Best Portable Speakers Ultimate Buying Guide

In the last few years, portable audio has leapt far beyond tinny sound and fragile designs. Today’s generation of speakers provides a combination of rugged durability, high-resolution audio codecs and battery life that can actually last for completing eloquent weekend trip. There is a choice for everyone, whether you are looking for ‘the pocket-sized companion to hike or the powerful boombox that can be used at sand party’.

We searched the market for speakers that deliver clear vocals, punchy bass and good connectivity. But we were looking for the best model models with a high balance of size-to-performance, so you get the most volume and battery life for your money. Similarly, you can see our “Best of” guides with cases, chargers and accessories for your phone.

Table of Contents

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• JBL Flip 6
• Anker Soundcore Motion 300
• Marshall Emberton III
• JBL Charge 5
• Tribit StormBox Micro 2
• Anker Soundcore Boom 2
• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)
• JBL Go 4
• Tribit StormBox Blast
• Anker Soundcore Motion X600

JBL Flip 6

The JBL Flip 6 remains the gold standard for “grab-and-go” portable audio.

$129.95

This speaker separates the tweeter from the woofer to deliver crisp highs and deep lows that sound unexpectedly large for a speaker of water bottle size. With an IP67 rating, it is completely dustproof and waterproof so you can drop it in the sand or the pool without worrying about its safety.

It has JBL’s PartyBoost function, so you can connect it with other compatible JB speakers to create a stereo pair or – even if the speaker is large wall of sound. For the average user, it is the most flexible option to fit in bike bottle cages and backpack side pockets with a cylindrical design that fits perfectly into bicycle bottle racks.

Features

• Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Grey, Teal, Squad (Camo).
• Built Materials: Fabric mesh wrapping, rubberized housing bumpers.
• Key Features: 2-way speaker system, IP67 waterproof/dustproof, PartyBoost, USB-C charging protection.
• Volume Power Output: 30W (20W Woofer + 10W Tweeter).
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours.
• Weight: 550 grams.

Buy from

Buy at JBL

Anker Soundcore Motion 300

Anker continues to disrupt the audio market by offering premium features at a lower price point.

$79.99

In addition, the Motion 300 is best suited to support Hi-Res Wireless Audio and the LDAC codec (which streams three times more data than standard Bluetooth for richer detail) with its support for Hi–Red Wireless audio. This is based on “SmartTune” technology that detects the speaker’s orientation (hanging, lying flat, or standing) and automatically adjusts its EQ to project sound in the right direction.

While slim, it produces great bass. It also allows you to customize the sound signature in a large way using the Soundcore app, which is often not available from more expensive competitors. Great for hikers It is a detachable-strap friendly , and it’s also good to use as.

Features

• Colors: Mirage Black, Frost Blue, Fern Green.
• Built Materials: Soft-touch silicone, metal grille.
• Key Features: Hi-Res Audio (LDAC), SmartTune auto-EQ, IPX7 waterproof, customizable app EQ.
• Volume Power Output: 30W.
• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours.
• Weight: 830 grams.

Buy from

Buy at Anker

Marshall Emberton III

Marshall brings its iconic rock-and-roll aesthetic to the portable world with the Emberton III.

$179.99

The unique form of multi-directional sound that separates spatial content to make music clearer from each angle is called “True Stereophonic” and uses this speaker’s speakers. This includes an individual “Stack Mode” button that connects several units with a built-in microphone for calling calls an option the previous generation had not been used.

The battery life is exceptional, with more than 32 hours of playtime and significantly outlasting most rivals. It is a rugged design with slick silicone exterior similar to the classic vinyl tolex found on Marshall guitar amps, giving it ‘a unique look that fits just as well on – bookshelf as at. campsites’.

Features

• Colors: Black and Brass, Cream.
• Built Materials: Silicone exterior, metal grille, recycled plastic.
• Key Features: 360-degree sound, Stack Mode, built-in microphone, IP67 dust/water rating.
• Volume Power Output: 20W (2x 10W Class D amplifiers).
• Battery Life: 32+ hours.
• Weight: 700 grams.

Buy from

Buy at Marshall

JBL Charge 5

The Charge 5 is the answer to if you need more power than Flip 6 and a way to keep your phone alive.

$179.95

The motion 300 has a superior feature for its Hi-Res Wireless Audio and the LDAC codec, which streams three times more data than standard Bluetooth for richer detail. This is based on “SmartTune” technology that detects the speaker’s orientation (hanging, lying flat, or standing) and automatically adjusts its EQ to project sound in the right direction.

While slim, it produces great bass. The Soundcore app also allows you to customize the sound signature a lot, which is often missing from more expensive competitors. Especially for hikers, it is detachable-strap friendly and so good.

Features

• Colors: Black, Blue, Camo, Grey, Red, Teal.
• Built Materials: Durable fabric mesh, rugged rubber housing.
• Key Features: Built-in power bank, IP67 waterproof/dustproof, PartyBoost, separate tweeter and woofer.
• Volume Power Output: 40W (30W Woofer + 10W Tweeter).
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours.
• Weight: 960 grams.

Buy from

Buy at JBL

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Do not let the size fool you; this is widely considered the best pocket-sized speaker on the market.

$69.99

The StormBox Micro 2 has an “XBass” technology that can produce low-end frequencies which defy physics for such small footprints. With an integrated tear-resistant strap, it can be tightly held to bike handlebars, backpack straps or belt loops.

