Are you looking for a wireless speaker but don’t know which one to buy? Here are the best wireless speakers on the market for value for money, from high-end to cheaper models.
The wireless speakers are popular items because, while not presenting to the hi-fi speaker level audio performance, they play very well, however, and have a high volume level. Just place them where you prefer, connect your smartphone to Bluetooth, and that’s it.
To take to work, in the garage, by the pool, for an outdoor picnic, or for a garden party, they are devices that any music lover can consider as an investment. Also a great choice as a gift for all ages.
Among the features to look at, the power output is important, but the clarity of the sound is even more important. If clean and balanced, the Bluetooth speaker will guarantee optimal listening even if it does not have high volumes.
Another important aspect is the quality and stability of the connection. The Bluetooth speaker works through a wireless connection. The connection with a PC, smartphone, tablet, or another device must be stable and fast, to be able to play music, podcasts, or the audio of a video without delays or interruptions.
Other important aspects of the choice are the build quality (some models are even waterproof), the battery life, and of course, the aesthetic aspect.
In some of the latest generation Bluetooth speakers, we find the voice assistant Alexa or Google Assistant, which allows you to use the device like a smart speaker.
Now let’s see which are the best wireless speakers on the market for value for money, from high-end speakers to the cheapest.
1. JBL Boombox 2
The best ultra-powerful wireless speakers with integrated stereo speakers
Pros:
- Powerful and balanced sound
- Autonomy 24 hours
- Water-resistant (IPX7)
Cons:
- Rather generous in size
The JBL Boombox 2 is one of the best wireless speakers for audio power. It meets the needs of those looking for a quality outdoor model, to liven up a party and turn up the volume. Made of plastic and fabric, it is perfectly waterproof and has obtained the IPX7 certification. To be purchased if weight and dimensions are not a problem.
Structurally, the JBL Boombox measures 48.5 x 20.1 x 25.7 cm with a weight of 5.9 kg, is equipped with double 20 mm tweeters and 2 4-inch woofers, a reason that affects the weight (not light) of the cabinet, but which offers an industry-leading sound quality.
From the point of view of wireless connection, it is one of the best wireless speakers ever. There is no drop in quality when listening to music, or using the built-in microphone to make voice calls.
If audio is among the strengths of the JBL Boombox, much of the credit goes to the deep, distortion-free bass. The 4 active transducers and 2 passive bass radiators guarantee a balanced sound performance. There are 2×40 Watts RMS of audio power when using the power outlet, which becomes 2x30W RMS when used with the internal battery. The latter offers 10,000 mAh of capacity with an autonomy of 24 hours and a full recharge time is 6.5 hours.
2. Sonos Move
The best portable wireless speakers with a self-calibration system
Pros:
- Effective self-calibration system
- Good performance
- Absence of the jack input
Cons:
- A little too heavy
The Sonos Move is the first model of the brand to work via Bluetooth, equipped with an internal battery and considered one of the best wireless speakers for the home, for its ease of movement from one room to another, in the garden or on the terrace.
Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, when paired with other Sonos speakers arranged in different rooms, it is able to transmit in perfect sync in multi-room mode, an option usually precluded to Bluetooth speakers.
To simplify the use of Sonos Move is its App, which is responsible for obtaining music content from streaming platforms, music libraries, podcasts, and online radio.
Another advantage, which can be shared with other Sonos brand systems, is the fact that it is an autonomous system. The smartphone, in fact, is limited to taking on the remote control function, reserving the search for the content desired by the user for Sonos.
This bi-amped two-way speaker has the tweeter positioned at the top and facing the bottom. In association with the mid-woofer addressed to the front, a directional speaker is obtained, resulting in a slightly “muffled” sound field towards the rear.
In terms of aesthetics, Sonos Move looks like a sort of “cylinder” with an oval base. A choice that ensures perfect centering of the speaker on the ring base, which also functions as a charging point.
A speaker certainly heavier than the average, but excellent in performance.
3. Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II
Wide sounding high-end Bluetooth speaker
Pros:
- Wide and balanced sound
- Autonomy 17 hours
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Improved power
Among the best Bose portable wireless speakers, the SoundLink Revolve + II is undoubtedly a model that guarantees premium sound performance, with sensitive and significant improvements over the previous version.
It is a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker that offers 360 ° sound, full-bodied and powerful in the lower frequencies, as well as crisp and defined on the higher ones. It also resists dust very well and this confirms the well-known attention to Bose build quality which has always aimed to offer long-lasting products.
