When you want to listen to music in different parts of your house or outside in the garden, there’s no need to get caught up in a tangle of cords. Purchasing a Bluetooth speaker lets you quickly transport your music wherever you go.
There have never been more options for indoor and outdoor listening, and some will even let you control them with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant, much like the best smart speakers. We’ve tested devices from top companies like Sonos, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, and Marshall to help you discover the ideal machine for your needs. So relax, connect your smartphone or tablet, and listen to the music.
Here are our top picks:
Best Bluetooth speakers:
How the HA Tech Team tests Bluetooth speakers
We put Bluetooth speakers through their paces in the same way you would. We consider how simple they are to use, the sound quality for various genres (including rock, pop, and jazz), the battery life, and the amount of control you have over music. We also put all other functions, such as built-in voice assistants and smartphone apps, to the test.
1
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth, USB-C
Battery life
Up to 18 hours
Speaker output
280W
Bluetooth range
Not stated
Voice assistant
Yes, Alexa
Dimensions
13.3 x 4.6 x 13.3
Weight
558g
This portable speaker is one of the smallest in the Bang & Olufsen lineup, but it delivers a clean, robust sound with snappy bass. It features a carry strap, looks and feels quality, and is splash-proof so you can use it outside. We enjoy the “one touch” button, which instantly connects the speaker to the last device it was connected to and plays the last song you heard—an extremely safe investment.
2
specifications
Connections
USB-C, Aux
Battery life
12 hours
Speaker output
50W
Bluetooth range
102m
Voice assistant
No
Dimensions
31.1 x 17.1 x 8.1cm
Weight
2.35kg
This Soundcore model is a fantastic choice for an engaging speaker for outdoor events. It not only has five drivers to provide plenty of detail for your music but one of them is angled upwards to create a more immersive spatial impression. It sounds excellent, with more boom and clarity than you’d think.
The 12-hour battery life is more than adequate, and while it is heavier than many other Bluetooth speakers, we enjoy the hefty and dependable handle on top. It would be better if it could fold or retract, but it is solid enough. It’s worth mentioning that while this is waterproof enough to withstand a sudden downpour, it’s not dustproof.
3
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth and 3.5mm audio
Battery life
15 hours
Speaker output
Not stated
Bluetooth range
Not stated
Voice assistant
Yes
Dimensions
18 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm
Weight
540g
This is Bose’s flagship portable speaker. It’s small and portable but packs a punch with its powerful and aggressive bass. It’s also fashionable and rain- and drop-proof. We like the 360-degree design because it ensures you get the same listening experience wherever you are in the room. It even functions as a smart speaker. Overall, you can’t ask for much more from a portable speaker.
4
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth, USB-C, AUX
Battery life
Up to 20 hours
Speaker output
Not specified
Bluetooth range
10 m
Voice assistant
No
Dimensions
10.9 x 23 x 9.5 cm
Weight
1.8 kg
The Middleton is Marshall’s most recent high-end Bluetooth speaker. While it draws design cues from the company’s renowned black and gold guitar amplifiers, this bass-heavy device is at home with all musical genres.
Even though they aren’t lighted, the separate bass and treble buttons let you change the sound mix without opening an app during testing, and the speaker was excellent at all volume levels. Yes, its weight goes beyond what we often consider portable, but transporting it around your house will be simple, thanks to the sturdy rubber band loop bundled inside the box. Additionally, because of its water resistance, it can also be used outside.
5
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth, wifi
Battery life
10 hours
Speaker output
Not stated
Bluetooth range
Not stated
Voice assistant
Yes
Dimensions
24 x 16 x 12.5 cm
Weight
3kg
The Sonos Move works best with other Sonos equipment. It may connect to your existing multi-room system because of the built-in wifi. If you’re linked to the same network, you can play music from any area in your home. With the voice assistant, you can even utilize the wifi to check the weather or the news hands-free. Despite being 3kg in weight, it is manageable to move around the house.
