PORTABLE speakers deliver string-free sound wherever life takes you.

After hours of testing, I’ve handpicked the very best Bluetooth speakers, so you can enjoy top-quality audio anytime, anywhere.

Music on the move used to mean tinny sound and a battery that barely lasted through your playlist. 

Thankfully, portable speakers have come a long way, now delivering rich, room-filling sound whether you’re at home or on the go.

Having reviewed everything from the best noise-cancelling headphones to premium earbuds, I’ve developed a pretty sharp ear for what sounds good.

I’ve put that to work testing a range of Bluetooth speakers, from rugged, party-ready models to sleek, travel-friendly designs.

The best ones strike the right balance between punchy bass, long battery life, and the toughness to survive splashes, drops, and daily wear and tear.

Whether you need a compact option for travelling light or a powerful speaker for backyard parties, these top picks bring the energy wherever you are. 

Read on for my standout choices of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy today.

How I tested

Each speaker was tested over several days in real-world conditions, blasting my podcasts indoors and my playlists outdoors in the garden.

Naturally, given the portable nature, I ensured every model on the list struck the perfect balance between size and sound.

I focused on audio quality across genres, which wasn’t hard with my playlists jumping between noughties classics, old-school 50s hits, and the occasional modern chart-topper.

I also paid close attention to Bluetooth stability, battery life, and durability, making sure each speaker could withstand light water exposure and a few tumbles.

Best Bluetooth speakers – tried and tested

JBL Flip 7

JBL Flip 7, £128.50

Pros: Durable mesh exterior with excellent waterproof design, solid bass and crips vocals.

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 9/10

The JBL Flip 7 is the latest addition to Flip series, which began life way back in 2012.

I’ve been using it for a while now, and the durable, rugged design immediately impressed me. You can feel in your hand that this speaker is built to last. 

It sports an IP68 rating, meaning it’s completely waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof, making it one of the toughest speakers I’ve tested.

As expected from JBL, the audio quality is superb, with punchy bass, crisp vocals, and enough volume to fill any room or outdoor space.

I put it to the test in a steamy bathroom during my shower, and it easily overpowered the sound of running water, with the steam having no effect on its performance. 

I also took it in the garden on a sunny afternoon, and at just 50% volume, it filled the space with impressive sound.

One feature I really appreciated is its ability to pair with other speakers, even those outside of the JBL range, so long as they’re Auracast-enabled.

One feature I really appreciated is its ability to pair with other speakers, even those outside the JBL range, as long as they’re Auracast-enabled.

This makes it a great choice if you’re looking to expand your setup without being locked into one brand.  

Weighing just 0.57kg, it’s lightweight and about the size of a medium water bottle, making it easy to pop into a backpack and take wherever you go. 

Setup is a breeze too; Bluetooth pairing takes seconds, and I never had any connection issues, even when using it outdoors.  

At £128.70, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but you want a tough, reliable speaker that delivers impressive sound in any situation, the Flip 7 ticks all the boxes.

Battery Life: Up to 16 hours with Playtime Boost, Water Resistance: IP68, Weight: 0.57kg

LG xboom Grab

Matt Breen

LG has a ranger of Bluetooth speakers in its Xboom series[/caption]

LG Xboom Grab, £129.98

Pros: Durable and able to withstand wear and tear, rich sound profile enhanced by AI technology

Cons: Limited practicality of the built-in straps

Rating: 7/10

This rugged, cylindrical little portable speaker is part of LG’s 2025 Xboom range, which has been developed in partnership with music supremo Will.i.am. 

I’ve been using the Xboom Grab for a while now, and it’s an impressive little device. The bass is deep and punchy, which is exactly what you want for a party. 

Sure, it doesn’t have the super-detailed sound you’d get from a premium corded speaker like my beloved Sonos Play (which costs a lot more and is corded, to be fair), but it still packs a serious punch. 

Especially when you factor in that 0.7kg weight, which means it’s easily slung into a backpack or luggage.

Setting it up was a breeze. I just tapped the Bluetooth button, and it paired with my Google Pixel 6 in seconds – no faffing about.

LG claims the build is ‘military certified,’ and while I didn’t subject it to that much abuse, it survived a drop from my kitchen counter to the floor. 

