A portable Bluetooth speaker is a great way to bring music into the home. Less cumbersome than a traditional hi-fi system, this device now has a sound quality that rivals wired models and soundbars. JBL, Bose or Anker, read our guide to the best portable Bluetooth speakers to find yours.
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Our selection
"This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers balanced sound with deep bass. It's IPX7 waterproof, has a sturdy lanyard and a 6-hour battery life."
"The JBL Go 2 is compact enough to fit in a pocket. It offers great sound quality for its small size and benefits from an…"
"Whether indoors or outdoors, the Teufel Rockster Cross has it all. Very sturdy, yet perfectly portable with the included strap, you're ready for any excursion."
"The JBL Flip 5 is the worthy successor to the Flip 4. If you're going on a weekend trip to the beach or just in…"
This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers balanced sound with deep bass. It's IPX7 waterproof, has a sturdy lanyard and a 6-hour battery life.
78,40 £ on AmazonWith its compact size, light weight (290 g) and audio quality, this portable Bluetooth speaker will accompany you in your sports sessions. Its sturdy shell and IPX7 water-resistant certification ensure that it can be used on the go, even by the pool and in the bathroom. The battery with 6 hours of autonomy is sufficient to enhance your moments spent with family or friends.
With Bose Connect, you can quickly pair the Soundlink Bluetooth speaker with other Bose devices via Bluetooth to complete a home entertainment system. Plus, this model is compatible with both IOS and Android smartphones. Finally, the one-touch button allows you to access certain features on your phone from your speaker.
The JBL Go 2 is compact enough to fit in a pocket. It offers great sound quality for its small size and benefits from an improved design and better sealing than the JBL Go Original.
23,92 £ on AmazonThe JBL Go Original Bluetooth speaker looked more like a toy with square edges. This new version benefits from a more mature design, with a weight of 184g and rounded corners. It's fully waterproof, with an IPX7 rating. This means you can fully submerge it to a depth of 1 m for 30 min without fear of damaging it.
Where it falls short is in battery life. Like the Original, the JBL Go 2 portable Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of only 5 hrs at moderate volume levels. And the power rating of this speaker, for what it's worth, is 3W. On the other hand, the sound quality remains surprisingly good and will be perfect for your parties. But don't count on it outdoors!
Whether indoors or outdoors, the Teufel Rockster Cross has it all. Very sturdy, yet perfectly portable with the included strap, you're ready for any excursion.
239 £ on AmazonTeufel's catalog of Bluetooth speakers ranges from pocket-sized to full-blown speaker blocks of considerable size. With the Rockster Cross, Teufel has managed to strike the perfect balance between the two extremes. While it's definitely not pocket-friendly, the Rockster Cross is still a portable Bluetooth speaker with a shoulder strap. The Rockster Cross has a striking design, but it's also rugged.
Teufel didn't compromise on mobility or sound performance with the Rockster Cross. The two go hand in hand on this model. The three Class D speakers provide a total of 30 watts of power. In the center, the subwoofer produces deep, powerful bass, while the two tweeters on the right and left are quite punchy. Finally, the Rockster Cross comes with support for voice assistants and a hands-free function.
The JBL Flip 5 is the worthy successor to the Flip 4. If you're going on a weekend trip to the beach or just in your backyard, and you want a rugged portable speaker with great sound, but not too expensive, the JBL Flip 5 is a credible alternative.
87,20 £ on AmazonThe JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker can be taken anywhere. It weighs just over 500 grams and has the size of a small insulated bottle. This model is compact, but still rugged. Its IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes .
One big difference from the Flip 4 Bluetooth speaker is that the Flip 5 charges much faster. Sound quality has also been improved on this FLIP 5 with 20 watts of output power. More modern, the Flip 5 comes with a USB type C cable for a 12-hour battery life and an unlimited number of devices connected simultaneously.
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The best portable Bluetooth speaker in 2021
The best entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker
The best high-end portable Bluetooth speaker
Excellent portable Bluetooth speaker
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| OUR SELECTION |
Bose SoundLink
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JBL GO 2
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Teufel Rockster Cross
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JBL Flip 5
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This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers balanced sound with deep bass. It's IPX7 waterproof, has a sturdy lanyard and a 6-hour battery life.
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The JBL Go 2 is compact enough to fit in a pocket. It offers great sound quality for its small size and benefits from an improved design and better sealing than the JBL Go Original.
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Whether indoors or outdoors, the Teufel Rockster Cross has it all. Very sturdy, yet perfectly portable with the included strap, you're ready for any excursion.
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The JBL Flip 5 is the worthy successor to the Flip 4. If you're going on a weekend trip to the beach or just in your backyard, and you want a rugged portable speaker with great sound, but not too expensive, the JBL Flip 5 is a credible alternative.
