Best 2022 portable Bluetooth speakers

Best 2022 portable Bluetooth speakers   The best Bluetooth speakers you can take with you in 2022
There are a lot of different sound speakers in the space, but we only took the best ones. However, there are good options in each price range.

All of the products that BUBBLES MULTI GLOBAL recommends are chosen by our team, not by our parent company. There are affiliate links in some of our stories. If you click on one of these links and buy something, we may get a commission. At the time this was written, all prices were correct.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Bluetooth speakers today, it’s that the options are pretty good for most people. But that doesn’t make it any easier to sort through the dozens of options. So I decided to try out some of the most popular models in different price ranges. Most of the speakers I tried sounded good at first listen.

 

Best 2022 portable Bluetooth speakers

 

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I didn’t start to hear the differences between them until I put them next to each other. You can only get so far by just reading the specs. So, we’re putting a little more emphasis on sound quality and dynamic range, while also taking into account things like price and how useful the product is. In the end, there isn’t a single best Bluetooth speaker, but we’ve found a lot of good ones that work well for a variety of uses and budgets.

What to think about

Weatherproofing

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are the letters and numbers you often see on a product’s spec sheet. They show how well a product has been tested to resist both solid objects (like dirt, dust, or fingers) and water. Most of the time, it’s a combination of two numbers. The first number shows solid object ingress, and the second number shows water. The first one has a range from 0 (no protection) to 6 Protection from water ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9. When an X is used instead of a number, it means that the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it might be resistant to solids by nature, but there’s no way to know for sure.

 

IP67 is a common rating that shows that a speaker is highly resistant and might be tough. These are fine for quick dips in the pool or tub, and they should be fine in the rain or shower, too. They also work well at the beach, on the playground, and in other rough places.

 

Also, high-rated speakers with ports usually have a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan to use the ports, that could lower the product’s ability to protect itself from the weather.

 

 

When you choose a Bluetooth speaker, think about the IP rating and how you plan to use it. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.

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Battery life
The focus of this guide is on portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.

Be careful when looking at battery specs, though, because they often list the longest time the battery can last (“up to” x hours). Most of the time, this means that they tested at a low to medium volume. If you like to play your music loud, it can often cut the time you can use it for by half or more. Some manufacturers list the expected battery life when the volume is turned all the way up, which is helpful.
Also, if your Bluetooth speaker also has WiFi, it’s usually made to stay on all the time. Instead of going to sleep after a short time of not being used, like most Bluetooth speakers do, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly drain the battery. If you’re out and about, you should turn these speakers off by hand when you’re not using them to get the most out of the battery.

 

Android users.

Buy StormBox Micro 2 at Tribit – $60

UE Wonderboom 3 ($100)

The UE Wonderboom photographed for Engadget's 2022 portable Bluetooth speaker guide in front of a shelf full of records.

Bluetooth: N/A
Battery life: Up to 14 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 75Hz – 20kHz
App: No

Range
It’s hard to get a good Bluetooth range. Some companies list the longest range that their product can reach. These tests are usually done outside and with a clear line of sight. Other companies put a 30-foot range on the specs sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be using Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That probably undersells the speaker’s potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range, and there’s no point in promising the moon only to get complaints.
I’ve had problems with my phone’s signal when I was squatting down with it in the front pocket of my jeans and standing less than 30 feet from a speaker in my apartment. I had this problem with several devices, no matter what their range said.

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If you’re having a party on the patio and have to go inside, it’s a good idea to keep the source device close by. It’s hard to tell what in a given environment might make it hard for a Bluetooth signal to work. In general, range specs of 100 feet or more are a good example of the best-case scenario.

Latency

This is a small thing to mention for people who use a speaker as their computer’s output or as a mini soundbar for setups like a monitor and streaming box. When your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync problems, it’s annoying. Luckily, it seems like most speakers don’t have these problems much anymore. Only a few of the few dozen speakers I tried had problems with their lips not moving in time with what they said. With a few exceptions, all of our choices did well in this area.

