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Best Bluetooth speakers

Your playlist deserves the best—anytime, anywhere.
By
February 9, 2024
Best All-Around
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 portable Bluetooth speaker in black against a white background.
8
Check price
Positives
Sound quality
IP67 rating
Bluetooth multipoint
Can charge your mobile devices
Negatives
No microphone
Bulky
No wired listening
The Bottom Line.
Of all the Bluetooth speakers, this one's just right. It's small enough to remain portable but large enough to supply remarkable sound.Read full review...
Best smart speaker
Sonos Move
A Sonos Move smart speaker in grey against a white background.
7.8
Check price
Positives
Sound quality
Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Charging cradle
Alexa and Google Assistant
IP56 rating
Mics work well
Negatives
Price
Not very portable
Distorts at high volumes
The Bottom Line.
If you're looking for a smart speaker that you can use both in the house and by the pool, the Sonos Move is for you.Read full review...
Best portability
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker in black against a white background.
8.1
Check price
Positives
IP67 rating
Lightweight, portable
Loud for size
Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging
Sound quality
Negatives
No high-quality codecs
No mic
The Bottom Line.
Day trip with the new Flip.Read full review...
Best for parties
UE HYPERBOOM
The UE Hyperboom portable Bluetooth speaker in black against a white background.
7.4
Check price
Positives
IPX4 rating
Two Bluetooth inputs
Adaptive EQ
Good sound with big bass for parties
24-hour battery life
Optical Input
Negatives
Price
Not entirely waterproof, so don't submerge it
No high-quality Bluetooth codec support
The Bottom Line.
While there are better waterproof speakers you can get for the money, the UE Hyperboom is the best option for anyone looking to throw a party whether it's in the yard or at the beach. Read full review...
Best microphone
Bose SoundLink Flex
An angled shot of a Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker showing the grille, carrying loop, and logo.
7.6
Check price
Positives
Rugged IP67 rating
USB-C charging
Clear audio playback
Portable
Microphone
Negatives
Bluetooth 4.2, SBC only
Buttons are hard to distinguish by feel
Unstable app
The Bottom Line.
The Bose SoundLink Flex makes for a good hiking or shower companion and delivers playback that distinguishes vocals and instruments well.Read full review...

Finding an audiophile who doesn’t like Bluetooth headphones is easy — just ask our own Chris Thomas — but for the average person, Bluetooth speakers are awesome. They let you take the party anywhere, and any of the best Bluetooth speakers can make your backyard barbecue an absolute hit. Whether you’re looking for something durable or something that will just sound great, you can’t go wrong with anything on this list.

What's new?

  • This list of the best Bluetooth speakers was updated on February 9, 2024, to add the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 to our top picks.
  • If you are shopping on a budget, be sure to check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers under $50 and under $100.

Why is the JBL Charge 5 the best Bluetooth speaker?

JBL Charge 5 resting on a wooden step with deer antlers next to it.
The Charge 5 is a great adventure companion.

Whether you host a pool party or go camping, the best all-around Bluetooth speaker you want by your side is the JBL Charge 5. This is a bulky Bluetooth speaker, but it’s still portable, so you can take it to a friend’s place or out on your next weekend trip.

Some of the best Charge 5 features can be found in other JBL products like the JBL Xtreme 2 and JBL Flip 5, but the Charge 5 falls perfectly in between these two units. You get some of that loud sound that the Xtreme 2 offers with comparable portability to the Flip 5. The Charge 5 makes all the right compromises, including battery life. You’ll get about 20 hours, and you can even use it to charge some of your other devices, thanks to a USB-A output (hence the name). As far as sound quality goes, the only area that isn’t great is the mids; these tend to take a backseat to the bass in small to medium-sized rooms.

JBL Charge 5JBL Charge 5
SG recommended
JBL Charge 5
MSRP: $159.00
Whether your season is full of trips to the beach or backyard parties, you'll need just the right speaker to DJ these events. The JBL Charge 5 gets the job done if you need something that's very loud, and quite portable. It's a little pricey though, so anyone who already has an older JBL Charge speaker shouldn't feel the need to upgrade.

The JBL Charge 4 has an IPX7 water-resistance rating and is, unfortunately, missing out on the dustproofing of the newer Charge 5. Its battery specs are identical, however, and its sound is very similar. Its Bluetooth 4.2 version is a little outdated, but it supports JBL Connect+, which means you can connect up to 100 compatible JBL speakers for playback.

