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The best Bluetooth speakers: Compare Bose, Sonos, and more
A Bluetooth speaker grants wire-free and portable listening as long as you have an internet connection. The best Bluetooth speakers promise durability for your outdoor and on-the-go activities, generous wireless range to broadcast sound for all your friends, and of course, full sound.
Also: The best smart speakers: Sonos, Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, and more compared
Based on our research, we selected the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 as our top choice for the best Bluetooth speaker overall thanks to its 360-degree audio and 14 hour battery life. However, that's not your only option. Read on for our other choices for the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today.
The best Bluetooth speakers in 2023
- 360-degree sound
- Generous wireless range
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Mediocre bass
- Short battery
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 specs: Dimensions: 4.65 x 4.53 x 4.65 inches | Weight: 1.17 lbs | Battery life: 14 hours | Water-resistant: Yes
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 comes in a small but mighty package, making it my pick for the best Bluetooth speaker overall (it's also one of our top picks for the best wireless speaker).
Made for the outdoors, it has an IP67 rating, which makes it both waterproof and dustproof -- and it can even float. With 360-degree sound, the speaker promises clear, full Bluetooth playback, which thanks to a long-lasting battery life, you can enjoy for about 14 continuous hours on just a single charge.
- Excellent clarity
- User-friendly
- Waterproof
- App can use some work
- Lacks auxiliary input
Bose SoundLink Flex specs: Dimensions: 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches | Weight: 1.3 lbs | Battery life: 12 hours | Water-resistant: Yes
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a soundbar-style speaker that is easily portable and can be used outdoors. There is a built-in microphone paired with a custom transducer that gives a superior audio experience.
Users also receive the added benefit of Bose's PositionIQ technology, which detects the position of the speaker and automatically adjusts the audio accordingly. Plus, the entire speaker is waterproof with a rust-resistant and UV-resistant design that is made for the outdoors.
- Elegant design
- Wireless options
- Powerful amplifier
- No smart technology
- Lacks app
Fluance Ai61 specs: Dimensions: 9.2 x 15.6 x 13.1 inches | Weight: 27.2 lbs | Water-resistant: No
The Fluance Ai61 speakers are the best bookshelf speakers with their 120-watt amplifier and sleek design. These are wired speakers, so there is no need to worry about a dead battery, but it also means that these are not portable speakers you can tote just anywhere. Still, the audio is phenomenal, thanks to 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers and advanced tweeters.
Both Bluetooth and USB connectivity is available for easy use, and a two-year warranty secures your purchase.
- Portable
- Powerful sound
- Voice assistant
- Not ideal for stereo pairing
- Bass can be too much at times
Sonos Roam specs: Dimensions: 3.94 x 0.79 x 1.06 inches | Weight: 7.1 oz | Battery life: 10 hours | Water-resistant: Yes
Sonos Roam offers excellent versatility, allowing you to use the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay2, or your own voice to control the speaker. Both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are incorporated for greater ease. It is a durable model, too; its waterproof and dustproof design is also drop-proof, making it fantastic for portability.
There are ten hours of battery life, which isn't the best of all our options, but it still gives you plenty of listening time with either a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. The Sonos Roam is also a great option to pair with other Sonos speakers for an even more immersive home audio experience.
Also: The Sonos Roam SL drops the mic with a $159 price tag and all the portability
- Excellent audio
- IP67-rated
- Charges your phone
- Average durability
- No option for wired connection
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 specs: Dimensions: 4.1 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches | Weight: 1.08 lbs | Battery life: 12 hours | Water-resistant: Yes
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 comes fully stacked with phenomenal audio technology, including a custom 48mm NdFeB driver and passive radiators with proprietary XBASS technology to better improve the sound.
Still, this is meant to be used as a portable speaker that is ready for the outdoors with 12 hours of battery and an IP67 rating. Additionally, it's both Bluetooth and USB-compatible and features a built-in power bank in its water-resistant design so you can still charge other devices when you are away from home.