 

If you want to use a speaker a lot for watching videos, look for the latest Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and codecs with low latency, like aptX. Also, make sure that the speaker is close to the device that is sending the sound. But if you want to avoid the problem completely, you might want to get one with a wired auxiliary input.

 

Price: $50 to $200

Tribit StormBox Micro 2 ($60)

luetooth: 5.3
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 70Hz – 20kHz
App: No

 

 

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a good choice if all you want is a small, portable speaker with a good amount of volume. The sound quality is fine, but it doesn’t stand out in terms of clarity. What makes this cheap little speaker a good choice, though, is how loud it is. If you’re outside riding your bike or hanging out in the park, portability and volume are usually more important. The back strap is made of rubber and works well on thin items like belts, backpacks, and bike handlebars.

Even though the speaker is small and cheap, it can also be used as a USB-C powerbank to charge your devices in a pinch, and you can connect two of them wirelessly for party mode or stereo sound. Also, both iOS and Android users can use voice assistants with it.

 

Android users.

Buy StormBox Micro 2 at Tribit – $60

UE Wonderboom 3 ($100)

The UE Wonderboom photographed for Engadget's 2022 portable Bluetooth speaker guide in front of a shelf full of records.

Bluetooth: N/A
Battery life: Up to 14 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 75Hz – 20kHz
App: No

The UE Wonderboom 3 is a tiny yet powerful portable, delivering the biggest sound in its size range that we tested. It’s still a cute, barrel-shaped speaker with a nubby little strap that probably needs a carabiner to help attach it to most things. But this refreshed model includes a couple of bright new colors, an extra hour of battery life and improved wireless range. With an IP67 rating on top of the company’s five-foot drop test durability, it can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.

The audio quality is punchy and bright enough for what you’d expect at this scale and price range. Although there’s no app support or connectivity with the rest of the UE speaker lineup, you can easily pair it with a second Wonderboom for stereo sound. There’s also an outdoor mode button on the bottom that boosts the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.

Buy Wonderboom 3 at Amazon – $100

 

Soundcore Motion+ ($107)

The Soundcore Motion+ photographed for Engadget's 2022 portable Bluetooth speaker guide in front of a shelf full of records.

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
IP Rating: IPX7
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 50Hz – 40kHz
App: Yes

 

This wedge-shaped speaker doesn’t look like much, but it’s worth giving it a listen. It has a bright and bassy sound, which is helped by the fact that it works with Qualcomm aptX high-resolution audio. This device is solid and a little heavy. It has a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch rubberized exterior (that loves your oily fingerprints), and IPX7 water resistance. Even though it’s not the lightest or most portable, the sound is pretty good for how much it costs. Also, the app lets you change the EQ, so you can fine-tune the sound to your liking.

For wired connections, there is also a 3.5mm aux input. That’s good, because we found that this speaker works well as an alternative to a mini soundbar, and the wired input makes it easy to connect.

 

Buy Soundcore Motion+ at Amazon – $107

Soundcore Trance Go ($120)

 

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
IP Rating: IPX7
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 55Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

 

 

The Soundcore Trance Go may come as a pleasant surprise if you have a large interior space, backyard, or similar and are looking for something with powerful long-throw sound at a reasonable price. This no-frills speaker is roughly six pounds, which is a bit heavy for a backpack, but it has a carry strap, a battery life of up to 24 hours, a socket for charging your gadgets, and an aux input.

A close listen reveals a deep bass and respectable highs. However, its sound is best suited to filling large areas, therefore it is not always the best option. You can use this as if it were a little loudspeaker; it can produce sound at a maximum of 98dB, albeit with a somewhat tamer quality that won’t disturb anyone around you. Apply EQ presets or make your own adjustments with the help of Soundcore’s mobile app. To get stereo sound, you’ll need two of them, but you can connect 100 or more Trance Go speakers together using the app’s PartyCast feature.

