I have some of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy right now, so in this article, I want to share my picks for the best Bluetooth speakers by category—with all different sizes, prices, and crazy features. Some of these are very popular speakers that you’ve probably heard of, but I think others might surprise you with brands you’ve maybe never even heard of.
Now, we’ll talk about the smaller ones, of course, in this article, but first, we got to start off with my absolute favorite, a beast of a speaker.
Here is the best Bluetooth speaker list.
Sony Alt Power 10
The best jumbo party speaker is none other than the Sony Alt Power 10. This speaker is unbelievably loud with window-rattling bass and really cool customizable lights. One of my favorite features is that it comes with two microphone inputs—one wireless microphone included in the box, and you can easily add a wired microphone for dual karaoke sessions, making it super fun for parties.
At some of my parties, I realized just how much people love karaoke. It became a huge hit, with guests singing all night long! Besides karaoke, this speaker’s big sound and customizable lights make it ideal for any gathering. It even has a phone or tablet stand for easy DJ setups or karaoke use.
This massive speaker plugs directly into AC power, which helps minimize the weight, but note that it’s not battery-powered. You get various input options: Bluetooth, USB, optical, and 3.5mm inputs, along with multi-point connectivity. There’s also a cool ALT button that adds two extra sound modes: bass-heavy and ultimate bass modes for even more powerful sound.
JBL Clip 5
The best mini speaker you can buy right now is the JBL Clip 5. It’s compact, versatile, and strikes a great balance between price, size, sound, and features. Priced at $79, it’s available in nine different colorways, giving you a variety of stylish options.
One of the standout features is the built-in clip, making it super easy to attach to a backpack, shower, boat, or lawn chair—basically anywhere you want. Despite its small size, the sound is substantially louder and better than your phone, plus it offers up to 12 hours of battery life.
It’s IP67 water and dust resistant, so you can confidently use it in the shower or outdoors. The multi-point connectivity feature lets you connect two devices at once (like a phone and laptop), and it even supports Oracast, a futureproof feature you don’t see much yet but will be more
Sony LinkBud Speaker
The most versatile speaker this year is the Sony Link Bud Speaker, a curious little cube that’s incredibly versatile, compact, and surprisingly loud. It’s perfect for both outdoor adventures (clipping onto a backpack) and home use.
Here’s why I’m most excited about this speaker:
- Battery-powered: You can easily take it on the go or set it on its charging dock to keep it ready at home. No more dead speakers when you need them!
- Wireless charging: This makes it convenient to use without always plugging it in.
- Quick access button: A single press can instantly start Spotify, while a double press can open Amazon Music, making it easier to get your music playing quickly.
- Auto switch feature: Seamlessly swaps between Sony earbuds (like the Link Buds or 1000x series) when you remove them and put them in their case, transferring music automatically to the speaker.
- Great call quality: It also has an excellent microphone, making it perfect for conference calls at your desk.
- IPX4 water resistance and 25 hours of battery life: This speaker is built to last through a variety of conditions and use cases.
It comes in two colors and fits well into various lifestyles—whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home.
Bose SoundLink Flex 2
The best-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker is the Bose SoundLink Flex 2. Though it looks almost identical to the first generation, this second edition continues to impress with its excellent sound quality and very minimal distortion. Unlike other speakers of its size that tend to focus heavily on bass, the SoundLink Flex 2 delivers a well-balanced sound.
Key features include:
- Available in four colors, with a premium metal grill on the front and a grippy silicone back that prevents slipping.
- IP67 water resistance makes it durable and great for outdoor use.
- Provides 12 hours of battery life.
- Can pair with other Bose speakers for a multi-speaker setup.
- The new top button and features like multi-point connectivity and an EQ in the app make it even more versatile.
This speaker is perfect for occasions like a river float or a small party, offering excellent sound in a durable and portable package. Sound quality remains the main reason to choose this speaker for any adventure.
Mifa WIldcamping
Best For Adventures To something completely different, though, I know I said I like this one when you’re around a campfire, but the best for adventures is the Mifa Wildcamping Speaker. This speaker is perfect for actual camping, going deeper into the woods, or just any outdoor activities when it’s dark out.
This is a really cool speaker because it doubles as a lantern, allowing you to set it around on a picnic table while playing music and seeing everything around you. It features two different light modes and a dimmer, so you can choose a blue light that might be easier to see or a warmer light that ideally attracts fewer bugs.
Additionally, it’s IP67 water-resistant, which means it can handle the elements. On the bottom, there are ¼ threads, so you can mount it on a tripod, making it versatile—maybe if you’re going night fishing on a boat, for instance. It also has Bluetooth 5.3, adding to its convenience.
The only recommendation I have is, if you’re in a campground, always remember to be respectful to those nearby. But if you’re deep in the woods backpacking, this speaker can add a lot of fun to your adventure.
Marshall Middleton
Might as well play some music, and of course, the best-looking Bluetooth speaker is very subjective, so I’ll let you share your comments down below and let me know what you think. My personal pick is the Marshall Middleton. It comes in two different colors: the black and brass or the cream version. This speaker resembles the old Marshall amplifiers, giving it a nostalgic aesthetic that looks really cool.
