstand the rigours of your trip, regardless of where your adventures take you. 

The last thing you want is for it to fall apart during a trip and be left carrying a useless lump of plastic. 

At the very least it should be water resistant, and ideally fully waterproof. Not only is this perfect for stress-free fun around the pool or on the beach, it’s also ideal for humid conditions.

It also needs to be generally travel-proof, i.e hard enough to be chucked in your bag and survive a few knocks.

Battery Life

Picture the scene. You’re chilling on the beach with your buds in the midday sun, enjoying some tunes and generally having a good time.

Then your travel speaker dies. Just cuts out. Mood killed.

Most good travel speakers have a battery life of a minimum of 6 hours with continuous playback. But the very best can last up to around 20.

If you anticipate using your travel speaker for long periods at a time, battery life will be an important consideration. One thing to note is that all of the listed battery playback duration here is the maximum for each device.

There are lots of factors that affect how much play you’ll get out of a single play. For example, blasting it at volume will drain it extremely quickly.

Portability

When you’re packing for a trip, the weight and bulk of your baggage is all important. No one wants to be lugging around unnecessary weight.

So when it comes to choosing the best travel speaker for you, one factor will be how much it weighs. 

There’s no ideal weight as such, instead you need to find the best compromise for you between weight and performance. This is because generally speaking, a larger speaker will have better specs.

That said, if weight or size are huge considerations for you, there are small travel speakers out there whose sound belies their size.

This is a very personal thing, and may even depend on how much baggage allowance you have. But think about what you’re willing to lug around in your daypack when you hit the beach when choosing your travel speaker.

Connectivity

The best travel speakers are obviously wireless, and therefore come with bluetooth connectivity. However, there may be times when some people may want or need to plug their device in.

While most travel bluetooth speakers receive solely via bluetooth, some do have an auxiliary port.

If you have no idea what I’m on about or why you might need that, then in truth you probably don’t. So don’t sweat it.

But it gives you another option for getting your sounds from whatever device they’re on to the speaker. So if that’s something you’ll potentially need, pick a speaker which provides that choice.

Sound Quality

For many people, sound quality will be the most important factor in choosing what the best travel speaker for them is. No one wants a tinny, barely audible embarrassment of a speaker which makes every song sound the same. 

Rest assured, every travel speaker on this list has got very good sound quality. Now that’s not to say that there may be some aspects missing, because the perfect travel speaker literally hasn’t been invented yet.

But we’ve gone for speakers that have a full, round sound overall. And we’ve pointed out their high points and low points as best we can. 

Whatever you choose from this list will allow you to happily get down to your jams.

The Best Travel Speakers

So without further ado, let’s rundown the best travel speakers on the market right now.

• Weight : 608 g (1.34 lbs)
• Battery Life : 15 hours
• Wireless Range : 45 m (150 ft)
• Connectivity : Bluetooth 

The UE Boom 3 is a beast of a speaker and tops our list of the best travel speakers on the market. 

UE have been consistently producing top of the line speakers for years now and it’s our preferred brand.  

The 3 is the latest incarnation of their best selling Boom range. It’s got absolutely everything that you need in a portable travel speaker, starting with its mind-blowing overall sound.

The cylindrical shape means it pumps out 360° sound creating an immersive experience. What it produces is well balanced with a nice, warm tone and deep base. 

You can customise your settings using the adjustable EQ on the app, or alternatively pick from the available presets.

This portable travel speaker sounds great whether your inside your hotel room or out chilling on the beach. And trust us when we say it gets LOUD!

The UE Boom 3 is built to last, with lots of features that make it super durable. 

It’s completely waterproof for a start. And not only that, but it actually floats meaning you’ll never lose it at the bottom of the pool or ocean.

It’s also made from durable material that’s resistant to knocks and scrapes, helped by the rubber end caps. It can survive a pretty hefty drop, and is certainly fine with being roughed up in your daypack.

One of the only complaints about the UE Boom 3 is that it doesn’t feature an auxiliary port. However, as a travel bluetooth speaker I’d argue that’s really not an issue.

The whole idea is to use it wirelessly. So it’s unlikely you’d need a line in anyway and is in no way a deal breaker.

Another potential downside is that, while it’s definitely small and portable, there are smaller, lighter travel speakers. 

If you’re on the lookout for a mini travel speaker, bear in mind that this is slightly larger than a standard water bottle. To give you an idea, it fits anywhere a water bottle does i.e backpack side-pocket or bicycle drinks holder.

Bose Soundlink Micro

• Weight : 290 g (0.63 lbs)
• Battery Life : 6 hours
• Wireless Range : 9 m (30 ft)

The Bose name is one that’s synonymous with fantastic quality in the audio equipment market. As a company it’s known for concentrating on great sound, and the Bose Soundlink Micro is no different.

Despite being pocket-sized, it’s crisp and balanced and has a decidedly decent bass. In fact, considering just how small this travel speaker is, you’ll be amazed at the sound it pumps out.

It’s also perfect for all and any travel adventures and was designed to be both portable and durable. 

The Soundlink Micro’s exterior is made entirely from silicone rubber. It’s soft yet rugged, and built to withstand dents, cracks and scratches.

It’s also completely waterproof making it perfect for outdoor use, particularly around the pool or on the beach.

A clever and unique travel feature is the tear-proof silicone strap on its back. This allows you to strap it to virtually anything it will fit around.

The handlebars of a bike, a bag strap, your wrist, your belt loop, nothing’s off limits. The strap makes it even easier to transport.

Perhaps surprisingly for a mini travel speaker, it has speakerphone capabilities. Perfect if you’re doing something active like hiking or cycling so you don’t need to physically pick your smartphone up.

The main drawback of the Bose Soundlink Micro is that its battery life is not amazing. If you’re after something that will keep the tunes banging all day, this isn’t it. But unfortunately it’s a necessary trade off for such a small device.

Bose Soundlink Revolve

• Weight : 680 g (1.5 lbs)
• Battery Life : 12 hours
• Connectivity : Bluetooth and 3.5 mm auxiliary input

Next up is another from the wireless Bose range, the Soundlink Revolve. This one’s for Bose fans after a travel speaker with longer battery life and bigger sound than the Soundlink Micro.

It takes all of the great stuff that you get from the Micro and dials it up a notch.

The aesthetic design is completely different. It’s a gorgeous-looking piece of kit made from durable aluminium and with a seamless body for true 360° sound.

The slightly conical shape provides you with deep, immersive sound from all angles. It also makes it easy to grab from the top of the speaker.

The Revolve can go astonishingly loud for its relatively small size and has a beautiful overall tone. However, at the very top volumes you may experience some distortion, depending on what you’re playing.

Like the Micro it has speakerphone capabilities. Additionally there’s a special button to access Siri or Google Assistant.

Another cool feature is its universal threaded mount. This allows you to connect it to a tripod and create an elevated speaker to really get the party started.

While it’s not fully water-submersible, the Revolve is water-resistant so still protected against splashes and spills. This means it’s still great to take to the pool or beach and there’s no problem if it gets rained on.

It’s not as rugged as some of the other travel speakers on this list, but it sounds and looks delicious. 

• Weight : 540 g (1.19 lbs)
• Wireless Range : 30 m (100 ft)

JBL has developed a reputation for building awesome bluetooth speakers that far outperform their price point. The JBL Flip 5 continues that tradition, packing a huge punch for the price.

Its slick, cylindrical design is relatively similar to the UE Boom 3 with rubber end caps and a similarly tough material cover.

And like the UE Boom3, it’s extremely durable. Fully waterproof, and resistant to knocks and bangs, it’s perfect for standing up to the day-to-day challenges of travelling.

The JBL Flip 5 also sounds fantastic, particularly if you’re into bass-heavy music. The bass is bone-rattlingly booming, without compromising the overall sound.

It uses USB-C quick charge capability meaning it takes less time to fill the battery. You can charge up and get back on the road even faster.

This is a great all-round travel speaker at a very fair price. 

