10 Best Bluetooth Speakers with Disco Lights
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-03
Right, let's talk about those Bluetooth speakers with built-in disco lights. I’ve seen a fair few of these come through the workshop over the years, and honestly, they're not all created equal. If you’re after a bit of fun for a BBQ or a birthday, I've got some thoughts for you.
Right, let's be honest. When someone mentions a Bluetooth speaker with disco lights, your mind probably jumps straight to those flimsy things you see in the supermarket aisle, all flashing LEDs and tinny sound. I know mine does. But you'd be surprised. Over the last couple of decades, I've had countless bits of kit pass through the SpeakersMag workshop, and amongst the dross, there are some proper gems that actually deliver a decent thump and a bit of a light show to boot. These aren't just toys; some of them are serious contenders for livening up a party. **Quick Verdict: For a proper party, the JBL PartyBox series is tough to beat for sound and lights.**  *10 Best Bluetooth Speakers with Disco Lights — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Even Bother with Disco Lights, Robert? Fair question, that. For the purist, the idea of a speaker doubling as a light show is probably sacrilege. And honestly, for critical listening, you'd be mad to choose one of these over a pair of proper passive speakers or even a decent Hi-Fi active setup. But that's not the point, is it? We're talking about parties, barbecues, kids' birthdays, garden shindigs – times when the vibe is just as important as the perfect soundstage. These speakers are about fun. They're about creating an atmosphere without needing a separate lighting rig or a sound engineer on standby. I've seen them used everywhere, from small community halls for a village disco to a mate's garden party where the lights really came into their own after dusk. The convenience of a single unit doing both jobs is a real draw for a lot of folk. And if it means getting people up and dancing, then I'm all for it. Just don't expect them to replace your main system for listening to your favourite jazz records. ### What I Look For in a Party Speaker When I get one of these beasts in the workshop, I'm not just plugging it in and admiring the pretty lights. Oh no. I'm putting it through its paces. It needs to sound good, first and foremost. Not perfect, mind, but good enough to get heads nodding and feet tapping. Then there's the build quality – it needs to withstand a bit of rough and tumble, especially if it's destined for a life of parties. Battery life is crucial, too; nobody wants the music cutting out halfway through "Don't Stop Believin'." And, of course, the lights themselves. Are they bright? Do they sync well with the music? Are they customisable? These are the questions I'm asking. I'm also considering portability. Can you actually lug the thing about, or do you need a forklift? Connections are important – Bluetooth is a given, but what about AUX, USB, or even mic inputs for a bit of karaoke? All these things add up to whether a speaker is a proper party starter or just a flashy gimmick. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Sound & Light Right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. I've put a fair few of these through their paces. Some are brilliant, some are... well, less so. Here are the ones that actually made an impression. ### JBL PartyBox 110 Now, the JBL PartyBox range, I've had a few of these roll through the doors. The 110 is a cracking bit of kit, a really solid choice if you're serious about your party tunes and lights. It feels well-made, durable enough to handle a bit of chaos, which is exactly what you need at a proper shindig. I've seen DJs use these for smaller venues, and they absolutely swear by them for their punch and reliability. For a proper house party or a small outdoor event, you genuinely can't go wrong. It’s got that classic JBL sound signature – a bit boomy in the bass, perhaps, but certainly lively and engaging. It gets people moving. The lights on this aren't just an afterthought; they're properly integrated. They pulse, they fade, they react to the music with a bit of intelligence, which is a cut above many others I've seen. You can even chain a couple together wirelessly if you've got a mate with one and want to really fill a bigger space. That's a handy trick. It's more than just a speaker; it's an event in a box, really. And the fact it’s got a proper handle and even wheels means lugging it about isn't the chore it could be for something of its size. For portability combined with power, it's a bit of a champion. Just remember, it’s not exactly tiny, so make sure you've got room in the boot! If you're genuinely serious about your party sound and don't mind spending a bit more, the PartyBox line is definitely the one to look at. The 110 is probably the sweet spot for most folk, offering a great balance of size, power, and features. The sound isn't perfectly neutral, no, but that's not what you're buying it for, is it? You want energy, you want bass that rattles the windows, you want something that gets your mates up and dancing. And in that regard, it