Modern Portable Bluetooth Speakers offer excellent sound reproduction with a host of cutting edge features such as NFC, water-dust resistance, and speaker phone function etc. We have shortlisted the best performing portable wireless speakers with audio quality being the top short-list criteria.
Best Bluetooth Speakers by Sound Quality
Best Bluetooth Speakers by Value for Money
Best Loudest Bluetooth Speakers
Best Bluetooth Speaker by Sound Quality
SONY SRS-XB 33
The SONY SRS-XB33 is our #1 pick as best portable Bluetooth speaker in terms of sound quality. It is a very close competitor to our #2 pick, JBL Charge 4. The SONY Bluetooth speaker is attractive in looks with excellent audio quality, good portability, and rugged water-proof build. SONY SRS-XB33 has an impressive playtime of 14 hours at mid volume and the playtime can be increased by turning off the bass and the lights. The speaker is rated as IP67 dustproof and waterproof which means that it will not be affected by dust and can be immersed in water up to 3 feet.
SONY SRS-XB33 features dual speaker units and provides a very decent power output of 12 watt (2 x 6 watt) and features a rechargeable battery of 8800mAh. The battery has a charging time of 5 hours at 5V/1.5A. The speaker features a USB-A port which can be even used to charge smartphones/iPads and will charge most iPhones and Samsung/Android phones minimum one time. However, charging a phone should be done only in emergencies as it will reduce the remaining playtime of the speaker to about 5 hours (assuming it fully charges a Samsung S10 or iPhone 11/XR).
The SRS-XB33 offers a good audio experience overall. The highs and mids are pleasant and clear but the speaker tends to highlight the low frequencies which makes it sound a bit hazy. The bass output matches the standards set by its predecessor –SONY XB 31 & XB 32. It features Bluetooth 4.2 and has a connectivity range of 32 feet. The speaker is also NFC enabled which makes pairing it with phones easier.
The sound quality of SONY SRS-XB33 remains unchanged when compared to XB 31 or XB 32. The noticeable changes are in the exterior design and the material of the outer shell of the speakers.
The speaker weighs 2.1 lbs (950 gm) and its dimensions (WxHxD) are 9.3 x 3.3 x 3.2 inches (23.8 x 8.5 x 8.3 cm). The SONY SRS-XB 33 is available in 4 eye-catching colors and has an in-built light show which can be controlled using the SONY music app.
SONY SRS-XB33 Pros
- 14 hour playtime at medium volume setting.
- IP67 rated dustproof and waterproof
- 8800mah battery also acts as power bank and can charge any iPhone/Android once
- Impressive bass for its size.
- Attractive looks.
- Features LDAC.
- Compact and light in weight (2.1 lbs).
- Can be charged via USB-C port
- Premium build quality.
- Features microphone for handsfree phone calls.
- NFC enabled.
- Can be used as a portable charger.
Cons
- None
Best Wireless Speaker by Sound Quality (Runner-Up)
JBL Charge 4
JBL Charge 4 is our #2 choice as best portable Bluetooth speaker in terms of sound quality. This Bluetooth speaker offers a great combination of high audio quality, portability, and remarkable features at a very reasonable price, making it our #2 pick in this category. Charge 4 has a playtime of about 12-14 hours at mid volume, which is quite adequate. The speaker is rated as IPX7 waterproof which means that Charge 4 can be immersed in water up to 3 feet, thus making it perfect for outdoor and beach use.
This Bluetooth speaker has an impressive output of 30 watts and features a rechargeable battery of 7500mAh. The charging time for this battery is about 4 hours at 5V/2.3A. JBL Charge 4 also features JBL’s Connect+ technology which enables it to be connected to other JBL Connect+ enabled speakers. There are USB-C and USB-A ports present in the speaker which can be used to charge smartphones and iPads, making it one of the best Bluetooth speakers that can also double as portable chargers. However, using the ports to charge other devices will reduce its playtime.
