10 Best Bluetooth Speakers for Your Money
By Robert Jones · 2024-06-10
Bluetooth speakers have transformed the way we listen to music by offering a wireless, portable, and user-friendly alternative to traditional wired speakers.
## Picking the Right Bluetooth Speaker: My Take Alright, let's talk Bluetooth speakers. Honestly, when they first started popping up, I was a bit of a skeptic. Another gadget, I thought. But over the years, they've really come into their own. They're dead handy, let's be fair. Being able to just grab your music and go, without faffing about with wires, that's a winner in my book. I've tested countless units over the last couple of decades, from tiny little things that fit in your pocket to some beasts that can fill a garden party with sound. It's not just about what's loudest or flashiest, though. It's about getting something that actually sounds good and fits what you need it for. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks I’ve put together a list of some of my favourites, based on what I’ve used and what I’d genuinely recommend to my mates down the pub. I'm not just rattling off specs here; this is about real-world use. ### 1. Sonos Roam 2: My Everyday Go-To I've had the original Roam knocking about for ages, and the new Roam 2 just refines it nicely. It's got that Sonos sound – clear, balanced, and surprisingly weighty for its size. I’ve taken this on holidays, used it in the garden, even had it in the bathroom with me during a shower. It just works. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hand-off is pretty smooth. If you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, it's a no-brainer. But even as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, it’s brilliant. The battery life is decent, too; I usually get a good 8-10 hours out of it before needing a charge. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality for its size * smooth Wi-Fi to Bluetooth integration (if you're a Sonos user) * Portable and well-built * Decent battery life **Cons:** * A bit pricey for a small speaker * Sonos app can be a right pain sometimes ### 2. JBL Charge 5: The Party Animal Right, if you need something that can really pump out the tunes for a BBQ or a gathering, the Charge 5 is a solid bet. JBL has been doing portable speakers for years, and they know their stuff. This thing is rugged – I’ve accidentally knocked mine off a table a few times, and it just shrugs it off. It’s waterproof too, which is great for by the pool or if you get caught in a sudden downpour. The bass on this is impressive; it's got a real thud without completely drowning out the mids and highs. And the battery life? Forget about it. You'll get a solid day's worth of music out of this, easily. Plus, you can use it to charge your phone, which has saved my bacon more than once. **Pros:** * Powerful, bassy sound * Exceptional battery life * Extremely durable and waterproof * Can charge other devices **Cons:** * A bit bulky to chuck in a small bag * Sound can be a little *too* bass-heavy for some genres ### 3. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3: The Little Ripper For sheer portability and fun, you can't go wrong with the Wonderboom 3. I've been running a pair of these in my workshop for about six months now. They're small, they float – which is brilliant if you're out kayaking or just by the lido – and they put out a surprisingly big sound for their size. You can even pair two of them for stereo, which is what I do in the workshop, and it really fills the space. The sound isn't going to blow you away with intricate detail, but it's clear and punchy, perfectly listenable. And they're tough as old boots. My son has one that’s been dropped, kicked, and probably sat on, and it just keeps on going. **Pros:** * Very portable and floats * Durable and waterproof * Good, loud sound for its size * Can stereo pair two speakers **Cons:** * No microphone for calls * Sound lacks a bit of refinement compared to bigger speakers ### 4. Sony SRS-XG300: For When You Need a Bit More Oomph If the JBL Charge 5 isn't quite enough, or you prefer Sony's sound signature, the XG300 is a fantastic option. It's a bigger speaker, no doubt, but it brings a serious amount of power and clarity. I took one of these to a family gathering a while back, and it absolutely dominated the garden with sound. Sony's 'Mega Bass' can be a bit much for my taste sometimes, but it’s optional, and with it off, you get a really well-rounded sound with plenty of detail. The battery life is immense, and it’s built like a tank. It’s got a carry handle too, which makes lugging it about a bit easier. **Pros:** * Huge, dynamic sound * Excellent battery life * solid build quality * Customisable EQ via the app **Cons:** * Quite large and heavy * Mega Bass can be overbearing ### 5. Denon Envaya DSB-250BT: The Refined Listener's Choice Now, for those who care a bit more about the subtleties in their music, the Denon Envaya DSB-250BT is a cracking choice. Denon knows a thing or two about audio, and it shows here. The sound is much more refined, with excellent clarity in the mids and highs, and a very controlled bass. It doesn’t try to be ridiculously loud, but what it does, it does very well. I’ve used this in my living room for background music when I’m working, and it’s just a pleasure to listen to. It feels well-made, too, with a nice fabric finish. It’s not one for throwing in a backpack and taking to a festival, but for more considered listening, it’s superb. **Pros:** * Detailed, refined sound quality * Excellent build and finish * Good for a variety of music genres **Cons:** * Not as rugged or waterproof as others * Battery life is only average ## Things to Consider When Buying Right, so you've seen my picks. But what should *you* be thinking about when you're looking for one yourself? * **Sound Quality:** Obvious, I know, but it’s not just about volume. Listen for clarity, bass response, and how well it handles different types of music. Don't be afraid to try a few in a shop if you can. * **Portability:** How often are you going to move it? Do you need something tiny for your pocket, or is a bigger, more powerful unit fine for the garden? * **Battery Life:** There's nothing worse than a speaker dying on you half-way through your favourite album. Check the stated battery life, but also read reviews – real-world use can vary a lot. * **Durability & Water Resistance:** If it’s going near a pool, the beach, or you’re a bit clumsy like me, then IP ratings are worth looking at. IPX7 means it can be submerged in water for a bit, which is usually plenty. * **Features:** Do you need a microphone for calls? Can you link two together for stereo? Does it charge your phone? All little extras that might swing it for you. ## FAQ: Your Questions Answered ### Q: Do expensive Bluetooth speakers really sound better? A: Generally, yes, up to a point. You often get better quality drivers, more advanced digital processing, and better build materials. But there are diminishing returns. A mid-range speaker can sound fantastic without breaking the bank. It's all about what your ears are happy with. ### Q: Can I leave my Bluetooth speaker plugged in all the time? A: Most modern speakers are fine with this. They'll usually stop charging once the battery is full to prevent overcharging. However, if you're not using it for a long time, it's probably best to unplug it and let the battery discharge a bit naturally, then give it a full charge every few months. ### Q: What's the deal with Bluetooth codecs? Do I need 'em? A: Good question. Bluetooth codecs are the bit of tech that compresses the audio signal before sending it to the speaker. Standard Bluetooth uses something called SBC. Higher-quality ones like aptX, aptX HD, or LDAC can offer better sound, but *only* if both your phone (or streaming device) and the speaker support them. For most everyday listening, you probably won't notice a huge difference, but for critical listening, they can help. ### Q: My Bluetooth keeps dropping out. Any tips? A: Right, first off, try moving your phone closer to the speaker. Bluetooth ranges aren't as massive as some companies make out, especially indoors with walls and furniture in the way. Also, make sure there aren't too many other Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices crammed into the same space, as they can interfere. A quick restart of both your phone and the speaker often sorts it out too. If all else fails, check for firmware updates for your speaker – that can sometimes fix connectivity issues.