delivers in spades. The build quality, as you'd expect from JBL, feels like it could take a few knocks, which is essential for something that's going to be moved around a lot. Plus, the battery life is decent enough for most shindigs, usually getting you through a good 6-8 hours at a respectable volume with the lights going. Not bad at all. Oh, and it’s splash-proof, which is a blessing if you're using it outdoors and the British weather decides to do its usual thing. Always a consideration, that. #### Who it's for: * Anyone hosting regular parties, indoors or out. * Small event DJs or entertainers. * Those who prioritise powerful bass and a dynamic light show. * People who need mic/guitar inputs for karaoke or live music. #### Who should skip it: * People needing something compact and lightweight. * Budget-conscious buyers looking for an occasional fun speaker. * Those who prioritise neutral, analytical sound reproduction. ##### Pros: * Seriously powerful and deep bass * Excellent, reactive light show * Good build quality and portability (handle, wheels) * Mic and guitar inputs * Decent battery life * Daisy-chaining capability * Splash-proof ##### Cons: * Not the most compact or lightweight * Can be pricey * Sound signature is bass-heavy, not for critical listening ### Sony SRS-XB43 Right, Sony. They've been in the game for ages, haven't they? Always reliable, usually a bit more refined than some of the purely "party" brands. The SRS-XB43 is a good example of their approach. It's a bit more subtle than the JBL PartyBox, mind, both in size and overall presence. This is more for a smaller gathering, a bedroom, or a patio, rather than trying to fill a whole marquee. I've had one of these knocking about the workshop for a while now, and it's proved itself a solid performer. What I like about the XB43 is that it offers a good balance. The sound is certainly lively, with Sony's "Extra Bass" doing exactly what it says on the tin without completely overwhelming the mids and highs. It's not going to shake the foundations, but it's got a decent kick for its size. The lights are integrated along the edges of the speaker and they do a pretty good job of syncing with the music. They're not as full-on or as varied as the PartyBox, but they add a nice ambient glow and a bit of visual flair, rather than a full-blown disco. Think mood lighting, not strobe central. It's also much more portable than the PartyBox, a size you can easily chuck in a backpack or carry with one hand. Battery life is also pretty impressive; I've regularly got 10-12 hours out of it with the lights on, which is more than enough for a good day out or an evening party. It's also really well built, as you'd expect from Sony, and it’s IP67 rated, meaning it's dustproof and fully waterproof. I've accidentally knocked it into a paddling pool before, and it just kept on playing without a hitch. Handy, that, especially with kids about or if you're by the pool. Connecting it up is straightforward, as is controlling the lights and sound through the Sony Music Center app. It's a speaker that feels well thought out, designed for proper use rather than just a quick novelty. If you want a speaker that sounds good, has a bit of light-up fun, and isn't a massive beast to cart around, the XB43 is a strong contender. It connects up easily via Bluetooth, and you can even pair two of them for stereo sound, which really opens up the soundstage. #### Who it's for: * Individuals or small groups wanting portable music with some visual flair. * People who need a waterproof and dustproof speaker for outdoor use. * Those who prefer a slightly more balanced sound than extreme bass. * Anyone looking for good battery life. #### Who should skip it: * Anyone needing room-filling, thunderous bass for large parties. * Those who want a very extensive and customisable light show. * Budget-conscious buyers might find it a bit steep. ##### Pros: * Good balance of sound, with decent bass * Excellent battery life (up to 24 hours, less with lights/bass boost) * IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating * Portable and robust build quality * Subtle, ambient lighting effects ##### Cons: * Lights aren't as vibrant or customisable as larger party speakers * Not as loud or powerful as the PartyBox range * Can be a bit pricey for its size ### LG XBOOM Go PK7 LG isn't always the first name you think of when it comes to speakers, but their XBOOM range has surprised me a few times. The PK7 is one such surprise. I had one in for review a while back, and I was quite impressed, especially with the sound quality for a speaker of its size. They partnered with Meridian Audio on this, and it actually shows. The sound is clear, well-defined, and handles vocals and intricate tracks better than some of the more bass-heavy options. The lights on the PK7 are a bit different too. They're more about mood and colour changes, with two LED rings around the drivers. They pulse and fade, and you can pick different colours and modes. It's a sophisticated look, not quite the rave-in-a-box vibe, but still very effective for adding a bit of atmosphere. It's another speaker that leans more towards ambient lighting than a full-on disco