It has an IP67 rating, which means it can handle being dunked in water (up to a metre deep) for 30 minutes.

And no, I didn’t try that either – but I’m confident it’d survive a poolside mishap or a typically rainy British picnic.

If there’s one thing I wasn’t sold on, it’s the built-in straps. LG suggests you can use them to attach the speaker to a bike, but I don’t really see that being practical. 

A proper shoulder strap would’ve been way more useful.

For £129.98, though, I think it’s a great buy. Rugged, portable, and with a battery that lasts up to 20 hours at 50% volume – perfect for parties, camping, or just tunes in the garden.

Battery Life: 20 hours at 50% volume, Water Resistance: IP67, Weight: 0.7kg

Reviewed by Matt Breen

Beats Pill

Beats Pill, £149.99 £109.99

Pros: Great sound quality, 24 hour battery life, IP67 waterproof rating

Cons: Almost none, but it’s slightly heavier than we expected

Rating: 9.5/10

The Beats Pill is a summer essential, and the latest model, which came out last year, is a significant improvement on all of its predecessors, and astonishingly, it’s actually a better value.

The last version of the speaker, the Pill+, retailed for around £190 in 2015 (the equivalent of about £260 in 2025, when you adjust for inflation).

The new version is just £149.99, and you can find it for as little as £109 at retailers including Amazon.

The boffins at Beats have completely revamped the guts of the speaker, and it now creates a crystal clear, full sound that has something of a spotlight quality, you feel like it’s directed straight at you.

Bass is noticeably richer, too, thanks to some tweaks that audio engineers made to improve performance at low frequencies.

Another crucial improvement is that this version of the Pill has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, meaning it can handle accidentally being dropped in the sea, pool or bath.

It’s also equipped with a mammoth 24-hour battery life, which is better than any other speaker we encountered.

Our only minor niggle is that it was slightly heavier than we expected, and audiophiles have sometimes complained that you can’t fiddle with its EQ settings.

However, for travel, parties, or everyday use, the Beats Pill impresses with its robust build, user-friendly setup, and superior sound performance. Minor drawbacks aside, it’s a top-tier investment for music lovers.

Read the full Beats Pill review for a deeper dive into what it has to offer.

Battery Life: 24 hours, Water Resistance: IP67, Weight: 680g.

Reviewed by Kieran Ahuja

Ultimate Ears Megaboom

Ultimate Ears Megaboom, £109.99

Pros: Durable and stands the test of time, impressive volume with solid bass.

Cons: Feels cumbersome

Rating: 9/10

I’ve had the Ultimate Ears Megaboom at family get-togethers for years now, and it’s become a firm favourite.

It’s a real powerhouse speaker, delivering big, bold sound that always impresses.

The rugged mesh exterior not only looks and feels premium but has also stood up to the demands of everyday use. 

It’s been our go-to for summer barbecues for years, and even when the kids have splashed it with water, it’s held up brilliantly.

That’s thanks to the IPX7 rating, which is exactly what you’d want from a speaker like this, making it both waterproof and dustproof, ideal for outdoor use and unpredictable moments.

The sound it puts out is fantastic. It easily fills the room, with bass that’s strong but not overwhelming.

Vocals come through crystal-clear, never drowned out, and thanks to its 360-degree sound design, you’ll enjoy consistent audio no matter where you’re standing.

It’s always on hand during a barbecue, and even with the chatter of guests and the sizzle of food in the background, the music stayed front and centre.

Bluetooth pairing is quick and straightforward, and once connected, you’re set for up to 20 hours of playtime, more than enough for a full day and night of tunes. 

Friends and family can also pair their devices effortlessly, taking turns to control the playlist.

If I had to nitpick, its size is one of its few downsides. At 18.4cm tall and 7.3cm wide, it’s on the larger side compared to other portable speakers I’ve used. 

While it’s portable, you’ll definitely notice it in your bag when you’re on the move.

That said, the size is a fair trade-off for the premium audio quality and robust durability it provides. 

It might not be the most compact option, but for the sound it delivers and the peace of mind that it can handle a few bumps or splashes, it’s a compromise I’m still happy to make.

