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Best cheap Bluetooth speakers

The best cheap Bluetooth speakers for your next gathering or adventure.
By
October 23, 2023
The Best
JBL Clip 4
MSRP: $79.00
Check price
Positives
Improved carabiner
Loud for size (5W output)
Large controls
Battery life
USB-C charging
Bluetooth 5.1
IP67 rating
Negatives
No PartyBoost or Connect+
No aux input or microphone
Lacks fast charging
The Bottom Line.
The JBL Clip 4 is a portable Bluetooth speaker for the masses, and it makes some very important improvements over the popular Clip 3, namely the improved carabiner system and sound quality. JBL added USB-C charging to the Clip 4 and nixed the headphone jack, so no wired playback here. If you want a speaker ready for any urban or outdoor adventure, this is a great choice.Read full review...
Best portability
Sony SRS-XB100
MSRP: $60.00
Check price
Positives
IP67 water and dust resistance
Good battery life
Lightweight and portable
Negatives
Not very loud
No features in companion app
Best durability
JBL Go 3
MSRP: $49.00
7.5
Check price
Positives
IP67 rating
Easy to use
Battery life
Price
Negatives
Sinks in water
Small loop
The Bottom Line.
The JBL GO 3 is a cheap and simple Bluetooth speaker built to handle whatever outdoor excursion you want to throw at it. It's a pretty feature-light product, but it works well, the IP67 rating means it's great for the beach or the trails.Read full review...
Best for the home
Creative Stage Air
8
Check price
Positives
Compact
Price
Easy setup
Bass response
Negatives
Micro-USB charging
Short aux cable
Auto-off after 15 minutes even if monitor on
The Bottom Line.
If you just need something to relay sound from your desktop on the cheap this soundbar has you covered. It gets fairly loud for its size and doesn't need to be relegated to the monitor station alone; rather this speaker can blend in nearly anywhere and can entertain a small group of friends, too.Read full review...
Bang for your buck
Skullcandy Terrain Mini
MSRP: $39.99
Check price
Positives
IPX7 Waterproofing
Price
Simple controls
Negatives
Sound quality
Design
The Bottom Line.
The Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT is a pretty sure bet if you're looking for a cheap Bluetooth speaker that will survive casual abuse or water splashes. However, if you want something that either sounds better or has more to offer you're going to be looking at spending quite a bit more than its $40 pricetag.Read full review...

Music is a social experience, which is why cheap Bluetooth speakers are exploding in popularity. Every party needs music, no matter where it takes place. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune on speakers to set the tone because the cheap Bluetooth speakers market is booming. Here are our top picks that won’t break the bank.

What's new?

  • This list of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers was updated on October 23, 2023, to add the recently reviewed Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT and the Sony SRS-XB100 to our Top Picks, adjust formatting to our current style, and answer more frequently asked questions.
  • If you are able to spend a bit more, check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for less than $100.

If this were a list of headphones or microphones, frequency response charts would be at the end of each image gallery. However, we don’t currently take frequency response measurements for speaker reviews. You can learn more about how to read our charts here.

Always on the move? Bring the JBL Clip 4

Two hands attach the JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth speaker to a red backpack.
The Clip 4 doesn’t include many features, but it’s a rugged everyday speaker.

The JBL Clip 4 comes from a lineage of other successful portable speakers, the JBL Clip 2 and, later, the still quite good JBL Clip 3. Improving on a tried and true concept, the JBL Clip 4 has an IP67 rating, an improved carabiner, and a whole new design. Whereas the previous iteration has no dust resistance, this one can hang at the beach in the sand.

Weighing 240g, the Clip 4 also features a 10-hour battery life, charged via USB-C (as opposed to micro-USB on the Clip 3). Unlike the Clip 3, JBL ditched the 3.5mm line-in on the Clip 4, which is annoying for some, but lossless audio is not going to make or break your sound quality on this kind of speaker, so Bluetooth is fine.

The sound quality is good enough for a hike, picnic, or even for the shower. Just don’t expect it to get loud enough to power your backyard BBQ like the UE Hyperboom. Clarity and bass response aren’t great, but it gets the job done well enough. The same can be said for the microphone quality: it works, but you’re better off using your smartphone. Keep in mind it’s more of a rough and ready, attach to your bike or sing-along in-the-shower type speaker.