Best 2022 portable Bluetooth speakers

Buy Soundcore Trance Go at Amazon – $120

 

JBL Flip 6 ($130)

 

Bluetooth: 5.1
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 63Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

 

The JBL Flip 6 earns great credit for its sound quality in general, its longevity, and its volume given its small. It boasts a good dynamic range, from solid lows to crisp highs, with the volume being weighted toward upper registers, as is the case with the majority of JBL speakers. To maximize the use of available desk space, the cylindrical shape can be laid on its side or even stood on its end. It features a strap that can be used for carrying (or hanging), and it has buttons that are elevated so that they are visible in the dark.

If you want to alter the sound profile, the JBL Portable app provides you with a 3-band equalizer that you may use. Additionally, if you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can operate them in stereo mode. Connecting multiple JBL speakers with the PartyBoost feature allows for a more robust audio experience if you happen to have a wide variety of JBL speakers with this feature.

 

 

Buy JBL Flip 6 at Amazon – $130

Bose SoundLink Flex ($149)

 

 

Bluetooth: 4.2
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: N/A
App: Yes

Even though the SoundLink Micro costs $99 and is half the size of the Bose SoundLink Flex, we think it’s worth spending the extra $50 to get the Bose SoundLink Flex. Even though it doesn’t fill a room, the speaker gives your music a bright, dynamic edge and has a lot of bass for how small it is. It’s about the size of a small clutch bag and has a very short strap with a clip to hang it. Most of the outside is made of soft-touch silicone, except for the steel speaker grilles, which are coated in powder. Like other speakers in this range, this one has an IP67 rating, which means it can handle the weather and still sound good.

The Bose Connect app is used to set up and connect to the speaker, as the name suggests. You can also turn off the voice prompts, which can get annoying, and pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo.

Note: Some Android 12 users may have trouble connecting with the Bose Connect app. The problem is being worked on by the company.

 

Buy Bose SoundLink Flex at Amazon – $149

Marshall Emberton II ($170)

 

Jon Turi / Engadget

Bluetooth: 5.2
Battery life: Up to 30 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 60Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

Marshall’s newly introduced Emberton II Bluetooth portable boasts improved performance characteristics in comparison to its predecessor, making it a more cost-effective purchase overall. This clutchable rectangular slab is still equipped with a pair of 10-watt full-range drivers and passive radiators to give the distinctive sound that is characteristic of the brand. It is possible that it will not be the loudest in its size range; nonetheless, it places a much greater emphasis on balanced output than on sheer power. In addition to that, it still has 360 sound, which makes it an excellent partner for intimate gatherings. However, because it has a low-end threshold of 60 Hz, you’ll get a stronger bass response when there are surfaces for the sound to reflect off of. This won’t be the case as much if the speaker is placed in the center of a table.

This new model has an improved IP67 rating and can play music for up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is an improvement of 10 hours over the previous model. Using the new “Stack Mode,” one Emberton II or Willen II can now be paired with an additional Emberton II or Willen II. Stacking them, on the other hand, is likely to be the most effective strategy given their close proximity to one another. In addition, Marshall is now offering a product that is better for the environment than its previous offerings by constructing it with post-consumer plastics for fifty percent of the total.

 

Buy Emberton II at Amazon – $170

JBL Charge 5 ($180)

 

Bluetooth: 5.1
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: 60Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

If you’re willing to spend a little more, the JBL Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6 because it has better sound, a longer battery life, and a USB-C port for charging other devices. It has the same bright sound and good low end, but it’s a little bigger. This works if you want something portable that isn’t too big but can still entertain a few people.

