The Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2025

The best Bluetooth speakers make it easy to listen to music around your house or on the go, completely free from pesky cables and outlets. They wirelessly stream audio from your laptop, tablet, or phone, offering access to all your favorite tracks. Top Bluetooth speakers do so with rich sound quality, helpful features, built-in batteries, and stylish designs.

I’ve been covering audio products and other consumer electronics for over 25 years, and I’ve used that experience to test the best Bluetooth speakers for different needs. The retro-inspired JBL Authentics 300 earns my highest recommendation. It offers a terrific balance of power, finesse, and versatility. But if you’re on a tighter budget and want something more portable, I recommend the Cleer Scene. This compact, travel-friendly model performs quite well, especially given its size and affordability.

Each of my picks has been evaluated using a rigorous testing process aimed at identifying Bluetooth speakers that offer superlative sound, functionality, and looks. Though Bluetooth is the key requirement for each recommendation, many models also include optional WiFi support, and some are compatible with digital assistants like Alexa.

Our top picks for the best Bluetooth speakers

Best overall: JBL Authentics 300 – See at Amazon

Best budget: Cleer Scene – See at Amazon

Best premium: Devialet Mania – See at Amazon

Best portable smart speaker: Bose Portable Smart Speaker – See at Amazon

Best multi-room: Sonos Move 2 – See at Amazon

Best battery life: Lodge Solar Speaker 4 Series 2 – See at Amazon

Best overall

The JBL Authentics 300 is my pick for the best Bluetooth speaker overall. It’s an impressive option that combines substantial power, stellar performance, expansive functionality, and ample style.

Its unique waffle (or, as JBL calls it, “Quadrex”) grille gives it a fun, retro look that distinguishes it from other speakers. It also has a built-in battery and a convenient handle.

Backing up its classy style, the Authentics 300 produces a clean, refined sound throughout the frequency spectrum. Convenient dedicated knobs on top of the speaker allow you to dial in the exact bass and treble flavors you desire. And 100 watts of power makes it rock at whatever volume your ears can handle.

Though the Authentics 300 is portable and meant to be moved around with up to eight hours of battery life, it’s a little on the bulky side. So if you’re using it at home you may just want to find a good spot for it and leave it plugged in, knowing that you can tote it somewhere else if/when the need arises.

Its companion app is packed with features, including the ability to adjust the EQ, toggle battery saver mode, set the auto power off time, and disable feedback tones. In addition to Bluetooth, the app lets you stream music via a WiFi connection for higher-quality playback. WiFi also enables you to set up multi-room listening (with the addition of more speakers) and configure Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant, which allows the Authentics 300 to work as a smart speaker.

At the end of the day, JBL’s Authentics 300 is not only a handsome device but also a highly adaptable and adjustable speaker with great connectivity. In addition to the platforms already mentioned, it plays well with both AirPlay and Chromecast. It’s available in either black or white. And though it retails for $450 to $500, it’s sometimes on sale for as low as $350, a grab-it-while-you-can bargain price.

Best budget

Although you may not have heard of Cleer Audio, the brand has been around for over a dozen years, churning out competent ANC headphones that rival Sony and Bose for sound quality (but cost less), great wireless earbuds, and innovative speaker designs.

Case in point: the Cleer Scene. This unique Bluetooth speaker doesn’t have a typical boxy or cylindrical build. Instead, it’s shaped kind of like a cannoli. According to the designer, this style was very intentional, as it’s meant to force listeners to position the speaker horizontally rather than vertically.

Other than its shape, the Cleer Scene stands out in this list as the only speaker under $100. But it definitely performs beyond its price. In fact, nothing in this range even comes close to it.

It features deeper, more controlled bass than JBL’s cheaper Clip 5, and it’s way more affordable than Bose’s similarly portable SoundLink Flex. The sound is crisp, bright, and smooth. Despite its tiny stature, the speaker easily fills a small area with dulcet tunes.

The Scene is available in a subtle gray or a stunning red. Unlike other speakers of its size, it features a microphone, so you can use it for calls. And it’s IPX7 waterproof, so it can survive an honest-to-goodness dunking.

That utility and durability, along with its light and compact body, make it highly portable. It’s definitely the kind of Bluetooth speaker you’ll want to bring with you everywhere around the house and on the go.

Best premium

The French company Devialet (pronounced like “D-V-allay”) has made a name for itself in the high-performance luxury audio space. Though the brand has released a soundbar, amplifier, and earbuds, it’s best known for its multi-thousand-dollar Phantom speakers.

