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The 12 Best Bluetooth Speakers for All Types of Listeners

Save time and money by sticking to these audio brands.

By John Thompson and Editors of Men's Health
best bluetooth speakers
Courtesy of Retailer

IF YOU'RE still listening to music by piping the sound through your phone or laptop, you need to get with the times. After all, your favorite tunes deserve so much more. You, my friend, need to invest in a Bluetooth speaker for all of your listening needs. Popular audio brands like Bose, JBL, and Sonos all have top-rated Bluetooth speakers you can't go wrong purchasing, but the list doesn't just end there. You can find Bluetooth speakers out there from other brands that cater to more specific interests and needs outside of just general listening. The first thing you want to consider is where you will be using your Bluetooth speaker most, be it indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. Depending on your needs, you may want a speaker with weatherproof qualities or a speaker that looks stylish in your place. Those who love to use voice assistance apps, like Alexa and Siri, have Bluetooth speaker options too.

  • SoundLink Flex

    Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall

    Bose SoundLink Flex

    $149 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Balmuda Speaker

    Best Designed Bluetooth Speaker

    Balmuda Balmuda Speaker

    Read more
  • Clip 4

    Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    JBL Clip 4

    Read more
  • XP500 X-Series Wireless Portable

    Most Powerful Bluetooth Speaker

    Sony XP500 X-Series Wireless Portable

    Read more
  • Echo Studio

    Best Alexa-Compatible Smart Speaker

    Amazon Echo Studio

    Read more

Whatever your needs, there is a heck of a lot of Bluetooth speakers on the market nowadays. You've got options, but the endless sea of speakers can also make the shopping process quite overwhelming. To find the best of the best with no fuss, check out these 12 top-rated Bluetooth speakers for any type of listener. Scoop one up and you'll surely thank yourself—even if your neighbors don't.

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    Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall

    Bose SoundLink Flex

    SoundLink Flex
    Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall

    Bose SoundLink Flex

    $149 at Amazon$129 at B&H Photo
    Pros
    • Under $150
    • Several colors available
    • Long lifespan
    • Travel-friendly
    • Excellent sound quality
    • Easy to use. Simple button configuration
    Cons
    • No EQ settings, so you can't fully customize your listening experience

    Bose is one of the best when it comes to blending functionality with stylish design. The SoundLink Flex is a crown jewel of a Bluetooth speaker, with a sleek design and rich sound. And because of its durable build and IP67 waterproof rating, you can take this speaker pretty much anywhere your heart desires. Last, and most important, is the generous price point. $150 for a premium speaker bound to last you 2-3 years at the very least. We'll take that deal any day of the week.

    Battery Life12 hours
    Waterproof RatingIP67
    Dimensions7.93 x 2.06 x 3.56 inches
    Pros
    • Beautiful design
    • Three different interior light programs
    • 3" speaker with 360-degree sound output
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
    • Glass design makes speaker fragile

    The Balmuda Speaker invokes curiosity and wonder at every step of the way. On the outside, it looks like an art piece, but on the inside, it's the worthy setup of audio configuration that starts with a 3" speaker, closed type, with a 360-degree circumference sound range. In the center are interior lights that carry three different light-up modes: Beat, Ambient, and Candle. The price point is high, but when you consider the overall design of this piece we find it a solid investment for those who appreciate finer things.

    Battery Life7 hours
    Waterproof RatingNot waterproof
    Dimensions4.1 x 4.1 x 7.4 inches
    Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    JBL Clip 4

    Clip 4
    Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    JBL Clip 4

    Pros
    • IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
    • Redesigned carabiner clip allows for easy attachment
    • Travel friendly
    Cons
    • Sound output not as powerful as some might prefer

    An IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and a built-in carabiner are just a couple of details that elevate the JBL Clip 4 into being the best small portable speaker on the market. It's true you can't go wrong with past generations of the JBL Clip (especially when it comes to the Clip 3), however, the Clip 4 has cleaner audio, a more active bass, and a more stylish overall look.