Thanks to a comfortable handle it is possible to carry it without any discomfort and take advantage of truly excellent battery life: we are talking about 17 hours of continuous use. Charging is done easily via the USB port.
Thanks to the integrated microphone, it will be possible to answer calls and possibly also use the voice assistant. Integration with Alexa will make remote control even smoother. It is possible to connect up to two devices at the same time, completing a simple pairing operation.
We, therefore, recommend the Bose SoundLink Revolve + II to those who want to invest in a durable, high-quality Bluetooth speaker with high-performance battery life.
4. Marshall Stanmore II
The Bluetooth speaker for the home
Pros:
- Powerful and spacious sound
- Iconic design
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Less portable
- No integrated battery
If you are interested in a Bluetooth speaker to put at home, to listen to music from your smartphone, the Marshall Stanmore II is one of the best Bluetooth speakers for power and performance. Less portable than the other models described here, but very good for sound quality. To put in the car and take home with friends for a party with friends, it is still perfect, maybe a little less for the beach.
And it is precisely at high volumes that the speaker fills the room without problems, and without getting tired. The sound is clean even when we turn up the volume, unlike other smaller models that struggle to combine high performance with high power.
Thanks to the 50W class D amplifier, and the composition of the drivers, two tweeters, and a sub, for a good separation of the frequencies and the stereo image. For sound control, the Marshall smartphone application allows you to adjust the equalization parameters with 5 bands, for a good level of finish and sound customization.
The build quality is exceptional, and the look is sure to be talked about, this speaker that looks like a guitar amplifier will surely find a place in the front row of the home decor.
5. JBL Charge 5
The best mid-range outdoor Bluetooth speaker with Power Bank
Pros:
- Low-frequency quality
- Autonomy
- Integrated power bank
Cons:
- Uncovered USB port
The JBL Charge 5 is the best mid-range wireless speakers , a smartphone case for use on the beach, by the pool, or outdoors, reliable and with superior performance.
The Charge 5 performs great in both water and dust resistance. The performance on the low frequencies is particularly appreciated, where the Bass Radiator confer power and roundness while keeping the frequencies controlled and defined. PartyBoost technology, on the other hand, allows you to connect two or more speakers, as long as they are compatible with JBL.
The autonomy reaches 20 hours of continuous use: it is, therefore, the perfect model to go out in the morning and spend the whole day listening to music, without risking running out of battery. In addition, the integrated power bank provides the possibility to charge your smartphone or tablet.
The small size and weight and the affordable price also make the JBL Charge 5 one of the best quality-price Bluetooth speakers, with a well-balanced sound and convincing performance.
6. Sony SRS-XB43
The Bluetooth speaker with light effects
Pros:
- Very nice design
- Long autonomy
- Light effects
Cons:
- A little ‘heavy
The Sony SRS-XB43 is a Bluetooth speaker with a very nice design and with unique dynamic animations among the wireless speakers. The case is completely waterproof, offering a fairly powerful, full-bodied, and balanced sound in general on all frequencies. In addition to water resistance, it also works very well against dust and rust, preserving it over time.
The battery is one of its strongest points: we are talking about 24 hours of autonomy. You can therefore animate a whole day with your favorite music without risking running out of charge. Another very interesting function is the possibility of connecting up to 100 wireless speakers. In this way, your situation will be even more enveloping.
Thanks to the lighting effects, the fun will be even greater, making everything more dynamic and engaging. You can also charge your smartphone simply by connecting the USB cable to the speaker.
The Sony SRS-XB43 is the perfect model for those looking for a mid-range speaker designed specifically to party, associate multiple speakers, and have a battery that lasts all day.
7. UE Boom 3
Portable, powerful, and waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Pros:
- Strong, balanced, and deep sound
- Compact, waterproof, and very resistant speaker
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- An audio jack is missing
- Magic Button is useful, but only for Apple Music or Deezer subscribers
360-degree audio, sophisticated design, impact resistance, and IP67 waterproof certification make the UE Boom 3 one of the best wireless speakers to take outdoors.
As for the audio quality, it is certainly the medium-low frequencies that excel, with well-made grooves. Satisfactory work also on the basses, decidedly cared for, even if less deep than those of the UE Megaboom 3. In testing the speaker we appreciated its crystal clear sound, thanks to well-calibrated mid-highs and highs.
