Why buy a Bluetooth speaker when full-sized sound systems easily outperform these little gadgets? Home theater setups are indeed more powerful and deliver richer sound quality compared to compact speakers.
But the key advantage of Bluetooth speakers lies in portability, that’s their bread and butter. They’re designed to be taken anywhere, offering a balance between mobility and playback duration. So, don’t expect your handy-dandy speaker to match a full home sound system, as they serve different purposes.
When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, a few things matter most: power (both range and loudness), battery life, and of course, price – which often becomes the deciding factor in the end.
Our Picks
JBL – Charge 4 | $114.95
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(Recommended) soundcore – Boom 2 | $119.99 (orig. $139.99,-14.%)
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Bose – SoundLink Flex | $159
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W-KING – Portable Speakers | $88.14 (orig. $115.99,-24%)
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Quick Comparison
JBL – Charge 4
SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: JBL Output Power (in watts): 30 Size: 10″D x 6″W x 4″H Weight: 1.5 kilos (3.31 Pounds) Battery Life: 20 Hours Charging Speed: 5.5 Hours Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB Bluetooth range: 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) Protection Rating: IPX7 (Waterproof)
PROS:
+ Budget-friendly
+ High battery capacity
+ Waterproof
CONS:
– Lower speaker output power compared to others
This budget-friendly portable audio deck might be one of the cheapest on the list, but don’t sell it short. It delivers decent output power with surprisingly good sound quality. Compared to the first generation, there’s a sixfold improvement in output power, which is impressive for its price range. On typical use, it can last up to 20 hours on a full charge, perfect for long listening sessions.
(Recommended) soundcore – Boom 2
SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Soundcore Output Power (in watts): 80 Size: 11.65″D x 7.28″W x 3.98″H Weight: 1.66 Kilograms Battery Life: 24 Hours Charging Speed: 5.5 Hours Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB Bluetooth range: 100m (approximately 328ft) Protection Rating: IPX7 (Waterproof)
PROS:
+ Waterproof
+ Longest Bluetooth range
+ Longest warranty
CONS:
– Slightly heavier than the Bose SoundLink Flex
The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is our recommended pick. It offers an excellent Bluetooth range, opening up plenty of possibilities, from freely moving around the house to enjoying music at the beach without worrying about disconnections due to obstacles. It also comes with an 18-month manufacturer warranty, giving you extra peace of mind and great value for your money.
In terms of audio performance, it delivers strong output power and impressive sound fidelity, boasting a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) comparable to the W-KING model featured on this list.
Bose – SoundLink Flex
SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Bose Output Power (in watts): 20 Size: 3.56″D x 7.93″W x 2.06″H Weight: 0.59 Kilograms (approximately 2.2 pounds) Battery Life: 12 Hours Charging Speed: 4 Hours Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Unspecified Bluetooth range: 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) Protection Rating: IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof )
PROS:
+ Slim and compact design
+ Lightest
+ Waterproof and dustproof
CONS:
– Lowest battery capacity
– Lowest speaker output power
One of the most common praises from our reviewers is its impressive sound design. Despite its size, the speaker delivers deep, rich bass, making it ideal for listeners who enjoy bass-heavy music.
It’s the smallest and most portable option on this list, though that comes with trade-offs, it has the lowest volume output and shorter battery life, lasting up to 12 hours of continuous play on a full charge.
W-KING – Portable Speakers
SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: W-KING Output Power (in watts): 120 Size: 6.02″D x 14.53″W x 7.52″H Weight: 3 Kilograms Battery Life: 42 Hours Charging Speed: 7.5 Hours Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90 dB Bluetooth range: 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) Protection Rating: IPX6 (Water protection but not submersible)
PROS:
+ Budget-friendly
+ Doubles as a power bank
+ Longest playtime (when LED light is off)
CONS:
– Long charging time despite similar battery capacity to the JBL
– Bulky design
Priced similarly to the JBL Charge 4, this little powerhouse delivers the highest output power in its range, giving it excellent overall value. What impressed us even more is its exceptionally high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), ensuring clear and detailed sound even at higher volumes.
It also boasts up to 42 hours of playtime, though this may decrease when the LED lights are turned on. And yes, it even functions as a power bank, making it perfect for long trips or outdoor use.
Now for the less exciting part, money-saving tips. Let’s be honest: Bluetooth speakers don’t always last forever. At the very least, they should come with insurance or a warranty that covers common issues like defects.
We know returning broken items can be a hassle as it costs not just money, but time as well. The following table compares each model’s warranty duration, price, and an estimated value-per-month to help you decide which offers the best long-term deal.
| Price | Warranty | Price/month of warranty | |
| JBL – Charge 4 | $114.95 | 12-months | $9.6 per month for 12 months |
| Anker – soundcore Boom 2 | $139.99 | 18-months | $7.8 per month for 18 months |
| Bose – SoundLink Flex | $159.00 | 12-months | $13.3 per month for 12 months |
| W-KING – Portable Speaker | $115.99 | 12-months | $9.7 per month for 12 months |
A larger battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer playtime, actual battery life depends on factors such as volume level and additional features like LED lighting.
A high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is also an important quality indicator. A higher SNR means the audio is cleaner and clearer, with less interference from background electronic noise produced by the speaker’s internal components.
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Source: zedreviews.com
