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Bluetooth speakers are one of the most convenient and versatile ways to enjoy your music, podcasts, and audiobooks wherever you go. Whether you need a speaker for your backyard, your bedroom, or your backpack, there is a Bluetooth speaker for you. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one?
In this article, we will review the top 10 Bluetooth speakers of the year, based on their sound quality, battery life, design, features, and value. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right speaker for your needs and preferences. Let’s get started!
1. Marshall Middleton
Marshall Middleton is the best new midsize Bluetooth speaker of the year, according to CNET¹. It has a classic and stylish design that resembles a guitar amp, with metal knobs and a leather strap. It also has equalizer controls on the speaker itself, so you can adjust the bass and treble to your liking.
The sound quality of the Middleton is impressive for its size. It delivers a surprising amount of bass, natural-sounding mids, and clear treble. It also has a wide soundstage, thanks to its True Stereophonic technology that creates a multidirectional stereo sound.
The Middleton is fully waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a USB-C charging port that can charge your devices, and a battery life of up to 20 hours at moderate volume levels.
The only downside of the Middleton is its price. It costs $300, which is quite expensive for a Bluetooth speaker. However, if you are looking for a premium and powerful speaker that can fill a room with sound and style, the Middleton is worth considering.
Pros:
- Stylish and classic design
- Excellent sound quality
- Equalizer controls
- Waterproof and dustproof
- USB-C charging port
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- No stereo pairing
2. Soundcore by Anker Motion Boom Plus
The Soundcore by Anker Motion Boom Plus is the best Bluetooth boom box for the money, according to CNET¹. It has a rugged and durable design that can withstand drops, bumps, and splashes. It also has a handle that makes it easy to carry around.
The sound quality of the Motion Boom Plus is impressive for its price. It delivers a powerful and balanced sound, with deep bass, crisp highs, and detailed mids. It also has a BassUp mode that boosts the low frequencies for extra punch.
The Motion Boom Plus has a battery life of up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels, which is longer than most Bluetooth speakers. It also has a USB-C charging port that can charge your devices, and an AUX input for wired connections.
The Motion Boom Plus can pair with another Motion Boom Plus speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has an app that lets you customize the EQ settings and access other features.
The only downside of the Motion Boom Plus is its size and weight. It is not very portable or compact, weighing 4.4 pounds (2kg) and measuring 13 x 6 x 5 inches (33 x 15 x 13 cm). However, if you are looking for a loud and affordable speaker that can rock any party or outdoor event, the Motion Boom Plus is a great choice.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable design
- Powerful and balanced sound
- BassUp mode
- Long battery life
- USB-C charging port
- Stereo pairing
- App control
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- No waterproof rating
3. Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a compact and powerful Bluetooth speaker that can fit in your hand or your pocket. It has a sleek and minimalist design that comes in black or white colors. It also has a silicone strap that lets you hang it from your bike, backpack, or shower head.
The sound quality of the SoundLink Flex is impressive for its size. It delivers a clear and rich sound, with balanced bass, smooth mids, and crisp highs. It also has an adaptive mic system that reduces background noise and enhances voice clarity for calls or voice assistants.
The SoundLink Flex is water-resistant with an IPX7 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a battery life of up to 12 hours at moderate volume levels.
The SoundLink Flex can pair with another SoundLink Flex speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has a Bose Connect app that lets you customize the EQ settings and access other features.
The only downside of the SoundLink Flex is its price. It costs $149, which is a bit expensive for a Bluetooth speaker of this size. However, if you are looking for a premium and portable speaker that can deliver great sound and performance, the SoundLink Flex is worth considering.
Pros:
- Compact and sleek design
- Clear and rich sound
- Water-resistant
- Adaptive mic system
- Stereo pairing
- App control
Cons:
- Expensive
- No USB-C charging port
4. Sony SRS-XB100
The Sony SRS-XB100 is the best mini canister speaker of the year, according to CNET. It has a cylindrical and colorful design that comes in blue, red, black, or white colors. It also has a strap that lets you hang it from your bag, bike, or belt.