Aesthetically, Ultimate Ears Boom 3 appears as a solid cylinder lined with waterproof fabric. To protect it from possible blows, it is the rubberized coating of the two ends.
Two large keys used for volume control characterize the front. The previous version UE Boom 2 presented them inserted inside a rubber band while the new model has none, but this facilitates access to the keys themselves. On the top is the on / off button, the one for Bluetooth pairing, and the “Magic Button”.
It is the Ultimate Ears App that allows the Magic Button to do its job, such as launching a playlist or switching between playlists.
For charging, the portable speaker has a magnetic connector positioned on the bottom, ready to accommodate the dock (sold separately), in addition to the convenient alternative from the USB port present.
Finally, the lack of the audio jack can be a limitation for some, a factor that forces them to use only Bluetooth to connect the speaker to a mobile phone or PC.
8. UE Wonderboom 2
The best wireless speakers under 100 dollars
Pros:
- Full-bodied bass
- Portable and waterproof
- Float in the water
Cons:
- Medium not completely clean
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 BlueTooth speaker, one of the best Outdoor speakers under 100 dollars, is the update of the first Wonderboom, from which it stands out for an even richer sound.
Its power allows you to use the speaker both in large rooms and by the sea or by the pool. In the latter case, you will be able to see it floating in the water!
Several features make it a recommended purchase for those who love to listen to music outdoors, such as the small size and low weight (only 422 grams), waterproofing, the ability to resist dust (IP67 certified), and the improved battery that arrives. to guarantee up to 13 hours of listening.
Also appreciable from an aesthetic point of view, with 5 variants of two-tone fabric, it also has the outdoor boost function. The sound of the UE Wonderboom 2 adapts to any outdoor environment for volume and clarity. Considering the size, the basses do not disappoint, even if they are sometimes slightly too pushed in the lower mids.
This waterproof case has buttons for adjusting the volume on the front but, unlike other speakers, it does not have a 3.5 mm input for AUX cables. We tested the connection both indoors and outdoors, and even 25 meters away, no problems were detected.
It can be combined with a second speaker, as long as it is of the same type. An ideal choice if you want to double the sound. It will be enough for you to press, on both speakers, the UE button at the top to perform the pairing.
9. Anker Soundcore Flare
Portable Bluetooth speaker with LED lights
Pros:
- Audio quality at an affordable price
- Small size
- Useful and efficient app
Cons:
- Short autonomy with active LED lights
The IPX7 waterproof construction and the small size make the Anker Soundcore Flare an ideal model for those looking for a portable speaker with Bluetooth, to listen to music on the go at any time of the day.
The Soundcore Flare, one of the best Chinese portable speakers, offers an improved build quality compared to the first version, high portability, and an affordable price.
Aesthetically it resembles a smooth cylinder with the speaker tending to taper towards the top. Striking is the LED ring on the bottom, to which you can also change the colors.
The rough rubber used in the lower part makes it easier to grip, even if the control buttons positioned at the top did not seem too comfortable: play/pause, increase and decrease the volume, BassUp and switch for the color of the LEDs.
The Soundcore Flare uses Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity and covers a distance of 30 feet, with rare disconnections at the maximum distance. The micro USB input is flanked by a 3.5 mm input for wiring other devices.
To add further interactivity, the speaker app allows you to adjust the lights, associate a second speaker for stereo listening and change the equalization according to your listening preferences.
10. Sony SRS-XB12
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker
Pros:
- Impressive power / size ratio
- Waterproof
- Economical price
Cons:
- Microphone for speakerphone not great
- It distorts a little on the deep bass
The Sony SRS-XB12 is a wireless speaker from Sony’s “Extra Bass” line and is a good solution for a trip, a day at the beach or to take camping.
Economical, compact, and ultra-light (just 243 grams), it is a waterproof and highly portable Bluetooth speaker, equipped with a battery that, although small in size, guarantees a good duration (16 hours).
It is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 technology, a 46mm mono speaker, a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz, and a fairly rich sound. If the purpose is to listen to some music in the company, without expecting high volumes, this model is among the most recommended.
It is entirely covered with soft shockproof plastic, excellent at a tactile level, and has on / off buttons, volume adjustment, and pause/play. In addition, the comfortable removable strap allows you to position it horizontally or hang it on a hook. A useful solution, the latter, is if you love listening to music in the shower.
Finally, to make it even more captivating, are the different shades available: white, black, yellow, green, and blue.