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The 5 Best Small Bluetooth Speakers - Fall 2023 Reviews

Updated
Best Small Bluetooth Speakers

Love listening to music on the go? A small Bluetooth speaker may be the right choice for you. We already have a list of the best portable Bluetooth speakers we've tested, which includes some heartier, heftier models, many of which come with built-in handles for easier transport. However, this list is focused on smaller and more compact models, including some of the best mini speakers on the market. With a portable design, these speakers easily slide into your pocket or handbag to listen wherever you go; some even weigh less than a pound. Plus, they tend to be more wallet-friendly than larger picks on the market—and improving technologies offer solid sound at a more affordable cost.

We've tested over 115 speakers, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best small speakers with Bluetooth. If you're interested, check out our recommendations for the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers and the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers.


  1. Best Small Bluetooth Speaker

    The best small Bluetooth speaker that we've tested is the Sonos Roam. This premium smart speaker boasts a portable design with many cool features to make the most of your listening experience on the go. As with the manufacturer's top-of-the-line models, you can connect the speaker to other Sonos devices to spread audio throughout your home or backyard. The TruePlay room correction feature automatically adjusts the speaker's output based on your room's unique acoustics, and thanks to built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support, you enjoy hands-free control right from the comfort of your couch.

    This speaker comes with lots of different color variants to meet your style. If you aren't interested in voice assistants, you can purchase the SL variant, which comes without a microphone, at a slightly more affordable price. All models are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, so the speaker's protected against some light exposure to the elements. The manufacturer says it's drop-resistant, too. At less than a pound, this feature-packed speaker is lightweight and easy to carry, and it's a great way to enjoy your favorite tunes without taking up a lot of space in your home.

    See our review

  2. Best Budget Small Bluetooth Speaker

    If you're looking for a small Bluetooth speaker for less, check out the Marshall Willen. This handy speaker has a small and lightweight design that's great for listening to music on your next hike into the woods or while chilling with your friends at the park. As with other devices from the manufacturer, this speaker boasts a cool retro-style design that resembles the signature Marshall guitar amplifiers. It's well-built, too, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance to protect it against the elements. There's even a strap on the back to help you transport it wherever you want to go.

    This speaker doesn't have a room correction feature like the Sonos Roam or its SL variant, so it sounds slightly different depending on your room. Thanks to the preset modes available in its companion app, you can manually adjust its sound a little to make up for it. The Stack Mode feature is a cool way to connect multiple Willen speakers, too, so you can amplify sound across a larger space if you wish. And since it lasts over 14 hours off a single charge, you can listen to your favorite tunes late into the night without interruption. It's a great choice for those who don't need voice assistant support, and this mini speaker brings great sound at a wallet-friendly price.

    See our review

  3. Best Cheap Small Bluetooth Speaker

    Budget-conscious shoppers can take a look at the Sony SRS-XB100. It's the best mini Bluetooth speaker in the budget range we've tested, and while it doesn't have sound customization tools like the Marshall Willen, it has a solid sound for the price. Thanks to its small and compact design, this speaker is a great choice for listening to your favorite tunes while on the go. It's lightweight enough to carry in one hand, and its detachable strap makes it easy to clip onto a bag or backpack. Plus, since it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, it can withstand some exposure to the elements when you bring it outside.

    This speaker is the next generation of the Sony SRS-XB13, and it comes with some big improvements in the overall sound. Notably, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass, so you notice more thump and rumble in the mix, especially with genres like EDM and hip-hop. Its battery life is longer, too, so you can listen to your favorite tracks for well over 20 hours without interruption. Whether listening to music at home or on the go, this small device offers a good sound for the price.

    See our review

  4. More Affordable Small Bluetooth Speaker

    The JBL GO 3 is an even more affordable alternative to the top picks on our list, and it's another standout mini Bluetooth speaker that's great for listening on the go. Overall, this small and compact speaker is one of the most portable models we've tested, with a lightweight build ideal for taking your music with you. The built-in hook lets you attach it to a bag or backpack, too, and it's available with all the speaker's unique color variants. It's also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, which is great for the price.

    This speaker doesn't come with as many features as the top picks on our list—there's no voice assistant support, for example—but you may find it's the better value if you're just looking for a simple device to pair with your smartphone. Out-of-the-box, it boasts a pretty clear and detailed sound for the price, making it suitable for everything from music to podcasts. Large controls on the side of the speaker make it easy to adjust its settings while you're out and about, too. Plus, its small size helps it stand out from the crowd, and it's great if you want a speaker you can slide in your pocket wherever you go.

    See our review

  5. Best Small Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

    Love listening by the pool? The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best small speaker for you. It's a little larger than some of the top picks on our list, but it comes with some added support to ensure your speaker stays protected against the elements while you rock out in your backyard. Notably, it's one of the few speakers we've tested that can float in water, making it a great choice for your next day at the lake or the pool. As with many other picks on our list, it's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and it adds an impact rating to ensure it holds up if you drop it while traveling about. It has a built-in hook and is also available in many different colors and styles.

    In addition to its solid build, this speaker offers a great sound for the price. It has a 360-degree design similar to the Sony SRS-XB100, which is great for parties or larger group settings. Set it in the center of the table, and enjoy a clear sound from all angles. It lasts over 22 hours off a single charge; you don't have to worry about recharging it regularly. However, you won't find voice assistant support like the Sony speaker. Also, this speaker's a little bigger, which isn't ideal for everyone. Still, it's great if you want something to bring to the pool or the lake.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Bose SoundLink Micro: The Bose SoundLink Micro is another small Bluetooth speaker with a great build quality ideal for listening to music on the go, especially if you love a signature Bose sound. It's not as customizable as the Marshall Willen, though, and its battery doesn't last as long. See our review
  • JBL Clip 4: As its name implies, the JBL Clip 4 is a small Bluetooth speaker with a built-in carabiner hook to attach to your bag. Some may prefer this design over the fabric hooks common with our top picks, though this speaker's battery life isn't quite as impressive as similarly-priced picks like the Sony SRS-XB100. See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Aug 15, 2023: Confirmed product picks. Minor text updates for clarity.

  2. Jul 18, 2023: Replaced the Sony SRS-XB13 with the next-generation Sony SRS-XB100 as 'Best Cheap'.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Bluetooth speakers for portability. We factor in the price (cheaper speakers win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no speakers that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to see more products, here's the list of all our Bluetooth speaker reviews sorted by their portability. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect speakers. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.