The best Bluetooth speakers, tested for sound, portability, and...

The best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2025, tested for sound, portability, and ruggedness

Overview

A Bluetooth speaker is one of those devices that, once you find one you like, you won't be able to imagine how you lived without it.

Since both Bluetooth and speakers aren't exactly new technology, you'll find that this is one of the more expansive product categories (admittedly, this feels like the case for almost anything you buy these days).

Enter: the Mashable tech and shopping teams. We stay on top of the latest Bluetooth speaker releases, while also applying our audio and product testing expertise to determine when old favorites are the better choice. We spend time testing the speakers in our own homes, evaluating the balance in their sound, portability, and of course, their prices. (To learn more about how we choose the best Bluetooth speakers, check out the "How we tested" section).

the jbl charge 5 speaker side by side with older jbl charge 3

Testing the JBL Charge 5 side by side with the Charge 3. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable

testing the sonos move 2 portable speaker on outdoor brick patio

Mashable reviewed the Sonos Move 2 after its release in 2023. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

As of June 2025, our top picks include the near-indestructible JBL Charge 6, smart home-integrated Sonos Move 2, and charmingly retro (but brand new) Marshall Emberton III. You'll find many of our top-ranked portable Bluetooth speakers below, along with new additions from Anker, Beats, Sony, and Ultimate Ears.

Our Pick

purple jbl charge 6 on desktop

The Good & The Bad

Doubles as a portable charger
Even better sound than its predecessor
Can get loud enough to be used outdoors at a party
IP68-rated water- and dust-proof
Adjustable EQ with companion app
Pair with other Auracast-enabled JBL speakers for stereo sound

On the larger side, so may not be the best option for folks looking for maximum portability
At a higher starting price than the Charge 5

Who it's for

The JBL Charge 6 is big enough to produce sound that will fill an outdoor party, yet still small enough to live on your bookshelf. Plus, it can charge other devices with a USB-C connection. On balance, we think it's the best Bluetooth speaker for most people right now.

Why we picked this

The Charge 6 is one of the latest speakers from JBL, the brand behind the popular Flip Bluetooth speakers. Though the Charge 6 is bigger and $50 more expensive, we prefer it for the versatility and superior sound it offers.

We have to start with the namesake of this speaker — it's ability to charge devices. That makes it an exceptionally good choice for beach days or camping trips. JBL ditched the USB-A port on the Charge 5, opting instead for a USB-C to USB-C cable that allowed us to charge phones, earbuds, and even other speakers. Cool as it was, this feature alone isn't what made this speaker stand out.

Even at the lowest volumes, the Charge 6's sound easily filled a living room, but never sacrificed quality for loudness. When listening to Japanese Breakfast's For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), the sound balance came through strong and clear. I could hear both the bass notes and Michelle Zauner's voice ringing out with impressive clarity, and without losing the sound of the guitar. The companion app also comes with four different equalizer presets and a custom equalizer, so you can adjust the sound to be just right for your ears.

The Charge 6 also offers a couple of ways to amplify your sound even further. Thanks to the included Auracast, you can pair it with other JBL speakers with Auracast to double up on the sound or create a studio mode. When we tested it out with the Flip 6, it worked without a hitch. If you want a louder sound and more battery life, you can toggle on the speaker's PlaytimeBoost mode, which offers an extra four hours of battery life, though the quality of the sound sometimes struggles in this mode.

Whether you're taking it with you on the go or using it at home, the Charge 6 gives you options. For instance, the flat base allows it to sit on a table without any danger of rolling off, but if you prefer it to stand instead, it's also reliably balanced, thanks to the silicone ends. Though this speaker is larger than most of our other picks, it does come with an adjustable handle strap, which you can loop, use as a handle, or remove entirely. Ultimately, though, if you're looking for something that can easily fit into most bags, we recommend the smaller Flip 7 instead.

Details

blue wonderboom 4 speaker in front of bush with love flowers

The Good & The Bad

Impressive, balanced sound for its size
Waterproof and dust-proof
Rugged, durable, and drop-proof up to five feet
Fun, bold colors
Compact and easy to toss in your bag
It floats!
USB-C chargeable

Bass isn't as deep as larger speakers and gets distorted at higher volumes
We didn't enjoy the Podcast Mode EQ setting
No companion app

Who it's for

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is not a must-have upgrade for anyone who owns the Wonderboom 3, but like the former version, it's a powerhouse for its size and price. This speaker's small (and rugged enough) to take along for a hike, while traveling, and for tossing next to the pool. Plus, it's so easy to find on sale that it's often available at a cheaper price than the older Wonderboom 3.

