Best Bluetooth Speakers in 2020 (July Reviews)
After our extensive testing and research, we determined the JBL Charge 4 to be the best Bluetooth speaker on our list. It features incredible, all-around sound, a long-lasting battery and full waterproof capabilities. It can even link up with up to 100 additional JBL speakers for party sound.
To help you find the best Bluetooth speakers with amazing sound and excellent portability, we purchased and tested 30 different options over the course of 25 hours. Once we received the speakers, we measured each option based on its audio quality, sonic capabilities, durability and battery life. We also rated speakers based on their water resistance capabilities and Bluetooth range, among other features. Keep reading to learn more about the Charge 4 and the other best Bluetooth speakers on our list.
Top 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers
#1 JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This JBL speaker sounds amazing, lasts forever and is completely waterproof. If you’re looking for the best overall speaker experience, this is the choice for you.
Read Full Review: JBL Charge 4 Review
- Amazing, room-filling sound quality
- Stellar battery life
- IPX7 water resistance
- Heavier than other models
- Doesn’t offer 360-degree sound
- Takes longer to charge
JBL is one of the biggest names in the portable speaker world, and it’s easy to see why with 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 in water without worry.
The Charge 4’s battery life is one of its best features, with an impressive 20+ hours on a single charge. You’ll also be impressed by the superb sound quality that the Charge 4 offers. Its powerful bass and clear, crisp high tones make for an enjoyable listening experience, whether inside by yourself or outside at a pool party. And speaking of pool parties, the Charge speaker can connect to up to 100 additional JBL speakers for the ultimate dance party. The only thing we would love to see here is 360-degree sound, but you can still achieve something similar by connecting multiple speakers.
#2 OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A small, yet powerful Bluetooth speaker offers a rich audio experience at an affordable entry point. It’s also splash resistant and durable enough to take a drop or two.
- Rich audio in a small package
- Stellar, 30-hour battery life
- IPX5 water resistance
- Lack of premium features
- Some connection drops
The OontZ Angle 3 strays away from the traditional cylindrical Bluetooth speaker design. Instead, it stays true to its name with its pyramidal design that’s more stable on a greater variety of surfaces. Other than this angular design, though, the OontZ is a fairly simple, unassuming speaker without the extra bells and whistles you might find on other, more expensive speakers.
Don’t let the Angle 3’s otherwise simple design trick you into thinking it offers simple audio quality, though. We were impressed with the rich sound such a small speaker could create. The speaker is loud, and the sound you get stays clear and undistorted. The small size does mean a shorter battery life, however, clocking in at just 8 hours. In the end, though, this is a small price to pay for such a high-quality and affordable Bluetooth speaker.
#3 Bose SoundLink Color II Bluetooth Speaker
Award: MOST PORTABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact Bose is extra portable, rugged and simple to operate. On top of all that, you get that traditional Bose audio quality, which is always a good thing.
Read Full Review: Bose SoundLink Mini II Review
- IPX4 water resistance
- Well-balanced, rich sound quality
- More portable than others
- Weak bass
- No AC adapter included
- Disappointing battery life
As with other Bose speakers, the SoundLink Color II offers strong audio performance with crisp highs and decent lows. The bass is a little weak here, but that’s to be expected with such a small speaker. However, this small speaker can still pack a punch, and there’s minimal distortion at higher volumes. You also get a built-in microphone so you can use speakerphone functionality with your connected smartphone.
We were very appreciative of the SoundLink’s compact and portable design. Measuring in at just 2 inches thick and 5 inches tall and wide, this Bose speaker is one of the smallest options on our list. Despite that small size, the Bose is surprisingly rugged. It features a shock-absorbent silicone exterior that’s also easy to grip on the go. It’s also resistant to water splashes with an IPX4 rating. We do wish the battery offered a little more than 8 hours of continuous playtime, but it can be quickly charged.
#4 Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Award: BEST CONNECTION RANGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A super light and extra portable speaker, without sacrificing on sound quality. It also offers a full 24 hours of battery life for extended listening and an impressive 66-foot Bluetooth range.
