10 Super Bass Bluetooth Speakers
By Robert Jones · 2020-12-13
Sony GTKXB90 is the best super bass Bluetooth speaker. Here is our review of 10 portable Bluetooth speakers with super bass.
Alright, let's talk about something I get asked about all the time: Bluetooth speakers with a bit of grunt. You know, the ones that really dig deep and give you that satisfying thud. It's not often you find proper bass from something you can just chuck in a bag, but some do a surprisingly good job. Now, I've spent best part of twenty years listening to all sorts of speakers, from tiny things to massive subs that shake the foundations of my workshop. And with Bluetooth, the "super bass" claim often means a bit of a mid-bass hump – muddy rather than deep. But there are a few out there that genuinely impress. I'm not going to pretend these are going to replace a proper hi-fi setup with a dedicated subwoofer. They won't. But for a barbecue, a mate's party, or just pottering about in the garden, these are the ones I’d actually consider. ### 1. Sony GTK-XB90 Now, this beast. The Sony GTK-XB90. It's big, yeah, but it absolutely thumps. I had one of these set up in the garden for a little get-together last summer, and it filled the whole space with sound. Proper low-end presence, not just a load of flabby mid-bass. It's got those flashy lights too, which my kids loved, but you can turn them off if you're not into that sort of thing. It's not exactly subtle, and it's definitely not the most portable thing on this list – you wouldn't be slinging this in a backpack for a hike. More of a "carry it to the car, then carry it to the party" sort of job. But if you want to make some noise, this is Sony at its best. **Pros:** * Seriously powerful bass * Great for parties * Good battery life for its size **Cons:** * Quite large and heavy * Lights aren't for everyone ### 2. JBL Boombox 3 The Boombox has always been a solid contender, and the latest version, the Boombox 3, just keeps that tradition going strong. I’ve always been a fan of JBL’s sound – they tend to get that balance right between power and clarity. And the Boombox 3 is no exception. I took one of these camping with us a few months back. We were out in the sticks, no power for miles, and that thing just kept pumping out tunes all weekend. The bass is clean and goes surprisingly deep for a portable unit. It’s got an IP67 rating too, which means it’s happy getting a bit wet or dusty, which is handy. It’s not cheap, mind. But you’re paying for that build quality and a sound that really does stand out from the crowd. If you want something genuinely rugged that sounds great, this is definitely one to look at. **Pros:** * Excellent, well-controlled bass * Very rugged and waterproof * Long battery life **Cons:** * Premium price tag * Can be a bit bulky ### 3. Sonos Move 2 Right, the Sonos Move 2. Full disclosure, I’ve always had a soft spot for Sonos for home audio, but their portable efforts have really come on in the last couple of years. The original Move was good, but this one? It’s a proper step up. The bass on the Move 2 isn’t about just slamming you with low notes. It’s more refined. It’s deeper and more textured than you’d expect from something you can pick up and move around the house. I had one of these in my kitchen for a while, and it handled everything from classic rock to electronic music with ease. That Trueplay tuning really helps it adapt to different spaces, which is clever. It’s not quite as ear-splittingly loud as the Sony or the JBL for outdoor use, but for around the house or a smaller gathering, it has a wonderfully balanced sound with plenty of low-end warmth. Plus, it hooks into your whole Sonos system if you’ve got one. **Pros:** * Refined, deep bass * Excellent sound quality overall * Smart Trueplay tuning * Integrates with Sonos ecosystem **Cons:** * Not as loud as some rivals for outdoor use * Heavier than many portables ### 4. UE Megaboom 3 Ah, Ultimate Ears. They’ve been knocking out decent Bluetooth speakers for ages, and the Megaboom 3 is proof of that. It’s got that distinctive cylindrical design, which apparently helps with its 360-degree sound. And you know what? It actually works pretty well. I’ve got one of these sat on a shelf in my garage, and it’s been there for years, surviving all sorts of abuse. Dust, a bit of spilled tea, even a knock or two. The bass is surprisingly punchy for its size. It’s not going to rattle your fillings, but it’s got a good kick to it, and it never sounds thin or reedy. It’s a great option if you want something durable and easy to live with. It’s fully waterproof too, so you can take it pretty much anywhere without worrying. Good all-rounder, this one. **Pros:** * Durable and waterproof * 360-degree sound * Good punchy bass for its size **Cons:** * Bass depth isn't class-leading * Sound can be a bit