Introduction
Identifying the finest Bluetooth speakers is a difficult and time-consuming task. When it comes to providing the absolute fine sound quality for your music, hundreds of models are available today; yet, only a few of them make the cut and fall in to the best Bluetooth speaker list while earning a recommendation.
However, the few that prove to be worth the investment come with long battery life, a practical design that is either portable and friendly or sits handsomely on your coffee table, and delivers the kind of sound quality to make a musical connection on par with the best headphones. These are the only features that make these few worth the investment.
We have compiled a list of some of the fine Bluetooth speakers to fit your demands and wallet, so whether you’re on a strict spending plan or eager to splurge, you can find what you’re looking here.
Although certain features will drive up the cost, such as an integrated digital assistant (like Alexa or Google Assistant) or support for AirPlay, you can still obtain a durable design and powerful specifications for a lower price. Now, lets take a look at the Best Bluetooth Speakers in 2023!
Which Brand Should I Turn Towards to Buy the Best Bluetooth Speaker in 2023?
If you want a mix of attractive design and superb sound, you should consider high-end audio companies like Bose and Bang & Olufsen; however, you should be prepared to pay quite high costs for these brands. Urbanista, Tribit, and Anker all provide excellent speakers that are reasonably priced and won’t break the bank if you’re looking to save some cash.
JBL is well-known for producing inexpensive, sturdy outdoor speakers, and the company’s range of party speakers even comes with built-in light displays. JBL is a pioneer in the industry.
Sonos speakers are wonderful if you want to bridge the gap between inside and outside by having the potential to form part of a larger multi-room system. Additionally, you can be certain that these speakers will sound amazing.
Ultimate Ears creates headphones that mix bright, colourful designs with tough constructions; several of their headphones can endure being submerged in water for an extended period. If waterproofing is a feature that is important to you, keep an eye out for models from Ultimate Ears.
Top 10 Bluetooth Speakers
1. Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth Speaker – Best Bluetooth Speaker to Buy in 2023!
OverviewEven though Anker’s Soundcore Motion Plus was released in 2019, it is still one of the finest-sounding speakers for under $100. Even though it’s bigger than little Bluetooth speakers, it’s still a small device. It has more bass, greater loudness, and better clarity than many of its competitors in its price range. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB |
| Speaker Type | Woofer |
| Recommended Use | Music |
| Brand | Anker |
Description
The Soundcore Motion Plus by Anker is a wireless Bluetooth speaker with a rating of IPX7 for water resistance and supports the aptX streaming codec for electronic gadgets such as Samsung’s Galaxy phones. The speaker has Bluetooth version 5.0 and a USB-C connector for charging.
The port and a 3.5mm audio input are concealed behind a rubber gasket, preventing moisture from entering the speaker. There are buttons to control the volume, link the device with Bluetooth, navigate the music, and amplify the bass on the top.
The Motion Plus’s sound quality is noticeably superior to that of the $100 UE Boom 2, JBL Flip 5, and Sony SRS-XB23, all of which are now on sale or were available for that price in the past. Not only does the Anker provide a greater amount of volume and bass, but it also has a more expansive soundstage.
While many of these smaller Bluetooth speakers might astonish you with how loud they can play, they are still confined and have their limits.
Pros
- loud and clear stereo audio
- Retro boombox design
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Bulky design, making it less portable
2. JBL GO2 – Best Water Resistant Speaker!
OverviewThe JBL GO 2 is a speaker that fits in the palm of your hand, is resistant to water, and can withstand a lot of abuse. It is one of the most well-rounded ultra-compact speakers available on the market, even though its tiny size restricts the audio performance potential it can have. It can become surprisingly loud, and it also features a convenient speakerphone. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
| Recommended Use | Beach, Music |
| Brand | JBL |
Description
Bigger speakers tend to provide higher audio performance because their drivers can move more air, which is facilitated by their larger size. It’s all about physics. However, the JBL GO 2 is one of those speakers delivering more power than its small stature implies.