Other than their cyber egg shape and notoriously high price tags, the Phantoms are known for their “implosive” speaker arrays, capable of blasting at cantankerous volumes without an iota of distortion. Though Devialet has come out with smaller, relatively more affordable versions, those have all needed to be plugged in. The Mania is its first battery-powered speaker.

Despite its portability, the Mania is a powerful and stylish piece of tech, as if the company somehow turned the all-seeing Eye of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings” into a speaker. One thing’s for sure: it definitely looks and feels premium.

More than that, this relatively compact yet heavy speaker performs amazingly well, delivering rich stereo sound in 360 degrees. It does so by performing a scan every time you power it on, which requires patience that’s amply rewarded. The Mania uses its four microphones to determine its position in the room and automatically adjust its audio imaging and directionality accordingly.

More than handsome, smart, and adept, the speaker is also plenty loud. At every volume, the Mania delivers clean, tight, bright sound. Even when serving up to 95 decibels of audio, it sounds big but never distorted, bloated, or muddied. It’s just tight and snappy, right up through the middle and upper registers.

Its companion app offers basic functionality, displaying charging information, product tips and info, and an adjustable volume slider with three equalizer presets. The app also gives you access to the speaker’s voice assistant and the ability to disable the microphone.

To add to its accolades, the Mania offers great connectivity, with optional WiFi support in addition to Bluetooth streaming. It’s available in five opulent colorways on Devialet’s site. And it can be paired to another Mania, in case your pockets are deep enough and you want an even better stereo presentation.

Best portable smart speaker

Bose’s aptly named Portable Smart Speaker is the successor to its older SoundLink Revolve+ II, a Bluetooth speaker included in previous versions of this guide. True to its lineage, this newer smart speaker is versatile and well-featured while adding perks like WiFi support.

Roughly twice the volume of the Cleer Scene and half that of the Sonos Move 2, the cylindrical Portable Smart Speaker is about the size of an oil can. In other words, it’s not tiny, but still relatively light and compact. It also boasts support for both Google Assistant and Alexa when connected to WiFi. Though other options in this guide are also compatible with those assistants, this is the easiest to transport, making it the most mobile smart speaker of the bunch.

In terms of the speaker’s sound profile, true to Bose’s reputation, the mids and treble are clean and sparkly. But I don’t love the bass. Unlike the Cleer Scene, Bose’s speaker is so unexpectedly thumpy that it muddies up the mids and distracts from the speaker’s otherwise pristine audio. Still, its overall performance compares well to other smart speakers of this size, offering bigger-than-expected sound.

The app is pretty basic but works well. It allows you to enable additional features, such as Chromecast and voice control, plus you can stream services such as Spotify, iHeartRadio, Sirius XM, and Pandora.

One cool proprietary feature is that you can group this model with other Bose speakers and soundbars, allowing you to fill your home with sound. You can even send synchronized audio to a pair of Bose headphones.

Design-wise, the Portable Smart Speaker errs on the side of simplicity and subtlety. It’s available in either black or white, so it’s a bit average in the looks department. But it’s a compact, powerful smart speaker with substantial sound beyond its size. I just wish it were a little less boomy and that a wireless charging cradle were included.

For more product recommendations from Bose, check out our guides to the best Bose soundbars and best Bose headphones.

Best multi-room

Sonos’ Move 2 is an excellent Bluetooth speaker that stands out thanks to its robust multi-room support. It’s compatible with Sonos’ wireless ecosystem, which (with the help of its app) allows you to discreetly control all Sonos speakers connected to your WiFi network.

You can have one set of speakers that you’ve grouped playing one stream at a particular volume and a separate speaker (or set of speakers) playing a completely different source at another volume. Though the brand’s app was subject to glitches during a botched revamp last year, most of these issues have been corrected. There are still some kinks here and there, but as a whole, Sonos’ multi-room capabilities are top-notch. And if you just want straightforward playback to the Move 2 on its own, a Bluetooth connection offers a simple solution that works anywhere.

If you were to judge the Move 2’s sound based on its beefy size, you might assume it’d be bold and brutish. But it’s actually more of a gentle giant. Make no mistake, it gets plenty loud. But the sound is rich, warm, and surprisingly brighter than that of the Bose Portable Smart Speaker. It certainly doesn’t lack in bass, but it rumbles with more finesse than the Bose — and many other speakers, for that matter.

The shape of the Move 2 is an elliptic cylinder, and it’s available in black, white, or olive. So it’s not the flashiest speaker out there. Design-wise, it seems to be more about blending into the background than standing out as a statement piece. But it’s still nice and curvy with a subtle, tasteful personality.

