Best Bluetooth speakers in 2024: Sonos, JBL & more
DexertoLooking for the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy in 2024? With one you can effortlessly pump out tunes at picnics, pool parties, and cozy nights. Here are some of the best portable speakers that you buy right now.
Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the past few years. These portable wireless speakers allow you to stream music, podcasts, and more from your smartphone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device without worrying about dangling wires.
As the technology continues to evolve, Bluetooth speakers are getting more powerful, have improved sound quality, offer longer battery life, and add aesthetic value to your home entertainment setup.
An ideal wireless speaker is not defined by its price but by its features. It must be usable while on the move, at an outing, watching a movie, or listening to focus music to help improve productivity.
That’s why navigating the ever-expanding market can be daunting. Worry not, music lovers; here’s a meticulously curated selection of the best Bluetooth speakers in 2024, catering to diverse budgets and preferences.
1. Sonos Roam
Sonos- Weight: 430 grams
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Frequency response: Up to 5kHz
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5
- Price: $179
While the Sonos Roam isn’t the newest speaker on the block, it is one of the best among its peers. Launched in 2021, it still rules the segment thanks to its room-filling sound, design, battery life, and other smart features.
The Sonos Roam is one of the most versatile Bluetooth speakers available. At under 500g, it is lightweight and portable enough to take anywhere indoors and outdoors. It offers rich, detailed sound through two class-H amplifiers with a high-efficiency motor.
The Sonos Roam’s ability to seamlessly switch between home WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity makes it stand out. You can start streaming music from your phone via Bluetooth while outside, or at home. Then, it will automatically connect to your Sonos home audio system over WiFi without missing a beat.
It has an IP67 rating, meaning it is dustproof and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about varying weather conditions. With a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, the Sonos Roam delivers excellent Sonos audio quality in a compact, durable package suitable for any room or on-the-go.
2. JBL Charge 5
JBL- Weight: 960 grams
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20k Hz
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1
- Price: $179.95
When it comes to portable wireless speakers, JBL’s Charge range of speakers is known for its unique design, room-filling sound, and large battery.
For a big, booming sound in a rugged, waterproof design, the JBL Charge 5 is tough to beat. It delivers powerful stereo sound through two full-range drivers and two JBL bass radiators. An upgraded Bluetooth range of up to 100 feet allows you to wander further from your speaker without losing the connection.
The Charge 5 offers up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, has fast USB-C charging, and can even charge your devices thanks to its built-in power bank. It is dust and waterproof with an IPX7 rating so that it can be fully submerged in up to three feet of water. At just under a single kilogram, it packs a decent audio punch into a portable package.
3. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Ultimate Ears- Weight: 420 grams
- Battery life: 14 hours
- Frequency response:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Price: $99.99
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is one of the best budget Bluetooth speakers available. It is an ideal and trendy choice for people to listen to music on the go. Be it a school trip, a hike, or a trip to the beach, the Wonderboom can be a trusted ally thanks to its IP67 dust and water resistance.
The company claims that the speakers can blast up to 14 hours of music, meaning you can stream music nonstop without worrying about charging the speaker.
The Wonderboom 3 comes in various styles and colors to match your style. Though it doesn’t have a companion app to customize the sound output, it can produce clear vocals and crisp audio for its size.
4. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom
Anker- Weight: 1.9 Kg
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Frequency response: up to 40k Hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Price: $99.95
As one of the top budget-friendly offerings, the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom keeps cranking out great features at an affordable $99.99 price point. Its dual drivers and BassUp technology provide powerful stereo sound with punchy lows.
The Bluetooth range covers 100 feet, so your party can spread out. Smart features include Bluetooth multipoint and an Outdoor Boost mode to adjust the equalizer outdoors automatically. Battery lasts up to 24 hours for all-day playtime.
Drop-resistant coating, rugged build, and IPX7 waterproofing protect it from the elements. Connection buttons on the top allow easy track/volume control directly on the speaker. For the price, it is hard to beat what you get with the Motion Boom. Whether at home or while out camping, it delivers big portable audio on a budget.
5. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
Ultimate Ears- Weight: 5.9 Kgs
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Frequency response: 45 Hz – 20 KHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Price: $449.99
For those ready to take their portable Bluetooth speaker setup to new heights, the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is made for outdoor parties and large gatherings. It pumps out exceptionally loud, clear sound through Mega Bass drivers and dual built-in subs for chest-thumping bass.
An ultra-long 24-hour battery life keeps the tunes flowing all day and night. App support allows for double or quadruple speakers for true surround sound. IPX4 rating means it can handle splashes. The included carrying strap and rugged housing with impact-resistant rubbers make it durable enough for moving around.
Its advanced connectivity options, like optical input or streaming from your phone via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allow for flexibility. It is an investment but efficiently delivers powerhouse audio worthy of hosting your next block party or camping trip.
What should I look for while picking up a Bluetooth speaker in 2024?
Picking the best Bluetooth speaker can be exciting, with cutting-edge features and diverse options emerging constantly. You can consider the below points to help yourself navigate through the choices.
Usage and Budget: Determine your primary usage. If you’re an adventurer, prioritize portability, size, weight, and ruggedness. Look for features like waterproof/dustproof rating, carrying handles, and long battery life. You can focus on sound quality, design aesthetics, and smart features for stationary listening.
For a balance of portability and superior sound, consider features like premium audio drivers, aptX codec for audio quality, and multi-directional controls.
Audio Quality: While looking for volume and bass, you should prioritize clear highs, powerful bass, and a well-balanced soundstage. Research speaker drivers, wattage, and frequency response for a detailed acoustic experience.
If you crave deep bass, look for speakers with dedicated bass radiators or subwoofers. For balanced audio suitable for all genres, prioritize speakers with wide frequency ranges and neutral sound profiles.
Additional features like smart assistant integration, multi-room audio, party mode, and battery life can be helpful. Long battery life is also crucial for portable speakers. You must aim for models lasting at least 10 hours for on-the-go enjoyment.
Brand Reputation and Warranty: Always prefer established brands with good quality and customer service track records over the cheaper ones. Check warranty terms and conditions for peace of mind in case of technical issues.
Remember, the best Bluetooth speaker is the one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Research, compare features, and read reviews to find your perfect sound companion in 2024.
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