While its 5-hour battery life might be better, this IPX7 waterproof speaker is a great deal for individuals who prioritize mobility above everything else.
Unlike other waterproof speakers, the JBL GO 2 does not have a textile covering on the outside; instead, it has a tough rubberized casing. The GO 2 is available in a whopping 12 colours, so you can choose the one that best reflects your style at the beach.
The grille on the front of the speaker is big enough to enable the sound to be dispersed, unlike the Sony SRS-XB41, which doesn’t have a front grille for passive bass radiators.
In terms of size, the JBL GO 2 Bluetooth speaker is a competitor, particularly considering its low pricing. We were pleasantly surprised by how loud the speaker could go despite its physical size, sound capabilities, and battery life limitations.
Pros
- ultra-compact form factor
- IPX7 water resistance
- speakerphone
Cons
- Short battery life
- The mic isn’t that sensitive
3. Sony SRS – XB13 Extra – Best Speakers for Music Players!
OverviewThe Sony SRS-XB13 is a portable speaker that is compact and easy on the wallet. It is the latest version of the Sony SRS-XB12, and very similar to its predecessor, it comes with a carrying strap so that it can be conveniently carried about while you are on the go. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Portable |
| Recommended Use | For Music Players |
| Brand | Sony |
Description
The Sony SRS-XB13 is a decent music player overall. It features a moderately boomy sound profile with a balanced mid-range, which guarantees that voices and lead instruments sound clear in the mix. This is because of the boominess of the sound profile.
Like most other compact speakers, it has trouble reproducing low bass, so you won’t feel the thud and rumble in songs emphasizing bass. In addition to this, the volume is particularly high, and it down-mixes stereo audio to mono, which can result in a less immersive sound
Even though it can’t go extremely loud, there are few compression artefacts at the maximum volume. As a result, your music sounds clear even when it’s turned up to a higher decibel level. Additionally, it features a quite spacious soundstage and a slightly boomy sound profile, providing additional bass to the overall mix, unlike the Sony SRS-XB12.
On the other hand, much like most other compact speakers we’ve evaluated, it still has trouble reproducing low-bass, which means you won’t feel the thud and rumble of bass-heavy songs like hip-hop. Additionally, it does not come with a graphic equalizer that you can use to tune the device’s sound.
Pros
- little compression at maximum volume
- fantastic directivity
- easy to use for anyone
Cons
- no graphic EQ or presets
- requires two units for stereo sounds
4. JBL Charge 4 – Best Speakers for Sound Options
OverviewThis Bluetooth speaker is not only one of the best-sounding options available at this price point but also offers a staggering 20 hours of playback time on a single charge. Additionally, due to the release of its newest sibling, this model, which is a little bit older, is currently on sale at several different retailers. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Smart Speaker |
| Recommended Use | For tablets and smartphones |
| Brand | JBL |
Description
As mentioned above, one of the most impressive features of this Bluetooth speaker is its incredible 20-hour playing life on a single charge, making it a great value for the price. Many merchants are now selling this somewhat older model due to the recent introduction of its most recent brother.
JBL reworked the audio in this version to make it more appealing to listeners with more discerning tastes. The bass floor will be limited with a speaker of this size, but the low end is tasteful, and there is enough punch.
You also receive a decent selection of features for your price. The Charge 4 has a water resistance rating of IPX7, which means it can withstand being immersed in water up to a depth of 1.5 meters. And in contrast to the Flip 5, the Charge 4 can power up your phone and any other device that can be charged by USB from a 5V source. This also includes tablets.
The Flip 5 (reviewed below) is more affordable and weighs less, but the Charge 4 is a near-perfect speaker for outdoor activities like camping and beach visits, as well as for usage at home because of its durable build; good battery life, and “battery sharing.”
Pros
- USB charging ports
- both tough and weather resistant.
