Portable speakers have become an indispensable gadget for everyone, offering a seamless way to enjoy high-quality sound on the go. Planning a swimming party at the lake or a camping trip with friends? You want to make sure your speaker is able to stand up to the climate that it’ll be exposed to.

The market is saturated with countless options, making it difficult to identify which truly delivers on performance and features. We’ve taken the guesswork out of this process by thoroughly reviewing popular speakers to see if they might be worth your hard-earned cash. After reading this, your choice should be much easier to make.

Anker Soundcore Motion 300

  • Price: $80

The Soundcore Motion 300 packs a punch in a compact form. Featuring 30W stereo sound (2 x 15W drivers), it offers an impressive Bluetooth 5.3 range of up to 328 feet, correcting previous claims of only 66 feet. The battery lasts up to 13 hours. While it’s waterproof with an IPX7 rating, it does not have dustproofing.

Highlights:

  • 30W high-resolution stereo sound.
  • 328-foot Bluetooth range with stable connectivity.
  • 13-hour battery life.
  • Waterproof, but not dustproof.

Sony ULT Field 7

  • Price: $400

This portable speaker is a powerhouse for bass lovers, designed with 360° Party Sound and vibrant LED lighting. It boasts an extended 30-hour battery life and an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, contrary to earlier suggestions that it had drop resistance. This speaker is a little heavier than some on the list, weighing about 14 lbs.

Highlights:

  • 360° Party Sound and expressive lighting for events.
  • Durable with IP67 dust and waterproof certification.
  • Long-lasting 30-hour playback.
  • ULT Button: Boosting bass is easy with the ULT button.
  • Can be placed vertically or horizontally.

Beats Pill (2024)

  • Price: $130-$150

The latest iteration of the Beats Pill has redefined itself to become a top contender among portable speakers. It delivers excellent sound clarity, IP67 dust and waterproofing, and true 24-hour battery life. It features USB-C compatibility for charging external devices. It also has Apple’s Find My support and Androids Find My Device.

Highlights:

  • Sleek and durable design with full IP67 protection.
  • Class 1 Bluetooth with an extended range of up to 130 feet.
  • 24-hour battery life.
  • USB-C charging and Apple Find My integration.
  • Find the speaker anywhere by using iOS “Find My Device” or “Find My Device.”

Sony SRS-XB100

  • Price: $60

A budget-friendly and compact speaker, the Sony SRS-XB100 shines with its IP67 dust and waterproof rating, making it perfect for rugged outdoor use. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, its range is an impressive 100 meters (328 feet). At 0.6 pounds (274 grams), this lightweight option offers solid 16-hour battery life and decent bass for its size, although its highs tend to fade at high volumes.

Highlights:

  • Compact and ultra-portable at just 0.6 pounds.
  • 16-hour battery life with fast pairing.
  • Dustproof and waterproof with IP67 certification.
  • Best suited for small gatherings and personal use rather than a larger party.

Anker Soundcore Boom 2

  • Price: $130

Ideal for party enthusiasts, the Soundcore Boom 2 boasts an 80W output along with BassUp 2.0 technology for enhanced, resonant bass. With just one charge, it offers an impressive playtime of up to 24 hours. This speaker is designed with an IPX7 waterproof and floatable construction, complemented by lively beat-synced LED lighting that aligns perfectly with its energetic sound.

Highlights:

  • 80W total output with customizable sound via the Soundcore app.
  • IPX7 waterproofing, making it safe for poolside use.
  • Supports PartyCast 2.0 to connect over 100 speakers.
  • Impressive 24-hour battery life.

Bose SoundLink Flex

  • Price: $149

Compact and durable, the Bose SoundLink Flex boasts a 12-hour battery life and is fully IP67-certified for dust and water resistance. It features Bose’s unique PositionIQ technology, which optimizes audio based on the speaker's orientation. Although its sound is well-balanced and clear, it does lack deeper bass compared to larger models.

Highlights:

  • Sleek and rugged IP67-certified design.
  • 12-hour battery life.
  • PositionIQ for consistent sound quality in any position.
  • Can pair with other Bose devices for stereo or party mode.

JBL Flip 6

  • Price: $130-$150

The JBL Flip 6 combines rugged durability with powerful sound output. With a 12-hour battery life (correcting prior inconsistencies), it meets its IP67 certification for dust and water resistance. The dual-passive radiators and separate tweeter deliver excellent bass and treble, while the JBL Portable app adds an adjustable equalizer for sound customization.

Highlights:

  • Robust IP67 waterproof and dustproof design.
  • Reliable 12-hour playback.
  • Adjustable EQ via the JBL Portable app.
  • Compact yet powerful with a 30W output.

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go

  • Price: $300

The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go provides 100W of powerful audio paired with crisp highs, pure mids, and Bass Boost for strong low-end performance. Its IPX4 splashproof design handles light splashes, making it great for outdoor gatherings. It also includes a wireless microphone with a range of up to 10 meters and a convenient shoulder strap equipped with a bottle opener.

Although it only offers 6 hours of playtime, its battery charges fully in 3.5 hours. It's built to enhance any party atmosphere with dynamic LED lighting that syncs to your music and guitar/mic inputs.

Highlights:

  • Vibrant sound with Bass Boost.
  • IPX4 splashproof build for outdoor durability.
  • Wireless microphone and light show for party vibes.
  • Compact yet powerful with a portable design.

EarFun UBOOM X

  • Price: $160

The EarFun UBOOM X combines 80W of thundering sound with JumboBass technology for deep, dynamic bass. It features IP67 waterproof and dustproof protection, making it fit for poolsides, beaches, or parks. With a 30-hour battery life and customizable RGB lighting, this speaker stands out as an accessible, affordable option for music lovers. Its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures stability over distances of up to 15 meters. Bonus features like Party Connect mode (linking up to 50 compatible speakers) and built-in power bank capabilities make this model highly versatile.

Highlights:

  • 80W output with JumboBass for powerful sound.
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life with fast charging.
  • IP67-rating for waterproof and dustproof reliability.
  • Party mode and power bank functionalities.

Sony ULT Tower 10

  • Price: $1,200

The Sony ULT Tower 10 has a premium price, but it’s an option for anyone who has regular outdoor parties at their home. The Sony ULT Tower 10 is a 1,000W beast with stunning LED light shows and a built-in wireless mic for karaoke. The top control panel has an IP67 rating, so it’s the only water and dustproof part. Its 63.9-pound weight means it’s not easily portable but easy to move indoors using built-in rollers.

Highlights:

  • Massive 1,000W output for large spaces.
  • LED lights and advanced party features via the Fiestable app.
  • Karaoke and guitar functionality with included mic.
  • Superior bass output with ULT1 and ULT2 enhancement modes.