November 10, 2023, 6:13 am | Read time: 9 minutes

There are as many Bluetooth speakers as there are grains of sand. But not all Bluetooth speakers are created equal: If you’re looking for a good speaker, there are several criteria to consider before buying. Sound quality is, of course, the top priority. But a good speaker is not just about sound: It should also be robust and easy to transport, have at least splash protection, and offer long battery life. All of this ideally comes at a good price-performance ratio. TECHBOOK has examined the best Bluetooth speakers and selected the most outstanding offers.

What is important in Bluetooth speakers?

To find the perfect Bluetooth speaker, you should be clear about your own requirements. Generally speaking, small, lightweight speakers are ideal for on-the-go use, but you have to compromise on sound. The smaller the speaker, the less volume there is to produce powerful bass. Additionally, weight and durability are crucial for a good mobile speaker. For long-lasting music enjoyment on the go, a long battery life is essential. There are significant differences in power supply: If the battery is built-in and its lifespan eventually ends, the entire device must be replaced. Replaceable batteries are advantageous here. Their runtime also determines the entertainment value of the speaker: Some run out of steam after just a few hours, while others are endurance champions with over 50 hours of runtime.

Also read: What to consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker

Marshall Kilburn II

In addition to smartphones, Marshall also makes Bluetooth speakers. One of the best models in this category is the Kilburn II. The device is compact and impresses with good sound and a strong battery life of around 20 hours. It also features a quick-charge function. The design is very stylish and resembles a retro radio. Additionally, there are buttons on the top to adjust the sound.

Advantages:

• stylish design
• good sound, but not a classic party speaker
• strong battery life

Disadvantages:

• a bit heavy at 2.5 kg
• high price
• cannot be paired with multiple speakers

LG Xboom Go Pn5

The LG Xboom Go PN5 is a small wireless speaker with strong sound. The battery offers up to 21.8 hours of runtime per charge and recharges in just under 3 hours. With dimensions of about 22 x 10 x 12 cm, the Bluetooth speaker is ideal for on-the-go use and can withstand longer trips without power. Top feature: The LG Xboom Go PN5 is protected against water jets according to IPX5. For a sale price of around 60 euros, you get an affordable Bluetooth speaker with optimal battery performance, but you have to compromise on sound quality.

Advantages:

• strong battery performance
• comparatively inexpensive
• with speaker lighting

Disadvantages:

• sound quality could be better

JBL Go 3

The smallest among JBL’s speakers delivers surprisingly good sound. At around 40 euros, it is very affordable and a purchase you won’t regret, even for rare occasions. With its exceptionally compact dimensions and weighing just 200 grams, it fits in any pocket, hangs on any bike, and is a good choice for kids, who can take it to the garden or their room. Thanks to the IP67 protection class, dust and water have no chance. Clearly, the small speaker is not suitable for large garden parties. But for smaller outings without much luggage, it is the perfect companion.

Advantages:

• clear and clean sound
• high-quality construction and waterproof
• very affordable

Disadvantages:

• relatively short battery life

Teufel Rockster Cross

The Teufel Rockster Cross is the gold medalist among the sound heavyweights. In the class of 1000 grams and up, it is also the test winner at Stiftung Warentest, with everything that makes it perfect for parties in the home garden: It is water jet protected according to IPX5, and its thick-walled, flexible housing interprets bumps as an invitation to dance rather than a threat. Its powerful stereo system with two tweeters, a subwoofer, and two passive drivers makes the Rockster a rock star. It has built-in Bluetooth for wireless transmission in CD-like quality from Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc. DJ vibes come up when two smartphones are connected simultaneously and songs are played alternately–or when two Rockster Cross speakers are paired using Stereo Connect.

Advantages:

• very good overall sound
• robust housing

Disadvantages:

• occasional quality loss in the bass range
• relatively expensive

Sony SRS-XB33

If you don’t want to overstrain your wallet but also don’t want to compromise on performance, the Sony SRS-XB33 is recommended. Weighing about 1100 grams, it is one of the heavyweights with solid sound. The X-Balanced speaker unit developed by Sony is notable for its high sound quality and powerful sound, especially the Bass Boost, which enhances the low-frequency range, making the sound even richer. The Sony SRS-XB33 is waterproof, saltwater-resistant, dustproof (according to IP67), and shockproof, with a battery life of up to 24 hours. The battery life surpasses most comparable models. For wireless data transmission, the speaker has Bluetooth–allowing you to connect up to 100 compatible wireless speakers with Party Connect.

