Best Bluetooth Speakers 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

Published: July 5th, 2024

🔊Bluetooth speakers are getting better and better with each passing year. Whether you're throwing a backyard party, going on an adventure, or just want to enhance your home audio setup, there's a perfect Bluetooth speaker for you in 2024. We've done the homework to bring you the top picks based on various needs and budgets.

Let's find the ideal speaker for your lifestyle.

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Overall Best: JBL Xtreme 4

JBL Xtreme 4 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Powerful Sound and Deep Bass, IP67 Waterproof, 24 Hours of Playtime, Powerbank, PartyBoost for Multi-Speaker Pairing (Blue)

The JBL Xtreme 4 stands out as the best overall Bluetooth speaker due to its excellent audio performance, impressive 24-hour battery life, and rugged IP67 waterproof design, making it perfect for outdoor use.

Although it comes at a premium price of $379, its clarity, strong bass, and durability justify the investment. Users can expect a well-rounded sound experience with balanced highs and impactful bass that enhances outdoor listening experiences.

View TLDR Review: JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 4 earns a strong score due to its impressive sound quality, boasting powerful bass and clear mids and highs, along with a remarkable 24-hour battery life and rugged IP67 design for outdoor use. However, its high price and weight have led some users to consider more affordable alternatives, resulting in mixed feedback regarding value for money.

7.36

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$379.95 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Bose SoundLink Max

NEW Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker, Large Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, Up to 20 Hours of Battery Life, USB-C, Built-in 3.5mm AUX Input, Black

The Bose SoundLink Max offers a premium audio experience with a built-in rope handle for easy transport.

Its sound quality is second to none with a deep, powerful bass and clear highs, ideal for outdoor events and parties. It features an IP67 rating for full dust and water resistance, and a 20-hour battery life.

At $399, it is pricey but perfect for those who demand superior audio performance and robust build quality.

View TLDR Review: Bose SoundLink Max Speaker

The Bose SoundLink Max receives a moderate score due to its excellent build quality, powerful sound, and impressive battery life, ideal for outdoor use; however, its high price point raises concerns among some users regarding value for money, especially when compared to competing products. Professionals praise its impressive audio capabilities but note limitations in bass performance at high volumes, leading to mixed customer opinions about its overall worth.

8.21

Overall

Lowest at Amazon

$55.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.59 at Bonanza

More Answers

Still curious about the Bose SoundLink Max Speaker? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the sound quality of the Bose SoundLink Max compare to other Bose speakers?

The Bose SoundLink Max has a reputation for great sound quality. Our research highlights its rich, clear sound and strong bass, making it a solid choice for a portable speaker. But there are a few things to keep in mind when stacking it up against other Bose speakers like the [SoundLink Flex](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSoundLink%2BFlex%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [SoundLink Revolve+ II](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSoundLink%2BRevolve%2B%2B%2BII%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). One key limitation is that the SoundLink Max doesn't support stereo pairing with other Bose speakers, so you can't link two of them for true stereo sound or integrate it into a bigger Bose setup. This is something other models offer, and it's a feature some people miss. On the plus side, it does have multipoint Bluetooth, so you can connect two devices at once and easily switch between them. All in all, while the SoundLink Max performs well, the lack of stereo pairing is a drawback that some folks find disappointing.

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Can you pair two Bose SoundLink Max speakers together?

Unfortunately, you can't pair two Bose SoundLink Max speakers together for stereo sound right now. This has been a bit of a letdown for some, especially given the 'SoundLink' branding, which kind of sets that expectation. It's too bad because the SoundLink Max has some great features like its IP67 waterproof rating and a 20-hour battery life. But yeah, if you're hoping to connect two for that stereo experience, it's a no-go at the moment. From what we've seen, quite a few folks have mentioned this in their reviews, expressing frustration that such a high-end speaker doesn't have this capability. Even professional reviews from places like [PCMag](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPCMag%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [CNET](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCNET%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) point out that while the SoundLink Max sounds great and is built well, it definitely misses the mark by not letting you connect multiple speakers. There is some speculation that a future firmware update might add this feature, but there's no official word from Bose about that happening. So, if being able to pair speakers for stereo sound is super important to you, you might want to check out other options that already offer it. For now, the Bose SoundLink Max is an excellent standalone speaker but just doesn't have that stereo pairing option.

