Before you start thinking about biscuits and snack rolls, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll has nothing to do with chocolate-covered sponge cakes. Delicious as those are, the US brand's latest offering is actually a palm-sized portable speaker that it hopes will toe-to-toe with class-leading rivals such as the JBL Clip 5 (around £50 / $80) or the ever-likeable Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 (roughly £60 / $60). 

Conceived as a go-anywhere update on 2015's original UE Roll and promising plenty of sonic firepower, the lightweight Miniroll has been created to accompany you on every adventure.

The new Bluetooth speaker weighs just 279g and, thanks to its IP67 water and dustproof rating, you should feel confident taking it anywhere from a sandy beach to, if you feel so inclined, a murky swamp. Sporting similar dimensions to a standard ice hockey puck, the new unit sports a bookable strap for securing it to, say, your bicycle frame or your favourite outdoor jacket.

The UE Miniroll offers up to 12 hours on a single charge. That is a solid number, matching the battery life offered by the five-star Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, albeit falling just short of the 14 hours offered by Ultimate Ears' handsome and portable Wonderboom 3 stablemate. The Miniroll has a handy quick recharge facility for juicing up on the go, too.

What its Tribit rival doesn't have, though, is Auracast compatibility, which gives owners the ability to connect an unlimited number of Minirolls. It's the same future-proof tech we've recently seen implemented with the JBL Xtreme 3 and the JBL Go 4, and is baked in and ready with the new Miniroll.

“The Miniroll started with a consumer ask: they wanted a speaker that could strap in and go anywhere to keep up with their active lifestyles," says Jonah Staw, UE's general manager. "This led our design and engineering teams to build our most portable speaker, showing how passionate consumers can drive innovation.”

Coming in black, blue, grey and pink colourways, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is available now for £70 / $80 / €80 / AU$120.

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Another day, another Boom. Ultimate Ears has so many Bluetooth speakers sporting the “Boom” suffix that it can be hard to keep track; from the dinky adorability of the titchy Wonderboom 3 to the substantial exuberance of the Sonos Move 2-rivalling Epicboom, there’s a Boom for every corner of the market. 

UE’s new arrival, the Everboom, is in a slightly odd position within the family. Essentially a scaled-down version of the semi-portable Epicboom, it’s a little larger than your average paperback book but sports a substantial price tag that sees it creeping into premium speaker territory. There’s serious competition for Bluetooth speakers of this size and form, and with the UE Everboom making a bold statement with its rather substantial price tag, it will need the performance to back it up if Ultimate Ears is going to tempt users away from the dominant clutches of JBL. 

Price

Considering its relatively small size, we’re surprised by how much Ultimate Ears’ latest will set you back. The Everboom retails at £250 / $250 / AU$349 – for that price you could pick up a hefty JBL Xtreme 3 for around £189 / $229 / AU$279, while the Award-winning, comparatively-sized JBL Charge 5 currently goes for around £170 / $180 / AU$199. The petite, five-star Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (gen 2), meanwhile, currently sits at around £190 / $250 / AU$300.

Build

We had some enjoyable office discussions about how to describe the size and dimensions of UE’s latest portable wonder, with comparisons ranging from a flattened baguette (way off beam) through to a lantern (somewhat anachronistic), a small swimming pool float and a large paperback book. It may be easier to stick to closer-to-home analogies: the Everboom has the same flattened cylindrical form as the larger Epicboom, scaled down so that it’s roughly on par with the chunky but portable JBL Charge 5. That wasn’t so hard, was it? 

However you describe it, the Everboom is a nicely made item. The pill-shaped portable is unmistakably an Ultimate Ears speaker, proudly displaying those large plus and minus buttons on its chest which, when pressed simultaneously, will helpfully give you a spoken indication of how much battery life you have left. The top of the unit offers power, Bluetooth pairing and play/pause buttons alongside a handy Outdoor Boost function, while the underside sports a speckly rubberised base which glows in the dark – useful if you lose your Boom on a camping trip, say. 

Speaking of exciting outdoor pursuits, Ultimate Ears is clearly keen for Everboom users to get out and about with their new buddy. A small cloth tag at the top of the speaker’s reverse side isn’t enough to get a finger through, but you can attach a provided carabiner through the loop if you’re carrying the Everboom around and want to clip into onto, say, a rucksack, the outside of a tent or an overhanging tree branch.

This is an Ultimate Ears speaker, so of course a lot has been made of the Everboom’s floatability credentials. We don’t have many swimming pools to hand to perform extensive investigations, but the office sink was as good a place as any to give the UE’s aquatic credentials a watery examination. Happily, it earned its rudimentary swimming badge, and while the tops of the unit might need a bit of a wipe-down after a dunk as they can retain a little surface liquid, the Everboom continued to work perfectly well during our tests that followed.

Features

For the price being paid, we’re expecting quite a few features to justify an undeniably significant outlay. The Everboom does a solid job in this regard, and while you shouldn’t expect anything that sees the UE go beyond its Bluetooth-based remit (wi-fi and voice commands aren’t on board), the Everboom just about does enough to prevent us from feeling short-changed features-wise.

Considering it's such a nicely made, durable product, we get the sense that the Everboom is a speaker designed, at least in part, for outdoor use. Like the larger Epicboom, the speaker’s Outdoor Boost button helps sounds transmit further and more confidently in open-air spaces by emphasising the mid and high frequencies that tend to travel outdoors, while a claimed Bluetooth range of up to 55 metres should ensure you stay connected to your source player as you enjoy your time in the wider world. The UE’s battery life is solid, too, with a healthy 20-hour lifespan equalling that of the Award-winning JBL Charge 5

What the Everboom does have is a host of fun, user-friendly tools designed to make using the portable speaker as hassle-free and social-friendly as possible. A handy one-touch NFC (near field communication) feature for compatible Android smartphones allows you to pair your device with a single tap, whereas the unit’s “Magic” button lets you set up one-touch playlists from streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music so that they’re right there when you want them. 

You can even use the Everboom as a megaphone, something we can envisage being useful if you’re at a party and want to announce that the pizzas have arrived (we don’t go to many parties) or that Steve’s lost one of his contact lenses. It works well, too, and while there’s a small one-second delay, the goal of turning the Everboom into your own personal PA system is realised seamlessly – tap an easy-to-locate button in the app, speak into your phone and you’ll be bossing people around in no time. 

Sound

Between chucking your Bluetooth brick into a nearby river, dangling it from sturdy branches or using it to announce to your guests that you’ve run out of cocktail sausages, you might actually end up listening to music through your new Everboom. That’s the compact unit’s primary function, after all, though from what we’ve heard during our tests, it may not be its most potent strength. 

Admittedly, there are elements of the UE’s sonic presentation which we can appreciate, even enjoy, as we delve into its musical capabilities. As a speaker designed to offer surprising levels of power and punch from what is still a relatively compact design, the Everboom does an admirable job – whack the volume up all the way and you’ll be impressed not only by how little distortion the speaker suffers from, but by how well its forceful, pushy sound carries. We placed the speaker outside before taking continuous steps away from our tunes, noting with delight just how well the sound continued to travel as we moved further and further from its source, especially with Outdoor Mode switched on. The neighbours may not have been impressed, but we certainly were.

There are benefits to this “have-at-it” approach, even when a rainy afternoon or twisted ankle prevents you from taking your UE companion out and about. The Everboom is as much a party starter as it is a hiking hero, giving tracks such as Rick James’ Give It To Me Baby and Matthew Sweet’s Girlfriend enough punch and pep for them to retain a sense of bullish, in-your-face excitement. 

Thanks to further listening, though, it isn’t long before we expose the Everboom’s sonic limitations, and as we switch from rocky numbers to the refined nuances of Debussy’s Claire de Lune, the new model begins to flounder. The Everboom’s lack of detail and textural insight becomes seriously apparent as we listen, with that delicate, twinkling piano coming across a little like an electric synthesiser, such is the artificial, mechanical nature of the speaker’s reproduction. Going back to Matthew Sweet’s Girlfriend after listening to it through the JBL Charge 5 reveals a world of difference between the two rivals, with the established Award-winner revealing plenty of crunch and textural vitality from the track’s surging electric guitar that we simply didn’t experience through the Everboom.

The more we listen, the more we realise that the speaker’s hard-edged, flat-track bully approach to music has repercussions for the nuances and subtleties that go into making a song engaging and genuinely musical. Tool’s Forty Six & 2 sounds hard and heavy through the Everboom, but its lack of dynamics combined with an inability to pick out the spaces between notes leaves the prog metal workout feeling less like an enrapturing epic and more akin to a Michael Bay movie: loud and in-your-face but, ultimately, oddly soulless.

Fundamentally, the Everboom is much more of a “do it my way” kind of operator than it is a have-it-your-way appeaser. Everything is coloured by that uber-assertive approach, so that when a tune such as Ramin Djawadi’s mournful instrumental Eternal Loss calls out for spaciousness and restraint, it feels oddly rushed and overbearing through UE’s latest portable speaker. More adept rivals allow the track to bloom with space and airiness, something our test model fails to communicate thanks to its somewhat one-route approach. It’s powerful and forthright, yet that often comes at the expense of the finer details. 

Verdict

The Everboom sees Ultimate Ears continue a rather frustrating streak for its portable Bluetooth speakers. The scaled-down speaker has its likeable qualities, in that it pumps out a big sound from an attractive, likeable and impressively durable package, and for mud-caked festival goers and relentless ramblers, we can see the appeal.

What concerns us is that the Everboom’s lack of genuine sonic finesse means it struggles to justify its still-considerable asking price against similarly-priced alternatives. This leads us to a rather uncomfortable question: can you justify spending that sort of money on the Everboom if you could simply pick up the sonically superior JBL Charge 5 for a smaller outlay? We’re not sure you can.

SCORES

• Sound 3
• Build 4
• Features 5

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Ultimate Ears may recently have announced the release of four new Bluetooth speakers, but it's an established model that has piqued our interest. The rugged, powerful Epicboom is one of the brand's largest portable speakers, rivalling the Sonos Move 2 in terms of its size and sonic scale but, thanks to a near-£50 discount at Amazon, it's currently doing a good job of undercutting its esteemed rival. 

The Epicboom felt the arrival of a new style of Bluetooth speakers for UE, sporting a squarer, chunkier aspect in contrast to the cylindrical models on which the US brand had made its name. As the smaller, scaled-down Everboom is now ready to burst onto the scene, UE may have decided that now is the perfect time to slash the original price tag of its feature-packed portable companion.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom Bluetooth speaker deal

In our four-star review, we dubbed the Ultimate Ears Epicboom a "likeable and well-made performer that will please anyone looking for big sound and rugged build quality wrapped up in an attractive, personable package". It's fun to use, fun to listen to and fun to look at, and while a few notable rivals might just offer a little more richness and authenticity, the Epicboom's sense of fun and forcefulness give it undeniable party-ready credentials. Summer is here, after all...  

If you like features, you definitely won't be left feeling short-changed. The unit's IP67 rating means it will handle practically anything the weather throws at it (trust us, we gave the Epicboom quite a few soakings), while Outdoor Mode boosts the speaker's roaming credentials by serving up an extra 1dB of power across a more forthright sound profile. Fast pair for Android 8.0+ smartphones, a 17-hour battery life and pairing with compatible UE products round out the Epicboom's healthy, well-stocked CV. 