Anker Soundcore Flare

• Weight : 530 g (1.17 lbs)

If you’re looking for a low-cost travel speaker that still combines many of the features of the top-range models in this category, consider the Anker Soundcore Flare.

It looks a bit like the Bose Soundcore Revolve with its conical shape. But rather than being made from aluminium, it’s got the durable fabric covering of the UE Boom 3. 

Like the best travel speakers, the Soundcore Flare is also completely waterproof and extremely durable.

Anker have also added an LED lightshow feature. While for some this might seem a bit unnecessary from a speaker, there’s no denying it’s great in a party setting.

The lights have various different modes to suit your mood, but can also be turned off completely. This saves battery and will obviously be more appropriate for certain settings.

The Souncore Flare makes a surprisingly impressive noise for the price point, providing well balanced 360° overall.

While it doesn’t quite compare to the more expensive models in this department, you can’t complain for the price. And unless you’re a stickler, you probably won’t be disappointed.

That is unless you plan on really banging out the beats. Because while this small travel speaker is good at lower volumes, it’s a different matter when you crank it up.

It can start to sound a bit harsh when you dial it up. And even with Anker’s advertised Bass Up tech, it lacks real resonance and bite in the lower ranges.

For your average user, this is going to be a perfectly decent travel bluetooth speaker. 

OontZ Angle 3

• Weight : 283 g (0.62 lbs)
• Battery Life : 14 hours

For a pretty premium travel speaker on a pauper’s budget, take a look at the OontZ Angle 3. While it’s not mind-blowing, it ticks a lot of the boxes without breaking the bank. 

I’ll say right off the bat, for this price, you can’t expect it to perform like the very best travel speakers on this list.

Despite that, if you’re searching for a cheap and cheerful small travel speaker, this won’t be far off.

So first the good stuff. It’s a small travel speaker. I mean, really small and far more portable than most on this list.

It weighs hardly anything and could fit in your back pocket making it super-easy to carry around anywhere.

It’s hard-wearing, water resistant and dustproof, perfect for taking on trips. The materials are solid and it’s protected by rubber end caps.

It’s also got hands free capability, a rarity in a bluetooth speaker of this size and price.

So the bad? Well while it’s reasonably loud for its size, it doesn’t project amazingly in outside spaces. If you’re down at the beach, for example, you’re gonna need to crank it up.

On the plus side, unlike most cheaper speakers, there’s no distortion at top volumes. 

On the face of it this should solve the issue. But bear in mind playing at high volume reduces the battery faster.

Having said that, the battery life is excellent, so the negatives are counteracted overall by the positives!

The OontZ Angle 3 probably isn’t suitable if you’re partying and blasting the tunes. But if you’re looking for a low-priced speaker that’s suitable to take on your travels, you could do far worse.

Tribit StormBox

• Weight : 498.9 g (1.1 lbs)
• Battery Life : 20 hours
• Wireless Range : 20.1 m (66 ft)

I don’t think it would be unfair to say that the Tribit StormBox looks like it’s been directly modeled on the JBL Flip 5.

Its shape and design is strikingly similar, down to the little wave in the rubber end plates. But let’s not pretend that’s a bad thing, because the Flip 5 is a sweet piece of kit.

Unlike the Flip 5, this travel speaker isn’t equipped with a big booming bass. In fact, that lack of deep resonance is probably the most disappointing thing about the StormBox. Especially when they specifically emphasise its XBass Technology.

Despite this, the overall sound is actually really crisp and balanced. So unless you’re a bass freak, you shouldn’t be too worried.

The StormBox is also waterproof and highly durable, perfect for taking on your travels. 

One of this travel speaker’s best features is the extremely long battery life. Lasting up to 20 hours, it will make the party last all day and all night.

Given its relatively low price point, it’s a remarkably well put together piece of kit. 

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Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

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The best outdoor speakers in 2024: Great sound and durability

The best outdoor speakers let you enjoy your music in the fresh air — here are our top picks for any budget

• Best for installations
• Best value portable
• Best portable with Wi-Fi
• Best solar powered
• Best for bass
• Best for installations on a budget

Best boombox-style portable

• Best portable for bass

Also tested

• How to choose

How we test

1. Best for installations 2. Best value portable 3. Best portable with Wi-Fi 4 . Best solar powered 5. Best for bass 6. Best for installations on a budget 7. Best boombox-style portable 8. Best portable for bass 9. Also tested 10. How to choose 11. How we test

The best outdoor speakers combine solid sound with rugged build to withstand the elements of a life outside. Whether you're cleaning up the yard, picnicking in the park, hanging out at the beach or relaxing by a pool, these all-weather speakers are protected from splashes and a little light rain, and some speaker designs can even be left outdoors the whole year round. 

Here we've tested models of all different shapes and sizes for their ability to survive a sudden rain shower, hot tub splashes or even the occasional dunk in the pool. Many have decent enough battery life to allow you to listen for most of the day, too. 

With one of our best outdoor speakers to hand, you'll be able to rock out to party tunes, or create a more relaxed sound vibe wherever the mood takes you. We’ve tested and rated each model in areas including sound quality, durability and battery life. We've tried each speaker in different locations to see how they perform in the cozy confines of a patio to large backyards or public parks.   

Read on to discover which are the best outdoor speakers to undergo our rigorous review routine, ranked and rated for all kinds of spaces and budgets.

The best outdoor speakers available to buy right now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best outdoor speakers for installations

1. Polk Atrium 4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The best outdoor speakers have to withstand the elements and deliver robust bass, crisp treble and full midrange with enough power to be heard over both the wind and the chatter of a party. These Polk speakers check all the boxes, and still usually cost less than $200.

At 8.6 x 6.7 x 5.7 inches, the Atrium 4s are small enough so that they won't dominate your landscape and big enough to deliver full sound. While they don’t have much bass, they produce more low end than other outdoor speakers of similar size (big bass lover though should perhaps consider Polk's Atrium 5). With a 4.5-inch mid-woofer/tweeter and a 0.8-inch tweeter inside each speaker, the Atrium 4 aptly handled both the distorted guitars of classic rock and the thumping bass of hip-hop while producing clear vocals.

If you want more bass and have the space (and some extra cash), consider Polk's larger Atrium 5 speakers, which come with 5-inch midrange woofer/tweeters.

Read our full Polk Atrium 4 review .

Best value portable outdoor speaker

2. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth speakers under $100 that we’ve reviewed. Balanced sound and a portable design make it a great companion, while the Outdoor Boost feature does its job. And for most people 14 hours of battery life is plenty.

If you think you need beefier sound or a longer battery life, the  Megaboom 3  might be worth the investment. It also can be paired with additional UE speakers for stereo sound. Charging the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is our only real disappointment. Going from dead, the speaker took over two hours to reach the chime that indicates a full charge. This is probably due to Micro-USB charging, which is rather outdated, and we wish it had USB-C charging like most of my other devices. Otherwise, the UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the best options for the price.

Read the full  UE Wonderboom 3 review .

Best portable outdoor speaker with Wi-Fi smarts

3. Sonos Move 2

The Sonos Move 2 is a great outdoor speaker and ranks as one of the  best Bluetooth speakers  on the market. The Move takes the well-tuned sound and rich feature set found in the Sonos One and lets you take it on the go, with a 24-hour battery packed into a portable (albeit fairly hefty) design. 

In our review, we found the Move delivers a crisp sound with satisfying bass and clear vocals. As one of the best smart speakers , the Move 2 works with all major streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music, it sports Apple AirPlay 2 support and can seamlessly switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi on the fly. Alexa and Google Assistant support allow you to do anything from check the weather to control your smart home, while the Sonos Voice Assistant offers hands-free playback even when you're on Bluetooth. 

But the best part? The Move's Auto Trueplay tunes the speaker's audio output for wherever you're listening, whether you're having a rooftop party or rocking out in your bedroom.  

Read our full  Sonos Move 2 review . 

