$45 at Walmart
Soundcore by Anker Mini 3
Good worth mini Bluetooth speaker
$51 at Amazon
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Finest worth micro Bluetooth speaker
$80 at Amazon
Tribit XSound Mega
Finest worth mini Bluetooth get together speaker
$200 at Walmart
JBL Pulse 5
Finest compact Bluetooth speaker with 360-degree mild present
$195 at Amazon
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen
Spectacular sounding ultracompact speaker (and speakerphone)
Present extra (14 objects)
We’ve got an inventory of the most effective total Bluetooth audio system of 2023, which incorporates beefier transportable wi-fi audio system together with wi-fi Bluetooth growth packing containers which have built-in handles. However this record is all about very compact Bluetooth audio system that aren’t solely extremely transportable but additionally are usually pretty low-cost — and by that I imply inexpensive. A lot of them weigh lower than a pound and some can slot in a pocket. A number of fashions price lower than $100.
Whereas compact mini and micro Bluetooth audio system proceed to enhance with time, providing higher sound, longer battery life, extra dependable connectivity and elevated sturdiness (since many are actually totally waterproof), they do have their sound limitations. The smallest Bluetooth audio system are technically mono audio system, and there is solely a lot bass you will get out of a tiny speaker. That mentioned, for his or her dimension, many of those audio system ship surprisingly respectable sound. New additions to the record embrace the Soundcore by Anker Mini 3, Sony SRS-XB100 and JBL Pulse 5.
Finest mini Bluetooth wi-fi audio system
David Carnoy/CNET
When it launched, Bose made some daring claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, significantly its bass efficiency. However it largely lives as much as the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wi-fi speaker for its comparatively compact dimension. Accessible in three colours — black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) — the speaker is IP67 dust- and waterproof, and rated for 12 hours of battery life at average quantity ranges.
It is also geared up with Bose’s PositionIQ know-how to routinely detect the speaker’s orientation and ship optimized sound primarily based on whether or not it is upright, hanging or flat on its again. The Flex additionally floats and Bose says it might survive drops and bumps, with a delicate silicone again and powder-coated metal grille that “will not peel or flake and is immune to corrosion and UV mild.”
Whereas Bose’s SoundLink Micro additionally delivers spectacular sound for its tiny dimension, this speaker is greater, weighing simply over a pound (0.45 kg) and measuring 7.9 inches huge, 2.1 inches deep and three.6 inches excessive (20 by 5.3 by 9.1cm), so the Flex sounds considerably higher than the Micro. For some motive, it makes use of the older Bluetooth 4.2 as an alternative of 5.0, however I did not have any issues with connectivity.
Bose says it might fill a front room with sound. From my assessments, I would say it must be a comparatively small front room — it might solely output a lot sound as a single speaker. Nonetheless, should you pair two of them collectively in stereo mode, the sound will get to a complete different stage and certainly fills a bigger room with sound.
David Carnoy/CNET
The very compact Soundcore by Anker Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker might not ship big sound however it delivers extra sound than you’d suppose (with simply sufficient bass) from a speaker of its dimension. Accessible in a number of colour choices and weighing round 8 ounces or 223 grams, it has an built-in strap and is totally waterproof with an IPX7 ranking.
The 6-watt Mini 3 sounds pretty just like the brand new , which retails for $60 or round $20 extra, and options good battery life — as much as 15 hours at average quantity ranges. You may wirelessly hyperlink a number of Mini 3s collectively to create a wider sound area, however most individuals will use this speaker for informal listening on the go. It additionally makes for rest room or bathe speaker and does have speakerphone capabilities with a built-in microphone.
You are receiving value alerts for Soundcore by Anker Mini 3
David Carnoy/CNET
Again in 2020, Tribit launched the StormBox Micro, a price range model of Bose’s glorious SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its dimension and modest value. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which provides improved sound and battery life, together with a charge-out function that turns the speaker into an influence financial institution for cellular gadgets similar to smartphones and tablets. An built-in strap permits you to clip it to your backpack or your bike’s handlebars.
Like the unique, it is a wonderful worth and simple to advocate should you’re on the lookout for an excellent compact transportable wi-fi speaker.
You are receiving value alerts for Tribit StormBox Micro 2
David Carnoy/CNET
For 2023, Sony’s smallest Bluetooth speaker has as soon as once more been modestly upgraded, with a brand new Bluetooth chipset, barely improved sound and speakerphone efficiency. This transportable Bluetooth speaker is each dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and, like its predecessor (the SRS-XB13), it is rated for 16 hours of battery life at average quantity ranges and it fees through USB-C. Outfitted with Bluetooth 5.3 with assist for the AAC and SBC audio codecs, the speaker performs larger than you’d suppose for its small dimension, with some punch to its bass. It is fairly spectacular for a mini mono speaker.
