While many people will look at a Bluetooth speaker and see a trip to the beach or a picnic, the best Bluetooth speakers can be used anywhere including in your office or if you’re working out of the office. Choosing the best bluetooth speaker for your needs can be a tricky process.
To help we wanted to build a list of the best Bluetooth speakers for creatives and before we get started we wanted to offer some help as to what you should look for in a Bluetooth speaker.
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If you’re ready, let’s start there!
What to look for in a Bluetooth Speaker
Choosing the right Bluetooth speaker takes more than just picking the first one you see. Often, when you do that, you’ll end up with a speaker that you’ll end up returning. Before you buy a speaker, here are the things we feel you should consider first:
Battery Life
There are very few aspects that are more important in a portable device than battery life. The last thing you want is to take the speaker out with you, only to have it die in just a couple of hours. Many Bluetooth speakers will average between 6 and 10 hours, while some offer 24-hour battery life. A speaker with a battery life of at least 10 hours should be your starting point, knowing what you intend to use the speaker for will help narrow down your options.
Water-Resistant
While not completely necessary, more and more Bluetooth speakers are made to be water-resistant. While it may not be something that is a determining factor, it can be a handy feature to have. While most people may think that water-resistance will keep it safe around the pool or near the beach and it is, it can also keep working if you accidentally spill a drink on it or if you get caught in the rain.
Sound Quality
If you were going to focus on one aspect, we would recommend making sure the sound quality of the speakers you buy is the best you can get. Too many buyers end up with a Bluetooth speaker that comes with poor quality sound. Be sure to look for a speaker that offers stereo sound as well as a decent level of bass. There are many speakers available that come with a subwoofer as well as decent bass levels. Sound quality is extremely important, especially if you plan on listening to music regularly.
Portability and Design
Choosing a well designed and portable Bluetooth speaker can keep you from having a large, bulky and heavy speaker to lug around. Great design is not only lightweight and attractive but is also extremely portable. Many of the best designed Bluetooth speakers are light enough or small enough to be carried with one hand.
Cost
Like many other new technologies, when Bluetooth speakers were first released, they were incredibly expensive. Over time though, many high-quality speakers have become incredibly affordable. While there are some higher-priced options, it should not be hard to find a great speaker at an affordable price.
The Best Bluetooth Speakers
- Sonos Move – $399
- UE Boom 3 – $119
- Bose SoundLink Revolve – $199
- JBL Charge 4 – $179
- Anker Soundcore Flare – $62
- Sony SRS-XB501G – $198
- UE Wonderboom 2 – $79
- Tribit XSound Go – $32
- Dali Katch – $449
- Denon Envaya (DSB-250BT) – $198
The Best Bluetooth Speakers Compared
Sonos Move
The best overall Bluetooth speaker
Weight: 6.61 pounds (3kg) | Battery life: 10 hours | Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, and 5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 | Drivers: One down-firing tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-D digital amplifiers | NFC: No | Aux-in: No | USB charging: Yes (USB-C, and comes with charging dock)
The Sonos Move is such an amazing speaker, its not even close. It comes with two quality drivers, an app that can unlock playback from numerous wireless sources. Plus, it comes with the multi-room capability and smart audio-tuning technology that based on the speaker’s immediate surroundings, can adjust the output. The Move from Sonos is built to be an extremely high-quality speaker that’s versatile and while it can be a bit heavy, it is only because of the incredible components inside that put out an amazing sound experience. There is no doubt that this is the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy.
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- All-new Sonos Move - Get brilliant sound anywhere with the all-new Sonos Move, the durable, battery-powered smart speaker for outdoor and indoor listening.
- Easy to use, WiFi and Bluetooth - Setup takes minutes, and control is simple with the Sonos app, AirPlay 2, and your voice. Stream via Bluetooth when WiFi isn't available.
- Voice control - Amazon Alexa is built right in so on WiFi you can play music, check news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, completely hands free.
- Brilliant sound anywhere - Experience surprisingly deep bass, a wide soundscape, and automatic Trueplay tuning that perfectly balances the sound for where you are and what you're listening to.
- Battery that lasts - Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous play time and deep, powerful sound. Easily recharge Move on the included base, or a compatible USB-C charger.
