The 6 Best Bluetooth Speakers - Fall 2023 Reviews

The best Bluetooth speaker that we've tested is the JBL Boombox 3. It's a large and powerful Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch when it comes to its sound. Whether listening to bass-heavy hip-hop or vocal-centric folk music, this speaker provides a clear and accurate reproduction of your favorite tracks. It gets plenty loud, with plenty of bass to bring out the thump and rumble in songs. Plus, the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable companion app means you can customize its sound however you want.

With a portable design, this speaker is also a solid pick for listening to music on the go. It lasts almost thirty hours off a single charge to keep the party going all day. Plus, it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can handle some light exposure to the elements. It's a little bigger than other portable Bluetooth speakers on our list. It also lacks voice assistant support—if you want a speaker that's activated with your voice, you'll want to check out our best home pick in the Sonos Era 300.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is another great Bluetooth speaker available at a more affordable price. Stream music and other content right to the speaker via Bluetooth, and enjoy an impressive sound quality, with a clear and detailed reproduction of instruments and vocals in the mix. The speaker also brings a little extra boom in the bass, which livens up bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. Like the JBL Boombox 3, you can find a graphic EQ in its companion app if you want a different sound.

Available in many different color variants, the speaker comes with a built-in hook to easily clip it onto your bag or backpack when you want to listen to your favorite tunes on the go. Smaller and more lightweight than the JBL, it's much easier to take to the park or on a camping trip. It's even rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can withstand some exposure to the elements. That said, there's one big trade-off for its smaller size—it can't bring as much rumble in the low-bass as our top pick. You may still find it worth it, especially if you're shopping with portability in mind.

The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best wireless speaker at the budget level that we've tested. This portable Bluetooth speaker is another great choice for listening to music wherever you go, from the local park to the beach to the mountains on your next hike. Like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so it can handle some time outdoors. It lasts 22 hours off a single charge, so you can rock out all day without worrying about a recharge.

This speaker is made of recycled plastic and is available in a couple of different colors to suit your style. Its sound quality is quite impressive, too, especially for the price. Vocals and lead instruments are clear in the mix, and the Outdoor preset brings more clarity and crispness to the sound when you're listening in a larger, more open-air space, like your backyard. You won't find a companion app like the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, so you're limited at customizing its sound. Still, this speaker's a great option if you're on a tighter budget. If portability is important, check out our recommendations for the best small Bluetooth speakers.

The Anker Soundcore 3 is the best speaker in the cheap price range we've tested. It has an all-black minimalist design similar to its predecessor, the Anker Soundcore 2, and will tastefully blend in the background of any room. It's small, lightweight, and rated IPX7 for protection against submersion in water, so you can effortlessly carry it to the beach or pool without worry of damage if it gets dropped in water. Its 14-hour battery life will get you through most of the day, and it has an auto-off setting that helps save power when not in use.

This speaker can't deliver much in the way of powerful bass, and sibilants sound a bit dull. Thankfully, the mid-range is well-balanced, so podcasts and audiobooks still sound clear. If you want to change the mix, the companion app features a graphic EQ and presets to help you fine-tune the sound to your preference, including a 'Bass Up' feature that boosts the low-end, though not much. Compared to the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3, the Anker has a narrower and less directional soundstage, and its battery lasts about half as long. However, the Anker speaker's control scheme isn't as versatile, and this model isn't compatible with a companion app, so you can't customize the mix to your liking.

Many of our top picks include portable Bluetooth speakers designed to bring with you on the go. However, if you only plan to use your speaker within the confines of your home, you may prefer our best wireless speaker for home use—the Sonos Era 300. This 2023 release boasts a sleek, stylish design that fits your home decor. With built-in smart features like Amazon Alexa, you can enjoy hands-free control right from the comfort of your couch. It supports lots of features, including a room correction tool to optimize its sound based on your living space. And with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it's easy to pair up with other devices to play your favorite tunes.

Like other Sonos speakers, this device is designed to integrate into your existing Sonos ecosystem. You can use it alone or as a surround speaker when paired with a compatible soundbar. Since it supports Dolby Atmos, you can make the most of more immersive content like Dolby Atmos Music, found on music streamers like Apple Music. Given its premium performance, it's not the most affordable speaker on the market. If you don't listen to much Atmos content, you can always check out the smaller, more affordable Sonos Era 100. It doesn't support Atmos but is still a premium option for home use with Bluetooth support.

Party speakers make a great addition to your next big event, with many extra features and functions to make the most of the experience. The JBL PartyBox 310 is one of the best party speakers we've tested with Bluetooth, and its large and striking design ensures it'll stand out from the crowd. You can customize the RGB lights beneath its grilles to set the mood at your next big party, and mic and guitar inputs give extra flexibility for musicians and karaoke lovers. This speaker has no trouble getting loud, so your whole space fills with a thunderous sound.

Any good party speaker can bring boom in the bass, and the JBL is no exception. Blast bass-heavy tunes like EDM and hip-hop, and you'll shake the dance floor. Voices and lead instruments remain clear in the mix, meaning you can enjoy other vocal-centric genres easily. Plus, the sound customization tools in the speaker's companion app let you customize its sound to get your desired output. Its large design isn't for everyone, especially with smaller options like the JBL Boombox 3 on the market, but it's still a great option for party lovers.