Quality tunes will give life to any summer gathering, so always keep your portable speakers ready for action. Yet, finding the best Bluetooth speakers for outdoor parties can be time-consuming because online retailers and land-based shops offer many options.
Luckily, we’ve done the leg work and tested dozens of portable music-playing devices to separate the best from the rest.
So, let’s se how the top ten Bluetooth speakers for 2022 behave in action.
Contents
- BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS: HOW WE CHOSE THEM
- – AUDIO PERFORMANCE
- – DURABILITY
- – AESTHETICS
- – PRICE-TO-VALUE RATIO
- 1. TURTLEBOX: LOUD! OUTDOOR WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKER GEN 2
- 2. JBL FLIP 6 | PORTABLE WATERPROOF SPEAKER
- 3. TRIBIT XSOUND MEGA PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKER
- 4. SONOS MOVE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
- 5. BANG & OLUFSEN BEOSOUND A1 2ND GEN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
- 6. ULTIMATE EARS HYPERBOOM WIRELESS BLUETOOTH PARTY SPEAKER
- 7. SOUNDCORE FLARE 2 SPEAKER
- 8. JBL XTREME 3 | PORTABLE WATERPROOF SPEAKER
- 9. T3+ – AUDIO PRO – PORTABLE SPEAKER
- 10. SONOS ROAM PORTABLE WATERPROOF SMART SPEAKER
- FINAL THOUGHTS
BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS: HOW WE CHOSE THEM
Before diving into the booming world of Bluetooth speakers, we should explain our methodology. At the same time, buyers can use the following checklist as a guide when looking to purchase new speakers for summer parties.
– AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Since sound behaves differently indoors and outdoors, the first thing to check about outdoor-oriented speakers is how they cut through wind noise. The second would be the overall volume output. Likewise, listening to your favorite tunes on the go wouldn’t be possible without high-speed connectivity. So, we checked these aspects as well.
– DURABILITY
Another essential aspect of any portable, outdoor-friendly gadget is its sturdiness. After all, electronics require extra protection when exposed to weather or improper handling. Therefore, we checked if the top-rated Bluetooth speakers for summer feature durable materials and rugged construction.
– AESTHETICS
The following aspect seems to contrast the previous, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. Attractive gadgets can be sturdy and long-lasting, primarily if the designers opt for a minimalistic approach. So, we looked for sleek Bluetooth speakers with an elegant body offering maximum functionality and audio quality.
– PRICE-TO-VALUE RATIO
Last but not least, we compared the prices to see how expensive the top-rated audio gear is. At the same time, our team looked at what each Bluetooth speaker offers for the price and whether the costs are reasonable. This approach helped us narrow the list down to these top products that would be the best investment for music lovers worldwide.
1. TURTLEBOX: LOUD! OUTDOOR WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKER GEN 2
We’ll start the list with our clear cut winner…the best of the best….a Texas-based audio company founded in 2018. So, Turtlebox is a relatively new name in the industry, but its products attract plenty of attention. A group of friends is behind this brand, and the story began as they focused on creating the world’s most durable outdoor speaker.
The first iteration of the Turtlebox speaker was a success, but the Second Gen model takes the game to the next level. Subtle changes amounted to significant improvements, and the latest Turtlebox is more resilient and user-friendly than the original model. Nevertheless, it weighs only 10 pounds and even kept its famous old-school lunchbox design.
If we look under the hood, we’ll notice that Turtlebox Gen 2 generates up to 120 decibels thanks to a high-efficiency driver and a fiberglass speaker cone. Of course, this device offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity while using power from an 85-watt-hour Li-Ion pack with nine cells. Thus, Turtlebox Gen 2 will provide more than 25 hours of playback at medium volume.
An LED control panel features volume and track skipping controls with easy-to-use commands. This Bluetooth speaker also has a five-level battery indicator and a USB-C output, transforming the Turtlebox into a handy power bank. Besides Bluetooth, you can also use the 3.5mm audio jack.