Well-made, fun to listen to and impressively versatile, we can't think of many better  (semi) portable companions at this level. Whether you're sheltering from the sun or heading for the hills, the Epicboom will keep you entertained with ease. Grab one at Amazon right now.

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Ultimate Ears is gearing up for a big summer. Not only is the US brand refreshing many of its established portable speaker ranges with fourth-gen updates to the Boom, Wonderboom and Megaboom lines, but it will also be bringing a brand new family member into the world. Say hello to the UE Everboom Bluetooth speaker.

Considering it's a completely new concept, we'll begin with the Everboom. From the outside, the new boy is essentially a scaled-down version of last year's UE Epicboom, sporting the flattened, almost rectangular outline of its larger four-star progenitor. Priced at £250 / $250, the Everboom sits somewhere between the B&O Beosound A1 (gen 2) (tested at £200 / $250) and the more wallet-busting Dali Katch G2 (around £349 / $450), roughly on par with the five-star JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi (£230 / $230).

So what are you getting for your money? As it happens, quite a lot. While sticking with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, the feature-packed Everboom is built to deliver the same powerful, 360 sound as the Epicboom, with internal tweaks – including optimised acoustic architectures and precision-tuned drivers – shooting for punchy highs, clear mids, deep bass notes and distinct, articulate vocals. 

Thanks to its strong IP67 rating, the Everboom can handle the elements with ease and, like most UE speakers, happily floats in water, while an attached carabiner lets you hook your musical companion onto outdoor gear such as backpacks, rucksacks and camping equipment. If you are heading out, the speaker's Outdoor Boost button accentuates certain frequencies so that the sound travels more effectively across the terrain, while a rather nifty "Megaphone" feature lets you turn your speaker into a mini PA system if one of your party wanders off, say. 

Arriving alongside the Everboom are a new swathe of fourth-gen Ultimate Ears models: the cylindrical Boom 4 and Wonderboom 4 alongside the smaller, cheaper Megaboom 4, all of which are IP67-rated. With improved sonic capabilities, design tweaks and more up-to-date features, UE is ushering in a new era for some of its most popular – and affordable - portable lines. 

The new models will now boast that handy Outdoor Boost button as seen on the upcoming Everboom unit, while USB-C charging arrives to replace the outdated micro USB port we criticised the Wonderboom 3 for sticking with. For getting that next-gen sound, the Boom 4 and Megaboom 4 have been updated with enhanced deep bass radiators for bigger, fuller audio, with the Megaboom even offering a podcast mode for listening to your favourite true crime pods.

The Boom 4 and Megaboom 4 will also offer a double-up mode (essentially UE's version of stereo pairing) and all three new fourth-gen speakers will offer backwards compatibility with the preceding generation of models in each respective line, meaning you'll be able to pair a Megaboom 4 with its third-gen counterpart, for example. 

UE's latest Bluetooth speakers are available now at the following prices and in the following colourways:    

- Everboom: £250 / $250 / AU$349 in black or blue (John Lewis exclusive)

- Wonderboom 4: £70 / $100 / AU$150 in active black, joyous bright, hyper pink, cobalt blue (John Lewis exclusive) or lilac (Amazon exclusive). 

- Boom 4: £130 / $150 / AU$230 in black or blue (John Lewis exclusive), with red and lilac colourways launching in January 2025.

- Megaboom 4: £170 / $200 / AU$330 in black or blue (John Lewis exclusive), with red and lilac colourways launching in January 2025.

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Sonos has built much of its reputation on its range of premium smart speakers, so much so that the American brand remains a market leader in this particular field. If you want refined home audio within a fantastically adept ecosystem, Sonos is often the ideal place to start. 

We liked the original Sonos Move model, granting it four stars at release, and despite an inflated price tag, the Move 2 is another fine addition to the Sonos stable. Like its predecessor, it's a large portable speaker, but it's more the sort of thing that you carry from one room to another and then set down rather than stick in your backpack and lug around for an entire day-long excursion. 

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom, meanwhile, is similar in size and shape to the Move 2, albeit with a lower price tag and a smaller raft of in-built features. They might look similar, but there's a lot that could separate these two capable performers when it comes to making an informed consumer decision. 

Sonos Move 2 vs UE Epicboom: price

We won't sugarcoat it: the Sonos Move 2 does not come cheap. The hefty semi-portable launched earlier this year for £449 / $449 / AU$749, and we can't see the price dropping any time soon. The Black Friday sales in November might see some cheeky deals pull that inflated price tag down a bit, but we'd advise that you don't hold your breath.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom, meanwhile, is about a hundred quid cheaper, boasting a test price of £330 / $350/ AU$500. It's still a premium price to pay for a portable Bluetooth speaker, mind you. Considering it's so fresh to the market, we'd be surprised if that price dropped at all before next year.

** Winner: Ultimate Ears Epicboom**

Sonos Move 2 vs UE Epicboom: design

The Move 2 is sold as a portable Bluetooth speaker, but it's a far cry from the small-form daintiness of the five-star JBL Flip 6 or the funky Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3. A sort of mini-monolith around which tiny Pagans might worship were they so inclined, the Move 2 is similar in size and shape to a mid-sized domestic appliance. You could conceivably lug it to a barbecue or wedding party, but it's designed to be the sort of thing you move from room to room or maybe out into your own back garden via the recessed carry handle on the back.

On the surface, the Move 2 is very similar in appearance to the original model, sporting Sonos' fine build quality alongside an impressive IP56 water- and dust-proof rating. If you do bring it outside, it won't be vulnerable to the elements. 

The icons and touch controls on top have been redesigned to match the Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, including the neat volume slider. The buttons around the back for power, Bluetooth pairing and mic on/off have been reworked as well, and there's a rather tasteful olive green finish to complement the usual white and black options.

The UE, meanwhile, is pretty similar to the Move 2 in terms of form and design. If anything, we'd expect an Ultimate Ears product to be a world apart from Sonos' aesthetic playbook, but it's pretty restrained considering the colourful designs we're used to seeing from UE. If anything, we're slightly disappointed that it doesn't go further in the funky stakes. 

Again, the Epicboom is a robust mini-monolith that pushes the bounds of what you’d consider portable without entirely straying from its brief. Could you take it out on a walk? Yes, but it’s better used as a semi-stationary speaker that can be carried to a location and then set down for the day, rather than as a handheld that quite literally goes wherever you do. It is a fair bit lighter than the Move 2, and there's a small strap at the back to help carry it around.

Like the Sonos Move 2, though, it's more than capable of dealing with the elements should they become an issue. With an IP67 rating and the ability to float in water, this is still very much a go-anywhere unit, with the Epicboom surviving a dip in our office sink without smoking at the edges. It retained a bit of water after testing, though, so just be wary of that before you start dunking with abandon.

Overall, though, the Move 2 is a little classier, a little fancier and, ultimately, a little more premium in its design. 

** Winner: Sonos Move 2 **

Sonos Move 2 vs UE Epicboom: features

The Move 2 is more than just a Bluetooth speaker. The feature-laden Sonos Move 2 supports 24-bit/48kHz hi-res music files from Qobuz and Amazon Music, whereas Alexa and Sonos Voice Control are on hand for hands-free playback. With AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth streaming compatibility, it scores big over the Epicboom when it comes to connectivity and playback options.

One of the Move 2's biggest improvements is battery life, which now stands at an impressive 24 hours, over double the 10-11 hours we were able to squeeze from the original Move model. That battery, incidentally, is replaceable, while a wireless charging base is included in the box.

The Move 2 also has the considerable boon of being compatible with the excellent, user-friendly and comprehensive Sonos app, which makes set-up and pairing an absolute breeze. You get access to many streaming services through the app, while there's scope to add the Move 2 into a greater Sonos multi-room. Additionally, Sonos’s Trueplay room calibration tuning for adjusting the Move 2's sound to where it's placed in a room (or outdoors) is a useful feature.

The cheaper Epicboom isn't quite as impressive on this front, as it's 'only' a Bluetooth speaker and doesn't have the streaming smarts of the Sonos. What it does have for its portable needs is a handy Outdoor Mode, which further boosts the Epicboom’s sound when played in the great outdoors by offering up an extra 1dB of power for a less bassy, more forthright sound profile.

Battery life of 17 hours or so for the Epicboom is decent, but it’s comfortably beaten by the Move 2's 24. The Epicboom does have its own UE app, which allows pairing with multiple other UE models such as the Boom 3, the Megaboom 3, the Hyperboom or even another Epicboom. It's pleasant, intuitive and easy to use, but it's not as in-depth or as feature-laden as the excellent Sonos platform. 

Ultimately, the Epicboom isn't on the Sonos Move 2’s level when it comes to offering a truly refined ecosystem or as many wireless streaming options, but it fulfils its brief with standard Bluetooth features and more of a focus on outdoor use, ruggedness and intuitiveness. A win for the Move 2, though, feels inevitable. 

** Winner: Sonos Move 2 **

Sonos Move 2 vs UE Epicboom: sound

The Move 2 is an improvement on the original Move, adding layers of musical interest and excitement while still spreading sound impressively with power and detail. Sonically, it's a hugely capable performer.  

For parties, in particular, it's a real blast. Songs are thrown around with abandon, and it has no trouble staying composed while raising the roof. There's more grip and depth to the bass than the original Move, while notes sound cleaner and more precise, and there's real meat and richness to the unit's general sonic tone. The latest Move does sound a touch bass-heavy thanks to its clear emphasis on boldness and punch, but the Move's slightly forward balance will reward you regardless of where and how you listen.

The Epicboom, meanwhile, offers a big, bold sound with breadth aplenty and a solid, well-rounded presentation. Crank the speaker up to its loudest echelons and the music will retain its integrity admirably, holding together without distortion or harsh edges at the treble pitch. It's a good all-round performer, especially when you take the UE's smaller price tag into account.

We've voiced our doubts, however, as to the Epicboom's ability to offer dynamism and musicality, and while it’s clearly capable of producing a wide, powerful sound, its inclination towards a slightly artificial tone can be a limiting factor. Listen to the UE side-by-side with the Move 2 and you'll find more richness, tonality and depth within the latter’s presentation.  

If you want something that offers a clear, natural yet genuinely textured reproduction, the Sonos is a polished performer. Switching back to the Epicboom is by no means a letdown, but there are inevitable shortcomings that are illuminated during our back-to-back tests. Even though it sports a much higher price tag, you can't escape the clear sonic difference between the two models.  

** Winner: Sonos Move 2**

Sonos Move 2 vs UE Epicboom: verdict

The Move 2 is certainly an improvement on its predecessor, and while it doesn't quite manage to hit the heights of the full five-star rating, it feels like things are heading in the right direction. Battery life is improved, the sound quality has been refined, and it's as well-built and unassumingly aesthetic as most Sonos products these days.  

The Epicboom, conversely, has bit more rugged likeability about it, despite not being as premium or as refined overall. It's more rough and ready than the slightly aloof Move 2, although it's hindered by a less muscular, less involved sound and a smaller bag of tricks than its Sonos rival. 

That said, the Epicboom is significantly cheaper than the Move 2, something that really could sway your decision when push comes to shove. If you value all of the fancy things the Move 2 can do (wi-fi capabilities, spatial audio etc.), Sonos' speaker makes a degree of sense, especially with its clear sonic advantages. For those looking to save around £120 though, the Epicboom is far from a fool's investment, even when you take into account its comparative sonic and functional shortcomings.  