Buy JBL Charge 5 at Amazon – $180

Price: $200 to $450

 

Monoprice SoundStage 3 ($250)

 

Jon Turi / Engadget

Bluetooth: 4.2
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
IP Rating: N/A
Aux inputs: Optical, 3.5mm and RCA, plus an RCA sub output
Frequency range: 420Hz – 20kHz
App: No

It’s not always necessary for portable Bluetooth speakers to be tough in order to be of high quality. The Monoprice SoundStage 3 is a model that perfectly illustrates this point. This portable device costs $250, is a homebody, and does not have an IP rating; but, it does check quite a few other boxes. The output is well-balanced, and it has a good low end as well as clear, dramatic mids and highs. This is the most essential aspect of the product’s sound quality.

It features a simple bookshelf speaker design, and its exterior is dark gray. The control panel is situated on top of the unit, and it has a faux leather grip. There is a rear bass reflex port, a woofer with a concave aluminum cone measuring 5.25 inches, and two tweeters measuring 1 inches each.

The battery life of the SoundStage 3 may last up to 10 hours with the volume set to fifty percent, which is satisfactory but not very impressive. On the other hand, it keeps its volume at its maximum level even when it is plugged in and charging. The USB charging connector, which draws power from the device’s 8800mAh battery, may also be used to top off your devices. Even though it only has a single RCA output connection for mono analog subwoofer support, it still manages to perform admirably in the bass department on its own. There are a few different types of inputs, including a 3.5mm stereo connector, RCA stereo inputs, and a digital optical S/PDIF input.

Monoprice is well-known for selling products that are not only inexpensive but also feature a significant amount of functionality. This speaker offers its own flex, along with terrific sound, Bluetooth, and plenty of hard-wired connection options if you do not require a speaker that is constructed for rigorous on-the-go action.

 

Buy SoundStage 3 at Monoprice – $250

Bose Portable Smart ($399)

Bose Revolve+ II (left) and Bose Portable Smart (right)

Bluetooth: 4.2
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
IP Rating: IPX4
Aux inputs: N/A
Frequency range: Undisclosed
App: Yes

We did test a few smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart. I thought it would be interesting to compare it to the Revolve+ II, which is the Bluetooth version of the Bose Portable Smart. Even though it’s best for portability and has a loud, bright sound that can be heard outside and a long battery life, it doesn’t have as much bass as its smart companion. The Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big step up if you are willing to spend more and like bass. It has a well-balanced low end and a bright, lively sound with a lot of subtleties, which makes it a pleasure to listen to.

This portable WiFi/Bluetooth speaker has a 360-degree sound field and is mostly made for smart home use with the occasional trip out. It has an IPX4 rating, which means it’s not the most weatherproof, but it’s fine for casual listening outside. The battery is supposed to last up to 12 hours, but since this is a smart device that is always on, you’ll need to be more careful to keep it charged. There’s a charging dock you can use around the house, but if you’re using it as a portable away from home, you should turn it off when you’re not using it.

Smart features include WiFi, voice and app control, support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Chromecast (built-in), Apple AirPlay 2, and SimpleSync connectivity with Bose Bluetooth speakers.

Note: Some Android 12 users may have trouble connecting with the Bose Connect app. The problem is being worked on by the company.

 

Buy Bose Portable Smart at Amazon – $399

JBL Xtreme 3 ($380)

 

Bluetooth: 5.1
Battery life: Up to 15 hours
IP Rating: IP67
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 53.5Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

If you’ve liked smaller JBL speakers and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to need a shoulder strap, but it’s still only about the size of a football. The sound is nice and dynamic, with strong lows and lively highs. This size seems to have a better balance than the smaller JBL speakers in this range.

This is a favorite if you want a portable device that costs less than $400 and has a little more power than most, but is still IP67 weatherproof. It’s loud enough to bring life to a small party or get-together in the backyard, but the bass sounds best when it’s close by or inside, where it can get the most out of the sound.

 

Buy JBL Xtreme 3 at Amazon – $380

UE Hyperboom ($443)

 

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
IP Rating: IPX4
Aux inputs: 3.5mm, Optical
Frequency range: 45Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

If you’ve liked smaller JBL speakers and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to need a shoulder strap, but it’s still only about the size of a football. The sound is nice and dynamic, with strong lows and lively highs. This size seems to have a better balance than the smaller JBL speakers in this range.