I also like that it comes with a charging base. But it’s certainly not lacking for battery, with the capacity for 24 hours of play time and the spare juice to charge your phone or tablet as needed via a USB connection.

As with other Sonos gear, the Move 2 is admittedly on the pricey side. But it occasionally goes on sale, so watch for that. If you’re already into Sonos, this is a great speaker to have around the house. It’s also a good one to get you started on that path, even if you have no immediate plans to add more speakers.

For more Sonos product recommendations, check out our guide to the best Sonos soundbars.

Best battery life

The Lodge Solar Speaker 4 stands out from rivals in this guide thanks to its four solar panels (top, back, right, and left sides) that can store power from the sun. It also has an IP66 rating, which means it’s fine to leave out in the rain. To further cement its outdoor worthiness, this speaker comes with a magnetic stake mounting system, so you can easily perch it above a patch of dirt, grass, or mulch.

To charge the speaker initially, you can either juice it up via its hidden USB-C port and then leave it outside for sunshine to top it off, or strategically place it outside for a few days and let the sun do all the work.

As long as you have sunlight, the Lodge offers virtually unlimited playtime. And without solar charging, it still offers 22-plus hours of battery life, so it’s sure to play through darkness and rain as well. You don’t have to fret about the weather for your camping trip or patio party being perfect.

Once powered up, the Solar Speaker 4 sounds amazing. It’s clear, bright, and plenty loud. Its bass is adequate, if not a bit understated. So it may be a letdown if you crave truly bone-rattling rumble or heart-stopping thump. In that way, its sound signature could be described as “audiophile-friendly,” meaning that it’s clean, balanced, and relatively “neutral” throughout its frequency response.

There is an app, but it’s only used to initiate firmware updates. However, it’s possible to pair two of these speakers for a superwide stereo soundstage. If you happen to have the budget and acreage (and amenable neighbors), you can even wirelessly connect up to 30 of these bad boys.

Having said all this, the Lodge Solar Speaker 4 can also be used indoors. After all, it offers stellar sound. But it’s really meant as a long-lasting speaker that you set up outdoors without having to worry about power.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

To find the best Bluetooth speakers, I tested a wide variety of popular options. After conducting in-depth research, I arrived at an initial group of prospective models. Specifically, I focused on Bluetooth speakers that were versatile enough to work well around the home and outside. I then got hands-on with dozens of potential picks to compare their performance and determine the best of the best.

When assessing each speaker, I focused on several key factors, including general sound quality, connectivity options, smart features, and overall value. My methodology is informed by decades of experience in reviewing personal audio products.

I also evaluated ease-of-use factors such as on-device controls, app functionality, portability, and aesthetics. The best Bluetooth speakers exude well-executed design and purpose, whether they blend into or add style to whatever space they occupy. In that way, they can be thought of as accent pieces not just sonically, but visually as well.

I listened to a wide variety of audio content on each speaker, from different music genres to podcasts and audiobooks. To analyze performance, I evaluated the range and clarity of the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. For source material, I tapped into streaming services such as Amazon Music, Qobuz, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. To better isolate speakers’ strengths and weaknesses, I performed several combinations of side-by-side assessments.

To be thorough, I lived with these wireless speakers for weeks, playing all sorts of audio on them. Of course, I leaned heavily on their Bluetooth connections, but I also tested WiFi and multi-room capabilities when applicable. I listened in different-sized rooms at varying volumes and distances, appropriately reflecting the intended use cases for each speaker based on their size and power.

What to look for in a Bluetooth speaker

Intended use case – When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll want to determine what room(s) and outdoor environments you’re likely to use it in. This will help frame the speaker’s power and directionality requirements.

Portability – If a speaker is relatively bulky and heavy, that may prevent you from frequently moving it around. It also helps when the speaker has a handy grip built into its body (as with the Sonos Move 2 and Lodge Solar Speaker 4) or a prominent handle (as with the JBL Authentics 300, Devialet Mania, and Bose Portable Smart Speaker).

Battery life – This is crucial for any Bluetooth speaker you plan to take out and about, away from a power outlet. Generally speaking, you should be able to get eight to 12 hours of listening from your speaker before having to recharge it.

Connectivity – To maximize the stability and range of the wireless connection, it’s best to have a speaker running at least Bluetooth 5.2 (when Auracast was introduced). This version enables connecting two or more source devices to the same speaker, grouping multiple speakers to the same source device, and receiving public audio broadcasts. Some of the best Bluetooth speakers also include optional WiFi connectivity, which lets you stream higher-quality music from anywhere your wireless home network reaches.