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Ultimate Ears is back, and it's bringing with it a brand new member to join the ranks of the company's large line of portable Bluetooth speakers. The Epicboom is an all-new portable speaker model that, in terms of size, sits between the more compact Megaboom and the rather whopping Hyperboom party speaker in UE's range, putting it roughly on par with the Sonos Move (£399 / $399) in terms of stature.

The Epicboom continues Ultimate Ear's trademark of delivering 360-degree sound, with its cylindrical design offering greater internal acoustic volume and featuring a 4.6-inch (11.6cm) woofer inside that claims to deliver "bass clarity and immersive sound". We were given a brief demonstration of the new model's sonic capabilities when we were treated to a demo last month in London, and while we didn't get to hear much beyond a few snippets of Ed Sheeran, it was certainly capable of going loud and proud. 

It's a rugged item, too. With an IP67 rating, the Epicboom is waterproof, dustproof, and floatable, so you can sling it in a pool for a good half-hour before you need to fish it out again. When you want to move your party from indoors to outdoors, the speaker's internal mic dynamically adjusts its EQ and then balances the sound according to the new environment. 

The burly Bluetooth speaker provides up to 17 hours of playtime and has a Bluetooth range of 55 metres, while a useful one-touch NFC feature (available for compatible Android 8.0 smartphones only) lets you pair your device with a simple tap. We are also pleased to see that the Epicboom can be charged with a USB-C connector, after being somewhat disappointed by the Wonderboom 3's micro USB charging port.

Additionally, the Epicboom comes fitted with an LED battery indicator and a USB-C connector for charging.

The UE Boom app has also been updated, and through it you can select different EQ presets including Signature, Bass Boost, Game/Cinema, Podcast/Vocal, and a new "Deep Relaxation" mode. You can also customise the mids, highs, and lows to fine-tune the Epiboom's audio to your musical tastes.

PartyUp also returns, which allows you to connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers together, a little like JBL's PartyBoost feature. The Epicboom can wirelessly connect to other Epicbooms, as well as various other speakers in Ultimate Ears' line-up, including Boom, Boom 2, Boom 3, Megaboom, Megaboom 3 and Hyperboom speakers for an expanded sonic field. That's a lot of booms.

Available in two colourways - Cotton White & Lipstick Red or Charcoal Black & Lime, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom Bluetooth speaker is available to buy now for £330 / $350 / AU$499.95.

The Epicboom is one of the more substantial portable speakers we have seen from the brand, and at this size and price, its biggest competition will likely come from the upcoming Sonos Move 2, as both heavy-duty portable speakers are designed to deliver big sound and play equally at home indoors and outdoors.

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The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is the latest portable wireless speaker from a brand known for making colourful, feature-packed, great-sounding Bluetooth speakers. It’s also a direct replacement for the accomplished, Award-winning Wonderboom 2. 

The UE Wonderboom 2 took the trophy for the best wireless portable speaker under £100 at the What Hi-Fi? Awards in 2019, so we’re coming in with high expectations for the long-awaited next-gen model.

In terms of updates, however, the news isn’t quite the big leap we were expecting after a three-year wait: you get longer battery life (by one hour), longer Bluetooth range (by 10m) and the use of more eco-friendly materials. The Wonderboom 3’s drivers have been updated and we’re expecting an improved sound, but is it enough?

Price

The new UE Wonderboom 3 looks similar, has similar features and even retains the same price as its predecessor. At £90 / $100 / AU$149, it’s the same launch price as the Wonderboom 2 (in the UK, at least) and the sub-£100/$100 price point is as attractive as ever. 

Unusually, if you do find the Wonderboom 2 listed at UK retailers online, it’s at a higher price than the Wonderboom 3 – making the latter the better deal now.

In terms of competition, the superb five-star JBL Flip 6 launched at £130 / $130 / AU$200 in early 2022, but it’s creeping into Wonderboom territory now as you can find it for under £100 / $110 if you shop around.

Build

The Wonderboom design formula – colourful, buoyant, portable – is one of the best of its kind, so the 3’s unchanged design is no bad thing at all. It’s small and light, you can carry it with you into the garden or to the beach, pack it in a backpack, and place it on any surface in the home.

The bright colours with contrasting buttons are also appealing in a sea of all-black products. Our review sample is a bright pink, but there are also blue, black and grey finishes.

Where Ultimate Ears has made a big fuss with this new speaker is the use of more environmentally friendly materials. The Wonderboom 3 uses “a minimum of” 31% post-consumer recycled plastic (i.e. plastic sourced from end-of-life electronics). The nod towards sustainability is always good to see, and it’s to UE’s credit that the speaker’s build quality is still of a high standard.

The fact that the Wonderboom 3 still uses a micro USB charging connection, however, feels very outdated in 2023. Where brands such as JBL, Tribit, Sony and more have long migrated to using USB-C, we’re puzzled as to why Ultimate Ears didn’t take this chance to update the connection on the newer model. The required micro USB cable is helpfully provided in the box, though.

Other elements of the design are oh-so-familiar: there’s the stretchy rubber loop for hanging the speaker and the IP67 rating means the speaker is ultra-durable. Not only is it waterproof and can survive dust, sand and being dunked in water, but it will also float just like previous Wonderbooms.

The Wonderboom 3 is incredibly easy to use from the second you get it out of the box. This is as straightforward as a Bluetooth speaker gets: simply power up and pair it with your device (it makes friendly noises to indicate its status). The connection is swift and stable. We used the Wonderboom 3 for nearly a month during testing in various settings, and we found that it reconnected to our phone every time automatically, instantly and without fail.

There’s no voice assistant control or speakerphone functionality, so you won’t be waylaid by random button presses. There’s no app and we never felt the need for one, either.

Features

The speaker’s already-long battery life has been extended by an hour: the Wonderboom 3 now lasts for an impressive 14 hours (previously 13). Another change is that the Bluetooth wireless range has been extended to 40m (131 feet) instead of the previous 30m (98 feet).

Both are small but useful changes: during our time testing, we only had to charge the speaker once every two weeks. We didn’t experience any dropouts or glitches, even when our connected phone was at the opposite end of the house from the speaker. You can also connect two smartphones to the speaker at the same time. For those using the Wonderboom 3 as a party speaker or taking it with you on a weekend trip, these will no doubt be attractive features.

The lack of USB-C means no fancy fast-charging capability; the Wonderboom 3 can be charged up to full battery in under three hours (2.6 hours, to be exact). You can find out the battery status by pressing the large volume buttons – different tones will be emitted according to battery level, although it’s hard to decipher what they mean at first. We do wish there was a visible indicator for a quick-glance check, like the LEDs found on the JBL Flip 6 or the cheaper Tribit Stormbox Micro.

Other features that have rolled over from the Wonderboom 2 include Outdoor Boost mode (this reduces the bass frequencies so highs and mids can be heard more loudly outside) and Double Up (which pairs two Wonderboom 3s in mono or stereo modes for bigger sound).

We didn’t have a second Wonderboom 3 to try out this feature, but we did have the older Wonderboom 2. Sadly, this double-up feature isn’t backwards-compatible with older models and only works with new Wonderboom 3s, which is rather a shame for existing UE owners.

Sound

The Wonderboom’s 360-degree sound delivery returns, and inside the speaker are two 40mm active drivers and twin passive radiators. Ultimate Ears has confirmed to us that “the driver configuration has been updated based on the most updated chipset” being used in the Wonderboom 3. 

With music streaming from Apple Music and Tidal, the Wonderboom 3 delivers a cohesive, detailed and substantial sound that still impresses at this price. There’s an even balance to the tone, and the volume it emits from such petite dimensions is always surprising. It’s an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing listen.

We’ve been using the Wonderboom 3 in various spaces – bathroom, kitchen, home office, garden – alongside our dedicated test rooms, and we never found it sounded too boomy or too bright. 

There is a marked difference compared with the older model: Wonderboom 3 has a leaner sound profile. It’s also more spacious, more dynamic, times better and offers up a tad more detail. The edges of notes in Alt-J’s Breezeblocks are more definite, basslines go deeper, and the speaker manages to eke out more harmonies surrounding each instrument.

This leaner character doesn’t sharpen any edges; it just shines a light on the treble, laying bare more high-frequency notes than the previous model. Some might prefer a more full-bodied presentation to their songs, especially with voices – Lizzo’s vocals on Truth Hurts sound fuller and richer through the older Wonderboom 2, for instance. But that new extra helping of detail and clarity is appreciated, with the Wonderboom 2 sounding a tad boomy and congested in comparison to Wonderboom 3’s snappier, roomier presentation. 

The competition has moved forward in the intervening years, though, and the Wonderboom 3 has to face a newer, more formidable rival in the shape of the five-star JBL Flip 6. And the JBL speaker offers up even greater subtleties in detail and dynamics, along with delivering more depth and warmth to the sound. It isn’t difficult to recommend the Flip 6 over the Wonderboom 3 in sound quality terms alone, especially with the few pounds or dollars of difference in price between the two products.

Verdict

If you already own the Wonderboom 2, there’s no need to rush out and upgrade to the new model. While the Wonderboom 3 has improved its sound and features in increments, both versions of the speakers are well-designed, are long-lasting and perform admirably for their size and price.

However, for those in the market for a brand new portable speaker in the £100 / $100 region, the similarly portable and feature-packed JBL Flip 6 offers better audio performance overall. 

As a well-designed portable Bluetooth speaker at this price level, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 certainly has its appeal, but it’s not the only – or the best – option worth considering now.

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Features 5
• Build 4

MORE:

Read our review of the JBL Flip 6

Also consider the Tribit Stormbox Micro

Best Bluetooth speakers: portable speakers for every budget

Bluetooth speakers offer a convenient, portable solution to your on-the-go sonic needs, and the best part is that they aren't usually that expensive.

We've listed our picks for the finest budget models below, all of which hover around or below £100 / $100 / AU$200 and have been put through their paces across various locations and scenarios.

The choice of speakers available in the Bluetooth market is huge, and much like wireless earbuds, plenty of poor-quality challengers are attempting to get in on the action. We've filtered out the rubbish and focused on the best speakers around, making our judgements based on hands-on comparative testing for every model below.

What could 2026 have in store? LG has announced a host of additions to its will.i.am-tuned Xboom range, while budget brand Majority has entered the market with its four-strong Move line-up.

Our experts have put all of the featured speakers through their paces, assessing their performance when it comes to sound, build quality, features and usability.

Just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it shouldn't be extremely cheerful!

You can read more about our testing process here, or keep scrolling to see the best cheap Bluetooth speakers we'd recommend.

The quick list

The best budget Bluetooth speaker overall

For true value for money, the JBL Flip 6 is still king of the ring when it comes to budget Bluetooth speakers. The newer Flip 7 is a five-star operator with upgraded sound and even more features than before, but the sixth-generation model earns its place here thanks to its evergreen qualities and ever-dropping price.

While there might have been a little pressure for JBL to rework the entire line, the Flip 6 looks and sounds so good that it simply doesn't seem logical to do so. There's a little extra durability here thanks to an IP67 water and dustproof rating (compared to the waterproof-only IPX7 Flip 5) as well as additional space within its trademark zealous and musical presentation.

