9 Best Bluetooth Speakers That Pair With Each Other
By Robert Jones · 2020-12-18
Alright, let's talk about Bluetooth speakers you can link together for a proper stereo image. I've tested countless pairs, and some really do open up your music with surprising depth on the go.
Alright, let's get stuck into something a bit different today – those Bluetooth speakers you can actually link together. Not just for a bit more volume, mind, but for a proper stereo soundstage. I've had a fair few of these pass through my workshop over the years, and honestly, some of them have genuinely surprised me. Others? Well, let's just say they ended up on the scrap heap pretty quickly. I'm Robert, an audio engineer from Bristol, and I've been messing about with speakers and kit for over twenty years. SpeakersMag.co.uk is where I share the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. We’re not talking about replacing your dedicated hi-fi system here, not by a long shot. But for convenience, portability, and getting decent sound in places you wouldn't normally – like the garden or the garage – these things have come on leaps and bounds. It’s all about getting a bit more oomph and direction to your tunes without tripping over wires or needing a full sound desk. Some say a single speaker is enough. I say, if you can get two working together, why wouldn't you? **Quick Verdict: The JBL Charge 5 gives you cracking stereo sound on the go with great features and solid value.**  *Bluetooth Speakers That Pair Together — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Even Bother Linking Them Up? Honestly, having two speakers instead of just one makes a world of difference. It's not just about doubling the volume, though that's a bonus for a rowdy BBQ. What you gain is a real sense of space, a proper stereo image. Think about it: a single speaker just shoves all the sound out from one point. It's flat, a bit lifeless. Add a second one, and suddenly, the music opens up. Instruments sound like they're placed left and right, just like a proper recording should be heard. That adds depth, makes the music far more engaging. You can almost pinpoint where the guitarist is standing, or the drummer. That's what we're after. It's like going from black and white TV to colour; you just wouldn't go back. Plus, if you're trying to fill a bigger space – say, your entire garden for a summer get-together – spreading the sound out means no one's getting blasted by a single speaker while folks at the other end can barely hear a thing. You get more even coverage, which means everyone gets to enjoy the music without it feeling like a wall of sound hitting them from one direction. It makes for a much more pleasant experience all round, rather than having to crank a single speaker to distortion just to hear it a few metres away. Now, not all Bluetooth speakers can do this. Some are stuck being solitary beasts. But plenty out there are designed to pair up, often using proprietary tech like JBL's PartyBoost or Ultimate Ears' PartyUp. So, let's look at the ones that actually deliver on the promise. I've put these through their paces, often in less-than-ideal conditions, like a damp Bristol allotment shed or a blustery beach day. We want reliable pairing, decent battery life, and most importantly, sound that doesn't make your ears bleed. No point having two speakers if they sound like a tin can full of bees, is there? ## How I Put Them Through Their Paces Look, I'm not running a lab here. My testing is real-world. I grab a couple of units, charge 'em up, and stick 'em in various situations. Garden parties, workshop tunes, even a few trips down to the local park for a picnic. I'm listening for how quickly they pair, how stable that connection is, and crucially, how well they maintain that stereo separation. Does one drop out? Does the sound drift? Is there an annoying lag? These are the things that drive you mad when you're just trying to enjoy your music. I always try them with a range of music too. Some intricate jazz, a bit of rock, maybe some electronic stuff with a hefty bass line. You need to know if they can handle a delicate vocal just as well as a thumping kick drum. Battery life is tested by just letting them run until they conk out. Waterproofing? Well, let's just say my garden hose has seen some action. Durability gets a good old-fashioned drop test – nothing too extreme, but enough to simulate a clumsy moment. I want to know if they'll survive being knocked off a picnic table. ### What To Look For In A Pairing Bluetooth Speaker Beyond just sounding good, there are a few bits to keep an eye on when you're after a speaker you can link up: * **Pairing Technology:** Is it proprietary (like JBL PartyBoost) or an open standard? Proprietary often means you're locked into one brand, but it can be more reliable. Open standards, if they exist for true stereo, might let you mix and match, but those are rare for proper