Best Bluetooth speakers in 2025 reviewed and rated

From lightweight party starters to powerful boomboxes, our buying guide showcases the best Bluetooth speakers for sharing good vibes on the go.

Whether you’re throwing a garden party, chilling at the beach, or just enjoying some tunes at home, we’ve tested and reviewed every model in real-world situations to help you find the perfect speaker. We’ve sifted through the sweet-sounding gems and sorted out the sonic duds—because no one should suffer through tinny tunes.

Our reviews cover a wide variety of Bluetooth speakers, from compact, ultra-portable models to more substantial, bass-thumping options. So, whether you’re in your kitchen, your lounge, or relaxing in your favourite park spot, almost any location can be improved with the right music. If it’s portable soundtracks you’re after, our top Bluetooth speaker picks will bring vibrant, high-quality sound wherever you need them.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what is the best Bluetooth speaker?

The best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today:

1. JBL Flip 7

JBL has held the top spot on Stuff’s best Bluetooth speakers list for what feels like forever – and with good reason. Nothing else nails the affordable, durable and portable trifecta quite like the firm’s Flip series. So when a new one lands on our desk, we expect it to deliver – and the Flip 7 doesn’t disappoint.

It sticks with the same compact, cylindrical design we know and love, but ups the toughness with an IP68 rating and better drop protection. The swappable loop or carabiner is a smart addition – we clipped it to a rucksack on a rainy hike, and it didn’t flinch.

Inside, there’s a new tweeter that lifts the highs, and the 25W woofer packs a proper punch. JBL’s AI Sound Boost keeps things distortion-free even when we cranked it up.

The real treat is the sound. It’s more detailed, dynamic and rhythmically satisfying than any Flip we’ve tested before. Wired USB-C playback with 24-bit/96kHz support is a welcome first for the range – we tried it with some hi-res FLAC files and the difference was genuinely noticeable. Auracast is great too, letting us link up other compatible speakers for bigger sound – though we were a bit miffed that older JBLs aren’t supported.

Battery life stretches to 16 hours with Playtime Boost, which helped us power through a full weekend away without needing a charger. That said, there’s no USB-C cable in the box, which feels stingy given the price.

Still, for $150/£130, the Flip 7 offers excellent sound, smart features and a build that feels ready for anything. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it might be the best one JBL’s rolled out yet.

2. Sonos Roam

Sonos has had a go at portable speakers before, but the Roam is the first one we’ve actually wanted to chuck in a satchel and take everywhere. The proportions are just right, it’s properly pocketable, and with Bluetooth on board – plus less faffing about in the Sonos app – it’s ideal for impromptu parties, picnics or just moving from kitchen to garden. And when we’re back home, Wi-Fi kicks in so it still plays nicely with the rest of our Sonos setup.

You can stand it up or lay it down, and either way, the design stays nicely low-key. We’re fans of the finish – the mix of metal, plastic and rubber feels sturdy enough to survive a few knocks. We’ve tossed it in backpacks and left it on damp picnic blankets without any drama.

What really makes the Roam stand out, though, is the clever stuff. Auto Trueplay adapts the sound based on where you are – we noticed the difference when switching from indoors to the garden. And Sound Swap, which hands off audio to the nearest Sonos speaker, has genuinely come in handy more than once.

For its size, the Roam sounds surprisingly full-bodied. Higher frequencies can get a little fuzzy at times, but there’s plenty of detail in the mids. And the bass? It’s got serious punch. Maybe even too much on a few tracks – but nothing a quick EQ nudge in the app can’t fix.

Which Sonos should you buy? Find out in our best Sonos speakers guide.

3. B&O Beosound A1 (3rd gen)

B&O’s third-gen Beosound A1 looks just like the first – and honestly, we’re glad it does. That pearl-blasted aluminium chassis still oozes class, and we’ve yet to find a portable speaker that feels quite this premium in the hand. Yes, it’s pricey. But after spending some proper time with it, we reckon it more than earns its keep.

We took the third-gen Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 on the road for a week, and it’s a clear step up from the already-excellent previous version. The headline upgrade is bass – there’s now noticeably more low-end oomph, giving tracks extra punch without muddying the mix. It makes a big difference, especially when listening outdoors. Battery life has also had a serious boost. We managed a full 24 hours on a charge, which is six more than before.

Tasteful new colour options are a welcome addition, and the updated wrist strap fastener is a minor tweak, but it’s cleaner and more refined. B&O has also made the battery replaceable – a thoughtful, future-proof touch – and it’s now Cradle-to-Cradle Bronze certified for sustainability.

You lose Alexa support, which some might miss, but we didn’t – especially with the seamless Bluetooth pairing and slick app controls. It’s not the loudest speaker for the money, and it is expensive, but the A1 sounds better, lasts longer, and feels more refined than before.