- very good acoustics
Cons
- the nuances can be a little too subtle
5. JBL Flip 5 – Best Budget Speaker
OverviewSuppose you are looking for a robust, high-quality sounding best portable speaker and are willing to forego features like voice control and hands-free call capabilities. In that case, you won’t be disappointed by the JBL Flip 5’s simple core design, which supports playing over Bluetooth and has a few basic functions. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Recommended Use | For Music Players |
| Brand | JBL |
Description
If all you want is the best portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds as well as anything you can now purchase for approximately £100, it will be difficult to find anything better than the excellent Flip 5. The product from JBL has an amazing sound quality for the price, and it is more durable than necessary to withstand a day spent at the pool.
The Flip 5 features a battery life of 12 hours, an IPX7 designation for water resistance, and a USB-C charging connector, which means that it can go from being completely dead to having a full charge in a little over two and a half hours. It is a joy to use and scores well for portability, with a wrist strap that can be worn easily over our hands.
Both of these qualities contribute to its excellent rating. In addition, a PartyBoost button allows you to connect over 100 PartyBoost-compatible speakers together in mono sound or couple two PartyBoost-enabled small speakers to make a stereo pair.
The sound is surprisingly substantial and agile, including a nice bass punch and a genuine feeling of openness and texture. The bass is impressively hefty and elegant, unlike the JBL Flip 4 model.
If you can get over the fact that this speaker does not have an aux-in connection or an internal microphone (as the Flip 4 does), you will surely be impressed by its sound quality. A fantastic performer.
Pros
- great sense of acoustics
- solid brass and timing
- PartyBoost stereo pairing
Cons
- no aux-in or microphone
- isn’t compatible with Connect+
6. Bose SoundLink Flex – Best Lightweight Speaker
OverviewThe Bose SoundLink Flex may not be a surefire market leader due to its own (albeit rather small) flaws and the strength of the competition among Bluetooth speakers. However, it is an excellent alternative to the market leader if you’re on a budget and are not looking for all the high-end features! |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | USB, Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Recommended Use | Tablets or Smartphones |
| Brand | Bose |
Description
Even though it’s not the greatest portable speaker, the Bose SoundLink Flex checks many boxes, making it a good choice for Bluetooth speakers that will be put to various applications.
The SoundLink Flex has a battery life of roughly 12 hours, which isn’t the greatest you’ll find, but it’s still respectable. However, that is still more than what the JBL Charge 4 offers. A robust, aggressive, and powerful sound was also evident in the sound performance.
When listening to music outside, where there are no walls to bounce sound off of, this subwoofer’s bottom end has a lot of punch, even though the lower frequencies might need some fine-tuning.
There are various methods to manage your music, including by voice, via an app, or with internal controls – but there is no option to adjust the EQ settings, which we feel is a pity.
There are a plethora of ways to operate the SoundLink Flex. In landscape mode, the top edge of the chassis contains a few physical buttons for power on/off, volume up/down, connect with Bluetooth, play/pause, and forward/backwards skipping. It is possible to use Siri or Google Assistant to operate the speaker using voice commands, and the Bose Connect mobile app has some functionality (but not enough).
There is much to like about the Bose SoundLink Flex, and that’s before you consider the cache and trustworthiness of the Bose brand emblem. A bit more expressiveness in its low-end reproduction or a little more discipline in its overall sound while listening at considerable levels would make it a ‘no-brainer.’
Pros
- Bold sound with a lot of energy and impact.
- At high volumes, it might get a little choppy.
- Dynamic and rhythmic expressiveness are both impressive
Cons
- comes with fixed EQs
- can get edgy at high volumes
7. Treblab HD77 – Best Portable Speaker
OverviewThe TREBLAB HD77 is a lightweight, portable Bluetooth speaker made to a high standard. It comes with a detachable carrying strap and a carabiner clip, allowing you to clip it to your backpack and take it wherever you go. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Speaker Type | Subwoofer |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Outdoor |
| Brand | Treblab |
Description
The TREBLAB HD77 is a great device for listening to music. Because it has a design that encompasses the whole room, these stereo speakers provide an excellent soundstage that gives the impression of being open and large.
