The portable speaker market is booming at a rapid pace and is currently over USD $11 billion globally. That said, not only are portable speakers becoming common in residential areas, but they are also proving to be a versatile solution in commercial places. While it's true that most portable speakers can't compete with high-end speakers that work through AC power outlets, the recent developments in portable speakers have uplifted their performance drastically, which can replace some good budget speakers.
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Whether you want to enjoy music in your own home or at the beach, or you want to camp somewhere in the woods and play your favorite games with better immersion, we have compiled a list of the best portable speakers for everyone. Make sure you carefully consider your budget and audio needs before delving into our speakers list, and refer to our guidelines before purchasing a portable speaker.
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JBL Xtreme 3
JBL Xtreme 3 is a Bluetooth speaker that is quite powerful for indoor or even outdoor activities. Its excellent configuration of drivers and bass radiators inside a cylindrical case makes sure you get crisp sound quality and deep bass for over 10 hours on a single charge. With a provided strap, it's easier to carry around, though it is still significantly bigger than other portable Bluetooth speakers.
- Brand
- JBL
- Power
- 100W
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Battery
- 15 hours
- Speaker configuration
- Four drivers, Two Bass Radiators
- Powerfully deep bass
- Good battery life
- Comes with IP67 water and dustproof feature
- Expensive
- Not very portable due to big size
Carrying the JBL Xtreme 3 with yourself doesn't feel like compromising on the sound quality. Even though it works on a DC battery like any other Bluetooth speaker, the Xtreme 3 takes the immersion to the next level with its 100W-rated power. The Xtreme 3 is widely known for its crisp sound quality and thumping bass that immerses you in your favorite songs or game. Whether you want to take it to the pool or have some fun in-game, the Xtreme 3 is an excellent replacement for some of the best PC stereo speakers.
Inside its cylindrical body, you will find four drivers and two bass radiators on each side that deliver dynamic sound quality that doesn't distort even at full volume. It does compress the sound a bit at full volume, but the clarity will be terrific. With a strap attached to its ends, it is easier to carry around, but it isn't the most portable speaker out there due to its big size. Still, considering that it has got all that power to make your evening better, and has an excellent IP67 water-proof and dust-proof feature, it will be safe from water splashes and dust.
Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II)
Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) has a 360-degree sound delivery and is very compact. It has multiple handy features, such as the ability to connect to up to two devices and a dedicated software app available for easier control. The sound quality and bass are satisfactory for its size and keeps its battery life for over 10 hours.
- Brand
- Bose
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Voice Assistant
- Yes
- Battery
- 13 hours
- Waterproof Rating
- IP55
- Speaker configuration
- Two speakers
- 360-degree sound delivery
- Very compact and lightweight
- Dedicated app support
- Uses USB Micro B port
- Expensive
- Not the best bass and isn't very loud
The Soundlink Revolve Series II is the ideal intermediate solution for audiophiles who want a crisp and satisfactory sound delivery that isn't too loud or too soft. The speaker is highly compact and, despite this, has adequate sound level and bass. Don't expect it to be suitable for outdoor use where you need ear-blasting volume levels, but rather think of it as an ideal companion for indoor use.
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The Soundlink Revolve uses a small cylindrical chassis that has a 360-degree sound delivery and can be paired with two devices simultaneously, giving you the power to switch to your preferred device quickly. With the dedicated Bose app support, it will be easier to manage its operation, and you can always use an Amazon Alexa-enabled device to control your music selection without having to press the buttons. It's overall great for most uses, but comes at a somewhat hefty price tag. If this doesn't fit your budget, continue reading to choose from more budget-friendly options in the list.
Monster Rockin Roller 270 Portable Indoor-Outdoor Wireless Speaker
Monster Rockin' Roller 270 is a high-end powerful portable speaker that is rated at 200W for incredibly great sound quality and bass. It's perfect for outdoor parties and can operate for up to 100 hours on a single charge. With multiple functionalities such as built-in Qi charging and TWS pairing, it is one of the best multi-purpose portable speakers.
- Brand
- Monster
- Power
- 200W
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Battery
- 100 hours
- Waterproof Rating
- IPX4
- Loud and thumping bass
- Built-in Qi charging
- Unparalleled battery life
- Quite big and heavy
- Has reliability issues with battery
Outdoor parties couldn't get better with the Monster Rockin' Roller 270, which boasts a 200W power capacity to deliver an incredibly loud sound along with thumping bass that will shake the ground. The speaker isn't your casual portable speaker, which you can carry in your bag or in your hand, but it is rather large due to its high-end configuration. There are plenty of controls to play with and a lot of features for various uses.
Whether you want a wired connection to your device or a wireless one, you can have it all. Moreover, you can pair two of these speakers to create a more powerful audio delivery for a party of lot of people. With its distinguished 100 hours battery life, it won't refuse to work even if you play it day and night and also has a built-in Qi wireless charging station to charge your phones.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
The Bose SoundLink Flex has a design with custom-engineered transducers. According to Bose, these deliver clear, deep, and immersive audio, whether at home or on the move. Proprietary PositionIQ technology is used to determine the positioning of the speaker.
This speaker has an IP67 rating, which means it is resistant to water, making it a great option on the beach and next to a pool. It can even float, which allows it to deliver sound even in the water.