4. Bose SoundLink Revolve II

If it ain’t broke, Bose won’t fix it – and the second-gen SoundLink Revolve proves that point perfectly. It sticks to the same sleek cylinder design we’ve come to expect, with a tough aluminium shell and a soft-touch silicone top that’s easy to use. The multi-function button that summons your phone’s voice assistant is still a handy touch, and the wraparound grille keeps things clean and understated.

What’s changed? Not a huge amount, but the updates are all sensible ones. Battery life now stretches to 13 hours, which got us comfortably through a weekend of use without hunting for a charger. The bump to IP55 waterproofing is equally welcome – we’ve used it poolside without panic when the splashes started.

But really, it’s the sound that keeps us coming back. The SoundLink Revolve II has a bold, room-filling voice that surprised us with its scale. There’s no EQ control, but honestly, it doesn’t feel like it needs it. The balanced sound profile avoids overdoing the bass, which we appreciated during longer listening sessions.

That said, it still delivers a satisfying low-end thump when tracks call for it. There’s real energy here, and the wide soundstage lets detail shine through. Some mid-range clarity can slip depending on the track, but overall, it’s a confident performer that plays bigger than it looks.

5. Marshall Emberton II

Styled like the amps that made Marshall’s name, the second-gen Emberton definitely earns its place on our best Bluetooth speaker list – and what’s more, you don’t need a team of roadies to cart it around. It’s small but mighty, with compact proportions that are easy to stash in a bag. We’re big fans of the premium finish too – those metal grilles front and back give it proper stage presence, even if it’s just sitting on a coffee table.

Don’t be fooled by the size, though. The upgraded Emberton II hits harder than you’d expect. We found the Bluetooth 5.1 connection rock-solid, and the jump to IP67 waterproofing means we’ve used it by the pool, in the garden and during one very soggy barbecue – no drama. The battery’s a beast too. Marshall reckons it’ll do 30+ hours, and we’ve rarely had to charge it even after a full weekend’s use.

Stack Mode is a nice bonus – we tried linking a few Embertons and the wall of sound was seriously impressive. The companion app’s EQ tweaks are handy too, though we didn’t feel the need to adjust much out of the box.

Sound-wise, it sticks with the same winning setup as the original, which is fine by us. Two 2in full-range drivers and passive radiators pump out a surprisingly wide soundstage for such a small unit. Marshall’s True Stereophonic tech spreads the sound evenly, so there’s no bad seat in the house. Bass is satisfyingly weighty without smothering the rest, and there’s real sparkle in the mids and highs. Even when we pushed the volume, it kept its cool – energetic, detailed and always entertaining, whatever we threw at it.

6. Dali Katch G2

It’s kind of wild that a speaker as slim and portable as the Dali Katch G2 can churn out such rich, expansive sound. We weren’t quite prepared for how room-filling it would be the first time we fired it up. Somehow, Dali has squeezed in two tweeters, two low-end drivers and dual bass radiators, powered by a pair of 25W Class D amps – and it all runs happily for up to 30 hours. We’ve tested that claim and came pretty close before needing a recharge. Handy bonus: the USB port can top up your phone if needed, which we’ve definitely taken advantage of.

You get AptX HD Bluetooth with NFC for quick pairing, plus a 3.5mm aux input for when you’re feeling a bit old school. You can pair two together for stereo if your wallet allows – though it’s a shame you can’t daisy chain more for a bigger setup. There’s no Wi-Fi, no built-in streaming, no voice assistants, and not even a companion app – which feels a bit spartan for the price. EQ presets are switched via a physical button, which we found a bit old-fashioned but refreshingly simple.

Still, if you’re happy to spend the sort of money that could nab you a pretty capable wireless speaker, there’s a lot to love here. The built-in carry strap makes it easy to grab and go, and the multi-plug charger came in handy on a recent trip abroad. What seals the deal, though, is the sound – it’s impressively balanced, no matter the genre. We’ve thrown everything at it, from mellow jazz to full-blown techno, and it hasn’t flinched. Just a great-sounding speaker, with no faff.

7. JBL Charge 6

Lightweight speakers are great for quick trips, but when we want some proper boom to shake the room, we reach for something with more muscle. The JBL Charge 6 builds on a winning formula – and from our time with it, it absolutely does it justice. It’s still rugged, still portable, and still a whole lot of fun, but now with smarter touches and sharper sound that make a real difference.

We noticed the bass hits harder, vocals sound clearer, and those high notes have a proper sparkle. Auracast support is a welcome addition for linking up multiple speakers, and wired USB-C playback brings proper lossless audio – something we tested with a few hi-res tracks, and yeah, it’s noticeable.

The new carry handle makes it easier to lug around – though at 960g, it’s still got a bit of heft. We’ve had it out in the wet, too, and the improved waterproofing held up fine. The redesigned controls are a nice touch, and the battery life impressed us most – Playtime Boost helped us stretch it out across a whole weekend.

