Best portable party speakers

Portable speakers are essential when you want to bring the party with you, but that also means they can’t skimp on the beats. Whether you’re heading to the beach or your place for a spontaneous get-together, these speakers are your go-to for dialing up the vibe wherever you find yourself. They’re easy to carry around, with some even rocking wheels or handles, and have deep bass that you can feel and sound that keeps the energy high. And with Bluetooth connectivity, you’re the DJ straight from your phone — no wires, no fuss. Ready to party? Here are the best portable party speakers you can buy right now.

Editor’s note: this list was published on December 12, 2023, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

The best portable party speaker for most people is the UE HYPERBOOM

The UE HYPERBOOM stands out as a top pick for those looking to amp up their parties with powerful sound. It’s a significant step up from UE’s previous models, especially in terms of volume. The speaker’s loud output is complemented by an IPX4 build, ensuring it can withstand splashes at poolside parties or unexpected rain at outdoor events. Its dual Bluetooth inputs are a game-changer for seamless music transitions, allowing two DJs to connect simultaneously without missing a beat. The added convenience of aux and optical inputs means this speaker doubles as a sound boost for your TV or gaming system, making it versatile beyond just party use.

The HYPERBOOM’s One-Touch Music Control feature, which plays your favorite playlist with a simple long press, adds a touch of convenience. Additionally, its Adaptive EQ technology ensures the music sounds great no matter where the speaker is placed, automatically adjusting to its surroundings. However, the speaker’s larger size and lack of high-quality Bluetooth codec support like aptX or AAC might be drawbacks for some. It’s also on the pricier side, but for those who prioritize robust sound and durability in a portable package, the HYPERBOOM is a worthy investment. Ideal for those who frequently host gatherings and want a speaker that can effortlessly move from room to room or simply add an audio oomph to their daily life.

The Sony SRS-XV800 brings the bass

The Sony SRS-XV800 is a versatile player in the realm of portable speakers. It can often be found on sale for less than $500, and its performance and features justify the cost for those seeking a robust, battery-powered speaker for outdoor parties. With a design that’s both sturdy and portable, including a handle and built-in wheels, it’s ideal for lugging to various venues. The speaker is water-resistant, boasting an IPX4 rating when vertical and IPX2 when horizontal.

What sets the SRS-XV800 apart is its impressive sound quality, owing to three tweeters, two large woofers, and two rear tweeters that promise 360-degree sound coverage. This setup ensures a powerful and consistent audio experience, making it more than capable of handling the demands of large gatherings. The speaker’s ‘MEGA BASS’ feature is a notable addition, enhancing the bass response to suit different musical genres and environments. It has an average 25-hour battery life, and the speaker doubles as a phone charger, a handy feature your guests might appreciate where power sources might be scarce.

While it offers multiple input options, including Bluetooth, optical digital audio, and jacks for microphones or instruments, it does lack XLR inputs. It can also double as a home theater solution or a dedicated karaoke machine, even if it doesn’t quite match up to specialized products in those categories. Despite these limitations, the Sony SRS-XV800 excels as a powerful, portable speaker for parties. It delivers excellent sound quality and has enough versatility to be a useful addition to many social gatherings. However, it may not be the best fit for more specialized audio needs.

The JBL Xtreme 3 is best for pool parties

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a great party speaker that is a little more portable than the first couple of options on this list, featuring JBL’s signature cylindrical design and metal loops for easier transport. This feature, along with its IP67 rating, makes it an excellent choice for stationary use at parties, especially around patios or pools. The added bottle opener on the carrying strap is a thoughtful touch for party settings.

In terms of functionality, the JBL Xtreme 3 comes equipped with two USB ports for charging other devices and a 3.5mm aux input for wired playback. The control buttons are easy to navigate, with volume adjustments, PartyBoost, and a play/pause/skip track button.

The Xtreme 3’s sound quality is a highlight, delivering a robust audio performance across various music genres. Its four-driver system and dual-passive radiators have been improved from previous models, offering a more immersive listening experience. The speaker gets quite loud, thanks to its powerful woofers and tweeters, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

JBL claims a battery life of up to 15 hours for the Xtreme 3, and testing has shown it can exceed this estimate, making it reliable for those long nights. The speaker’s ability to double as a charging station for when your friends are low on battery and need to call an Uber home also comes in clutch. Overall, the JBL Xtreme 3 is an excellent choice for those hosting parties and looking for a speaker that can deliver high-quality sound and withstand outdoor conditions.

The SOUNDBOKS 4 is best for big events

While it retains the familiar exterior of the SOUNDBOKS 3, the SOUNDBOKS 4 has been upgraded inside and out. Boasting a powerful 126 dB output and up to 40 hours of playtime, this speaker is designed to keep your party going longer and louder. With its revamped drivers and advanced audio routing, the SOUNDBOKS 4 promises to deliver more bass and crystal-clear sound, even at maximum volume.

It features IP65-rated electronics coating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, and a customizable grill for personalization. The speaker’s improved stability, courtesy of a refined digital signal processor and streamlined audio components, also suggests a more efficient and stable performance. Its connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0 and SKAA for multi-speaker setup, also offer added convenience.

Given the significant enhancements over the already impressive SOUNDBOKS 3 (which is still a great buy if you can find it on sale), we can recommend the SOUNDBOKS 4 in good faith. Its upgraded features and specifications suggest it could be a superior choice for those seeking a robust and versatile party speaker. While we haven’t had the opportunity to review the SOUNDBOKS 4 yet, its potential based on the success of its predecessor makes us eager to give it a thorough evaluation. Stay tuned for our in-depth review to see if it lives up to its promise.