UE Boom 3
An excellent alternative to the Sonos Move
Weight: 1.2 pounds | Battery life: 15 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | Frequency response: 90Hz-20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.75″ drivers and two 1.75″ x 3″ passive radiators | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes
While not as impressive as the Boom 2 was, the Boom 3 from UE is one of the best Bluetooth speakers out there today that you can buy. You can crank the volume up on this speaker and unlike some others, the sound quality won’t get distorted. While it’s durable enough to get tossed and turned in your bag but light enough to take with you on a camping trip. Water and dust-proof, the Boom 3 comes with a one-touch mix button to help you pull up your favorite playlists without needing your phone. While there may be speakers out there that are more detailed, the combination of price and quality is something you can’t ignore.
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- Ultimate Sound: BOOM 3 delivers loud and immersive 360-degree sound with deep and accurate bass, all carefully balanced so you can hear every note
- Powered for Adventure: Rechargeable battery stays powered and pumping tunes for 15 hours.Add the POWER UP charging dock (sold separately) to charge Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 wirelessly so it’s always...
- Super-Portable and Durable: Waterproof Floats and Virtually Indestructible. BOOM 3 can be totally submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes, passing seriously tough durability tests to...
- All-New Magic Button: Play, Pause, Skip and control any streaming music directly on the Bluetooth speaker with one touch of a button. Maximum Sound Level- 90dBA. Frequency Range- 90Hertz-20Kilohertz
- PartyUp: Use the Ultimate Ears app to pair 2, 3, 4 and over 150 BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers together for the ultimate sound experience.Works with any generation of BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers
Bose SoundLink Revolve
The runner-up for best Bluetooth speaker
Weight: 1.5 pounds | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Wireless range: 30 feet | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: Yes
If you’re looking for true 360-degree sound, you cannot do better than the SoundLink Revolve from Bose. A great option for listening to music in a wide-open workspace, as you move around the room, you can do so without losing any audio fidelity. The Revolve isn’t completely dust or waterproof so trips to the beach might not be the best idea. While there are other options out there that are water and dust-proof, they can’t match the sound or overall quality that the Bose SoundLink Revolve can provide you with.
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- Deep, loud and immersive sound, with True 360 degree coverage; Wireless range up to 30 feet; For those times when loud just isn't loud enough, use the app to connect any two SoundLink Revolve speakers
- Seamless aluminum body is durable and water resistant (Ipx4). SoundLink Revolve speakers keep track of the last eight devices that were paired and connected to them, dropping the least recently used...
- Enjoy up to 12 hours of play time from a rechargeable, lithium ion battery
- Wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts; easily take calls and access Siri or Google now
- Pair 2 speakers together for stereo or party mode playback
JBL Charge 4
A great multitasking Bluetooth speaker
Weight: 2.12 pounds | Battery life: 20 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | Frequency response: 60Hz – 20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.7″ drivers and two passive radiators | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: 4.2 | Aux-in: Yes | USB charging: Yes
If you’re the type of person who likes having devices that can do more than just one thing, Charge 4 from JBL is a good choice for you. For a reasonable price, you get a high-quality speaker that can last all day, can survive some bumps and bruises, not only sounds great but can even give your phone a charge. While it may not have the sound quality that some others may have, the Charge is a great waterproof option at a much lower price point that other comparable choices.
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- Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns enjoying powerful sound.
- Battery type Lithium ion Polymer 27Wh (Equivalent to 3.6Volt, 7500mAh). Battery charge time 4 hours (5V/2.3A). Music playtime up to 20 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
- Take charge 4 to the beach or the pool without worrying about spills or even submersion in water.
- Amplify your listening experience to epic levels and rock the party perfectly by wirelessly connecting more than 100 JBL connect+ enabled speakers.
- Please note* the JBL charge 4 does not include a USB wall adapter.
Anker Soundcore Flare
A great basic Bluetooth speaker
Weight: 1.1 pounds | Battery life: 12 hours | Wireless range: 20m / 66ft | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: 2 x 1.75″ Full Range + 2 x Passive Radiator | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: 4.2 | Weatherproofing: Yes-IPX7 | Charges devices over USB: No
Anker is a company known for making excellent products for consumers without breaking the bank. The Soundcore Flare fits that bill perfectly as it can stand right along with its competition as an excellent waterproof Bluetooth speaker. While some options may have the Flare beat in terms of the quality of the overall build, the edge goes to Anker’s sound quality and the Flare which is a great wireless speaker at a great price.
