The Best Bluetooth Speakers

Amazon’s Echo series provides next-generation voice control with an ever-expanding set of “skills.” By now, you know the drill; tell Alexa to order a pizza, and she’ll order a pizza. Tell her to adjust your smart thermostat, and you’ll hear your HVAC system kick on in a few seconds.

The voice control features are nice, but we’re reviewing speakers here, not artificial intelligence. Fortunately, the second-generation Echo Plus improves dramatically on its predecessor. It delivers rich lows and crystal-clear highs, and it can be paired with the Echo Sub for extra bass. It also plays nicely with other Echo devices, so you could easily build a wireless speaker system that extends through every room of your house.

The Echo Plus is portable enough to take on trips, though it requires a Wi-Fi connection for its more advanced features. It doesn’t have a built-in battery, but given its extraordinary sound quality and extra features, it’s easily one of the best options available.

Key Features

• 360-degree sound with great bass response
• 0.8-inch tweeter and 3-inch woofer
• Users can voice control music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other services
• When not traveling, voice control capabilities for your smart home
• Can use like intercom to communicate to family or friends in other rooms
• Three color options

<strong>Brand</strong>: Amazon | <strong>Model</strong>: Echo Plus (2nd Generation) | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 1.71 pounds, 5.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches

Bose has a strong track record in the high-fidelity sound market, and the SoundLink Revolve lives up to the brand’s lofty standards. The slim cylindrical speaker offers 360-coverage and can link with another SoundLink speaker for stereo playback. It provides deep, immersive bass without an add-on subwoofer, and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge.

Simple voice cues allow users to connect to the SoundLink Revolve from up to 30 feet away via Bluetooth, and there’s an aux-in port for non-wireless devices. It’s also water resistant, so it’s an excellent option for outdoor use, and it connects with your phone’s Google or Siri to function as a smart speaker.

Key Features

• 360 degree, immersive sound
• Aluminum body durable and water resistant
• Lithium-ion battery provides up to 12 hours of playback
• Take calls or access Google or Siri via voice commands
• Pairs with other SoundLink speakers
• Connects with up to eight Bluetooth devices

<strong>Brand</strong>: Bose Corporation | <strong>Model</strong>: 739523-1110 | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 1.46 pounds, 3.3 x 3.3 x 6 inches

If you’re looking for an entry-level Bluetooth speaker, the OontZ Angle 3 is a formidable choice. It features dual stereo drivers and a passive bass “radiator,” which works similarly to a traditional subwoofer on a much, much smaller scale. The sound quality is decent and certainly punches above its class. While you might not want to use this speaker for everyday playback, it’s certainly a competent option for a trip to the beach.

The Angle 3 is water resistant and provides up to 14 hours of playback on a single charge. You can also play music through the speaker while it’s charging—a handy feature that isn’t common on mid-tier speakers.

Key Features

• Triangular design by Cambridge Sound Works
• Dual stereo drivers, bass radiator
• 10+ watt power AMP
• Water-resistant chassis with IPX5 certification
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of playback at 2/3 volume
• Connects via Bluetooth up to 100 feet away from your device
• Built-in microphone allows for hands-free phone calls

<strong>Brand</strong>: Cambridge SoundWorks | <strong>Model</strong>: Oontz Angle 3m Black Grille | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 0.625 pounds, 5.3 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches

While the JBL Clip 3 isn’t the best speaker on this list, it’s certainly the most portable. An included carabiner clip attaches easily to backpacks or luggage, and its solid chassis is waterproof with an IPX7-certified rating. That makes it an ideal option for camping and backpacking.

Probably more attuned for the casual listener or outdoorsy type, the Clip 3 is perfect for its intended purpose as a speaker that you can take anywhere. We especially like its rugged metal design and high density fabric coating. Still, the JBL Clip 3 is not designed as an alternative to a home stereo, but its portability makes up for its acoustic shortcomings. It even has a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calling.

Key Features

• Rugged metal housing with durable fabric coating
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 10 hours of playback
• Fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating
• Carabiner clips
• Built-in speakerphone
• 14 color options

<strong>Brand</strong>: JBL | <strong>Model</strong>: JBLCLIP3BLK | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 0.48 pounds, 2.4 x 5.7 x 7.8 inches

Bluetooth speakers aren’t just for taking your tunes on the go. Before you buy, think about what you’re looking for: Do you want to relax at the beach, easily communicate with family in various rooms, or have a speaker that will outlast the elements?

Here are a few of the features to consider before buying your next wireless speaker system:

Battery Performance and Playback Time

If you’re planning on connecting via WiFi and using your speaker in the home or hotel, you don’t have to worry about battery size; you can just plug in the device and start listening. However, if you’re planning taking your speaker with you on your adventures, limited playback time can be a real buzzkill.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries come in various sizes and capacities. Most manufacturers advertise in terms of playback time, so ask yourself if six hours will do the trick, or if you need a charge that will last for a week-long hiking trip.

Speakerphone Functionality

Many newer Bluetooth speakers incorporate a microphone so you can make hands-free calls with crystal-clear reception. If you’re expecting to be making or receiving frequent calls, look for speakers that explicitly mention a speakerphone function.

Speakerphones don’t necessarily make a phone compatible with voice assistants, so if you’re looking for a smart speaker, make sure that the product offers that functionality.

Water Resistance

Many Bluetooth speakers are either water resistant or fully waterproof, and while this isn’t an important feature in a home speaker (unless you’re looking for in-shower use), it’s an important consideration if you’re looking to take your music outdoors.

Manufacturers use IPX scores ranging from IPX1 to IPX9K to declare their devices’ water resistance. The IP stands for Ingress Protection, a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, and a higher score indicates better resistance.

An IPX3-rated device can withstand spraying water, while an IPX6 device can withstand powerful water jets. Devices with ratings lower than IPX7 aren’t fully submersible in water. If you’re planning on getting your speaker wet, pay close attention to these ratings when making your purchase.

Volume and Sound Quality

Not to state the obvious, but a true audiophile will have to pay a little extra to get the sound quality they expect. Dozens of factors can affect a speaker’s sound, from the arrangement of the speaker array to the size of the driver.

For the loudest volume with the best-quality sound, look for high wattage, stereo speakers with a subwoofer, and a larger form-factor. Sound is vibration, after all, and a bigger package puts out more vibration.

By considering how you’ll use the speaker in the real world, you can find a high-quality option that meets your needs while keeping your budget in check. The good news: Whether you’re looking to improve your home audio setup or hit the trails with a road-ready mini-speaker, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from.