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Power output
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5 watts
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3 watts
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30 watts
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20 watts
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Dimensions (L x W x D)
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9.83 x 9.83 x 3.48 cm
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8.6 x 7.1 x 3.2 cm
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38 x 16 x 13 cm
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18.1 x 7.4 x 6.9 cm
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Weight
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290 g
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184 g
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2.4 kg
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540 g
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Autonomy
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6 h
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5 h
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16 h
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12 h
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Certification
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IPX 7
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IPX 7
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IPX 5
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IPX 7
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The output indicates the ability of the portable Bluetooth speaker to produce a good sound level. Due to its much more compact size, a Bluetooth speaker has a fairly average sound power and output compared to a home speaker. This power is around ten to twenty watts at most, which is distributed over the speakers. The definition of a good sound level depends mainly on the use for which the speaker is intended. For a portable Bluetooth speaker for use in a small room, a device with a power of about 12 W and two speakers is more than adequate. For a better performance intended for a larger space, it is preferable to choose a device with a power around 20 W.
The autonomy of a portable Bluetooth speaker is one of the most important criteria to take into account. It defines the whole capacity of the device to remain functional without requiring a power supply on sector. A Bluetooth speaker with good autonomy allows you to listen to audio files over a long period of time. This is especially practical for listening while traveling or in a space without a power supply. For a portable Bluetooth speaker, a good autonomy is often around 6 to 10 hours. If the choice of the device according to its autonomy depends entirely on the period of continuous use for which it is intended, it is nevertheless judicious to choose a model displaying a margin of one additional hour on the autonomy sought.
The connections present on this type of device allow the connection of other devices to it. Thus, the presence of various connectors indicates the existence of other practical functions on the speaker. In addition to Bluetooth pairing or power input, a portable Bluetooth speaker with a jack audio connector can be used to connect it directly to another device. This is very convenient for devices that are not Bluetooth-enabled or simply to save the speaker's battery. There are also models with a micro SD card input, allowing you to play files directly from the speaker. Finally, a USB port can also be used to transfer files to the speaker from a computer.
Because of the hands-free function, more and more manufacturers no longer put physical buttons on their devices. This has its techno side, but from another point of view, if the phone or tablet fails the music stops too. That's why we advise you to choose a model witha minimum of physical buttons
like play and pause, allowing you to play your music even without a smartphone.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is supposed to accompany us to the beach or to a picnic. That's why it's important to buy a model with IPX certification. This mark tells you whether a device is waterproof or dustproof or both. This way, you can take your device anywhere without worrying about its durability.
You should know that the terms paired, paired or connected mean the same thing and they refer to the fact of connecting your smartphone to a device in order to be able to play music on it. The majority of portable Bluetooth speakers on sale are compatible with both IOS and Android systems.
For less latency or micro-cuts when listening, it is best to use devices with the latest version. This value guarantees the maximum distance for the device to work properly and is also responsible for the power and richness of sound that can be broadcast.
Whether you have an IOS or Android phone, the procedure is essentially the same. Before you start, see if your speaker has enough charge. If so, turn it on in Bluetooth mode. Then, go to the settings of your smartphone or tablet and tap the Bluetooth option. There, turn on the device so that your phone can start searching for devices in the vicinity. When your device is detected, press its name to complete the pairing. Finally, test by launching your MP3 player via your phone.
If this fails, please turn off your Bluetooth speaker completely, no standby mode, as well as the Bluetooth mode of your phone. Then repeat the above steps. Some entry-level models are a bit tricky at first.
On the market, you can find some types ofportable Bluetooth speakers. Each model has its own property suitable for certain situations. For example, the quality of sound or the portability of the device.
The portable type has the advantage of being light and compact allowing you to take it everywhere you go. Thanks to hooks, you can attach some models to the handlebars of your bike and go for a ride while listening to your music. Despite the very good sound quality, depending on the model and price range, portable Bluetooth speakers cannot compete with other Bluetooth devices. However, given their value for money it's a great deal to give or to afford.
Fixed Bluetooth speakers can't be carried anywhere. Their weight and the fact that they are not IPX rated, make them candidates to replace your aging hi-fi system. They have more sound power allowing them to broadcast a very rich sound quality. Plus, some high-end models allow you to connect it to your Wi-Fi network for a denser sound signal and less latency.
You
have a flat screen and want good sound quality without breaking the bank? The sound bar is for you. With its long shape, this device takes up space, as it sits right in front of your TV. It has RCA or Jack connectivity if your TV doesn't have Bluetooth. And it's a low-cost way to listen to music via your smartphone or tablet. Just pair them up. Finally, you can move it around the house safely.
