Andrew Peloquin
9 min
4.3K
After 15 hours of research evaluating 65 products, we picked Sonos One (Gen 2) as our top choice.
Our mission: to find the best wireless speakers for your needs. That's why we divided our top picks into categories based on specific needs.
We chose the loudest bluetooth speakers, the best outdoor bluetooth speakers, and the best wifi speaker overall.
You're in luck!
We at Faveable have done the research to find the best bluetooth speakers for you--reading through thousands of reviews, examining hundreds of products, and meticulously comparing specs, pros, and cons.
Our goal was to find the best portable bluetooth speakers for you to take anywhere, and we believe our list contains only the best.
If you want other options, we have included several choices, but each of our picks has top quality audio, nice feature sets, and price points that set them apart for the features you are getting. Enjoy the list.
WHY TRUST US: Faveable spends thousands of hours researching, interviewing experts & testing products, to create carefully selected lists trusted by millions of consumers since 2013. Our independently chosen links earn us a commission. Learn more »
Have trusted our product reviews
Enjoy high-quality sound with the new Anker Soundcore Motion and Bluetooth Speaker! The fully waterproof casing means you can use this speaker outside without worry. The case even protects this speaker from accidental submersion.
Some users report that the bass isn't super strong.
The Anker delivers a high-fidelity sound. Using Qualcomm aptX technology, you can rest assured that the music will sound exactly as the artist intended. The two ultra high-frequency tweeters, neodymium woofers, and passive radiators fill your entire space with 30W of loud, crisp sound. BassUp technology enhances low frequencies, so you get a clear bass drop every time.
The battery life is long and strong, providing 12 hours of playtime.
The Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth Speaker uses Active crossover for boosted accuracy. The speaker is positioned at a 15-degree angle to provide the best sound dispersion possible.
Pair any smartphone device to Bluetooth to enjoy skip-free music and a clear connection.
Right now on Amazon, you can get this Bluetooth speaker for $99. It comes with free shipping and is made by Anker, a quality brand known for its reputable products.
The Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Smart Speaker makes life easy. Use this device to play your favorite tunes, to write a shopping list, turn on your TV, or even check on your latest orders from Amazon. This voice-controlled smart speaker with Alexa is user-friendly and has more than 50,000 skills.
The sound is not super loud, but you can pair this little speaker with stronger sound devices or pair two Echo dots together for a full stereo sound.
The Echo is one of the most popular smart speakers on the market, and now, with it's updated 3rd generation version, sound clarity has never been better. This Echo is compatible with all other echo devices so that you can control all of your speakers all from one room.
The small size is great for fitting in smaller areas, and you can pair two of these together to deliver a full stereo sound. The Echo dot is probably not the go-to speaker for blasting a full bass sound, but it pairs with devices that will and comes in handy for your daily activities or casual listening.
With this smart speaker, you can play music through Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and SiriusXM. Use the Echo dot to set daily reminders, store grocery lists, check the news, traffic reports, weather, or even make phone calls.
For only $49.99, you can't beat the price. You're definitely going to want to snag a few of these Echo Dots to pair around the house.
The Echo plus delivers 360 degrees of sound and has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub. This smart speaker is an essential tool in making your smart home easy to use.
Pricier than the other Echo models on the market, but well worth it if within your budget.
The Echo Plus delivers the best sound yet out of all the Echo models. It provides a 360 degree crisp and robust sound. The bass is surprisingly strong from this little speaker, meaning you can play any type of music and expect the highest quality performance. You can ask Alexa to play your music, create playlists, provide the temperature outside, make phone calls, and so much more.
The Echo Plus is so much more than a speaker. This device can help you manage your entire smart home. With the built-in Zigbee smart home hub, you can pair all of your smart accessories to this one Echo, making life easy. Turn your lights on using voice commands, turn on devices in other rooms, pair all of your house speakers together, all with the Echo Plus.
The most expensive of the three Echo models, but definitely worth it. The Echo Plus delivers the best sound, strongest bass, and has a built-in smart hub. Selling right now on Amazon for $149.99.
