17 October 2023 , 11:00
510
0
Bluetooth speakers are a game-changer when it comes to taking the tunes with you, whether it's walking around the comfort of your own home and garden, on playlist duty for a house party, or on holiday by the pool. Bluetooth is an industry-standard, so these wireless speakers can connect to nearly all smart devices – from smartphones to watches – and there are no cables to worry about.
Sonos, JBL, and Bose are just three brands well-known for their sound, specs and even waterproofing (to add to durability) not to mention you'd be able to connect the gadgets to all your mates' phones, tablets or even TVs - to boost the sound around the room.
With so many Bluetooth speakers available on the market, it can get confusing knowing which one will be best for your needs - so here’s where our round-up comes in, comparing models for nearly every budget from a £399 Sonos option to a nifty £50 device, and everything in between.
Other speakers to choose from
Rating the portable gadgets from lowest to highest price, here are some options for shoppers, no matter your budget. We've also included our top pick, the Sonos Roam so you can compare its features to other gadgets on the market. Let's get started.
1. JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5The Flip 5 is waterproof to an IPX7 rating, boasts a 12-hour battery life and has a USB-C charging port, meaning it goes from flat to fully juiced in just 2.5 hours - all for under £100.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
There's also a PartyBoost button that helps you pair two PartyBoost-enabled speakers to create a stereo pair, or link over 100 PartyBoost-compatible speakers in mono.
Price: Currently £79.99 at Amazon, usually £99.99
2. Tribit Stormbox Micro
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
Tribit Stormbox MicroIt may be tiny but the Tribit is able to deliver. Due to its small size, it’s also ideal for taking with you on-the-go, whether that be on a 10K run, or your morning commute to work, and comes with a fastening strap. Not to mention it's both waterproof and dustproof.
If your budget maxes out at £50, the Tribit is a splendid option, it also happens to be the cheapest option on our list, battling against some brand names this portable device certainly gives you a lot for your money.
Price: £49.99, from Amazon - buy here now
3. Tronsmart Bang 50W Portable Speaker
Tronsmart Bang 60W Portable SpeakerThis may be the best pick to take to a party, fitted with LED lights and it'll change colour in time to the beat of music. The Tronsmart Bang 60 Watt portable speaker is powerful and packs a punch, delivering an audio feast with an impactful stereo sound.
Featuring patented SoundPulse technology, the BANG puts on a beat driven immersive lights how where the LEDs phase, pulse and shine with the rhythm of the music. The BANG is also capable of syncing with up to 100 other Bang speakers thanks to Tronsmarts TuneConn technology to amplify the audio and visual experience. The innovative speaker also supports Advanced Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC Seamless Connection.
Price: £89.99 from Amazon - buy here now
4. Sonos Roam
Sonos RoamThis is our top-picked speaker, thanks to its powerful sound, design and excellent connectivity features - there's even something for those wanting to add more smart features to their home.
Its bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while a clever Automatic Switching feature means it's easily used indoors, too.
Boots annual 70% off sale is returning with some deals already available
Price: £179, from Sonos - buy here now
5. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (Amazon)The Beosound A1 from Bang & Olufsen is one of the first Bluetooth only portable speakers, with fully integrated Alexa and a refined, slimline design that is fully dust and waterproof.
This model also has a significantly improved battery life with up to 18 hours of play time, which is enough to keep your favourite tunes pumping for the whole day.
Price: £226, from Amazon - buy here now
6. JBL Xtreme 3
JBL Xtreme 3Another JBL model to consider buying, this time it's a lot bigger than the JBL Flip 5 device. Bring a party-proof music setup wherever you go with the JBL Xtreme 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This new generation features even more power, updated Bluetooth and lighter weight while offering better protection at the same time.
Price: £249, from Amazon - buy here now
7. Bose Home Portable Speaker
Bose Home Portable SpeakerThe Bose Portable Home Speaker delivers 360° lifelike sound in a compact and durable speaker that you can take anywhere. When connected to Wi-Fi, built-in voice control from the Google Assistant and Alexa puts songs, playlists and more at the tip of your tongue.
Price: £379.95, from John Lewis - buy here now
8. Sonos Move
Sonos MoveLast but not least we end with the Sonos Move. Fitted with two a solid app that unlocks playback from hundreds of wireless sources, multi-room capabilities, and smart audio-tuning tech, the Sonos Move is engineered well beyond your average Bluetooth speaker.
It's a versatile speaker, meaning it's not only your on-the-go party station, but can also be used as your main wireless home speaker too.
Price: £399, from Sonos - buy here now