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.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is small but mighty

A hand holding the Sony SRS-XB100 speaker.
Austin Kwok / SoundGuys
The speaker is easy to carry around with a single hand or hands-free via the included strap.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is a pocket dynamo that you can take pretty much anywhere. Despite its small size, it punches above its weight in durability. With an IP67 rating, this gadget isn’t afraid of getting wet in the shower. Toss it in your bag without a second thought—the 16-hour battery life ensures it’s up for any adventure. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic, which is a nod to sustainability without skimping on quality.

Audio-wise, the SRS-XB100 doesn’t disappoint either. Its full-range driver and passive radiator manage to squeeze out more bass than competitors like the Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT. You can even pair it with another SRS-XB100 for a fuller sound experience. Google Fast Pair and voice assistant compatibility are neat extras, although don’t expect this speaker to double as a smart home hub.

On the downside, the SRS-XB100 isn’t room-filling loud, and its companion app is a bit of a dud—just battery stats and firmware updates. The microphone quality for calls leaves something to be desired as well. Plus, once the battery’s out, prepare for a tedious 4.5-hour charge time.

In a nutshell, for $59.99, the Sony SRS-XB100 delivers straightforward utility with a surprising amount of flair. It’s a great pick for anyone needing a reliable, portable sound source. Just don’t expect it to be the life of a large party. But if you’re hitting the trails or need a singing companion in the shower, it’s an absolute steal.

Sony SRS-XB100Sony SRS-XB100
Sony SRS-XB100
Sounds great • Holds a charge • Portable design
MSRP: $60.00

Do you prioritize durability? Make room for the JBL GO 3

The JBL Go 3 bluetooth speaker submerged in a water outdoors.
This doesn’t float, but it can handle full submersion without issue.

The JBL GO 3 is durable. Not only is it IP67-rated, making it fully waterproof, but it’s also dust and shockproof. The main downside we observed with this speaker is that it doesn’t float, so you can keep it near the bathtub or the swimming pool, but you probably don’t want to put it in the water.

The JBL GO 3 is a great companion for day-long summer excursions because its battery lasts over 10 hours on a single charge. In terms of sound, the GO 3 isn’t the highest quality, but it isn’t meant to be. It produces pretty loud volumes considering its size and lets vocals come through clearly enough to hear the lyrics you want to sing along to.

The JBL GO 3 is pretty no-frills and is unfortunately not compatible with the JBL Portable app, but it has onboard controls to adjust volume and media playback. The speaker is made of a fabric covering and fits in the palm of your hand. It’s a great option for a speaker under $50.

JBL Go 3JBL Go 3
JBL Go 3
IP67 rating • Easy to use • Battery life
MSRP: $49.00
You can take this cheap Bluetooth speaker to the beach or the hiking trails—is that enough?
The JBL GO 3 is a cheap and simple Bluetooth speaker built to handle whatever outdoor excursion you want to throw at it. It's a pretty feature-light product, but it works well, the IP67 rating means it's great for the beach or the trails.

For a simple home solution, check out the Creative Stage Air

Creative Stage Air: The Creative brand name on the speaker grill.
The metal grille covers two dynamic drivers and a passive radiator.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, chances are it’s going to be small and portable, similar to the other options on this list. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Case in point: the Creative Stage Air.

While this speaker isn’t nearly the size of some of the other soundbars we’ve tested, you still get a lot of speakers for not a lot of money. It’s not the best option for building your dream home theater system. Still, it’s a perfectly fine under-monitor speaker that makes listening to music, watching videos, or playing games that much more enjoyable.

Like most speakers of this price, the Creative Stage Air has fairly limited features, so don’t expect to plug in HDMI and optical cables from your gaming console. For that, you should check out our list of best soundbars. The Creative Stage Air keeps it simple, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 with the SBC codec and 3.5mm input. It has a few annoying quirks, like automatically turning off to save power after 15 minutes of non-usage, but overall, it’s a solid option for the price, even if it’s a bit older.

Creative Stage AirCreative Stage Air
Creative Stage Air
Compact • Price • Easy setup
A surprisingly good desktop soundbar.
If you just need something to relay sound from your desktop on the cheap this soundbar has you covered. It gets fairly loud for its size and doesn't need to be relegated to the monitor station alone; rather this speaker can blend in nearly anywhere and can entertain a small group of friends, too.

The Skullcandy Terrain Mini is made to last and doesn’t cost much

The Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT sitting atop concrete, with controls showing.
Christian Thomas / SoundGuys
Controls are basic, but that’s not a bad thing.

