Best Bluetooth Speakers in 2020 (February Reviews)
After researching over 50 Bluetooth speakers online, we got our hands on the top 11 so we could test them out in real-time with real ears to determine which one beats out the rest. During our tests, we specifically reviewed portability, battery life and sound quality, cutting any speaker that didn’t meet our expectations. Then, we put the speakers through a marathon of drop and water resistance tests since we know you’ll want to take it with you to the pool party or camping.
With all these features in mind, we have crowned the JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth Speaker as the king of Bluetooth speakers due to its stellar battery life and IPX7 waterproof build. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks and how they can bring more high-quality beats to your life, no matter where you are. That all being said, here are some of the best bluetooth speakers for 2020 that you can find, and the latest features they offer. If these are too rich for your blood, check out our best portable bluetooth speakers under $100. Or if you’re looking for more options, be sure to read our bluetooth speaker reviews.
#1 Pick JBL Charge 4 – Best Bluetooth Speaker
Price: Check Price | Battery Life: 20 hours | Weight: 3 lb
JBL is one of the biggest names in the portable speaker world, and it’s easy to see why in the JBL Charge 4. This powerful Bluetooth speaker offers some incredible features. Weighing in at 3 pounds, it’s a little heavier than some of the other choices on our list, but the added weight lends some extra durability to the whole thing. It also features an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be fully submerged without worry.
The Charge 4’s battery is also impressive with over 20 hours of total playtime on a single charge. You’ll also be impressed by the sound quality on the speaker and its ability to connect to 100 other JBL speakers for the ultimate dance party. For an outside party, check out the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers.
#2 Pick Bose Soundlink Revolve – Best Sounding Bluetooth Speaker
Price: Check Price | Battery Life: 12 hrs | Weight: 1.46 lbs
You really shouldn’t be surprised that a Bose system made its way on to this list, with the brand’s reputation for high-quality sound. This is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers around, featuring high-tech True 360 degree sound coverage and a wireless range of up to 30 feet.
This speaker has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that promises up to 12 hours of battery life. And while it’s not as durable or rugged as other speakers on our list, it does offer exception sound quality that is unparalleled by anything else on our list. Also, check out the best wireless speakers.
#3 Pick UE Boom 3 – Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Price: Check Price | Battery Life: 15 hrs | Weight: 3.03lbs
The Logitech Ultimate Ears Boom 3 speaker is another contender for the best Bluetooth speaker on the market today. Featuring what it calls “360-degree” sound, this speaker has a 15 hour battery life and is designed to be toted around just about anywhere, from backpacks to pool sides.
The Boom 3 is completely waterproof and even floats if it happens to take a dip into the water, making it the best speaker on our list for pool parties. Combine that with the PartyUp feature, which allows you to pair up to 150 Boom speakers together, and you’ve got a real party in the works. You may also like 10 of the best Bluetooth speakers for big sound under $300.
#4 Pick Anker Soundcore – Best Bluetooth Speaker Under $50
Price: Check Price | Battery Life: 24 hrs | Weight: 14 oz
It may be one of the smallest speakers on our list, but the Anker Soundcore speaker packs a punch. The battery life is incredibly solid, even considering its smaller build, lasting well over 24 hours. It’s also pretty durable, able to withstand drops from various heights, making it the perfect on-the-go speaker. And the best part is that you get all of these features for under $50. For slightly more, the 10 of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100 list is great too.
#5 Pick JBL Flip 4 – Best Bluetooth Speaker Under $100
Price: Check Price | Battery Life: 12 hrs | Weight: 1.14 lb
We’re so impressed by JBL’s speakers that we decided to include another one on the list: the JBL Flip 4. It’s a little more rugged than the Charge 4, offering what it calls “lifestyle material,” which just means it can take a hit or two without problem. It’s also IPX7 waterproof. You also get stellar sound and a speakerphone in case you need to take a call without pulling your phone out. You might also like the best smart speaker.
6. Nyne Bass Bluetooth Speaker
The Nyne Bass has a sleeker, more elegant design than many of the best Bluetooth speakers on this list, with swooping legs and a curved style that still manages to offer quite a few unique features. It has a microphone so you can use it as a speakerphone for smartphone calls, as well as a handy carrying handle and easy charging via phone if you run out of power – which is especially handy since the battery only offers 10 hours of playtime. It’s ideal for tailgating, and you can get one for around $129.95. Use it with the best internet radio.
