Top 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $500
By Robert Jones · 2021-08-29
Bluetooth speakers are a ground-breaking addition to audio solutions. Here are the top 10 best Bluetooth speakers under $500.
Right, so you're after a decent Bluetooth speaker without completely emptying the wallet. Good on ya. I've seen countless models come and go over the years, and honestly, the sub-$500 market is where things get really interesting. You can find some proper gems here if you know what you're looking for. I'm Robert, by the way. Been poking around with speakers and home cinema gear for over two decades. Run SpeakersMag.co.uk. So, when I say I've tested these things, I mean *tested* them. Not just unboxed them and had a quick listen. We're talking weeks, often months, of living with them. Moving them from the workshop to the kitchen, out into the garden for a barbecue, even rattling around in the back of the van on the way to a gig. ### How We Pick 'Em It's not just about what sounds loudest or has the most flashy lights, is it? We look at a few key things: * **Sound Quality:** This is number one, obviously. Does it sound clear? Is there decent bass without being boomy? Can it handle different types of music? I'm talking about everything from some classic rock like Led Zeppelin to a bit of Chet Baker, or even a podcast. It needs to be versatile. * **Battery Life:** No good having a portable speaker if it dies after an hour, is it? We check how long they *actually* last on a charge, not just what the box says. Usually at a good listening volume, about 50-60% of max. * **Durability:** Is it going to survive a knock or two? What about a bit of rain if you leave it out in the garden? IP ratings are helpful, but real-world tests are more telling. * **Features:** Things like multi-speaker pairing, app control, or even a built-in power bank can make a big difference to usability. * **Portability:** How easy is it to pick up and move around? Is it too heavy? Is it an awkward shape? Anyway, enough of the preamble. Let's get stuck into some of the best ones I've had my hands on recently. ## Our Top Bluetooth Speaker Picks Under £400 (roughly $500) ### 1. Sonos Roam 2 I've always had a soft spot for Sonos, and the Roam 2 carries on that tradition brilliantly. It's small, yes, but don't let that fool you. The sound it puts out is surprisingly full and detailed for its size. I've been using one of these in my kitchen for a while now, and it just blends in. Then, when I want to take it out, it's no fuss. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality for a compact speaker. * smooth integration with the Sonos ecosystem. * Portable and well-built. * Good for both indoor and outdoor listening. **Cons:** * Battery life is decent but not class-leading. * A bit pricey for its size, but you get what you pay for. ### 2. JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi JBL has been in the portable speaker game for ages, and the Charge series is always a solid bet. The Charge 5 Wi-Fi is a step up, mind. The addition of Wi-Fi means you get better sound quality when you're at home, and the Bluetooth is still there for when you're out and about. It's solid too; I've taken this camping a few times, and it's shrugged off everything. **Pros:** * Great all-rounder with strong bass and clear highs. * Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity offers excellent flexibility. * Built like a tank, very durable. * Impressive battery life, and you can charge your phone from it. **Cons:** * Can be a bit on the heavy side for some. * The sound can occasionally be a bit too bass-heavy for some genres. ### 3. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Now, if you want something that really throws sound around, the MEGABOOM 3 is a serious contender. It's loud, it's clear, and it's genuinely waterproof. I once *accidentally* submerged one of these in a paddling pool during a particularly enthusiastic summer party – came out absolutely fine. The 360-degree sound is brilliant for outdoor gatherings. **Pros:** * Very loud with excellent 360-degree sound. * Seriously rugged and waterproof (IP67 rated). * Long battery life. * Simple, intuitive controls. **Cons:** * Bass, while present, isn't as deep as some competitors. * Design might not appeal to everyone. ### 4. Marshall Emberton II Right, if you like that classic rock 'n' roll aesthetic, then Marshall's offerings are always worth a look. The Emberton II is a cracking little speaker. It's got that signature Marshall sound – punchy and clear, with a nice bit of grit when you want it. I've got one of these in my workshop, and it's brilliant for blasting out some tunes while I'm tinkering. The build quality feels really premium too. **Pros:** * Iconic Marshall design and sound. * Surprisingly powerful for its size. * Excellent battery life (30+ hours). * Solid, durable construction. **Cons:** * No app control