Panasonic BMAX speakers: Party power in a portable package

Portable party speakers often try to do too much, but I think Panasonic’s BMAX5 and BMAX10 strike a solid balance, offering a good mix of features in a compact, portable package. Both share the same sleek design, solid sound, full-spectrum RGB lighting, and built-in 1/4″ inputs for karaoke or casual gigging. The BMAX10 adds bigger drivers and more wattage, but the BMAX5 delivers a nearly identical experience in a smaller, more manageable form.

Ultimately, both speakers are surprisingly versatile. They’re powerful enough to easily fill a backyard or garage, and they’ve got thoughtful extras like guitar/mic inputs, multipoint Bluetooth, and even optical audio if you want to use them as TV speakers. If you’re after an all-in-one party speaker that doesn’t feel like a gimmick, this might be it.

Shared design and build quality 

The BMAX5 and BMAX10 clearly come from the same mold. Aside from the height difference, these speakers are built the same way with matching buttons, ports, grippy plastic shells, and a full-front grille. The design feels solid and ready for a few bumps, and the built-in handle makes either speaker easy to move from room to room or out to the backyard.

The BMAX5 puts out 75W of power and weighs around 14.3 pounds, which is easy enough to carry. The BMAX10 doubles the power to 150W and weighs 20.5 pounds. It is definitely taller and heavier, but still manageable if you are carrying it solo. That extra size goes into housing a second woofer and a more powerful amp, giving the BMAX10 an edge if you’re after a bit more party power.

The lighting is also on point. Each model wraps its drivers in RGB rings that pulse and flash along with your music, as well as some additional lights at the top and the bottom of the grill. You get seven colors and twelve lighting patterns, a great way to up the vibes of any party, big or small.

All the controls up top are simple and easy to use. There are big knobs for volume and lighting, smaller ones for mic or guitar input levels, and even a bit of optional reverb. You also get buttons for playback, Bluetooth pairing, EQ, and sound modes. There is no app or hidden menu to dig through. Just turn it on and start playing.

Even though the BMAX10 brings more power, both speakers offer the same user experience and fun features. Whether you are setting up for a party or just want something loud and easy to use around the house, both are great options.

Features and connectivity that go beyond Bluetooth

While both BMAX speakers are built around Bluetooth playback, they offer a lot more than just streaming from your phone. On the back panel, you get a full set of ports that make these speakers surprisingly flexible for home setups, small gatherings, or even casual performances.

There is a standard 3.5 millimeter AUX input for wired playback and a matching 3.5 millimeter output if you want to daisy chain another speaker or connect to a larger system. You also get an optical input, which is a nice touch for TV setups. It gives you a simple way to get a louder, fuller sound from your television without needing a full soundbar.

On the top panel, both models include two 1/4″ inputs with dedicated controls. One is for a microphone and the other is for a guitar, although I’m sure you could use it for another mic if you want to get your duet on with your best pal. Whether you are hosting karaoke night or playing a quick set in the backyard for those visiting relatives, you can plug in and adjust your sound directly from the speaker.

Bluetooth 5.0 handles the wireless connection. It’s stable, sure, but definitely not cutting edge. There is no support for high-quality audio codecs or ultra-low latency, so you might notice some lag if you are watching videos wirelessly. For music playback, though, it works just fine. Altogether, this is a more complete setup than most Bluetooth speakers offer. You can go wireless, plug in instruments, connect to your TV, or chain two units together. It’s a good amount of flexibility packed into a pretty approachable package.

How they sound

Both the BMAX5 and BMAX10 deliver a full sound right out of the box that leans into the bass without overpowering the rest of your mix. Cranking up classic tunes like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by the Eurythmics, the synthetic kick drum lands with a steady, well-defined pulse, and the accent hits add a satisfying burst of attack without encroaching on the vocals or masking those grooving, arpeggiated synth bass lines.

Switching genres, rock tracks like “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC also hit the mark, with a satisfyingly punchy kick drum and extra floor tom accents that add low-end weight to the “Thunder!” line. When the whole band kicks in and the bass locks into its powerful 4/4 groove with the light show pulsing in sync, the result is an energetic, immersive party atmosphere.

The BMAX5 feels more powerful than you’d expect. With just one woofer, it easily fills a living room or garage, and I didn’t notice any significant distortion at higher volumes. It’s an excellent size-to-sound ratio for anyone who wants volume and visuals without lugging around a massive speaker. Naturally, the BMAX10 has even more to give. With a second woofer and double the wattage, it delivers a more substantial low-end presence and more headroom, allowing it to maintain its bass strength in larger spaces. It’s the one to grab when you want to feel the beat outdoors or fill a bigger room.

Both models offer the same set of EQ presets: Rock, Jazz, Samba, Pop, and Flat. In my testing, I surprisingly found the Samba preset the best of the bunch. It adds just enough bass emphasis to give kick drums more punch and extend the bass depth without getting muddy. The Rock setting, on the other hand, boosts the treble to the point where hi-hats, cymbals, and snare snaps can sound overly bright and verge on shrill, especially at higher volumes, which can lead to listener fatigue during longer listening sessions.

Of course, you’re not getting studio monitor performance here, but you are getting a party-ready speaker with thoughtful extras. Whether you are hosting friends, jamming in the garage, or want something louder and more engaging than your average Bluetooth speaker, both BMAX models deliver a lively, bass-forward listening experience that keeps the mix intact, all with a sweet light show to keep the party energy up.

What could be better

As good as these speakers sound, there’s still room for improvement. The EQ presets are all fairly similar, and without a companion app, there’s no way to fine-tune the sound. A simple app with custom EQ would be a big upgrade, especially for listeners who like to tweak their audio.

True wireless speaker linking would also add flexibility. At the moment, the only way to connect multiple units is via the 3.5mm audio out port. It works, but a wireless stereo or party mode would be far more convenient, particularly for outdoor setups or larger spaces.

Finally, neither model has an IP rating, so they’re best kept indoors or under cover. Even an IPX4 splash resistance rating would make them more versatile for outdoor use. None of these shortcomings are dealbreakers for most buyers, but addressing them would make the next generation even more capable.

Final thoughts

The Panasonic BMAX5 and BMAX10 nail the basics of a portable Bluetooth party speaker while adding enough extras to keep things interesting. Both sound big, keep the mix clean at higher volumes, and offer flexible inputs for everything from karaoke to TV duty. If you want more muscle and low-end thump for larger spaces, the BMAX10 is the clear choice, while the BMAX5 delivers nearly the same experience in a smaller, easier-to-carry form. Either way, you’re getting a fun party speaker with punchy bass and a lively presentation that can turn any get-together into a full event.