Buying guide for budget Bluetooth speaker
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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.
Which budget Bluetooth speaker is best?
JBL Clip 3
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.
Anker Soundcore, Upgraded
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.
Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker
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.
JTEMAN Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
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.
JBL Go 2
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.
Anker Soundcore 2
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.
BolaButty IPX5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
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.
How we analyzed
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.
Key features to consider
Sound performance
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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.
- Audio drivers: The size of the audio driver affects a speaker’s sound. A large driver typically reproduces bass frequencies more efficiently than a small driver, but a small driver is fine for reproducing high frequencies. This means that although smaller Bluetooth speakers have limited bass output, mids and highs still sound clear with crisp details.
- Frequency response: Frequency response is a speaker's ability to reproduce a range of frequencies. Speakers that can play low, mid and high tones in proper proportion to each other affect the clarity and vibrance of the sound. Bass refers to low frequencies; mids lie in the middle of the frequency spectrum; highs have the highest frequencies.
- Distortion levels: If you crank up the volume and it sounds fuzzy, muffled or flat-out unpleasant, this is distortion. It’s caused by poor-quality speaker components, driver overheating or a low-quality audio source.
Our top picks: Sound performance
- JBL Clip 3: Offering just 3 watts of power, this speaker won’t blow you away with thumping volume. However, the sound is well-balanced and crisp.
- Anker Soundcore Upgraded: It has two high-sensitivity drivers and a patented bass port that delivers crisp sound and deep bass.
- Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Its 24 watts of power ensure a strong bass, and it handles mids and highs well with minimal distortion.
- JTEMAN Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: It offers a solid all-around performance for stationary music listening.
- JBL Go 2: Sound quality is superb for a speaker of its size, even without the thumping bass you’d expect from larger speakers.
Connectivity and compatibility
- Bluetooth version: The Bluetooth version indicates how stable your device's wireless connection to the speaker is and how fast the transmission rate is. A higher transmission rate makes music sound close to the original audio source; an improved range means you can move the speaker further from your device without experiencing a drop in connection. The latest Bluetooth versions consume less power, so battery life doesn’t burn as fast as models with older Bluetooth technology.
- Additional inputs: Bluetooth connectivity is the most convenient way to listen to music. However, if you want to preserve your speaker’s battery life and listen for extended periods, you might want to get something with wired connectivity ports, such as USB or AUX.
Our top picks: Connectivity and compatibility
- JBL Clip 3: This device has Bluetooth 4.1 with a range of 33 feet and an auxiliary for wired connections.
- Anker Soundcore Upgraded: This device has Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of 66 feet.
- Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker: The Ortizan has Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of 100 feet, auxiliary for wired connections and a TF card for playing music stored on a memory card.
- JTEMAN Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: This speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 and has a range of 33 feet, ensuring a solid wireless connection.
- JBL Go 2: This JBL device has Bluetooth 4.1 with a range of 33 feet and an auxiliary port for a wired connection.
Portability and design
- Build quality: Although budget Bluetooth speakers are made with cheaper materials to save on costs, looking for one with a somewhat durable build is a good idea. A durable speaker will likely last longer; it’s better equipped to handle accidental drops and won’t easily scratch or dent.
- Size and weight: The smaller the speaker, the more portable it is. If you want to listen while walking, hiking or cycling, a compact speaker is ideal. For listening in outdoor group settings with friends, however, you might prefer something larger that can handle increased volume.
- Aesthetic design: Aesthetics are an afterthought in budget speakers, but you still want something that resembles a quality speaker. Most larger speakers have a cylindrical or rectangular shape that makes them easy to carry and place on flat surfaces. Some speakers have buttons integrated into the casing, giving them a sleek appearance. Some have LED lights for parties or setting the mood.
- Water and dust resistance: IP ratings indicate how resistant a speaker is to dust or water. An X means it hasn’t been sufficiently tested for either indicator. Most modern speakers are equipped to handle water splashes and moderate dust exposure. More robust speakers guard against sand and can even be submerged in water for several minutes without damage.
Our top picks: Portability and design
- JBL Clip 3: This speaker has a round design with a metal carabiner. You can clip it on your clothing, a bag or a hook. It’s IPX7 water resistant, meaning it can be submerged in water.
- Anker Soundcore Upgraded: It has a rectangular design, a lightweight build and an IPX5 water-resistance rating that protects it from spills, rain and splashes.
- Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker: This speaker has a traditional cylindrical design with a durable IPX7 casing that protects it from water, even when submerged for several minutes.
- JTEMAN Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: It’s a boxy speaker with a phone stand sticking out of the rear. It’s meant primarily for stationary use rather than listening on the go.
- JBL Go 2: This is a tiny, rectangular speaker with a protective casing and an IPX7 protection rating. That means you don’t have to worry about it getting wet, even if it drops into a pool.
Battery efficiency and charging
- Battery capacity and playtime: Manufacturers often claim that battery life can last a specific amount of time. There are a few things to consider about these claims. Battery life depends primarily on usage and how loud your music is. For example, if you use a wired connection and listen to music at 50% volume, the speaker’s battery life can last longer than if you listen with a Bluetooth connection and the volume cranked to 100%.
- Charging time and power sources: Typically, the larger the battery, the longer the battery life. Larger batteries also take longer to charge. However, most Bluetooth speakers can charge fully in two to four hours. The most convenient charging method is USB-C, which has become the universal standard. However, some older models still use micro-USB cords for charging. This can be inconvenient because most consumer electronics with rechargeable batteries now charge via USB-C.
Our top picks: Battery efficiency and charging
- JBL Clip 3: It can last up to 10 hours, and the battery takes approximately three hours to charge.
- Anker Soundcore Upgraded: It offers up to 24 hours of playing time with moderate volume and usage, and the battery takes 2.5 to 3 hours to charge.
- Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker: This speaker can last up to 30 hours and can be fully charged in three to four hours.
- JTEMAN Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: The battery life, depending on volume and usage, ranges from three to 12 hours, and it takes two to three hours to charge.
- JBL Go 2: It charges in just 2.5 hours and can provide up to five hours of playing time.
Our expertise
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.