Unlike the Charge 5, the Charge 4 retains a 3.5mm aux port for wired listening. If you want to save some cash and really want that aux port, we’d recommend going with the older Charge 4.

We anticipate the JBL Charge 6 to be announced soon, but we don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel or render the Charge 5 irrelevant when it does come to market. However, it could mean that the JBL Charge 5 sees a price drop or goes on sale more often afterward. Still, The Charge 5 is an excellent Bluetooth speaker for under $200.

The Sonos Move 2 is one speaker to rule them all

The Sonos Move 2 in Olive shown with included charging accessories with a blue background.
Austin Kwok / SoundGuys
You can charge the Sonos Move 2 while listening to it.

The Sonos Move 2 emerges as a multifaceted speaker suited for anywhere within or around your home. Aside from just a Bluetooth speaker, it also boasts many connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and even a line-in option for your turntable—with the right accessories. With the Sonos Move 2, the party follows you from room to room, not just because of its portability but also due to its impressive 24-hour battery life, IP56 weather resistance, and the ability to pair with another unit for that immersive stereo soundscape. Music enthusiasts will find the sound quality robust, with the Move 2 delivering solid low-end and clear vocals. However, the audio purists might notice a slight lack of finesse in the upper registers.

With smart assistant support, including Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, this speaker is at your beck and call. Set up is a breeze, thanks in part to the intuitive Sonos app, which brings your audio world together under one digital roof. When it comes to tailoring the sound to your space, Sonos’ Trueplay technology fine-tunes the output to your room’s unique acoustics using its built-in mics—ensuring optimal sound wherever it sits. Yet, it’s worth noting that this speaker has an apparent bias towards Apple users, with the absence of Google Assistant and high-quality Bluetooth codecs for Android devices.

If your priorities align with smart features and portability within the home, and you’re already embedded in the Sonos or Apple ecosystem, the Move 2 is a compelling choice.

Sonos Move 2Sonos Move 2
Sonos Move 2
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 connectivity • Battery life • Decent sound quality
MSRP: $449.00

The Sonos Move 2 brings many upgrades over its predecessor, such as stereo sound instead of mono, new capacitive touch controls, and a bigger 44Wh battery. However, that all comes with a higher price tag as well.

If you want to save some money, the first Sonos Move still brings many essential features, such as an IP56 rating, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and notably support for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility, which might make all the difference if you have an Android device. Overall, it’s a  great speaker for the house or backyard.

Sonos MoveSonos Move
Sonos Move
Reliable connection • Solid Sonos app • IP56 rating
MSRP: $438.95
Portable but not convenient.
The Sonos Move is a great speaker but it might not be for you. If you already are a part of or plan on joining the Sonos ecosystem then this is a great addition to your setup.

The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 has style

Anker Soundcore Motion X600 speaker held in hand above a table.
Chase Bernath / SoundGuys
This might be the best looking Bluetooth speaker under $200.

Crafted with an aluminum build, the Anker Soundcore Motion X600‘s aesthetic is not only pleasing but rivals that of much more expensive counterparts. Despite its heft and fixed handle, it boasts an IPX7 water-resistance rating, making it suitable for indoor use and occasional outdoor activities where water is involved.

Key features include Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with LDAC support. This support enables the speaker to deliver high-fidelity sound, which, when combined with the spatial audio mode, offers a more enveloping listening experience. The companion app allows users to customize the EQ settings to their liking. Its ability to connect easily with devices and the option to pair two speakers for enhanced stereo sound further complement its versatile use in home environments.

Anker Soundcore Motion X600Anker Soundcore Motion X600
Anker Soundcore Motion X600
Immersive spatial audio • 50W of output • IPX7
MSRP: $199.99
Great design and sound quality.
The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 delivers immersive sound in a portable and luxurious package.

For the ultimate party speaker, get the UE HYPERBOOM

A man holds the UE Hyperboom Bluetooth speaker via the handle.
While the HYPERBOOM isn’t exactly portable, the built-in handle does help you carry it around.

Ultimate Ears has been in the Bluetooth speaker market for years now, and the one thing its product line-up was missing was a giant speaker that could power your parties. That ends with the UE HYPERBOOM, which is the new giant speaker from the company. This speaker has an IPX4 splash-resistant build along with a battery life that should last you about 24 hours of constant playback.