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Is the Bose SoundLink Max waterproof?

The Bose SoundLink Max isn't actually waterproof. According to the manufacturer's product description, it has an IPX4 rating. This means it can handle splashes, like if it gets wet from light rain or near the pool, but you shouldn't submerge it or expose it to heavy downpours. So, it's pretty resistant to casual water exposure but for anything more intense, you might need to look for a different speaker with a higher waterproof rating.

View All Answers for

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Budget Pick: Tribit StormBox Flow

Tribit StormBox Flow Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Speaker with XBass, 30H Playtime Wireless Speaker, IP67 Waterproof, Bluetooth 5.3, TWS, Custom EQ, Type-C Speaker for Outdoor Travel Beach

The Tribit StormBox Flow is our top budget-friendly recommendation due to its exceptional battery life of up to 30 hours and robust sound performance, particularly in outdoor settings.

Priced at just $79.99, it offers excellent value with features like IP67 waterproof rating and solid durability.

While its design may be simple and it may struggle slightly at higher volumes, it delivers impressive performance for its price point.

View TLDR Review:

The Tribit StormBox Flow earns a moderate score, praised for its outstanding battery life, solid construction, and versatile features, including a useful app for EQ adjustments. However, concerns about sound clarity, particularly at higher volumes, and inconsistent performance have led to mixed customer experiences, especially when compared to competitors like JBL and Bose, which may offer a more refined audio profile.

6.72

Overall

Lowest at Amazon

$89.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$71.04 at AliExpress.com

Best for Design: Ultimate Ears Epicboom

Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM, Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, Big Bass and Immersive, 360-Degree Sound, Adaptive EQ, IP67 Waterproof, Floatable, 17 Hour Battery, 180 ft Range, USB C - White

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom is the Bluetooth speaker to choose if design and aesthetics are as important to you as sound quality.

At $349.99, it’s on the higher end, but offers exceptional sound and style. This model is IP67 rated for water and dust resistance and integrates easily into any stylish setting, making it both a functional and visual standout.

Great sound, rugged design, and quality build make it a solid choice for those who want performance with panache.

View TLDR Review: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Speaker

The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM receives a moderate score, highlighting its robust construction, impressive 360-degree sound quality, and impressive battery life, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. However, it falls short against competitors due to limited streaming options and perceived audio distortion at high volumes, leaving some users disappointed with its overall performance relative to its premium price.

7.53

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$299.99 at Amazon

Best for Musicians: Positive Grid Spark Mini

Positive Grid Spark MINI 10W Portable Smart Guitar Amp & Bluetooth Speaker with App for Playing Guitar at Home or Travel (Black)

Musicians will find the Positive Grid Spark Mini to be an invaluable portable tool.

This Bluetooth speaker doubles as a guitar amplifier, allowing you to play along with music from your phone. With 8 hours of battery life and the ability to function as an audio interface for quick recording sessions, it’s perfect for jam sessions, campfires, and recording on the go.

While priced at $229, its versatility and functionality make it a must-have for any traveling musician.

View TLDR Review: Positive Grid Spark MINI Amp

The Positive Grid Spark Mini achieves its high score owing to its impressive sound quality and portability, making it an excellent option for both practice and informal performances. Professionals praise its extensive app features and ease of use, while customers appreciate its versatility, although some noted Bluetooth connectivity issues and app performance inconsistencies. Overall, this amp offers great value for those seeking a compact and functional practice tool, despite some reliability concerns.

8.2

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$229.00 at Amazon

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