The RIVA Concert provides a genuinely excellent stereo surround sound. Paired with Alexa, you can control your music with simple voice commands. This speaker offers total privacy if desired, thanks to the Alexa mute button.
The portable battery is sold separately.
With the RIVA Concert speaker, get ready for high quality, crisp vocals, and balanced bass sound. With Amazon Alexa built-in, you can control your speaker through voice command, or thanks to the privacy setting, turn Alexa on and manually control.
The stereo sound is dynamic and transparent. If you're an avid music lover who loves to hear every instrument and lyric of your favorite bands, this is the smart speaker for you. With the RIVA speaker, you're listening to music the way the artist intended for it to sound.
One of the most raved about features, (besides the incredible sound) is the total privacy button to mute your speakers. With your microphone muted, you can still access Alexa with the RIVA Voice app.
When you keep Alexa on, you can make phone calls, check the weather, play your favorite music, and so much more all with a straightforward voice command. The RIVA is also splash resistant, so no need to be afraid of using this device at parties or outside. There is a portable battery option (sold separately, unfortunately) that enables you to bring this speaker wherever you'd like and increase your listening time.
The RIVA Concert is selling for $199.00 on Amazon right now. A little pricier than some of the other smart speakers on our list, but for the high-quality sound and built-in features, is a definite worthwhile investment.
The Apple HomePod is the ultimate smart home device. Access everything through this smart speaker; let the Apple HomePod turn on your lights, your AC, access all your devices at once, or just change the music station.
Pricey, but offers total smart home control.
Using Apple-engineered audio technology and advanced software, you can expect the highest-fidelity sound throughout any room. The sound quality is impressive, delivering music with clear, powerful vocals and strong bass. With this Apple speaker, you'll get a full and rich sound that you'll want to listen to all day.
This Apple speaker learns what music you love and what you don't. With Siri, you can say, "Hey Siri, I like this song," and Siri will store the information to create playlists catered to your taste. This information will be stored in your Apple Music, and then accessible through any device. You'll have access to over 45 million songs, so you'll never feel a shortage of what to listen to.
With Apple HomePod, you can control your entire smart home, and ask for the weather, time, news, or even set your schedule for the day.
Right now at Walmart, you can buy this smart speaker for $299.00. With the ability to deliver crisp, clear sound paired with almost any smart device, this is a speaker you don't want to pass up. You can have total control of your smart home with the Apple HomePod, and you know you're purchasing from a trusted and reputable brand.
Google made this device with the idea of delivering the best possible sound. The speaker is available in two colors and easily fits in with any household. Use Google Assistant to control your entire smart home with this speaker.
The speaker is bass-heavy according to some users, which is good to consider based on your personal preference.
Let pure, crisp sound fill your entire room with the Google Home Max. This smart speaker was made to deliver the best quality sound possible, and that's precisely what it does. Expect to hear crystal-clear high notes and a thumping bass sound.
Google designed this ultimate music speaker to fill your entire space with the best sound possible. The Media EQ fine-tunes the speaker, so every single song sounds its absolute best.
With 4.5" woofers, expect the highest quality sound possible. Google Home Max analyses, tunes, and self-updates itself automatically - so you always get the absolute best. Play music from almost any music app, and control the speaker using voice command. You can pair multiple smart accessories, enabling you to have total home control. Have Google Assist turn on the lights for you or make a grocery list. This speaker is available in two colors that will blend well with any style.
Walmart currently has this speaker listed for $299.00. You can pair it with all of your smart home devices, giving you a hub for total control.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth 360 Speaker delivers a pure 360-degree sound. This portable speaker provides a powerful sound no matter where it is, thanks to its unique design.
Pricier than other Bluetooth portable speakers, but definitely worth the investment if within your budget.
Get an absolute crisp and clear 360-degree sound with this smart speaker. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth 360 Speaker delivers a heart-pumping bass sound with precise vocals and perfectly coherent highs.