It has a very balanced sound profile, and the vocals and lead instruments seem in the mix; nevertheless, the midrange and treble registers are a touch uneven, which causes them to sound murky and lifeless at times. This stereo speaker has a design that encompasses 360 degrees, which allows it to provide a soundscape that is both expansive and immersive.
Additionally, it does not become extremely loud and does not have thumping low bass like most speakers of the same size. Regrettably, there are no sound modification capabilities, such as a visual EQ or presets, so you won’t be able to adjust the way it sounds to suit your preferences.
It features a design and construction comparable to speakers in the JBL Flip series, such as the JBL Flip 5. Because it has a water resistance rating of IPX6, which indicates that it can tolerate direct contact with water for a few minutes , you won’t need to be concerned about it becoming a little damp if you take it with you when you go outside.
Pros
- incredibly portable
- fantastic soundstage
- excellent EQs
Cons
- doesn’t get very loud
- lack sound customization
8. Ultimate Ears Boom 3 – Best Camping Speaker
OverviewWith an IP67 waterproof and dust-proof designation, the Boom 3 is the newest in Ultimate Ears’ best-selling portable outdoor speakers series. It can be immersed underwater for up to 30 minutes. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Indoor/Outdoor |
| Recommended Use | For Surround Sound Systems |
| Brand | Ultimate Ears |
Description
The UE Boom 3 is one of the greatest Bluetooth Speakers money can buy in 2023. This is a speaker that can be loud and not distort at high levels yet is light-weighted enough to come with you on a camping trip.
A one-touch mix button lets you access your favourite playlists without taking your phone out of your pocket. For a little speaker, the bass sounds fine (if not a touch thin). However, we were disappointed by the lack of depth in the mid frequencies, which play a large role in singing and keys.
The highest frequencies, particularly those of acoustic instruments, might have benefitted from a stronger kick, as could the treble frequencies, which lacked clarity in the highest notes. However, still much stronger than the UE Boom 2 version. For the third year in a row, the UE Boom 3 has struck all the right notes in a portable speaker that is reasonably priced for everyone.
UE Boom 3 users now have even more colour and pattern possibilities thanks to Ultimate Ears’ UE Boom 3 customization feature.
Pros
- IP7 waterproof/dust-proof
- powerful sound for its size
- rugged and robust design for durability
Cons
- the audio could be clearer
- not that customizable
9. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 – Best Affordable Speaker
OverviewBecause of its durability and powerful sound, we’ve given the UE Wonderboom line a five-star rating on this website. It’s hard to believe that UE has taken an excellent, inexpensive Bluetooth speaker and made it even better by adding some handy new capabilities. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Recommended Use | Pool, Outdoor, Beach |
| Brand | Ultimate Ears |
Description
In a short period, a lot has changed. The UE Wonderboom 2 is somewhat wider and slightly higher than the original Wonderboom (one of the best Bluetooth speakers 2021), by around three millimetres. At first appearance, it’s hard to tell what’s been changed, but there are many on the inside.
A new processor promises better sound quality, longer battery life, and, most importantly, a 10% increase in bass. The Wonderboom 2 has a new ‘boost’ button on the bottom for outdoor use. Allows the UE to play louder over the mid- and upper-frequency ranges when this is pushed.
A full charge takes around three hours, compared to slightly over two for Wonderboom 1’s 10-hour battery life. In addition to being waterproof and able to float like the original, the new model now has an IP67 classification, making it sand- and dust-proof. Handy if the Wonderboom 2 gets buried in the sand at your beach or picnic.
When two Wonderboom speakers are connected, a circular button on the speaker’s top is pressed to “double up” the sound. The centre button on two new speakers now pairs them in stereo mode, a capability previously accessible in the original version but updated.
The Wonderboom 2’s sound is as coherent and detailed as we could have hoped at this price point. In addition, the presentation improves. The twang of the double bass has subtle melodic subtleties that weren’t there in the original.