Best solar powered outdoor speaker

4. Lodge Solar Powered Speaker 4

As one of the best solar speakers we've encountered, the Lodge Solar Speaker 4 is ideal for long sunny days with your favorite playlist as your soundtrack. It needs a full hour in direct sunlight to achieve a 3 hours of playback, but there's a USB-C port for battery top-ups on cloudy days; battery capacity is expected to top out at 22 hours. The IP66 dirt and water protection rating makes it an ideal outdoor speaker for poolsides, and the Lodge claims that it can handle temperatures from 32º and 115º Fahrenheit (0º to 46º Celsius). 

In our review, we found that the speaker paired easily with Bluetooth devices. It maintained a strong connection outdoors with the playback device placed more than 50 feet away. There are touch controls on the tops surface next to the solar panels that allow users to access Bluetooth pairing and navigate playback, volume, as well as connect to other Lodge speakers. Sound quality was impressive and a match for the Sonos Move 2 listed above. It handled all kinds of music styles well, and although there are no EQ controls, there's a handy Bass Boost mode to add extra oomph should you need it.

Read our full Lodge Solar Speaker 4 review .

Best outdoor installation speaker for bass

5. Klipsch AW-650

If you subscribe to the "go big or go home" school of outdoor entertaining, the AW-650 speakers are some of the best outdoor speakers you can buy. These monsters of rock measure 15 x 11 x 9.5 inches and feature a 6.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. The result is thunderous bass and crisp, full vocals that can easily overpower the ambient noise of the outdoors when you want.

The AW-650 speakers are built like a tank, with a UV-resistant ABS plastic polymer enclosure that's backed by Klipsch's lifetime warranty. And at 9 pounds each, you'll want to make sure you securely mount them if you choose to place them up high; they would also work well at floor level.

Read our full Klipsch AW-650 outdoor speaker review .

Best outdoor speakers for installations on a budget

6. Yamaha NS-AW150W

When it comes to the best outdoor speakers, the Yamaha NS-AW150W hit a sweet spot in sound, size and cost. They deliver good overall sound, with especially crisp treble and full vocals. The bass isn’t as powerful as others among the best outdoor speakers, but few this size hammer out the low end well.

The speakers produce a crisp sound with some bass, though the low frequencies may get lost among ambient sounds. The sound is also fairly narrow, meaning it doesn’t spread as widely across an open backyard. Still, they produce good vocals and crisp treble, and throw in a bit of bass too — all for just $99 for the pair. 

Read our full Yamaha NS-AW150W review .

7. JBL Boombox 3

The JBL Boombox 3 is one of the larger portable Bluetooth speakers around. Its deep bass and vocal clarity fills large open spaces with a big sound that's perfect for larger outdoor parties, and the IP67-rated beast makes it perfect for outdoors events and pool parties.

As the name suggests, this isn’t the first Boombox in the series, and JBL has built on its predecessors with a new three-way speaker system made up of two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a racetrack-shaped subwoofer.

Its size and shape feels like a bit of a throw-back to those nineties boombox days. But unlike the bulky models of the era, the JBL measures 19.0 x 10.1 x 7.9-inches and weighs an entirely portable 14.7 pounds. Battery life is entirely practical too, and runs to 24 hours for all-day sounds from a 6.5 hour charge. It comes in two color options: black or a more conspicuous squad colors design. Among big portable Bluetooth speakers that are rugged enough to withstand the elements, the JBL Boombox 3 stands out for its sound quality.

Read our full  JBL Boombox 3 review .

Best outdoor portable speaker for bass

8. UE Hyperboom

The UE Hyperboom blends the size and power of a true outdoor speaker with the versatility of a Bluetooth speaker. This 14-inch tall speaker offers huge, balanced sound for outdoor gatherings and cookouts, and lasts for 24 hours on a charge to power your patio hangs all day and night.

The Hyperboom is also IPX4 rated, making it able to withstand splashes and drizzles. With easy Bluetooth pairing to any mobile device, big bass and sharp high-end, the Hyperboom is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy for social gatherings.

Read our full UE Hyperboom review .

As Tom's Guide's audio experts, we test a lot of speakers but not every model makes it into a buying guide. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. The picks in this guide are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options. These alternatives have all been through our rigorous testing processes but didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.

Sony ULT Field 7: As one of the most robust portable speakers for outdoor sounds, Sony's powerful ULT Field 7 has a lot going for it. From the enhanced low-frequency output to the IP67 durability rating, it's an ideal speaker for generating big bass sounds by a pool, say. It's rated to withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for short periods (although we don't recommend trying it out). It goes loud, and bass fiends will love the Sony's output. Audio performance is best when turning on Sound Field Optimization in the companion app, which automatically scans your environment for ambient noise and dynamically adjust sound. Lastly, there are synchronised LEDs at each end of the cylindrical cabinet and battery life is rated at 30 hours. Just be aware that this big portable weighs 14 pounds and its price feels high compared to rivals.  

Read the full Sony ULT Field 7 review  

How to choose the best outdoor speakers for you

5 things to consider.

Along with price, there are several other factors to consider when choosing the best outdoor speakers. 

1. Design: As you shop for outdoor speakers, the first thing you’ll want to look for is weather-proofing. Outdoor speakers should be at least partially water-resistant, and if you want to leave them outside all the time, they should be fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. The next thing you’ll want to consider is how the speakers will be connected. Many outdoor speakers are wired, so you’ll need a power source. If that’s not doable in your backyard or patio, then you will want to concentrate on portable Bluetooth speakers. 

2. Sound quality: Next, think about how big your space is and what kind of volume level you’ll require. If you have a small patio or mainly want music for dinner parties, a smaller set of outdoor speakers may be perfectly adequate. But if you have a large suburban backyard or want to host crowded dance parties, you may want to shop for larger speakers with more audio capacity.

Different models offer different sound, and some models offer personalized sound via companion app, which allows the user to create their own profiles and tweak EQ levels to their hearing.

3. Battery life:  Most outdoors speakers are also portable and typically manage around 15 to 20 hours.

4. Accessories:  Make sure there's a power/charging cable at the very least, and a user guide.

5. Pricing considerations:  Last but not least, there’s cost. Outdoor speakers can get pricey, as they need to be tough and rugged enough to withstand the elements. You can still find great sets at any budget level. Note that Bluetooth speakers are generally going to be more expensive. 

Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on an outdoor speaker the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for the budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor. 

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are discounted at online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our tech deals  pages to keep track of the lowest prices.

For the best outdoor speakers, we look at a number of factors. We start with audio quality: how bass, mid-range, treble and vocals sound. Are they balanced? What kind of woofer, midrange driver and tweeter do the speakers have? We also look at size and range to determine how the outdoor speaker will sound in different settings, from a large backyard to a smaller patio or deck. Will the speaker be able to fill various areas or are they better in certain set-ups?

Naturally the best way to answer these questions is to play a variety of music genres, outside in the conditions you'd normally expect to find these speakers.

Next, since these are outdoor speakers, we have to take weatherproofing into consideration. Are they temperature and water resistant? Does the speaker’s housing ward off against bugs and dust? Other factors include how easy it is to mount/install the speakers along with using any smart technology features. 

And we want to test a variety of outdoor speakers at different price points, so that we can recommend one for every type of budget. If you want something even more affordable, check out the best cheap Bluetooth speakers — though only some of these will offer waterproofing.

Contributions from: Michael Gowan, Kate Kozuch

Find out  how we test  for more information on our reviewing procedures.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best-sounding smart speakers you can buy right now
• Best waterproof speakers for a pool party  
• 5 of the best Bluetooth speakers for every budget

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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• Electronics

The Best Outdoor Speakers

By Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a writer dedicated to audio gear. He has been reviewing speakers and other audio products for more than 30 years.

We love the convenience of portable Bluetooth speakers . But for those who want a more permanent—and higher-quality—outdoor audio setup for a backyard or patio, we suggest a good pair of weatherproof outdoor speakers.

The OSD Audio AP650 speakers are your best choice because they sound good, mount easily, and are built to survive harsh weather, bugs, and dust.