There are also several unique features that make this perfect for parties: it has two Bluetooth inputs so a second person can connect to the speaker and line up the next track without disrupting the music coming from the first device. There’s also an optical input, so when you use this as a regular speaker, you can plug it into your TV for instantly better sound. While it won’t give you soundbar-level audio quality, it’s sure to be an upgrade for most people.

Because the HYPERBOOM requires a lot of power, it comes with a proprietary cable for constant power when you’re not taking it out for a day trip. The HYPERBOOM isn’t cheap, but if you’re after a loudspeaker that sounds good and has some great features, this is the way to go.

UE HyperboomUE Hyperboom
UE Hyperboom
Splash-proof IPX4 build • Dual Bluetooth inputs with seamless switching • Aux and optical inputs
MSRP: $337.00
This thing slaps.
If you like UE but felt like its previous offerings weren't loud enough to power your parties, then the HYPERBOOM is perfect for you. Sure it's expensive, but it fills a niche that UE couldn't previously fill.

The UE Wonderboom 3 offers great bang for your buck

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 sitting on a red tabletop with the volume controls in clear view.
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The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a pocket-sized powerhouse. For just $99, it offers robust sound, durability, and versatility. Its IP67 rating makes it a go-to for outdoor adventures, while the “Outdoor Boost” button tailors sound for open spaces. Pair it with another Wonderboom 3, and you’ve got yourself a portable stereo system.

The design is very user-friendly—no apps, just physical buttons for every feature. It’s compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, and the attached loop makes it a hiker’s best friend. The only hiccup is the outdated Micro-USB charging port, a minor inconvenience for an otherwise stellar device.

In a nutshell, if you’re after quality and affordability, the Wonderboom 3 is a no-brainer. It’s a small investment for big features.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
IP67 rating • Good sound • 360 degree audio
MSRP: $99.99
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a great portable Bluetooth speaker, good for parties and on the go. It's small, sturdy and well built, and is light enough to easily be thrown in a backpack. However, the lack of USB-C charging does hinder it somewhat.

The Bose SoundLink Flex has a great microphone for calls

A black Bose SoundLink Flex bluetooth speaker hanging from a clip attached to a person's backpack near their right hip.
The Bose SoundLink Flex’s volume levels and design fit the use case of a hiking speaker well.

For listeners who want a portable Bluetooth speaker with a microphone built-in, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a great option. You also get an IP67 rating when you buy this speaker, meaning it’s dust and water-resistant. Like other Bose speakers, the SoundLink Flex supports multipoint connectivity and can connect to two devices simultaneously.

Battery life is quite good, and you can get 11 hours and 59 minutes of playtime before connecting it to the included USB-C cable. Bose features its PositionIQ technology, which helps the speaker detect its orientation and adjust the sound accordingly. While this helps keep audio output consistent, you’ll still notice a difference in sound quality when the speaker moves around (e.g., if it swings from a carabiner on your bag).

If you enjoy outdoor adventures or bike commuting, the SoundLink Flex is a fine option for you. Its sound quality is quite good for such a compact speaker, and the microphone is an increasingly rare feature for this type of portable speaker.

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth SpeakerBose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
IP67 rating • Powerful Bass • Highly portable
MSRP: $149.00
A bluetooth speaker that can be a great adventure buddy
The Bose SounLink Flex is a sturdy Bluetooth speaker with IP67 rating for water and dust protection. It can travel well in your backpack and is loud enough for a mimi party and provides powerful bass to pump up your tunes. Bose is also using a feature called PositionIQ to ensure the speaker can be used in all sorts of positions.

The JBL Flip 6 is a small but mighty portable Bluetooth speaker

A JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker sitting on a rocky surface with a sunny city skyline viisble in the distance.
This speaker is loud enough for hikes, parties, and gatherings both indoors and out.

The JBL Flip 6 builds upon the signature Flip series design with its cylindrical shape and dual-passive bass radiators that cap off either end of it. The Flip 6 has a new IP67 rating, along with better battery life than the Flip 5. JBL didn’t reintegrate the headphone jack here, but you get Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth multipoint instead.