7. IK Multimedia iLoud Bluetooth Speaker
Here’s a more specialized option for your Bluetooth plans: The IK Multimedia iLoud is one of the best wireless speakers for more professional work, with its tiny woofers and tweeters that push out remarkably good sound (although only in one primary direction). Hook up your guitar or mic into the speaker and add some more personalized audio. You could use it for a minimalistic show, or when jamming with friends, especially if you use the accompanying iPad app. You can get it for $299.99 retail price. The best soundbar is another great option for the home.
8. Creative Sound Blaster Roar Bluetooth Speaker
This Bluetooth speaker is an all-around solid option – literally. The solid design, the solid feature performance, and the solid ROAR audio enhancement all make this speaker an excellent bet. It has a 5-drive system and supports aptX and AAC protocols, and also has NFC for pairing with your other mobile devices. A built-in MP3 player, voice recorder, speakerphone, and multiple listening modes are also included, make the Roar a very…solid package. You can find this speaker for as low as $129.99.
9. JBL Clip Bluetooth Speaker
All right, say you don’t want to lug around a big speaker in your bag – suppose you just want something small and easily portable that will give you some personal tunes when you want them. The JBL Clip is the best Bluetooth speaker for you, with its small, circular design and the prominent carabiner begging to be used with belt or backpack straps. The small form factor comes with 5 hours of battery life, but you can plug it into other mobile devices, too. The price is nice too, at $44.95.
10. Jawbone Big Jambox Bluetooth Speaker
Here’s another great speaker that boasts speakerphone capabilities and some super high-quality sound. You also get an aux input, 15 hours of battery life, and consistent Jawbone software support. This speaker walks the line between a semi-professional device and a fun mobile speaker to use with your friends, making it ideal for a number of different situations. Like the Bose, the price is a little steep at $299.99 for retail cost.
Read: Jawbone Big Jambox review
Bonus. Sony SRS-X3 Bluetooth Speaker
Sony’s mini Bluetooth speaker is a good choice for the extra-portable class of speakers, a tiny unit that you can carry with no trouble but which still offers dual passive radiators and a wide stereo mode. The battery life, however, is a little disappointing at 7 hours, and the speaker won’t win any awards with its style. But sometimes the basics are exactly what you need, and you can find this speaker at a reasonable price.
Key Factors to a Top Bluetooth Speaker
When you’re shopping for a Bluetooth speaker there a four things to keep in mind: battery size, portability, ruggedness, and sound quality. Unfortunately, sound quality and size, while not entirely mutually exclusive, are closely tied to one other. However, our #1 pick, the Fugoo Sport, fulfills both of these criteria despite its size, or in this case portability. Which is to say it’s portable and provides ample power and sound quality. More, the Fugoo provides up to 40 hours of battery life, destroying our next highest rated pick by more than double. You could very well travel with the Fugoo for a full two weeks and never have to charge it.
That in mind, look for a Bluetooth speaker that is rugged. One that is able to survive falls and water as you’ll likely want to take it to the beach or by the pool – look for an IP Code. The Bose Soundlink III is the exception in this case but thanks to excellent sound quality you won’t need to have it as close to the water. Though there is no disputing that the lack of this feature does reduce the overall value proposition of a Bluetooth speaker.
Mistakes to Avoid
There are many cheap Bluetooth speakers on the market. And by cheap I mean both in price and build quality. Don’t get wrapped up in those knock off esque devices unless you can evaluate their quality from a third party. And don’t just mean sound quality. You’ll want a Bluetooth speaker that will last you the test of time, or last for a few years. And one that won’t fall apart by tossing it into a bag.
Also, make sure you get a Bluetooth speaker that can be charged by microUSB. At this point, miniUSB should have been phased out, but it’s worth taking note. All of our picks are microUSB, so you won’t have a problem there. And if you’re an Android user, you’ll be able to charge both your phone and these Bluetooth speakers from the same cord.
Which Bluetooth Speaker is Right for You?
I honestly believe that the Fugoo Sport is the best bluetooth speaker money can buy. As of March 2016 it sells for just $169.99, which is a bargain, as it usually goes for $30 more. And thanks to a set of neodymium speakers that are arranged in such a way it’s able to emit 360 degrees of sound, with bass no less – your ears won’t be sorry.
Of the list, the Bose Soundlink 3 is probably the standout of the pact, largely because it’s, well, larger in size than the bunch. However, it isn’t waterproof, though it provides the widest frequency range, hitting lows that aren’t achieved (some come close) by any other Bluetooth speaker on the list.
If you’re on a tight budget, you won’t be sorry with UE’s Roll. It’s inexpensive, very versatile thanks to the built-in bungie cord, and is 100% waterproof. Call it a value pick without much compromise.