Pros
- weighty bass
- comes with a long battery life
- stereo pairing feature
Cons
no Google Assistant or Alexa
10. Tribit StormBox – Best Sub-Budget Speaker
OverviewThe Tribit Stormbox Blast is an unsubtle hunk of a speaker that explodes in all lights. However, if you listen to it rather than look at it, it opens up to show nuanced sonic skills that are comparable to models that cost three times as much. It can create music that is open, textured, and passionate. |
Key Specifications
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Recommended Use | Beach, Music, Pool |
| Brand | Tribit |
Description
With a maximum output of 115 watts, the Stormbox Blast is Tribit’s largest and most powerful Bluetooth speaker ever. It sounds just as clear as speakers costing three times as much, even at maximum volume levels, something its main competitor, JBL Charge 5, lacks!
Do you want a quiet, reserved sound from your wireless Bluetooth speakers to avoid upsetting your neighbours? In our testing, we discovered that the difference between two to three volume levels was enough to move from too quiet to too loud inside if you’re looking for a background soundtrack that isn’t distracting.
In any case, Tribit has made it clear that it wants to bring the party to you, and it has done so strongly. This device can be loud and yet sound excellent. Even if you’re afraid that only one speaker won’t be enough for your backyard bash, be assured that this speaker delivers exceptional sonic quality for the price.
Note that it’s heavy and that the lights can’t be turned off entirely; however, you can set it so that they only come on while adjusting the volume. It’s a little too obvious. The critique, however, stops there.
Pros
- USB-C charging of the devices
- excellent control panel
- talented, room-filling features
Cons
- XBass is not recommended in most situations
- no dust-proof ability
5 Things You Need to Look for When Buying the Best Bluetooth Speaker 2023
Before purchasing a Bluetooth speaker, it is important to examine the following specifications: Please read on!
Battery Life
When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, it can be difficult to know exactly how long of battery life you should be looking for, as this largely depends on how frequently you intend to take the speaker with you when you leave the house.
However, suppose you believe that you will be using your speaker regularly when you do not have access to a power outlet. In that case, you should attempt to locate a speaker with the longest possible battery life, preferably between 12 and 16 hours.
Speaker Size
Bluetooth speakers are often very portable and, as a result, have a lower weight rating than other audio equipment.
However, several rather weighty versions might make the entire mobility issue a little bit more challenging. Some Bluetooth speakers are not portable; they are intended to be used inside a house.
Audio Quality
The quality of the sound sent by your Bluetooth speaker is of the utmost significance. Suppose you want to have an enjoyable listening experience. In that case, it is important to consider the speaker’s audio quality, even though choosing the most visually beautiful or cheap speaker you can find can be tempting.
A premium speaker would often have a sensitivity of more than 90 dB, an impedance between six and eight Ohms. Not to mention the frequency response that extends from 20 Hz up to 20 kHz.
However, navigating these criteria can be challenging, so we suggest researching which speakers are regarded as having the highest quality sound on the market.
Audio Ports
It’s possible that a charging wire on its alone won’t always be sufficient. If your Bluetooth device ever acts up and won’t connect to your speaker, having an AUX port or a 3.5mm jack port available might greatly assist in establishing the connection.
Thanks to this feature, you can still listen to music via your speaker even if you don’t have Bluetooth, which enables a hardwire connection between your smartphone, laptop, or tablet and your speaker.
Dust and Water Resistance
Before making a purchase, you should verify the product characteristics to ensure that the Bluetooth speaker you want is waterproof since many of them are not.
The Ingress Protection Code classification, known as “IP67,” is used by many waterproof speakers. This indicates that the speaker will not sustain any harm even if it is submerged in water up to one meter-deep for thirty minutes.
The IP67 rating is also related to dust resistance, which means that any device built with protection at the level of IP67 won’t be affected by dust buildup even if it is exposed to a high level of dust. Other types of protection categories, such as IP68 or IPX7, will also be included in the specs of each particular speaker.
The Bottom Line
These are the Best Bluetooth Speakers to Buy in 2023. All the speakers tested above entail user portability, excellent sound options, and water resistance to use anywhere at any time.
We have compiled a buyer’s guide to help you pick one of your favourites. Enjoy listening to your favourite music and podcasts using one of these!