The days of dealing with tangled and messy speaker cables are long gone. Nowadays, some of the most popular accessories that you can buy for your smartphone, laptop or other mobile device are portable bluetooth speakers. Such speakers help cut down on the need for messy and confusing tangles of cables, as they can connect wirelessly to any of your mobile devices via Bluetooth technology.
Like practically all other forms and types of consumer electronics on the market today, portable Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Depending on the brand and model, you can pay anything from twenty to thirty dollars to several hundreds. Because the massive variety of speakers to choose from can be confusing at a glance, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best portable Bluetooth speakers you can buy in 2018 and 2019.
Comparison Table
What Is a Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
As the name implies, portable Bluetooth speakers are simply small, portable electronic speakers that can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to your phone, tablet, laptop or other portable device. Unlike smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home, portable Bluetooth speakers are meant to fill a more mobile niche. Using a Bluetooth speaker allows you to more easily listen to music or other audio without using headphones or your device’s speakers, which can cause damage to them at loud volumes.
There are a few other advantages of using portable Bluetooth speakers as well. Using a portable speaker can extend the battery life of your mobile device as electricity is not being used to power your device’s speakers – which can be one of the more intensive power draws of your device after its screen. Using an external, dedicated speaker can just sound better, as the sound quality of the tiny speaker inside your phone or device suffers at very loud volumes. Finally, many portable speakers can be paired with multiple devices of all kinds, allowing you to listen to music with the same speaker from your laptop, phone or any other audio device with Bluetooth connectivity.
Why Should You Buy a Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
If you are an audiophile, like to travel, or just like listening to music every now and again, buying a portable speaker can make for a good investment. While not a necessity of life, portable Bluetooth speakers have become something that you wish you had if and when the need arises. Therefore, having a portable speaker that is small, portable and ready on demand can be a good thing to have.
How Do You Use a Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
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Overall, portable Bluetooth speakers are fairly simple and easy to use. In lieu of cables, Bluetooth speakers can connect with your devices using Bluetooth technology. This allows portable speakers to connect with a wide multitude of devices, both portable and otherwise that have Bluetooth support. If you are using a phone, laptop or other mobile device, you can ‘pair’ or connect to the speaker using relevant menus on the phone. Some speakers even come with apps or software that allow you to get more use and functionality out of them.
The 10 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2018
- Tribit X-Boom Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony SRS-XB41 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears ROLL 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- ECOXGEAR GDI-EXBLD810 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Phantom Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker
- Fugoo Style S Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Anker Soundcore Flare Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Tribit X-Boom Bluetooth Speaker
- CNET's Award: Cnet calls it "Best portable mini Bluetooth speakers"
- 360° Immersive Sound: Feel the music like never before with the Tribit bluetooth Speaker....
- Innovative XBass Technology: Are you a fan of booming bass? We are too. Our exclusive...
Features
The X-Boom from Tribit is possibly one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. While the X-Boom doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles that some of the other portable speakers on this list have, it still has a lot going for it. The X-Boom’s speakers sound good even at max volume, and its battery life ranges from nine to twenty hours depending on the volume.
The X-Boom is also completely waterproof, meaning that you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if you accidentally drop it while at the pool or on a fishing trip. Another cool feature of the X-Boom is the ability for the speaker to pair with another identical unit, allowing for true stereo sound. Finally, it has a built-in speakerphone function and a longer Bluetooth range than most of its competitors on the market. All in all, it’s a well-rounded device that’s well worth its price tag.
Price
The Tribit X-Boom Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $75.
PROS
- Waterproof housing
- Speakerphone functionality
- Long wireless range
- Good sound quality at max volume
CONS
- No flaws to note
Sony SRS-XB41 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- BOOST THE BEAT: Get ready to hear the bass drop with the speaker's Extra Bass enhanced...
- VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Turn your virtual happy hour party into a dance party with flashing...
- HEAR IT LIVE: Listen to music a whole new way with the Live Music three-dimensional sound...