spectacle, but it does it rather well. Battery life is solid, usually giving you around 10-12 hours of playback, which is respectable. It’s also splash-proof (IPX5), so it can handle a bit of rain or an accidental spill, which is always a bonus for outdoor use. The build quality feels decent, though perhaps not quite as rugged as the JBL or Sony. It’s got a couple of handy grab handles on the side, making it easy enough to move around. Where it really stands out for me is the sound quality. The bass is deep without being muddy, and the treble is crisp without being harsh. It’s a good choice if you appreciate clarity alongside your party tunes. It also supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which means better quality streaming from compatible devices – something the real music lovers will appreciate. For a mid-sized portable, it's a solid option that offers a bit more sonic refinement. #### Who it's for: * Listeners who prioritise sound quality and clarity alongside party features. * Those who want ambient mood lighting rather than a flashy disco. * Anyone looking for aptX HD support for higher-fidelity Bluetooth streaming. * People who need a splash-proof speaker for general use. #### Who should skip it: * People needing the absolute loudest or most bass-heavy speaker. * Those wanting the most elaborate or customisable light show. * Individuals on a very tight budget. ##### Pros: * Excellent sound quality for its size, thanks to Meridian Audio tuning * Supports aptX HD for better Bluetooth audio * Pleasant, ambient lighting effects * Good battery life * IPX5 splash-proof ##### Cons: * Not as loud or bass-heavy as some competitors * Lighting effects are more subtle, less "disco" * No mic/guitar inputs ### Anker Soundcore Flare 2 Now, Anker. They're brilliant at churning out reliable, affordable tech, and their Soundcore audio brand has really come into its own. The Flare 2 is a fantastic option if you're after something compact, affordable, and still delivers a bit of a light show. I've recommended these to countless mates over the years who just want a bit of fun without breaking the bank. It's a small, cylindrical speaker with LED rings on the top and bottom, giving it a really distinctive look. For its size and price, the sound is surprisingly decent. It's got a 360-degree sound, so it fills a smaller space quite nicely, and the bass is punchy enough for most pop and dance tracks. Don't expect massive, wall-shaking bass, but it's certainly not tinny. The lights are actually quite impressive for such a small unit. They pulse and fade, change colour, and sync with the music pretty well, creating a nice little light show that wraps around the speaker. You can customise them via the Soundcore app, which is a nice touch. Battery life is around 12 hours, which is excellent for a speaker this size. It's also fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating, so you can literally drop it in the bath or pool, and it'll keep on playing. That's proper peace of mind, especially if you're taking it to the beach or by the hot tub. It's really portable, easily fitting into a cup holder or the side pocket of a backpack. And the fact you can pair up to 100 of these things together using Soundcore's PartyCast feature is just bonkers – imagine a hundred of these all syncing up for sound and light! A bit overkill for most, but certainly a feature. For sheer value for money and portability, the Flare 2 is a winner. It's not going to be the main speaker at a huge rave, but for personal listening, small gatherings, or adding a bit of sparkle to a room, it's superb. I keep one in my kitchen, actually; it's perfect for listening to the radio while I'm making a cuppa. #### Who it's for: * Budget-conscious buyers who want good sound and lights. * People needing an ultra-portable, fully waterproof speaker. * Anyone wanting 360-degree sound for small to medium spaces. * Those who appreciate good battery life in a compact unit. #### Who should skip it: * People needing high volume or very deep bass for large parties. * Those looking for professional-grade sound quality or inputs. * Anyone wanting a physically larger, more imposing speaker. ##### Pros: * Excellent value for money * Compact and highly portable * IPX7 fully waterproof * Impressive 360-degree sound for its size * Good battery life (12 hours) * Customisable lights via app * PartyCast feature (pair up to 100 speakers) ##### Cons: * Limited bass compared to larger speakers * Not suitable for very large venues * No mic/guitar inputs ### Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Now, Ultimate Ears have always been known for their robust, portable speakers. The HYPERBOOM, though, is a beast of a different stripe. This isn't your average little portable speaker; this is a proper lump of a thing, designed to absolutely blast sound. I had one on loan for a garden party last summer, and it truly lived up to its name. It's big, it's bold, and it's loud. And yes, it's got lights, but they're quite subtle, more like ambient backlighting than a full-on disco. The sound quality is exceptional for a large portable speaker. It delivers massive, clean bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. It