We spent our own hard-earned money to buy this speaker for our “testing”. We’ve hauled it around to soccer games, fishing, workouts, and sat it on the front porch for late afternoon beers. Due to the rugged design, there’s no concerns about throwing it in a kayak, or on the floor in the gym. Although it’s a bit bigger than most, it also has a bit bigger sound to make the extra size worthwhile. After a few weeks of putting the Turtlebox through it’s paces, it’ll definitely be our go-to summer bluetooth speaker.
So, if you need a rugged-looking portable Bluetooth speaker designed for the outdoors, the waterproof Turtlebox Gen 2 could be right up your alley.
2. JBL FLIP 6 | PORTABLE WATERPROOF SPEAKER
The second entry on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for summer comes from a renowned American company established 76 years ago. Founded by James Bullough Lansing (yes, from Altec Lansing), JBL is among the leaders in the audio hardware segment.
In essence, JBL needs no introduction, and we could say the same about their awarding-winning Flip series. Now in its sixth iteration, this portable speaker continues down the well-trodden path and illustrates why JBL rules the audio-playing world.
JBL Flip 6 uses a two-way system with 45-mm drivers and a separate tweeter for crisp higher frequencies. Of course, the fine-tuned radiators produce deep bass, ideal for outdoor settings. The Flip 6 speaker connects via Bluetooth 5.1 and offers up to 12 hours of playback on a full charge.
In addition, the famous JBL PartyBoost technology lets you pair two speakers for an impressive stereo sound. As expected, the sixth generation of the JBL Flip speaker is waterproof with an IP67 rating. Likewise, the durable rubber housing can handle plenty of wear and tear.
3. TRIBIT XSOUND MEGA PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKER
Another young brand on our list comes from San Francisco, and Tribit encapsulates the party-loving Californian lifestyle. The company stepped onto the scene in 2017, focused on designing innovative audio equipment and sound technology.
So, if you need a wallet-friendly Bluetooth speaker for the upcoming summer nights, the cool-looking Tribit XSound Mega is a safe bet. It offers three listening modes: Audiobooks, Music, and XBass. The names are self-explanatory, and this portable device will stream tunes, playlists, and podcasts effortlessly.
The XSound Mega speaker ranks among the best because it offers up to 20 hours of playtime. The 4000 mAh battery takes four hours to charge. So, your XSound Mega will keep the party going through the night, with a 98-feet range and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
This portable speaker features a sleek and compact design, with two external charging ports. Of course, Tribit didn’t forget to create a waterproof body, and the sturdy XSound Mega has an IPX7 rating. Thus, it will withstand rain, spilled beers, or even quick swims in the pool.
A detachable strap makes this outdoor speaker travel-friendly and easy to carry, while the bright RGB lighting makes Tribit XSound Mega our top contender for summer beach parties.
4. SONOS MOVE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Sonos also has years of experience in the industry, given that this company has been around since 2002. During the last two decades, Sonos partnered with various brands and companies, primarily Amazon Music, Google, Apple, and Spotify. Thus, Sonos speakers work with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa.
More importantly, Sonos smart speakers are outdoor-friendly, portable, and durable. For instance, Sonos Move is a versatile device with IP56 water resistance and AirPlay 2 compatibility. Besides Bluetooth connectivity, this premium speaker is compatible with Wi-Fi, making it ideal for backyard parties and barbecues.
Sonos Move is among the best-looking portable speakers money can buy, and it offers touch controls and voice commands. This device oozes elegance and style, including the cordless design with a built-in handle. At the same time, Sonos Move more than delivers on audio quality, with clear highs and deep bass creating an immersive experience.
Besides the hefty price, the only downside of the Sonos would be the 11-hour battery. On the other hand, this device supports quick wireless charging. Plus, Sonos manufactures an array of speakers and accessories, allowing you to create the ideal sound system.