- Brand
- Bose
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Battery
- 12 hour
- Waterproof Rating
- IP67
- Compact and easily portable
- Dedicated app support
- Built-in microphone
- Isn't very loud
- Lackluster bass
- Battery charging takes four hours
The Bose SoundLink Flex is your excellent travel companion that is suitable for games, listening to music or even work. If you don't need a very loud speaker, but sound clarity is a non-negotiable for you, the SoundLink Flex is the right option for you. Equipped with a custom-engineered transducer, the speaker is able to deliver undistorted audio even at full volume. However, don't expect it to replace a standard stereo configuration which excels in bass.
Apart from this, the speaker is pretty compact and easy to carry around. Whether you want to keep it inside your bag or carry it with its strap, the SoundLink Flex won't pose any difficulties due to its small size. Therefore, it's suitable for frequent travelers who have to work on the go. For this purpose, the speaker is also equipped with a built-in microphone and has a dedicated app support for easy operation.
JBL Clip 4
The latest in the line of loved Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Clip 4, continues the excellent reputation that the previous models created. This speaker delivers surprisingly rich audio and punchy bass for its compact size, and thanks to the clip, this speaker is incredibly easy to carry anywhere.
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Battery
- 10 hours
- Speaker Type
- Dynamic
- Maximum output power
- 5 watts
- Codecs
- SBC
- Ports
- USB-C for charging
- Water and dust resistance
- IP67
- Impressively small for easy portability
- IP67 waterproof
- Decent bass for its size
- Not very loud
- Battery life isn't impressive
As the name suggests, the JBL Clip 4 is what you would want if you need easy portability. It's even smaller than the SoundLink Flex, but it does force it to sacrifice its volume levels. However, it's greatly improved over the Clip 3 and is fairly good for even outdoor spaces or multimedia, such as watching movies or playing games. It has a decent bass for its size and the sound clarity is up to the mark.
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The specialty of Clip 4 is its ability to attach to any small loop present on your shorts or bags, which makes it easier to carry without taking up any additional space. It also features an IP67 waterproof and dust-proof rating, protecting it from harsh weather when you are outdoors. Overall, it gets the job done without costing an arm and a leg.
JBL Boombox 3
The JBL Boombox 3 is one of the most popular portable speakers out there that delivers unparalleled sound quality and deep bass to immerse you in your favorite music or games. The speaker has an excellent battery life and is highly waterproof for outdoor use. It's pricier, but it is the ultimate audio device for audiophiles.
- Brand
- JBL
- Power
- 80W
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Battery
- 24 hours
- Waterproof Rating
- IP67
- Incredible crisp and clear sound quality
- Deep bass
- Great battery life
- Very expensive
- Quite bulky
The JBL Boombox 3 will scratch the itch for you if you cannot stand even the slightest deviation in the audio quality. The Boombox 3 is a highly popular and highly rated portable speaker powered by 80W and delivering uncompressed audio delivery along with thumping and deep bass. It is incredibly immersive and has an outstanding battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. Sure, it does take a good amount of time to charge, but the battery life is definitely much greater than you'd expect, considering how powerful this speaker is.
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The Boombox 3 is quite weather-resistant with an IP67 water-proof and dust-proof rating, and will work flawlessly for your outdoor activities. It's definitely not small, but with a strong and durable handle, you can carry it anywhere with ease. Its price tag is the only thing that sends away a lot of users from buying it. However, it's not made for everyone; enthusiastic audiophiles won't want to pass on it, though.
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Speaker
Still unsure of which speaker is right for you? Try thinking about these key features to determine what kind of portable speaker would suit your space the best:
- Connectivity: The connectivity must be wireless and the most common connectivity on portable speakers is Bluetooth. Bluetooth helps connect the speakers to a lot of Bluetooth compliant devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and even TVs. Aim for the latest Bluetooth version for better stability of connection and wider range device detection.
- Battery Life: It would be a big disappointment to see your speaker shutting off in just two or three hours. Good portable speakers generally have over 10 hours of battery life. This, however, also depends on how powerful the speakers are. Speakers that have multiple drivers and bass and are rated at 40+W of power won't be able to continuously play your music for 20 hours at full volume.
- Functionality: Many portable speakers don't just operate as an audio output device, but may also bring functionalities like built-in microphone, voice assistance, and even multi-device pairing. These speakers are generally costlier but are highly convenient.
- Portability: Portability is the biggest factor when choosing a portable speaker. This is entirely the main reason why people choose a portable speaker over regular ones: so that they can carry their speakers inside a backpack, or just in their hands. Higher-end models tend to be bigger, but entry-level and budget speakers are far smaller, though they lack the punch you might want for an immersive experience. Whether the speakers are big or small, it's always recommended to check if the speakers have a dedicated handle or a strap to carry them around.
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FAQ
Q: Are portable speakers good for outdoors?
Only certain portable speakers are fit for outdoors. A lot of portable speakers fall short of the volume levels needed to provide an immersive sound quality or, even if they are loud, they may introduce distortion at full volume. However, there are still some great portable speakers for the outdoors, which we have already included in our list.
Q: What are portable speakers used for?
Portable speakers are generally used for watching movies, listening to music, office work, or gaming. They typically include their own battery and are wireless in connectivity.