Read Full Review: Anker Soundcore Review
- Amazing 24-hour battery life
- Compact, yet rugged build
- Impressively loud
- Not waterproof
- Some speakerphone echo
You may be surprised at just how much of a punch the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth speaker packs, especially considering its size. It’s one of the smallest options on our list, but that doesn’t mean it sacrifices on overall sound quality. From the moment you turn it on and start jamming, you’ll notice just how clear and well-balanced the audio is. It can also get incredibly loud for such a small speaker.
The Anker’s battery life is also something worth noting. Clocking in at around 24 hours, this is one of the more impressive batteries on our list. You also get a good level of durability with the Anker Soundcore. It can withstand drops from various heights and, when combined with its compact design, it’s the perfect on-the-go speaker. Unfortunately, it’s not waterproof, so you’ll want to keep this one away from the pool. All in all, though, the Anker Soundcore is very affordable, meaning you get a ton of value with your purchase here.
#5 DOSS Soundbox Touch Bluetooth Speaker
Award: MOST USER FRIENDLY
WHY WE LIKE IT: With innovative capacitive touch controls, loud volume, and extra-long battery life, this speaker is an excellent option for anyone that wants an excellent all-around music player.
- Innovative touch controls
- Overall balanced sound quality
- Impressive 20-hour battery
- No water resistance
- Top can scratch easily
The DOSS Soundbox Touch’s best feature is alluded to in its name. Where other Bluetooth speakers feature physical buttons, the DOSS features an innovative capacitive touch control panel on top of the speaker. This touch panel is intuitive and incredibly easy to use, making this one of the most user-friendly Bluetooth speakers on our list. Just be aware that the touch control panel can scratch easily, so be careful when carrying it around with you.
On top of the touch control panel, the DOSS Soundbox Touch is designed well, although it isn’t as rugged as other options, especially since it isn’t water-resistant. However, it offers a sleek and attractive design that looks good anywhere you place it. You can also purchase it in several different colors. We were most impressed, however, with the Soundbox’s battery life at 20 hours. The audio is well balanced overall, and the speaker gets impressively loud in spite of its compact size.
#6 Bugani M83 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: LOUDEST VOLUME
WHY WE LIKE IT: There’s a lot to love about this speaker, including its super tough design, incredibly loud volume, and amazing battery life. This speaker is also packed with premium features for an even better audio experience, both indoors and outdoors.
- 2x 20-watts of power
- Extra rugged design
- Packed with premium features
- Large and heavy
The Bugani M83 Bluetooth speaker is the largest option on our list, but that also means it’s the loudest. If you’re looking for a speaker that can output some serious volume without audio distortion, look no further. The M83 offers a total of 40 watts of power between its two main drivers. And while the volume is certainly a plus, you also get amazing sound quality from the M83. It performs best with bass, which is rich and powerful, but it’s mid-ranges and high tones are clear as well.
The Bugani also excels in its design. This is both an indoor and outdoor Bluetooth speaker with its IPX5 water resistance rating. It’s also incredibly rugged, with durable rubber housing that can take a hit or two without worry. Yes, the large and rugged design makes the Bugani heavier than other options, but it also includes a useful carrying handle to make transport easier. The Bugani also includes tons of premium features, like Bluetooth 5.0 for more stable connection, an incredible 30-hour battery life, MicroSD slot and an enhanced internal antenna for a 66-foot Bluetooth range.
#7 UE Boom 3 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: BEST IP67 RATED
WHY WE LIKE IT: This UE Bluetooth speaker is loud, extremely rugged and completely waterproof. If you’re looking for something you can truly take anywhere with you, this is your best choice.
Read Full Review: UE Boom 3 Review
- Room filling 360 degree sound
- Powerful, rich sound
- Adaptive and custom equalizer functionality
- Charging dock sold separately
- Audio lacks some clarity
One of the best features about the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 speaker is that it’s completely waterproof. With an IP67 rating, the speaker can take a complete dip into the water for up to 30 minutes without worry. Plus, it even floats, so you won’t lose it to the depths. The UE Boom 3 is also nearly indestructible with an incredibly rugged design that can handle drops from tall heights and thousands of button presses over the speaker’s life. That IP67 rating also means its dustproof, which is a nice bonus.