Features
The SRS-XB41 from Sony is impressively loud and powerful for its size and is one of the loudest portable Bluetooth speakers out there. It offers good sound quality at even max volume. The SRS-XB41 is IP67 rated, meaning it will be just fine if you accidentally knock it into a pool. The speaker offers up to a full twenty-four hours of charge in its battery, allowing it to play music for much longer than many of its competitors.
The SRS-XB41 has other features. It has a front light bar that can be programmed for a variety of fun lighting effects and can produce sound effects such as drum taps. It also has the ability to pair with another like-model speaker for stereo sound or up to 100 other speakers in a party configuration.
Price
can be found on Amazon for around $198.
PROS
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Loud and clear sound
- Very good battery life
- Multi-point support
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
- Larger and heavier than comparable models
Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speaker
- KILLER AUDIO: With crystal highs, crisp mids and rich bass, XSound Go creates an immersive...
- EXTREME WATERPROOFING: Pool parties? Definitely. Lounging on the beach? Absolutely....
- SLEEK & SOPHISTICATED: Tribit XSound Go is as stylish as they come. Curved edges and a...
Features
The XSound Go from Tribit is one of the go-to choices if you’re looking for wireless Bluetooth speakers on a budget. Despite its small size, the XSound Go still offers rich and bassy sound even at high volumes. It has very good battery life (up to 24 hours) and has a listed Bluetooth range of up to 66 ft, surprisingly good for its price tag. In addition, the speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating.
Price
The Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $33.
PROS
- Very inexpensive
- Waterproof housing
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
CONS
- Some sound fraying at very loud volumes
- Lacks stereo support
Ultimate Ears ROLL 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Big, bold, beautiful sound
- Strap the speaker to your bike, backpack, kayak or wherever else
- Stretchy, attachable marine-grade bungee
Features
At first glance, the ROLL 2 from Ultimate Ears looks like a football. However it’s anything but. This portable speaker from Ultimate Ears packs a lot in a small, handheld package: an IPX7 waterproof rating, stereo support when paired with another ROLL 2, and a connection range of up to 65 feet. The ROLL 2 is also very light and compact, making it a perfect take-along for everyday activities that can slip into your purse or backpack. It’s also available in a variety of styles and colors, making it a good choice if you want a little out-of-the-box personalization.
Price
The Ultimate Ears ROLL 2 Portable Bluetooth SPeaker can be found on Amazon for around $93.
PROS
- Compact, lightweight design
- Waterproof housing
- Comes in a variety of styles and colors
- Stereo support
CONS
- Mediocre battery life
ECOXGEAR GDI-EXBLD810 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker & PA System
- 100% Waterproof and dustproof - meets IP67 international standards, no worries with rain,...
- Double up the sound with EcoConnect that allows the connection of 2 EcoBoulders (mono or...
- Audio sources include Bluetooth, AM or FM or wired aux in connection; Play on standard AC...
Features
Completely different from the other entries on this list, this all-in-one-style device from ECOXGEAR seems like it can do it all. It’s a portable Bluetooth Speaker, AM/FM radio and PA system all rolled into one box. Like many of the other speakers on this list it supports a stereo configuration, although owning two of these might be a bit excessive considering the price tag.
As the GDI-EXBLD810 is pretty bulky, it has handles on the top as well as a built-in extendable handle and caster wheels on the sides. This allows you to carry and move it around more easily. The speaker also has a few features you won’t find on the smaller speakers on this list: two cup holders on the top of the unit, a built-in bottle opener and an internal waterproof storage compartment for keeping your phone and valuables dry. Overall, this is the perfect speaker for an outdoor gathering or pool party – if you can afford it.
Price
The ECOXGEAR GDI-EXBLD810 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker & PA System can be found on Amazon for around $199.
