Speakers: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Great music deserves great sound, and even affordable speakers can dramatically outperform the gear you have now. Our audio experts have spent well over a decade independently testing everything from portable Bluetooth speakers to full home theater systems in real-world conditions to help you make the right buying decision.
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The Best Bluetooth and Wireless SpeakersWhether you want a rugged, take-anywhere speaker for the beach or the centerpiece for a multiroom sound system, these are the top Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers we've reviewed.
By Will Greenwald
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Fluance Ri71
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Fluance Ri71 speakers offer excellent sound quality and lots of connectivity options at a competitive price, making them easy to recommend to anyone who wants high-quality stereo audio.
Full Fluance Ri71 ReviewPros
- Brilliant audio with weighty low-end
- Flexible connectivity
- High-end Bluetooth codec support
- Can be paired with a subwoofer
Cons
- No USB or optical inputs
Pros
- Brilliant audio with weighty low-end
- Flexible connectivity
- High-end Bluetooth codec support
- Can be paired with a subwoofer
Cons
- No USB or optical inputs
Creative Pebble Pro
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Creative's Pebble Pro speakers offer fun lighting effects and surprisingly robust sound with real stereo separation for well under $100.
Full Creative Pebble Pro ReviewPros
- Good audio performance with wide stereo image
- Angled drivers for better audio delivery
- Built-in RGB lighting
- Support for 3.5mm, Bluetooth, and USB-C playback
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited Bluetooth codec support
- Separate adapter needed to plug directly into wall outlet
Pros
- Good audio performance with wide stereo image
- Angled drivers for better audio delivery
- Built-in RGB lighting
- Support for 3.5mm, Bluetooth, and USB-C playback
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited Bluetooth codec support
- Separate adapter needed to plug directly into wall outlet
Amazon Echo Dot Max
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Amazon Echo Dot Max is a feature-packed $100 smart speaker that replaces the standard Echo with balanced, room-filling sound, robust smart home connectivity, and Alexa+ support.
Full Amazon Echo Dot Max ReviewPros
- Big, balanced sound for the size
- Lots of connectivity features
- Supports multiple smart home hub standards
- Instant Alexa+ access
Cons
- Not as powerful as its predecessor
Pros
- Big, balanced sound for the size
- Lots of connectivity features
- Supports multiple smart home hub standards
- Instant Alexa+ access
Cons
- Not as powerful as its predecessor
Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Apple's second-generation HomePod carries over the elegant design from the original, but improves the audio and smart home experiences to better compete with speakers from Amazon and Google.
Full Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023) ReviewPros
- Rich bass response and clear highs
- Room-sensing audio
- Strong mic clarity
- HomeKit and Matter support
- Temperature and humidity sensors
Cons
- Expensive
- No user-customizable EQ
- Matter setup issues in testing
Pros
- Rich bass response and clear highs
- Room-sensing audio
- Strong mic clarity
- HomeKit and Matter support
- Temperature and humidity sensors
Cons
- Expensive
- No user-customizable EQ
- Matter setup issues in testing
Google Home Speaker
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Google Home Speaker marks a real leap forward for the company's smart home lineup, combining more natural Gemini-powered intelligence with strong sound quality.
Full Google Home Speaker ReviewPros
- Balanced, powerful sound for its size
- Versatile AI can help with many tasks
- Gemini responds fluidly to natural commands
- Works as a Matter hub
Cons
- Some Gemini features are paywalled
- Microphones can miss commands
Pros
- Balanced, powerful sound for its size
- Versatile AI can help with many tasks
- Gemini responds fluidly to natural commands
- Works as a Matter hub
Cons
- Some Gemini features are paywalled
- Microphones can miss commands
Sony ULT Field 7
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Sony's rugged ULT Field 7 speaker delivers deep bass at high volumes and has inputs for karaoke, making it an excellent choice for parties, whether they're indoors or outside.
Full Sony ULT Field 7 ReviewPros
- Exceptionally powerful audio with thunderous bass
- Dustproof and waterproof design
- Guitar and mic inputs for karaoke
- Built-in LED lights
Cons
- Expensive
- Lackluster companion app
Pros
- Exceptionally powerful audio with thunderous bass
- Dustproof and waterproof design
- Guitar and mic inputs for karaoke
- Built-in LED lights
Cons
- Expensive
- Lackluster companion app
Tribit StormBox Mini+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
It’s no hi-fi stereo, but the Tribit StormBox Mini+ portable Bluetooth speaker provides balanced sound with thumpy bass in a compact footprint at a price that’s hard to argue with.
Full Tribit StormBox Mini+ ReviewPros
- Loud, punchy sound
- Stereo audio
- Compact and lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Fun lighting
Cons
- Distorts at high volumes
- Mediocre microphone
Pros
- Loud, punchy sound
- Stereo audio
- Compact and lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Fun lighting
Cons
- Distorts at high volumes
- Mediocre microphone
Beats Pill (2024)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The durable, feature-rich, and stylish Beats Pill speaker delivers impressive bass for its size and costs much less than the original.
Full Beats Pill (2024) ReviewPros
- Bright sound with rich bass
- Attractive design
- Dustproof and waterproof
- Flexible USB-C port
- Apple and Google Find My support
- Seamless iOS compatibility
Cons
- No adjustable EQ
Pros
- Bright sound with rich bass
- Attractive design
- Dustproof and waterproof
- Flexible USB-C port
- Apple and Google Find My support
- Seamless iOS compatibility
Cons
- No adjustable EQ
Sonos Era 300
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Dolby Atmos-compatible Era 300 delivers room-filling spatial audio on its own, or it can be easily integrated with other Sonos speakers for a truly theater-like experience.
