Everyone has at least one Bluetooth speaker. They’re everywhere. Essential. And the best Bluetooth speakers are versatile enough to add music to whatever it is you’re doing, be that hosting friends in the backyard, tanning at the beach, hiking or biking, or just streaming a podcast in the kitchen. In many cases, Bluetooth speakers have become the norm, replacing the larger component-based receiver-and-speaker systems of our parents.
That, and modern Bluetooth speakers have, in many instances, surpassed even the sound quality of some of those classic hi-fi systems, bringing impressive sound quality, as well as long-lasting battery life and rugged, even waterproof portability.
Some are small enough to clip to your backpack, while others are more at home as a centerpiece and can fill a room with rich, detailed audio — often with advanced audio features like stereo pairing, hi-res Bluetooth codecs such as aptX, and built-in Wi-Fi for seamless home use. If you're looking for a stationary Wi-Fi speaker instead, we also have a list of the best wireless speakers you can explore.
But there's a forest of speakers out there and deciding can be tough. We’ve tested and rated hundreds of the best Bluetooth speakers available — including our current top pick, the revived Beats Pill (2024) — to help you find the perfect one for you.
Best overall Bluetooth speaker
Beats Pill (2024)
- Sleek design
- Excellent battery life
- Can charge other devices
- USB-C audio
- Fully dust/waterproof
- Works great as a speakerphone
- No analog-in
- iOS needs more controls
- No EQ settings
| Specification: | |
| Size | 219 x 7. x 70 mm About 680 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C port |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours |
We only had to wait 10 years, but the Beats Pill is back, baby! And we're delighted to report that the wait has been worth it, as the 2024 redux model has nailed the perfect mix of size, sound quality, and price, making one of the best new portable Bluetooth speakers of the year.
At a very reasonable $150, the new Beats Pill is small enough to fit in a backpack (at 8 inches long, 2.75 inches in diameter, and just 24 ounces), but delivers surprisingly clear, loud sound with some smooth, resonating bass. But one of its superpowers, as we discuss in our video review of the Beats Pill, is that by combining two Pills together in a stereo pair you get an excellent soundstage and much bigger sound. Plus, it's all handled well in the Beats app.
The new Pill lacks any kind of EQ adjustment (its tuning is solid out of the box, though) and some controls are difficult to see at night, but overall, the Beats Pill is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable speaker with good sound quality and a stylish design. It's available in three colors (black, red, and champagne gold) and carries an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating making it good to go in sand or surf.
Battery is excellent, too, getting 24 hours of playback on a single charge (double that of the old Pill+). It can also be used as a speakerphone and supports fast pairing with both iPhones and Android devices.
Best budget Bluetooth speaker
Soundcore Motion 300
- Under $100
- Full stereo sound
- Totally waterproof
- Speakerphone built-in
- Handy carry strap
- Illuminated controls
- No battery level indicator
- Bigger, heavier than alternatives
- Hi-res audio is underwhelming
- Sound gets rough at higher volumes
| Specification: | |
| Size | 199.9 x 92.46 x 50.04 mm 775.64 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water/dust resistance | IPX7 |
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours |
The Soundcore Motion 300 offers a powerful and immersive listening experience, thanks to its 30W stereo sound output. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, this portable speaker is sure to enhance your experience. Additionally, its IPX7 waterproof rating makes it perfect for outdoor use, as you don't have to worry about it getting damaged by rain or splashes.
One of the standout features of the Soundcore Motion 300 is SmartTune, which automatically adjusts the sound based on the speaker's orientation and direction. This ensures that you always get the best possible sound, no matter where you are or how you're using the speaker.
The built-in speakerphone, illuminated controls, and convenient carry strap make the Soundcore Motion 300 even more appealing. Plus, its excellent battery life of up to 13 hours means you can enjoy your music or other audio content for extended periods without having to recharge the speaker.
Need more battery life? Tribit's StormBox Flow is a dead-ringer for the Motion 300 in terms of its size and shape, and it's the same price. We think the Motion 300 has slightly better sound quality, but there's no denying the StormBox's massive advantage when it comes to power: It has a 30-hour claimed playtime.