We love the dynamic, cohesive sound of the Flip 6, although if you want more from the midrange and less from the treble, you can now tweak it thanks to a new EQ feature in the app, thus adding significant value. For a small price hike over the Flip 5's launch price, there’s certainly more detail on display as well.

Overall, the Flip 6 is another five-star performer, built to the highest standard and focused on delivering a hugely enjoyable sonic experience for a meagre outlay. Tracks are presented cleanly, cohesively and with barely any audible muddling, and while the Flip 6's new sonic prowess means that it can be slightly critical of overly harsh recordings, most of the time it works as a great companion to the music being played.

Enthusiastic, dynamic and often enjoying a healthy discount, the Flip 6 is our go-to budget Bluetooth speaker.

Read our full JBL Flip 6 review

The best portable budget Bluetooth speaker

It may not look like much, but if you want a backpack-friendly Bluetooth speaker that won’t break the bank, Tribit Audio’s Stormbox Micro 2 is one of the best cheap models we’ve tested yet.

The small-form-factor sequel to the original Stormbox Micro doesn’t have the 360-degree grill design of many of its rivals such as the dinky UE Wonderboom 4, but during our review we found it to be well-made, easy to use and a solid performer over time.

The Micro 2's woven finish design is pretty much the same as its predecessor, yet it has small design upgrades, improved battery life and better audio quality over its predecessor.

We easily coaxed 12 hours of listening out of a single charge, whereas the unit's IP67 rating allowed us to use it in the bathroom/shower/kitchen without issue or damage. As a candidate for outdoor use then, the Stormbox Micro 2 certainly has the requisite credentials.

Audio, meanwhile, is bigger, punchier and louder than you’d expect from such a small unit, keeping up with tricky rhythms and upbeat tempos while also bringing out vocals with personality and nuance. Our listening tests showed the midrange in particular is dealt with in a much more appealing manner than practically anything else we’ve seen at this budget price point.

The Micro 2 can suffer from a little distortion at louder volumes, but realistically you’ll have to pay more and invest in a JBL Flip 6 to get better overall sound.

Read our full Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro 2 review

The best smart budget Bluetooth speaker

Let's be clear that the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker – it isn't portable and does require a plugged-in connection to the wall to work. That said, you can use Bluetooth to connect your smartphone or tablet to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker, and a smart one at that.

And what a good speaker it is too. The Echo Dot (5th Generation) earns its place here thanks to its all-round excellence, solid sound and hugely attractive price tag, and while it may be cheap, nothing about the Dot feels cut-price.

Alexa voice control, meanwhile, is getting smarter by the minute, so filled to the brim with skills and knowledge that it's frankly getting a little scary. The Dot's cybernetic assistant is more helpful than ever before, stuffed with so many tricks and quirks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

What's most impressive is how far the audio has come. We weren't that keen on the sound of Amazon's early Echo models, but continual improvement and refinement ensure that the company's “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a sound that feels surprisingly weighty, listenable and far-reaching.

For value and versatility, this Echo Dot is seriously tough to beat. Amazon added to its smart speaker range with the Echo Dot Max, but its mediocre sound means we're still recommending the Echo Dot (5th Gen) instead.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

The best cheap budget Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Go 4, like a baby Pitbull terrier or one of Ant-Man's insect comrades, is small and cute yet remarkably tough and tenacious. Sporting the same form and dimensions as, say, a chunky deck of cards or your standard bar of soap, the Go 4 has been designed for ultra portability – the sort of thing you can stuff into the bottom of a kit bag or even ram inside an accommodating back pocket.

If you need something that offers more wallop and musicality than your phone's measly in-built speakers, JBL's dinkiest dynamo is your best bet.

In a straight competition with the best that your phone can handle, and quite a few larger Bluetooth competitors, the Go 4 is sonically supreme.

It doesn't have the open, mature presentation of the crowd-pleasing Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 above, but we're still so impressed by how the JBL's taut bass, restrained trebles and smooth mids combine to craft a marvellously coherent sonic picture.

Textures are revealed with clarity and character, but there's body and power to the music to which we're treated. Again, that's something you rarely see from units this small.

You also rarely see such impressive spec sheets and feature lists. We weren't so keen on the fact that the outgoing Go 3's battery life was frustratingly paltry (around five hours), but the fourth-gen sequel bumps those numbers up to seven hours as standard plus an extra two with Playtime Boost activated.

Auracast lets you pair two Go 4 speakers together in stereo or hook up multiple compatible JBL units, helping to future-proof the speaker as newer JBLs will likely be compatible with the current model.

You even get app support, with a five-band customisable equaliser for getting your Go 4 sounding just how you like it.

For around £35 / $45 / AU$50, there's nothing better than the JBL Go 4.

Read our full JBL Go 4 review

Also consider

JBL Flip 7: The five-star JBL Flip 7 is started life at £130 / $150 / AU$170, but it's already enjoyed major discounts that have, at the best of times, halved its RRP. Considering how portable, potent and practical it is, we couldn't fully omit the best Flip ever made.

Pure Classic Aura: It won't do for taking on your travels, but as a charmingly designed and sonically talented speaker that will sit happily on your kitchen work surface on the corner of your bathroom, the Classic Aura is a charming alternative to the likes of JBL and Audio Pro. Plus, it has ambient lighting!

JBL Charge 5: Possibly one of our favourite portable speakers in recent times, the Charge 5 is still scooping Awards thanks to its clear, open soundstage, supreme build quality and exceptional value. Prices are creeping down, too, so while it's slightly too costly to make its way onto the main list, the Charge 5 has to be recommended for anyone happy to spend a little extra to get a lot more speaker.

Beats Pill: The Beats Pill is back and, here's a pleasant surprise, it's actually rather good. With a clear, clean sound and some decidedly nice bass, not to mention a travel-friendly design and outstanding IP67 rating, long-term Beats fans will find it to be a worthwhile companion.

Sony ULT Field 1: The Field 1 was supposed to officially retail at £119, but Sony seems to have had an attack of generosity and dropped that figure down to £99 (sometimes £69!) where it seems to have stayed permanently. Well-furnished, very nicely made and a lot of fun to listen to, it's a very able alternative to the JBL Flip line.

How to choose the best budget Bluetooth speaker for you

Aside from something that sounds good for the money, we advise a durable design and waterproofing at this end of the market. IPX7 and IP67 (the latter meaning that on top of waterproofing, the speaker is IP-rated against dust ingress) are good numbers to look out for – and we have listed each speaker's rating. For the best portable Bluetooth speakers on a budget, these factors are essential, especially if you'll be using the speaker outdoors, on the go, or in the kitchen.

If portability is a key factor, the budget Bluetooth speakers we've recommended here are small enough to fit in a coat pocket or big enough to fill a room with serious sound. It's imperative that you also check the dimensions before clicking "buy" so you know exactly what you're getting for your needs.

Whether you want full-on portability or a speaker to move occasionally from your bedroom to the kitchen, you're sure to find something here that you – and your current budget – can truly enjoy.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi?, we independently review hundreds of products every year, including the latest budget Bluetooth speakers hitting the market from JBL, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Ultimate Ears and other renowned brands, plus propositions from lesser-known brands that catch our eye. So how do we come to our review verdicts – and most importantly, why should you trust them?

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in the UK where our dedicated team of expert reviewers (who have more than 100 years of collective experience in reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics) thoroughly tests every product that comes our way.

Of course, with portability a priority for budget Bluetooth speakers, we make sure we spend several days putting the product through its paces in real-life, on-the-fly environments at home and in the garden (and dunk them in the kitchen sink when they're waterproof, too).

We have price-appropriate competitors and class leaders (often our benchmark What Hi-Fi? Award winners) constantly on hand to compare and contrast every product we review with similarly priced ones, and we take considerable time to ensure every aspect of a Bluetooth speaker is tested thoroughly, from its performance to its battery life to how well it can withstand most weather conditions.

Of course, sound quality is a priority here, even at budget prices, so we make sure you're getting the most out of your money. We test every speaker with a broad range of music, from pop to 90s grunge to classical and everything in between.

All verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than a single reviewer, helping to ensure consistency and avoid individual subjectivity.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

FAQ

Recent updates

January 2026: No new entries this early in the year, but we're looking ahead to the new models and ranges which are set to arrive in 2026.

December 2025: The Amazon Echo Dot Max had a chance to become our favourite budget smart speaker, but its middling sound means that we're still recommending the five-star Echo Dot (5th Gen). Added the Pure Classic Aura to our also consider section.

October 2025: Gave our copy another check and refresh in lieu of any new entries.

August 2025: No new entries, but we've gone through our copy to make sure everything's correct and up-to-date.

June 2025: No new updates, just a simple copy refresh to make sure everything's correct and up-to-date.

April 2025: Removed the JBL Flip 5 and added the JBL Flip 7 into our also consider section.

January 2025: We've removed the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 now that it's no longer widely available from major retailers.

December 2024: Updated copy and included references to What Hi-Fi? 2024 Award winners.

September 2024: Added the JBL Go 4 to our main list and moved the JBL Go 3 to the also consider section.

July 2024: Added new Beats Pill to the also consider section.

March 2024: Added an 'also consider' section (above) to give more choice and a top tip to help readers make more informed buying decisions.

November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

MORE:

Which JBL speaker should you buy in 2025? Charge 6, Flip 7 and more compared

Best Bluetooth speakers: portable speakers for every budget

For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Generally, electronics and water don't mix, especially if a product's IP rating isn't up to scratch, but waterproof speakers built different. If you're desperate to take your music outdoors, you need a speaker that's made to withstand the elements.

The best waterproof models are built to withstand being splashed or sometimes submerged in water for several minutes without malfunction, while some will happily float like ducks.

That said, it's not an experiment we'd recommend unless you're sure of your hardware's integrity, especially if you don't want to end up with a broken speaker and a pond full of dead fish.

If you need a great-sounding, hardy portable Bluetooth speaker that won't break down at the mere sight of water or dust, this is the list for you.

We've tested every speaker in this list, both in our test rooms and on the go, exposing them to the elements so that you can be confident your purchase will serve you well the next time you head out.

Find out more about our testing process here or keep scrolling to see our pick of the best waterproof speakers available.

Best waterproof speaker overall

The JBL Charge 5 remains one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested. After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still available, but it's time to accept that it's been succeeded by a sixth-generation model in the shape of the JBL Charge 6.

Happily, the Charge 6 is ready to take up the mantle. If you want a speaker to battle the worst of the weather, it's now even more waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof than its predecessor, with an IP68 rating improving on the Charge 5’s IP67 certificate alongside beefier bumper guards at either end of the speaker

Within, the Charge 6 features a 20m tweeter and a newly developed woofer that strives for deeper and more powerful bass than the old model. Algorithm-led ‘AI Sound Boost’ analyses sound in real time to optimise its output and ensure that a more powerful and exciting but less distorted signature is produced no matter where you are.

It's paid off. To quote from our review: "The Charge 6 certainly sounds more powerful, but that muscle and authority are heard throughout the frequency range, not just in the lower end. The sound is clearer and more detailed than before, with vocals given extra solidity and textural depth; the highs soar with punch but clarity".

JBL made a concerted effort to make its latest generation of speakers as cutting-edge and feature-heavy as possible, packing its newer models with Auracast audio sharing and 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio via USB-C.

