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You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a Bluetooth speaker to get top-shelf sound quality. In fact, there are plenty of Bluetooth speakers that cost less than $100, and from respected brands like Soundcore, Tribit, and JBL. While these speakers are of the compact, portable variety and don't feature tech such as Wi-Fi network connectivity, they're all excellent for their size and price and have varying levels of water and dust resistance. outdoor subwoofer
We think you’ll be surprised at how much power and performance you’ll get from a Bluetooth speaker that costs less than $100. There are options on our list for most wants, needs, and budgets, and be sure to check back often to see what new models we’ve added.
We loved the UE Wonderboom 3, and while we haven't gotten our hands on its successor yet, we know enough about these well-built UE speakers to recommend the new-and-improved UE Wonderboom 4. So, what’s different this time around? For starters, there’s a USB-C port for charging the speaker, as opposed to the Wonderboom 3’s micro USB connection. This means the Wonderboom 4 should charge faster than previous models. The speaker also automatically shuts down after 15 minutes of not being used to save battery.
There are two EQ presets to choose from this time around as well: Outdoor and Podcast. The former is best for sound projection across bigger spaces, while the latter is excellent for dialogue clarity. Beyond these options, though, you won’t find additional presets, a bass enhancer, or a companion app of any kind. That being said, the 360-degree design does an excellent job of throwing audio all around. You’ll also be able to pair a second Boom 4 for a larger soundstage but do keep in mind that stereo pairing doesn’t work with older Boom models.
Thanks to its portable design and buoyant nature, the UE Wonderboom 4 is well-suited for hanging out in the pool. And while there’s no wired listening option or ability to use it as a dedicated speakerphone, you’ll be able to have two Bluetooth devices connected to the speaker simultaneously.
So, while it’s not leaps and bounds different than the Wonderboom 3 that came before it, the UE Wonderboom 4 brings a few meaningful changes to the table and manages to do so for less than $100.
A great Bluetooth speaker should be able to withstand the elements, and the IPX7 rating of the Soundcore Motion 300 makes it an ideal choice for trekking around in the rain or hanging out by the pool. But beyond its convenient waterproof shell, the Motion 300 is an excellent 30-watt speaker that delivers rich and full stereo sound that could make you believe you’re listening to more than one Bluetooth device. There's also support for Bluetooth 5.3 and class-leading audio formats like LDAC and AAC LC.
One of our favorite features is the speaker's adaptive EQ tech, a calibration tool that the Motion 300 uses to optimize playback based on where the speaker is, such as hanging off your backpack (a detachable clap is included), lying down, or standing upright. And if you’re looking for a bit more bass, just press the BassUp button to get an immediate low-frequency dip. You’ll also be able to download the Soundcore app to create your own custom EQ.
On a full charge, the Motion 300 should last up to 13 hours, though volume level and other audio factors may affect overall battery life. Want even more sound? With TWS pairing, you’ll be able to link two Motion 300 speakers together for an expanded soundstage. For just $80, it’s hard to go wrong with the Soundcore Motion 300.
The Oontz Angle 3 is a super-affordable (under $30!) Bluetooth speaker that isn't a piece of junk. We haven't tested this speaker ourselves, but the Angle 3 has many of the features available from our other picks, like 12- to 15-hour battery life, excellent wireless range, and speakerphone compatibility, and it has been positively reviewed by several reputable sources. It even has IPX5 water resistance, which won't be ideal around bodies of water like pools or beaches, but protects against splashes — and you can even rinse it off if you're gentle with the water pressure.
With rubberized end caps, the Oontz Angle 3 can stand up to some abuse, too, though again, ruggedness is not its primary mission. Even so, its modest footprint delivers clear and surprisingly loud audio quality, which is ideal for situations where your phone or tablet's internal speaker just isn't up to the task of sharing music or YouTube videos. Though not a champ in the bass department, if you stand the Angle 3 on its end, you'll give the passive bass radiator on the bottom some girth to work with, and it will sound richer and fuller.
It’s hard to beat the ruggedness and alluring shell colors of the JBL Flip lineup, but JBL isn’t a brand to rest on its laurels. The JBL Flip 6 has been around for a minute now, and it’s available in a dazzling array of colors. Compared to the Flip 5, the newer model brings a couple of meaningful changes to the table, including a graphic EQ for sound customization (via the JBL Portable app) and an official IP67 rating, which keeps the speaker safe from dirt, debris, and water.
With its portable and lightweight design, the Flip 6 is compact enough to hang out on any shelf, countertop, picnic bench, or other flat surface. There’s even a tiny hook for connecting an included carrying strap.
In terms of sound quality, the Flip 6 more than gets the job done. Expect excellent midrange performance and decent lows (though not as pronounced as the JBL Flip 5). If you’re looking for a bigger soundstage, the built-in PartyBoost option lets you connect a second PartyBoost-compatible speaker for stereo playback and greater projection. Unfortunately, when using just the Flip 6, stereo tracks are downmixed to mono.
Battery life is pretty good here, too. On a full charge, JBL claims the Flip 6 should last up to 12 hours. You’ll also be able to listen to music while the speaker is charging (which takes a little over two hours). It’s not a perfect Bluetooth speaker, but the JBL Flip 6 achieves a lot with little in the way of chassis.
The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 might not win any awards for being cute or fancy in its design aesthetic, but if you're a camper, hiker, or dock swimmer, you're likely not too concerned about what it looks like — as long as you can enjoy some nice-sounding tunes while not stressing about destroying some delicate electronics. And the $60 StormBox Micro 2 is about as stress-free as you can get.