6
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth
Battery life
Up to 20 hours
Speaker output
Not stated
Bluetooth range
Up to 45m
Voice assistant
No
Dimensions
22.5 x 8.7 x 8.7 cm
Weight
925g
Here, you get 20 hours of listening time and stronger, punchier sound than with other Ultimate Ears models. The waterproof speaker floats in the bath or pool, even if it may be heavier than other items on our list. You may play your favorite playlists from Apple Music or Deezer with only one swipe using the “magic button.” It’s reasonably priced, and you can combine it with other Boom and Megaboom speakers (including older models) to produce an even louder sound.
7
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth
Battery life
6 hours
Speaker output
Not stated
Bluetooth range
9m
Voice assistant
Only through your smartphone
Dimensions
9.83 x 9.83 x 3.48 cm
Weight
290g
In our roundup, this little portable speaker is the lightest. It delivers when it comes to bass, which is something some more prominent portable speakers struggle with. It has excellent sound. Although it lacks a built-in voice assistant, we like that it can be used as a speakerphone to answer calls and allows you to communicate with your phone’s voice assistant. However, the battery life has been compromised due to the strong bass; it now only lasts up to six hours, about half as long as other Bose speakers.
8
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth, Optical and 3.5mm audio
Battery life
24 hours
Speaker output
Not stated
Bluetooth range
45m
Voice assistant
No
Dimensions
36.4 x 19 x 19 cm
Weight
5.9kg
With impressive sound and a potent bass, this speaker is ideal for parties or events. It allows two devices to be connected simultaneously so that multiple people can control the playlist. Even better, the speaker will automatically fade one connection down before fading the other one in, so it feels slightly more seamless. On test, we were impressed by the unmistakable sound and loved the adaptive EQ feature that tweaks the sound to suit your surroundings. The battery lasts up to 24 hours and takes under three hours to recharge fully. It’s heavy, though, so it may be best limited to house use.
9
specifications
Connections
Bluetooth and 3.5mm audio
Connections
15 hours
Speaker output
8W
Bluetooth range
45m
Voice assistant
No
Dimensions
18.37 x 7.3 x 7.3 cm
Weight
600g
This one from Ultimate Ears is less expensive than the other options on this list. Despite having a weak bass during testing, it still sounds fantastic. For more robust sound in every part of the house, it can be connected to additional Ultimate Ears Boom speakers (including older models), and friends can connect their phones to it simultaneously. It will also float and is waterproof.
Which is better: Bluetooth or wifi speakers?
Bluetooth is the quickest and most straightforward way to link your smartphone and speaker. The portable speaker can use a rechargeable battery rather than a wired connection because it doesn’t need much power. However, both devices must be within hearing distance of one another (often between 10 and 45 meters), and the music will stop if your smartphone receives a call or if you go to another app.
Whether in the same room as the speaker or not, you can control the music if it has Wi-Fi (if both devices are connected to the same network). It also means you won’t have to stop the music to answer calls or use your phone. While some Wi-Fi speakers also have a rechargeable battery, they are always mains-powered devices.
What should I look for when buying a Bluetooth speaker?
Battery power: Bluetooth speakers can operate from a single charge for five to twenty-four hours. The battery will discharge more quickly the louder they are turned up.
Weight and size: If you use your Bluetooth speaker on the road, you’ll value a smaller, lighter gadget; also, watch for a handle or strap. Larger, more substantial speakers are better for residential use because they provide a considerably more powerful sound.
Audio output: A portable speaker can provide anywhere between 5 and 300 watts of power. The volume is being discussed here rather than the audio quality. The louder the sound can be without becoming distorted, the more watts you have. Only some companies offer this information because sound quality and volume often need clarification.
Voice-activated tools: You may use Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa, embedded into some Bluetooth speakers, to control the music, get the weather, and search the internet.
However, some Bluetooth speakers allow you to join numerous speakers to increase the sound. Bluetooth speakers often have different volume capabilities than wired house speakers. Either in conjunction with one another or to produce a left and right stereo sound, they do this.
Waterproofing: Many waterproof Bluetooth speakers are available; some even float, making them suitable for use by the pool or in the erratic British weather.