Best premium mid-sized Bluetooth speaker
JBL Xtreme 4
- Warm, rich, and dynamic sound
- Clear at higher volumes
- Insane 30-hour battery life
- Replaceable battery
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Expensive
- No AUX input
| Specification: | |
| Size | 5.6 x 11.7 x 5.9 inches; 4.6 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C Auracast |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours |
If you're on the hunt for a premium, mid-sized Bluetooth speaker that consistently punches above its weight in terms of sound-to-size ratio, is good for adventures both rugged and refined, and has some excellent future-proofing tech built-in, then it's time to get Xtreme... 4, that is. That was lame. So sorry.
But seriously, don't be scared off by the Xtreme 4's hefty price tag — it's well worth it. For its rugby-ball-sized package, the Xtreme 4 pumps out some serious sound, to the tune of 100 watts RMS total from its dual 2.75-inch woofers, two 0.75-inch tweeters, and double bass radiators on its sides. And it's pristine sounding, even at peak volumes, with scrumptiously warm bass and clear mids and highs.
It's also got some expansive soundstaging on its own, but with the help of the JBL Portables app (or the push of a button on the speaker) you can either add additional JBL speakers to the mix for even more volume, or add a second Xtreme 4 to make a stereo pair.
This is all made possible via an upgraded Bluetooth technology called Auracast that JBL has baked in to several other of its speakers for expansive connectivity and other features going forward.
Like the Xtreme 3, this latest model maintains is IP67 dust and waterproof rating for pool- or beach-side party use, and it comes with a sturdy nylon strap with a built-in bottle opener because why not?
Let's talk battery life now, because the Xtreme 4 has it in spades with a 9,444mAh powerpack that not only delivers up to 24 hours on a charge but is removable and replaceable. This means that when the battery reaches its end of life, the speaker can get a new lease on its own, which makes its $380 price seem like more of an investment than a splurge.
The best-sounding rugged Bluetooth speaker
JBL Flip 7
- Fully water- and dust-proof
- Great sound for its size
- Expandable with JBL Auracast
- USB-C lossless audio
- Decent battery life
- No speakerphone
- No analog input
| Specification: | |
| Size | 7.25 x 2.5 inches, 1.23 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC/AAC), USB-C for lossless, digital audio |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours |
If you're at all familiar with JBL's Flip line of rugged portable Bluetooth speakers, you know that you cannot go wrong with adding one (or several; more on this in a bit) to your quiver of music-delivery systems. The Flip 6 was so excellent that we gave it a four-star rating in commemoration, and while the Flip 7slightly nudges past its predecessor, it remains one of the best-sounding, take-a-beating-est, outdoor-loving, travel-friendly speakers of all time.
So why not stick with the Flip 6 and save $50 or $60? Let us count the ways, then. Not only does the Flip 7 maintain its sweet, detailed, and surprisingly-full sound signature that holds its own against even the new Beats Pill, but this time out its added support for lossless audio via its USB-C input — that's someting that even the Xtreme 4 can't boast. There are some new EQ modes, too, and JBL's new AI Sound Boost that's found in several of its new speakers, such as the Xtreme 4, optimizes sound output. Oh, and you get multi-speaker connectivity and stereo pairing by way of Auracast, the hottest thing in Bluetooth since Harald Bluetooth himself.
You also get four more hours of playback with the Flip 7, now at 12 hours, and an bit of a power increase at a total of 35 watts (up from 30 watts). But if you're interested in the Flip line it's likely because of its reputation for being rugged, and it is — now rated at IP68 versus IP67, which now protects against the effects of “continuous immersion.”
The best portable Sonos speaker
Sonos Roam 2
- Excellent sound for its size
- IP67 dust- and waterproof
- Lightweight and portable
- Dedicated Bluetooth button
- No stereo pairing over Bluetooth
- Battery life is still not awesome
- Google Assistant is gone
| Specification: | |
| Size | 168 x 62 x 60 mm 0.43 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C Wi-Fi |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
While our review of the Sonos Roam 2 is in the works, from our initial impressions, what we can tell you is that the second generation of Sonos' smallest and mighty Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker is just about identical to its first-gen sibling, only slightly better.