    Battery Life10 hours
    Waterproof RatingIP67
    Dimensions1.8 x 3.4 x 5.3 inches
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    Most Powerful Bluetooth Speaker

    Sony XP500 X-Series Wireless Portable

    XP500 X-Series Wireless Portable
    Most Powerful Bluetooth Speaker

    Sony XP500 X-Series Wireless Portable

    Now 25% Off
    Pros
    • Powerful tweeters and bass
    • 10 min charge can get 80 min battery life
    • 20 hours of use per charge
    Cons
    • Heavy (25 lbs) and expensive
    • Best suited for outdoor use

    If you're looking for something boombox-like, then the XP500 is a powerful Bluetooth speaker that will play at large gatherings. Whether it be tailgates, family reunions, or hangouts with friends, clear acoustics and a monster bass deliver sound in a clear way that's void of any nasty static. Best of all is the fact it's got a battery life up to 20 hours.

    Battery Life20 hours
    Waterproof RatingIPX4
    Dimensions11.61 x 10.83 x 22.52 inches
    Best Alexa-Compatible Smart Speaker

    Amazon Echo Studio

    Echo Studio
    Best Alexa-Compatible Smart Speaker

    Amazon Echo Studio

    Pros
    • Compatible with other Echo devices
    • Deep bass and crisp audio
    • Minimalist design
    Cons
    • Plug-in only

    Outfitted with Dolby Atmos and spacial audio listening tech, the Echo Studio is the most high-quality Alexa-compatible speaker on the market. The Echo Studio will automatically sense the acoustics of a room to determine the best possible sound deployment through its five speakers and intense bass. Simply put, this smart speaker blows all the smaller models out of the water.

    Battery LifePlug-in
    Waterproof RatingNot waterproof
    Dimensions6.9 x 6.9 x 8.1 inches
    Amazon's Choice

    SoundBot SB510 HD Water Resistant Speaker

    Amazon’s Choice
    SB510 HD Water Resistant Speaker
    Amazon's Choice

    SoundBot SB510 HD Water Resistant Speaker

    Now 50% Off
    Pros
    • Under $20
    • Water resistance allows for easy use in shower
    • Good sound quality for personal listening
    Cons
    • Not entirely waterproof, so it shouldn't be fully submerged in water
    • Sound output not ideal for more than two people listening at a time

    While the SoundBot isn't entirely waterproof in design, it is water-resistant. It works great as a shower speaker —as long as it's not fully submerged under water—and as a small travel speaker. The fact it has over 19,000 five-star Amazon reviews and is well under $20 shows how good of a deal the SoundBot really is.

    Battery Life6 hours
    Waterproof RatingWater resistant materials
    Dimensions12 x 8 x 6 inches
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    Best Rugged Bluetooth Speaker

    JBL Xtreme 3

    Xtreme 3
    Best Rugged Bluetooth Speaker

    JBL Xtreme 3

    Now 26% Off
    Pros
    • Rich sound and deep bass
    • Comes with strong carrying strap
    • Great for camping and beach trips
    • Easy button configuration
    • Long lifespan
    Cons
    • Might feel too big for some

    The Xtreme 3 has a high price point, but when you consider the amount of effort that was put into packing premium sound quality into a rugged design—an IP67 waterproof rating and a 15-hour battery life—then it's easy to see why it's the best outdoor speaker on the market. The Xtreme 3 also comes with a durable carrying strap, making it a worthy companion for hiking, camping, and beach trips.

    Battery Life15 hours
    Waterproof RatingP67
    Dimensions13.4 x 29.8 x 13.6 inches
    Best 360-Degree Bluetooth Speaker

    Bose SoundLink Revolve+

    SoundLink Revolve+
    Best 360-Degree Bluetooth Speaker

    Bose SoundLink Revolve+

    Pros
    • Voice assistant compatible
    • 360-degree speaker design
    • Durable carrying strap
    Cons
    • Expensive

    For those who like to have a Bluetooth speaker for general tasks and for entertaining guests, then the SoundLink Revolve+ will provide an enjoyable listening experience. The speaker's 360-degree design allows for sound projection all around and comes with a durable strap for carrying. Best of all is the fact it's got voice assistance, so you can relay commands via Siri to control the speaker if you're away from your phone.