But, surprisingly, it also serves as a portable charger for your phone via its USB-C port (SmartID) technology. The perfect complement for cyclists and ultralight hikers who want good audio without the weight penalty is it’s .

Features

• Colors: Black, Blue, Red.
• Built Materials: Fabric top, hard plastic bottom, rubber strap.
• Key Features: Integrated rubber strap, power bank function, IP67 waterproof, stereo pairing mode.
• Volume Power Output: 10W.
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours.
• Weight: 315 grams.

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Anker Soundcore Boom 2

When you want to power a party, the Soundcore Boom 2 delivers massive audio.

$139.99

The Soundcore Boom 2 has a special “BassUp” technology that increases the RMS output to 80W, making thumping bass you can feel in your chest. It also has built-in LED lights on the passive radiators that sync to the music’s beat for added ambiance.

Why does it stand out as being floats? This, combined with its IPX7 rating, is the best speaker for pool parties or boating trips. The size and power of the integrated handle makes it easy to carry around, even though its size is a large-powerful one.

Features

• Colors: Phantom Black, Adventure Green, Explorer Blue.
• Built Materials: Hard recycled plastic, integrated handle, rubberized feet.
• Key Features: Floats in water, beat-synced LED lights, 2.1 channel stereo sound, BassUp technology, customizable EQ.
• Volume Power Output: 80W (Max with BassUp).
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours.
• Weight: 1.7kg.

Buy from

Buy at Anker

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

For those who prioritize aesthetics and audio fidelity over ruggedness, the Beosound A1 is a little marvel.

$335

A high-quality brushed aluminum dome and waterproof leather strap are also featured in the Beosound speaker. The high-quality woofer and tweeter setup of its 360-degree sound project is designed to be an instrument isolation with a level that can not be equal for cheaper speakers, which means it has the highest degree of refinement in terms of quality.

Similarly, it is also a portable Bluetooth speaker with built-in Alexan voice assistant support (with ‘far-field microphone array to hear you clearly). This is an excellent speakerphone for conference calls that doubles as a music player in the hotel room, and it’s great for business travelers who need.

Features

• Colors: Grey Mist, Black Anthracite, Green, Pink.
• Built Materials: Pearl-blasted aluminum, waterproof leather, polymer.
• Key Features: 360-degree dispersion, Alexa built-in, 3-microphone array for calls, Multipoint connectivity.
• Volume Power Output: 60W Peak (2x 30W Class D amplifiers).
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours.
• Weight: 558 grams.

Buy 2nd Gen at

Buy 3rd Gen at

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 is the ultra-portable king, updated with a more robust design and better battery life than its predecessor.

$49.95

The small speaker of JBL sits in the palm of your hand and has a new integrated loop, which makes it easier to hold. A punchier sound signature has been added to the bass, where previous micro-speakers reounded flat in audible bass.

Part of its construction is made from recycled materials and maintains the rugged IP67 rating of it’s larger siblings. The room will not be shaking, but it is best for listening to podcasts or adding background music to a small meeting without taking up any space.

Features

• Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Purple, White, Squad.
• Built Materials: Recycled fabric and plastic, rubberized texture.
• Key Features: Ultra-compact design, IP67 waterproof/dustproof, Auracast support (connect multiple speakers), integrated loop.
• Volume Power Output: 4.2W.
• Battery Life: Up to 7 hours.
• Weight: 190 grams.

Buy from

Buy at JBL

Tribit StormBox Blast

If you want the loudest sound for the money, the StormBox Blast is a powerhouse with retro spirit.

$199.99

Despite the spirit of 90s boomboxes, Tribit’S StormBox Blast is an explosion of sound that delivers over 90% of noise at high volumes without distortion. It also has bright LED lights that flank the drivers, adding an element to outdoor parties.

A surprising weight, however it is a heavy one; that means the battery life; its ability to play for 30 hours (an almost unheard of this category) is impressive. Bluetooth 5 is used in it for . For a stable connection, 3 is ‘a good power bank for all your guests’ phones and the rest of them are reliable.

Features

• Colors: Black.
• Built Materials: Hard ABS plastic, metal grille, heavy-duty handle.
• Key Features: Distortion-free at max volume, 32 LED lights, PowerBank function, XBass technology.
• Volume Power Output: 90W.
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours.
• Weight: 5.45kg.

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Anker Soundcore Motion X600

The Motion X600 is widely regarded as the first portable speaker to bring “Spatial Audio” to the mainstream market.

$199.99

The Motion X600, inspired by theater acoustics, uses ‘the unique upward-firing driver and an audio engine that spreads sound vertically and horizontally to create the immersive 3-dimensional soundstage which feels much wider than the speaker itself.

It also supports the LDAC codec for high-resolution streaming (Android users) and has a stunning metal handle design that looks great in’modern living room’. Despite its waterproof (IPX7)-like appearance and detailed sound separation, it is better to listen at home or on a patio rather than rugged hiking.

Features

• Colors: Polar Gray, Aurora Green, Glacial Blue.
• Built Materials: Aluminum handle, stainless steel grille, soft-touch plastic body.
• Key Features: Spatial Audio engine, 5-driver system (including upward-firing), LDAC support, customizable 9-band EQ.
• Volume Power Output: 50W.
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours.
• Weight: 850 grams.

Buy from

Buy at Anker

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