And that is not a bad thing at all, because the Sonos Roam has been on this list since it debuted in 2021, and that's in no small part due to its exceptionally clear and full sound that comes from an impossibly compact form that, thankfully, Sonos hasn't messed with.
One of the most portable speakers on the market, the cylindrical Sonos Roam 2 still features a single tweeter and a single midwoofer driven by two Class-H amplifiers. It's both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capable, meaning you can take it anywhere and use it like any other Bluetooth speaker on this list. But when connected to Wi-Fi, you can tap into the full potential of Sonos' ecosystem, add another Roam or Roam 2 to it as a wider, stereo pair (you can't do this via Bluetooth, unfortunately), or just add it as a part of your multiroom Sonos network.
The new features with the Roam 2 are few, with the most significant being the addition of a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button (no more guesswork with the single button's functions). The Sonos logo has also changed to now match the color of the speaker you choose (Olive, Sunset, Wave, black, and white), and, sadly, due to Sonos and Google's legal woes, the Roam 2 no longer has support for Google Assistant (Alexa snd Sonos Voice remain, though).
Everything else is the same — up to 10 hours of juice on a single charge, IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, AirPlay 2 support, and automatic Trueplay tuning. Now, if Sonos can get its app back in shape, all will be well again in Sonos land. That still shouldn't stop you form getting a Roam 2, though — it's still one of the company's best speakers.
Best multi-use Sonos speaker
Sonos Move 2
- Balanced and immersive sound
- 24-hour battery
- Analog line-in (with optional adapter)
- Charges your devices
- Awkward to carry
- No Google Assistant option
| Specification: | |
| Size | 241 x 160 x 127 mm 3 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi Apple AirPlay 2 USB-C |
| Water/dust resistance | IP56 |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours |
The Sonos Move 2 has a similar design to its original model, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sonos has kept almost every curve intact, including the integrated carry handle. However, it's the internal features that set the two Bluetooth speakers apart.
The newer model offers even better sound quality than its predecessor, despite being more expensive. The biggest sound changes are noticeable in the midrange, which now provides improved clarity and definition. Additionally, the Move 2 delivers more low-end due to its dual-angled tweeters.
The Move 2 is also notable for having significantly better battery life than the original model. While the first generation Move promised 11 hours between charges, the new model offers up to 24 hours. Like the first-gen model, the battery is replaceable and can be accessed via hidden screws on the bottom of the speaker.
It’s worth noting that the Move 2 model still has some drawbacks, such as being awkward to carry and, unlike its first-gen predecessor, lacks the Google Assistant option due to a legal dispute with Google. The Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 also share this voice limitation. However, despite these limitations, the Move update is still a worthwhile investment as it’s currently one of the best Bluetooth speakers in the market.
Best alternative to the Sonos Move 2
JBL Authentics 300
- Unique, retro design
- Easy set up
- Excellent build, top-notch materials
- Intuitive controls
- Powerful sound
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Limited battery life
- Bass suffers at low volumes
- Awkward multiroom control
- Chromecast requires Google Assistant
| Specification: | |
| Size | 342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm 4.9 kg |
| Connectivity | Blueth 5.3 Ethernet Wi-Fi USB AUX |
| Water/dust resistance | None |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
If you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker with a vintage look, you should consider the JBL Authentics 300. The speaker not only has a unique appearance, but it also offers a variety of features. However, it is a bit expensive.
In terms of hardware, the speaker includes a 2.1-channel sound system with two 25mm tweeters, a 5.25-inch woofer, and a down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator. Additionally, the JBL Authentics 300 features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to eight hours of playtime.
When connected to a Wi-Fi network, it can double as a smart speaker with the unusual ability of running both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa simultaneously.
The speaker can be connected to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can also use a 3.5mm auxiliary cable to connect the speaker to your audio source.