So there you have it, our Top Bluetooth Speaker picks for 2020. While many of these will suffice as an excellent wireless speaker, they’re not quite the same thing. So be sure to check out our wireless speaker reviews where we can tell you about some of the best wireless speakers, which includes Sonos and many more.
Latest Bluetooth Speaker Reviews & Buyer Guides
Learn More About Best Bluetooth Speakers
Our bluetooth speaker reviews are the go-to if you are looking for the best bluetooth speaker. These digital audio portable speakers use bluetooth technology for reception of sound for playback through passive radiators. There are three primary categories of bluetooth speakers based on their use including waterproof, party, rugged and an outdoor speaker.
There are various crucial aspects to consider when buying your portable bluetooth speaker. Opt for one with outstanding sound quality and audio performance and battery life of not less than 30 minutes. Great sounding high quality wireless speakers are also sometimes IPX7 rated for durability.
Most shoppers erroneously opt for speakers of 2018 with the highest price range or renowned brands like Amazon Alexa, Bose soundlink mini ii and jbl charge. Others will look for a wireless speaker with a high volume or one which sounded good with little regard to its sound bars. By considering the critical factors, however, you will get the best speakers you can buy if you rely on Gadget Review for speaker delivering the best ever services since years.
What's The Price Range For Bluetooth Speakers?
There are numerous types of Bluetooth speaker, each with their own retail price depending on factors such as type, specifications and brand. However, most wireless speakers fall within the range of $50 to $300.
The best Bluetooth speaker brands include Fugoo, Bose, Ultimate Ears, Philips and a few others.
Key Features to Look For
Audio or sound quality is the major factor that differentiates a great Bluetooth speakers from the pact. But so is portability, especially if you plan to travel with your Bluetooth speaker. But first ensure you consider a speaker that offers an outstanding battery life (at least 8 - 10 hours of battery).
Audio Quality: An impressive audio performance is the first key feature to look at. When tested using a number of musical genres, the speaker needs to produce balanced frequency ranges, with crisp treble and a balance between bass and midrange.
Controls Features & Durability: Different Bluetooth speakers may have different control features. The most common of these include the Hands-Free Profile that allows for voice commands, Headset Profile that enables the speakerphone feature, and the Remote Control Profile from which you can conveniently control your playlist. A more reliable speaker should also be durable and its design has a huge say in this as well as its portability. Some are made to resist falls, sand, and water, meaning that they are ideal for use in different terrains.
Battery Life and Performance: More often than not, the battery life of most Bluetooth speakers has a range of somewhere between 6 and 40 hours standard. Some models have the capability of serving as power banks for mobile gadgets and run on rechargeable batteries.
If you’re searching for the best Bluetooth speaker or best outdoor Bluetooth Speakers, do yourself a favor by reading our expert speaker reviews, where the latest Bluetooth speaker reviews and lists of the top Bluetooth speakers are honestly compared! With that in mind, it's important to understand that Bluetooth speakers are often divided into categories based on use. Rugged speakers are designed for outdoor travel and are usually smaller so they can fit in a backpack. Waterproof speakers are made for chilling by the pool or on the beach, though these speakers are often one in the same as the aforementioned. Party speakers can link up with each and often include lights or display options to impress onlookers while spilling out tunes. And then there are the more versatile speakers, which often include a mic and speaker phone for taking phone calls. Nevertheless, all of the previously mentioned Bluetooth speakers could include this feature.
So, what is Bluetooth speaker?
Just like the name suggests, Bluetooth Speakers are digital audio receivers (speakers) that rely on Bluetooth technology to receive sound from other devices for playback. These speakers have a built-in amplifier that allows magnification of the digital sound signals upon transmission from your smart device without the need for plug-in or cable attachments. In essence, Bluetooth is a wireless technology whereby two devices communicate with each other, one as the signal transmitter and the other a receiver. These speakers are well designed to be portable, utilize rechargeable batteries and have over the past few years gained much popularity among lovers of music.
Your entertainment experience with a new set of Bluetooth speakers will be determined by how well you consider the above mentioned factors. However, buyers tend to overlook a few key factors.
Don’t buy based on price: Some shoppers tend to go for high cost Bluetooth speakers assuming that they are the best quality while others tend to consider affordability. Instead of buying based entirely on price, take time to conduct some research to ensure you are getting value for your money.
Don't buy on brand alone: Sure we've suggested some top brands, but make sure they meet all of your requirements. That said, Fugoo is a relatively unknown new comer, but they offer one of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Don't compromise on battery: We've mentioned this, but honestly, this will be a big deal when you're traveling or backpacking. Again, Fugoo's speakers boast 40 hours of battery life (under ideal conditions), and that's plenty for at least a week's trip.