5. BANG & OLUFSEN BEOSOUND A1 2ND GEN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
The next model comes from a 97-year-old Danish company famous for creating top-of-the-line audio products. Best-known for its headphones and loudspeakers, Bang & Olufsen also dominates the car sound systems market. For example, you’ll find B&O speakers in the most expensive Fords, BMWs, and Audis.
Bang & Olufsen is a high-end brand, but this doesn’t mean they don’t offer convenient speakers for summer parties. On the contrary, the pocket-friendly Beosound A1 is as handy as Bluetooth speakers get. Even though it has a compact, outdoor-friendly body, the second-gen A1 offers up to 18 hours of playtime.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 is a grab-and-go Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 rating and a brushed aluminum casing. It delivers 360-degree sound with 92 decibels of maximum volume. Besides a dependable Bluetooth 5.1 connection, the modern Beosound A1 speaker features a USB-C port and voice assistant compatibility.
So, if you want the ultimate sound quality, top-drawer autonomy, and award-winning aesthetics, the summer-ready Beosound A1 speaker fits the bill. It even comes with a durable leather bracelet for maximum mobility and ease of use.
6. ULTIMATE EARS HYPERBOOM WIRELESS BLUETOOTH PARTY SPEAKER
Established in 1995, Ultimate Ears company is an American manufacturer of earphones, speakers, and custom in-ear monitors. In 2008, Logitech acquired this brand, with UE going from strength to strength each year.
Although Ultimate Ears excels in designing small-sized audio equipment, we choose the opposite. Namely, the powerful Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM is a bass-blasting beast, powerful to wake up the entire city, not only your neighborhood. With 100 decibels of max power and a dynamic frequency range (45 Hz – 20 kHz), the awe-inspiring HYPERBOOM delivers lifelike sounds at any volume.
The secret lies in a well-designed combo of 2x 4.5-inch woofers, 2x 25-mm tweeters, and three passive radiators. In addition, the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM party speaker has an adaptive EQ for automatic audio adjustments.
This 13-pound speaker might look cumbersome, but it offers everything you need for a wild summer party. For instance, it remembers up to eight paired devices, allowing your friends to play tunes interchangeably. On top of that, this Bluetooth speaker has a wireless range of 150 feet and a 24-hour battery life.
Ultimate Ears also offers an app for controlling the HYPERBOOM, creating playlists, and using the Customizable EQ. The sleek pull-out strap will let you bring the HYPERBOOM to any location, while the intuitive one-touch controls save time and let you play or skip tracks without reaching for the phone.
7. SOUNDCORE FLARE 2 SPEAKER
Finding a decent, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker can be easier said than done. But things become even trickier if you don’t compromise with audio performances. For instance, we scoured the market for days until stumbling upon Soundcore Flare 2, a portable device that ticks the boxes for being among the best.
This affordable Bluetooth speaker costs less than $80, yet it delivers 360-degree sound with deep bass and crisp highs. Soundcore’s proprietary BassUp technology combined with dual drivers generates up to 20W of immersive audio. In addition, the second iteration of the Flare Bluetooth speaker has easy-to-use EQ controls.
Likewise, Soundcore Flare 2 offers six lighting modes for the ultimate light show. The two light rings will offer floor-to-ceiling lighting, and as the name says, the mesmerizing Flare 2 will shine, phase, and pulse with the beat of your tunes. Soundcore opted for a powerful 5.200 mAH lithium-ion battery, providing the Flare 2 speakers with 12-hour playback.
Water-resistance is essential for outdoor-oriented speakers, and Soundcore Flare 2 delivers on this front by offering IPX7 protection. In other words, this pool-proof speaker will handle complete submersion, not to mention spills or rain. A concealed USB-C charging port is also waterproof.