PROS
- Impressive 100-hour battery life
- AM/FM radio and PA system functionality
- Built-in cup holders and bottle opener
- Internal waterproof storage
- Stereo support
CONS
- Quite pricey
- Very bulky and heavy
Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Phantom Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker
- Power Source Type: Battery Powered
Features
The BOOM 2 from Ultimate Ears is one of the better portable Bluetooth speakers you can buy. It has all of the features you can expect: 15 hours of battery life, a lightweight, waterproof and shockproof housing, and 360 degrees of high-quality sound in portable and compact package. In addition, a feature called PartyUp allows the speaker to connect with up to 150 other UE-branded speakers, allowing them to functionally act as what is essentially a collective sound system.
Price
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Phantom Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $109.
PROS
- Waterproof housing
- 360-degree sound
- Multi-point pairing support
- Robust set of features for price
- Good battery life
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
Fugoo Style S 100% Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Features
The Style S from Fugoo is definitely an eye catcher – it has a stylish casing that is both waterproof and shockproof, making it a good take-along to the pool or the beach. The Speaker has an impressive battery life, providing up to 15 hours of charge at half volume. It also has stereo support, allowing you to pair 2 devices together for an immersive audio experience. And if you aren’t a fan of its default appearance, there are a few other colors and variations to choose from, such as a version with a black and rugged style.
Price
The Fugoo Style S 100% Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $129.
PROS
- Comes in several styles and colors
- Shockproof and waterproof design
- Very good battery life
CONS
- No flaws to note
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Wirelessly connect two UE WONDERBOOMS to party louder
- Make the most of your UE WONDERBOOM by wirelessly pairing two UE WONDERBOOMS together
- Connect up to two UE WONDERBOOMS to the same source at the same time
Features
The WONDERBOOM from Ultimate Ears is small, compact, and most importantly affordable. And if you are looking for portable Bluetooth speakers, this one provides. With its IPX7 rating and a 360-degree design for surround sound, it’s a great choice for the pool side. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Price
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $67.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Small and portable design
- Waterproof
- 360-degree sound
- Comes in a variety of different colors and styles
CONS
- Lacks stereo support
- Mediocre battery life compared to other speakers
Anker Soundcore Flare Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- BREATHTAKING BASS: With BassUP Technology a customized digital signal processor first...
- SOUND AND LIGHT IN HARMONY: Watch a halo of LEDs phase, pulse, and shine with the rhythm...
- DOUBLE THE POWER: Connect 2 Flare speakers via a single Bluetooth device. Go stereo for an...
Features
The Soundcore Flare from Anker is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers on the market today for the budget-minded consumer. Despite its low price tag, it’s still packed with features: The Soundcore Flare has impressive sound quality and a lightweight design, as well as a surprising IP67 dust-resistant and waterproof rating. It also has a well-build app that allows the user to remotely control the Soundcore Flare from their phone. With external LED lighting and stereo support, the Soundcore Flare is a great choice.
Price
The Anker Soundcore Flare Wireless Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $49.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- IP67 dust- and waterproof rating
- Solid and lightweight design
- Stereo support option
CONS
- Sound quality suffers at max volume
Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Unrestrained and portable active Stereo speaker
- Free from the confines of wires and Chords.Channel frequency response: 62 - 20000 Hz
- Maximum sound pressure level is 100 dB at 1 meter
Features
The Kilburn II from Marshall hearkens back to a day before Bluetooth and modern electronics like laptops and smartphones. At a glance it resembles a guitar amp, and while it’s good at playing guitar music, it’s good at playing all other kinds of music too. In addition to a robust and water-resistant housing and 360-degree sound output, the Kilburn II has a leather carry handle for added portability and style.
Price
The Marshall Kilburn II Portable Bluetooth Speaker can be found on Amazon for around $299.
PROS
- Stylish and waterproof design
- 360-degree sound output
- Leather carry handle
CONS
- Very pricey
- Sound is muddy at high volumes
The 10 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2018
Depending on who you are, you might be looking for portable Bluetooth speakers for a different reason than the next person. If you are looking for something powerful, we can recommend the Tribit X-Boom. Or if you are looking for something on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Flare might be just for you. With that said, we hope that this guide helps you come to a satisfactory buying choice.
Last update on 2023-06-06 at 20:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API