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- CMGA calls it the "best budget wireless speaker of 2018".
- All-around sound: Dual drivers arranged back-to-back in combination with passive bass radiators deliver intense 360° sound. Make sure everybody in the room gets a stage-side experience as the music...
- Breathtaking bass: with bass up technology a customized digital signal processor first analyzes, then enhances your music's bass frequencies in real time. This audio signal is then turned into...
- Sound and light in harmony: watch a halo of LEDs phase, Pulse, and shine with the rhythm of your music for a completely immersive audiovisual experience from a portable speaker. 5 customizable modes...
- Double the power: connect 2 flare speakers via a single Bluetooth device. Go stereo for an expansive listening experience that puts you all center-stage, or go into boost mode and double the power for...
Sony SRS-XB501G
The best speaker with a voice assistant
Weight: 6 lb 14 oz | Battery life: 12 hours | Wireless range: Approx. 98 ft | Frequency response: 20 – 20,000Hz | Drivers: 45mm | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: N/A | USB charging: No
The SRS from Sony is a large speaker that offers a lot of different features that may appeal to a wide consumer base. With built-in lights that play along with the music, a tripod mount, and even Google Assistant. This is a speaker built for on the go playing whether at a party or maybe even in a conference room during a presentation. With a battery life of 12 hours, you can keep your favorite music playing all night long. While it may not be the best Bluetooth speaker or the best smart speaker, it does both well enough to earn a spot on our list.
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- EXTRA BASS: Enhance every beat and give your party that extra boost with the Sony EXTRA BASS technology feature.
- LIVE SOUND MODE: Cleverly angled speakers and DSP technology send your music to a wider area. Its called LIVE SOUND and it gives you a three-dimensional sound experience just like you were at a music...
- CONNECTIVITY: Access your favorite internet streaming services via your Wi-Fi speaker, or connect to any of your Bluetooth and NFC compatible devices.
- GOOGLE ASSISTANT: Request your favorite song. Turn up the volume. Check the weather. Check traffic. Using just your voice without touching a button. Also featuring Chromecast built-in, you can sync up...
- PORTABLE: A built-in handle with 16 hours of battery playback you can take it with you anywhere and keep the party going for hours. The dust and water resistant design allows you to take it through...
UE Wonderboom 2
The best outdoor speaker
Weight: 0.93 pounds | Dimensions: 104 x 95.3mm (H x D) | Battery life: Up to 13 hours | Wireless range: 100 ft (33 m) | Frequency response: 75 Hz – 20 kHz | Drivers: two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1mm x 65.2mm passive radiators | NFC: No | Bluetooth version: N/A | Aux-in: No | USB charging: No
While from an overall design standpoint, the Wonderboom 2 is very similar to the original Wonderboom from UE, the manufacturer has given the speaker some important upgrades that make it better than the original. Increased battery life, better response from the bass the speaker puts out and a new feature is known as Outdoor Boost which can help the speaker get louder than it ever has before. The Wonderboom 2 is water and a dust-proof speaker that you can take with you just about anywhere and for under $100, it is one of the best speakers you can buy.
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- Surprisingly bigger 360 sound: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a wireless Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly bigger 360 degree sound and additional bass.
- New outdoor boost: push the outdoor boost button on this ultra portable speaker to instantly increase loudness and clarity for outdoor listening.
- 13 hr. Battery: powering 13 whopping hours of killer sound, The long lasting battery sees you through day trips, beach detours and biking adventures.
- Waterproof, dustproof & floats: IP67 rating means it’s waterproof, dustproof and it floats! Use it in the pool, the beach or as a shower speaker.
- Double up, Now in stereo: pair 2 -WONDERBOOM 2 speakers to party louder in mono or stereo mode.