The sound quality of the SRS-XB100 is impressive for its size. It delivers a loud and punchy sound, with deep bass, clear highs, and decent mids. It also has an Extra Bass mode that enhances the low frequencies for more impact.
The SRS-XB100 is water-resistant with an IPX5 rating, which means it can survive splashes and rain. It also has a battery life of up to 16 hours at moderate volume levels.
The SRS-XB100 can pair with another SRS-XB100 speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has a Sony Music Center app that lets you customize the EQ settings and access other features.
The only downside of the SRS-XB100 is its lack of a USB-C charging port. It uses a micro-USB port instead, which is less convenient and future-proof. However, if you are looking for a small and affordable speaker that can deliver big sound and bass, the SRS-XB100 is a great choice.
Pros:
- Cylindrical and colorful design
- Loud and punchy sound
- Extra Bass mode
- Water-resistant
- Long battery life
- Stereo pairing
- App control
Cons:
- No USB-C charging port
- Mids could be better
5. Anker Soundcore Motion X600
The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 is the best new mini boom box Bluetooth speaker of the year, according to CNET. It has a rectangular and rugged design that can withstand drops, shocks, and dust. It also has a handle that makes it easy to carry around.
The sound quality of the Motion X600 is impressive for its price. It delivers a powerful and balanced sound, with deep bass, clear highs, and detailed mids. It also has a BassUp mode that boosts the low frequencies for extra punch.
The Motion X600 is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a battery life of up to 18 hours at moderate volume levels.
The Motion X600 can pair with another Motion X600 speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has an app that lets you customize the EQ settings and access other features.
The only downside of the Motion X600 is its size and weight. It is not very portable or compact, weighing 3.6 pounds (1.6kg) and measuring 11 x 5 x 4 inches (28 x 13 x 10 cm). However, if you are looking for a loud and affordable speaker that can rock any party or outdoor event, the Motion X600 is a great choice.
Pros:
- Rectangular and rugged design
- Powerful and balanced sound
- BassUp mode
- Waterproof
- Long battery life
- Stereo pairing
- App control
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
6. Soundcore by Anker Mini 3
The Soundcore by Anker Mini 3 is a good value mini Bluetooth speaker that offers decent sound quality and features for its price. It has a round and compact design that comes in black or blue colors. It also has a loop that lets you attach it to your bag, bike, or belt.
The sound quality of the Mini 3 is decent for its size. It delivers a clear and loud sound, with moderate bass, crisp highs, and acceptable mids. It also has an Outdoor mode that enhances the volume and clarity for outdoor use.
The Mini 3 is water-resistant with an IPX7 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a battery life of up to 15 hours at moderate volume levels.
The Mini 3 can pair with another Mini 3 speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has an app that lets you customize the EQ settings and access other features.
7. Tribit StormBox Micro
The Tribit StormBox Micro is a mini Bluetooth speaker that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has a round and rugged design that comes in black or orange colors. It also has a tear-resistant strap that lets you attach it to your bike, backpack, or belt.
The sound quality of the StormBox Micro is impressive for its size. It delivers a punchy and dynamic sound, with deep bass, clear highs, and decent mids. It also has an XBass mode that enhances the low frequencies for more impact.
The StormBox Micro is waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also has a battery life of up to 8 hours at moderate volume levels.
The StormBox Micro can pair with another StormBox Micro speaker to create a stereo pair or amplify the sound. It also has a USB-C charging port for fast and convenient charging.
The only downside of StormBox Micro is its lack of app control. You can’t customize the EQ settings or access other features from your phone. However, if you are looking for a small and affordable speaker that can deliver big sound and bass, the StormBox Micro is a great choice.
Pros:
- Round and rugged design
- Punchy and dynamic sound
- XBass mode
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Tear-resistant strap
- USB-C charging port
- Stereo pairing
Cons:
- No app control
- Mids could be better