Why we picked this

The Wonderboom 4 is basically the same exact speaker as the Wonderboom 3, visually and internally. Like the Wonderboom 3, you can drop it from heights of up to five feet without worrying about destroying it. It’s also waterproof with an IP67 rating. If you drop it in water, it can float for up to 30 minutes and come out the other side working completely fine. It also features a healthy 14 hours of battery life, which is more than other speakers of a similar size.

So what's different? On the sound front, the Wonderboom 4 has less muddiness than its predecessor, especially at higher volumes. In addition to the Outdoor Boost mode, you'll also get a Podcast Mode. We will say that we're not necessarily fans of the new addition — hosts' voices came through compressed, while background static felt more pronounced. Generally, this mode shone much better on the brand's Everboom speaker.

However, the standard audio is good enough for listening to podcasts and music, so ignoring the new EQ feels like a fine concession. As with the Wonderboom 3, we found that overall, the sound profile is well-rounded and can get loud. We do wish that this speaker had been updated with a companion app for more customization.

On the bright side, it's very easy to plug, play, and now charge, thanks to the addition of a USB-C charging port. While it's not all that different from the Wonderboom 3, anyone who wants a no-frills speaker that sounds good will be happy with this one. The Wonderboom 4 is easy to find in stock and on sale, making it our updated pick for the best speaker under $100.

Details

sonos move 2 bluetooth speaker on a bookshelf

The Good & The Bad

Built-in smart features supporting Alexa
Great audio quality
Easy switch from WiFi to Bluetooth
24 hours of battery

Pricey
Less portable than other Bluetooth speakers
No Google Assistant support
Historically hasn't gone on sale too often

Our review

Read our full review of the Sonos Move 2.

Who it's for

If portability is at the top of your list when looking for a Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Move 2 might not be for you. As Mashable's Stan Schroeder writes in his review, "It sounds fantastic, but it's essentially a home speaker that also happens to be somewhat portable." However, if you want great sound, battery life, and smart features, this could be the best Bluetooth speaker for you. It's also the best choice for shoppers who already use other Sonos products in their home.

Why we picked this

We formerly recommended the original Sonos Move, but we like the newer version for its newly added stereo sound and 24 hours of battery life (as compared to the original's measly 11).

To be clear, this speaker isn't perfect, but we think the trade-offs balance out. For instance, you need a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter for line-in playback, but you can charge your phone from the Move 2's battery by connecting it with a USB-C cable (similar to the Charge 5). It isn't very portable for hikes or trips to the beach, but it's easy enough to move from the kitchen to the backyard (and has IP56 dust and water resistance), making it great for entertaining. It's also a great choice if you like using a speaker to listen to music around the house. While it doesn't work with Google Assistant, it does work great with Alexa.

It can burn through the battery life faster at higher volumes, but it gets plenty loud without sacrificing sound clarity. In essence, there are a few trade-offs you make with this speaker, but if you're looking for the best-sounding smart speaker, and the cons of this one don't clash with your needs, we think the Sonos Move 2 is a great pick.

Details

off-white sony ult field 3 speaker

The Good & The Bad

Lightweight and portable with detachable strap
Loud, room-filling sound
Dust-, rust-, shock-, and waterproof
Long playtimes with a battery-saving mode

Sound gets a big tinny at high volumes
Could use more practical features

Our review

Read our full review of the Sony ULT Field 3 speaker.

Who it's for

Sony created the ULT line for bass heads who desire head-banging sonics from their portable speaker, and the recently launched ULT Field 3 delivers on that promise. This is a mid-range option with the low-end prowess of a premium model.

Why we picked this

If there is one area where Sony never misses, it’s sound quality. Our audio expert, Alex Bracetti, previously tested and compared the ULT Field 3 with the Beats Pill across multiple categories, calling it an excellent upgrade to the well-received ULT Field 1.

Sony stuffed powerful audio components underneath the speaker’s casually chic sheath, including one tweeter, one woofer, and dual-passive radiators that, in combination, deliver emphatic sound. The default EQ dishes strong bass, and enabling the ULT mode effectively raises it with minimal distortion, depending on the music track. There’s even a Sound Field Optimization feature that auto-adjusts performance based on the noises around you, and it works well in all environments.

Great bass response isn’t the only reason we’re huge on the ULT Field 3. This speaker projects sound at a high range (up to 50 feet). Playtime is notably high, plus Sony’s Battery Care function ensures long-term use out of the battery by capping recharges at 90 percent. Lastly, durable craftsmanship protects the speaker against many environmental hazards, letting you rock out anywhere without worrying about damage.