Everything we recommend

OSD Audio AP650

The best outdoor speakers.

These speakers have a clear, full sound that works well for any type of music, and they’re sealed against water and bugs.

Buying Options

Yamaha NS-AW294

Similar performance, less weatherproofing.

These speakers deliver full sound, but they’re not the best choice for places that experience severe weather.

Upgrade pick

Dayton Audio IO8XTB

Big, bassy, yard-filling sound.

This speaker sounds clearer than our less-pricey picks, and it produces a lot more bass. It’s larger and costs a lot more, though.

Budget pick

Dual Electronics LU53PW

Decent sound at a very low price.

This compact, affordable speaker pair is completely sealed, but it doesn’t have as much bass or sound as good at loud volumes as our top pick.

OSD Audio BTP525

A wireless solution for smaller areas.

These speakers have Bluetooth and a stereo amp built in, making installation simpler. They sound good, but they won’t play as loudly as our other picks.

How we picked and tested

Figuring that most people don’t want to spend much on backyard sound, we focused on models costing less than $350 per pair.

We listened to these speakers in a real backyard, the same way you’d be likely to use them at home.

Many outdoor speakers are sold only through AV installers. We tested only models you can purchase directly through retailers.

All of the models we recommend are designed to withstand several seasons of rain, snow, heat, and errant hose blasts.

The OSD Audio AP650 speakers are the best value we’ve found in an outdoor pair. Their clarity beats anything we’ve heard from other models priced under $200 per pair. And they have a full, powerful sound that can easily fill an outdoor space, up to about 1,500 square feet. They have enough bass for R&B, hip-hop, and rock music, even when they’re used with a small amplifier .

Because these speakers have a fully sealed design, there’s no concern about water, dust, or bugs getting in. This pair is also more rugged than most under-$200 outdoor speakers, with a thicker enclosure and a sturdy, powder-coated mounting bracket.

If you want to spend a little less to get decent outdoor sound, the Yamaha NS-AW294 speakers are a good choice—as long as you don’t live in a place where blustery rainstorms are common, since their ported design may allow water to get in and potentially cause damage. The NS-AW294 speakers don’t sound as clear as our top pick, but they do have a solid amount of bass and can play pretty loudly.

The Dayton Audio IO8XTB speaker is roughly twice the price and size of our OSD and Yamaha picks, but we can safely say this speaker offers at least twice the performance. Not only does it deliver much more bass, but its sound is also clearer and smoother. Whether you listen to hip-hop, rock, folk, or classical, you’ll appreciate the improvement.

Those who want to keep their investment to a minimum will like the Dual Electronics LU53PW speakers. Though they don’t have much bass and can have a rather blaring sound when turned up loud, they sound decent for background music, podcasts, and radio. They’re also more compact than the other non-powered models we recommend, and they are completely sealed to prevent water from seeping in.

The OSD Audio BTP525 speakers are a good choice for someone who needs sound for a small area, as well as for those who want speakers that are very simple to install. All of our other outdoor speaker picks require complicated installation and wiring, and a separate amplifier. With the BTP525, Bluetooth and a stereo amplifier are built in, so you just have to mount the speakers, run a wire between them, and connect the power supply to the speakers and an outdoor AC outlet. The sound quality is similar to—although not as loud or full as—that of the OSD Audio AP650 pair.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, our pick: osd audio ap650, runner-up: yamaha ns-aw294, upgrade pick: dayton audio io8xtb, budget pick: dual electronics lu53pw, also great: osd audio btp525, other good outdoor speakers, the competition.

I’m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. I’ve worked as an editor or writer in audio publishing for over 30 years, and I’ve reviewed more outdoor speakers than any other writer in the world (which says more about audio publications’ lack of interest in outdoor speakers than it does about me).

In the course of producing the original version of this article and many updates, we’ve conducted brand-concealed listening tests to get feedback from numerous listeners, including senior staff writer Lauren Dragan .

These speakers are for people who want a more permanent audio solution for a patio, backyard, or other outdoor space, as opposed to using a portable Bluetooth speaker .

Outdoor speakers are weather resistant, so in most cases you can leave them mounted outside without having to worry about them malfunctioning due to water damage. These speakers have metal grilles and fairly rugged plastic enclosures, so they’ll usually survive minor impacts, and bugs will find it difficult to nest inside them.

Most outdoor speakers are passive designs that must be powered off of a separate amplifier. They don’t need to be plugged in or recharged, but you will need to run speaker wire to them from the amp. You can power the speakers off of an existing home-theater receiver , if you have a couple of unused amplifier channels. Most stereo receivers have a “speakers A/B” button that lets you route the sound to a second set of speakers, or you can use an inexpensive speaker switcher. You can also use a mini stereo amplifier .

You will have to keep the amplifier indoors and run the wires through your walls or attic to the outside of the house, which requires skill, effort, and experience. Most localities allow running low-voltage (namely, audio, video, and networking) cables through walls without a permit, but you should check your local building codes to confirm. Be sure to use CL2 - or CL3-rated cables, which are fire-rated for safety.

A simpler alternative is a set of outdoor speakers with amplifiers and Bluetooth built in . With this option, the only wires you have to run are the cable between the two speakers and the connection to the power supply. You’ll need a nearby outdoor AC outlet, and you’ll probably prefer to unplug the power supply when the speakers aren’t in use.

The environmentally minded shopper may appreciate that a decent set of outdoor speakers should last many years; we’ve had a couple sets that lasted more than a decade. The same can’t be said of active speakers (such as Bluetooth speakers) that use rechargeable batteries, which typically lose much of their ability to hold a charge after a few years of use and are usually difficult or impossible to replace. There’s also no technology in passive (unpowered) outdoor speakers that might become obsolete.

Outdoor speakers rarely sound as good as a decent set of bookshelf speakers designed for indoor use. The very things that make them suitable for outdoor use can hinder sound quality—the plastic enclosures tend to produce a boomy sound, and the perforated metal grilles can partially block the sound waves coming from the speaker drivers.

So our search for the best outdoor speakers focused on finding the ones that make the fewest sonic compromises while offering easy setup and good weather resistance.

Here are the criteria we considered:

• Weather and impact resistance: All of the speakers we considered use plastic enclosures, metal grilles, and drivers that are designed to withstand minor impacts (such as a poorly thrown football), rain, or the occasional accidental spray from the hose.
• Configuration: These speakers are usually sold in pairs and are designed to be attached vertically or horizontally to a wall, fence, tree, etc. They all include mounting brackets, and they’re usually available in black or white.
• Cost: We set a price ceiling of $350 per pair for these speakers. While we have tested more expensive models, we’ve found only one or two that offered a significant step up in sound quality to justify the higher price.
• Styling: Although you can find outdoor speakers shaped like rocks or concealed in outdoor lighting, we focused our search on conventional speaker designs.
• Availability: We tested only speakers that people can buy directly through online and/or brick-and-mortar stores, rather than models available exclusively through custom installation companies.

I started the testing process by breaking in every speaker with music for 10 hours. I then listened to all of them in my backyard. If any speaker exhibited severe anomalies, such as distortion in deep bass notes or harsh treble that made voices sound grating, I eliminated it.

Next, I conducted brand-concealed listening tests with three speakers at a time, using an Audio by Van Alstine AVA ABX remote-controlled switcher and Outlaw Audio Model 2200 amplifiers. I mounted the speakers side by side on large wood panels attached to the walls of the house, covered the speakers with thin black fabric, and used the AVA ABX to match the levels of the speakers to within about ±0.3 decibels and select among them. I then asked the listening panelists for their opinions on performance. Lastly, I revealed the identities and prices so they could judge the looks and value.

The OSD Audio AP650 speakers are the best outdoor pair because they’re rugged and fully sealed against weather and insects, they sound good, and they’re reasonably priced.

They sound good. Our listening-test panelists picked the AP650 speakers as their favorite because they delivered a more even balance of bass, midrange, and treble than all the other speakers we tested in their price range. Bass and kick drum, sax and vocals, and cymbals and acoustic guitars all came across about even, and no instrument drowned out the others.

