The very best portable speakers
Everyone loves music right? That's the reason portable speakers have been hugely popular over recent years with products on the market booming in all sizes and price ranges.
The best part is these speakers are great for personal audio in your bedroom, entertaining a family in the backyard, or when you're poolside or beachside. For your own song in your own time, or for party tunes when everyone is around – portable Bluetooth speakers are amazing.
What to look for when buying a portable speaker:
Every smartphone has Bluetooth, and with access to millions of songs on subscription it's so easy now to pair your smartphone with a speaker and take it anywhere.
First consideration has to be your budget. You'll find many many speakers in every price range, and in reality there is a basic principle that you get what you pay for here. So if you compare two or three speakers that look the same price, the lower the price the less you'll get in audio quality and in battery life.
Next up you have to consider the size. Where are you taking it, how loud does it need to be. Size of speaker is relative to volume in most cases. That means a big speaker is going to give you a very big sound.
And then think about options for pairing multiple speakers. If you have more than one, or your mates have the same one, can they pair up for a bigger sound again?!
Of course, battery life is also a big consideration, the bigger the speaker the bigger the battery, but when you put two side by side of similar size, you might find one has a better battery life.
Finally, keep an eye on USB output. Many of the larger speakers allow you to plug your phone in to charge off the speaker's battery – making a long day at the park or beach a good day as your phone battery stays charged, too!
The best portable speakers on the market for every budget:
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
Price: $249 (originally $329)
Battery life: 20 hours
Waterproof? Yes
Pros:
- Handheld form factor
- Touch controls for music
- Range of colours
Cons:
- Bass heavy for some people
Ultimate Ears was for a while the absolute go-to in portable speakers, and they still are – however today there's far more competition.
UE's signature sound may be a touch bass heavy for some, but for most this will pack the right sound for a small gathering and its durable nature means it can be used poolside, or in the pool – and beachside with no concerns.
A solid 20-hour battery life will allow you to go many uses between charges and the range of colours makes it a great option for those looking to match your surroundings.
If you've got a mate with their own Megaboom, pair them for a bigger party sound
Bose Soundlink Micro
Price: $152.96 (originally $169.99)
Battery life: 6 hours
Waterproof? Yes
Pros:
- Loop attachment
- Small size
- Great Bose sound
Cons:
- Pricey for the size
- Sound at high volume
The Bose Soundlink Micro is all about sound on the go. Made to go with you on a walk, camping or a ride, it can be attached to almost anything thanks to the loop bracket on the back.
It's unlike most others as it's not a fabric cover, more of a hard rubber so that rain, which it can handle, just glides off.
Bose is easily one of the best sound brands on the planet, and that comes through – although if you push it too much that suffers a touch.
Bose offers a few different colours. The portability and attachability make it a real winner, though pricey for the size.
JBL BoomBox 2
Price: $529 (originally $629)
Battery life: 24 hour
Waterproof? Yes
Pros:
- Big and loud
- Comes with a carry handle
- Huge battery to charge your devices
Cons:
- Too big for some
For a backyard or beach get together or almost any sized party it's hard to go past the JBL BoomBox 2. The crazy 24-hour battery life means you are able to pump the volume for far longer than almost anything else around.
That big battery is also there to power your own devices, so be it the tablet or phone you're streaming music from, or just providing some power for your mates you'll be the go-to at the party for those on low battery.
If you've got more than one of these you can pair them together with JBL Partyboost too.
And it's IPX7 rated, which means it not only can handle a splash but even a sudden downpour won't be an issue, so you can get the food and towels under cover and then come back for the JBL BoomBox.
JBL Flip 6
Price: $135.20 (originally $169.95)
Battery life: 13 hours
Waterproof? Yes
Pros:
- Small size
- Fantastic sound
- Environmental packaging
Cons:
- Not ideal for huge parties
JBL has not just released a great new version of their small Flip speaker, but they're pushing ahead with a far more sustainable packaging initiative with recycled paper packaging in use as well as recycled plastics.
Given the respect the JBL brand holds in market, the huge JBL logo on the front of the speaker is something to be proud of, and for that you get outstanding sound, which after 75 years in the audio game you'd expect, right?!
Waterproof so it's safe at the pool and the beach, and a very decent 13-hours play time given the small size of the unit.
A bunch of great colours are available, and the ability to pair more than one together means this really is bang for your buck a pretty awesome unit.
BlueAnt X0
Price: $64 (originally $69)
Battery life: 13 hours
Waterproof? Yes
Pros:
- Aussie company
- Small size
- Great price
- Battery life
Cons:
- Sound quality at volume
This is your entry-level portable speaker, but it's not a "cheapie". BlueAnt is an Aussie company, they are making great affordable speakers in a range of sizes.
The BlueAnt X0 is their smallest, but it still has a cracking battery life on par with units triple the price, and it's small form factor makes it super portable.
Even though it's low price, the BlueAnt X0 features a duo mode to connect two speakers for bigger sound, and it has a removable carry strap too.
Plus, an IP67 waterproof rating. Good value.
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