This is a favorite if you want a portable device that costs less than $400 and has a little more power than most, but is still IP67 weatherproof. It’s loud enough to bring life to a small party or get-together in the backyard, but the bass sounds best when it’s close by or inside, where it can get the most out of the sound.

The UE Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portability, plenty of connectivity options and a loud and punchy (albeit compressed) output. The technical fabric exterior (which now includes a white option) lets it live among your furniture without screaming “party box,” while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large capacitive buttons on top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent Bluetooth connections or a hardwired input (3.5mm or optical). On the edge with the silicone carrying handle there are the wired ports, plus one for charging USB devices and another for power. Battery life is rated for up to 24 hours and the Hyperboom is good at holding a charge on standby.

 

Best 2022 portable Bluetooth speakers

 

 

This capable and loud (roughly 100dB) speaker will please most people as long as the party is of primary concern over fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device on or off using the UE app is also a welcome feature. Plus you can easily expand the sound to other Boom speakers (except Wonderboom) using the PartyUp feature. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won’t hassle it, but it’s not the best choice for all-weather adventures.

Buy UE Hyperboom at Amazon – $443

Marshall Tufton ($400)

 

 

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
IP Rating: IPX2
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 40Hz – 20kHz
App: No

If you’ve liked smaller JBL speakers and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to need a shoulder strap, but it’s still only about the size of a football. The sound is nice and dynamic, with strong lows and lively highs. This size seems to have a better balance than the smaller JBL speakers in this range.

This is a favorite if you want a portable device that costs less than $400 and has a little more power than most, but is still IP67 weatherproof. It’s loud enough to bring life to a small party or get-together in the backyard, but the bass sounds best when it’s close by or inside, where it can get the most out of the sound.

 

Buy Marshall Tufton at Amazon – $400

Price: $450 and higher

JBL Boombox 3 ($500)

Bluetooth: 5.3
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
IP Rating: IPX7
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 40Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

The Boombox 3 is an excellent option if you like JBL’s smaller portables but wish the volume could be turned up a notch or two. Bigger and badder than the Xtreme 3, this 160-watt-plus speaker still delivers that signature JBL sound. The output contains piercing, dramatic highs and rumbling lows that might be better experienced indoors where they can bounce off of walls and floors. To be clear, it is quite loud, but it does not have the long throw of “loudspeakers.” This is a dance party accessory for use in the garage, at the beach, or by the pool.

As compared to its predecessors, the Boombox 3 offers a few noteworthy improvements. The appearance is largely unchanged, but it is now rated IP67, making it extremely robust. At 14.7 pounds, it’s a tad heavier than its predecessors; this may be due to the addition of a woofer to the mix of midrange and high-frequency drivers.

For most situations where you want the music to take center stage, this portable speaker will suffice (or at least not disappear into the background). You can play for up to 24 hours on a single charge of the battery, and when it’s plugged in, it’s just as loud as it ever was. Specifically, while plugged in, the output wattage increases from 160 to 180.

 

Buy JBL Boombox 3 at Amazon – $500

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
IP Rating: IPX4
Aux inputs: 3.5mm, USB thumb drive listening, Guitar, Mic
Frequency range: N/A
App: Yes

 

The big SRS-XP700 Bluetooth speaker from Sony is a good choice for people who like loud beats. The unit looks like a futuristic stereo speaker. It is 2.25 feet tall and weighs about 37 pounds. Both the top and bottom grab bars have nice lighting effects inside them. There are also USB charging ports and LDAC support, and the app lets you change things like how the lights work.

The XP700 is still small enough that many people can move it around without too much trouble, and its IPX4 rating means that it can handle spills and splashes. The outside is made of hard plastic, and the feet are made of rubber, but this is not the kind of speaker you want to be rough with. It mostly stays at home but can get parties going in lofts, garages, basements, or backyards. You can also connect two wirelessly for a stronger experience.

