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We’ve come a long way since theboomboxfirst brought portable music to the masses. Portable speakers are better than ever, with improved sound quality, betterBluetoothcapabilities, and better portability.
UPDATE: 15-07-2025
We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best portable speakers you’re able to buy.
JBL Boombox 3
What to Look For in a Portable Speaker in 2023
Because portability is key, one of the first things you’ll want to consider while speaker shopping is size. On one hand, larger speakers tend to sound better and offer more volume, but they sacrifice some easy portability in the process. Likewise, smaller speakers may have less volume, but they’re far easier to carry.
Weather resistance is another important factor when shopping for a portable speaker. Every speaker we’re looking at here features anIP rating, which describes how weather-resistant a given speaker is. If you’re mainly using your speaker indoors, you’re able to disregard this, but the higher the IP rating, the more water and dust-resistant a speaker is.
Another major aspect to consider is the battery life. If you’re only using your speaker for an hour or two a day and frequently recharging, this doesn’t matter as much. That said, if you’re looking for a speaker to bring with you on a weekend trip, a bigger battery (which is measured inmilliamp hours) will let you leave the charger at home.
Of course, while mostboomboxesfeature built-in playback methods like an FM radio or built-in CD player, portable speakers don’t. Instead, you’ll need to rely on an external device like your phone for music. The most common way you’ll connect is via Bluetooth, but some portable speakers offer alternate wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi.
Finally, there are the other features offered by each speaker to consider. Some speakers offer a built-in power bank to charge your other devices, while others let you link multiple speakers for louder music or stereo sound. We’ll point these extra features for each speaker.
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✓ Works like a standard Sonos speaker at home
✗ On the expensive side
✓ Works like a Bluetooth speaker on the go
✗ Heavy for a portable speaker
✓ Charging cradle is handy
✓ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
✓ Great sound quality
Sonos has been making wireless speakers andwhole home audiosystems for years, but it took the company until 2019 to launch a truly portable speaker. TheSonos Movetakes everything great about Sonos speakers and packs it into a portable package that works wonderfully at home and on the road.
As is typical for a Sonos speaker, the Move features Wi-Fi connectivity. This not only lets you stream your music, but lets Sonos speakers easily communicate with each other and act as a multi-speaker system. When using Wi-Fi, you’re able to also use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa.
On the other hand, unlike most other Sonos speakers, the Move supports Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can use Wi-Fi at home and the Move acts like a traditional Sonos speaker, but you can also take it on the move and treat it like a Bluetooth speaker.
While the Sonos Move is weather-resistant, it’s not quite as tough as some of the other speakers we’re looking at. It has an IP56 rating, and Sonos says it can withstand exposure to humidity, rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. On the other hand, most of the other speakers we’re looking at have a higher IP67 rating.
The Sonos Move offers up to 11 hours of playtime on a single charge. When it comes time to power it back up, you’ve got two options. A USB-C port makes for easy charging while you’re on the move, but Sonos includes a charging base that you can place the speaker on when you’re at home.
The Sonos Move comes inBlackandWhitecolor options. As Sonos is synonymous with multiroom audio, you can also buy the Move in atwo-room setor afour-room set.
Sonos Move
The Sonos Move combines the convenience and sound of a standard Sonos speaker with everything you’d expect from a Bluetooth speaker. The Move also works great as a first step into the Sonos world.
✓ True stereo sound in a tiny package
✗ Only 12 watts means it won’t get very loud
✓ IPX4 water-resistant
✗ 3-4 hour recharge time
✓ Available in many different colors
✓ Capacative touch
✓ 20-hour battery life
Many people shopping for portable speakers aren’t looking for audiophile clarity, but a simple speaker they can take with them everywhere that also sounds pretty good. TheDOSS SoundBox Touchticks all those boxes and more, which is what earned it the top spot on ourbest budget Bluetooth speakersroundup.
While the speaker is small enough that it can nearly fit in the palm of your hand, the SoundBox Touch features stereo sound. Despite the small size, Doss managed to fit a pair of drivers into the speaker, powered by a 12-wattclass D amplifier.
The SoundBox Touch is IPX4-rated water-resistant, which means it can withstand a few splashes, but you want to avoid dunking it in water. Fortunately, the capacitive touch controls mean there are far fewer points where water can get inside the speaker.