It’s not flawless – no USB-C cable in the box feels stingy, and we did find the sound loses a little energy at low volumes. But overall, it’s a seriously solid upgrade. If you were into the Charge 5, you’ll like this even more. It feels like JBL really listened and refined what already worked, keeping the Charge 6 right at the top of the portable speaker pile.

8. Ultimate Ears Boom 3

UE made its name delivering quality sound at reasonable prices. Launched in 2020, the Boom 3 is still one of the best Bluetooth speaker options, offering a solid set of features without breaking the bank. We love that the familiar big-button cylinder is as tough as ever: UE put it through drop, dunk and durability tests to check it’ll keep bringing the beats. And with a 15-hour battery life, it’ll last through even the longest of playlists.

We found the sound is vigorous, if not as weighty at the low-end as some rivals. Audio is well-controlled, with no shortage of power when the party calls for extra punch. Mids and trebles are lively, without ever sounding harsh.

We think it’s worth downloading the Boom app to unlock a few extra features and settings – PartyUp in particular. This allows you to connect up to 150 Boom speakers for a serious shindig (or just two, for a stereo effect). You can also use the smartphone software to programme the Magic Button on top of the speaker, for one-touch access to your favourite playlists.

9. Sony SRS-XB33

Audio purists put in your earplugs: this Sony speaker came to the party – and there’s plenty of bass to go around. It’s among the heaviest speakers in this list, the SRS-XB33 takes the Texan approach: from the bass to the dimensions, everything’s bigger.

That extra space means more sizeable drivers. We found the sound isn’t particularly refined, and even in-app EQ tweaks can’t fully fix the lack of clarity in the mids. But there are lashings of low-end oomph, with real volume to match.

Shockproof and IP67 rated, this is a speaker that can take the tunes almost anywhere. It can withstand saltwater as well, so beach bashes are back on the menu. The Party Connect feature gives you the option to hook up any number of Extra Bass speakers for even more rumble, while the built-in strips can shine in sync with your music – making this one of the best Bluetooth speakers for disco junkies.

10. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore

Serious about larking in the park? This B&O cylinder is built for alfresco audio. Shipped with an aluminium carabiner for easy backpack attachment, the anodised aluminium shell is scratch-resistant and all set for a splashing. We find it reassuringly weighty – it stops just short of hefty.

Not only do its full-round grille lines look the business, but they also allow omnidirectional audio. When listening at home we found the bass feels a bit heavy-handed, with 360 projection beefing up mids at the expense of fine detail, but go roaming and the Explore makes more sense.

Designed for outdoor soundtracks, the Explore is among the best Bluetooth speakers for outside grooving. Its presentation becomes more balanced in the open air, with that mid-range weight helping it sound more solid. Crisp treble ensures the top end isn’t lost, providing a healthy dose of drive. And it can reach the top of its volume allowance without losing its cool.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

Okay, so you want a Bluetooth speaker but you don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’re experts when it comes to portable music machines.

Of course, the primary purpose of a Bluetooth speaker is to deliver good audio quality. We’ve only included the best-sounding speakers in our list, with balanced sound, clear highs, and deep bass.

You should ask yourself how you plan to use your speaker. If you need it out and about, look for a compact and lightweight design that is easy to carry (although smaller often means slightly weaker sound). Some speakers also come with built-in handles or straps for added convenience and come with added durability in the form of water and dust resistance (IP rating). Whereas if you’re mainly going to use it at home, you can opt for a larger model or one of the best wireless speakers instead, which generally sound better but are less portable.

Battery life is one of the more important specs when considering a Bluetooth speaker – there’s nothing worse than having your tunes cut off mid-way through a party because someone forgot to charge the speaker the day before. Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted playback.

It’s worth looking at what controls are featured on the speaker. Consider the ease of use and the available control options – are the solid buttons, capacitive touch, or does it rely on phone control? Look for intuitive controls that allow you to adjust volume, play/pause, and skip tracks with ease.

Finally, some speakers may also have additional features such as voice assistant integration or built-in microphones for hands-free calling – these are an added bonus but hardly a necessary add-on.

Looking to save some cash? Check out Stuff‘s guide to the best cheap Bluetooth speaker.

What is the difference between a wireless speaker and a Bluetooth speaker?

A wireless speaker and a Bluetooth speaker both operate without physical cables, but they differ primarily in their connectivity methods.

A Bluetooth speaker uses Bluetooth technology to establish a direct, short-range wireless connection with a device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer, typically within a range of about 30 feet.

In contrast, a wireless speaker can refer to any speaker that connects without wires, including Bluetooth, but more commonly it implies the use of Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or other wireless protocols. Wi-Fi speakers generally offer better sound quality, a more stable connection, and a larger range, allowing them to be part of a multi-room audio system controlled over a home network. Check out our best wireless speakers guide for more information.