On top of those handy boons, the Charge 6 also offers 24 hours of juice plus four extra with Playtime Boost, as well as doubling up as a powerbank for your smartphone or portable device.

Waterproof and future-proof, the Charge 6 earns its five-star rating at a stroll.

Read our full JBL Charge 6 review

Best budget waterproof speaker

This is the best Go yet.

In fact, it's genuinely remarkable to us how much performance JBL has managed to squeeze out of what is, essentially, a soap-sized Bluetooth speakers. It's handsome, well-equipped, durable and, for a speaker of its size and price, remarkably talented in the sound department.

The Go 5 looks broadly similar to the outgoing fourth-gen iteration, albeit with some notable adjustments. The speaker’s front-mounted ‘JBL’ lettering logo has been hollowed out, so there's less impediment to the sound from the driver reaching your ears, and JBL has added on-unit lighting to the party, which you can customise and switch on/off via the JBL Portable app.

The Go 5's IP68 rating means that dust and even submersion in water (for a limited time) will leave no lasting impression, and as we've written many times before about other JBL speakers, the general robustness of construction here is truly admirable.

The feature set is equally impressive. The Go 5's 'AirTouch' trick is a particular highlight: get two fifth-gen Go speakers together, tap them together end to end, and they’ll form a stereo pair without having to delve into the app.

Auracast Bluetooth is also on-hand, bringing the Go 5 in line with the current JBL Flip 7, Charge 6 and new Xtreme 5 models by letting you connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together under the same standard.

Battery life has also been bolstered just a little, with the Go 5 eking out roughly eight hours of standard playtime, with an additional two hours via Playtime Boost. Playtime Boost will suck most of the bass from the speaker's sound profile, however, so use it as a last resort if you're getting desperate and the battery is running dry.

Playtime Boost notwithstanding, the Go 5 sounds remarkably good considering its size and price. Thanks in part to its 45mm driver and that hollow-contour logo, the fifth-gen model is the meatiest, most robust sounding Go that we've yet heard, with a a fuller, more powerful reproduction than its predecessor.

The Go 5 doesn't try too hard and overstrain itself – instead, as our review stated, it is tuned "to have an innate understanding of how your music should sound. Nothing here is overdone or overly coloured, but it shares its bigger siblings’ ability to go with the flow as we bounce around tracks and genres".

Those talents are only augmented if you take advantage of support for 24-bit/96kHz lossless playback via USB-C, which makes your tunes sounds just a touch clearer, crisper and more detailed than when listening purely via Bluetooth.

If budgets are limited, the Go 5 is our go-to recommendation – its sound-per-pound performance ratio really is outstanding.

Read our full JBL Go 5 review

• Buying on a budget? Check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100

Best portable waterproof speaker

The older Flip 7 boasted a still-impressive IP67 water and dustproof rating, but JBL has upped the ante by bestowing a mighty IP68 certificate upon this latest iteration of the Flip line.

Anyone who finds the size or price of the Charge 6 above a little too much should consider the five-star JBL Flip 7. Smaller, slimmer and less expensive than the very capable Charge, the Flip 7 still offers a great deal of what you'd want in a portable Bluetooth companion.

Ditching the built-in adjustable carry loop of its predecessor, the seventh-gen speaker offers a choice of either a fabric finger loop or a carabiner hook for clipping the speakers onto bags, branches or anything else that springs to mind.

Like the Charge 6, the Flip 7 is heavy on features. The seventh-gen Flip offers Auracast functionality, the clever sharing technology which lets you pair two Flip 7s together in stereo or hook up multiple units via the JBL Portable app.

The Flip will grant you 14 hours on a single charge plus an extra two with Playtime Boost. The Flip 7 also features wired listening for the first time, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio playback via USB-C, meaning that it should sound its absolute best when using a physical tie.

From an audio perspective, this has to be the best Flip we've heard. It's bassier than before, with a smoother, more refined profile than the more hard-edged Flip 6 can manage. Detail levels are better than ever, while the dynamic peaks and troughs of your music are revealed with greater scope and illumination.

Across the board, this is a big step up for the Flip. A true waterproof wonder.

Read our full JBL Flip 7 review

Best mid-price waterproof speaker

There's a third-generation Beosound A1 out – the logically-named B&O Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) – but we're still recommending the older model thanks to its far lower price, Alexa capabilities and excellent performance.

The new boy is great, and you'll find it in our also consider section, but its lofty price tag (£299 / $349 / AU$639may be a sticking point for many would-be buyers.

There's nothing better than seeing style and substance come together, and that's exactly what you're getting with the rather wonderful Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen). It looks the part, it sounds the part, and by Jove, it's built to last, too.

Yes, most of B&O's range looks more at home in an art gallery than stuck on the side of Skegness Beach, meaning you'd be forgiven for thinking that a go-anywhere bit of Bang tech would be a little like having a portable version of Rodin's The Thinker stuffed in your backpack.

Happily, the Beosound A1 is tougher than its delicate looks would suggest, and the A1's IP67 rating should mean that it's happy being subjected to a 30-minute swim up to a metre deep.

Quoted battery life is also a solid 18 hours at normal listening volume, or up to 48 hours at a more conservative level, so running out of juice halfway through your camping trip shouldn't be too much of a concern.

The A1 supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec as well as Alexa voice control, which is a bonus. Sound performance is authoritative and expansive with a weighty, pleasing bass presentation, and there's even a convenient strap for ease of transport.

It's expensive at full price, but if you have money to spend, the Beosound A1 is a rather remarkable all-rounder. Grab one for a decent discount (they often drop to around £152 during sales) and you'll have bagged a bargain.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

Best premium waterproof speaker

The Xtreme 5 is chunkier and more durable than its predecessor, and while that adds a bit of weight, you're getting more speaker for you money. The built-in rubber stand is larger, while the rubberised ‘fins’ dotted around the edges of each end are more robust to offer greater protection. Plus, you now get on-speaker lighting!

Internally, there's been a significant overhaul to the driver configuration of the Xtreme 5. Where previous generations had used twin tweeters and dual woofers, the Xtreme 5 keeps the tweeters but drops the woofers in favour of a single ‘racetrack’ driver designed for better power handling and a greater mid/bass than before. We'll get to that in a second.

The Xtreme 5 supports Bluetooth 6 and Auracast, so you can pair two Xtreme 5s together to use in stereo, or connect multiple Auracast-ready speakers under the same banner.

As usual, the Xtreme can power your smartphone or tablet through the same socket. It also supports lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz through a wired connection, while battery clocks in at a very healthy 24 hours.

Get it up and firing, and you'll quickly realise that this is the most powerful Xtreme yet, with the fifth-gen model capable of filling almost any room, and most outdoor spaces, with impressive confidence.

There’s plenty of weight to the bass, which is important for a speaker of this type, but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the music. In fact, the Xtreme 5 finds a great sonic balance in this regard, aided by how much clearer and cleaner this iteration sounds than its predecessor.

Just when we were starting to wonder how JBL could improve its Xtreme, it drops another masterpiece. Imagine how good the Xtreme 6 will be. One of the best waterproof speakers you can buy.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 5 review

Also consider

JBL Flip 6: Still one of our favourite portable models around and a mainstay on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers overall, the Flip 6 is unmatched at its price for its musicality, authority and sense of fun. It's IP67 rated, supremely robust and ideal for granting super sound at a reasonable cost.

Sonos Play: A wireless, wi-fi-ready speaker that you can also take outside in the cold and rain? A strong IP67 rating will keep your Play from succumbing to the elements when you take it outside to listen via Bluetooth, while a raft of wireless streaming features are on-hand when you head back inside.

Bose SoundLink Max: The SoundLink Max is excellent. It's so good, in fact, that it could easily have made it onto the main list had it not been for the outstanding JBL Xtreme 4. Still, for giving you a rugged, ergonomic design that fires out tunes with genuine spark and dynamism, the burly Max is a five-star delight.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen): It's a lot of money to pay for a waterproof speaker, and possibly isn't the sort of thing you'd want to get damaged in the great wide world. Still, the IP67-rated B&O is classy, cool and crafted with genuine care, making it a product you want more than one you really need.

Beats Pill: Beats is finding its groove again. The Beats Pill offers up a clear, clean sound and some decidedly nice bass, not to mention a travel-friendly design and outstanding IP67 rating. A solid choice for long-term Beats fans.

Bose SoundLink Plus: The SoundLink Plus won't struggle with the elements thanks to its impressive IP67 water and dustproof certification. It's easy to recommend sound-wise, with a punchy, bold delivery that belies its reasonably small size.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 2: We've been admirers of the palm-sized Tribit for quite some time now. While it isn't the sexiest speaker in the world, its surprisingly full, involving sound and excellent durability has won many hearts, including our own.

Sonos Move 2: If you love Sonos and want something bigger than the Roam, try the Move 2. It's heftier than the Roam, but the Move 2 is made semi-portable thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, built-in rear handle and solid build. That said, it's more the kind of speaker you'd take around the garden rather than much further afield.

Sony ULT Field 1: The ULT Field 1's flexibility and strong feature set make it an attractive option. The ULT boost button works well considering the size and general use case of the Field 1, while DSD sound diffusion, hands-free calling, stereo pairing and Android Fast Pair add to its credentials. It's IP67-rated too, meaning the Sony will handle most of what's thrown at it.

How to choose the best waterproof speaker for you

A good waterproof rating should be high on your checklist of things to consider when choosing a waterproof speaker. The most common rating used in consumer electronics is the IP (Ingress Protection) standard, with ratings written as "IP" followed by two numbers – the first represents dust resilience, the second represents water resistance.

Those models with a rating of IPX4, for instance, are only splashproof (the 'X' means the product wasn't tested for resilience against dust ingress.) But one of the most common specifications in newer models – in the speakers listed – is IP67, meaning that particular speaker is safe to immerse in water up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes and it's dust-proof, too. For a full explanation of the IP ratings and what they mean, check out our IP ratings explainer.

While Bluetooth is pretty much a must for these portable designs, wi-fi connectivity is less important when it comes to a waterproof speaker. Still, it's a great addition if you'll be using your speaker at home too and want to integrate it with your smart home set-up (using Amazon Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant).

Decent battery life is also a key consideration – nothing spoils a long hike or away day like a flat battery. Whether you want a budget buy or can stretch to a much pricier and more capable model, there's bound to be something for you in our recommendations above.

How we test waterproof speakers

We review hundreds of products every year at What Hi-Fi?'s state-of-the-art testing facilities, including all kinds of Bluetooth speakers, and of course waterproof ones. We test all products that come through our doors as a team of experts with over a century of combined experience, ensuring no expert opinion ever goes unheard.

While we listen to all speakers in the test rooms, we also take waterproof speakers outside to test how durable they are against the rain, drizzle or even a dunk in the pool (or a sink or bath).

Every Bluetooth speaker is judged on a performance-per-pound basis, and we make sure to compare speakers with similarly-priced class leaders to help ensure we get a good sense of a speaker's performance and context in the market as well as help us settle on a final verdict score.

Outside of evaluating the audio performance of every waterproof speaker, we also test features like battery life, water resistance, Bluetooth connection strength, ease of use and set-up, among other things – including whether it's as rugged as it is claimed to be. It's important we get a full sense of both a product's practicality as well as its performance to gauge its overall value.