The SoundBox Touch’s lithium-ion battery can keep the music playing for up to 20 hours, assuming you’re listening at 50 percent volume. You can fully recharge the speaker in three to four hours by plugging into the micro USB port.
If you like colorful speakers, Doss has plenty of options for you. The SoundBox Touch is available inBlack,Blue,Green,Light Pink, and plenty more.
DOSS SoundBox Touch
The DOSS Soundbox Touch packs a pair of stereo speakers into a compact enclosure, and that’s no small feat. Add IPX4 water resistance and 20 hours of playback time, and this is a great speaker for the money.
✓ Great sound quality for a portable speaker
✗ Not cheap
✓ IP67 waterproof and dustproof
✗ May be too heavy to be truly portable for some
✓ JBL PartyBoost lets you pair multiple speakers
✓ Built-in power bank to charge your phone
Portable speakers aren’t always just a way to listen to music wherever you find yourself. Some portable models like theJBL Charge 5function as the Swiss Army knife of the speaker world, which is why the speaker ended up as our favorite on our list of thebest Bluetooth speakers.
The Charge 5 doesn’t focus on stereo out of a single speaker but instead uses a racetrack-shaped driver, a separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators to deliver big sound. Some portable speakers start to distort at higher volumes, but you don’t have to worry about that with the Charge 5.
For stereo, JBL offers the PartyBoost feature. This lets you pair two or more PartyBoost-compatible speakers. you’re able to link two for stereo sound, or add multiple speakers to provide ample volume and coverage for music in an outdoor party setting.
The JBL Charge 5 is IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof so you can take it anywhere. With up to 20 hours of battery life, you can ensure that you won’t need to charge the speaker too often. That said, the Charge 5 gets its name from its built-in power bank, which lets you charge your phone and other devices right from the speaker.
The Charge 5 comes inBlackorGrayfor those who prefer a minimalist look. If you prefer a splash of color, the speaker is also available inBlue,Camouflage,Red, andTeal.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 isn’t just a speaker, it’s a portable battery too. It’s loud, it sounds great, and on the rare occasion that it isn’t loud enough, you can always pair multiple speakers with JBL PartyBoost.
Cons
✓ IP67 weather-resistant, plus it floats
✗ Starts to sound slightly worse as you approach max volume
✓ 360-degree sound means it sounds great from every angle
✗ Sound can be on the boomy side
✓ Range of up to 131 feet or 40 meters
✓ Pair multiple speakers for stereo or extra volume
Look no further than Ultimate Ears if you’re looking for a speaker for pool parties or just listening to music in the rain. We’ve featured the company’s speakers before due to the superior water resistance, and theUltimate Ears Megaboom 3features that same weatherproof nature, plus some other nice features.
Like other Ultimate Ears speakers like theWonderboom 3, the Megaboom 3 uses a 360-degree design, meaning you get the same sound in every direction around the speaker. This is great for parties, as regardless of where people are, they can hear the music like they’re standing in front of the speaker. With 20 hours of playtime, you can keep the party going for a while.
If that party happens to be near a pool, the Megaboom 3 really comes into its element. Not only is the speaker IP67-rated water-resistant, but it can withstand being submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This shouldn’t ever come into play, however, as the speaker also floats.
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 features an extended range compared to most Bluetooth speakers. The maximum range here is 131 feet or 40 meters. That’s impressive, but keep in mind that walls and other structures between you and the speaker will reduce the overall range.
If you’re looking for stereo sound, the Megaboom 3 can pair with another Megaboom 3 for true stereo. Are you looking for a volume boost instead? you may also pair the Megaboom 3 and take them out of stereo mode for pure volume.
The Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is available inActive Black,Hyper Pink,Joyous Brights Grey, andPerformance Blue.
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
If you’re looking for a speaker to throw the ultimate pool party, the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 is it. It has 360-degree sound to make sure everyone can hear the music, plus it’s IP67 water-resistant and it even floats.