for EQ adjustments. * Mono sound, which some might find limiting. ### 5. Bose SoundLink Flex Bose usually gets things right, and the SoundLink Flex is no exception. It's a compact speaker that punches well above its weight in terms of sound quality. It's got a really clever feature called PositionIQ technology, which automatically adjusts the sound based on how it's positioned – standing up, lying down, or hanging from its loop. I noticed this made a real difference when I was moving it around the garage. **Pros:** * Fantastic sound quality and clarity for its size. * Adapts sound based on orientation (PositionIQ). * Rugged and waterproof (IP67). * Great for taking on hikes or just knocking around the house. **Cons:** * Battery life is good but not exceptional. * Bass depth isn't going to blow you away, but it's articulate. ### 6. JBL Flip 6 Another JBL, but a classic for a reason. The Flip 6 is a seriously popular model, and I can see why. It's a great balance of size, sound, and a decent price. It's got a surprisingly powerful sound for its footprint, and the bass is really well-controlled. My daughter's got one of these, and it's been rattling around in her backpack for months, still going strong. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality with good bass response. * Very portable and easy to carry. * Durable and waterproof (IP67). * Good value for money. **Cons:** * Battery life is solid but not the longest on this list. * No frills, pretty basic feature set. ### 7. Tribit StormBox Blast If you want *loud* and you want *bass*, the StormBox Blast is definitely one to consider. This thing is an absolute beast. It's got a real party trick with its LED lights, which flash along to the music – a bit much for me personally, but I know some people love it. I took this to a mate's garden party, and it filled the whole space with sound easily. It's not subtle, but it gets the job done. **Pros:** * Incredibly loud with deep, powerful bass. * Long battery life (around 20 hours). * Adds a light show for parties. * Surprisingly good value for the power it offers. **Cons:** * Quite large and heavy, less portable than others. * LED lights can be distracting (though you can turn them off). * Sound can be a bit over-the-top for quiet listening. ### 8. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus Anker has really upped its game with its Soundcore range. The Motion Boom Plus is a fantastic option if you're after a lot of sound for your money. It's got big drivers and a fair bit of grunt, making it great for outdoor use. I've had this on my boat a few times, and it held up brilliantly against the elements and the general noise of the sea. **Pros:** * Excellent sound quality with strong bass for the price. * Very good battery life. * Durable and waterproof design. * Great value. **Cons:** * Can be a bit bulky to carry around. * Looks are a bit utilitarian. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I connect two Bluetooth speakers together? Yes, many modern Bluetooth speakers now offer a feature to pair two or more speakers together for stereo sound or to simply spread the sound around a larger space. Each brand usually has its own name for it – like JBL's PartyBoost or Ultimate Ears' PartyUp. Check the specific model's features to be sure. ### Is a more expensive Bluetooth speaker always better? Not always, no. While generally, you'll find better components and sound engineering in higher-priced speakers, there are diminishing returns. You can get truly excellent sound quality under $500, as this list shows. Above that, you're often paying for very subtle refinements, specific brand features, or design aesthetics rather than a massive jump in audio performance for everyday listening. ### How important is the IP rating? Pretty important if you plan on taking your speaker outdoors or near water. The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and the numbers tell you how resistant it is to dust and water. The first digit is for solid particles (dust), and the second is for liquids. For example, IP67 means it's fully dust-tight (6) and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes (7). If you're planning on beach trips or leaving it by the pool, aim for at least IPX7 or higher. If it's just for indoor use, it's less critical. ### How do I get the best sound from my Bluetooth speaker? Proper placement makes a surprising difference. Try not to tuck it away in a corner or put it directly against a wall, as this can make the bass sound muddy. Giving it a bit of space, perhaps even a few feet from a wall, can often improve clarity. Also, try to keep your phone or source device relatively close to the speaker and avoid putting obstacles between them to prevent signal drops. And, honestly, don't always crank it up to max volume; most speakers sound a bit better just below their absolute limit. Hope this helps you find a cracking speaker!