Your Roundup of the Coolest Portable Bluetooth Speakers: A Buying Guide for Discerning Audio Listeners

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take music with us everywhere we go? No, not with earphones or headphones that let us hear the music but not really feel it; I mean with something that lets us blast music so it can truly be felt all the way down to our bones. Unfortunately, those pesky cords always present a problem if there are no power outlets to use, especially if we’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors with our own soundtrack. Ahh, if only we didn’t have to stay at home and limit the activities we could do with good music playing in the background.

Wait a second… that is possible! How? With portable Bluetooth speakers that keep the music going even in the most remote of locations. With these speakers, you can truly take the music anywhere. The best part is that the portable Bluetooth speakers of today are much more powerful than the ones of yesterday, both in battery life and acoustic performance. While the former gives you more freedom to explore and add a soundtrack to different aspects of your life, the latter makes you forget wired speakers are even a thing.

The question now becomes: which portable speaker is best for you? After all, Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes and include a variety of features that may make one particular option the best for you. To make things easier, we’ve created a roundup of the coolest portable Bluetooth speakers in the market today so all you have to do is read, choose, and purchase.

Let’s get started!

Bose: SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth Speaker

Starting with Bose, meet the Soundlink Revolve, a little speaker with 12 hours of sound. Hailed as one of their best performing portable Bluetooth speakers, this device includes dual-passive radiators that reduce vibrations and turn them into acoustic output for a bigger sound. As for coverage, no matter where you are in relation to the SoundLink Revolve — in front, next to, behind, or even above or below — its true 360° sound gives you the same great sound thanks to the omnidirectional acoustic deflector that ensures equal coverage at all angles. As you can expect from top Bluetooth speakers of today, the Soundlink Revolve also has an IPX4 water-resistant design so you can listen in environments that splashes happen.

In terms of “smartness,” this Bluetooth speaker includes a multi-function button to access the voice input from your smartphone’s Siri or Google Assistant. In other words, even if your phone isn’t nearby, you’ll still be able to make a call or send a text message. If you do have your phone in the vicinity, you can use the Bose Connect app to access everything this speaker has to offer, including personalized settings and the ability to sync up multiple wireless speakers for Party Mode.

Cleer Audio: STAGE Bluetooth Speaker

If you want both power and portability, as well as a leading 15 hours of audio playback per charge, then Cleer Audio’s STAGE is just for you. Let’s go in order: In terms of power, you can enjoy distortion-free reproduction of your favorite songs thanks to a powerful digital amplifier that’s accentuated with dual 48mm neodymium drivers and passive radiators for fuller, richer sound. You’ll think you’re right there in the recording studio with your favorite artists. As for portability, the STAGE’s rugged good looks include a shock and dustproof casing that protects it from those unavoidable tumbles, IPX7 water-resistance that goes above and beyond your average spills and splashes, and high-quality Bluetooth 4.2 audio streaming with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology for a powerful wireless performance.

Moving onto its “smart” features like we did for Bose, the STAGE is one of the best wireless bluetooth smart speakers you can find in the market. Not only does it boast of superb voice recognition, but also of always-on Alexa Voice Service that you won’t find in the average smart speaker. That’s right, get ready for hands-free interactions with this water-resistant Bluetooth smart speaker with Alexa compatibility, serving as your personal assistant and DJ. What more can you want?

JBL: Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker

Last but not least is the JBL Flip 5, a portable Bluetooth speaker that makes the most of JBL’s signature sound. Coming in a rainbow of colors — the Flip 5 is perfect if you like to color-coordinate all your gadgets for a uniform look that brings soothing feelings of completeness. With a standard 12 hours of playtime, it makes up by offering IPX7 water resistance so you can take it to the beach, pool, or even a snowy mountaintop. Along similar lines, JBL markets the Flip 5 as a rugged speaker made for the great outdoors, made possible by the aforementioned water resistance and the use of a durable fabric material and sturdy rubber housing that keeps it safe from hard knocks. Though this makes it especially appropriate for outdoor sessions, it lacks some of the features others boast of like voice assistance, making it less than ideal for situations where a hands-free, interactive experience is a must.

Final Thoughts: What Should I Consider Before Buying Portable Bluetooth Speakers?

Now that you’ve seen some of the best portable speakers the market has to offer, you hopefully have a better idea as to which is best for you. If you’re still on the fence, consider everything we covered today and think about what appeals the most. For instance, are longer-lasting batteries a must for you? What about water resistance — is IPX4 resistance enough for you, or do you expect more than a splash here and there and need IPX7? We can’t forget about smart speakers either if you’re the type to hit play and rely on the sound of your voice to get things done. At the end of the day, you need to answer these and similar questions before making the purchase if you intend on getting the most bang for your buck.

Enjoy!