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A speaker of this size and sound quality is a rarity. We like it even more for its convenient clip.
This speaker can last up to 10 hours and has a wireless range of 33 feet. The metal carabiner allows us to clip it onto clothing, a backpack or a hook. It has a waterproof casing and weighs less than 1 pound. Excellent for outdoor adventures and watersports.
The charging port cover is flimsy and can easily tear off.
This is an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with a balanced sound profile. It does not disappoint.
We can listen for up to 24 hours on a battery charge with moderate volume and usage. Bluetooth 5.0 offers stable connections with a 66-foot wireless range. It has convenient media playback buttons and adequate bass.
The Bluetooth light flashes, even when used with a wired device.
This speaker takes inspiration from traditional Bluetooth speakers and has a robust, cylindrical design with a waterproof coating.
This solid speaker offers a well-balanced sound, including its deep, rich bass. With an IPX7 protection rating, it resists splashes and shallow submersion for up to 30 minutes. We can listen for up to 30 hours.
The RGB lights heavily drain the battery.
This speaker delivers top-tier audio quality, and the built-in phone stand allows us to enjoy it hands-free.
The speaker/phone stand design makes it a two-in-one combo. Thanks to the built-in mic, we can watch videos at a desk or take video calls. It has anti-slip rubber feet, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours.
The volume jumps in increments instead of gradually decreasing or increasing.
With a compact design and impressive sound for its size, this speaker is suitable for traveling as well as casual listening.
Lightweight and compact, it’s one of the best speakers for travel. We can fit it in a backpack or purse, and we can listen for five hours before needing a charge. The sound quality is impressive for the size, and it offers a wired connection through the AUX port.
It’s not the best speaker for listeners who want loud music or a thumping bass.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
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Bluetooth speakers offer the utmost in convenience, allowing you to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks and videos without connecting your device via a wire. What’s more, many speakers deliver sound quality comparable to that of a wired connection.
Some Bluetooth speakers are expensive because of their build, features and sound quality. If you’re looking for a low-cost Bluetooth speaker, you still have some great options. Our top pick is the JBL Clip 3, which can be clipped to just about anything. Although small, it provides impressive sound quality for its size.
Best of the Best
Product specificationsBattery life: 10 hr | Dimensions: 4.33" W x 2.17" D x 4.3" H | Connectivity range: 33’ | Weight: 7.84 oz | Bluetooth version: 4.1
The JBL Clip 3’s most notable feature is in its name. It’s a compact wireless speaker with a clip integrated into its design. You can attach it to your jeans, backpack or handbag and listen while on the go. You can also hang it on a hook for home listening.
This miniature Bluetooth speaker delivers an impressive, balanced sound for its size. You can wirelessly stream your favorite songs or podcasts from your phone or tablet and even take calls on the speakerphone with the touch of a button. The battery is built to last up to 10 hours, and because it’s waterproof, you can use it near pools, lakes, rivers and beaches.
Considering the size and price of the JBL Clip 3, you won’t find a more portable option with this kind of sound quality and volume output. There are bigger Bluetooth speakers on the market, but for listening while on the move, this is the hands-down best choice.
Trusted Brand
Product specificationsBattery life: 24 hr | Dimensions: 6.5" W x 2.1" D x 1.9" H | Connectivity range: 66’ | Weight: 12.64 oz | Bluetooth version: 5.0
Anker Soundcore has gained momentum as a reputable audio electronics brand. The upgraded Anker Soundcore wireless speaker is an excellent choice for those who want an affordable Bluetooth speaker with outstanding sound quality.
It has an IPX5 casing that protects it from water damage, so you can take it to the beach or listen poolside without worry. Sound quality is exceptional, and you won’t experience distortion thanks to two high-sensitivity drivers. It packs deep bass delivered by a patented bass port and a digital signal processor that analyzes low frequencies to intensify the bass as it plays. The battery can last up to 24 hours, and Bluetooth 5.0 offers a connectivity range of 66 feet.
The Anker Soundcore Upgrade wireless speaker doesn’t have the most aesthetically pleasing design, but its sound quality and battery life make up for this. It’s worth a look if you want a reliable Bluetooth speaker for portable listening.
IPX7 Waterproof
Product specificationsBattery life: 30 hr | Dimensions: 3" W x 3” D x 6.7" H | Connectivity range: 100’ | Weight: 1.15 lb | Bluetooth version: 5.3
Ortizan may not be a household name, but the Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker performs well against some other top Bluetooth speakers. For starters, Bluetooth 5.3 gives you a connectivity range two or three times larger than most wireless speakers of comparable size. It packs 24 watts of power, allows for enhanced bass output, and it can handle mids and highs without distortion at higher volumes.