Sound quality – When auditioning a speaker’s audio performance, it’s best to listen to music that you’re very familiar with at low, medium, and high volumes from a proper distance. That way, you’ll be able to properly assess the speaker’s detail, distortion levels, and whether it satisfies your tastes. Conversely, if you blast songs that you don’t know while sitting right next to a large speaker in a tiny room, you’ll have no idea how that same speaker will realistically perform in your actual setting and use case.

Value – Don’t confuse this with price, which you might be tempted to lead with. Rather than letting an arbitrary price tag define what you get, it’s better to first consider what features and performance will make you happy and then look for a matching speaker solution within a “reasonable” price range (whatever that means to you).

Durability – Apart from knowing how weather- and water-proof a speaker is, it’s important to consider how and where you’ll be using the speaker. For instance, if it’ll usually sit in the kitchen, it may get stuff spilled on it. If it’ll perch somewhere in the living room, probably not as much. And if it’s going to be taken camping, thrown into carry-ons, or plopped down on the beach, you’ll want a speaker that’s either tough enough to withstand all that commotion or be easily replaceable.

Ease-of-use – This can’t be overstated since it plays such a huge role in your overall enjoyment of the speaker, from its initial setup to daily use. It’s one of the big reasons we adore the JBL Authentics 300. Its physical buttons and knobs are laid out and operated in an intuitive way. The app not only adds fun features and fine-grained adjustments but is also simple to use.

Style – From the JBL Authentics’ eye-catching “waffle” grille to the Cleer Scene’s red colorway to the Devialet Mania’s giant eyeball vibe, how unique a speaker looks has a big impact on your experience of it. In fact, some might argue that when it comes to speakers, aesthetics are just as important as performance.

Bluetooth speaker FAQs

What Bluetooth speaker brands are the best?

No speaker brand’s products are the best at everything, as each has its own pros and cons. However, certain brands are known for specific strengths.

For instance, though Bose is probably best known for its uber comfortable and effective noise-cancelling headphones, it also produces high-quality soundbars and portable speakers. Its Portable Smart Speaker and current range of SoundLink models (Micro, Plus, Flex, and Max) are well-reputed for offering excellent build quality and top-notch sound clarity for their respective sizes, though at a fairly premium price.

On the more affordable side, JBL has a stellar reputation for consistently producing great portable Bluetooth speakers of all sizes, including those in its retro-inspired Authentics line. The brand’s smaller Go and Clip models are decent budget choices. Its medium-range Flip, Charge, and Xtreme models are deservedly quite popular. And its venerable PartyBox line is a yardstick for large wireless party speakers. Each offers JBL’s signature clean, V-shaped sound (with elevated bass and treble), flexible controls in the app, solid durability, and decent battery life.

Sonos’s soundbars are perennial favorites. And the brand recently forayed into the world of headphones with its Sonos Ace. But Sonos is mostly known for how well its app empowers wirelessly networked speakers to churn out terrific sound from multiple audio sources around the house.

These companies represent some of the best Bluetooth speaker brands available, but they’re far from the only quality options. We also recommend models from Devialet, Cleer Audio, and Lodge. And though none of their models made the cut in this guide, brands like Ultimate Ears, Beats, Anker, LG, Sony, and Marshall all make worthwhile Bluetooth speakers for different needs.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a technology that can transmit audio wirelessly from one compatible device to another. So, if you have a Bluetooth speaker and a Bluetooth-compatible source device, like a phone or computer, you can play music from your source to your speaker without any cables. The wireless range can vary, but typical Bluetooth products can transmit audio at up to 33 feet.

Bluetooth compresses audio when it’s transmitted, which means there is some loss in quality compared to a wired connection. That said, modern Bluetooth technology using the latest audio codecs can minimize this degradation. In many cases, casual listeners would be hard-pressed to hear the difference between a high-quality Bluetooth signal and wired audio playback. However, audiophiles who want the absolute best sound quality are better off sticking to a wired connection or opting for WiFi playback from a lossless audio source.

Are Bluetooth speakers waterproof?

Some of the best Bluetooth speakers use water-resistant designs, but the effectiveness of their water resistance varies. If a speaker’s specifications include a waterproof rating where the last number is a 5 or 6 (such as IP66, for the Lodge Solar Speaker 4), that means it’s fine to withstand splashes and rain. And if the last number is a 7 or 8 (like IPX7, for the Cleer Scene), that means it’s water resistance is more heavy duty and won’t get damaged even if fully submerged (for a certain period of time).

Scott Tharler

Freelance Writer