As a matter of course, there's no input from PR companies or sales teams when it comes to reviews, with What Hi-Fi? enjoying a sterling, decades-long reputation for delivering unbiased, honest feedback.

FAQ

Recent updates

• June 2026: Replaced the JBL Xtreme 4 and Go 4 with their fifth-gen follow-ups. Added the Sonos Play to our also consider section.
• January 2026: No new entries, but we've ensured all of the information below is up-to-date.
• December 2025: We've made sure that this page is up-to-date for the start of 2026.
• October 2025: No new additions, just a copy refresh.
• August 2025: Added the Bose SoundLink Plus to our also consider section thanks to its positive review and IP67 certification.
• June 2025: We've added the B&O Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) to our also consider section.
• April 2025: We've added the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 to our list following a pair of five-star reviews.
• January 2025: We've updated our copy and made sure it's fresh and up-to-date for the start of 2025. Also removed outdated products that are no longer on the market.
• December 2024: We've labelled our What Hi-Fi? 2024 Award winners and given our copy a fresh update.
• October 2024: Moved the JBL Flip 6 to our also consider section and replaced it with the JBL Go 4 as the best portable waterproof speaker.
• August 2024: We've replaced the outgoing JBL Xtreme 3 with the new Xtreme 4 as our pick for the best premium outdoor speaker. We've also added the Bose SoundLink Max to our 'also consider' section.
• June 2024: Added new models to our also consider section and replaced single pictures with multi-image galleries.
• March 2024: Added FAQs and an "Also Consider" section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.
• November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

MORE:

See our best budget Bluetooth speakers list

Check out 28 of the best tracks for testing bass

IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your headphones?

Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes, sizes and prices, and with varying discounts and deals intermittently thrown into the equation, it can be a nightmare trying to figure out which one to pick.

At their best, they're one of the simplest ways to get your music playing wherever you are. The wire-free wonders can be stunningly versatile, from using one in your office to popping a compact model in a backpack and taking it to the park or up a mountainside.

The last few years have been massive for Bluetooth speakers. 2025 gave us the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6, both of which debuted to great acclaim, while Bose added to its roster of SoundLink speakers with the likeable SoundLink Plus and SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen). 2026, meanwhile, has already given us the outstanding JBL Go 5 and the exceptional JBL Xtreme 5.

We'll keep this page updated with the best and brightest talents on the scene throughout the year. We'd encourage you to use this page to establish what a range of brilliant speakers can do across a healthy spectrum of prices and sizes to put you in a strong position to find your ideal companion.

Few categories enjoy such frequent deals and drops as Bluetooth speakers, and even when major sales events aren't taking place, great savings are never far away. Keep your eyes on our deals hubs, best buys and spotlight deals if you're after the finest hardware at the best price possible.

Every entry on this list has been tested by our experts, both in our testing rooms and further afield, with our team assessing their sonic performance, feature sets, quality of build and general value.

You can learn more about our testing process or keep scrolling to see our pick of the best Bluetooth speakers available.

Best Bluetooth speaker overall

The JBL Charge 5 ended its run as one of the most enduringly impressive Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, wowing us not only with the quality of its sound but also the longevity it continues to display.

After multiple What Hi-Fi? Award wins, JBL's bottle-shaped speaker is still on the market, but now that it's been succeeded by a sixth-generation model, it soon may ride off into the sunset as a bona fide legend.

As sad as that may be, the Charge 6 is ready to take up the mantle. It's now even more waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof than before, with an IP68 rating (up from the Charge 5’s IP67) and beefier bumper guards at either end of the speaker

Internally, the Charge 6 features a 20m tweeter and a newly developed woofer that strives for deeper and more powerful bass than the old model. Algorithm-led ‘AI Sound Boost’ analyses the speaker's sound in real time to optimise its output and ensure that a more powerful and exciting but less distorted sound is produced at all times and in all places.

It's paid off. To quote from our review: "The Charge 6 certainly sounds more powerful, but that muscle and authority are heard throughout the frequency range, not just in the lower end. The sound is clearer and more detailed than before, with vocals given extra solidity and textural depth; the highs soar with punch but clarity".

It doesn't stop there. JBL has made a concerted effort to make its latest generation of speakers as cutting-edge and feature-heavy as possible, packing its latest models with Auracast audio sharing and 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio via USB-C.

On top of those handy boons, the Charge 6 also offers 24 hours of juice plus four extra with Playtime Boost, as well as doubling up as a power bank for your smartphone or portable device.

Bose has a potential rival to the Charge 6 arriving soon in the shape of the Bose SoundLink Plus.

Costing a good deal more than the Charge 6 ( £250 / $269 / AU$429) but promising the same phone charging capabilities alongside an IP67 certification, around 12 hours of battery life and a "rich sound" with plenty of bass, it could certainly challenge JBL for supremacy and a place on this list.

Read our full JBL Charge 6 review

Best portable Bluetooth speaker

Anyone who finds the size or price of the Charge 6 above a little too much should consider the five-star JBL Flip 7. Smaller, slimmer and less expensive, the Flip 7 still offers a great deal of what you'd want in a portable Bluetooth companion.

The older generation model boasted a still-impressive IP67 water and dustproof rating, but JBL has decided to up the ante by bestowing a mighty IP68 certificate upon this newest iteration.

Ditching the built-in adjustable carry loop of its predecessor, the Flip 7 offers a choice of either a fabric finger loop or a carabiner hook for clipping the speakers onto the likes of bags or nearby branches.

Like the Charge 6 above, the Flip 7 goes big on features. The seventh-gen Flip offers Auracast functionality, the new sharing technology which lets you pair two Flip 7s together in stereo or hook up multiple units via the JBL Portable app.

The new Flip will grant you 14 hours on a single charge plus an extra two with Playtime Boost. The Flip 7 also features wired listening for the first time, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio playback via USB-C, meaning that it should sound its absolute best when using a physical tether.

Sonically, this is the best Flip we've heard. It's bassier than before, with a smoother, more refined profile than the more hard-edged Flip 6 can manage. Detail levels are improved, while the dynamic peaks and troughs of your music are revealed with greater scope and scale.

Across the board, this is a big step up for the Flip, and for now, JBL's mighty burrito remains top dog.

Read our full JBL Flip 7 review

Best budget Bluetooth speaker

The JBL Go 5 is the best Go yet.

It's genuinely remarkable to us how much performance JBL has managed to wring out of what is, essentially, a soap-sized Bluetooth speakers. It's handsome, well-equipped, durable and, for a speaker of its price and size, remarkably talented in the audio department.

The Go 5 looks broadly similar to the outgoing fourth-gen version, albeit with some notable changes. The speaker’s front-mounted ‘JBL’ lettering logo has been hollowed out, so there's less of a barrier to the audio from the driver reaching your ears, and JBL has added on-unit lighting which you can customise and switch on/off via the JBL Portable app.

The Go 5's IP68 rating means that dust and limited submersion in water will leave no lasting damage, and the general robustness of construction here is truly admirable.

The feature set is equally impressive. The Go 5's 'AirTouch' trick is a fun highlight: get two fifth-gen Go speakers together, tap them together end to end, and they’ll form a stereo pair without having to dig out the app.

Auracast Bluetooth is also on-hand, bringing the Go 5 in line with the current JBL Flip 7, Charge 6 and new Xtreme 5 models by letting you connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together under the same standard.

Battery life has also been bolstered just a little, with the Go 5 eking out roughly eight hours of standard playtime, with two more hours via Playtime Boost. Playtime Boost will suck most of the bass from the sound, however, so use it as a last resort only if you're getting desperate.

Playtime Boost aside, the Go 5 sounds remarkably good considering its size and price. Thanks in part to its 45mm driver and that hollow-contour logo, the fifth-gen model is the meatiest, most robust sounding Go that we've yet heard, with a a fuller, more powerful reproduction than its predecessor.

The Go 5 doesn't try too hard and overstrain itself – instead, as our review stated, it is tuned "to have an innate understanding of how your music should sound. Nothing here is overdone or overly coloured, but it shares its bigger siblings’ ability to go with the flow as we bounce around tracks and genres".

Those talents are only heightened if you take advantage of support for 24-bit/96kHz lossless playback via USB-C, which makes your music sound clearer, crisper and more detailed than when listening via Bluetooth.

If your budget is limited, the Go 5 is our go-to recommendation – its sound-per-pound performance ratio really is outstanding.

Read our full JBL Go 5 review

Best mid-price Bluetooth speaker

Before we get started with the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen), we'd like to inform you that there is now a newer, third-generation Beosound available now. The Beosound A1 (3rd Gen builds on the same design blueprint, delivers a natural and detailed midrange, ditches Alexa, but adds wired USB-C listening.

It's easy to covet and has earned a spot in our also consider section, but if you want Alexa integration and a much lower price, the second-generation five-star model is a savvy buy with serious sonic talent.

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) definitely the Bluetooth speaker for those among us who don't like to follow the herd. You can have your JBLs and your Tribits, as the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is for anyone who prioritises luxury, style and a bit of personality from their electronics.

This is the speaker for those people who could choose an Audi, VW or BMW, but go for an Alfa Romeo instead.

Admittedly, saying that the A1 sports similar dimensions to a medium-sized hamburger doesn't sound that luxurious, but rest assured: it's a beautiful, very well-made speaker only bested in the looks department by the rather stunning Dali Katch G2 in our also consider section.

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) supports Qualcomm’s latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.1 codec and features Alexa built-in, as long as you're connected to the wi-fi when you want to speak to her. That's a smart feature that most of the rivals on this list don't have, by the way.

Sonically, we consider this to be one of Bang & Olufsen's best models, presenting a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you could easily listen to all day.

Throw in its classy, well-made design, easy-to-use operation and the bonus of Alexa, and suddenly things start to make a whole lot of sense. We do sense that it's finally being phased out as stocks dwindle, so this may be the last months of the second-gen Beosound's natural lifespan.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

There are no laurels being rested on here. The JBL Xtreme 4 was always going to be tough to top, but JBL has gone all out to ensure that the fifth-gen follow-up is up to the task.

The Xtreme 5 is chunkier and more durable than its predecessor, and while that adds a bit of weight, you're getting more speaker for you money. The built-in rubber stand has increased in size, while the rubberised ‘fins’, which are dotted around the edges of each end of the speaker, are more robust to offer greater protection. Plus, you now get on-speaker lighting!

Internally, there's been a significant overhaul to the driver configuration of the Xtreme 5. Where previous generations used twin tweeters and twin woofers, the new Xtreme 5 keeps the tweeters but ditches the woofers in favour of a single ‘racetrack’ driver designed for better power handling and a greater mid/bass than before.

The speaker supports Bluetooth 6 and Auracast, so you can pair two Xtreme 5s together to use in stereo, or connect multiple Auracast-ready speakers under the same banner.

As usual, the Xtreme can power your smartphone or tablet through the same socket. It also supports lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz through a wired connection, while battery clocks in at around 24 hours.

Get it up and firing, and you'll quickly realise that this is the most powerful Xtreme yet, with the fifth-gen model capable of filling almost any room, and most outdoor spaces, with impressive confidence.

There’s plenty of bass weight, which is important for a speaker of this type, but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the music. In fact, the Xtreme 5 finds a great sonic balance in this regard, aided massively by just how much clearer and cleaner this iteration sounds than its predecessor.