    Battery Life16 hours
    Waterproof RatingIPX4
    Dimensions4.2 x 4.2 x 7.3 inches
    Best Stereo Pairing Bluetooth Speaker

    Sonos Roam

    Roam
    Best Stereo Pairing Bluetooth Speaker

    Sonos Roam

    Pros
    • Lightweight and easy to travel with
    • Can be paired with other Sonos speakers
    • Several colors available
    Cons
    • Buttons are hard to see and button placement is odd

    Not all Bluetooth speakers support voice assistance, but the Sonos Roam does—and you won't compromise any music sound quality for the feature. What's also special about the Roam is it can easily be paired with your other Sonos devices to further build upon your sound ecosystem.

    Battery Life10 hours
    Waterproof RatingIP67
    Dimensions3.94 x 0.79 x 1.06 inches
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    Most Stylish Bluetooth Speaker

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Generation

    Beosound A1 2nd Generation
    Most Stylish Bluetooth Speaker

    Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Generation

    Pros
    • Aluminum frame makes speaker more lightweight than expected
    • Signature B&O sound quality
    • Creative design
    • Available in a few different colors
    Cons
    • Expensive

    For those who want to veer from the traditional rectangular speaker silhouette, Bang & Olufsen's Beosound A1 packs rich, crisp sound inside a circular aluminum shell. The speaker reaches far into the upper echelon of Bluetooth speaker sound quality, and the materials used make it lighter than one would expect. The Beosound A1 travels well too, but it also looks great as a reoccurring guest on your living room coffee table.

    Battery Life18 hours
    Waterproof RatingWaterproof
    Dimensions5.24 x 1.83 x 5.24 inches
    Best Bluetooth Speaker That Will Fill a Room

    Marshall Marshall Woburn II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

    Marshall Woburn II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
    Best Bluetooth Speaker That Will Fill a Room

    Marshall Marshall Woburn II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

    Now 27% Off
    Pros
    • Looks great in a room
    • Bluetooth compatible but also comes with RCA or 3. 5 mm input
    • Dual 5.25" subwoofers
    • Two 1" tweeters
    • Can customized listening experience via Marshall app
    Cons
    • Plug-in only
    • Heavy

    The Woburn II packs the most powerful sound out of the Marshall Bluetooth speaker lineup. The speaker's timeless design and ability to amplify an entire room—in a customized experience via the Marshall app, no less—provides a blissful listening experience that all types of music lovers will enjoy.

    Battery LifePlug-in
    Waterproof RatingNot waterproof
    Dimensions16.1 x 19.3 x 11.8 inches
    Easiest Bluetooth Speaker to Use

    Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

    Wonderboom 2
    Easiest Bluetooth Speaker to Use

    Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

    Now 25% Off
    Pros
    • Large volume buttons and simple power button
    • Easy to carry with one-hand and connect to phone
    • Punchy bass and clear sound
    • Under $100
    • IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
    Cons
    • Sound output might not be powerful enough for some

    Simple controls, a bumping bass, and a compact design are all reasons why we love the Wonderboom 2. And thanks to a solid waterproof rating you can take this device with you to the park or use it as a shower speaker.

    Battery Life13 hours
    Waterproof RatingIP67
    Dimensions3.68 x 3.68 x 4.02 inches
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    How to Read Dust and Water Resistance Rating (IP Rating)

    commerce breaker

    When you see an "IP" rating what you are really reading is the Ingress Protection rating. A rating can be read by each number, the first being its dust protection and the second being its water protection. Most of the speakers above have an "X" as the first number. The X means there was no data collected on the dust protection. Sometimes it helps to know the dust protection, especially if you're planning on taking your speaker outside, but if you plan on keeping it around mostly for use in your home or apartment then it's not that significant.

    The second number can be read on a scale of how waterproof the speakers are. Zero is the lowest while 9K is the highest (you won't ever see a 9K on speakers because this level is only given to materials that can handle direct, high-temp, and high-pressure water).

    So what's a good number range to look for? We recommend anything between a four and six, but seven and higher would be a premium rating and capable of withstanding full water submersion. If you're really wanting a Bluetooth speaker that promises high water resistance, then look for the second number of seven or above.

    How We Selected

    commerce breaker

    For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the best Bluetooth speakers. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, put a number of Bluetooth speakers to the test and evaluated their durability, sound, battery life, and waterproof capabilities. We also considered the price point, as some Bluetooth speakers provide a better overall value than others.

    Headshot of John Thompson
    John Thompson
    Gear and Commerce Editor

    John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals. 

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