Although the 9.6-ounce (272-gram) speaker seems to have the identical design because the XB13, Sony says its new sound diffusion processor “realizes richer unfold sound,” which principally means this has a bit wider soundstage, which I can verify. It will probably output solely a lot sound — sure, it has its limitations — however should you add a second XB100, you will get stereo sound. Alas, there is not any companion app, however that is not an enormous deal.
The XB100 is obtainable in a number of colour choices and features a strap so you’ll be able to connect it to numerous objects. It additionally has speakerphone capabilities with an built-in microphone (as I mentioned, the speakerphone’s efficiency has been improved, and callers mentioned they might hear me clearly indoors).
David Carnoy/CNET
With every new model of the Flip, JBL makes small enhancements, and whereas the newest mannequin, the Flip 6, would not look a lot totally different from the Flip 5 on the surface, it does function improved sound. It has two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter and twin passive radiators that assist the Flip 6 ship a lot deeper bass than you suppose it might.
It is totally waterproof and dustproof with an IPX67 ranking. Just like the Flip 5, it is rated for as much as 12 hours of audio playback at average quantity ranges and fees through USB-C. Accessible in a number of colour choices, it is one of many best-sounding audio system for its compact dimension.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% larger than its sibling XSound Go and prices about $25 extra, however it performs considerably higher and is among the finest sounding audio system in its dimension and value class. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and superior audio high quality for a Bluetooth speaker. And remember to activate the moment coupon on the product web page for $10 off.
Learn our Tribit MaxSound Plus overview.
You are receiving value alerts for Tribit MaxSound Plus
David Carnoy/CNET
The JBL Bluetooth speaker that acquired the most important enhancements over the earlier mannequin is among the many firm’s smallest. The JBL Go 3 has a totally new look — it is now lined in sturdy cloth as an alternative of getting the bare plastic design of its Go predecessors — and that new design, coupled with surprisingly respectable sound for its small dimension, makes the Go 3 one of many prime micro Bluetooth audio system on the market.
Accessible in a number of colour choices, it has an IP67 water-resistance ranking, which means it may be dunked in water and is dustproof. Battery life is rated at as much as 5 hours.
David Carnoy/CNET
The Roam is at the moment Sonos’ smallest and most inexpensive speaker (should you do not depend these $99 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk Ikea Wi-Fi bookshelf audio system). This mannequin, like Sonos’ earlier Transfer transportable speaker ($400), is supplied with each Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and may faucet into an current Sonos multiroom audio system and hyperlink with different Collection 2-compatible Sonos audio system. The Sonos Roam makes for starter Sonos speaker for these new to the Sonos world. Learn our Sonos Roam overview.
David Carnoy/CNET
Whereas Anker’s got here out in 2019 it stays one in every of best-sounding audio system for round $100. It is bigger than many mini Bluetooth audio system, however it’s nonetheless compact. It manages to sound fairly a bit fuller than a lot of the competitors in its value vary, with larger bass, extra quantity and higher readability. It is also totally waterproof (IPX7-rated) and has assist for the aptX streaming codec for gadgets like Samsung’s Galaxy telephones that assist it.
It is at the moment priced at $107 at Amazon, however it can save you cash by activating the moment coupon on the product web page.
Learn our Anker Soundcore Movement Plus overview.
You are receiving value alerts for Anker Soundcore Movement Plus
David Carnoy/CNET
We preferred Final Ears’ and the third-generation mannequin, the Wonderboom 3, provides some small enhancements, together with barely higher battery life (as much as 14 hours as an alternative of 13, at average quantity ranges) and a brand new Bluetooth chip that permits for prolonged wi-fi vary of over 130 toes (40 meters). The design has not modified, although the speaker now is available in totally different colour choices.
Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 carries an inventory value of $100, however typically sells for rather less. Its IP67 ranking signifies that it is not solely waterproof but additionally dust-proof (and capable of float).
This mannequin retains the particular Out of doors Increase mode that enhances treble and you may hyperlink two collectively (or pair a Wonderboom 3 to a Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo sound pairing by merely urgent a button on every speaker. So far as I can inform, the Wonderboom 3 sounds similar to the Wonderboom 2 and options excellent sound for its small dimension. That mentioned, whereas there’s some punch to the bass (being quick but squat helps it produce extra low finish), it might solely ship a lot kick.
Alas, Final Ears, which is owned by Logitech, has not upgraded the charging port to USB-C. The speaker nonetheless fees with a Micro-USB cable, which is a little bit of a bummer.
David Carnoy/CNET
Marshall’s little mono Willen speaker is just like Bose’s SoundLink Micro and different micro audio system just like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. Additionally like these audio system, it has an built-in strap on its base so you’ll be able to clip it onto a backpack and even to your bike’s handlebars. Its 2-inch full vary driver and two passive radiators put out extra sound than you’d suppose it could for its tiny dimension, and it provides respectable readability as effectively simply sufficient bass to keep away from sounding tinny (you’ll be able to select from three preset sound modes).