8. JBL XTREME 3 | PORTABLE WATERPROOF SPEAKER
If the previous model was among the most affordable, the next is the opposite. Namely, the portable Xtreme 3 costs above $300, even though JBL offers free shipping and returns. Yet, this sound blaster could be a worthwhile investment for anyone needing unrivaled audio performance.
JBL is an audio equipment powerhouse, never compromising on materials and build quality. So, Xtreme 3 will handle everything from water to dust. It has an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. Also, you’ll get a sturdy carrying strap with a built-in bottle opener—a well-thought-out detail for a product aiming to be the best Bluetooth speaker for summer.
Speaking of summer sessions, we should add that JBL Xtreme 3 offers up to 15 hours of playtime. This portable speaker has a 36.3 Wh battery that requires only 2.5 hours to charge fully. As expected, the versatile Xtreme 3 will transform into a handy power bank and charge your phone if you run out of juice.
Of course, the third generation of JBL Xtreme delivers impressive sound quality, with a dynamic frequency range from 53.5 Hz to 20 kHz. More precisely, this rugged-looking device comes with sophisticated audio hardware, including 2x RMS woofers and 2x tweeters. But if you need more sound, JBL’s PartyBoost technology will let you connect multiple JBL speakers hassle-free.
9. T3+ – AUDIO PRO – PORTABLE SPEAKER
Almost all models on the list had a futuristic aesthetic, but now it’s time for a change of pace. The following product sports a vintage elegance with a stylish minimalistic design, and that’s why the classy T3+ speaker from Audio Pro deserves a place among the best. Also, Audio Pro has been around since 1978, and they know a thing or two about making high-quality audio devices.
The T3+ model is available in black, white, or gray, costing around $200 in each color variation. This Bluetooth speaker is always ready for action thanks to its grab-and-go design. Namely, it has a classic-looking leather handle and weighs only 4.6 pounds.
Despite its compact and travel-friendly shape, the Audio Pro T3+ speaker produces excellent sound quality. The secret lies in a D-25W amplifier, a 3.5-inch woofer, and 2x textile dome tweeters. So, hardware-wise, this music-playing device will not disappoint.
Another top-quality feature of the T3+ speaker is the long-lasting battery. This device promises to play your favorite songs and playlists for 12 hours on max volume or up to 30 hours of medium loudness. Only a handful of portable Bluetooth speakers can compete with these specs, and that’s why T3+ attracts plenty of attention.
10. SONOS ROAM PORTABLE WATERPROOF SMART SPEAKER
Finally, we come to another outdoor-ready speaker from Sonos, a world-class brand that deserves an extra spot on the list. Like the Move series, the lightweight Roam speaker delivers breathtaking performances while offering maximum usability and durability.
Sonos Roam supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music from various services without problems. As the name implies, the Roam speaker focuses on outdoor adventures and adapts to the surroundings with its innovative TruePlay technology. Of course, the user-friendly Sonos app will help you customize settings and adjust the Roam speaker to your needs and preferences.
Summer parties and other outdoor gatherings require long-lasting batteries, and Sonos Roam delivers on this front by providing 10+ hours of playback at moderate volume. You’ll be glad to hear that the Roam speaker also supports voice commands for an effortless, hands-free listening experience.
Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker features a convenient design, and it will fit into a car’s glove box or the kangaroo pocket of your hoodie. The refined design continues on the inside, with Roam having two Class-H amplifiers, a tweeter, and a mid-woofer. So, you can expect premium high-, mid-, and low-end frequencies.
FINAL THOUGHTS
And there you have it; a comprehensive list of the best Bluetooth speakers for 2022. These devices will turn any poolside party into a memorable event, but the same goes for camping trips, hiking expeditions, or beach excursions.
Bluetooth speakers are portable, lightweight, and easy to use, allowing you to get the party started anywhere, anytime. We couldn’t decide the winner, although speakers from JBL, Ultimate Ears, and Sonos consistently rank among the elite.
So, it’s up to you to try them out and see which Bluetooth speaker will become your favorite music-playing device.