We did find the midrange and treble to be a little boosted and coarse-sounding, which could make voices sound a little “scratchy.” But for an affordable outdoor speaker pair, these are pretty great.

They’re more rugged than most speakers at this price. The mounting bracket is folded at the edges to add stiffness, so it won’t sag the way simpler, cheaper brackets sometimes do. It’s also powder-coated, which means the finish is less likely to flake off and encourage rust.

Heavy-duty, spring-loaded, push-button binding posts provide a firm, reliable connection for the speaker cables. OSD provides a snap-on cover to help prevent water from dripping into the speaker connections.

Because the AP650 speakers are sealed, you don’t need to worry about water, dust, or bugs getting inside. I tried blasting an AP650 speaker with a hose, and the speaker survived just fine. The AP650 carries an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of IPX6, which means it can withstand powerful jets of water.

They’re versatile. These speakers swivel back and forth, and unlike most outdoor speakers, they can also tilt up or down plus or minus 25 degrees, thanks to a series of holes drilled in the mounting brackets. This feature will come in handy if you have to mount your AP650 speakers high on an exterior wall.

A 70-volt version of the AP650 is available for an extra $10 to $15 a pair; this option is useful if you want to string multiple speakers around your yard, but it requires a special 70-volt amplifier .

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The AP650 speakers have a decent amount of bass, but those wanting lots of deep bass should step up to the Dayton Audio IO8XTB speakers.
• The sound with vocals can be a little rough and “scratchy,” especially at loud volumes; again, demanding listeners should consider the Dayton Audio IO8XTB speakers.

The Yamaha NS-AW294 speakers are not built as well as the OSD AP650 pair, but they usually cost around $30 less, and our panelists felt they sounded almost as good. Their styling is arguably a little nicer than that of many competitors, right down to the swiveling logo, which can adapt to horizontal or vertical positioning.

They don’t sound quite as full or balanced as our top pick. These speakers mildly boost the treble, which adds emphasis to cymbals, violins, and acoustic guitar and also makes voices sound slightly thin—although this character also makes the sound seem a little more spacious, which can be desirable for outdoor listening.

The NS-AW294 speakers have a decent amount of bass, and the fidelity of the bass is pretty good. “The lows have an actual pitch to them, not just a boom,” Lauren noted.

They aren’t built as well. Even though the NS-AW294 speakers are about 38% bigger than our top pick, they’re 34% lighter, largely because their plastic cabinet walls are much thinner. But the speaker’s bracket has a powder-coated finish that should survive well outdoors.

These speakers can’t tilt vertically like the AP650 speakers can. They have spring-loaded speaker-cable terminals, but they’re of the cheap plastic variety and require a very firm push to open all the way.

Also, we noticed a couple of complaints on Amazon about the grilles on the white version rusting, so it might be wiser to choose the black speakers for harsher climates.

The ported design is a downside. Water might get in and damage the speaker. I blasted the speaker’s front grille with a garden hose for about six seconds, and when I shook the speaker, I could hear that a couple ounces of water had gotten in. However, a direct hose blast is a worst-case scenario for most outdoor speaker installations, and small amounts of water will eventually evaporate.

Still, if you live in a climate where thunderstorms are frequent, you might want to spend the extra money for our top pick. If you do choose the NS-AW294 pair for this type of climate, be sure to mount the speakers under eaves where they’ll be less exposed to nature’s fury.

Listening tests of outdoor speakers are usually like taste tests of under-$3 wine—one hopes for transcendence but is wise to keep expectations low. That’s why it was such a delight to find the Dayton Audio IO8XTB .

This speaker sounds great and plays loud. It has the same smooth, natural sound with voices that you can expect from a good indoor bookshelf speaker, which few outdoor speakers deliver. This model also has a lot more bass than most outdoor speakers.

The IO8XTB’s speaker drivers—an 8-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a bass-boosting passive radiator on the back—work together flawlessly, so the IO8XTB exhibits none of the roughness with voices that’s typical of outdoor speakers.

Also unlike most outdoor models, the IO8XTB can play loud, deep bass notes from hip-hop and EDM tunes without distorting. I found that a pair of them could easily fill my 1,800-square-foot suburban backyard with loud, clear sound.

The IO8XTB is bigger than many outdoor speakers. It measures 15 inches high and weighs 10.8 pounds, so it may look obtrusive in some settings. It’s available in black or white (if you prefer a white finish, look for model number IO8XTW ).

This speaker carries an IP66 rating, which means it’s dustproof and can tolerate direct blasts from a hose.

The IO8XTB uses a standard mounting bracket, so it attaches easily to a wall or under eaves. The bracket doesn’t seem as sturdy as the one that comes with the OSD AP650, and we worry that it might sag a little after a few years.

The spring-loaded binding posts are sturdy and secure, but they are placed in a way that makes attaching the speaker cables difficult. However, that’s likely a one-time task.

A switch lets you use the IO8XTB with a 70- or 100-volt audio system. So you can drive large groups of speakers with a single amplifier, but this requires an amp designed for that purpose .

This speaker’s grille dents easily. And unlike most speaker grilles, this one can’t be removed easily. So if you try to pull the grille to pop a dent out, you may end up putting more dents in it.

The Dual Electronics LU53PW speakers are ideal for those who want light music in an outdoor space and don’t want to spend much money. The LU53PW sounds better than anything else we’ve tried in the mid-double-digits price range, although it’s a clear step down from our other picks.

They don’t sound as full and satisfying as our top pick. These speakers sound somewhat thin because they don’t have much bass. They can also sound harsh when you crank up the volume because they emphasize the midrange (i.e., voices) too much.

But at least these speakers don’t distort when asked to play hip-hop and heavy rock, which is something few cheap speakers can claim. For casual background music, they’re fine—but if you want to create more of a party atmosphere, you’ll be better off with one of our larger picks.

The Amazon page for the LU53PW says it has a 1.6-inch midrange driver and a 0.75-inch tweeter. However, the one we ordered from Amazon has what appears to be a 1-inch tweeter with a 0.5-inch “supertweeter.” We haven’t heard the version with the midrange driver.

The speakers seem pretty rugged, despite their low price . There are no ports that might permit water or bugs to enter, and the powder-coated, stamped-metal mounting brackets seem strong enough to support a speaker of this size and weight. Soaking an LU53PW with a garden hose seemed to have no effect on its performance.

The back panel has two ¼-20 threaded sockets for use with gimbal mounts . A standard set of metal binding posts is provided to connect the speaker cables. A version with a black cabinet and grille, the LU53PB , is also available. Unlike most other outdoor speakers, the LU53PW has tiny feet on the bottom that allow it to rest on a shelf or stand if you choose not to mount it.

For someone who wants outdoor speakers that are very simple to install, we recommend the OSD Audio BTP525 because they have built-in Bluetooth and amplification—you can send audio signals to them wirelessly, and you don’t have to run speaker wire. But you do have to plug them into a power outlet.

Installation is simple. Many people are probably more willing to eat live crickets than they are to drill a hole in the side of their house to run speaker wire. Yet that’s exactly what most installations of passive outdoor speakers require. And it’s what you’ll have to do if you want the most powerful, yard-filling sound.

But if you’re just looking to do some light listening on the patio, the OSD Audio BTP525 speakers can give you that. In most cases, each should take only about 15 minutes to install. Just screw the brackets into the wall or fence, connect the power supply, connect the supplied cable between the two speakers, and plug in the system.

These speakers won’t play as loudly or sound as full as most of our other picks. However, they will sound more robust than most portable Bluetooth speakers. And they deliver true stereo sound.

The BTP525 speakers sound pretty smooth for their price, with none of the peaks and dips in response that make voices sound harsh, sibilant, or boomy. We did find ourselves pining for more bass sometimes. However, when we played hip-hop tunes at full blast, the bass didn’t distort, and voices still sounded clear—which is not the case with many small speakers we’ve tested.