Charge 4 has a balanced sound output and maintains good sound resolution at highs, mids, as well as bass. It is able to provide a decent bass output just like its predecessor – the Charge 3. It features the Bluetooth 4.2 and its connectivity range is limited only by the range limitations of Bluetooth.
On comparing it with its predecessor, Charge 3, we can conclude that the JBL Charge 4 is a better option as it offers better mids and highs in addition to bass while the Charge 3 was more bass-oriented. The Charge 4 has a bit bigger transducer than Charge 3, newer and faster version of Bluetooth, and a better looking design as well.
The speaker weighs 34.03 oz (965 gm) and its dimensions (WxHxD) are 8.6 x 3.7 x 3.6 inches (22 x 9.5 x 9.3 cm). The JBL Charge 4 is available in 12 stunning colors/patterns.
JBL Charge 4 Pros
- Long playtime.
- 30 watt output.
- IPX7 Waterproof.
- 7500 mAh battery can also functions as a good power bank. Will charge any iPhone or Android once and still have half battery left.
- Compact size and light weight (2.1 lbs).
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Attractive design.
- Balanced sound output.
- Can be used as a portable charger as well.
Cons
- No 360o sound.
- Not dustproof.
- No microphone so cannot act as handsfree phone.
- No NFC.
JBL Charge 4 vs SONY SRS-XB33
Both of our top picks are close competitors in terms of their specifications. JBL Charge 4 provides us with an impressive power output of 30 watts, whereas, XB 32 can only output 12 watts (2 x 6 watts). Comparing the sound quality of both both Charge 4 and SONY SRS-XB33 offer clear highs, bass, vocal, and mids, with XB32 being slightly superior in clarity. Both the speakers provide us with an impressive playtime of 14 around hours at 50% volume. SONY SRS-XB33 has an added benefit that you can manipulate the equalizer with the SONY music app, but in JBL Charge 4 we cannot change the equalizer settings.
Best Bluetooth Speaker by Value for Money
JBL Flip 4
JBL Flip 4 is our #1 choice in best portable bluetooth speakers in terms of value for money. Flip 4 offers an amazing integration of high quality audio, portability, and essential features at a price like no other, making it our #1 pick in this category. This speaker is rated as IPX7 waterproof which means that it can be immersed in water up to 3 feet for about 30 minutes, thus making it suitable for outdoor and beach use. Flip 4 provides a sufficient playtime of 12 hours at medium volume and about 4 hours at high volume.
JBL Flip 4 provides a competent output of 16 watts (2 x 8 watts) and features a rechargeable battery of 3000mAh. The charging time for this battery is 3.5 hours with a 5V/1A charger. The speaker features a standard 3.5 mm AUX port and a micro USB port for charging the battery. It cannot be used as a portable charger.
Flip 4 provides a well balanced sound output. The speaker holds on to its premium sound quality at the highs, mids and lows. It has bass radiators at either ends of the speaker body and provides powerful bass at all frequencies. It features Bluetooth 4.2 and has a connectivity range of about 50 feet. Also, Flip 4 is powered by JBL’s Connect+ technology, which enables it to be connected to other Connect+ enabled speakers. It also features Voice Assistant Integration with support for Apple Siri and Google Assistant.
Compared to its predecessor, JBL Flip 3, this speaker is not much different. The noticed differences were that the Flip 4 hold on to the beats much better at the low frequencies and is IPX7 waterproof, whereas, Flip 3 is just IPX5 splash resistant.
The speaker weighs 1.13 lbs (515 gm) and its dimensions (WxHxD) are 2.67 x 6.88 x 2.75 inches (6.8 x 17.5 x 7.0 cm). JBL Flip 4 is available in six spectacular colors.
JBL Flip 4 Pros
- 12 hour playtime.
- 16 watts (2 x 8 watts) output.
- IPX7 rated waterproof.