The Skullcandy Terrain Mini XT is a rugged, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t shy away from adventure. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, straightforward controls, and a modest $40 price tag, it’s designed for the budget-conscious consumer who values durability and ease of use over bells and whistles.

While it won’t win any awards for audio quality, it does the job for casual listening and small gatherings. It offers uncomplicated pairing, an LED battery indicator, and USB-C charging, embodying a no-nonsense, plug-and-play approach. It may lack high-end features like high-bitrate audio or an app for firmware updates, but these limitations are minor in the grand scheme of its core functionalities.

What sets it apart in a crowded market is its sheer reliability. For those who want a basic yet sturdy Bluetooth speaker without splurging, the Terrain Mini XT is an excellent pick. If you already own Skullcandy speakers, its Multi-Link feature adds a layer of versatility, allowing you to create a more expansive sound setup. Overall, it’s a steadfast performer that delivers on its promises without emptying your pockets.

Skullcandy Terrain MiniSkullcandy Terrain Mini
Skullcandy Terrain Mini
Good battery life • Loud • Good price
MSRP: $39.99
Compact and outdoor-friendly Bluetooth speaker
The Skullcandy Terrain Mini is a resilient little Bluetooth speaker. With up to 14 hours of play time, and USB Type-C charging port, this light-weight speaker is great for folks on the go.

The Anker SoundCore Flare Mini is one of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers

A product render of the Anker SoundCore Flare Mini cylindrical speaker with the LED ring alight.

The Anker SoundCore Flare line of Bluetooth speakers is best known for the combination of design and solid sound quality, with different models catering to different price brackets. The Mini variant is Anker’s lowest-priced offering, and it provides loud sound in a compact form.

With its two 5W back-to-back neodymium drivers, the Flare Mini delivers 360˚ sound for an immersive music-listening experience. An IPX7 rating ensures that the party won’t stop, even if the speaker is out in the rain, or taking a leisurely 30-minute dip in the pool. Extra features include a modest 12-hour battery life, Bluetooth 4.2 support (connection range of up to 20 meters), and the ability to pair two Flare Mini speakers together.

Although the Flare Mini lacks clarity, the overall sound is very good for such a cheap speaker: amplified bass and low-midrange frequencies make the sound engaging and perfect for a pool party. For less than $50, it’s hard to find another Bluetooth speaker that can compare with the Flare Mini.

Anker Soundcore Flare MiniAnker Soundcore Flare Mini
Anker Soundcore Flare Mini
Value • IPX7 • 360 degree sound
MSRP: $42.99

Best cheap Bluetooth speakers: Notable mentions

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) sits on a reflective black surface with its LED light turned.
The LED light will pulse as Alexa awaits your commands.
  • Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)($49 at Amazon): The smart home is more relevant than ever, and companies are rapidly expanding with a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) product ideas. Anyone with multiple devices will benefit from the hands-free voice controls of the new Echo Dot (5th Gen).
  • Anker Soundcore 3 ($50 at Amazon): This IPX7-rated speaker has an (albeit narrow) stereo configuration with an impressive 24 hours of battery life on tap. It’s compatible with other Anker Soundcore speakers for party modes, and the app has an equalizer to boot.
  • Anker Soundcore Flare 2 ($55.99 at Amazon): Gain all the features of the Flare Mini, but with more powerful drivers, Soundcore app control, dual LED halo lighting, and better sound quality at a price tag slightly above $50.
  • JBL Clip 3 ($48 at Amazon): Although the Clip 4 has replaced it, the JBL Clip 3 is cheaper. It also has a 3.5mm input missing from the new version and a longer-lasting battery. The build and design are different, and the carabiner feels less robust. Even so, find one on sale, and it may be worth the savings.
  • Philips S3505 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ($42 at Amazon): In a décor friendly casing, the S3505 Bluetooth speaker has an IPX7 rating, a small size with a handle, a built-in mic for phone calls, buttons on the front face, and it charges via USB-C. The battery lasts 10 hours, which isn’t terrible but perhaps not the best. Still, it’s quite a package for the price.
  • Sony SRS-XB13 (on the product’s website): The “XB” in the product’s name stands for Extra Bass, delivering a powerful low-end in a compact form factor. An IP67 rating also ensures that the party will go on for 16 hours, no matter where you take this speaker. Occasionally, you can nab it for under $50.
  • TOZO PA1 ($33 at Amazon): TOZO has loaded the TOZO PA1 with an impressive list of specs for well under $50, making it a great outlier candidate. Firstly, the IPX7 rating means it’s virtually waterproof. Dedicated buttons on the top save you from reaching for your device to alter playback or even EQ (although there’s an app too). The built-in mic means you can answer calls without disconnecting, and 12 hours of battery life is perfectly good for most folks.
  • Tribit StormBox Micro ($52 at Amazon): This one is set to compete with the JBL Clip series, by sporting the same IP67 rating and a small form factor you can attach to a bike.
  • UE Wonderboom 3 ($91.99 at Amazon): This speaker isn’t quite under $50. However, it is a handy little speaker with an IP67 rating and a loud sound. Its battery life is 14 hours, plus you can pair it with a second one, and it floats if your pool party gets rowdy.