A larger version, the BTP650 , is also available. It has a fuller, bassier sound, but it costs much more than the BTP525. We’re guessing that those looking for a quick, simple solution to outdoor sound for a small patio would probably choose the BTP525. But if you’re going to play your system loud, go for the BTP650 pair.

Bluetooth pairing was easy with my Samsung phone. When I got a phone call, I put in my Jabra earbuds and the phone switched over automatically; it automatically switched back to the speakers when I was done. The Bluetooth connection is always available, as long as the speakers are powered on. I got about 80 feet of range through one window, so you can probably bring your phone indoors without having the signal drop out.

The power supply is IP67-rated. That means there should be no danger if it gets wet. However, when you plug it into an AC outlet, that connection will be vulnerable if it’s exposed to the elements. So you can’t leave this system plugged in all the time if there’s a chance the AC outlet could get splashed or hit with rain.

The speaker itself does not carry an IP rating, but it’s a sealed design and should be about as water resistant as a typical passive outdoor speaker.

If you want outdoor speakers that can be hung overhead or staked into the ground: Consider a set of pendant-style outdoor speakers. They’re designed to either hang from a cable (in which case they point downward) or be staked into the ground (in which case they point forward, presumably at the listener). We tested the Dayton Audio WP65BT and the OSD Audio Forza5 and Forza6 , and we found that the WP65BT and the Forza6 looked and sounded the same. Both sounded good when they were hanging from my eaves, and they have enough bass that they don’t really need a subwoofer. They seem to emphasize midrange sounds, such as voices. The Forza5 didn’t sound as good; it seemed to cover up the sounds of voices to some extent, and it made them sound coarse.

When I tried mounting these speakers near the ground, facing me, the sound was somewhat glaring. However, OSD sent along the Forza10 passive subwoofer , which connects between an amplifier and the speakers. With the subwoofer connected to the forward-facing Forza6 or WP65BT, the subwoofer’s deep bass better balanced out the sound. And I got a big, yard-filling sound that would be perfect for parties—although at a total cost of close to $400.

So if you find the pendant style appealing, and the speakers will hang down, the Dayton WP65BT and the OSD Forza6 are both recommended. If you want speakers you can stake to the ground and hide in the landscaping, we recommend adding the Forza10 subwoofer (or the Dayton Audio IOSUB , which appears to be identical).

We have evaluated numerous outdoor speakers in the course of several comparison tests. Although many of them fell short of our top picks in performance, some of them are viable options. If you’re interested in a certain model that’s not listed below, check out our running list of the outdoor speakers we’ve tested .

Dayton Audio IO65XT : This is the smaller version of our upgrade pick, the IO8XTB . Although it’s only about half the price of the IO8XTB, it’s just an average performer in its price range; the bass sounds somewhat bloated, and voices can sound a little rough.

Definitive Technology AW5500 : We generally liked the AW5500, but we found its midrange-heavy sound rather unengaging.

Klipsch AW-525 : We found the treble of the AW-525 pair exceptionally clear, but we thought it overpowered the midrange and the bass, making the sound somewhat thin.

MartinLogan ML45WH : These little speakers offered wonderfully clear reproduction of voices and most instruments, but their bass distorted.

Monitor Audio Climate 60 : Although the Climate 60 is a beautifully designed speaker, its midrange didn’t sound very smooth, and it needed more bass.

Monoprice 13614 : We found these speakers to have an extremely bright and blaring sound.

OSD Audio AP640 : This inexpensive model didn’t fare well in our panel tests—it didn’t produce enough bass, and the balance of bass to midrange to treble sounded skewed.

OSD Audio AP850 : This big speaker sounded way too bassy to most of our panelists.

Polk Audio Atrium4 : The Atrium4 sounded too midrange-heavy to our panelists, making voices and many instruments sound blaring.

The Sound Appeal SA-BLAST5 Bluetooth outdoor speaker pair costs a little less than the OSD BTP525 speakers but sounded slightly distorted in our tests, which reduced the clarity of vocals.

Yamaha NS-AW390 : This former top pick is good, and it’s still for sale even though it’s been replaced by new models. But our current picks sounded better in tests.

This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.

Meet your guide

Brent Butterworth

Brent Butterworth is a senior staff writer covering audio and musical instruments at Wirecutter. Since 1989, he has served as an editor or writer on audio-focused websites and magazines such as Home Theater, Sound & Vision, and SoundStage. He regularly gigs on double bass with various jazz groups, and his self-produced album Take2 rose as high as number three on the Roots Music Report jazz album chart.

Further reading

The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

by Brent Butterworth

The UE Wonderboom 3 is the all-around best portable Bluetooth speaker because it sounds good and looks cool, and it’s the most rugged model we’ve tested.

First Look: The New Sonos Roam Speaker Is Versatile but Pricey

by Elissa Sanci

The soon-to-be-released Sonos Roam may be the most versatile speaker available. But is it worth the hefty price tag?

How to DIY Your Own Outdoor Movie Theater

by Geoffrey Morrison and Adrienne Maxwell

Skip the cinema this summer and enjoy a movie night in your backyard.

Outdoor TVs Are Built to Withstand the Elements, but Do You Really Need One?

by Lee Neikirk

Outdoor TVs are built to withstand the elements, but they generally cost more than their indoor counterparts. We weigh in on whether to buy one.

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11 Essential Gadgets to Enhance Your Travel Experience

T echnology is more prevalent than ever in today’s society. According to countless experienced travelers, bringing the correct devices and tech items on a trip can mean the difference between leveling up your adventure or having a decidedly average time. Here are the must-have gadgets that will elevate any experience.

1. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are arguably the most essential piece of technology you could have on any adventure. Besides giving your ears and brain the gift of music, they also serve a practical purpose: Drowning out any unwanted noise. Whether you’re trying to block out a baby’s crying while flying or trying to get some much-deserved rest in a busy hostel, modern headphones’ noise-canceling capabilities are vital.

2. Extra Chargers

Many savvy travelers know one unspoken rule: Thou shalt take more than one device charger. If you only bring one charger for your devices, you are destined to lose that lifeline as soon as possible. For maximum peace of mind, bring along an extra charger (or three). Nothing kills the momentum of a fantastic adventure quicker than having to hunt down a cell phone charger in the middle of an exciting day.

3. An Electronic Luggage Scale

You never want to be “that person” who must sheepishly unpack his checked bag at the airport because it’s too heavy. That person is laughed at. Fortunately, there’s a way around this embarrassing situation: Bring a small, electronic luggage scale!

By weighing your bags before you head to the airport, you’ll know exactly what to expect. You’ll hopefully avoid any situations that require you to hastily unpack and repack your belongings while a long line of travelers secretly judge you for your stupidity.

4. Fire Stick or Chromecast

On every vacation or adventure, you’ll inevitably be faced with a decent amount of downtime, usually in the form of relaxing in a hotel room, Airbnb, or hostel. In many of these places, guests can plug their Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast directly into the TV to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies from their accounts. Take advantage of this great feature. Nothing helps a room feel more like home than watching your favorite shows in bed.

5. An iPad or Tablet

Even though smartphones are getting bigger each year, nothing can beat the convenience of immersing yourself in multimedia via an iPad or Android tablet. Is there anything better than getting comfortable on a couch, firing up Netflix on your iPad, and dozing off for a well-earned midday nap? I think not. These devices are more affordable than ever, making them no-brainer gadgets to bring on any trip.

6. Nintendo Switch

Nintendo hit a home run a few years back with the release of the Nintendo Switch, a versatile quasi-mobile gaming console compatible with numerous five-star video games. If you’re worried about the occasional bout of boredom while traveling, the Nintendo Switch is here to help. In the eyes of many gamers, it’s the only option for entertainment that doesn’t involve mindlessly binging a Netflix series.