- Features Connect+.
- Light weight (1.17 lbs) and compact in size.
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Features microphone for voice calls.
- Premium build quality.
Cons
- Is not dust proof.
- Cannot be used as a portable charger.
- No NFC.
Best Wireless Bluetooth Speaker by Value for Money (Runner-Up)
Oontz Angle 3
Oontz Angle 3 is our #2 pick in best portable Bluetooth speakers in terms of value for money. This speaker is well suited for users with limited budget as it provides exciting features at a very low price. It even has a IPX5 rated waterproof body which means that it is resistant to water splashes. This makes it suitable for bathroom and even swimming pool use.
Angle 3 provides a satisfactory playtime of 12 hours at medium volume. It features a rechargeable battery of 2500mAh and provides a peak output of 10 watts. It takes about 6 hours to fully charge its battery at 5V/1A. The speaker also features a microphone which enables hands-free calling.
Considering the price of Angle 3 , it provides an amazing audio experience. This portable Bluetooth speaker is loud and it maintains its resolution at low, mids, and highs as well. The only time when you will feel that the sound is distorted is when you play the speaker at the loudest volume. However, this distortion is mostly unnoticeable. Angle 3 provides a satisfactory bass output. Angle 3 features Bluetooth 4.2 and has a connectivity range of 100 feet. The speaker also features a 3.5 mm AUX port for playing songs, in case Bluetooth is not available.
The speaker weighs 9 oz (255 gm) its dimensions are 5.25 x 2.6 x 2.8 inches (13.3 x 6.6 x 7.1 cm). Oontz Angle 3 is available in four stunning colors.
Oontz Angle 3 Pros
- 12 hour playtime.
- IPX5 rated splash proof.
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Microphone for hands-free calling.
- Light weight (9 oz) and compact in size.
- Attractive looks.
- Low price.
Cons
- Not dustproof.
- No NFC.
- Cannot be used to charge other devices.
JBL Flip 4 vs Oontz Angle 3
Both of our picks are well suited for users with limited budget. It is clear that Oontz Angle 3 outplays Flip 4 in terms of price. JBL’s Flip 4 provides a power output of 16 watts, whereas, Angle 3 is only able to output 10 watts (peak). Angle 3 has low efficiency when compared to Flip 4 in terms of bass output and Flip 4 is also IPX7 rated waterproof, whereas, Angle 3 is IPX5 splash proof. Angle 3 is much more lighter and compact than Flip 4. Both the speakers have a playtime of 12 hours.
Best Small Bluetooth Speaker
SONY SRS-XB12
SONY SRS-XB12 is our #1 pick as best portable Bluetooth speakers in terms of small size. This speaker is a combination of compact size, low price and high resolution audio. XB 12 is rated as IP67 dustproof and waterproof, which means that it is completely dustproof and can be immersed in water up to 3 feet for about 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for beach, swimming pool or bathroom use.
The speaker features a rechargeable battery and it takes about 4 hours to fully charge at 5V/0.5A. SONY SRS-XB12 outputs 7 watts (2 x 3.5 watts) power with a playtime of about 15 hours at medium volume. It features a micro USB port for its charging and a 3.5 mm AUX port for wired connectivity.
SONY SRS-XB12 provides an amazing audio experience. The highs and lows are clear and the mids/vocals sound pleasant as well. The speakers also provides high bass at all volumes. However, it does not support Sony LDAC high quality connectivity. XB 12 features Bluetooth 4.2 and has a connectivity range of about 33 feet. It can also connect to another SRS-XB 12 speaker wirelessly to provide stereo audio.
Comparing it to Sony SRS-XB 10, its predecessor, we find that SONY SRS-XB12 is IP67 waterproof as well as dustproof while XB 10 was only IPX5 rated waterproof. XB 10 supports NFC, whereas, XB 12 does not support NFC. In terms of sound quality, SONY SRS-XB12 is better than XB 10 but XB 10 is capable of providing more bass than XB 12.
