Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers in 2025
Simply the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy right now
Over the course of nearly two decades, our knowledgeable audio team has tested and evaluated the top Bluetooth speakers available. Do you want evidence? Check out our evaluation of the Parrot DS1120 Bluetooth Speakers, a throwback to a time when we were actively involved with portable audio equipment and why our stringent testing procedure is still in place today.
We are experts in Bluetooth sound technology. Since 2019, I have been a committed audio reviewer (now editor), assisted by an outstanding group of experts, whose names you can see in the ‘tested by’ section at the foot of this guide. All of the products on this list have undergone extensive, practical testing, so our suggestions are supported by reliable knowledge.
To be honest, there are limitations to ultra-portable speakers. A speaker that is small enough to fit in your hand won’t produce bass that is earth-shaking. But people don’t purchase them for that reason. Convenience and portability are key features of these speakers, and we’ve selected the best models in terms of sound quality, battery life, use, and overall value.
Table of Contents
best overall
1. JBL Flip 7
best budget
2. JBL Clip 5
best Bluetooth speaker for Wi-Fi too
3. Sonos Roam 2
best Bluetooth speaker for sound-per-pound
4. Ultimate Ears Everboom
best Bluetooth speaker for parties
5. Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
1. JBL Flip 7
What you should know is that we hardly ever give a gadget five stars throughout our testing process, especially when it comes to all of the important factors we take into account for this guide, such as features, sound, design, and value. However, the JBL Flip 7 truly deserves them. It is a sequel to the wildly successful Flip 6, which was long our number one choice in our guide. However, JBL surpasses it in nearly every aspect, providing superior design, sound, and performance. The Flip 7 is an obvious choice if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that does everything well without breaking the budget.
Audio performance: Although JBL has traditionally produced high-quality speakers, the Flip 7 stands out in terms of sound quality. We stated that it “outperforms its asking price to an almost startling degree” in our assessment. This is due to a confident and detailed sound that is ideal for outdoor listening and parties. It delivers a tone that is “nicely natural and consistent from top to bottom” and performs well across the range. We had a hard time finding any issues with its sound, especially considering the price.
Design: The Flip 7 sticks have a cylindrical shape that is covered in fabric and rubber, just like earlier Flip models. With one of the best IP68 ratings available, it is incredibly durable, dustproof, and capable of complete submersion in water. Ideal for beach vacations, pool parties, festivals, and pretty much any other location. It also comes in seven different finishes. Since most of us use these speakers at parties or on holidays, JBL has always nailed the lively, happy mood.
Value: All things considered, the Flip 7 is a great speaker for anyone looking for a speaker with good sound performance, good stats, a long battery life, and a robust build that can handle nearly everything.
2. JBL Clip 5
What you need to know: The JBL Clip 5 is our number one choice if you’re searching for a (somewhat) affordable, portable, and incredibly compact speaker. When compared to competitors on this list, the speaker’s audio output is remarkable given its small size, and its many functions make it well worth its reasonably priced price.
Audio performance: Considering its small size, this speaker can really crank out the music. We did observe that it has a sharp, tinny edge and struggles with treble when you’re listening at greater volumes. However, the low and mid frequencies were strong.Overall, it’s quite excellent and a significant improvement over the marginally less expensive JBL Go 4, which is why we said in our review that “the bass was dramatic and impactful” given how little it is. The software has two features: a PartyTogether mode that creates a surround sound effect if you have another JBL speaker nearby, and a feature called PlaytimeBoost that increases the volume without using up the battery. A customizable EQ profile and four EQ presets—JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal—are also included.
Design: At 285g, the JBL Clip 5 is small and lightweight. It is convenient for listening in a variety of situations because it has a carabiner connected.It is waterproof and durable enough for outdoor gatherings and vacations, as indicated by its IP67 classification. But it looks a little out of date, and it has trouble standing on its base, which is why the carabiner is so important. The inbuilt battery has a 12-hour lifespan. The Tribit XSound Plus 2 isn’t the greatest on the list, but it’s ideal for listening all day. If you want something with a longer battery life for the same price, but it’s larger, check it out.It is waterproof and durable enough for outdoor gatherings and vacations, as indicated by its IP67 classification. But it looks a little out of date, and it has trouble standing on its base, which is why the carabiner is so important. The inbuilt battery has a 12-hour lifespan. The Tribit XSound Plus 2 isn’t the greatest on the list, but it’s ideal for listening all day. If you want something with a longer battery life for the same price, but it’s larger, check it out.
3. Sonos Roam 2
What you should know: Since its release in 2021, the original Sonos Roam has been one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers. Despite the fact that there are many more portable speakers available today, the Sonos Roam 2 remains a popular option despite improvements in a few crucial areas. With its small size and extensive range of connectivity technologies, including as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it produces a clear, rich, and well-balanced sound that can be used as a portable speaker or as part of a larger multi-room Sonos system. Additionally, it has Alexa built in to function as a smart speaker when connected to Wi-Fi.When it comes to Bluetooth audio alone, the JBL Flip 6 offers greater value, but the Sonos Roam 2’s ability to work with both Sonos multi-room and AirPlay 2 is a huge plus.
The Sonos Roam 2’s audio performance is described as “excellent sound that punches far above the sheer size” in our assessment. It is a fantastic option for listening to a wide variety of genres and musicians since, as we discovered, it conveys audio well across the frequency spectrum. You can still clearly hear the bass in your favorite songs, but it’s not the loudest, so if you want a large, booming speaker, look elsewhere. You may anticipate crisp, rich sounds even at high volume settings.
