Update: We've recently added the excellent UE Mini
Boom and the Fluance Fi30 speakers to the list. These two entries
couldn't be more different in size, one being small, the other is quite
massive. But each fought their way for placement with great sound,
design and value.The bazooka-sized boomboxes of yesteryear are no more, and haven't been for a while now. They have made way for portable, wireless speakers that are more capable, and sometimes, are as small as a soda can.
But the path to glory for the Bluetooth speaker hasn't always been strong. In fact, it's been downright shaky at times, as innovation in design flew past the actual execution of reliably streaming music wirelessly in its early years.
Most of the bugs have been shook loose, and the Bluetooth speakers arriving on store shelves today are better and more affordable than ever. What with long-lasting battery life, stunning audio reproduction and other useful features, these speakers can turn any trip away from home into a tune-filled party.
We've done the digging to present to you our picks for best Bluetooth speakers.
Harman Infinity One
For a heavy-hitting option, look no further than the Harman Infinity One. After all, Linkin Park helped develop it, so you know it has got to be good. (*wink)In all seriousness though, this Bluetooth speaker can fill the room with rich sound from top to bottom. A slouch, the Harman Infinity One is not. You'll find all of the important features here, like speakerphone and NFC capabilities, as well as a solid battery life.
At $300, it's quite a steep investment for most just looking to pipe sound wire-free. But if you're looking for a stellar-looking option that boasts enough good qualities to justify its price, your search ends here.
Get this if your entertainment center is longing for a bold-looking and powerful companion.
- Read our Harman Infinity One review
Fluance Fi30
One look at this speaker might make you think that it costs a small fortune. Coming in aggressively at $149, the Fluance Fi30 loves defying expectations and the act doesn't stop at its shockingly low price. It also sounds great. With room-filling audio, we've got a value-packed speaker that can bring down the house.Unlike the others on this list, the Fi30 isn't portable at all. Not just for its size, but also because it requires being plugged into an electrical socket for power. Minor negatives aside, this makes for the perfect porch companion or boombox-sized speaker for your pad.
Read our Fluance Fi30 review
JBL Charge 2
Coming in at $150 (£129, about AU$170) is the JBL Charge 2. It's about the size of a large can of energy drink, but we promise that it has more functionality than one.With great sound quality that booms through the cylindrical chamber, the deal is only made sweeter with its fantastic battery life, which can charge your power-hungry devices if you're away from an electrical source. Sure, it's not as flashy looking as the LED-decorated JBL Pulse, but its capabilities blow it out of the water for your money.
Get this if you want a durable speaker, but don't care too much how it looks, so long as it performs well.