stereo pairing. Most good ones will be specific to the manufacturer. * **Ease of Pairing:** Does it take a degree in rocket science or is it just a couple of button presses? Simpler is always better. * **Range:** How far apart can you place them before they start losing connection? Important for larger spaces. * **Battery Life:** Running two speakers drains power quicker. Make sure they can last for your event. * **Durability & Water Resistance:** If you're taking them outdoors, they need to be able to handle a bit of rough and tumble, and certainly some rain. * **Sound Quality (Stereo):** This is paramount. Do they actually create a convincing stereo image, or do they just make more noise? * **Portability:** You're buying Bluetooth speakers for a reason, right? They need to be easy to lug about. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for Pairable Bluetooth Speakers Right, enough chinwagging. Here are the speakers I've spent time with, that I reckon are worth your hard-earned cash if you're after a proper stereo setup on the go. ### 1. JBL Charge 5 I've had a pair of these knocking about the workshop for a good six months now, and they've become my go-to for background music. They're robust, sound really rather good for their size, and the PartyBoost feature actually works a treat. Linking two of these together gives you a genuinely enjoyable stereo experience. The bass is surprisingly deep without being muddy, and the mids and highs are clear enough for most genres. You can even use one as a power bank, which is a neat trick. **Pros:** * Excellent stereo separation with PartyBoost. * Great balanced sound for its size and price. * Solid 20-hour battery life (though slightly less when paired). * IP67 dust and waterproof – proper rugged. * Can charge other devices via USB. **Cons:** * PartyBoost only works with other JBL PartyBoost speakers (no older JBL Connect+). * Bass can be a bit overbearing at max volume. * No microphone for calls, if you care about that. **Who it's for:** * Anyone wanting cracking sound for outdoor parties or workshops. * People who need a reliable, durable speaker that doubles as a power bank. * JBL fans looking to expand their PartyBoost ecosystem. **Who should skip it:** * Those who already own older JBL Connect+ speakers and want to link them. * Folks needing a truly compact, pocket-sized speaker. ### 2. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 UE speakers have always had a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. They're built like tanks and throw sound around like nobody's business. The MEGABOOM 3 is no exception. It's a cylindrical design, so you get 360-degree sound, which is great for filling a space. Pair two of these with the PartyUp feature in the app, and you've got a seriously loud, seriously fun setup. The app itself is actually really good, letting you adjust EQ and manage pairings easily. The sound is punchy, with a good amount of bass, though it can sometimes feel a bit less refined than the JBLs at lower volumes. **Pros:** * Robust 360-degree sound, great for filling rooms. * Excellent PartyUp feature for linking multiple speakers. * IP67 dust and waterproof, and it floats! * Good battery life (around 20 hours). * Customisable EQ via the app. **Cons:** * Sound can be a bit boomy for some tastes, especially indoors. * Can be a touch expensive for a pair. * Charging cradle is separate, not included. **Who it's for:** * Party animals who need serious volume and coverage. * People who spend a lot of time near water (pools, beaches). * Anyone wanting an easy-to-use app with good EQ options. **Who should skip it:** * Those prioritising subtle, nuanced sound reproduction. * Budget-conscious buyers who only need stereo pairing, not a multi-speaker party. ### 3. Sonos Roam SL (or original Roam) Now, Sonos is a different beast entirely. You're getting into a proper ecosystem here. The Roam SL (or the standard Roam if you want the mic and voice assistant) is a clever little speaker. It's not just Bluetooth; it's Wi-Fi too, so it integrates seamlessly into a Sonos multi-room system when you're at home. Take it out, and it switches to Bluetooth. The sound for its size is genuinely impressive, detailed and clear. Pairing two in stereo over Wi-Fi at home is fantastic, giving you a proper stereo pair that rivals much larger setups. On Bluetooth, you can only pair one speaker to your phone, but if you have two, they can connect to each other for stereo playback, which is the magic here. It's a bit more fiddly than the JBL or UE, but the sound quality really does shine. **Pros:** * Superb sound quality for such a compact speaker. * Seamless integration into a Sonos Wi-Fi system. * Auto TruePlay tuning adapts sound to its environment. * IP67 dust and waterproof. * Great portability. **Cons:** * More expensive, especially for a pair. * Battery life is only around 10 hours – a bit short compared to others. * Can be a