7. Portable Battery Pack

Every traveler eventually comes face to face with their smartphone running out of battery life. Arguably, nothing is more stressful than seeing your smartphone battery indicator turn red. To make matters worse, finding a wall outlet to plug in your charger may be impossible. All travelers can avoid this doomsday scenario by bringing a portable battery pack. It’s a lifesaver for anyone prone to their devices running out of juice at the worst times.

8. A High-End DSLR Camera

While high-end digital SLR cameras are prohibitively expensive, owning one means you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to take world-class photos and videos of your adventures. Offerings from companies like Sony and Nikon can elevate your photo-taking to new levels. While modern smartphones have excellent cameras, nothing can replace the jaw-dropping clarity of photos taken with a DSLR camera.

9. Wired Headphones

While wireless earbuds are the logical choice for travelers (especially if they have noise-canceling capabilities), there is one scenario where wired headphones come in handy: when flying on a plane.

Sometimes, the most relaxing thing in the world is plugging in a pair of cheap, wired headphones into the infotainment screen in front of you and watching a classic movie while you doze off to sleep. Until airplanes introduce Bluetooth-capable seatback entertainment systems, wired headphones are essential.

10. A Bluetooth Speaker

As long as you’re not around others, blasting your favorite tunes from a Bluetooth speaker is acceptable. Many men and women confess their go-to move is to find a quiet place on a beach or near a lake, relax with an adult beverage, and listen to their favorite songs as they contemplate the next move on their adventure of a lifetime. Bluetooth speakers are getting smaller with each iteration, making them increasingly easy to fit into luggage.

11. A Laptop

A laptop is a must-have on any vacation if you’re a digital nomad (or are attempting to dive head-first into that lifestyle). The prospect of making money while exploring the world is too tempting for many to pass up. In my eyes, there’s nothing more rewarding than working hard and rewarding myself by exploring some of the world’s most exciting and historic places .

This article was originally produced and syndicated by Budget and Invest .

Donald Trump is convicted of a felony. Here's how that affects the 2024 presidential race

Having been convicted of 34 felonies, Donald Trump cannot own a gun, hold public office or even vote in many states

NEW YORK -- Having been convicted of 34 felonies, Donald Trump cannot own a gun, hold public office or even vote in many states.

But in 158 days, voters across America will decide whether he will return to the White House to serve another four years as the nation's president.

Trump's conviction in his New York hush money trial on Thursday is a stunning development in an already unorthodox presidential election with profound implications for the justice system and perhaps U.S. democracy itself.

But in a deeply divided America, it's unclear whether Trump's status as someone with a felony conviction will have any impact at all on the 2024 election. Trump remains in a competitive position against President Joe Biden this fall, even as the Republican former president now faces the prospect of a prison sentence in the run-up to the November election.

In the short term at least, there were immediate signs that the unanimous guilty verdict was helping to unify the Republican Party’s disparate factions as GOP officials in Congress and in state capitals across the country rallied behind their presumptive presidential nominee, while his campaign expected to benefit from a flood of new fundraising dollars.

Standing outside the courtroom, Trump described the verdict as the result of a “rigged, disgraceful trial.”

“The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people," Trump said, referring to Election Day. “This is long from over.”

The immediate reaction from elected Democrats was muted by comparison, although the Biden campaign issued a fundraising appeal within minutes of the verdict suggesting that the fundamentals of the election had not changed.

“We're THRILLED that justice has finally been served,” the campaign wrote. “But this convicted criminal can STILL win back the presidency this fall without a huge surge in Democratic support.”

There has been some polling conducted on the impact of a guilty verdict, although such hypothetical scenarios are notoriously difficult to predict.

A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll found that only 4% of Trump’s supporters said they would withdraw their support if he’s convicted of a felony, though an additional 16% said they would reconsider it.

On the eve of the verdict, the Trump campaign released a memo from its polling team suggesting that the impact of the trial is “already baked into the race in target states.”

Trump campaign advisers argued the case would help them motivate their core supporters. So many donations came into WinRed, the platform the campaign uses for fundraising, that it crashed. Aides quickly worked to set up a backup platform to collect money pouring in.

Trump headed Thursday night to a fundraising event scheduled before the verdict, according to a person familiar with his plans who was not authorized to speak publicly.

His two most senior campaign advisers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, were not with him in New York, but in Palm Beach, Florida, where the campaign is headquartered.

And while it may take days or weeks to know for sure, Trump's critics in both parties generally agreed that there may not be much political fallout, although some were hopeful that the convictions would have at least a marginal impact in what will likely be a close election.

Sarah Longwell, founder of Republican Voters Against Trump, who conducts regular focus groups, suggested the guilty verdict may help Biden on the margins by pushing so-called “double haters” — a term used to describe voters who dislike Trump and Biden — away from Trump.

But more than anything, she suggested that voters simply haven't been following the trial very closely.

“The best thing about the trial ending is that it ended," Longwell said, describing the courtroom proceeding as a distraction from more serious issues in the campaign. “There will now be an opportunity to focus the narrative on who Trump is and what a second Trump term would look like.”

Republican pollster Neil Newhouse predicted that the trial may ultimately have little impact in a lightning-fast news environment with several months before early polls open.

“Voters have short memories and even shorter attention spans,” Newhouse said. “Just as the former president’s two impeachments have done little to dim Trump’s support, this guilty verdict may be overshadowed in three weeks by the first presidential debate.”

The judge set sentencing for July 11, just four days before the scheduled start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Each of the falsifying business records charges carries up to four years behind bars, though prosecutors have not said whether they intend to seek imprisonment. Nor is it clear whether the judge — who earlier in the trial warned of jail time for gag order violations — would impose that punishment even if asked.

Trump will be able to vote in Florida, where he established residency in 2019, if he is not in prison on Election Day.

And imprisonment would not bar Trump from continuing his pursuit of the White House.

Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who was with the former president in court this week and also serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, said in a Fox News Channel interview before the verdict that Trump would still try to campaign for the presidency if convicted.

If Trump is given a sentence of home confinement, she said, “We will have him doing virtual rallies and campaign events if that is the case. And we’ll have to play the hand that we’re dealt."

There are no campaign rallies on the calendar for now, though Trump is expected to hold fundraisers next week.

Biden himself has yet to weigh in.

He was spending the night at his family’s beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after marking the anniversary of his son Beau’s death earlier in the day at church.

Texas voter Steven Guarner, a 24-year-old nurse, said he’s undecided on who he'll vote for in the upcoming election.

Guarner, an independent, said the verdict will be a deciding factor for him once he studies the details of the trial. He didn't think it would sway the many voters who are already decided on the Biden-Trump rematch, however.

“I think his base is the type that might not care much or might agree with him about the court system,” Guarner said of Trump.

Indeed, Republican officials from Florida to Wisconsin to Arkansas and Illinois condemned the verdict as a miscarriage of justice by what they described as a politically motivated prosecutor and blue-state jury.

Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s executive committee, called the case against Trump a “sham” and a “national embarrassment.”

“There was no justice in New York today,” Schimming charged.

And Michael Perez Ruiz, a 47-year-old who was ordering food shortly after the verdict at Miami's Versailles restaurant, an icon of the city's GOP-leaning Cuban American community, said he would continue to stand by Trump.

“I would vote for him 20 times,” Perez Ruiz said.

AP writers Emily Swanson and Zeke Miller in Washington; Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York; Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin; Adriana Gomez Licon in Miami; and Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen, Texas, contributed.

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Brian Hochman

The Birth of Spy Tech: From the ‘Detectifone’ to a Bugged Martini

Eavesdropping technologies of various sorts have been around for centuries. Prior to the invention of recorded sound, the vast majority of listening devices were extensions of the built environment. Perhaps nodding to the origins of the practice (listening under the eaves of someone else’s home, where rain drops from the roof to the ground), early modern architects designed buildings with structural features that amplified private speech. The Jesuit polymath Athanasius Kircher devised cone-shaped ventilation ducts for palaces and courts that allowed the curious to overhear conversations. Catherine de' Medici is said to have installed similar structures in the Louvre to keep tabs on individuals who might have plotted against her. Architectural listening systems weren’t always a product of intentional design. Domes in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the US Capitol building are inadvertent “whispering galleries” that enable people to hear conversations held on the other side of the room. Archaeologists have discovered acoustical arrangements like these dating back to 3000 BC. Many were used for eavesdropping.

