Best Bluetooth Speakers for Home in 2024 - Honest Reviews
By Robert Jones · 2023-01-15
Bluetooth speakers never get outdated. Because they are portable, smart, and user-friendly. Here are the top 10 best Bluetooth speakers for home.
## My Top Bluetooth Speakers for the Home in 2024 Right then, Bluetooth speakers. They've come a long way, haven't they? I remember when "wireless" usually meant "sounds a bit like a tin can". Not anymore. These days, you can get some cracking sound from a Bluetooth speaker, whether you need something for the kitchen, out in the garden, or just for a bit of background music in the living room. I've been messing about with these for over twenty years now, as you probably know if you've been reading SpeakersMag for a bit. Countless models have passed through my workshop, and plenty have ended up scattered around my own place – often in the kids' rooms or out in the shed. So, I've put together a list of the ones that have really stood out. We're obviously talking about sound quality, but also how easy they are to live with day-to-day, how long the battery lasts, and if they genuinely feel like they're worth the asking price. ### 1. JBL Flip 6 – A Proper Cracker  The JBL Flip range has always been a solid choice. The Flip 6 just follows suit, and then some. This little thing really does put out more sound than you'd expect for its size. I've had one of these living in my workshop for about six months, mostly for catching sport on the radio, and it just keeps on going. It's seen its fair share of sawdust and knocks, but it still sounds great. The bass is surprisingly weighty for such a compact unit, and the highs are crisp without being too harsh. It handles a bit of classic rock as well as it does a podcast, which is what you want from something you're going to be moving about the house. Plus, it's waterproof, which is a big bonus if you're taking it near a sink or out in the changeable British weather. **Pros:** * Great sound for its size * Solid bass * Durable and waterproof * Good battery life **Cons:** * No 3.5mm input * Controls can be a bit fiddly in the dark ### 2. Sonos Era 100 – Smart and Sounds the Business  Alright, so the Sonos Era 100 isn't strictly "just" a Bluetooth speaker. It's more of a smart speaker that *also* does Bluetooth, which is dead handy. I've got a couple of these dotted about – one in the kitchen and one in the office. They connect to the Wi-Fi for all the smart gubbins, but when a mate pops round and wants to stick something on quickly, the Bluetooth connection is brilliant. The sound is classic Sonos: clear, well-balanced, and it fills a room nicely. They've really upped their game with the stereo imaging on this one too; you can properly hear instruments in their own space. It's not going to replace a full hi-fi, but for everyday listening, it's superb. The Trueplay tuning makes a real difference too, adapting the sound to your room. Worth the faff of setting it up. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality * Smart features via Wi-Fi * Bluetooth is a useful addition * Good stereo separation (for a single unit) **Cons:** * More expensive than a dedicated Bluetooth speaker * Trueplay tuning needs an iOS device * Not truly portable (needs mains power) ### 3. Ultimate Ears Boom 3 – Built for the Great Outdoors (and Indoors!)  If you're after something that can take a bit of a beating and still sound decent, the UE Boom 3 is a solid shout. I first got my hands on one of these when I was helping my nephew set up his garden for a BBQ, and I was genuinely impressed. It's built like a tank – properly waterproof and dustproof. I've seen them survive accidental dips in swimming pools, no problem. The 360-degree sound is pretty effective, spreading music evenly around a space, which is great for parties or just having background music in an open-plan living room. The sound isn't as refined as the Sonos, obviously, but it's got a good punch to it, and it goes loud without distorting too much. Battery life is cracking too. You can link a few of these up for a bigger sound, which is a nice touch. **Pros:** * Extremely durable and waterproof * 360-degree sound distribution * Loud for its size * Excellent battery life **Cons:** * Sound quality less refined than some rivals * Bass can be a bit boomy at high volumes ### 4. Marshall Emberton II – Little Speaker, Big Presence  Right, if you like the classic Marshall amp look, then the Emberton II is going to grab you. But it's not just about the looks, mind. This little thing puts out a surprisingly big, room-filling sound. I borrowed one from a mate for a weekend to run some tests, taking it from the living room to the conservatory, and it never missed a beat. The soundstage is wider than you'd expect for something so compact, and it's got that classic Marshall warmth without being muddy. It's also pretty tough, with good water and dust resistance, so it'll cope with most spills or outdoor escapades. Battery life is a strong point too, easily lasting a full day's listening. It's a bit more expensive than some similar-sized options, but if you appreciate that particular sound and style, it's worth the extra. **Pros:** * Iconic design * Big, warm sound * Excellent battery life * Very durable **Cons:** * A bit pricier than some competitors * No app control for EQ adjustments ### 5. Bose SoundLink Flex – Punchy and Portable  Bose has always had a knack for making small speakers sound bigger than they are, and the SoundLink Flex is a prime example. I've had one of these knocking around for about a year, and it's become my go-to for garden projects or just having near the BBQ. It's really well-built, feels good in the hand, and that utility loop is genuinely useful for hanging it up. The sound is typical Bose – rich, with surprisingly deep bass for its size, and clear vocals. It automatically adjusts its sound depending on its orientation (standing up, laying down, or hanging), which is a clever touch and actually works. It's also fully waterproof and dustproof, which is essential for anything labelled "portable" in my book. Battery life is decent, not the absolute best on this list, but certainly enough for a good eight to ten hours of tunes. **Pros:** * Impressive bass for its size * Smart sound adjustment * Durable and waterproof * solid build quality **Cons:** * Battery life could be longer * A bit heavy for its size ### 6. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 – Light Show and Sound  Right, if you like a bit of visual flair with your audio, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a bit of fun. I got one of these in for testing primarily because of the light ring round the bottom and top – thought the kids might get a kick out of it. And they did! But it's not just a novelty. The sound, for the price, is surprisingly good. It's a 360-degree speaker, like the UE Boom, and it fills a room pretty well. The bass is quite prominent, maybe a bit much for some, but you can tweak it in the Soundcore app. That app also lets you mess with the light show, which is a nice touch. It's waterproof too, so good for bathroom singalongs or poolside lounging. Battery life is respectable, getting you easily through an evening. It's a cracking budget option if you want something with a bit of pizzazz. **Pros:** * Affordable * Fun light show * Decent 360-degree sound * Customisable EQ via app **Cons:** * Bass can be overpowering * Not as refined as premium options ### FAQs About Bluetooth Speakers **Q: Do I really need a waterproof speaker?** A: Honestly? If you're taking it anywhere near a kitchen sink, a bathroom, or outdoors even occasionally, it's a good idea. British weather, eh? Saves you a headache if there's an accidental spill or a sudden downpour. **Q: How much battery life is "enough"?** A: Depends on how you use it. For just moving it about the house occasionally, 8-10 hours is fine. If you're planning a full day in the garden or want it for holidays, I'd aim for 15 hours or more. Nothing worse than a speaker dying on you mid-tune. **Q: Can I connect two speakers for stereo sound?** A: Some models, like the Sonos Era 100 or the UE Boom 3, let you pair two together for proper stereo. It makes a big difference to the soundstage and immersion, if you've got the budget for two. Well, there you have it. My top picks for Bluetooth speakers you can actually live with. Hope this helps you find something that brings a bit more music into your home. Cheers!