The Best Small Speaker Reviews & Buyers Guide in 2023

Top Picks

• Best Overall: ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 3 

The UE Wonderboom 3 is the loudest portable speaker we tested, despite its little size. It's a lovely barrel-shaped speaker with a tiny nubby strap that probably requires a carabiner to assist in connecting it to most objects. This updated version, however, comes in a handful of fun new hues, has an extended battery life of an additional hour, and has an enhanced wireless range. Because it has IP67 certification and passed the company's drop test from five feet, it may be taken to practically any place without fear of damage.

• Best For Home Office: Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth Speaker 

This unassuming wedge speaker may go unnoticed, but it definitely deserves to be heard. Support for Qualcomm's aptX high-resolution audio codec contributes to the device's crisp and deep sound. The metal front speaker grille, the soft-touch rubberized exterior (that adores your greasy fingerprints), and IPX7 water resistance all contribute to the device's sturdy, somewhat hefty build quality. The sound quality is decent, particularly considering the low price; however, it is neither the lightest nor the most portable option.

• Best Waterproof Speaker: Soundcore Trance Go Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker 

The Soundcore Trance Go may come as a pleasant surprise if you have a big interior area, garden, or similar and are looking for something with a strong long-throw sound at a reasonable price. This no-frills speaker weighs roughly six pounds, which is a little heavy for a backpack, but it has a carry strap, can play for up to 24 hours on a charge, has a connector for charging your gadgets, and has an auxiliary input.

• Best For Outdoor: JBL Flip 6 

The JBL Flip 6 is a little Bluetooth speaker that produces surprisingly powerful sound for its size. It boasts a wide dynamic range, from deep, punchy lows to clear, bright highs, and the loudness is mostly focused on the higher frequencies, as is typical with JBL speakers. The cylindrical form may be laid flat or even stood on end to free up valuable desk real estate. A sturdy strap allows for hands-free transport, and the buttons are high enough to be felt even in the dark.

• Best For Travel: Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker 

In comparison to Bose's $99 SoundLink Micro, which is half the size, we think you'll agree that upgrading to the larger, more comfortable, and more feature-rich Bose SoundLink Flex is well worth the additional $50. It's not going to fill a huge space with sound, but this speaker adds a lot of punch to the low end for its size. It has the proportions of a compact clutch bag and is equipped with a minuscule strap for clipping onto a carabiner. The powder-coated steel speaker grilles are the only non-silicone parts of the façade. The speaker has an IP67 rating, like many others in its class, making it resistant to dust and water without sacrificing sound quality.