Design: The Sonos Roam 2 will look great in your house because to its sleek and simple design, especially since it comes in a few attractive colors. Its IP67 rating and sturdy, dustproof, and waterproof construction make it perfect for listening to music outside. It’s sad that the battery life of 10 hours isn’t much better than that of the original Roam. It is sufficient for a day out, yet, if battery life is a concern for you, have a look at the JBL Charge, which comes in at number six on the list and has an amazing 20 hours of battery life. Or the Tribit Stormbox Flow, which has a massive 30-hour power capacity and ranks #7 on the list.
4. Ultimate Ears Everboom
What you should know: This speaker is excellent and fulfills several requirements. Yes, there are less expensive versions of similar equipment. There are also some that are a bit more costly but have more party-appropriate power. However, we believe the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a wise pick for dependable sound in a sturdy construction, particularly when considering the sound-per-pound performance, which is superior to almost everything else at the same price and size.
Audio performance: To begin with, the Everboom has a loud volume. really loud. A lot louder than you’ll likely ever need it. Although you will feel some distortion if you hit those high volumes, this is wonderful news for parties.As we stated in our review, the UE Everboom “delivers a very compelling audio performance, proving it can deliver quality not just quantity.” We were really pleased with its speaker’s power and 360-degree soundstage. With an EQ full of settings and an Outdoor Boost option that makes sure the speaker focuses on frequencies that go far outside, the app offers ways to maximize the sound.
Design: The Everboom’s design isn’t very noteworthy, but it’s useful, long-lasting, and includes a convenient carabiner attachment. Because it has an IP67 rating—which means it can withstand dust and float in water for up to 30 minutes—it’s a wonderful choice if you want to take it outside or travel.It does indeed float! It’s good to know that it will withstand a dunk in the pool, but listening to it in water degrades the audio. Although it weighs 960g, making it slightly heavier than its competitors, its clasp and design make it feel remarkably portable.
Value: The Ultimate Ears Everboom is a multipurpose speaker with a sturdy, portable design, excellent sound quality, and good functionality. Although it’s not inexpensive, it sounds and looks even more high-end than it actually is. Cheaper speakers with some robust features are available, but the sound quality is worse.
5. Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
What you need to know: The second iteration of the Tribit Stormbox Blast is a massive, bass-heavy beast that was made with parties in mind. It offers impressive volume levels, genuinely ground-shaking low frequencies, a sturdy design that can withstand knocks and splashes, and all-night listening. Although it’s not inexpensive at $299.99/£257 (about AU$490), if you can stretch your budget, it’s our number one choice for parties. However, like most Tribit speakers, you should anticipate seeing nice deals on it during sales events.
Audio performance: We told you it was perfect for parties, and you get a powerful performance that really puts the bass first.In our evaluation, we stated right away that the bass of the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 had “ground-shaking impact.” We discovered that this is because the XBass feature was enabled; even when it is not enabled, the bass still thuds but does not completely overwhelm the frequency range. The bass was still “rhythmic and deep,” according to us, but the voices were also “nicely defined.” When you turn up the level, you’ll notice that the clarity slightly decreases. That being said, it’s difficult to find a better-sounding party speaker at this budget, particularly when it comes to that crucial low-end.
Design: You need a huge, bold, and massive structure to produce that loud, bass-heavy sound. With a weight of 19.2 pounds (8.7 kilograms), this speaker is big and would never fit in a tiny suitcase. It also has a muscular appearance. Despite its weight, it is taken into consideration because it is a bit more sophisticated and curvier than its predecessor. It is IP67 rated, which indicates that it is waterproof and dustproof, as one might anticipate from an outdoor speaker.
Value: This speaker isn’t flawless; it costs a bit more than other competitors and is also somewhat large. However, it features a robust build, a remarkable 30-hour battery life, and a fantastic, bass-heavy sound. Is the cost justified? Of course.However, make sure you need a speaker that is as focused on bass and designed for gatherings as this one is. The purpose of it is to get everyone moving.
Which brand of Bluetooth speaker is the best?
With the capacity to be a part of a larger multi-room system, the best Sonos speakers are excellent for bridging the gap between indoors and outside. You can also be sure that they will sound amazing
JBL is renowned for producing some of the best waterproof speakers at reasonable costs; its party speaker range even includes integrated light displays.
Look for models from Ultimate Ears if waterproofing is a top concern. They mix vibrant, playful designs with sturdy construction, many of which can survive a swim in the pool.
If you want a combination of superb sound and stylish design, think about high-end audio companies like Bose and Bang & Olufsen, but be ready to pay a premium for them. Strong speakers that are affordable are available from Tribit and Anker if you wish to cut costs.
Which is better, JBL or Bose?
Both companies manufacture speakers; some are small and portable, while others are large enough to fill a room with sound during a party. Bose typically produces products that are at the premium end of the spectrum in terms of price, design, and excellent audio performance, while JBL is more reasonably priced and its products typically fall in the middle of the quality spectrum.
What you want is the main factor in the brand you select. Select a Bose product, such as the Bose SoundLink Flex, if you place the highest importance on sound quality. However, the JBL Flip 6 displaces this speaker from our list due to its excellent all-around performance, good sound quality, and ability to withstand drops, knocks, and splashes. In our opinion, JBL performs better than Bose in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, particularly when it comes to value for money. Bose may be the superior audio technology brand.