Bose's portable Bluetooth speakers recently introduced 360-degree omni-directional sound, allowing music to flood the room. The main advantage of these products is their compact and more ergonomic size compared to the competition, while maintaining impeccable audio quality and additional features. In fact, Bose is one of the few to offer NFC for faster pairing and video conferencing.
The speakers on models like the Soundlink range have neodymium magnets, which are more powerful and have a better sound balance than the ferrite magnets of its competitors. The downside of Bose portable speakers is that they can't last more than 16 hours of non-stop listening. All this for an exceptional quality-price ratio in the price range between 100 and 300 euros.
JBL is the young brand with long teeth in portable Bluetooth speakers. With its Extreme and Boombox ranges, it stands out for its sound, which is on a par with Bose speakers, and some advanced models even take the lead with 108 dB and a deeper bass line.
In addition, the design of JBL products is among the most elegant on the market, despite being a little heavier. But this weight is explained by the presence of a larger battery on the speakers, which makes them a real power bank.
If we talk about sound quality, both brands are equal on portable Bluetooth speakers. Even if we give a small advantage to JBL for the balance and the richness of the sound. It's all about budget. JBL portable speakers are among the most expensive on the market, especially the Boombox range. Bose, on the other hand, is in the ideal range, at 200 euros, while offering quality products with added options.
Portability
The primary advantage of a portable Bluetooth speaker is its compact, lightweight design. The best models often fit in one hand. The small size and lightness of its body make carrying a Bluetooth speaker very easy. It fits easily into a small bag, or even a pocket in some cases, which is a significant space saver. Thanks to this, it can also be placed on a small platform and is very discreet without losing sound quality.
The ease of use
The use of a Bluetooth speaker is very convenient because it allows you to listen to audio files without having to worry about complex connections. It only takes a few settings to pair the speaker with a compatible device, which makes it very easy to use.
In addition, some advanced models of portable Bluetooth speakers also have additional features such as a hands-free kit, allowing you to make or take calls without having to hold the device. Others still, have FM radio, which allows you to listen to various channels in case audio files are not available on other devices.
The aesthetics
In addition to being practical for listening to music in any circumstance, the modern and neat appearance of portable Bluetooth speakers is what makes them so attractive. Manufacturers are competing in terms of creativity to offer increasingly personalized models that perfectly suit everyone's tastes. There are a multitude of choices in terms of color, material, style or accessory to greatly enhance the appearance of the Bluetooth speaker.
In our opinion, the best brands of portable Bluetooth speakers in 2022 are :
Founded in 1946, the JBL brand is a leader in the design of high quality loudspeakers. With all its years of experience, it's no surprise to see the Boombox portable Bluetooth speaker stand out from the crowd.
Bose is a world-renowned sound specialist. Established in 1964, the brand has maintained its founder's motto: "Quality above all else."
Appearing in early 2010, Band & Olufsen Play has quickly established itself in the world of portable Bluetooth headphones and speakers. The company aims to meet the needs of the digital generation while maintaining high quality standards.
A U.S. company specializing in wireless hi-fi system design. It invests heavily in the research of wireless technology in order to provide the general public with high-end products.
A Chinese company founded in 2011 by an American engineer, Anker wants to innovate connected gadgets. With this in mind, it has created the Flare 2 range of portable Bluetooth speakers featuring 360-degree sound diffusion.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Position well for a better result.
Positioning your speakers correctly can make them sound much better. Generally speaking, you'll get the best sound if your speakers are aimed directly at you, and mounted on a hard surface about two to three feet high. Another good tip is to keep the back of your speakers a few inches from a wall or other hard surface to improve bass response. If you place them too close to the wall, you may get sound that lacks clarity.
Consider the shape of your Bluetooth speaker.
The
shape of your portable Bluetooth speaker also affects the sound. Box-shaped speakers will work best facing their target audience, while cylindrical speakers can be placed in the center of a room to fill it with sound. Although these cylinders can be placed lying on their sides, you will generally get better sound when the cylinder is straight.
Running-in period.
A
loudspeaker is a mechanical device and, as such, requires an extended initial period of normal use, then you may notice a gradual improvement in sound quality
as you go.
Try to reduce the interference.
Keep
devices close together. Make sure your phone, tablet, or other device is close to the speaker when trying to pair and keep your device in the same room as your Bluetooth speaker for optimal performance.
Forget or disconnect certain Bluetooth connections.
If
you have a lot of Bluetooth devices stored in the Bluetooth menu on your phone or tablet, it can be helpful to forget or disconnect those devices, especially if you don't connect to them very often. This will allow you to clean up your device list, and it will save you from having to connect and reconnect your speaker every time at the risk of having trouble reconnecting.
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