Few devices supply as a lot enjoyable as the common-or-garden Bluetooth speaker – these transportable devices allow you to take your music (or podcasts or audiobooks) anyplace you want, whether or not you are chilling within the bed room, dancing on the patio, or having a picnic on the seashore.
We all know the factors for one of the best Bluetooth audio system as properly. These audio system want to have the ability to pump out top-quality sound at respectable volumes, whereas additionally being properly engineered sufficient that audio playback does not utterly destroy battery life.
The clue’s within the identify: the JBL Xtreme 4 is made by probably the most dependable manufacturers within the Bluetooth speaker enterprise, and in addition comes with a rugged design which means you will be snug taking it anyplace you go. It’s properly protected in opposition to each water and dirt.
The Bose Soundlink Flex is a wonderful all-rounder that’s going to go well with most individuals who need a mixture of the speaker specs and options that matter. Coming from the audio specialists at Bose as properly, you possibly can belief this to supply clear and wealthy sound high quality.
B&O has had a winner within the type of the Beosound A1 for years, and its third-generation model is simply as spectacular as earlier ones. It delivers far more energy than you may assume, given its measurement, and has a stunning, mature design, too.
Best sturdiness
(Image credit score: Future)
JBL Xtreme 4
The entire level of a conveyable Bluetooth speaker is you can take it in your travels with you, so you do not need to be nervous about splashing one in every of these devices or placing it down on a desk that you simply won’t be capable to eat your dinner off. With a rugged design and an IP67 ranking, the JBL Xtreme 4 will survive sandy seashores and sudden downpours.
With 24 hours of battery life, support for the Auracast standard (so you can combine it with other speakers too), and even a bottle opener on the strap, this is a versatile and capable Bluetooth speaker that we’re happy to recommend. It is a little on the hefty side, but that also means more oomph for your audio (and it does come with a shoulder strap).
Best for most people
(Image credit: Future)
Bose SoundLink Flex
This gets our vote as the best Bluetooth speaker for most people – if you want a device that ticks all the boxes and does everything well – and our Bose SoundLink Flex review gives you some idea why. In that review, we described it as “undeniably more refined” than its immediate predecessor, offering “clean” and “balanced” sound on demand.
We, of course, know that Bose has a long and storied history when it comes to audio products, and the second-generation SoundLink Flex does nothing to harm that reputation. It can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and via the companion app you can easily tweak the audio output as needed.
This is a speaker that’s really well designed, too, while also being durable, and it’s nice and compact at the same time. The Bose SoundLink Flex will particularly appeal to those who don’t want to spend too much on their Bluetooth speaker – it’s hardly bargain basement territory, but it’s competitively priced compared to its rivals.
Best sound quality
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Bang & Olufsen A1
The Bang & Olufsen A1 scores highly in a variety of different categories, but we’re particularly impressed with its overall sound quality. In our Bang & Olufsen A1 review, we described the Bluetooth speaker as offering “major sound” that’s “a level beyond its scale”, so you really won’t be disappointed when you hit the play button.
There’s lots more to talk about besides the sound quality: just look at the design of this little speaker, for example. It’s a gorgeous gadget, and one that you’re not going to be embarrassed to pull out at parties and picnics. It’s not as rugged as some other options, though, so you’ll need to treat it with a bit more care.
Add in superb battery life, and it’s a really difficult Bluetooth speaker to beat – even in a market as crowded as this one. At the size of a CD (only significantly thicker), it can pretty much go anywhere too, and there’s a neat carry handle as well, if you want to tie it to something (like the outside of a rucksack).
Verdict
There’s something for everyone in the selection above, even though there are only three speakers in the list: whether you want something durable, compact, or relatively cheap, there’s a gadget that’s going to match. If you just want one speaker that will do everything well, then the Bose SoundLink Flex is a perfect pick.
However, the other two options are brilliant as well. Go for the JBL Xtreme 4 if you want a speaker you can take anywhere – really anywhere – without worrying, and don’t mind a bit of extra bulk. Alternatively, pick the Bang & Olufsen A1 if you need something significantly smaller and appreciate a speaker with style.