Read the review: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review
What is the best Bluetooth speaker?
The UE Wonderboom 3 is the best Bluetooth speaker overall that you can buy. It's easily portable and waterproof for those new adventures, and it's surprisingly affordable, too. To see how it compares, this is an overview of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today.
Best Bluetooth speaker | Cost | Battery life | Water-resistant |
UE Wonderboom 3 | $79 | 14 hours | ✔ |
Bose SoundLink Flex | $149 | 12 hours | ✔ |
Fluance Ai61 | $299 | N/A | ✗ |
Sonos Roam | $180 | 10 hours | ✔ |
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 | $60 | 12 hours | ✔ |
Which is the best Bluetooth speaker for you?
Not sure which Bluetooth speaker is best for you? Consider our expert recommendations based on our study.
Choose this best Bluetooth speaker... | If you want... |
UE Wonderboom 3 | The best Bluetooth speaker overall with phenomenal 360-degree sound, an IP67 rating, and compact form factor. |
Bose SoundLink Flex | An easily portable speaker with a built-in mic that is designed for the outdoors. |
Fluance Ai61 | A pair of attractive speakers for your bookshelf that don't skimp on performance with 120-watt power. |
Sonos Roam | Smart technology incorporated into your speaker, giving you easy access to favorites like Alexa and Google Assistant. |
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 | A budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with XBASS technology for improved audio. |
How did we choose these best Bluetooth speakers?
In addition to overall audio, there are several other factors we consider when choosing the best Bluetooth speakers.
Battery: A Bluetooth speaker is hardly worth the trouble if it does not have the battery to work regularly. We look for the best Bluetooth speakers that offer a prolonged battery life that can stand up to life's demands.
Design: Many of the best Bluetooth speakers offer a water-resistant or even waterproof rating, making them suitable for the pool on those hot summer days. However, it is important to also consider durability so your speaker can withstand a couple of bumps and bruises when you are on the go.
Connectivity: Many Bluetooth speakers also incorporate smart technology, allowing you to access Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri. Be sure to consider whether you will need a WiFi connection, as well, so you can find the appropriate speaker for your streaming needs.
Price: Budget is a leading concern for many shoppers, so we look for the best Bluetooth speakers that span a number of different budgets so there is something for everyone.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP means "Ingress Protection" and is a type of rating used to evaluate electronic devices. Each number following IP has a specific meaning, with the first number representing dust resistance and the second measuring water resistance. The higher each number, the greater its resistance will be.
How much does the best Bluetooth speaker cost?
Bluetooth speakers can run the gamut in price based on the features, model, and manufacturer that you choose. The best Bluetooth speaker costs between $60 and $300, depending on your budget and your specific needs.
What are the best brands for Bluetooth speakers?
There are many familiar, well-respected brands that manufacture Bluetooth speakers, but not all of them are the best. Based on performance and design, the best Bluetooth speaker brands include Ultimate Ears, Bose, Fulance, Sonos, and Tribit.
Are there alternative best Bluetooth speakers worth considering?
In our search, we also found these best Bluetooth speakers that may suit your fancy.
Best bang for your buck alternative
Anker soundcore 3
The Anker soundcore 3 has a lightweight titanium build that's waterproof for those beach vacations.
Best stylish alternative
B&O Beosound A1
The B&O Beosound A1 is super portable in sleek, waterproof design with Alexa built right in. It comes in a variety of fun colors, too.
Best retro alternative
Edifier MP230 Bluetooth Speaker
The Edifier MP230 Bluetooth Speaker has a fun old-school retro design, complete with a wooden enclosure. You don't have to sacrifice sound, either, with a Class-D stereo amplifier and Bluetooth connectivity.
Best alternative for outdoor use
JBL Flip 6 - Best Bluetooth speaker for outdoors
The JBL Flip 6 is an easily portable speaker complete with IPX7 waterproofing. Switch on JBL PartyBoost to really bring the party to your group.