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The Best Bluetooth Speakers

Last updated on September 20, 2023
Best Bluetooth Speakers

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At one time, if you wanted to listen to music at home, you needed a full stereo system, complete with large speakers and a CD or record player. But if you’re like many consumers, your music now resides on your smartphone, whether it’s songs you’ve purchased and downloaded or through a streaming service like Pandora or Spotify.

Sure, you can listen to your music through earbuds or the tiny little speaker built into your phone. But what if you’re having people over? Or what if you simply want to blast some tunes to keep you entertained while you tackle some big household project? For that, you’ll need a Bluetooth speaker. Simply connect it to your phone and press play.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of Bluetooth speakers is that you can take them with you. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or you just want some music while you’re hanging out with friends, the right speaker can have you up and running in minutes.

But chances are, you’re choosing a Bluetooth speaker based on a variety of factors. Your budget is important, but you also want to make sure you get the sound you want. If you’re taking it on that beach vacation, you’ll also want to make sure it can handle the occasional accidental splash of water. With so many options, the good news is that you can easily find a speaker that checks all of your boxes at a price that fits your budget.

As you’re shopping, though, consider exactly what you’ll be doing with your speaker. If you’ll be tossing it into your backpack or overnight bag, weight is an important factor. You may instead want to keep it in the shower or the edge of your bathtub, which makes water resistance important. When you factor in sound quality, the right choice will probably be clear.

Our Picks For The Top Bluetooth Speakers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz Water Resistant Bluetooth Speaker

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Cambridge SoundWorks

Oontz Water Resistant Bluetooth Speaker

For such a small speaker, this unit delivers a sizeable blast. The sound quality is very good, and the bass can keep up with even the lowest notes. The range is great and connection is quick on most Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Overall Take

Small Yet EffectiveSolid bass is a hallmark of this compact Bluetooth speaker.

 Top Pick

DOSS SoundBox Sensitive Touch Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

DOSS

SoundBox Sensitive Touch Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Whether you're dancing alone in your bedroom or hosting a party by the pool, these Bluetooth speakers are a must. They operate wirelessly and can be controlled with the touch of one button. Since the unit is compact, it's also travel-friendly.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find these Bluetooth speakers are available in seven fun colors, including red, blue, pink and yellow.

 Runner Up

DOSS SoundBox High Definition Bluetooth Speaker

DOSS

SoundBox High Definition Bluetooth Speaker

With this Bluetooth speaker, you'll be able to dance and sing anywhere you have a Bluetooth connection. The device is water-resistant and can be set up both indoors and outdoors. Users will appreciate the upper touchscreen, which allows for quickly adjusting the volume or skipping to the next song.

Overall Take

Choice of ColorsYou'll find this Bluetooth speaker comes in a choice of 10 colors, including red, blue, pink and white.

 We Also Like

Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker

Cambridge

OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker

We appreciated the lightweight build and water-resistance of this Bluetooth speaker, and we find it to be an ideal choice for on-the-go outdoor listening. In our testing, we found the sound of this model to be slightly weaker than other more expensive models, but the much-lower price point makes it worth considering.

Overall Take

Economical ChoiceDependable on-the-go Bluetooth speaker at a great price point.

What to Look For

  • If you’re buying a speaker, great sound quality probably tops your must-have list. No matter what features a speaker has, in the end, it’s all about the listening experience. Sound quality can be subjective, but all of today’s top speakers excel when it comes to producing clean bass without being overwhelming. Look for a model that offers smooth bass lines and controls to let you customize your experience.
  • One of the best things about today’s Bluetooth speakers is that you don’t have to leave them at home. But if you plan to take your speaker with you, weight is an important factor. Surprisingly, you’ll find a few models that come in at only 0.5 pounds. Some speakers weigh in at between 1.25 and 1.5 pounds. Other speakers are better suited for home use, with a weight of more than 12 pounds.
  • As important as sound quality and portability are, though, you can’t get around the cost factor. Although some models may be more basic than others, they tend to be more light on your bank account.
  • Portable speakers let you listen to your tunes in the shower or while lounging poolside. But you’ll need to make sure your speaker can withstand the occasional accidental splash. While none of the speakers are waterproof, some offer a certain amount of water resistance.
  • If you’re leaving the house with your speaker, you’ll want a battery that can keep you going throughout the day. There are models that have a long playtime of up to 14 hours of battery life. They are followed closely by other speakers that promise up to 12 hours of battery power. Be aware that some speakers actually have to be plugged in for use.

More to Explore

Bluetooth technology uses radio waves to allow two devices to communicate. At one time, making this communication happen could be clunky, but today’s phones can usually connect with just a couple of clicks. Once you’ve finished the initial pairing, your device should automatically connect when you press the power button on the speaker. At the very least, you’ll have to go to settings and click the speaker name to pair it manually. The only problem is, you may find that once you’ve added multiple Bluetooth devices, you have a hard time differentiating between them. From the start, try to give each device as specific a name as possible to help you remember it.

More to explore