Just as before, the JBL Flip 6 uses PartyBoost, which gives you the option to sync up to 100 compatible JBL speakers for extra-loud sound. You can also synchronize two JBL speakers for stereo output, but this requires the speakers to be of the same generation. You can’t use Flip 5 and Flip 6 for stereo sound. Even with this oddity, the Flip 6 stands as one of the best adventure speakers you can buy.

JBL Flip 6JBL Flip 6
JBL Flip 6
Easy to use Bluetooth pairing • Loud output for parties • Portable
MSRP: $129.99
A solid successor to the Flip 5.
The JBL Flip 6 makes for a solid update to the JBL Flip 5 and the IP67 rating is a welcome upgrade. You still get JBL's signature sound and it's just as easy as ever to sync this Bluetooth speaker with your devices.

Is the JBL Clip 4 loud enough for daily use?

The JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth speaker hands from a shower as it's sprinkled by water.
The IP67 rating protects the Clip 4 from dust, dirt, and water.

The JBL Clip 4 gets plenty loud for its size and has a 5W output, which is 1.7W greater than the Clip 3. Thanks to the integrated carabiner, this speaker is as portable as it gets, and many bike commuters use it while getting around town. You can hang it from just about anything, and it doubles as a great shower speaker or beach buddy, thanks to the IP67 rating.

With Bluetooth 5.1 and a 10-meter wireless range, the Clip 4 stays connected to an iPhone or Android phone without issue. It only supports the SBC Bluetooth codec and doesn’t have an aux input, which the older model does retain. Still, with its 10-hour battery life and USB-C charging, we love the Clip 4 as a portable solution for everyday use.

JBL Clip 4JBL Clip 4
JBL Clip 4
IP67 rating speaker • Clippable • Improved playtime
MSRP: $79.00
A simple speaker made to go anywhere.
The JBL Clip 4 is a rugged-built Bluetooth speaker with a carabiner to clip it safely. It is rated IP67, one of the highest waterproof and dust-resistant rates.

Is the Sonos Roam worth the money?

A white Sonos Roam speaker sitting face-up inside of the box it came in.
The rounded triangle shape of the Sonos Roam fits neatly into its box, which has a strap attached to it for easier portability.

Listeners who want a portable, Wi-Fi-enabled Bluetooth speaker should really think about getting the Sonos Roam. This little IP67-certified speaker has a 10-hour battery life and a unique triangle design, kind of like a Toblerone chocolate bar.

Let’s be clear: while you can connect the Sonos Roam over Wi-Fi, it doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection to work. If you want the best wireless audio quality, however, you’ll need to set it up over Wi-Fi for FLAC or WAV playback (to name a few audio files). Thanks to the integrated AirPlay 2 support, you can stream directly from an iPhone and even ask Siri to play Apple Music. It features Trueplay technology, which adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s position.

Sonos RoamSonos Roam
Sonos Roam
Decent audio • IP67 durability • Well-featured app
A built-in support for voice assistance along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Sonos Roam is a portable speaker that operates over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and offers an IP67 rating. The app allows voice assistance and pairs the speaker with other devices.

What about large Bluetooth speakers?

Though a larger Bluetooth speaker might fit into the lives of a few of you out there, the times you’d want a large Bluetooth speaker are a bit more limited to when you don’t have to move it around all that much. In that case, some people decide that having a dedicated system at home might be the better investment now that soundbars and home receivers pretty much all support Bluetooth anyway. However, if you have a pool or fire pit or just don’t want the hassle of hooking up a dedicated system, larger Bluetooth speakers may be for you.

SoundBoks (Gen. 3) with a drum kit and electric guitar visible in the background.

There are a number of options in this space from the more traditional manufacturers like JBL with its Partybox series, Sony with its XV series, and some from lesser-known outfits like Soundboks. These speakers naturally outperform their smaller, portable counterparts because they can produce much louder volumes across a wider area and work with any phone equipped with Bluetooth. However, their size also brings drawbacks. For instance, the batteries take a long time to charge, run out faster than you might expect, and playing music at higher volumes can annoy neighbors. Price, too, is often a bit high to cover the added cost of more powerful components. Because of this, most people will find portable speakers to be more budget-friendly.