bit temperamental switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. * Stereo pairing only really shines on Wi-Fi. **Who it's for:** * Existing Sonos users who want a portable speaker that fits their system. * Anyone prioritising sound quality and smart features over pure volume. * Those who primarily use it at home but want portability for occasional trips out. **Who should skip it:** * People on a tight budget. * Folks who need all-day battery life for outdoor adventures. * Anyone who finds multi-room systems a bit too much faff. ### 4. Marshall Emberton II Oh, Marshall. They just know how to make things look cool, don't they? The Emberton II is no exception, looking like a miniature guitar amp. But it's not just looks; this little brute sounds excellent. It's got that characteristic Marshall punch, a really engaging, lively sound that's brilliant for rock and electronic music. And yes, you can link them up using their Stack Mode. It's not quite true stereo in the same way the JBLs are (more like a bigger mono sound), but it does fill a space with glorious sound. I've used a pair in my garage, and they certainly get the job done. The multi-directional sound is a clever touch. **Pros:** * Iconic, stylish Marshall design. * Energetic, punchy sound with good bass. * Impressive 30-hour battery life. * IP67 dust and water resistance. * Stack Mode allows linking multiple speakers for bigger sound. **Cons:** * Stack Mode isn't true stereo in the classic sense. * Sound profile might not suit those after a flatter, more neutral sound. * A bit chunkier than some rivals for its output. **Who it's for:** * Music lovers who value style and a lively, engaging sound. * Fans of Marshall's sound signature (rock, indie, electronic). * People who need long battery life. **Who should skip it:** * Audiophiles prioritising precise stereo imaging. * Those who prefer a more understated design. ### 5. Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Sometimes, you just need something small. Something you can clip onto your backpack or handlebars. The original StormBox Micro was a cracking little thing, and the Micro 2 improves on it. It’s tiny, really, but it puts out a sound that defies its size. You can pair two of these for stereo, and it’s surprisingly effective. Don’t expect earth-shattering bass, but for background music on a bike ride, or perched on a desk, they’re brilliant. And the price? You could get a pair for less than some single speakers on this list. It even works as a power bank for your phone in a pinch. **Pros:** * Incredibly compact and portable with a handy strap. * Surprisingly good sound for its minuscule size. * True stereo pairing available. * Excellent value for money. * IP67 water and dustproof, floats. **Cons:** * Limited bass and overall volume compared to larger speakers. * Battery life is decent (12 hours), but not class-leading. * Not suitable for filling large rooms or parties. **Who it's for:** * Hikers, cyclists, or anyone needing ultra-portable audio. * Budget-conscious buyers wanting a simple stereo setup. * People who need a speaker for personal listening or small spaces. **Who should skip it:** * Anyone expecting powerful bass or room-filling sound. * Those who need multi-day battery life. ### 6. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 Anker has really come on leaps and bounds with their Soundcore line. The Flare 2 is an interesting one because it offers 360-degree sound *and* lights. Yeah, I know, lights aren't for everyone, but they can be fun at a party. More importantly, you can link up to 100 (one hundred!) of these using their PartyCast technology. Now, I haven't tried 100, but I've linked three and they all synced up perfectly. You won't get true stereo with more than two, but for filling a massive space with sound, it's an option. With just two, you get decent stereo. The sound itself is pretty balanced, with a BassUp mode for when you want a bit more thump. It’s a solid all-rounder. **Pros:** * PartyCast allows linking up to 100 speakers. * 360-degree sound and customisable LED lights. * IPX7 waterproof rating (can be submerged). * Good app control with EQ options. * Reasonably priced. **Cons:** * Battery life is only 12 hours – not the best. * Lights can be a bit gimmicky for some. * Bass can sometimes lack definition. **Who it's for:** * Anyone throwing large parties needing widespread sound coverage. * People who enjoy visual flair with their music. * Value-seekers who want good features for the price. **Who should skip it:** * Those who prioritise raw sound quality over features and volume. * Users who need exceptional battery endurance. ### 7. Bose SoundLink Flex Bose speakers always have a distinct sound profile, don't they? Clear, crisp, and surprisingly powerful for their size. The SoundLink Flex is no different. It's a beautifully designed, rugged speaker that sounds much bigger than it is. The real trick here is its