Available in two colors, this speaker provides up to 16 hours of music. Its unique design allows music to travel all around, perfect for big rooms or outdoor activities. Use the Bose Connect App to switch between Bluetooth devices, access party mode easily, or find helpful product tips! The handle makes this speaker easy to transport wherever life brings you.
This smart speaker is selling on Amazon for $299.00. One of the best portable speakers out there, with access to voice control and easy Bluetooth pairing, we say this speaker is set at a great value. Bose is a reputable brand when it comes to music, so you know you're buying quality.
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is the best overall smart speaker on our list. With this device, expect a rich, clear, room-filling sound. You can pair this Sonos speaker with other Sonos speakers to deliver a full stereo sound or sound throughout the entire household.
Not for outdoor use.
The Sonos One (Gen 2) delivers perfect sound no matter the room. Its compact space enables it to fit almost anywhere, and fill the room with a rich and clear sound. It's small in size, yet massive in sound.
Pair two Sonos speakers together for an even more concise and detailed sound.
One of the reasons we chose this speaker as the best overall, is for its ability to sound great in any room. The device itself is humidity resistant, so you can even use it in the bathroom. This speaker can reach almost the entire house at 100% volume, and for a small room you probably only need to have the volume set at 20-25%.
Amazon Alexa is built right into the speaker so that you can use this smart Bluetooth speaker for so much more than just music. You can connect multiple speakers to this Sonos at once, to provide the ultimate surround sound. Use the Sonos App for easy setup and control.
This Sonos speaker is selling for $199.00 on Amazon right now. It's less expensive than many of the smart speakers on our list, yet delivers a crisp, powerful sound and includes many similar features.
Wireless speakers come in many shapes and forms, but the primary difference lies in the wireless protocol used. Each type of wireless tech has its own unique pros and cons:
Bluetooth – As the most popular choice on the market, most of us are familiar with Bluetooth. Bluetooth chips are integrated into almost every smartphone, tablet, and computer on the market, making it the easiest to connect to. No network is required, simply the wireless Bluetooth signal. Connection takes seconds to establish and is highly reliable.
The Bluetooth signal requires less energy to power, which is why most Bluetooth speakers have a decent to good battery life. Older Bluetooth devices had poor audio resolution, but newer Bluetooth devices have solved that problem—producing sound quality on par with CDs.
On the downside, Bluetooth only has a range of 30 to 50 feet. You can't broadcast a Bluetooth signal over long distances.
NFC – Near Field Communication is used among wireless speaker systems intended for home use. It's used to simplify the Bluetooth pairing, which can be done simply by tapping the speaker and smartphone together.
On the downside, NFC has VERY limited range (like inches instead of feet!), and it's incompatible with wireless audio for iPhones.
Wi-Fi – Bluetooth may be more popular, but Wi-Fi is still the most reliable. Wi-Fi signals can transmit a higher audio resolution, meaning better sound quality. It's also much more versatile in the additional services/features it can offer, such as accessing media servers or NAS storage devices. It also has a broader range than Bluetooth, reaching up to 200 feet without disrupted connections. It's used by Alexa Echo, Apple Airplay, DNLA, and most other app-based multiroom speaker systems
On the downside, it's a pricier option, and one that tends to be more limited. Wi-Fi speakers MUST be connected via a network. They have to be connected to your home router/Wi-Fi network in order to receive data from your smartphone. That means the speakers won't work wirelessly if your network is down.
With so many amazing devices available, it's tough to know which Bluetooth speakers are your top pick. Should you go for battery life, surround sound, sound quality, sound range, volume, easy connectivity, or any of the hundreds of other features?
Slow your roll! Here are the most important things you need to know before you buy any Bluetooth speakers:
One of the main downsides of using wireless sound systems/speakers is trying to figure out how the heck to connect them. Bluetooth is the most popular wireless option because it's so easy to connect. It's a simple 3-step process:
Step 1: Turn on the Bluetooth-enabled speaker.