The speaker weighs 8.6 oz (243.8 gm) and its dimensions are 3.5 inches (height) and 3 inches (radius). XB12 is available in 5 classy colors.
SONY SRS-XB12 Pros
- 7 watt power output.
- 15 hour playtime.
- Extra bass.
- IP67 rated dustproof and waterproof.
- Compact and light (8.6 oz).
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Connects to another XB 12 wirelessly.
- Attractive looks.
- Premium build quality.
Cons
- No NFC.
- 4 hour long charge time for battery.
- No LDAC.
Best Light Portable Wireless Speaker (Runner-Up)
JBL GO 2
JBL GO 2 is our #2 pick as best portable Bluetooth speaker among mini speakers. This is JBL’s most compact portable Bluetooth speaker and it maintains the standards of JBL, considering its price and small size. This speaker can be stored in the pocket while travelling and hence can be carried anywhere. JBL GO 2 is IPX7 rated waterproof which means that it can be immersed in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for bathroom and swimming pool use.
JBL GO 2 features an in-built microphone which makes it convenient for answering calls in hands-free mode. This speaker provides a playtime of 5 hours at medium volume. GO 2 features a rechargeable battery of 730mAh and it gives a power output of 3 watts. It takes about 2.5 hours to completely charge its battery at 5V/1A, which is quite long considering its small battery.
The speaker provides a good audio experience overall. GO 2 maintains good sound resolution in the lows, mids and highs, though the bass is clearly inadequate given its limited output power of 3 watts. Sometimes the sound seems to be hazy when the speaker is set at maximum volume. It features Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connectivity and also a 3.5 mm AUX port for wired connectivity.
Comparing to its predecessor, JBL GO 2, there is not much change except the better design of GO 2. The edges are curved in JBL GO 2 instead of the sharp edged square that was JBL GO. Also, the JBL GO 2 is waterproof, a huge plus over original JBL GO.
The speaker weighs 6.4 oz (184 gm) and its dimensions are 2.8 x 3.38 x 1.24 inches (7.1 x 8.5 x 3.1 cm). JBL GO 2 is available in 12 eye-catching colors.
JBL GO 2 Pros
- IPX7 rated waterproof.
- Loud sound for its size.
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Microphone for voice calls.
- Compact size and light at 6.4 oz.
- Premium build quality.
Cons
- Not dustproof.
- No NFC.
- No JBL Connect/Connect+.
SONY SRS-XB12 vs JBL GO 2
Both our picks give crisp competition to each other. Sony XB12 and JBL GO 2 both lack NFC but Sony XB12 can be connected to other Sony XB12 speakers. GO 2 is IPX7 rated waterproof, whereas, XB12 is IP67 dustproof and waterproof. Sony XB12 provides an output of 7 watts which is higher than 3 watts provided by GO 2.
In terms of sound quality, we can say that Sony XB12 has an upper hand on GO 2 as the JBL speaker sounds hazy at maximum volume. Sony XB12 also outplays GO 2 in terms of bass, providing way more bass output without distortion at all volumes.
Best Loudest Bluetooth Speakers (Large Wireless Bluetooth Speakers)
JBL Boombox 60-watts
JBL Boombox is our #1 choice as best portable Bluetooth speaker in terms of loudest sound. This speaker is a monster in terms of loudness. It can output a massive power of 60 watts (2 x 30 watts) when on AC connection and 40 watts (2 x 20 watts) when on battery. JBL Boombox is rated IPX7 waterproof which means that it can be immersed in water up to 3 feet for about 30 minutes. This speaker is well suited for house parties, pool parties, beaches, etc.
JBL Boombox is capable of a playtime of 24 hours at 50-75% volume. It features a rechargeable battery of 20,000mAh and it takes about 6.5 hours to fully charge the battery with the provided adapter (20V/4A) and cable of the speaker. Boombox also features two USB-A ports which are capable of charging devices such as smartphones or iPads. It also features a microphone for voice calls.