It’s also a solid-feeling speaker—very heavy in the hand and packed with premium features. It has nice buttons on the top, including the ability to change the EQ directly on the speaker. Plus, it’s IP67 dust and water resistant, ensuring durability. You get 20 hours of playback from its battery, and you can connect multiple speakers in stack mode, which is such a cool term reminiscent of stacking amplifiers. There are six drivers in here for a richer stereo sound experience.
So yeah, it’s a really solid speaker that delivers well on sound, but the main reason I’m picking it here is for its looks. I think it’s a good-looking speaker, and for that matter, all of Marshall’s speakers are aesthetically pleasing. If this size isn’t right for you, just check out their other models; they have a lot that I personally think look really nice.
Bose SoundLink Flex 2
We have the best portable Bluetooth speaker for home. This category might sound super niche, but similar to the Bose SoundLink Flex 2, which is an all-around nice Bluetooth speaker, this one is a bit better suited for apartments if you want it to look nice in your home.
Introducing the Bose SoundLink Home. This speaker is interesting because I wouldn’t have expected Bose to create something so similar to the SoundLink Flex 2, yet the style is drastically different while still delivering fantastic sound.
It features a nice fabric exterior with the obvious outline of a driver on one side, complemented by a metal body with a brushed metal finish that looks really solid.
The physical buttons on the top are very nice and tactile, making it easy to switch pairing modes, control volume, activate voice assistants, and manage playback. Something about this speaker just feels right. I know it sounds great, but I can’t help but think it looks a lot better, too. If I were to have one of these sitting in my kitchen or a small apartment, I would definitely pick the SoundLink Home. It’s a really nice-looking speaker
Samsung Music Frame
Easiest to Blend Into Your Home Aesthetic I know I said the Marshall Middleton was the best-looking speaker, but if you’re aiming for something that blends seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic—especially for smaller homes or apartments—this next pick goes a step further. If you have a bigger home and you want a speaker that’s not only functional but almost invisible, the best option for overall home aesthetics is the Samsung Music Frame.
Unlike typical speakers, the Samsung Music Frame doesn’t even look like a speaker. It’s a photo frame that can hang on your wall or sit on a table or counter, so it effortlessly fits into your home decor. While it does need to be plugged in since it’s not battery-powered, this speaker delivers impressive sound. It can hit around 90 dB, which is loud enough to fill an entire home—perfect for parties or gatherings.
This speaker has a variety of inputs, making it easy to use. You can tap your phone to transfer music, especially if you’re using a Samsung phone. It connects to Wi-Fi, so you can cast music directly from Spotify or use Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and, of course, Bluetooth. It even supports voice assistants like Bixby for hands-free control.
The best part? Since it looks like a photo frame, it doesn’t take up space like a typical speaker. You can change the photo on the front, making it blend perfectly with your home’s decor. You can either choose custom art panels from Samsung or swap in your own 8×10 photo using the included frame. This makes the Samsung Music Frame a completely different class of product—a speaker that looks like a piece of art in your home.
Soundcore Boom 2
Getting back to more regular Bluetooth speakers, my choice for the best value boombox you can buy this year is from none other than Soundcore—a brand known for its great value products. The Soundcore Boom 2 is the one I personally bought on Amazon not too long ago for just $96. Considering its large size and the amount of sound it delivers, I think that’s incredibly impressive.
This boombox is perfect for parties or just about anywhere you want to take it. It features RGB lights on the sides and is IPX7 water-resistant, making it great for use near water, whether it’s on a boat or by the pool. It even claims to be floatable, though I haven’t tested that yet. It also offers 24 hours of battery life, ensuring it can keep the party going all day (and night).
In terms of sound, they claim it delivers up to 80 watts of output with a subwoofer. While that might sound like marketing talk, I can confirm that it has plenty of bass. Like most budget-friendly speakers, this one leans heavily towards bass, so it’s not the most refined or balanced sound. That said, it’s still great for parties, outdoor activities, or even playing pickup basketball. If you’re looking for a solid speaker without breaking the bank, the Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent value boombox that I highly recommend.
Beats Pill
If you’re looking for the best speaker that works well in most situations, there’s one that hasn’t been mentioned in a long time, mainly because the brand hadn’t released an update in years. But now, the Beats Pill is back with a new model, priced at $149. It’s a great size, and since Beats is owned by Apple, it dual native ecosystem compatible. This means it automatically sets up easily with both Android and iPhones, working similarly to AirPods but in speaker form.
It pairs effortlessly with iPhones, has a clean, minimal design, and comes in two iconic colors: black and the classic Beats red. Personally, I love the red version. It’s also IP67 water-resistant, so while you shouldn’t deliberately toss it in water, it can survive an accidental splash. With 24 hours of battery life, this speaker is small yet delivers loud, bass-heavy sound, making it great for smaller parties, pick-up basketball games, or casual outings like tennis.
In terms of versatility, it supports both Bluetooth and wired audio inputs, giving you options depending on your needs. For me, this speaker hits the sweet spot in terms of size, price, sound, and design. It’s the kind of speaker that’s easy to recommend, whether you’re gifting someone or buying one for yourself without knowing much about Bluetooth speakers.
Of course, there are tons of great options out there, and hopefully, one in this article resonates with you. Let me know in the comments