fills a huge space with sound effortlessly. It’s got an adaptive EQ feature that adjusts the sound profile based on the room it's in, which actually works pretty well. This thing is designed to get the party going, and it absolutely succeeds on the sound front. It can easily handle outdoor spaces and large rooms without breaking a sweat. In terms of lights, as I said, they're not the star of the show here. There are subtle LED strips on the back that provide a gentle glow, changing colours and adding to the ambience rather than being a focal point. If you want flashing strobes, this isn't it. If you want a bit of mood lighting to go with truly epic sound, then you're in the right place. Battery life is outstanding – up to 24 hours, though that'll drop if you're hammering it at full volume. It's also IPX4 splash-proof, so it can handle a bit of rain. It's got a couple of Bluetooth inputs, an AUX input, and even an optical input, which is unusual for a portable speaker, making it quite versatile. It's also got a USB-A port for charging your phone, which is a godsend when everyone's phone is dying at the party. It’s a heavy old thing, mind, weighing in at nearly 6kg, but it does have a sturdy carry strap, so it's manageable. It’s definitely more of a "move it to the party and leave it there" kind of speaker rather than something you'd sling in your backpack daily. If you value immense sound quality above all else, with just a hint of atmospheric lighting, the HYPERBOOM is a truly impressive piece of kit. #### Who it's for: * People who need enormous volume and pristine sound for large gatherings. * Outdoor party hosts who want clear, powerful audio. * Those who prefer subtle ambient lighting over flashing disco effects. * Anyone needing long battery life and versatile inputs. #### Who should skip it: * People seeking a highly portable or lightweight speaker. * Those who prioritise elaborate, music-synced light shows. * Budget-conscious buyers, as it's a premium option. ##### Pros: * Immense, high-quality sound with powerful bass * Excellent battery life (up to 24 hours) * Adaptive EQ for optimal sound in any space * IPX4 splash-proof * Versatile inputs (Bluetooth, AUX, Optical) * USB charging port for devices ##### Cons: * Heavy and not super portable * Lighting effects are very subtle, not truly "disco" * Expensive ## Comparison Table: Party Powerhouses | Feature | JBL PartyBox 110 | Sony SRS-XB43 | LG XBOOM Go PK7 | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 | Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM | | :------------------ | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :---------------------- | :---------------------- | | **Max Output (Approx.)** | 160W | 30W | 40W | 20W | ~100W | | **Battery Life** | 12 hrs (6-8 w/lights) | 24 hrs (10-12 w/lights) | 18 hrs (10-12 w/lights) | 12 hrs | 24 hrs | | **Waterproof Rating** | IPX4 splash-proof | IP67 waterproof/dust | IPX5 splash-proof | IPX7 waterproof | IPX4 splash-proof | | **Weight** | 10.8 kg | 2.95 kg | 3.2 kg | 0.58 kg | 5.9 kg | | **Lighting Style** | Dynamic, music-synced | Ambient strips, subtle | Ambient rings, colours | 360°, music-synced | Subtle backlighting | | **Mic/Guitar Input**| Yes | No | No | No | No | | **App Control** | Yes (PartyBox app) | Yes (Music Center app)| Yes (XBOOM app) | Yes (Soundcore app) | Yes (Boom app) | | **Wireless Pairing**| Yes (TWS) | Yes (Party Connect) | Yes (Wireless Party Link) | Yes (PartyCast, 100+) | Yes (PartyUp, 150+) | | **Approx. Price (£)** | £300-£350 | £150-£200 | £100-£150 | £70-£90 | £350-£400 | *Note: Max output and battery life are approximate and can vary based on volume, light usage, and audio content.* ## What to Look Out For When Buying Right, when you're trying to pick one of these out, it's not just about how many flashing lights it has. You need to think about how you'll actually use it. ### Sound Quality vs. Sheer Volume This is a big one. Some speakers go for absolute loudness, sacrificing a bit of clarity, especially in the mid-range. Others try to keep a bit more fidelity but might not shake the neighbours' windows. Decide what's more important for *your* parties. If it's background music for a BBQ, you might prioritise clarity. If it's a proper dance-off, then raw power wins. ### Battery Life: Is it Enough? Think about how long your typical event lasts. A quick couple of hours in the garden? Most speakers will handle that. An all-day festival or an evening party that runs into the small hours? You'll need something with serious staying power, especially if you're planning on having the lights flashing non-stop. Always check the battery life claims, and remember they're usually quoted at around 50% volume with no lights on. ### Portability: Can You Haul It? Some of these are designed to be lugged around, with handles and wheels. Others are small enough to slip into a bag. The bigger ones, like the PartyBox, are fantastic for sound, but you wouldn't want to carry it on a long walk. Consider where it's going to spend most of its life. ### Durability and Weatherproofing If it's going to be near a pool, at the beach, or outdoors in British weather (which, let's face it, is always