✓ Plenty of volume on tap
✗ Sound quality suffers at higher volume levels
✓ 24-hour battery life with quick charging
✗ May be too directional for some cases
✓ IP67-rated weather-resistant and shock resistant
✓ Plenty of bass
✓ Pair up to 100 compatible speakers
If you’re looking for a portable speaker with outdoor use in mind, you need volume, a wide soundstage to ensure you may hear from all angles, and great battery life. TheSony SRS-XE300has all of that, plus some features that make it even better suited outdoors.
Sony doesn’t call the SRS-XE300 a 360-degree, instead saying on Amazon that a “line-shaped diffuser distributes music evenly across a wide sound stage.” In practice, you hear music the same from almost every angle as long as you’re in front of the speaker. Even better, you can pair up to 100 of them, making for some serious volume.
If you’re taking a speaker outside, you want to ensure it can stand up to the elements. The SRS-XE300 is IP67-rated resistant to water and dust. It also uses a shockproof design, meaning you don’t need to worry if the speaker takes the occasional short drop.
The SRS-XE300 offers up to 24 hours of playback, depending on your listening volume. When it comes time to charge up, the speaker features quick charging so that you won’t be stuck waiting for hours. Just 10 minutes of charge time gets you up to 70 minutes of playback.
Color options are somewhat limited compared to other speakers. you may find the Sony SRS-XE300 inBlack,Blue, andLight Gray.
Sony SRS-XE300
If you’re looking for a speaker to set up an outdoor party, the rugged nature of the Sony SRS-XE300 makes it a great option. Plus, you may pair up to 100 of them so you can cover an area in sound.
✓ Massive bass for a portable speaker
✗ On the large and heavy side for a portable speaker
✓ 24-hour battery life
✓ Built-in power bank to charge your other devices
✓ Supports JBL PartyBoost to pair multiple compatible speakers
If you’re looking for big bass, you will need a larger speaker. TheJBL Boombox 3manages to walk the fine line between being large enough to provide ample low end while still being easy to carry around.
The Boombox 3 uses three-way speakers that JBL says delivers higher sensitivity, which in turn minimizes low-enddistortion, making for gigantic bass. No matter how high you crank the volume, the Boombox 3 won’t sound flabby or like the speaker is destroying itself.
Thanks to its size, the Boombox 3 offers 24-hour battery life, and just like JBL’s Charge 5, this speaker can also act as a power bank to charge your other devices. The Boombox also features the same PartyBoost feature that lets you pair multiple speakers for even bigger sound.
The Boombox 3 seems sturdy from every angle. Not only is it IP67 weather-resistant, but it is solidly built overall. The handle is made from sturdy metal, meaning you don’t have to worry about it wearing down and breaking off over time.
One downside of the Boombox 3 is the price, which is on the high side. If you’re looking for a similar speaker on a smaller budget, consider theAnker Soundcore Motion Boom Plusas an alternative. Like the Boombox, it’s large, features a built-in power bank, and has a heavy emphasis on bass.
The JBL Boombox 3 is available inBlackandCamouflage.
The JBL Boombox 3 packs the bass you’d expect from a massive sound system into a portable package. If you’re looking for all the music you need for the perfect party soundtrack in one box, this is it.
Can I bring a portable speaker on a plane?
In the United States, the TSA allows Bluetooth speakers both in checked luggage and carry-ons. However, if the speaker has a lithium-ion battery (which many do), you are only allowed to pack the speaker in your carry-on luggage, not your checked baggage.
How important are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on a portable speaker?
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are crucial for a portable speaker, unless you intend to plug in an MP3 player or other device directly. Bluetooth offers convenience in most cases, but Wi-Fi can provide higher-quality audio.
What kind of weather-proofing should I look for in a portable speaker?
Most portable speakers these days come with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating to indicate their weather resistance. If you plan on regularly using your speaker outdoors, aim for a minimum IP rating of IP67.
What is the maximum range of a portable speaker?
The maximum usable range of a portable speaker depends on how it connects. Most Bluetooth speakers offer a range of around 30 feet or 10 meters. Some speakers may have a Bluetooth range of over 100 feet, but they are less common.
Why is my portable speaker cutting out?
If your portable speaker is cutting out, it may be because it’s too far away from your playback device. Try moving your phone or other device closer to the speaker and see if that resolves the issue.