What you should know about cheap Bluetooth speakers

What is a Bluetooth codec?

The SBC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and LDAC bluetooth codec performance shown on a chart.
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 use specific Bluetooth codecs to determine how files are transmitted from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). Different codecs produce different amounts of latency when streaming, and the most common of those that have the lowest latency and the highest streaming quality are aptX and AAC if you’re an iOS user. With that said, many Bluetooth speakers only use the basic SBC codec, which can mean you might have some latency when using the speaker to watch videos.

What are IP ratings?

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

Plenty of these speakers are water-resistant, so here’s a quick rundown of Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and what they mean to your specific model. 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-resistance rating. For a product to withstand full submersion, it must be at least IPX7 or higher.

Water-resistantWaterproofCan withstand
IPX0
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Not water-resistant
IPX1
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Dripping water (1 mm/min)
Limit: vertical drips only
IPX2
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Dripping water (3 mm/min)
Limit: Device max tilt of 15° from drips
IPX3
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Sprays
Limit: Device max tilt of 60° from sprays
IPX4
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Splashes, omnidirectional
IPX5
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Water jets (12.5 L/min)
Example: Squirt guns
IPX6
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Strong water jets (100 L/min)
Example: Powerful water guns
IPX7
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Complete submersion
Limit: 1 m. for 30 min
IPX8
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Complete submersion
Limit: 3 m. for 30 min

How we chose the best Bluetooth speakers around $50

A simple search on Amazon yields hundreds of options from a myriad of manufacturers, and that’s just for cheap Bluetooth speakers. So, how do you know what to choose? Well, you can do a ton of research and gather up the best options, which is exactly what we did.

A photo of the JBL Flip 3 put into a bag.
The JBL Flip 3 is the perfect speaker to stow in your bag, but it doubles our $ 50 limit.

After ordering a bunch of the top options, we narrowed it down to a few of the products we had already reviewed and knew to be good. Nothing here is going to make it into the MoMA, but for around $50, it doesn’t need to. These cheap Bluetooth speakers just need to be functional and better than average, which these are and do.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

A man looking off in the distance wearing the Sony WF-1000XM5 in his left ear
Harley Maranan / SoundGuys
We put in hours of testing.

Maintaining and updating this site is each of our day jobs, and collectively, we’ve accrued over a decade of experience with our fingers on the audio industry’s pulse. We try to directly test as many products as possible to paint a clear picture of how each product compares to others.

We regularly update this list as a living document, so if your all-time favorite cheap speaker was omitted, let us know. We want this list to help educate your purchasing decisions, and none of our writers can benefit from steering readers toward one product or another.

Frequently asked questions about cheap Bluetooth speakers

While these two little speakers are of a similar size, they differ in a few minor ways. One of the major selling points of the JBL Clip 3 is that it has a built-in carabiner clip, making it easier to attach to a backpack or anything really. The JBL GO 3 only has a loop, but if you have a carabiner of your own, it is easy to use it in the same way. The JBL GO 3 also has an IP67 rating, whereas the Clip 3 has an IPX7 rating—this just means that the Clip 3 doesn’t have a certified dust-proof build, but both speakers are waterproof. Another notable difference between the two speakers is that the Clip 3 includes an auxiliary port, whereas the GO 3 can only connect to a source device via Bluetooth. Lastly, the Clip 3 includes a microphone for making calls, but the GO 3 does not.

When the Anker SoundCore Flare Mini has a low battery, the power button blinks in red.

For the money, the Skullcandy Terrain Mini is the loudest small Bluetooth speaker on our list.