Battery Life: 20 hours, Water Resistance: IPX7, Weight: 936g

Soundcore Motion 300

Soundcore Motion 300, £89.99

Pros: Handy clip, ultra-lightweight and slim, great sound for the price

Cons: Bass button is hit and miss

Rating: 7.5/10

As my first experience with Soundcore’s audio gear, I wasn’t sure how it would measure up, but for a £89.99 speaker on the budget end of the lineup, it carries itself well.

It plays well over Bluetooth, and connected to my iPhone in no time, remaining stable with no connection woes while streaming.

The Motion 300 is built with outdoor use in mind, with an IPX7 waterproof rating. But, while it’s designed to handle outdoor, it doesn’t feel as durable as I’d hoped.

The silicone shell offers some protection but doesn’t inspire confidence against scuffs, so I wouldn’t recommend getting too rough with it, but it’s a minor gripe.

The sound quality is impressive for its size and price, though it’s worth noting a few limitations.

There’s a dedicated button to amplify the bass, but I found it a bit hit-or-miss, sometimes enhancing tracks, but other times making them feel overly heavy and thuddy.

While it’s a budget-friendly option, there are even cheaper speakers out there if you’re willing to compromise on sound quality.

For just shy of £90, I’d have liked a slightly wider speaker to accommodate larger and more powerful drivers.

It doesn’t offer true 360-degree sound like some of its competitors, but with careful directional placement, it still performs admirably.

Plus, with up to 13 hours of battery life, it’s more than capable of lasting a full day while out and about.

All in all, at under £100, the Motion 300 is a great mid-range choice for anyone seeking decent sound in a lightweight and waterproof package.

Battery Life: 13 hours, Water Resistance: IPX7, Weight: 750 grams

Best portable speakers FAQs

Where to buy portable speakers

You can find portable speakers at most major tech retailers or department stores.

If you’re after premium sound, brands like JBL, LG, or Ultimate Ears are worth checking out.

Retailers like Amazon, Currys, and Argos often stock these and sometimes have great deals.

For the biggest savings, keep an eye out for Prime Day or Black Friday bargains.

• Amazon
• Argos
• Currys

How to choose the best speaker for you?

The ideal Bluetooth speaker for you depends on how and where you plan to use it most.

If you need a speaker for beach trips or hikes, opt for a rugged, waterproof model with at least an IP67 rating to withstand the elements.

For top-notch audio quality on the go, prioritise larger models with sizeable drivers to ensure rich bass and superior sound.

Battery life is another important consideration; while some speakers last for just half a day, others can keep going for several days.

Finally, think about portability: ultra-compact speakers that easily fit in a bag may sacrifice battery life and sound quality, whereas larger models deliver more powerful audio.

What Bluetooth speaker has the best sound quality?

Some of the best Bluetooth speakers right now come from JBL, Beats, and Ultimate Ears, known for their clear vocals, deep bass, and solid volume.

For versatile performance, the JBL Flip 7 is a great choice, delivering deep, clear bass in a compact design.

If you’re priority is outdoor use, consider a bigger speaker like the Ultimate Ears Megaboom, which has a larger spec to fill open space.

For mid-range options, Soundcore offers excellent value with impressive sound quality.

Which speaker is best for bass?

If your playlists are packed with bass-heavy tracks, you’ll need a speaker that delivers.

For deep, thumping bass, look for models with larger drivers. While this might mean opting for a bigger speaker, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for a richer sound profile.

Brands like JBL and Ultimate Ears lead the pack for punchy bass, with the JBL Flip 7 hitting the perfect balance between portability and room-filling sound.

What are the best cheap Bluetooth speakers?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good sound. 

Some great cheaper options include the the Soundcore Motion 300, but even big names like JBL have budget models, like the JBL Go 4 for less than £40.

These pocket-sized speakers pack a serious punch for the price; perfect for everyday listening and easy to take anywhere.

Can you put a portable speaker in checked luggage?

Yes, you can pack a Bluetooth speaker in your checked luggage, but it’s usually better to pop it in your carry-on.

Most portable speakers have built-in lithium batteries, and airlines often prefer those to be kept in hand luggage.

It’s also less likely to get damaged or lost if you keep it with you.