Even though the sound is big and bassy, it doesn’t do a good job with the lowest notes. Also, the high end isn’t as strong as it could be, so it might not be for everyone. It sounds more like a loudspeaker, so it sounds best in bigger rooms and at louder volumes.

 

Buy Sony SRS-XP700 at Amazon – $548

Soundboks Go ($699)

 

Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery life: Up to 40 hours
IP Rating: IP65
Aux inputs: 3.5mm
Frequency range: 40Hz – 20kHz
App: Yes

If you are searching for a portable Bluetooth alternative that delivers a loud sound for larger venues, the Soundboks Go is a top performer; but, it does come at a price. This unassuming black rectangle is only one-half the size of its more upscale and professional sister, the Soundboks Gen 3. Even at a considerable distance, the huge sound and meaty bass produced by its one 10-inch woofer and one 1-inch domed tweeter, both of which are driven by two 72W RMS amplifiers, can be experienced.

It weighs 20 pounds, making it manageable to tote about, and it appears to be roughly the same size as carry-on luggage. You can even acquire the shoulder strap, which is an optional accessory but is helpful for longer missions. The exterior is made of ABS and polycarbonate, and it features a flexible TPE grip on top. Additionally, silicone bumpers surround the corners of the device. It has a classification of IP65, which indicates that it is resistant to most environmental factors.

The sound has a significant impact on this situation. The output levels can reach up to 121 decibels, and the clean mids and highs will project clearly across huge regions. Additionally, the low end has a substantial presence at a distance, which corresponds with a frequency response of 40 Hz. It is without a doubt capable of supporting the needs of large gatherings.

The partner app allows for EQ tweaking, audio profile selection, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware upgrades, while the speaker itself is simple to connect to through Bluetooth. There is a single 3.5mm stereo input on the Go, but its wireless expansion is where it really shines. Its built-in SKAA wireless compatibility allows you to connect up to five Soundboks Gen 3 or Go speakers with only the touch of a button, and there is only one 3.5mm stereo connector on the Go.

Last but not least, the battery pack is detachable, replaceable, and extremely long-lasting for a speaker of this size; when played at a volume ranging from low to medium, it has a runtime rating of up to forty hours. In the interest of full disclosure, Soundboks informs you that you can anticipate approximately ten hours of play time when the volume is turned up to its maximum. You also have the ability to use this while the device is being charged; however, there are strong recommendations that you keep the volume low while doing so (this option is not suggested unless you are in a dire situation).

 

 

Buy Soundboks Go at Amazon – $699

JBL PartyBox Series

You may be surprised that JBL’s PartyBox series, one of the more ubiquitous loudspeaker-style devices out there, isn’t properly represented in this guide. The company had sold out of most mid-sized speakers in this line and there were none for us to test. However, we did check out one of JBL’s larger models: the PartyBox 710. It’s neither battery powered nor really ‘portable’ considering its two tiny wheels, lack of carrying handles and roughly 69-pound weight. That said, if you don’t need something to go very far (ideally without stairs) and will always have a power outlet nearby, this thing is a beast.

Buy PartyBox 710 at JBL – $800

The PartyBox 710 has a bit of flare with lighting effects surrounding its dual 2.75-inch tweeters and 8-inch woofers. It’s also a karaoke-focused device with guitar and mic inputs and line volumes, along with dedicated effects and controls on top. While it looks good, the real star here is its capable audio output. It has 800 watts of power and you can tell. This is a party rocker you can feel, helped along by its rear bass reflex port. It’s competitively priced at $800, although as we said, this isn’t really a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Some of the mid-sized models like the PartyBox 110 ($400) and PartyBox 310 ($550) seem to be worth a listen — if you can find them — considering what we’ve heard from this larger sibling.

Buy PartyBox 110 at JBL – $400 Buy PartyBox 310 at JBL – $550

 

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