We reviewed its predecessor, the Tribit SrormBox Micro, and praised its sound quality for its size, as well as its ruggedness. With an IP67 weather-resistance rating, the Micro 2 can fend off dust and take a dip in up to a meter of water with no problems. On top of that ruggedness, the sound is decent for its size and price, and it is surprisingly loud and clear for something so small.
Volume controls, which sit atop the unit, are straightforward and simple, and a multifunction feature lets you toggle through songs, activate the smart assistant, and take phone calls.
The Micro 2 also gets a battery boost from the last version, going from 8 hours to 12 hours of playtime, and this time out, you can also use it to charge other device. The Micro 2's Bluetooth 5.3 tech allows an even longer range for the speaker, this time up to 120 feet. The StormBox Micro 2 can also be linked to another Micro 2 for stereo sound.
Absolutely. Some Bluetooth speakers are huge, powerful devices, such as the Sonos Move, which can rock an entire house if you let them! How powerful it is will depend on its size and level of amplification. Given that any speaker that costs less than $100 isn't likely to pack a lot of power, you may want to check our list of the best Bluetooth speakers or best wireless speakers for products that can really get the party started.
Yes. All of these Bluetooth speakers have built-in batteries and, of course, a Bluetooth wireless connection, which is the minimum you need for outdoor use. But be aware that there are other considerations: How loud does it get? A small Bluetooth speaker may not pack enough power to be heard over other sounds. Is it waterproof enough? Some of the speakers on our list are splash-proof, but if you're going to spend real outdoor time with a wireless speaker, we strongly recommend that it be fully waterproof (IPX7 or better).
There are some Bluetooth speakers that do work directly with voice-based assistants. But there's a catch: Smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant normally only work over Wi-Fi, which means that if you're using your speaker somewhere where there's no Wi-Fi, you won't be able to use these assistants over just a Bluetooth connection.
As a rule, Bluetooth speakers do not include a traditional AM or FM radio. If this feature is important to you, there are an increasing number of bookshelf stereos and boom boxes that have radios and Bluetooth too, but they won't be as small and as portable as a regular Bluetooth speaker.
Yes, though it's a rare combo. In such a case, you're usually talking about a full boom box that has a Bluetooth connection.
Easily. Today's Bluetooth speakers aren't actually that expensive. Manufacturers try to price them right around the $100 mark when possible to help appeal to a wide range of consumers. It's only when you get to full soundbars or high-end options like the Echo Studio that prices start rising significantly above this level.
Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether it’s a guide to the best speakers and turntables, or a review of a party speaker that’ll blow your roof off.
Derek studied journalism at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.
From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.
One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.
When Derek isn’t cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.
You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram.
Michael Bizzaco has been selling, installing, and talking about TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and all things smart home for the better part of 15 years. He even knows a thing or two about how to fix this stuff when it starts misbehaving (because no tech is perfect!).
Mike has been writing for Digital Trends and several other publications since 2020. Fortunately, he’s still able to write after he got his index finger stuck in a vending machine at the Ramada Inn the summer before fourth grade! From hands-on reviews to best-of roundups, Mike does his best to share his expertise in a friendly and informative way with all readers, and loves staying on top of the latest AV and smart home trends.
When he’s not thanking his father for dislodging his finger from that vile vending machine in New Jersey, Mike enjoys playing guitar, reading, and indulging in horror films with his girlfriend.
Even though summer is but a fleeting memory, there’s still plenty of reasons to invest in a water-protected Bluetooth speaker. Portability and performance don't stop being useful once the sunshine goes away. We see plenty of Bluetooth speaker deals when we’re searching for sales, which leads us to the following offer:
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the kind of audio device that comes in handy more than you might think. Not only can products like the Beats Pill and JBL Xtreme 4 be used as crowd-pleasing decibel deliverers for pool parties and beachside shindigs, but some models are even rugged enough to hitch to a backpack or bike when it’s time for your next hike or trail expedition. And thanks to features like long-lasting battery life and quick recharging, you won’t have to worry about these Bluetooth speakers dying when you least expect it.
One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of Bluetooth speakers on the market. You’ll find options from major speaker brands like Anker, JBL, Sonos, and Beats, along with several incredible third-party choices. While it can be challenging to home in on the Bluetooth tech that’s best for you, we’ve put together this roundup to make it easier to pick out the pros and cons.
There's something to be said for quaint, accessible products, that do precisely as advertised. No, you're not looking at them to do anything particularly special, but if they get the job done, well, that makes everyone happy, right? That's precisely how I would describe the Altec Lansing HydraMini waterproof Bluetooth speaker that's available at a discount today at Target. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, it offers a wireless range of up to 100 feet. The IP67 rating means it can withstand the elements, the battery lasts for up to six hours on a single charge, and music sounds great playing through this thing. It sounds much better than most phone speakers, anyway. Normally $20, it's yours today for only $16, saving you about $4. Not a huge discount, but enough to make it count.
Why buy this Altec Lansing HydraMini waterproof Bluetooth speaker? Look, I'll be perfectly honest. If you're an audiophile and you want your music, podcast, or audio streams to sound immaculate, this is not the way to go. But if you're looking for an affordable and capable speaker you can bring with you anywhere, it's a good choice. Bring it beachside, out by the pool, in your backyard, heck, even in your shower to jam out. The IP67 water-resistance rating means it can withstand exposure to the elements, and the rugged design can take a beating.
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