The best Bluetooth speakers: Notable mentions

A Bose Portable Smart Speaker sitting on a wooden bench outdoors.
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker has an IPX4 rating, so it can withstand splashes and drips, but it’s best to bring it inside when you’re done.
  • Anker Soundcore Motion X500 ($169.99 at Amazon): This is basically a the smaller and cheaper version of the X600. You only get three drivers instead of five, and there’s also no wired input.
  • Bose SoundLink Micro ($99 at Amazon): This is the perfect companion for bikers and picnic hosts; you can strap it onto your handlebars and or set it on the blanket and dig in. If you want a similar design with a louder output, consider the SoundLink Color II.
  • Bose Portable Smart Speaker ($399 at Amazon): If you can’t decide between getting a portable Bluetooth speaker and a smart home speaker, another great option is the Bose Portable Smart Speaker. This omnidirectional speaker operates over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can use it at home or outside. The Portable Smart Speaker is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant but can only make calls with Alexa.
  • Bose Home Speaker 500 ($379 at Amazon): This speaker may be expensive, but it’s designed well, and the Bose Music app helps a lot with getting the most out of the speaker and won’t let you down for day-to-day use and parties.
  • Google Nest Audio ($99.99 at Best Buy): This Google Assistant smart speaker is designed with music listening in mind—featuring a 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter, and adaptive EQ technology that provides great sound in a compact form factor.
  • JBL Flip 5 ($89 at Amazon): If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker for less than $100, then the Flip series has always been a go-to. The JBL Flip 5 makes nominal but appreciated improvements upon the JBL Flip 4.
  • JBL GO 3 ($39 at Amazon): This super-compact speaker is a steal. For something so small, it delivers powerful sound. It also has an IP67 rating and has a loop that you can use to hang it in the shower.
  • LG XBOOM 360 (on the product’s website): This large Bluetooth speaker, while technically portable, will likely be relegated to your home. That said, it’s a great piece of entertainment with its lantern design and customizable colors. Oh, and it sounds good, too.
  • Marshall Emberton ($119 at Amazon): This tiny Marshall speaker is perfectly fine, but it won’t knock your socks off. The biggest draw to the IPX7-rated Emberton speaker is its design and small form factor.
  • Sonos One (Gen 2) ($219 at Amazon): With both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in, this smart speaker will satisfy most people’s preferences. It has app-adjustable sound, and you can also connect it to your home Sonos ecosystem for multiroom audio.
  • Sony SRS-XB100 ($58 at Amazon): If you’re looking for something cheap, portable, durable, and packed with bass, look no further than the Sony SRS-XB100.
  • UE BOOM 3 ($129 at Amazon): This omnidirectional speaker is shaped like a bottle and has an IP67 rating. The volume gets plenty loud, but if you need to boost it even more, you can connect up to 150 compatible speakers on the UE app.
  • UE WONDERBOOM 2 (on the product’s website): The second-generation Wonderboom is one of our favorite speakers because of its waterproof build, small size, and ability to float. If you want to save a few bucks, the original WONDERBOOM works just as well.

What you should know before you buy the best Bluetooth speaker for your needs

Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, so here are a few things you should know before buying. What makes one speaker stand out from the next?

What is a Bluetooth codec?

SBC aptX aptX HD AAC LDAC bluetooth codecs profile audio
Represented is the max transfer rate (kbps) of each respective Bluetooth codec (greater is better). Each waveform depicts a transfer rate of 100 kbps.

Just like wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers support specific Bluetooth codecs. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a codec determines how a file transmits from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). If you want a lag-free experience, make sure to invest in something that supports aptX or AAC if you’re an iOS user. Not only does this reduce latency, but it also allows for better streaming quality (at least if you use AAC with iOS).

Bluetooth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. While we do like Bluetooth for its convenience, it’s not as good as wired when it comes to sound quality. We probably didn’t have to tell you that, but at least we can show you.

What is an IP rating?

UE Wonderboom 2 floating in a pool. The speaker is in red.
The speaker can be placed directly in the pool and float about.

Sometimes, a product’s specifications will plainly read “sweat-resistant” or something similar. However, if you know you’re going to take your speaker on a boat or to the beach, you should invest in something with an official IP rating. IP ratings denote the dust and water resistance of a particular product. Oftentimes, a product will be rated something like IPX4, and the X is just a placeholder for what would be a dust-resistant rating. For a product to withstand full submersion, it must be at least IPX7 or higher.