The JBL Charge 5 is the best bang for your buck

The JBL Charge 5 is a reliable choice for those looking for a portable, powerful speaker to accompany their beach outings, backyard gatherings, or any event where good music is a must. It has an IP67 rating, ensuring that it can withstand submersion in water and exposure to dust, making it an ideal companion for beach trips. Its lightweight design adds to its portability, allowing you to easily pack it in a beach bag without it being a burden. It includes a silicone foot for stability on flat surfaces, which is a thoughtful addition.

A standout feature of the JBL Charge 5 is its PartyBoost function, which allows you to pair it with other compatible JBL speakers for enhanced sound. This is especially useful for larger gatherings where a single speaker might not suffice. The Charge 5 is compatible with a range of JBL speakers, including the Flip 5, Pulse 4, Boombox 3, and Xtreme 3, offering flexibility in how you choose to amplify your music.

The JBL Portable app is a convenient addition, providing easy access to features like PartyBoost and simple equalizer adjustments for bass, mid, and treble frequencies. While the Charge 5 lacks a microphone and an aux port, its ability to charge mobile devices is a valuable feature, especially for long outdoor events where power sources might be scarce.

In terms of sound quality, the speaker delivers clear vocals and a well-balanced sound profile thanks to its driver setup that includes a long-excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and passive bass radiators. With a battery life of 20 hours and a charging time of 4 hours, the JBL Charge 5 is ready to sustain the party into the wee hours of the morning.

The best portable party speakers: Notable mentions

• Bose SoundLink Flex ($129 at Amazon): The Bose SoundLink Flex is an ideal companion for lively outdoor parties and gatherings. It features Position Q technology that optimizes sound quality in any orientation. This speaker is not only waterproof, meeting IP67 standards, but it also floats, making it a perfect choice for poolside parties or beach outings.
• Philips X5206 ($299.99 on Amazon): The Philips X5206 Bluetooth Party Speaker stands out as a versatile and portable party companion, featuring a robust 160 W output for deep, room-filling bass and a convenient trolley design with a built-in handle, making it easy to transport for any event. Its 14-hour battery life, dynamic light effects, and karaoke capabilities also up the entertainment game.
• JBL PartyBox 110 ($299.95 on Amazon): The JBL PartyBox 110 is a solid choice for its powerful 160W JBL Signature Sound and deep, adjustable bass, ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. With 12 hours of playtime, an IPX4 splashproof design, and a light show controllable via the PartyBox app, this speaker can elevate any party.
• Sony SRS-XG300 ($349.99 on Amazon): The Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series offers a blend of portability and performance with its super-light design, retractable handle, and IP67 water and dustproof rating. Featuring X-Balanced speakers for clear sound, up to 25 hours of playtime with quick charging, and customizable LED lighting, it’s perfect for any party setting. Enhanced with a microphone with echo-canceling technology and the Fiestable app for added effects, this speaker is a versatile choice for music lovers on the go.
• ION Audio Block Rocker ($159 on Amazon): The ION Audio Block Rocker is a 120W high-power speaker, perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. It features an 8” woofer, a 2” tweeter, and two 4″ drivers for a wide-ranging sound. Highly portable with a rechargeable battery lasting up to 35 hours, IPX5 water resistance, and convenient handles and wheels, it’s designed to keep the party moving in any weather. This speaker comes complete with an FM radio, a microphone for karaoke, and the ION Sound Control App for easy customization.

What you should know about portable party speakers

When venturing into the realm of party speakers, it’s essential to understand their key features and how they cater to social gatherings.

• Sound Quality and Volume: A party speaker must deliver clear, distortion-free sound, even at high volumes. Look for speakers with a balanced sound profile that offers crisp highs, clear mids, and deep bass. Volume is crucial for parties; the speaker should be loud enough to fill your space but maintain sound quality at higher levels. High decibel (dB) ratings indicate louder speakers.
• Portability and Durability: Consider where you’ll use the speaker. For outdoor or poolside parties, a portable, durable speaker with a robust build is ideal. Look for features like water resistance (indicated by IP ratings like IP67) and a sturdy design to withstand the occasional knock or splash.
• Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial for uninterrupted enjoyment. Most quality portable party speakers offer at least 15-20 hours of playtime. Remember, battery life can be shorter at higher volumes.
• Connectivity and Features: Bluetooth connectivity is a standard feature, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from devices. Some speakers offer additional connectivity options like NFC for quick pairing or multiple input ports for wired connections. Features like built-in lights or the ability to pair multiple speakers (like JBL’s PartyBoost) can enhance the party atmosphere.
• Charging Capability: A practical feature in party speakers is the ability to charge your mobile devices. This can be particularly handy in outdoor settings where power outlets aren’t readily available.

Understanding these aspects will help you choose a party speaker that not only meets your sound requirements but also fits perfectly into the social dynamics of your gatherings.

How we test the best portable party speakers

At SoundGuys, our testing process for portable party speakers is comprehensive and detailed. We evaluate speakers based on sound quality, durability, battery life, and additional features. Our tests are designed to simulate real-world usage, ensuring that our recommendations reflect the everyday experiences of users.

For more details on our testing process, visit How We Test at SoundGuys and Headphone Reviews: Why We Test.

How we choose the best portable party speakers

Our selection process for the best portable party speakers is rooted in both objective measurements and subjective assessments. We consider factors like sound quality, build, features, and user feedback. Our team regularly updates our lists to reflect the latest releases and technologies, ensuring that our recommendations stay current and relevant.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

At SoundGuys, our reviews and recommendations are based on unbiased, objective analysis. Our team of experts has years of experience in audio technology and product testing. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure our content is trustworthy and reliable. For more information on our ethics and approach, visit our Ethics Policy.

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