Battery life is nice at round 15 hours of playback time at average quantity ranges, and the speaker is IPX67 dust-proof and waterproof. The principle strike in opposition to it’s its $120 value — ideally it could price round $80, although proper now you’ll be able to decide it up on sale for $100. However it’s properly designed, feels rugged and matches in a jacket pocket, weighing in it at 0.68-pound (308 grams).
The Willen can arise vertically or lay down horizontally and has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. It is available in a few colour choices and may be linked wirelessly with different Willen audio system to enhance the sound.
David Carnoy/CNET
Over the previous few years, Tribit has made a number of Bluetooth audio system that ship a number of growth for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the record.
Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as extra of an out of doors speaker — a lanyard is included for toting it round as a kind of mini boombox — however it works simply effective indoors. It has an LED mild present which you can activate or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Moreover, it may be used as an influence financial institution to cost your cellular gadgets.
In my assessments, the speaker in contrast fairly favorably to dearer audio system just like the JBL Cost 5. There’s loads of bass and the speaker performs loud for its dimension, with respectable readability. That mentioned, it is a mono speaker with a single driver and two bass radiators — that is the way you get all that bass. So whilst you can count on large sound, the soundstage would not really feel all that huge, significantly at decrease volumes. It truly sounds higher at greater volumes.
You are receiving value alerts for Tribit XSound Mega
Sarah Tew/CNET
For its first three generations, JBL’s Clip micro Bluetooth speaker had a round design. However for the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a extra oval form, bulked up the speaker barely and added USB-C charging. This transportable Bluetooth speaker does appear extra sturdy, with a sturdier built-in carabiner clip. Additionally, it sounds just a little higher, with extra quantity, clearer sound and extra bass. With an IP67 water resistance ranking, it might survive being dunked in shallow water and is dust-proof. The Clip 4 is true up there with the most effective total micro Bluetooth audio system.
Learn our overview of JBL Clip 4.
David Carnoy/CNET
With its new canister-like design, completely sized to slot in a chair cup holder, Sony has created a transportable Bluetooth speaker that has a design you are most likely accustomed to from fashionable audio system just like the UE Increase and JBL Flip, which have been upgraded over time with improved bass and battery life.
An Additional Bass mannequin, the SRS-XB23 undoubtedly has a hotter sound. It delivers higher sound with extra bass and quantity than most of the cheaper generic Bluetooth audio system you’ll find on Amazon within the $40-$100 vary on Amazon. It is also a sleeker wanting Bluetooth speaker that is obtainable in 5 totally different colour choices: black, taupe, coral pink, mild blue and olive inexperienced. Some colours can be found for much less.
Outfitted with two new full-range drivers and passive bass radiator, it delivers 12 hours of battery life at average quantity ranges and is water-, dust-, rust- and shock-proof with an IP67 ranking. It has USB-C charging and may join with as much as 100 different Sony audio system utilizing Sony’s Occasion Join function.
David Carnoy/CNET
JBL Pulse speaker is now on its fifth technology and each the sound high quality and 360-degree mild present have been improved. JBL has “expanded the clear outer physique” so the customizable mild present (there is a companion app for iOS and Android that permits you to alter the colourful lighting results) appears to be like extra spectacular. The speaker can be IP67 dustproof and waterproof, and it provides as much as 12 hours of battery at average quantity ranges.
The speaker now has a separate tweeter and a passive bass radiator that delivers pretty punchy bass. I would say the speaker delivers excellent however not nice sound for its dimension and value (it distorts just a little at greater volumes). For sound, it is kind of in between JBL’s Flip 6 and Cost 5, so you may arguably get barely higher sound from the Cost 5. However you are actually shopping for this speaker for the sunshine present — that is what makes it distinctive and particular and it does look mesmerizing.
Word which you can pair this with one other JBL PartyBoost appropriate speaker for stereo sound or hyperlink a number of JBL PartyBoost audio system for augmented sound. Additionally, you’ll find this speaker on Amazon as thrown in for a similar value because the speaker by itself.
David Carnoy/CNET
Bang & Olufsen has upgraded its dome-shaped aluminum-clad A1 speaker with improved battery life, higher speakerphone efficiency (it now has a three-microphone array) and barely improved sound. It is not solely the smallest wi-fi speaker from the Danish firm, but additionally probably the most inexpensive because it typically drops to round $200.
Whereas the speaker drivers stay the identical, the Qualcomm chipset that powers the speaker has been upgraded (the speaker makes use of Bluetooth 5.1), bumping the sound high quality up a tad, significantly at greater volumes, with higher digital sign processing. It stays one of many best-sounding mini Bluetooth speaker fashions, with richer extra tonally balanced sound than different Bluetooth audio system its dimension — and it ought to sound good, contemplating its elevated value level.