When it comes to audio quality, the UE Boom features cutting-edge 360 degree sound, which creates a more immersive listening experience, no matter where you are in relation to the speaker. We do wish it offered a little more clarity, but the bass is powerful and rich. It makes up for the lack of clarity with excellent equalizer functionality that gives you more control over the sound. The Boom 3 also gives you 15 hours of battery life for more extended listening sessions.
#8 JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: MOST DURABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This JBL speaker is a great overall option to take on the go, with an extra-durable build and affordable price tag. It also offers decent overall sound.
Read Full Review: JBL Flip 4 Review
- Extra rugged and 12 hours of battery
- Excellent bass
- Affordable
- Somewhat lacking mid-ranges
- Design is a little boring
The JBL Flip 4 is a little more rugged than the Charge, and it’s built from what JBL calls “lifestyle material,” a durable and shock-absorbent rubber that you can see encasing either end of the speaker. Add this to the speaker’s IPX7 waterproof rating, and you’ve got yourself a speaker that can take a hit or two, as well as a dip or two in the pool, without a problem.
You also get decent all-around sound quality with the Flip 4. While it doesn’t get as loud as other options on our list, the speaker performs well in most instances. Considering the affordability of the speaker, though, we were willing to overlook the somewhat lacking mid-ranges. You also get speakerphone functionality with the JBL Flip 4 in case you need to take a call without pulling out your phone.
#9 Bose SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker
Award: BEST SONIC CAPABILITIES
WHY WE LIKE IT: With True 360-degree sound and SimpleSync technology, this speaker offers one of the more immersive audio experiences on our list. It’s also built from sturdy aluminum and features IPX4 water resistance.
- Revolutionary 360-degree sound
- Sleek, modern design
- Good overall battery life
- Expensive
- Not very rugged
Like it’s cousin higher on the list, the Bose SoundLink Revolve excels in the sound quality department, continuing Bose’s legacy and reputation for high-quality sound. This is one of the best sounding speakers around, featuring high-tech True 360 degree sound coverage. True 360 sound creates a truly immersive audio experience that’s hard to beat. Wherever you are in relation to the speaker, you’ll be able to hear the music just fine. You can also easily pair the Revolve with other Bose speakers seamlessly using Bose SimpleSync technology and play the same music simultaneously for an even more immersive experience.
This speaker also has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that promises up to 12 or 13 hours of battery life. This is fairly average in terms of other Bluetooth speakers on our list, but it should get you through the day without a problem. While the Soundlink Revolve isn’t as rugged as other options, it still provides IPX4 water resistance, meaning it can be splashed but not submerged. All in all, the Bose SoundLink Revolve’s exceptional sound quality is unparalleled by anything else on our list.
#10 XLEADER SoundAngel 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Bluetooth speaker is incredibly portable and affordable, making this the perfect option for those who want good audio without spending an arm and a leg for it.
- Perfect size for bags or purses
- Impressive battery for its size
- Easy to use
- Disappointing voice assistant
- No water resistance
- Not as durable as others
The XLEADER SoundAngel 2 is uniquely shaped like a hockey puck. It’s built this way specifically for increased portability. Measuring in at just 3.35 inches in diameter and 1.38 inches thick, the SoundAngel 2 can easily fit into most pockets and bags. It’s also only around 6 ounces in weight, making it the lightest Bluetooth speaker on our list. The size and portability is certainly impressive, but what’s more impressive is the sound quality you get in such a small package. The speaker is impressively loud and audio is accurate, with crisp highs and rich lows.
The XLEADER also boasts a 1200 mAH lithium-ion battery, which gives you around 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. Charging is quick with the included micro USB cable, at just around 2 hours. While the SoundAngel 2 isn’t as durable as other speakers on our list, it can still handle a bump or two without a problem. Just be careful when you’re getting it in and out of your pockets. The control panel is on top of the speaker, and it’s incredibly easy to use with touch functionality and clearly marked buttons.
How We Decided
As we started to test each Bluetooth speaker on our list, we started by considering design and durability. Bluetooth speakers are often out and visible to you and your guests, so they should be designed well. We favored options that looked good, and even awarded some bonus points for options that included additional design features like built-in lights or various color options. We ranked speakers higher if they provided some kind of water resistance and ruggedness. The best Bluetooth speakers should be able to take a drop or two without breaking.