Details

JBL Clip 5 speaker clipped to a backpack

The Good & The Bad

Built-in carabiner is easy to use
Impressive volume, especially for the size
Slim and lightweight if you need to slip it in your bag
Sufficient playtime
Dust- and waterproof
Plenty of fun colorways to choose from

EQ is unavailable when using Auracast
Battery saving mode decreases sound quality
No voice assistance

Who it's for

There are portable speakers, and then there are ultra-portable speakers truly designed to move with you. JBL’s line of Clip speakers falls under the latter. The company’s latest creation, the Clip 5, is a moderate upgrade to the highly recommended Clip 4 (which was previously on this list). Carrying it around is easy-peasy, thanks to the signature clip that attaches to anything, from backpacks to belt loops. Its blend of affordability, fine sound, and resilient build quality earns the Clip 5 mass appeal among budget-conscious shoppers seeking a high-quality everyday speaker for cheap.

Why we picked this

Honestly, the clip-on design. JBL’s built-in carabiner is a staple in the portable speaker category that is best executed on the Clip 5.

While providing maximum portability and protection (IP67 dust- and waterproofing), this fifth-gen speaker has a fun factor that only a handful of other compact speakers can match. Its IP certification makes the Clip 5 a stellar shower companion, producing adequate clarity and enough oomph to wake you up during early bathing sessions. The customizable EQ and multiple presets are crucial for enhancing sound quality; adjusting the frequency levels helps balance output. Pairing two Clip 5 speakers together will open the door to stereo sound.

The Clip 5 has impressively loud volume that also diminishes mids and highs when raised all the way up. You can get better sound from other portable speakers, such as the UE Wonderboom 4 that costs about $30 more, but is well worth the pickup if audio is your priority. Otherwise, the Clip 5 is just as small, sturdy, and serviceable at a cheaper price.

Details

Soundcore select 4 go speaker in water

The Good & The Bad

Vibrant audio with surprisingly strong bass response
Customizable EQ to personalize sound
Dust- and waterproof
Holds a charge longer than most luxury Bluetooth speakers
Built-in strap provides convenient portability

Limited feature set compared to other Anker speakers
No built-in power bank to charge devices
Lacks a speakerphone

Who it's for

If you don’t need expansive customization, or even crystal-clear sound, then go with what’s considered the best portable speaker deal under $25 and $50: the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go.

Why we picked this

It took a versatile competitor like Anker’s entry-level speaker to overtake the JBL Go 4 as the category’s top steal. The Select 4 Go does everything its low-priced rival does, plus it grants extended functionality via a mobile app, which the Go 4 lacks.

Playing songs on the Select 4 Go will reward you with enticing bass-forward sound that can be tweaked through Anker’s customizable 9-band EQ or a handful of presets (Bass, Balanced, Signature, Treble). The Signature preset produces dynamic range, something that’s unheard of for a speaker this low-priced, and the Balanced preset makes sound more natural. We’ve found the Select 4 Go to be pleasantly resonant when jamming out to different music genres, from alternative rock to hip-hop to jazz. Don’t confuse this for an audiophile speaker because it is far from that. The high-end isn’t as transparent as we would like.

Another key area where the Select 4 Go proves its worth is portability. On top of being tiny, it’s one tough-built speaker housed in sturdy plastic and covered in IP67 dust- and waterproofing. There is a built-in strap for attaching the speaker to a carry item via a carabiner. This serves bicyclists who choose to blast music from their backpacks when zipping through rush hour traffic or hikers needing an outdoor soundtrack to complete woodland expeditions. The 20 hours of playtime are also good for five days of moderate listening (four hours daily). It would have been nice if Anker designed the speaker to double as a portable bank for recharging media devices on the fly, but this isn’t a dealbreaker for a speaker that's often on sale for $23.

Details

white marshall speaker on shelf in front of framed photo and crochet capybara

The Good & The Bad

Cool retro design
Three preset equalizer settings that sound noticeably different
Bluetooth connects and switches between devices easily
Long-lasting battery
App is easy to use but not necessary to have a good experience
Has a built-in mic if you want it
Supports Bluetooth LE and Auracast

No customizable equalizer
Audio isn't wildly better than speakers that are $50 cheaper
Not a true 360-degree sound profile
Voice equalizer preset made podcasts sound weirdly compressed

Who it's for

While we would never recommend a speaker solely on how it looks, we do care about the aesthetics of a speaker. If you've worked hard on decorating your space, then you deserve a speaker that will make its new home look even better.

So, for folks who appreciate good design, we recommend the new Marshall Emberton III. Not only does this premium Bluetooth speaker have Marshall's iconic vintage look, but it's also a solid-sounding speaker for its price point.