Just when we were starting to wonder how JBL could improve its Xtreme, it drops another masterpiece. Imagine how good the Xtreme 6 will be.

Read our full JBL Xtreme 5 review

Best multi-room Bluetooth speaker

It isn't just traditional, portable Bluetooth speakers on this list. The Era 100 is, alongside the Award-winning Era 300, one of the best speakers that Sonos has made in quite some time, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, it's eligible for a spot on this rundown

The Era 100 is a certified five-star performer, combining updated specs and features with an overhauled design to deliver one of the most sonically satisfying speakers Sonos has ever made at this level.

Reconceived from the ground up, the Era 100 sports brand-new drivers in the shape of two angled tweeters with customer waveguides alongside a woofer that's 25 per cent larger than the Sonos One, with each unit powered by its own Class D amplifier.

This, alongside a faster processor, translates into a much better sound than Sonos managed with the Sonos One, and while the One was mono only, the Era 100 can pump out a satisfying stereo experience.

The bass profile feels deep, full and substantial, while the clarity and detail across the spectrum make for a cohesive, balanced listen. Even the timing is excellent!

The Era 100 is more of a stationary, use-at-home unit, but that Bluetooth connectivity does afford you more flexibility in terms of how you use it. With such ambitious levels of performance, we think it's one of the finest wireless Bluetooth speakers you'll find at this price.

The Era 100 has been around for more than two years now, so we've hoping that, alongside its bigger brother, a new edition could be coming in 2026. The Sonos Play has arrived to fill that gap, but as a smaller version of the four-star Move, it won't be replacing the duties of the Era 100.

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

Best smart Bluetooth speaker

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is still the best smart speaker Amazon makes. The newer Echo Dot Max debuted earlier in 2025, but its middling sound and inflated price mean we're still recommending the smaller, cheaper edition.

No, the Echo Dot isn't a traditional Bluetooth speaker according to our usual criteria. It's not portable as it requires a plugged-in connection to the wall, plus it relies on wi-fi for Alexa to work at all.

You can (and will), however, utilise Bluetooth to connect your iPhone to the Echo Dot, especially if you want to play music stored locally, qualifying it as a Bluetooth speaker on more than a mere technicality.

Either way, the Echo Dot (5th Generation) truly earns its place on this list thanks to its all-around excellence and hugely attractive price tag.

It may be cheap, but nothing about the Dot feels tacky or cut-price, and whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and knowing the capital of France, now she's as bursting with skills and knowledge as Keanu Reeves after he's been uploaded with various handy computer programs.

The Dot's AI assistant is more helpful than ever, stuffed with so many tricks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though "she" were a real person.

Audio has come a long way, too. Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm), offering audio that feels, for the size, weighty, listenable and surprisingly versatile.

For non-Apple devotees seeking a smart companion on a budget, the Echo Dot is a fine alternative to the HomePod Mini, the latter of which doesn't offer Bluetooth support. We've got the Echo Dot Max in for testing at the moment (around £100 / $100), so we'll let you know if it ousts the current Dot as our go-to Amazon smart speaker.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

Best premium Bluetooth speaker

The Audio Pro C20 W acts as the replacement to the established, Award-winning C20, and while it doesn't look much different in person or on paper, subtle tweaks have raised a very fine speaker to new heights. It's a Bluetooth speaker by virtue of the fact that it offers Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, but the C20 W is capable of doing so much more.

The headline addition a new app powered by LinkPlay, the company that owns WiiM. WiiM has forged part of its growing reputation on its user-friendly app, and we find the new platform for the C20 W (named the 'Audio Pro W' app) to be a comprehensive, manageable suite for getting the most out of your wireless speaker.

The sound has also been tweaked. It's not a massive change up, but the 'W' edition brings extra helpings of clarity and detail to a speaker that was hardly lacking in such departments. It's also a little fuller in the bass, while its built-in phono stage is a step up over the one found in the original C20.

Elsewhere, things are roughly the same as before, and that's no bad thing. The Audio Pro C20 W remains primarily a wireless speaker, with its wi-fi capabilities allowing it to stream tracks up to 24-bit/96kHz via AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, as well as through Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Audio Pro multi-room.

You also get a deep bag full of physical connections. The C20 W offers a batch of RCA inputs alongside HDMI ARC for boosting your TV's sound, plus a sub out if you're keen to add a subwoofer.

There's an optical input for getting tethered to digital sources, as well as a better-sounding MM phono stage if you plan on connecting up your turntable and building an impromptu deck-and-speaker hi-fi system.

Our review verdict gives it to you in a nutshell: "The excellent C20 W sees Audio Pro honing an already Award-winning recipe. In retaining the versatility of the original while adding boosts to usability and sonic performance, Audio Pro has elevated a great wireless speaker to new heights". Sold!

Read our full Audio Pro C20 W review

Also consider

JBL Go 4: It's not the latest Go anymore, but sometimes age can be a blessing. We've seen the Go 4 drop as low as around £25 / $30, making it an absolute bargain. A JBL speaker for the price of your weekly take-away? Tasty.

JBL Xtreme 4: Like the Go above, this isn't the newest Xtreme speaker you can buy. Still, it's streets ahead of most rivals of its type, and prices are going to start dropping as the fourth-gen Xtreme is gradually phased out.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: You'll probably use its hi-res wireless streaming capabilities more than Bluetooth, but it's worth including the Pro Edition here considering just how good it is. As an attractive, beautifully made entity that wows with its sound and style, this is possibly the best Zeppelin ever made.

JBL Flip 6: A great speaker at a (usually) great price, the Flip 6 prioritises sonic performance and a rugged, portable build. If you can't stretch to the Flip 7, it's well worth considering.

Sonos Play: If features and flexibility are your thing, the Play really does do the lot. It's as happy indoors as it is in the garden or at the seaside, and its integration within the Sonos multi-room family is a big plus if you're a part of that ecosystem.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen): If you can look past its rather high price tag, the latest addition to the Beosound A1 line is a classy, beautifully made speaker that we can't help but covet. As a portable, money-no-object Bluetooth buddy to impress your friends at a swanky soiree, it really does have, if you'll excuse the phrase, the 'wow factor'.

JBL Charge 5: The Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we've tested in the last five years, so we'll be sad when it's no longer around. It's cheap as chips at the moment, and if you want a wi-fi version, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi isn't a bad shout, either.

Dali Katch G2: The beautiful Dali Katch G2 used to be a mainstay of this list before the Xtreme 4 and Xtreme 5 came along and stole some of its thunder. It's still an utterly wonderful piece of kit though, melding gorgeous, refined looks with a sound profile that's, well, gorgeous and refined. Very much the thinking person's portable pal.

Bose SoundLink Max: We like the SoundLink Flex, but just feel that slightly sonically superior rivals have prevented us from a solid recommendation. The bigger, pricier SoundLink Max is a five-star belter, though, serving up a powerful, musical sound that really mixes it with the best of them.

Bose SoundLink Plus: Even if it couldn't quite nab the coveted five-star rating of its larger Max sibling, we have a real soft spot for the SoundLink Plus. It's nicely made, entertaining to listen to and made convenient by its portability. A few extra features wouldn't go amiss, mind.

How to choose the best Bluetooth speaker for you

Set a budget

When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, the first thing you should ask yourself after setting a budget is what you want from it. Does the speaker need to be portable and versatile enough to use both indoors and outdoors? Or are you happy with a mains-powered speaker that can fill a big room with brilliant audio?

Sound is king

Sound, of course, should play a huge part in your decision, because there's absolutely no guarantee that two models of a similar price will end up sounding the same in terms of quality, audio presentation and general timbre. Some Bluetooth speakers will be peppy and exciting, while others will prioritise pulsating bass to get the party started.

Volume and power matter

Size and power, too, should be a consideration. The Tribit Micro 2 is a handy little speaker to take into the shower or clip onto your rucksack during a hike, but you'll find it practically useless if you plan to rave away your nights to the sound of the best house, dance and electronic floor-fillers every weekend. A bigger option, like the JBL Charge 6, or models that allow daisy-chaining, will be more appropriate for ravers or users who prioritise loudness.

Portability adds convenience

If you're choosing portability, you'll want to think about battery life and other aspects such as how waterproof, dustproof and rugged the design is. How durable a Bluetooth speaker is can quickly become a determining factor, especially if you want to, say, take one to the park or the beach and on holidays. Check out our IP ratings explainer if you're unsure.

What about features?

Generally, the more you spend the more features you get, such as multi-room functionality, higher-quality Bluetooth codec support (for aptX or aptX HD, for example), and the ability to answer calls hands-free. Some portable Bluetooth speakers even allow you to charge a smartphone or tablet using their own built-in battery. Naturally, you should only consider treating a buying decision as a box-ticking exercise based on the features you think you'd benefit from.

Make a list

Once you've narrowed down your search, it's time to draw up a shortlist of contenders and, if you have the time, search around a few retailers and outlets for the best price. Or, alternatively, you can use our best Bluetooth speaker deals hub to find discounts right away.

How we test Bluetooth speakers

At What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year at our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading. We have complete control over the testing process, and we also review products as a team as opposed to individually, ensuring no opinion goes unheard and that our final verdicts are consistent. Our expert, trusted team has over 100 combined years of reviewing experience.

Besides the sound quality of a Bluetooth speaker, which we test with every genre of music from classical to pop, we also scrutinise other aspects of its design. These include its battery life, the robustness of its Bluetooth connection, how easy it is to use and set up, and finally, how well built and rugged it is – especially if it will be used outdoors.

Our review philosophy doesn't change whether we're evaluating a portable budget Bluetooth speaker or a more premium model with extra streaming features.

All Bluetooth speakers are judged on a performance-per-pound basis and, as part of our tried-and-tested process, put up against the current class leader(s) at its respective price point to see how they compare and to help us settle on a star rating.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for nearly five decades.

Read more about how we test products at What Hi-Fi? here.

FAQ

Recent updates

• June 2026: Gave this page a mid-year refresh to make sure all of the information is up-to-date.
• June 2026: We've added the JBL Xtreme 5 to our main list following a five-star review. The Xtreme 4 drops to our also consider section, as it's still a great pick.
• May 2026: The JBL Go 5 is now our best budget Bluetooth speaker ahead of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2.
• April 2026: The Sonos Play has made its way into our 'also consider' section following a positive four-star review.
• March 2026: Sonos is looking to find a place on our list with its Sonos Play wireless speaker. Thanks to its Bluetooth powers, it could be a candidate for our rundown if it performs well in our test rooms.
• February 2026: No new additions just yet, but we've given our list a general update and refresh.
• January 2026: No new additions, but we're looking ahead to some of the exciting Bluetooth speakers that could be arriving in 2026.
• December 2025: No new entries but kept our copy up-to-date for the start of 2026.
• November 2025: We've updated our copy to reflect recent reviews and Awards.
• October 2025: Replaced the outgoing Audio Pro C20 with the C20 W as our favourite premium entry.
• September 2025: Expanded FAQ section with new entries.
• September 2025: Included references to newly-unveiled speakers such as the JBL Grip.
• August 2025: Added the recently reviewed Bose SoundLink Plus to our also consider section.
• July 2025: Included references to upcoming speakers such as the Bose SoundLink Plus.
• June 2025: We've added the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) to our also consider section following its recent four-star review.
• May 2025: Made sure our copy is up to date and added references to potentially upcoming speakers.
• April 2025: Added the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 to our main list and dropped the Flip 6 and Charge 5 into our also consider section.
• March 2025: Provided an update on the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 and added the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition to our also consider section.
• February 2025: No new updates but refreshed copy to keep it up to date with current market information and rumours.
• January 2025: Added the Sony LinkBuds Speaker to our also consider section.
• December 2024: Added references to our recent Awards and refreshed some copy to keep it up to date.
• October 2024: Gave the JBL Xtreme 4 and the Audio Pro C20 new straplines to reflect their What Hi-Fi? 2024 Award wins.
• September 2024: Added the JBL Go 4 to our also consider section following a five-star review.
• August 2024: The new five-star JBL Xtreme 4 speaker has been added to our main list, replacing the Dali Katch G2 (which is still a firm recommendation in the also consider section).
• July 2024: Added five-star Bose SoundLink Max to the also consider section and referred to new or upcoming Bluetooth models in the intro.
• April 2024: Added the Audio Pro C20 following a five-star review.
• March 2024: Added an also consider section to offer more alternative buying options for readers.