Advantages:

• good sound
• relatively long battery life
• very good stability

Disadvantages:

• issues with synchronizing multiple devices
• relatively short battery lifespan

JBL Flip Essential 2

One of the top candidates is the JBL Flip Essential 2. The waterproof housing is covered with an anthracite fabric. Thick rubberization at the ends ensures that the Bluetooth speaker is well protected against shocks. The biggest difference from the popular JBL Charge 5: This model has a battery life of up to 10 hours. But for regular use, that’s more than sufficient. Devices without Bluetooth can be connected to the speaker via a 3.5 mm jack cable through an AUX input.

Advantages:

• good sound
• intense bass reproduction
• compact size
• very robust

Disadvantages:

• emits non-deactivatable sounds when turning on and off

LG Xboom Go DXG7

For its compact size and very light weight, the Bluetooth speaker from LG sounds exceptionally good. It offers a mood-enhancing color change and a sound boost that amplifies the sound when the surroundings get too loud. It is also water-protected and made from sustainable materials (recycled plastic). It can be controlled via smartphone voice commands.

Advantages:

• sound boost
• good craftsmanship
• light and compact
• long battery life

Disadvantages:

• occasional quality loss in the bass range
• relatively expensive

Teufel Boomster Go

The Teufel speaker offers clear and clean sound with a good amount of bass. While it can’t quite match larger Bluetooth speakers, it doesn’t feel like anything is missing from the sound. The speaker’s housing, only as large as a palm, is mostly covered with high-quality hard rubber, while the top, under which the 10-watt driver is mounted, is made of a chic linen fabric. This way, the Teufel Boomster Go is protected even from minor falls. The battery life of 10 hours is solid, though not quite “state of the art.”

Advantages:

• clear and clean sound
• good craftsmanship

Disadvantages:

• relatively short battery life

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P2

Powerful companion for on-the-go: The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P2 is a small wireless speaker with good sound. The speaker features an integrated microphone for clear calls and voice control. Intelligent functions like snooze and voice control are accessed by shaking or tapping. The splash- and dust-resistant speaker fits in a palm and can be easily carried in a pocket. The smooth anodized aluminum cover over a polymer frame offers durability, while a leather strap simplifies transport. The battery provides up to 10 hours of playtime per charge.

Advantages:

• good sound
• intelligent functions like snooze and voice control

Disadvantages:

• prone to Bluetooth connection issues
• battery performance could be better

UE Boom 3

The brand Ultimate Ears has been known for years for its handy and good-sounding Bluetooth speakers. The Boom 3 represents the golden mean in terms of size. It is still handy enough to fit in any bag with its 608 grams and cylindrical shape. Two Boom 3s can be paired to form a stereo pair. Through the smartphone app, users can also connect up to 150 different Booms and Megabooms of all three generations in party mode, creating a true sound spectacle. According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts up to 15 hours. Additionally, the speaker is waterproof according to the IP67 standard. It can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes or simply float on the surface. 

Advantages:

• waterproof according to IP67, floatable
• good battery life
• strong bass and balanced highs
• can be paired as a stereo pair

Disadvantages:

• no headphone jack available

More on the topic

With videos 6 Affordable Bluetooth Speakers Under 100 Euros Tested

Buying Guide The 8 Best Bluetooth Sports Headphones Compared

JBL Xtreme 3

The weight of around two kilograms is partly due to the strong battery, which provides 15 hours of endurance. It can also be used as a power bank to charge smartphones and tablets.

The housing is very robust and waterproof according to the IPX7 standard, so the Bluetooth speaker can even withstand short dives in water. Additionally, the speaker can be paired with other compatible JBL speakers via a smartphone app. The sound quality is also impressive. Even at party volumes, the Bluetooth speaker plays cleanly.

Advantages:

• waterproof according to IPX7
• solid battery life
• robust exterior
• powerful sound even at high volume

Disadvantages:

• bass only really good after firmware update
• a bit heavy at almost 2 kilograms
• quite expensive

Also read: How to connect Bluetooth speakers to your smartphone 

Conclusion

Bluetooth speakers come in various designs. Some are heavier, while others are lighter. There are also differences in sound quality. There is no clear winner in the comparison. Instead, price, sound, materials, etc., play important roles in the purchasing decision.