Step 2: Go into the "Settings" app on your smartphone and enable Bluetooth connectivity.
Step 3: Look for the name of the speaker (it can always be found in the instruction manual) and tap on it to connect.
Let's get one thing straight: pairing your Bluetooth speaker with your smartphone SHOULD always be this easy. However, there may be times when it's just not working, no matter what you do. Maybe the speaker isn't showing up in the list, or your device doesn't pair.
Here are a few of the most common Bluetooth pairing problems and their solutions:
Bluetooth device doesn't show up in your list of Bluetooth-enabled devices nearby. This could be one of three problems: 1) you need to press a button on the speaker to send out the Bluetooth signal, 2) your device's Bluetooth chip is incompatible with the signal from the speaker, or 3) it's connected to another device.
Here's a real kicker: you actually bought a "wireless" speaker instead of a Bluetooth speaker. It could be that you're trying to connect via Bluetooth when your speakers are intended to connect via ANT+, Wireless HD, or some other wireless connection.
Connection is spotty. Maybe you can pair the devices together but the connection keeps dropping. This could be due to range problems, so you need to keep the device close to the speaker system.
Or, it could be the result of interference by walls, people, or other wireless signals.
It could also be the result of low battery on either device. Charging the battery on both your smartphone and speaker system should fix the problem.
Computer can't stream audio. While the Bluetooth chips built into computers are designed to connect with Bluetooth-enabled devices, they're usually intended for keyboards and mice, not speaker systems. Many computers cannot stream audio via Bluetooth. You're better off using your tablet or smartphone to stream audio to your speaker systems. Alternatively, if you want to stream from your computer, you can buy a special USB Bluetooth dongle specifically for audio streaming.
These three problems are the most common, but thankfully the fixes are pretty simple!
You've spent good money on a great pair of speakers, so now it's time to make the most of them! Try these tips to get the most from your Bluetooth speakers:
Position them correctly. The ideal position for any good sound system is a few inches away from a wall. Placing the speakers near but not against the wall helps to improve the bass response and deepens the sound overall, without muddying the mid-range sounds. The hard wall will reflect the sound, redirecting it toward you for a better-rounded sound quality.
There are two heights to choose from: 8-10 feet off the ground (for surround, overhead sound) and 2-4 feet off the floor (for watching TV/gaming).
You should ALWAYS point the speakers at the place where you will be sitting—for example, on the couch in front of the TV, or at your gaming desk. However, pointing surround sound speakers at the center of the room could lead to uneven acoustics.
Never turn it up to 100. All speakers have a volume range of 0-100, but you should always keep the speakers at 80% volume or lower. The closer you are to 100% volume, the greater the strain on the speakers.
Be prepared to charge your batteries regularly. Whether your speakers use AA batteries or a built-in battery pack, you should always expect to get less battery life from the speakers than the manufacturer claims. For example, if the product insists it gets 8 hours of battery life, prepare for 6. This is because the battery is always draining (albeit slowly) even if the speaker is off.
Be smart and pick up an extra battery pack or two, or a few extra sets of rechargeable AA batteries. Keep at least one back-up set of batteries so you never run out of music!
Read the manual. Most guys will balk at this one, but it's SO important in order to use the speakers safely and efficiently. You can learn the simple tricks of pairing the speakers with your Bluetooth, adjusting the various settings, and taking advantage of the other features. Spend a few minutes reading the manual, and you may find your speaker had capacities and features you wouldn’t have discovered on your own.
Connect via cable. If you want really high quality sound, you're better off connecting to the speaker using a 3.5mm audio cable. Some audio quality is lost via the Bluetooth signal, though not so much that you'd notice with casual use. However, if you want to throw a house party with high quality sound, the physical cable guarantees the best quality.
Alternative: ensure your phone/tablet has the latest aptX audio codec installed. aptX allows for higher quality sound streaming via Bluetooth. Most devices (except for iDevices) will be aptX compatible, and installing the codec will be a great way to improve the sound from your speakers.
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8 Best Wireless Speakers
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