MORE:

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For an alternative to Bluetooth, here are the best wireless speakers

Adventurers will also need the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

Philips has a new range of audio products that are aimed at those looking for something that can hack the pace of sport, fitness and outdoor life. The Philips A7507 true wireless earbuds and S4807 and S7807 Bluetooth speakers are part of the Philips Sound Sport range, and look to take on the likes of AKG, JBL and Ultimate Ears for portable supremacy. 

First up, the headphones. True wireless earbuds have exploded in popularity of late, so making a pair that stands out is no mean feat. The Philips A7507 have plenty going for them – they promise large, low distortion, graphene-coated drivers, and they work with both the hi-res LDAC and Apple AAC codecs.

There's also a new ANC (active noise-cancellation) Pro system, which includes a dedicated algorithm for reducing noise generated by wind. And bone-conducting microphones make your speech clearer on calls, even in noisy environments.

You get eight hours of run time from the earbuds, plus another 21 hours from the carry case. That's good, but not class-leading. Juicing them up for 15 minutes will give you an hour of use.

Next up, the Bluetooth speakers. There are two models: the Philips S4807 and bigger, more powerful S7807. Like any decent outdoor speaker, both models are rugged and water-resistant, while a carry strap makes them easy to lug about.

The S7807 has a 20mm tweeter and two 70mm mid/bass woofers plus a passive radiator to give deep bass and clear mids and highs. It provides 40W of power and a runtime of 24 hours. It can also double as a portable charger for your phone or tablet, thanks to its 5000mAh battery – though expect its own battery life to suffer when charging another device.

The smaller S4807 packs a 20mm tweeter, a 45mm mid/bass driver and two passive radiators. Power is 10W while it will run for 12 hours before needing a recharge. Unlike its bigger brother, it can't work as a portable charger for your other devices.

Both models have Bluetooth 5.2, handsfree calls via push to talk and voice assistant activation for speak to control. You can pair both with each other to create stereo sound.

Both come in black and red or white and yellow finishes with grey accents.

In truth, neither the headphones nor the speakers offer anything we haven't seen before from rival brands. But if Philips can nail the sound quality and the price, it could be onto a winner.

Look out for full reviews later in the year.

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The Ultimate Ears Megablast is UE's loudest and smartest speaker. With Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built in, wi-fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth and the UE rugged build, it's quite the portable package. 

More crucially, the Megablast joins the brand’s portfolio of five-star Bluetooth speakers that are simply fun to use and listen to. Good-looking and great-sounding, the Megablast is an absolute treat.

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Build

Design-wise, the Ultimate Ears Megablast is similar to the existing Megaboom speaker, albeit a touch flatter at the ends. The brand name is now prominently displayed, too.

It retains the same rugged, durable build quality that makes Ultimate Ears speakers perfect for outdoor use. It’s waterproof as well (IP67 rated), so will survive being dunked in the pool or splashed in the rain.

Battery life is a respectable 16 hours, although it’s worth noting that’s down from the non Alexa-powered Megaboom’s 20 hours.

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Despite being designed for portable use, there has been a conscious effort to make the Megablast more home-friendly - due mostly to its new role as a smart speaker.

The six finishes – Graphite (black), Blizzard (white), Blue Steel (blue), Merlot (red), Mojito (green) and Lemonade (yellow) – are more muted than the flashy and vibrant finishes we’re used to seeing. It’s a bit more grown up.

When indoors you can prop the Megablast up on an optional charging dock – the Power Up (£35) – which doubles as a neat stand.

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Features

Thanks to Alexa's integration into the Megablast, you can ask it to dim your home’s smart lights, set a cooking timer or play your favourite 80s power ballad – just as you would when using an Amazon Echo or Sonos One.

Say the wake word ‘Alexa’ and a white LED strip on top of the Megablast glows bright, then blinks when replying to you.

It’s a nice, unobtrusive way of knowing Alexa has heard you (meaning a more natural dialogue flow), and the speaker is responsive and swift to relay commands. You can also mute Alexa – indicated by a tiny red LED.

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The Megablast has a bespoke control app, called Ultimate Ears, to help you set up the speaker to your home’s wi-fi for voice control.

However, if you want to fully customise Alexa’s settings (set your location, choose the metric or imperial system) and skills (such as Routines, which initiates a chain of commands through a single phrase), you’ll need to do that through the dedicated Alexa app.

Alexa’s skills become more useful the more smart elements you have in your home, but when it comes to voice-controlled music playback over wi-fi you’re restricted to Amazon Music Unlimited and TuneIn radio for now.

So if you say “Alexa, play Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks”, the Megablast will only play from Music Unlimited – if you have an account.

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The good news is that there is support for music streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music over wi-fi. For Apple Music , Google Play Music and others, you'll need Bluetooth. There is no 3.5mm audio jack.

Staple Ultimate Ears features, such as pairing two speakers to play in tandem or stereo mode, are present as well as the party mode where you can connect up to eight. Bear in mind that you can only pair Blast and Megablast speakers with each other and not the rest of the UE family.

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Sound

We fire up our Spotify playlist and are greeted by a hugely enjoyable performance.

Ultimate Ears says the Megablast is its loudest speaker yet, measuring a maximum of 93dB, 40 per cent louder than the Megaboom.

The innards have been redesigned: the Megablast now features two active drivers, two passive radiators and two tweeters.

The performance says it all. The Megablast has no problem filling up our medium-sized listening room with a sound that demands your attention.

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It’s not just sheer loudness that impresses us, it’s the fact the speaker manages to go so loud without sounding distorted or harsh. That's something even hi-fi stereo speakers can't manage at times.

Stevie Nicks’s vocals reach soaring highs in Edge Of Seventeen, packed with crisp detail and fervour in equal measure. There’s a big sense of space, too, helped by the speakers’ 360-degree spread of sound.

Does that loudness affect how well Alexa hears you? The Megablast has no problem hearing when playing music at a reasonable volume (about halfway through the 10-step volume level).

Any louder (beyond level seven) and we have to shout or lean closer to Alexa – which takes a couple of goes. And at full volume, you’re better off using the Megablast’s large volume buttons or your smartphone’s controls.

But we’re quite happy to shut up and simply listen to the Megablast. It has a terrifically dynamic presentation for a speaker of this type.

Ultimate Ears’ customary energetic character is plain to hear in Salt-n-Pepa/En Vogue’s Whatta Man. That funky bassline is ferociously taut and snappy through the Megablast.

It drives the song’s punchy rhythm, maintaining such an enthusiastic momentum you’ll be joining in with the catchy chorus every time.

Each note – a solid drum hit, crashing cymbal, chunky guitar strum – is handled with precision. But we’re also pleased the Megablast is enormous fun to listen to despite this level of control over its performance.

The Megablast is a bit leaner tonally than we’d expect, with its rival Sonos One smart speaker having a touch more warmth through the midrange.

Ben Folds’ heartfelt singing in the sparse Brick is more contemplative through the smooth-sounding Sonos, with the piano coming across as sweeter and more full-bodied.

It can’t match the Megablast’s level of clarity and detail, though, or its confident dynamics. That leanness is what gives Megablast its speedy and dynamic sense of rhythm, too, so we’re willing to forgive this balance.

Verdict

But the Megablast takes some beating.

Ultimate Ears is on excellent form here. Alexa’s inclusion in a portable speaker is a bonus, but the Megablast’s real strength lies in its hugely enjoyable and mature performance.

Add in all the perks of its waterproof and durable build, the funky and easy to use design, and you’ll find that it’s £270 well worth spending - or £100 if you can grab it on sale.

See all our Ultimate Ears reviews

Standing out in the supremely-crowded Bluetooth speaker market isn't easy. Luckily for Bose, well, it's Bose, which just happens to be one of the most popular manufacturers of wireless speakers. So when there's a new Bose product, we're interested: step forward, the Bose Portable Home Speaker. 

In keeping with recent products, the Bose Portable Home Speaker opts for an all-caps, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin naming convention, much like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

So we know it's a portable speaker, but what else does it do? Well, it claims 360-degree sound and, punchily, "deeper bass than any other portable smart speaker its size". (We're intrigued to hear it up against the likes of the Audio Pro C3 and Ultimate Ears Megablast.)

Weighing just over 1kg, there's a handy handle so you can carry it from room to room, with a 12-hour battery life promising to keep things playing when you're away from a plug socket. 

In terms of playing music, there's Spotify Connect so you don't need to drain your phone's battery, plus Bluetooth and AirPlay 2. You can control the speaker with the power of your voice, too, thanks to the inclusion of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Interested? Available in triple black and silver luxe, the Bose Portable Home Speaker will go on sale on 19th September, costing £329/$349.

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Logitech has established itself as manufacturer of some excellent, affordable desktop audio systems. Its iPod-friendly products such as the Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 (£80) and the S715i (£100) have won Awards.

The Logitech UE (‘Ultimate Ears’) is its first AirPlay speaker dock, and its most expensive speaker dock to date.

Simple connection to AirPlay
Before you can get cracking with AirPlay, you need to get hooked up to your network. The easiest way is via Logitech’s UE Air App. Download it free from iTunes and once you’ve docked your iDevice on the 30-pin connector, open the app and you’ll be given an option to rename the dock and be prompted for your network password. Tap it in and you’re AirPlay enabled.

Two drivers sit either side of the dock. They’re spaced in such a way that when an iDevice (including iPad) is docked and charging, the sound isn’t obstructed.

Logitech UE: Sound quality
And the Logitech UE produces a rhythm-driven, entertaining sound. There’s a sense of agility and craft to low frequencies which leads to enthusiastic foot-tapping.

The bassline to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean sounds taut and distinct, with an impressive level of attention paid to the song’s dynamics. Highs sound snappy but not splashy or thin.

Engage AirPlay and the same track displays a hint of coarseness, and sacrifices a little in the way of refinement, but that’s no different from other AirPlay-enabled devices. The UE Air App allows you to alter bass and treble settings, but it performs just fine out of the box and there’s no need to tweak unless you’re a glutton for bass.

Verdict
Logitech has taken a gamble moving into a more expensive pricepoint, but we’re pleased to say it’s paid off. The UE is a superb AirPlay speaker dock and a great option for wireless music.

MORE: End of Logitech – rebrands as Ultimate Ears, launches UE Boom

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