The battery offers up to 30 hours of listening time, and the built-in microphone lets you take phone calls right from the speaker. LED lights adjust automatically based on what’s playing, and you can use it as a standalone nightlight.
Considering its low price, impressive audio quality and long-lasting battery, this is a worthy wireless speaker for people who want a cheap Bluetooth speaker that delivers in the sound department.
With Phone Stand
Product specificationsBattery life: 3 to 12 hr | Dimensions: 3.5" W x 5.35” D x 1.89" H | Connectivity range: 33’ | Weight: 11.52 oz | Bluetooth version: 5.0
Combining a cell phone stand with a Bluetooth speaker is a stroke of genius, and this JTEMAN speaker executes it well. The phone stand is sturdy and can accommodate smartphones and tablets from 4 to 13 inches, and the speaker offers exceptional sound quality for its size.
With enhanced bass and clear mids and highs, the speaker is suitable for casual viewing and gaming, and the different angles allow you to adjust the phone stand to your preference. The bottom is covered in antislip silicone, keeping the phone stable, and the back has a cover to protect it from scratches. The speaker has a built-in microphone, so you can take calls or access your phone’s enabled voice assistant with a button push.
If you want to listen to music while working at a desk, you may fall in love with this phone stand and speaker combo. It lets you watch videos and take calls hands-free while enjoying high-quality sound, and you don’t have to rely on your phone’s built-in speaker.
Compact Design
Product specificationsBattery life: 5 hr | Dimensions: 3.4" W x 1.3" D x 2.8" H | Connectivity range: 33’ | Weight: 6.6 oz | Bluetooth version: 4.1
The JBL Go 2 is the ultimate portable speaker; few speakers of comparable size offer high-quality sound. Naturally, you won’t get booming volume, but the audio quality is impressive given its size, and we can’t recommend it enough for small gatherings.
It has a waterproof casing, and one battery charge lasts up to five hours. It boasts a speakerphone so you can access your connected device’s voice assistant and take phone calls without touching your phone. There’s also an audio cable input so you can listen to music from a wired source.
You can use and enjoy the JBL Go 2 while on the go without feeling burdened. This speaker's lightweight and compact build, combined with impressive sound quality for its size, is a great choice for budget-conscious listeners.
Strong Sound
Product specifications:Battery life: 24 hr | Dimensions: 6.5" W x 2.2" D x 1.8" H | Connectivity range: 66’ | Weight: 12.6 oz | Bluetooth version: 5.0
The Anker Soundcore 2 is similar to the Anker Soundcore Upgrade wireless speaker. However, a few key distinctions give the edge to the Anker Soundcore 2 if you’re willing to pay a little more.
The Anker Soundcore 2’s power output (12 watts) makes it louder than the Anker Soundcore Upgraded speaker. That power, combined with exclusive Bass Up technology and a patented spiral bass port, allows it to deliver deep bass, making it an excellent speaker for those who enjoy music genres like hip-hop, reggae and jazz.
The 24-hour battery life makes it one of the longer-lasting wireless speakers, and because it has an IPX7 protection rating, it’s a top option for listening at the beach, pool or park.
Classic Design
Product specifications:Battery life: 24 hr | Dimensions: 2.76" W x 7.87" D x 2.81" H | Connectivity range: 100’ | Weight: 1.28 lb | Bluetooth version: 5.3
The BolaButty IPX5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is a terrific budget option for those who want something basic for casual listening. This speaker has two drivers and uses advanced technology to deliver robust, well-balanced sound with minimal distortion at any volume. If you choose, you can pair it with another speaker of its kind to crank up the volume and enjoy an immersive stereo experience.
The IPX5 protection rating makes it able to withstand water spills and splashes, and you can get up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. What’s more, with Bluetooth 5.3, your connected device can play distortion-free as long as it’s within 100 feet.
It’s a fantastic all-around speaker, and you might not find something that delivers the same sound quality for the price. Plus, it’s one of the better speakers for outdoor parties since you can sync two speakers together and activate cool lighting effects.
At BestReviews, we analyzed and researched seven Bluetooth Speakers under $100. We perused customer reviews and researched specs to determine which budget speakers offer the best performance. Key points of interest included battery life, sound quality, size, shape, waterproofing and connectivity.
Sound quality: Although several factors influence sound quality, tonal clarity is the primary factor. The audio should sound well-balanced across mids and highs, and the bass response shouldn’t be so intense that it makes the speaker sound dull.
Kevin Luna is a longtime writer for BestReviews with expertise in the field of consumer tech. He has written hundreds of articles reviewing audio electronics such as headphones, sound bars and speakers. He’s also owned and used many Bluetooth speakers, and he’s knowledgeable about what a high-quality speaker is and what to look for when shopping for a budget wireless speaker.
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