Best floatable speaker for the pool
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
- Excellent durability
- Light and portable
- Balanced, 360-degree sound
- Affordable price point
- Somewhat lacking in bass
- Not as slim as other competitors
- Some minor connectivity issues
| Specification: | |
| Size | 103.886 x 95.25 mm 616.9 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 14 hours |
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom portable Bluetooth speakers have consistently made it on our best-of lists for years because of their surprisingly great sound, along with better-than-you'd-expect bass, ultra-portability, and ruggedness in and out of the water.
It's no surprise, then, that the third generation of the Wonderboom has usurped its predecessor (we still think the Wonderboom 2 is a great buy, too).
But let's get to the main reason the Wonderboom 3 is on our list: it floats. To be more specific, the 14.8-ounce speaker is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning that not only does it float on water so you can toss the thing in the pool and have it play Bobby Darin's Splish Splash while you do the backstroke, but it can withstand being submerged up to one meter for up to 30 minutes (for when the track switches to Yellow Submarine).
As we mentioned, the sound is great across the spectrum of highs, mids, and low frequencies, and it still has the boost button for that added volume and oomph.
As noted in our review of the Wonderboom 3, there's not much different between it and the Wonderboom 2 except an additional hour of battery life (from 13 to 14 hours, according to Ultimate Ears), a little longer range in Bluetooth connectivity (from 30 meters to 40 meters), and the fact that the 3 is made from 100% recycled polyester fabric and 31% consumer-recycled plastic.
Classic amp looks, classically clear sound
Marshall Middleton
- Big soundstage for a small package
- Bold bass, clear highs
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- AUX input
- Stackable
- Picks up dust and fingerprints easily
- A bit expensive
| Specification: | |
| Size | 230 x 109 x 95 mm 1.8 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 USB-C 3.5mm audio output |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Over 20 hours |
The only thing keeping the Marshall Middleton from the top spot on our list is its $300 price tag, which perhaps puts it just a little out of reach for many. But if you're looking to up your Bluetooth speaker game from budget to the next step up, you cannot go wrong with the Middleton.
Not too big and not too small, the 4.29 by 9.06 by 3.74-inch (109 by 230 by 95 mm) Middleton is compact enough to put in a backpack or beach bag (it's also IP67 water and dust proof) but don't let that fool you. The Middleton's two 3-inch, side-firing woofers are powered by two 20-watt class D amps that can pump it out, while a set of drivers consisting of a 0.6-inch tweeter and a passive radiator fires sound out the front and it mirrored on the back, bringing the driver count to six to deliver what Marshall calls "True Stereophonic" sound. And it works. There's a good stereo separation from the Middleton, and the sound is clean, full-ranged, and big for a chassis of its size.
Bluetooth connectivity is of the SBC variety, and while it would have been nice to see AAC at this price, sound is still great but if you like you can use the line-in AUX input to hardwire a device to the Marshall if you have hi-res streaming from Tidal or Apple Music you'd like to listen to. The well-designed Marshall app's "Stack" mode allows you to link multiple MIddletons together for even bigger sound. The app also has EQ features for fine-tuning your sound.
Many Bluetooth speakers these days are forgoing physical buttons, forcing you to use an app for everything, which can be annoying if your phone's not close. The Middleton's physical controls are well placed on the top of the rugged unit and include a bright gold button for power, volume, and track skip control. There are also physical controls for bass and treble, Bluetooth pairing, and activating Stack mode. Helpful red LEDs also indicate batter power, volume, and treble and bass levels when adjusting them.
Perhaps helping to justify the extra cash for the Middleton is its ample 20-hour battery, which puts it out in front of many competitors in the price range, such as the JBL Pulse 5 and even the Sonos Move. If you've got the means, the Marshall Middleton is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we've come across in a while.
