I was impressed with the sound quality, which measures up well against a few more expensive -- and some larger -- speakers on this list. We spend several hours listening to music, making calls and toting around every speaker to make sure it sounds great across all music genres, provides solid call quality and withstands minor bumps or splashes. Positive Grid's Spark Mini (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our favorite portable tools for musicians. 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? That means it will survive full submersion in shallow water for half an hour, and full dust-proofing is part of the package as well. The Essential is IPX4 splash-proof and has an integrated handle for easy toting. If you do want a light show, Anker also has the Soundcore Trance. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. The Anker Soundcore 3 is an amazing little Bluetooth speaker for outdoor sounds. The three up-firing drivers in the center of this large speaker shoot sound all around your space, using Sony's proprietary tech to offer the best possible sound in any room. The speaker has Bluetooth or a wired USB connection and there are guitar and mic inputs. However, the Hyperboom adds an optical digital input. The Wonderboom 2 is even better. (I put them out in the rain and they both survived without issues.) If you don't want to pay for the word processor, and Google Docs won't work for what you need, you have options. Here's how to make them vanish. This is a better option than the Sonos if you have no interest in a future home network of speakers. Tribit is known for its affordable smaller Bluetooth speakers that deliver very good sound quality and features for the price. The little 4-inch ball of joy now sports IP67 water and dust resistance. The Xtreme 3 offers JBL PartyBoost while the Xtreme 2 has JBL Connected Plus syncing technologies. As such, there are better alternatives if you need to fill a large space, but as a personal, portable speaker, the Go 3 is very likeable indeed. For starters, the price: It's $450 while the Boombox 2 is $500. Also, the midrange -- where vocals live -- is a bit recessed at its XBass default setting (I preferred the Music EQ setting in the companion app, which is a bit more balanced). It has a front-facing woofer and a tweeter on each side, powered by a battery that lasts around 20 hours (USB-C charging with a 3.5-mm jack too), depending on how much you tweak the stylish volume, treble, and bass knobs up top. Building on the success of the Sonos Move, the Sonos Roam is a connected smart speaker at home and powerful Bluetooth beast on the road. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. For just over $50, this tiny powerhouse delivers loud, well-balanced sound within an IPX7-rated design that can survive water, dust, while the robust rubberised outer case takes care of protection from every day knocks. But it's not the kind of thing you'd want to throw in a backpack. Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks. Whether you need workout earbuds or gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks. Anker's Soundcore Motion Boom is what I'd call a mini portable boombox speaker. To be clear, this offers bigger and better sound than the JBL Boombox 2 -- but it is harder to carry around. It delivers big bass and full vocals, and pairs with older Megaboom and Boom models for stereo sound. It can play all day without needing a recharge, and its waterproof so you dont have to worry about it falling into the pool or getting rained on for a while. The Sony is a little larger but weighs slightly less at 12.34 pounds (5.6 kg). That means you can ask the speaker for standard stuff like dinner suggestions or traffic info, or have it control any of best Google Home compatible devices. If you can afford it, you can link up two Hyperbooms and create a stereo pair. To be clear, this is a mono speaker that's designed to put out a lot of sound (there's a bass boost mode) from a reasonably sized design. Weighing 5.29 pounds (almost a pound more than the Motion Boom), it uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is equipped with upgraded dual 3.5-inch woofers and newly added dual 1-inch tweeters, delivering up to 80 watts of audio output (60W for the woofers and 20W for the tweeters). Other key features include an impressive 13-hour battery life and the ability to pair two Wonderbooms together for immersive stereo sound. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED. You can also pair it with older Megaboom and Boom models for a stereo sound experience. This portable and rugged sound blaster is still our best Bluetooth speaker overall. Its much more portable and more affordable than the Move, though, and its Auto TruePlay feature automatically adjusts the sound to suit its surroundings, whether youre listening in a noisy, urban park or a quaint, airy campground. All feature a built-in strap or handle that makes them easier to lug around. For outdoor use, I like the design of the Bluetooth Boombox 2 better than UE Hyperboom. The StormBox is my favorite model. JBL's app isn't as advanced as, say, the UE Megaboom 3's, and the Sonos Move has a lot more features. They're spendy, but you get Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, making them a great solution for those who like streaming audio directly to the speakers rather than from a phone. No, it can't fuel a trance dance party on its own, but its sound clarity is impressive, and it has a fun extra bass button that adds some surprising, if slightly muddy, thump. Summer will be over before you know it so its time to start thinking aboutback to school sales. But the new-for-2022 Motion Boom Plus is significantly improved, particularly in terms of sound quality. It's also IP67 waterproof and dust-proof and floats if you happen to drop it in a body of water. That's where a Bluetooth boom box or wireless "party" speaker comes in -- Bluetooth speakers that aren't exactly compact but do produce big sound and work well both indoors and outdoors. If you're willing to spend a lot more for the best of all portable worldslooks includedthis is the tiny luxury option to beat. While the power rating is a little higher for the Boombox 2, its top volume is about the same as the original. Updated June 2022: We've added the Positive Grid Spark Mini, and information about the upcoming KEF LSX II Wireless. Best with Wi-Fi smarts: Sonos Roam We'll update this article with our thoughts on the new, improved model when we have had more hands-on time. And despite the small investment, your return is IP67-rated waterproofing. The speaker works with all major streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music, sports Apple AirPlay 2 support and can seamlessly switch from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi on the fly. But the XBoom Go PL7 has much more than looks going for it. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Powerful Bluetooth boom box for less than $200, Beefy yet compact boom box with light show, Best Turntables Under $300 for 2022: Audio Technica, Pro-ject, Fluance and More, Best-Sounding Wireless Earbuds: Sony, Sennheiser and More Compared, Best Bluetooth Wireless Speakers for 2022. The larger Sonos Move is great if you want a speaker that usually lives inside, and which you can occasionally carry outside. In that sense, it offers a nice balance between size and power. But it's more energy-efficient, with a new Bluetooth 5.1 chipset. And it puts on a light show if you want some visuals to go with your audio. The Trance Go is essentially that speaker without the integrated LEDs that allow you to create a mini light show. KEF's astonishing LSX wireless speakers utilize the company's concentric driver design and beautiful enclosures to fill any medium-size room with audiophile-grade sound. And with an IPX5 rating, this speaker can handle sprays or splashes of water and keep on ticking. It goes deeper and has more punch to it. It's not a Bluetooth boombox, however, and doesn't feature an integrated handle like the Motion Boom and Motion Boom Plus. Like the Boombox 2, this has a USB-out port that allows you to charge devices like your phone and it also has analog audio input if you want to go wired and connect a device without using Bluetooth. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the company's smallest PartyBox speaker to date but it's still got some heft to it, weighing in at 13 pounds (5.9 kg). The Xtreme 3 has Bluetooth 5.1, the Xtreme 2 has Bluetooth 4.2 . I also liked how the speaker has no external AC adapter brick and only requires a cord for charging (the power adapter is in the speaker). 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. They get up to 16 hours of battery life, are IP67-rated for dust- and water-resistance, and you can even link multiples together for stereo sound. There's an integrated handle for toting the speaker, but the PartyBox 110 is pretty hefty, weighing in at 23 pounds and measuring slightly more than 22 inches tall. Doctor shares how to stop restless leg syndrome from ruining your sleep, Google Pixel Fold may have just been leaked by Googles own app, F1 Hungarian Grand Prix live stream how to watch the race free and online, F1 live stream 2022 how to watch free online, Hungarian GP race, standings, schedule and more, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. With 20-ish hours of battery and an IPX7 waterproof ratingwhich means it's not dust-proof but can be submerged in waterit's a great companion for backyard tunes, a trip down the river, or other informal gatherings. Released in 2021, the PartyBox 110 packs some serious punch and delivers bigger sound than some of the portable boombox speakers on this list, including JBL's own Boombox 2 (see below). They also sound amazing by every measure. It doesn't have lights or cup holders like some other party speakers, but this is the best-made large Bluetooth speaker we've tested. It's easily one of the best new Bluetooth speakers of 2022. The Beosound Level is a very expensive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, but it is modularly designed and aims to be repairable forever. These wireless Bluetooth models aren't compact, but they pack some real punch and are ruggedized for outdoor use. WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. You probably haven't heard of Tribit, but its line of Bluetooth speakers sound a lot better than they should for the price. This is your best bet if you want a portable speaker that can deliver big, quality sound and operates on battery power. The waterproof cylinder comes in multiple colors, lasts 15 hours between charges, and gives you 100 feet of Bluetooth range. Like JBL's smaller Bluetooth speakers, the Xtreme 3 is a versatile boom box that can be stood up vertically or placed horizontally. These smart features will not work beyond your homes Wi-Fi, so opt for a non-smart Bluetooth speaker for the beach or other outdoorsy locales. This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Its new Stormbox Blast speaker is its first Bluetooth boom box speaker, and it delivers mostly impressive sound for its size and also has a built-in light show and USB-out charging. It's about the size of a 16-ounce beer can and easily fits in cup holders and knapsacks alike. But it has a 5.25-inch woofer and two 1.75-inch tweeters and has plenty of kick to it, and it's easier to carry around. You can also link it wirelessly to the latest UE Bluetooth speakers to spread out the sound across a wider area. Most people want to know how much play time they can expect when their speaker comes along on a day trip. They're similarly priced and sized, with both featuring an integrated handle. A smart speaker connected to Wi-Fi should last at least 10 hours, while a standard Bluetooth speaker should last around 20. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. At fewer than 4 inches wide, the only thing smaller than the Go 3 might be its price; even the Anker Soundcore 2 might sweat when seeing this speaker's price tag. You will receive a verification email shortly. You also get a mic/guitar rear input and dual USB-out ports for charging your devices. It puts out some of the most pleasant, balanced sound for its size. Looking to go big? Plays slightly louder: The Xtreme 3's rated output power is 2 x 25W versus the Xtreme 2's 2 x 20W. Designed to make shopping easier. It sounds fuller and more dynamic at its top volume. Compact mini Bluetooth speakers are great to take with you on the go, but what if you want something with a lot more power that's got some real oomph to its sound? Ad Choices. UE says it's "drop-proof" up to 5 feet, but you can honestly play some light catch with it on the lawn and it won't be any worse for wear. The JBL Charge 5 makes only a few changes to the Charge 4's formula, but thanks to the new model's improved sound output and even greater ruggedness, it's a deserving member of the best Bluetooth speaker club. It's got the handle, the tubular design -- it looks like it belongs outdoors. If you can afford it, the Motion Boom Plus is the better option. It also has a charging dock for when the outside fun is over. The Xtreme 3 is slightly larger but at 4.3 pounds weighs less than the Xtreme 2, which is 5.3 pounds. It's fun and easy to ask an Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker to play your favorite track or tell you the weather, but smart speakers have a few crutchesfirst and foremost, stable Wi-Fi. For a premium speaker that looks as good as it sounds, look no further than the V-Moda Remix. How to Set Medication Reminders on Your Phone, Sonos invented wireless multiroom speakers. It has dual-firing drivers and passive radiators in a 7-inch-long pill shape. Be sure to follow ourback to school guidefor all of your shopping needs this season. It's kind of a poor man's version of JBL's well-regarded Xtreme 3 speaker, which lists for $350. The exterior has a durable-feeling, splash-resistant silicone finish, and the front and back are covered with a steel grille. The gorgeous and great-sounding speaker could be a lifetime audio addition that can be upgraded as technology changes, or accidents happen. The best Bluetooth speakers still have a place near and dear to our hearts, even as we've seen better (and more portable) smart speakers creeping into the universe. You can tweak the sound profile (with EQ settings) and upgrade the speaker's firmware in Anker's Soundcore companion app for iOS and Android. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Heres why you can trust us. Right now many of our favorite picks are currently on sale making now the ideal time to buy one of the best Bluetooth speakers. It's rated at up 30 hours at moderate volume levels. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. Extra savings up to $15 with TurboTax discount, $10 off $100 Student Finish Line promo code, DoorDash promo code July 2022: $10 with no minimum order, Extra 30% off your online order with Groupon promo code, Exclusive Expedia coupon code: Extra 5% off your hotel reservation, 2022 Cond Nast. On top of all that, it has a two-year warranty. However, there's no aux input, so you have to connect to it via Bluetooth. Every Bluetooth speaker on this list delivers great sound and functionality, but only the LG XBoom Go PL7 does it while boasting awesome LED lights. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom was a WIRED Gear of the Year award winner in 2017, and that's because it was the best pool companion you can own. The Megaboom 3 is on the bigger side compared to other portable speakers, and unlike many of its competitors, it doesn't have Alexa or Google Assistant support, or any other smart features. It's IP66 water-resistant and dustproof, meaning it can take a sustained spray of water but it can't be fully submerged. But if you really want to up the sound quality, you can wirelessly pair two Soundcore Motion Boom Plus speakers to create a real stereo pair. Stick to a speaker with a rechargeable battery for on-the-go audio. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. Best overall: UE Megaboom 3 If you're a music fan or just love the classic Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. It gets 11 hours of battery life, plus it's splash-resistant. The Hyperboom also is the better-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker overall. Rated for 100 watts of power (we always take power ratings with a grain of salt), the speaker doesn't have quite the volume or sound quality of the step-up PartyBox 110 (see below). The battery indicator is also handy. For outdoor use, I give the nod to the JBL's design. We like the latest JBL Clip model more than its three predecessors. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, and it also has replaceable wood and cloth elements. Smart Bluetooth speakers are a niche category, but for the music lover who requires some virtual assistance from time to time, the JBL Link 20 has you covered. Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. It's also fully waterproof (IPX7). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. The UE Hyperboom has a few things going for it over the Boombox 2. Again, like the Soundcore by Anker Motion Boom Plus, the Tribit Stormbox Blast is a good value that measures up well from a sound standpoint against more expensive JBL boom box speakers that are arguably offer superior styling. While it's just 4 inches square, the StormBox Micro has pretty impressive bass, especially for something its size. 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 10-hour battery packed into a portable (albeit fairly chunky) design. To determine sound quality, we listen to many tracks across multiple music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. But the Charge 5 can show off a few tricks of its own, chief among them being able to act as a power bank for phones and tablets. We just wish JBL would have engineered the Link 20 to take calls. We've tested hundreds of models in the past few years, and we can happily say they are still some of the best small devices you can listen to. I was skeptical of this technology when I first got a review unit about a year ago, but I've left the speaker outside on a covered patio for nearly that whole time, because it's a favorite for creating unobtrusive but good-sounding background music when friends and family are over.
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