The earliest electronic eavesdropping technologies functioned much like architectural listening systems. When installed in fixed locations—under floorboards and rugs, on walls and windows, inside desks and bookcases—devices like the Detectifone, a technological cousin to the more common Dictaphone, proved predictably effective. According to a promotional pamphlet published in 1917, the Detectifone was “a super-sensitive device for collecting sound in any given place and transmitting it by a wire thru any given distance to the receiving end, at which point the person or persons listening are able to hear all that is said at the other end … It hears everything, the slightest sound or whisper … The result is the same as though you were present in the room where the conversation was being carried on.” 

Such devices were typically marketed as investigative tools for private detectives and law enforcement agencies. But manufacturers also envisioned more pedestrian uses for the technology: verifying the loyalty of business associates, corroborating statements made under oath, even monitoring patients in hospitals and insane asylums.

The devices that we now think of as “bugs” emerged much later. (In fact, the word bug didn’t gain traction as a nickname for a concealed eavesdropping device until after World War II.) During the late 1940s, electronic innovations made it possible for eavesdroppers to miniaturize listening technologies like the Detectifone. This made them easier to hide. It also freed them from the strictures of the built environment, dramatically expanding their reach. 

Reports of an American bugging epidemic began circulating in the early 1950s—first, as glimpses of the man-made miracle of electronic miniaturization began to appear in newspaper exposés, trade magazines, and Hollywood films, and later as congressional subcommittees revealed scandalous eavesdropping tools on the floor of the US Senate. The numbers were impossible to substantiate, but by 1960 all accounts suggested that the bug had outstripped the wiretap as the professional eavesdropper’s weapon of choice. The electronic listening invasion had begun.

The middle section of The Eavesdroppers, a 1959 book by the University of Pennsylvania engineer Richard Schwartz, was intended to account for this new development in the world of electronic surveillance. Brusquely titled “Eavesdropping: The Tools,” Schwartz’s chapter took stock of the miniaturized listening devices that professionals were using in the field. In the process, he told a more disconcerting story about ordinary technologies turned against the society that had created them. There were induction coils that allowed eavesdroppers to listen to telephone conversations without making physical contact with telephone wires. A special brand of conductive paint, invisible to the unaided eye, could redirect phone signals to outside lines. There was a new class of microphones engineered to be smaller than sugar cubes and thinner than postage stamps. These could be secreted away in surprising locations: wall sockets, picture frames, packs of cigarettes. They transformed everyday items into covert listening machines.

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Then there were the technologies of remote listening, futuristic gadgets that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Tiny radio transmitters embedded in briefcases or wristwatches could broadcast conversations to eavesdroppers lying in wait elsewhere. Directional microphones shaped like satellite dishes and shotguns could intercept conversations from thousands of yards away. Schwartz even reported on the development of an eavesdropping laser beam, long rumored to be on the open market. Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on how you looked at the situation—this was the only device he discovered to be apocryphal.

The Supreme Court’s earliest rulings on electronic eavesdropping— Goldman, Irvine, and Silverman —also happened to coincide with a flurry of technical innovations in the electronics industry. The ambiguity of the law made state and federal officials much less equipped to keep pace with the developments that ensued.

Behind the rapid advances in electronic eavesdropping was a single technological innovation: the transistor. Pioneered by researchers at Bell Laboratories in the late 1940s, transistors provided the means to make electronic components smaller, enabling the development of a host of technological devices that helped to reshape postwar American society: the calculator, the portable radio, the hearing aid, and—perhaps most importantly—the integrated circuit and the personal computer. Scholars typically identify the transistor as the breakthrough that made the “information age” possible. But there was an ominous side to the technology, often overlooked in historical accounts of its social applications. Transistors were easy to construct, and by the late 1950s they were cheap and easy to acquire. When electrical engineers and surveillance experts realized their potential, they ushered in what Harold Lipset later remembered as a period of “extreme miniaturization” in the field.

In The Eavesdroppers, Schwartz reported that transistorizing a bug halved its size without changing its overall manufacturing cost. The resulting eavesdropping devices, some no bigger than the head of a matchstick, seemed nothing short of miraculous: bugged television sets, staplers, doorbells, and flower arrangements; bugged shirt buttons, tie clips, hat bands, and lighters; even bugged lipstick tubes and cavity fillings. As Alan Westin explained, these weren’t “‘Buck Rogers’ developments, technically possible but still on the drawing boards.” They were “already in use, and spreading across the nation with cancerous speed.”

All told, the combination of rapid technological innovation and crawling legal control yielded a situation that one federal official described as “total anarchy.” Following Dash and Schwartz’s lead, lawmakers in Washington soon turned their attention to the bugging epidemic. The congressional hearings that ensued, led by Edward V. Long and the Senate Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure, mostly served to expand on the territory that The Eavesdroppers had already covered. But disturbing new details about the pervasiveness of electronic eavesdropping came to light—at first in pieces, and then seemingly all at once. In 1960, the US ambassador to the United Nations disclosed that a listening device had been lodged inside the state seal of the American embassy in Moscow for the better part of a decade.

News reports suggested that as many as one out of three divorce cases in major American cities involved a conversation intercepted by a hidden microphone, and as many as one out of five businesses had purchased top-of-the-line audio surveil- lance equipment to spy on competitors. A torrent of books and articles on the electronic eavesdropping crisis appeared, some written by former professionals in the field. The titles suggested that the nation had at long last reached a point of no return: “Bug Thy Neighbor” (1964), The Privacy Invaders (1964), The Naked Society (1964), “The Big Snoop” (1966), The Intruders (1966), The Electronic Invasion (1967), The Ominous Ear (1968), The Third Listener (1969). And in the midst of the mounting anxiety, a private detective with a flair for the dramatic appeared before Congress and pretended to sip a dry martini throughout his testimony. The olive in his glass contained a listening device, designed to record conversations at a range of up to 40 feet. At the end of the proceedings, he played back his opening statement for rhetorical effect.

This is excerpted from   The Listeners: A History of Wiretapping in the United States by Brian Hochman published by Harvard University Press.

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Johnson Asks Supreme Court to Overturn Trump Verdict

May 31, 2024 at 1:56 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard Leave a Comment

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called for the Supreme Court to “step in” to overturn the guilty verdict against Donald Trump in his “hush money” criminal trial, Axios reports.

Said Johnson: “I think that the Justices on the court – I know many of them personally – I think they are deeply concerned about that, as we are. So I think they’ll set this straight.”

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About Political Wire

Goddard spent more than a decade as managing director and chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City. Previously, he was a policy adviser to a U.S. Senator and Governor.

Goddard is also co-author of You Won - Now What? (Scribner, 1998), a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians from both parties. In addition, Goddard's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country.

Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University. He lives in New York with his wife and three sons.

Goddard is the owner of Goddard Media LLC .

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Father of North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore dies at 75

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KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. (AP) — Rick Moore, the father of North Carolina Republican House Speaker Tim Moore and a former local elected official, died Monday at age 75.

The elder Moore died at his Kings Mountain home after a “long-term health battle,” Tim Moore spokesperson Demi Dowdy said Tuesday.

Richard Keith Moore was a U.S. Army veteran who owned and operated a furniture store and a convenience store in Kings Mountain. He also served on the City Council for 12 years, according to an obituary from Harris Funeral Home.

Among those expressing condolences Tuesday was Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who in 2017 appointed Rick Moore to the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board.

In addition to his son, Rick Moore’s survivors include his wife, Jean; a daughter; and four grandchildren.

A funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, with interment to follow.

Rick Moore’s death prompted the House to cancel its committee meetings and any floor votes this week. The Senate won’t have meetings after Tuesday or floor votes this week. Tim Moore is in his record fifth two-year term as speaker and is running for Congress this year.