The sound quality of JBL Boombox is exceptional. The highs and mids are crystal clear and the lows are pleasant. The speaker maintains its high quality resolution at all volumes. The Boombox provides monstrous bass at all volumes without distortion. It can be as loud as you want and still maintain audio clarity. It features Bluetooth 4.2 and its connectivity range is limited only by the range limitations of Bluetooth. Boombox is powered by JBL’s Connect+ and it can be connected to other Connect+ enabled speakers. The speaker also features a 3.5 mm AUX port, in case Bluetooth is not available.
The speaker weighs 11.5 lbs (5.25 kgs) and its dimensions (HxWxD) are 10.01 x 19.48 x 7.69 inches (25.45 x 49.5 x 19.55 cm). JBL Boombox is available in three elegant colors.
JBL Boombox Pros
- 60 watt output.
- 24 hour long playtime.
- IPX7 rated waterproof.
- Connect+ enabled.
- Can be used as a powerbank to charge devices.
- High quality sound.
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Easy to carry handle.
- Premium build quality.
- Microphone for voice calls.
Cons
- No NFC.
- Not dustproof.
- A bit overpriced.
Best Loudest Wireless Speaker (Runner-Up)
Aiwa EXOS – 9 200-watts
Aiwa EXOS-9 is our #2 pick as best Bluetooth speaker in terms of loud sound. This speaker is a beast in terms of loud sound with a gigantic power output of 200 watts. It features a rechargeable battery of 15,600mAh. However, EXOS-9 is NOT waterproof or dustproof.
Aiwa EXOS-9 provides a playtime of 9 hours at medium volume and about 4 hours at high volume. EXOS-9 features a 3.5 mm AUX port for wired connection. It also features USB-A port for charging devices such as smartphones/iPads. However, using it as a power station (powerbank) will reduce its playtime.
Aiwa EXOS-9 provides a phenomenal high quality audio experience to the user. The highs are crystal clear and mids are detailed and pleasant. The bass is powerful as well as punchy and can be controlled by the user. The speaker comes with a small LED-lit touch control system, the user can adjust the equalizer according to their preference or use the preset settings of the equalizer.
The speaker features Bluetooth 4.2 and has a connectivity range of 50 feet. EXOS-9 supports NFC and this makes pairing of devices very quick and convenient. It can also be connected to an another EXOS-9 wirelessly.
The speaker weighs 13 lbs (5.89 kgs) and its dimensions are 7.5 x 11.7 x 19.4 inches (19.05 x 29.71 x 49.27 cm). The Aiwa EXOS-9 is available only in black colour.
Aiwa EXOS-9 Pros
- Incredibly loud 200 watt output.
- NFC enabled.
- Can be connected to another EXOS-9.
- Can be used as a power station (power bank) to charge devices.
- 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Loud and high resolution sound.
- Premium build quality.
Cons
- Too bulky.
- Less playtime.
- Not waterproof or dustproof.
- No microphone.
- Not easy to carry.
JBL Boombox vs Aiwa EXOS-9
Both of our picks are leading speakers in terms of loudest sound and offer premium sound quality as well as features. Aiwa EXOS-9 is way more loud (200 watt vs 60 watt JBL Boombox). However, Aiwa EXOS-9 is not waterproof or dustproof while JBL Boombox is IPX7 waterproof. In terms of sound, we found that the JBL Boombox has a much more refined sound and also provides a 24 hour playtime vs 9 hours of Aiwa EXOS-9. Both provide a punchy bass but Aiwa EXOS-9 is more powerful in terms of bass than the Boombox. The EXOS-9 is also more reasonably priced than Boombox while being much more louder.
If you simply want the best loudest wireless speaker, Aiwa EXOS-9 seems like a better bet overall.