How we choose the best Bluetooth speakers

Sony SRS-XB40 Bluetooth speakers being held.
The XB40 is a little bigger than I thought it’d be.

There are thousands and thousands of Bluetooth speakers worldwide, and it’d be impossible for us to review them all, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to get our grubby hands on all of them. If a speaker made it onto this list, then you can be sure we have firsthand experience with them and, in many cases, put them through our entire review process.

Not only do we directly review and test as many audio products as we can, but we also take into account what others are saying about a given product. We want our readers to be happy with their purchases, so we had to narrow down what it means to be “the best Bluetooth speaker.” In this case, we need it to sound good, be relatively affordable, and be durable. If a speaker’s intended use is for camping or hiking, we ensure that it’s received an official IP rating. Generally, if Bluetooth speakers perform well, there’s no need to overspend for the sake of overspending.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

A hand holds the Skullcandy Kilo Bluetooth speaker against an orange background.
Lily Katz / SoundGuys

Each writer is committed to streamlining the research process for our readers. At the end of the day, we realize that you can spend an exorbitant amount of money to get the absolute best product in any given category. Still, we respect that many consumers don’t fall into that category. Ultimately, we want you to love what you purchase, and none of us may benefit from steering you toward or away from a certain product.


Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth speakers

When evaluating the landscape of Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 5 consistently stands out as a top contender. Ideal for diverse settings, from pool parties to camping trips, it strikes a harmonious balance between the robust sound of the JBL Xtreme 2 and the convenient portability of the JBL Flip 5. However, the “best” is subjective and largely depends on individual preferences and specific use cases.

In today’s audio landscape, Bluetooth speakers have certainly earned their place. Brands like JBL, Sonos, and Bose have refined their technology to offer sound quality that rivals many wired systems. While purists might still lean towards wired setups for absolute precision, modern Bluetooth speakers provide a sound experience that satisfies the vast majority of listeners.

To enable Bose SimpleSync, you need to download the Bose Music app (iOS/Android). You can then connect the Revolve+ II to your Bose home speakers and soundbars for multi-room audio.

The Bose Music app is different from the Bose Connect app (iOS/Android), which you need in order to connect other Bose SoundLink speakers together in Party Mode or Stereo Mode. The Bose Connect app also makes it easy to customize the voice prompts, set an auto-off timer, and more.

Outdoor speakers are perfect if you really want to deck out your backyard with the best-sounding audio possible, especially if you find yourself entertaining guests regularly. Keep in mind that they are quite expensive to purchase and may require a substantial amount of setup, running audio cables around your backyard, and whatnot. For a hassle-free, portable, and more cost-efficient solution, investing in a great Bluetooth speaker may be the way to go. At the end of the day, choosing the right speaker ultimately depends on your needs.

There are plenty of speakers that you can hang. For one, there’s the JBL Clip 3, which has a built-in carabiner that’s the closest thing I can think of to a hook. It’s also super affordable and one of the best values you’re going to find in the Bluetooth speaker market if you want something portable.

Sticking with JBL, you can also go with the Flip 4 or the Flip 5. The Flip 4 has a built-in string, so you can hang it. The Flip 5, on the other hand, does not come with the string to hang it, but it does have the same attachment point, so you’ll just have to bring your own string (I recommend some paracord). There’s also the Bose SoundLink Micro speaker, which has a plastic clip along the back of it so you can clip it to things like thin poles or a backpack strap.

If none of those appeal to you, then you can also go with the UE Wonderboom 2, the House of Marley No Bounds XL, the Jam Hang Up, or even the Polk Audio Boom Swimmer Duo, all of which have some method of hanging them.

For house parties, we’d recommend going with the UE Hyperboom. It’s loud, sounds good, is IPX4 splashproof for…rain, and it also has two Bluetooth inputs. This means that while one person is playing music, a second person can pair to it in the background and queue up a song without interrupting what’s playing.

Sadly, this is a feature that is becoming slightly less common now that smartphones are abandoning the connector. Still, you can find out which Bluetooth speakers have the jack and which ones don’t by either looking at the product specifications page or by reading our reviews.

Tough one. Stuttering can mean a few things, from being too far away from your speaker, a bad radio, or even just having objects in between you and the speaker. Though it’s possible that you have a fixable problem, if it persists for a long time, you may want to try troubleshooting to see whether your speaker or phone is in a bad place for the speaker first before calling tech support.