a lottery), then some level of waterproofing or splash-proofing is essential. IPX ratings are your friend here. IPX4 means splash-proof, IPX7 means it can be submerged. Dustproofing (the second digit in an IP rating, like IP67) is also handy for outdoor adventures. ### Lighting Effects: Disco or Subtle Mood? Do you want full-on, music-reactive, multi-colour light shows, or are you after a more subdued, ambient glow? The larger party speakers often have more elaborate light rigs. The smaller, more portable ones tend to be a bit more subtle. And check if you can customise the lights via an app; some offer much more control than others. ### Extra Features: Mic Inputs, USB Charging, App Control Think about what else you might need. Karaoke night? A mic input is a must. Phone running low? A USB charging port is a lifesaver. Want fine control over EQ and lighting modes? An intuitive app makes all the difference. These little extras can really elevate a speaker from "good" to "great." ## My Thoughts on Brands and Reliability Over the years, I've seen a fair few brands come and go in this space. Some are solid, others are a flash in the pan. JBL, Sony, and Ultimate Ears are generally safe bets. They've been around, they know what they're doing, and their stuff tends to last. Anker's Soundcore line has really impressed me with its value for money and consistent performance. LG are a bit of a wildcard sometimes, but the XBOOM series has proved itself in recent years. I've had countless cheap no-name speakers come into the workshop with dodgy batteries, crackling drivers, or lights that gave up the ghost after a week. Honestly, sometimes it's worth spending that little bit extra on a known brand. You're paying for the R&D, the quality control, and the peace of mind that comes with a proper warranty. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Can I connect these speakers to my TV for a home cinema experience? A: You can, but I wouldn't recommend it as your primary setup. Most of these speakers are designed for music and party effects, not detailed dialogue or surround sound. While some, like the HYPERBOOM, have an optical input, you're generally better off with a dedicated soundbar or a proper home cinema system for TV viewing. They'll connect via Bluetooth, but latency can be an issue, leading to audio sync problems. ### Q: Do the disco lights drain the battery very quickly? A: Yes, they do, to varying degrees. The more elaborate the light show, the more power it'll draw. Manufacturers' quoted battery life figures are almost always for playback at moderate volume with the lights *off*. Expect a significant reduction – sometimes 30-50% – if you have the lights going full tilt. If battery life is crucial, consider turning the lights off for periods or choosing a speaker with a truly massive battery. ### Q: Can I turn the lights off completely if I don't want them? A: Absolutely. Every reputable speaker with integrated lights will have an option to turn them off. Usually, it's a dedicated button on the speaker itself or an option within its companion app. This is handy if you just want to listen to music without the visual distraction or if you're trying to squeeze a bit more life out of the battery. ### Q: Are these speakers good for outdoor parties? A: Many are, yes! In fact, most of the speakers I've mentioned are designed with outdoor use in mind. Look for those with good IP ratings (IPX4 and above are generally safe for splashes and light rain). The larger, more powerful speakers like the JBL PartyBox or Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM are particularly good at filling open outdoor spaces with sound. Just remember that bass can get lost outdoors, so a speaker with a powerful low end will perform better. ### Q: What does "wireless pairing" mean for these speakers? A: It means you can connect two or more identical speakers (or sometimes different models from the same brand) wirelessly to create a bigger sound system. This can be for stereo sound (left and right channels from two speakers) or simply to amplify the sound and spread it across a larger area, often called "party mode." It's a fantastic feature if you want to expand your soundstage without needing cables, but remember it usually only works with speakers from the same manufacturer and often the same model line. ## Final Word So there you have it. A bit of a deep dive into the world of Bluetooth speakers with disco lights. It's a category that's often overlooked by the more serious audiophile, but honestly, there's a lot of fun to be had here. For bringing a bit of life to a party, creating some atmosphere, or just having a laugh with your mates, these things are brilliant. Don't get me wrong, you're not getting studio-monitor accuracy, but that's not the brief. The brief is good times, decent tunes, and a bit of a light show. And some of these deliver that in spades. Whether you go for the full-on PartyBox experience, the refined Sony, or the incredible value of the Soundcore Flare 2, you're sure to find something that gets the party started. Just remember to pick the one that fits *your* needs, your space, and your budget. Happy listening, and happy flashing!