Full Sonos Era 300 ReviewPros
- Room-filling sound with strong bass depth and bright highs
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Works with Alexa and Sonos voice commands
- Terrific companion app with room analysis and adjustable EQ
- Wide support for music streaming services
Cons
- Expensive
- No Google Assistant or Cast support
Pros
- Room-filling sound with strong bass depth and bright highs
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Works with Alexa and Sonos voice commands
- Terrific companion app with room analysis and adjustable EQ
- Wide support for music streaming services
Cons
- Expensive
- No Google Assistant or Cast support
Sony ULT Tower 10
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
If you have the space and budget for it, Sony's ULT Tower 10 speaker can be the life of the party thanks to its enormous sound, multiple input options, wireless mic for karaoke, and customizable light show.
Full Sony ULT Tower 10 ReviewPros
- Incredibly loud
- House-shaking bass
- Multiple wired inputs
- Includes wireless mic
- Supports AAC and LDAC codecs
Cons
- Expensive
- Exceptionally large and heavy
- Not waterproof
Pros
- Incredibly loud
- House-shaking bass
- Multiple wired inputs
- Includes wireless mic
- Supports AAC and LDAC codecs
Cons
- Expensive
- Exceptionally large and heavy
- Not waterproof
JBL 104-BT
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
JBL's 104-BT speakers are a good starting point for your mixing station or computer, offering relatively balanced audio and impressive connectivity at an affordable price.
Full JBL 104-BT ReviewPros
- Pleasing overall sound
- Versatile connectivity
- Easy to set up and use
- Good value
Cons
- Little sub-bass
- No subwoofer output
Pros
- Pleasing overall sound
- Versatile connectivity
- Easy to set up and use
- Good value
Cons
- Little sub-bass
- No subwoofer output
Bose SoundLink Plus
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is a high-end portable speaker with a stylish and rugged design, good sound quality, and support for a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, but it falls a bit short on bass.
Full Bose SoundLink Plus ReviewPros
- Premium materials and build quality
- Pleasing mids and highs
- Dust and waterproof design
- Good Bluetooth codec support
Cons
- Lacks low bass response
- Basic app and EQ
Pros
- Premium materials and build quality
- Pleasing mids and highs
- Dust and waterproof design
- Good Bluetooth codec support
Cons
- Lacks low bass response
- Basic app and EQ
Latest Speaker Stories
The compact Anker Soundcore 2 packs 12W stereo punch, BassUp low-end tuning, and a massive 24-hour battery into an IPX7 waterproof design, and it's 35% off right now.
The upgraded JBL Charge 6 combines 45W of punchy Pro Sound, AI Sound Boost, and up to 28 hours of battery with a built-in power bank, while saving you $50 at Walmart.
It’s time to crank up the savings with these early Big Deal Days speaker and soundbar discounts before Amazon’s Big Deal Days sale officially kicks off on Oct. 6.
There's a speaker for every room in your house and outside too in this roundup, featuring bargain-basement prices from top brands like Sony, JBL, and Klipsch.
The JBL Authentics 200 Bluetooth smart speaker pairs stunning Quadrex styling and 90W stereo power with simultaneous Google Assistant and Alexa support, at under $200 right now.
The ultra-portable Ultimate Ears Miniroll Bluetooth speaker brings surprisingly loud sound, 12 hours of battery life, and IP67 drop-proof ruggedness—all for under $45 at Amazon.
It’s time to crank up the savings with these early Big Deal Days speaker and soundbar discounts before Amazon’s Big Deal Days sale officially kicks off on Oct. 6.
This iconic Beats Pill got a full redesign and now offers 24-hour playback, an IP67 waterproof build, and high-res lossless USB-C audio—all at over 30% off right now on Amazon.
This ultra-compact Soundcore Select 4 Go gives your daily routine a soundtrack, with 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof float-ability, and punchy 5W sound, at a little over $20 right now.
The Amazon Fire TV 3.1ch Soundbar Plus packs built-in subwoofers, a dedicated center dialogue channel, and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X 3D audio for under $150 during the Labor Day sale on Amazon.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 comes with a 5.5-inch interactive display, upgraded bass-heavy audio, and smart home camera monitoring, under $70 during early Labor Day week on Amazon.
The low-profile Sony S100F delivers 120W of room-filling audio and S-Force Front Surround, and is available at almost 40% off thank to this early Labor Day weekend sale.
This sleek, low-profile Bose soundbar delivers wide spatial acoustics, dedicated dialogue enhancement, and Bluetooth streaming for under $200 right now.
Amazon's 3.1-channel Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer delivers deep low-end bass, spatial Dolby Atmos/DTS:X immersion, and almost $150 in savings right now.
The revolutionary Sonos Era 300 delivers six-driver Dolby Atmos spatial projection and multichannel surround pairing, and it saves you over 20% right now.
The portable Bose SoundLink Plus keeps the party going with booming bass, 20 hours of battery life, and an IP67 dust proof and waterproof build, at under $200 right now on Amazon.
Want better audio from your TV? From our test lab to your living room, these are the top soundbars we've tested.
Ruggedness doesn't always have to mean bulky, and the Bose Soundlink Plus outdoor speaker offers quality sound while looking sleek, now on sale for $70 less.
The rugged Soundcore Boom 2 Plus outdoor speaker unleashes 140W max booming bass, 20 hours of playtime, and floatable IPX7 waterproofing — all under $170 right now at Walmart.
The summer is starting to wind down, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy it outdoors, especially with a quality speaker like the Sonos Move, now 20% off.