It is also price noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you’ll be able to join this to your PC and smartphone on the identical time and simply change forwards and backwards between the 2 if a name is available in in your cellphone. Moreover, the speaker is Alexa-enabled, which means you’ll be able to activate Amazon’s voice assistant by simply saying “Alexa.”
Battery life is rated at as much as 18 hours at 50% quantity (the sooner A1 did not dwell as much as its battery life claims, however this quantity is extra correct) and should you can afford it, you’ll be able to hyperlink two A1 audio system to create a stereo pair. The speaker is waterproof with an IP67 ranking that permits it to be submerged briefly in shallow water.
Sarah Tew/CNET
At round $30, the Tribit XSound Go is among the prime audio system with Bluetooth connectivity for the cash. Apart from sounding respectable, it is also totally waterproof. It additionally has glorious battery life — as much as 24 hours at 50% quantity ranges.
You are receiving value alerts for Tribit XSound Go
Sarah Tew/CNET
Though just a little dear and because of be upgraded, the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably respectable for its tiny dimension, delivering extra bass than different pocketable audio system. It is a totally waterproof Bluetooth speaker and obtainable in three colour choices, though the blue model seems to be laborious to seek out.
Whereas this mannequin is really pocket-size — and that is definitely an interesting function — the larger however nonetheless compact SoundLink Flex sounds considerably higher and can be the higher worth although it prices extra.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Tribit’s StormBox speaker appears to be like like a cross between a UE and a JBL speaker. We suspect that is not an accident. Totally waterproof, it prices about $50 lower than the JBL Flip 5 and produces larger sound and has as much as 20 hours of battery life. Tribit’s XSound audio system are most likely a greater worth, however the Stormbox is extra fashionable. It additionally has a chargeable li-ion battery capable of energy as much as 20 hours of steady playtime.
How we take a look at Bluetooth audio system
In assessing what the most effective Bluetooth audio system are, we think about the design of the speaker, and significantly how sturdy it appears, together with sound high quality and total worth. The record consists of all the pieces from compact mini fashions and pocket-size micro variations to heftier fashions with highly effective audio. For extra, try our lists of the finest good audio system and the finest Wi-Fi audio system and music techniques.
Bluetooth wi-fi speaker FAQs
How do I select a Bluetooth speaker?
When selecting a Bluetooth speaker, what it actually comes all the way down to is dimension and value. Should you’re on the lookout for a really transportable speaker, you may wish to get one thing very compact, however do not forget that smaller audio system normally produce much less sound and bass than bigger ones. So whereas there are many mini Bluetooth audio system that ship larger sound than you may count on, they do have their sonic limitations. For lots of people it is a query of discovering a speaker that is not too large or too small — one which travels effectively but additionally is able to producing good sound for its dimension. However discovering the most effective transportable Bluetooth speaker additionally comes all the way down to your price range.
Worth could be a limiting issue. Chances are you’ll not wish to spend $150 or extra for a small speaker. Fortunately, there are many good choices for $100, and a few respectable mini Bluetooth audio system can price lower than $50. Additionally, sure “worth” manufacturers that promote totally on Amazon are strongly price contemplating as a result of they do provide lots for the cash.
Should you’re on the lookout for the most effective sound high quality, as I mentioned, larger is normally higher, and a few bigger transportable Bluetooth audio system — typically known as Bluetooth growth packing containers — can put out a number of sound and have an built-in deal with for toting them round.
What’s the loudest Bluetooth speaker?
The loudest Bluetooth audio system are the most important ones. Typically they’re known as growth packing containers or “get together” audio system. A few of these audio system are transportable and have built-in rechargeable batteries whereas the most important get together audio system actually have wheels on them for transport and have to be plugged in with an AC adapter as a result of they require a lot energy.
We’ve got a record of finest wi-fi growth field audio system should you’re on the lookout for an even bigger Bluetooth speaker. It is also price noting that Bluetooth audio system from the identical firm may be daisy-chained collectively to enhance their sound or paired collectively as a left-right stereo pair. Usually, one of the best ways to get larger sound is to pair two Bluetooth audio system collectively in a stereo pair.
Are mini Bluetooth audio system waterproof?
An increasing number of mini Bluetooth audio system are waterproof, which implies they are often totally submersed in water. Just a few fashions even float. For full waterproofing, search for an IPX ranking of IPX7 or greater. Typically audio system may even have a dust-resistance ranking. For instance, an IP68 speaker is totally dust-proof and totally waterproof. The primary quantity is the dust-resistance ranking whereas the second refers to water resistance. So a speaker with an IP68 ranking has the identical water-resistance ranking as an IPX8-rated speaker.