The best boombox Bluetooth speaker
Bose SoundLink Max
- Great build quality
- Excellent portability
- Impressive sound
- Optional accessory handles
- Supports Multipoint
- No Wi-Fi
- No microphones
| Specification: | |
| Size | 264.4 x 162.1 x 104.9 mm 2.22 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 USB-C AUX |
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours |
You're a busy person, so let's but the bottom line right up here at the top: The Bose SoundLink Max is a $400 portable Bluetooth speaker that looks great, sounds great, has prestige Bose quality, and more than enough features to justify its price.
Still here? OK, we've got more for you then. The star of the SoundLink Max's show is its impressive sound performance. Indoors, it'll fill a decent-sized room with music. Outdoors, things fall off a bit, but it can still hold its own at a party.
Bose didn't skimp on the design either. The speaker is wrapped in a soft-touch exterior coating with a silicone-wrapped steel build for durability. And don't get our reviewer, Phil Nickinson, started on the detachable handle — a clever touch that uses a rope attachment that adds to the speaker's rugged good looks.
Battery life is impressive, too. Bose claims up to 20 hours on a single charge, and Nickinson was able to get several hours of playback at mid-volume without a significant battery drain. Plus, the speaker can be used as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch, thanks to the built-in USB-C port.
There's an app you can use with the SoundLink Max, but it's not mandatory. If you do use it, you'll get access to EQing, speaker customization options, and firmware updates.
Overall, the Bose SoundLink Max is a feature-rich speaker with excellent sound quality. It's expensive, but it's Bose.
Best budget boombox speaker
Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- 140-watts of power
- BassUp 2.0 feature booms
- Rugged and IPX7 waterproof
- App and physical controls
- Affordable
- A little mid- and bass-forward
- Only supports SBC Bluetooth
- Light show is just OK
| Specification: | |
| Size | 442 x 228.09 x 150.88 mm 3.8 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 AUX |
| Water/dust resistance | IPX7 |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours |
A lot of Bluetooth speakers are small, backpackable (is that a word?) little devices that are great to have on hand when you want to add some musical ambiance. But if you're looking to rock up to a party and make an impression with big sound and, hell, even a light show to turn some heads, then there a few ways better than with a big boombox on your shoulder. And there are even fewer ways to do it better (and less expensively) than with the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus.
OK, so $250 doesn't seem that "budget," but when when you consider that what you get isn't too-too far off, sound- and feature-wise, from the top-dog $500 JBL Boombox 3, then the Boom 2 Plus looks super good.
With its clear, balanced sound across all frequencies, booming bass delivered by its beefy BassUp button, the Boom 2 Plus is perfect for genres like rock and hip-hop, effortlessly filling a large room or even a backyard with rich sound. Be warned though, at high volumes and especially in tight spaces, the bass can become overpowering.
But if it gets to be too much, you can just throw it in the lake. It's OK, it floats. Anker built the Boom 2 Plus to take a beating, boasting a rugged, almost military-grade design that comes in three colors. A built-in handle and shoulder strap make it easier to carry around, and its IPX7 rating means you can bring it to the pool without worrying about spills or even a quick dip.
Battery life is another strong point. With BassUp turned off you can expect up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. Even better, it supports fast charging, so you can quickly get it back up and running in just three hours. There's even a built-in USB-C port that lets you use the speaker as a power bank for your phone in a pinch.
Anker's Soundcore app gives you even more control over the Boom 2 Plus. Use it to fine-tune the sound with a nine-band equalizer and presets, adjust volume and playback, or silence notification sounds from your phone. The speaker also boasts built-in LED lights that you can customize through the app, adding a fun touch to any event.
Best Bluetooth party speaker
JBL PartyBox Stage 320
- Loud, room-filling sound
- Superb clarity at high volumes
- Sturdy, solid build
- Auracast multispeaker connectivity
- Removable 18-hour battery
- A bit pricey
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- DJ sound effects are cheesy
| Specification: | |
| Size | 335 x 669 x 385 mm 16.5 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth AUX USB |
| Water/dust resistance | Not listed |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours |
The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is an impressive party speaker that combines powerful audio with user-friendly features. With JBL Pro Sound, it delivers deep bass and clear highs, creating a rich listening experience. The customizable light show syncs with your music, enhancing any gathering's atmosphere. Its long-lasting, replaceable battery provides extended playtime without frequent recharging.