Next, we only included speakers on our list that sound good. While this is a somewhat subjective consideration, we still think it’s one of the most important features. The speakers on our list sound good at both low and high volume, and we gave preference to options with powerful bass and clear, accurate highs. We also favored options that included extra options like volume and bass boosters.
Finally, we considered each speaker’s overall usability. We only included speakers that were easy to use. The options on our list feature easy-to-press onboard control buttons and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. We favored speakers with long battery lives, up to 24 hours in some cases, and relatively short charge times. We also made sure to only include portable Bluetooth speakers on our list, either in size or by including options like carrying handles to make them easier to carry.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Audio Quality
As with any audio product, the sound quality your Bluetooth speakers produce is one of the first things you should consider when making a new purchase. Of course, audio quality can be somewhat of a subjective thing, especially when some speakers are better than others in different situations. If you’re looking to purchase the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker, then you’ll want something with huge amounts of volume. Or, if you want the best indoor Bluetooth speaker, you’ll want something that focuses on producing rich lows and crisp highs so you can really hear the music the way the musicians intended it. - Portability
Bluetooth speakers are the best portable speakers around, so it’s important that you find an option you can easily move around the house or take along with you as you travel. When it comes to portability, consider how heavy the Bluetooth speaker is along with its overall size. If you purchase a large Bluetooth speaker, you’ll want to be sure it includes some kind of carrying handle to make it easier to take with you. - Water Resistance and Durability
Many Bluetooth speakers are now water resistant, and if you’re planning on playing music by the pool or while you’re camping, this is an absolute must-have feature. Water resistance is measured using an Ingress Protection, or IP, rating. When you see this rating, it will usually look something like IP65 or IPX4. The first digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solids, while the second digit measures against liquids. The higher the number here, the better. For use by the pool, we recommend purchasing a Bluetooth speaker with at least an IPX4 rating, which protects against splashed water from any direction. However, if you’re worried about the speaker falling in the water, you’ll need to get something IPX7 or higher. You’ll also want a Bluetooth speaker that can handle a few drops and bumps without being damaged past the point of functioning. Since you’re likely going to carry your speaker around with you, consider an option that provides some durability features like rubber edges or completely drop-proof casing. - Battery Life
Due to the portable nature of Bluetooth speakers, you’ll want to be sure you get something with a long-lasting battery, especially if you’re going to be away from an outlet for a while. Battery life can vary greatly depending on how you use the speaker. For example, playing music at max volume for long periods of time is going to deplete your battery much faster. Also, larger speakers tend to have larger batteries. Consider how often you’ll want to use your speaker away from a place you can charge it and base your battery life needs off of that. - Wireless Range
How far away can your phone be from the speaker you purchase? This is important, especially if you’re in a big house or at a party with a ton of people. Most Bluetooth connections offer a maximum range of around 33 feet, but there are some Bluetooth speakers that offer more or less.
Bluetooth Speakers FAQs
Which Bluetooth speaker is the loudest?
The loudest Bluetooth speaker on our list is the Bugani M83. Featuring a whopping 40 watts of power, the Bugani delivers loud, rich bass and clear mids and highs at volumes that should be nearly impossible for a portable speaker.Is Bose better than JBL?
Bose has long been considered one of the kings of the audio world, but JBL has also been lauded as one of the best audio manufacturers. So, which one is better? Ultimately, it really depends on your personal audio preferences. Bose tends to be more expensive, but their smart speakers also offer a rich audio experience. JBL offers consistent and accurate sound, but at a less expensive price.Which Bluetooth speaker has the best bass?
The Bluetooth speaker on our list that has the best bass is by far the JBL Charge 3. There are no two ways about it, the Charge 3 offers booming bass, due in part to the exposed bass radiators on either side of the speaker.Which Bluetooth speaker has the best sound quality?
The OontZ Angle 3 is the speaker with the best sound quality on our list. It offers superb audio clarity, accurate midrange frequencies and rich lows, including powerful bass. It may be a fairly small Bluetooth speaker, but it sounds incredible.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.