Portability is made easy with a telescopic handle and sturdy wheels, and its splash-proof design allows for outdoor use. Notable features include AI Sound Boost for optimized sound and Auracast multi-speaker connectivity for an immersive audio experience.
Customization through the JBL PartyBox app enables users to tailor sound and light settings. However, its larger size and weight may present challenges for transport, and while splash-proof, it's not fully waterproof. Additionally, sound quality opinions vary compared to older models.
Overall, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is a robust and versatile choice for partygoers, though size and sound quality should be considered before purchasing. For something less expensive, consider the $350 JBL PartyBox 110.
Best karaoke speaker
Soundcore Rave 3S
- Excellent wireless mics included
- AI vocal removal works great
- Super easy to get karaoking
- Powerful 200-watt power
- Rugged and splash proof
- No wheels or telescopic handle
- A bit heavy
- Not many connection options
| Specification: | |
| Size | 21.6 x 12 x 11.1 inches; 21.6 pounds |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Auracast, USB-C, 6.35mm guitar/mic input, 3.5mm AUX input |
| Water/dust resistance | IPX4 |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Microphones | 2 wireless mics included |
I've reviewed many so-called "party speakers,"and while many of them boast karaoke features, I've yet to come across one that's done it as well as the Soundcore Rave 3S. Don't worry though, it's a party speaker, through and through, with a huge 200-watt output that'll blast tunes easily throughout any medium to large room and all the LED lightshow features common among many of its brethren like the excellent JBL Stage 320 listed above. But where my 4.5-star review really gained traction is when I discovered the wireless microphones that were cleverly attached to the back of the Rave 3S, secure and tucked out of the way. The mics come with the speaker (many others are an extra charge), and couldn't be easier to use -- just pop the included AA batteries in, turn them on, and they pair automatically with the speaker, ready to belt out the tunes.
The best part about the mics for karaoke fans is that they can be controlled right from the mics, with no need to open the Soundcore app, although you can for extra features. The Soundcore Rave 3S has an amazing AI-vocal removal feature that can almost completely strip the vocals out of any song you play, from whatever source, be it Spotify or any other steaming service. And back to that mic for a sec, you can control the amount of vocal removal you want — go it totally alone or add a bit of it to back you up. The feature can be turned on and off and you can also control the overall volume of the mics right from their buttons. It was all pretty seamless.
The Rave 3S also accommodates a wired mic or guitar through its 6.35mm input in the back, and it also has a 3.5mm AUX input for adding analog sources. The speaker gets up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, long enough for a full karaoke concert, and with multi-speaker connectivity through Auracast, you can connect several Rave 3S speakers together for even bigger sound or create a stereo pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
These days, it seems like you can't turn around without knocking over a Bluetooth speaker. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to nail down which is best for your needs. The first things we recommend thinking about before deciding are how and where you'll be using your Bluetooth speaker.
If you're primarily using it indoors and leaving it there, for example, then the field of choices opens up dramatically in terms of size and durability considerations — you can go as big and feature-filled as your budget will allow. If portability and the outdoors is your jam, then read on...
If you're an on-the-go type, you're going to want to consider portability and ruggedness. There are plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers with durable rubber features that can withstand being dropped and banged around inside a backpack. And if your travels should take you to the great outdoors, poolside, or beachfront, consider getting a speaker with a good IP rating to stave off any water or dust. IP67, for example, will actually let you submerge the device for a short period of time (read below for more on that).
When it comes to sound features, give some thought to how you want to use your Bluetooth speaker. If you're fussy about sound, put sound quality at the top of the list. If you want something loud to fill a room at get-togethers, you may want to err on the bigger side, although there are several smaller speakers that pump out some volume, too, and even compact speakers that can be chained together and placed around the room for the ultimate in flexibility and a big sound.
The good news is that there are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from that are bound to hit on every one of your priority needs, making it easier than ever to find the right fit.