Tribit XSound Go
The best budget-friendly speaker
Weight: 0.8 pounds | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Wireless range: N/A | Frequency response: 85 – 20,000 Hz | Drivers: 2 x 6W | NFC: No | Aux-in: No | USB charging: No
While the XSound Go from Tribit is the most affordable speaker on our list, in no way does that mean that the sound quality is lacking at all. With balanced sounds, near distortion-free at higher volumes, and with a battery life of more than 20 hours, you’ll think you’re stealing this speaker it’s so good. While the overall design leaves more to be desired, the water and dust-resistant speaker makes that a non-issue with its incredible sound quality. While there are many options for a good outdoor speaker, many of them will cost you at least twice as much and not offer the same sound quality the XSound Go does.
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- KILLER AUDIO: With crystal highs, crisp mids and rich bass, XSound Go creates an immersive listening experience unlike any other. State of the art bass radiators and dual 6W power drivers deliver...
- EXTREME WATERPROOFING: Pool parties? Definitely. Lounging on the beach? Absolutely. Singing in the shower? You bet! This waterproof speaker is perfect for all sorts of summer fun.
- SLEEK & SOPHISTICATED: Tribit XSound Go is as stylish as they come. Curved edges and a matte finish offer a modern touch, the compact design maximizes portability. Toss it in a backpack, stick in in...
- ALL DAY PLAY: Keep the music pumping all day (and all night) long. The powerful lithium ion battery guarantees up to 24 hours of continuous use! You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite songs whenever...
- WIRELESS CONNECTION: Don’t let cords tie you down. Premium bluetooth 4.2 technology effortlessly connects to all of your bluetooth-enabled devices up to 66ft range. Press and hold the multifunction...
Dali Katch
The best Bluetooth speak for those with larger budgets
Weight: 2.4lbs | Battery life: up to 24 hours | Wireless range: Approx. N/A | Frequency response: 49 – 23,000Hz | Drivers: 21mm | NFC: Yes | Aux-in: N/A | USB charging: Yes
We have a soft spot for the design of the Katch Bluetooth speaker from Dali. With its slim aluminum housing and leather carry handle, the appeal of this speaker oozes through. While the design itself wouldn’t earn its spot on our list, luckily the sound is incredible as well. With a battery life of up to 24 hours, you can listen to music being pumped through the two dual 3.5-inch woofers and two bass radiators. This speaker can pack a serious punch and being wrapped in a stylish design helps it cement a spot on our list.
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- Functions: dual sound mode (clear/warm), stereo pair mode, power on/off, source select, standby (auto power) off, NFC pairing, volume
- Frequency range (+/-3 dB) [Hz]: 49 - 23, 000
- High frequency driver, diaphragm Type: Soft textile dome
- Enclosure Type: closed box with dual passive radiators
Denon Envaya (DSB-250BT)
The most durable Bluetooth speaker
Weight: 1.6 pounds | Dimensions: 209 x 74 x 77mm (W x D x H) | Battery life: 13 hours | Wireless range: 30m (100ft) | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: 2 x 40mm Full-Range Driver, 1 x 53x135mm Passive Radiator | NFC: No | Aux-in: Yes | Bluetooth version: N/A | Weatherproofing: Yes | Charges devices over USB: No
Offering powerful, room-filling sound, the Envaya from Denon sounds great and can stand up to a beating that you may put it through. Dust and waterproof, the sound quality is powerful and rich although it doesn’t come with the treble bite that some other like and the buttons on the side of the speaker can be difficult to operate and feel stiff. While these are minor complaints, the Denon Envaya is a great Bluetooth speaker that would be a great fit in any office.
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- Bluetooth version: 4.2 / Corresponding profile: A2DP / AVRCP / HFP / Corresponding codec: SBC / AAC / aptX Low Latency / Corresponding content protection: SCMS-T method / Stereo pairing: Envaya...
- Amplifier rated output: 2 × 13 W / Amplifier type: Class-D
- Battery type: lithium ion / Operating time: about 13 hours / Charging time: about 3.5 hours
- External dimensions: about (W) 209 × (H) 77 × (D) 74 mm / Weight: about 750 g / Dustproof / waterproof performance: equivalent to IP 6X / equivalent to IPX 7 / AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack...
- accessories: strap/ USB cable (for charging) / Japanese Quick Start Guide
Best Bluetooth Speaker for Creatives
The portability and convenience of a Bluetooth speaker mean that there is nowhere you can go without being able to listen to your favorite music. Whether that’s a day at the beach or if you’re working on a big project in the park, it’s always within arms reach. We hope our list of the Best Bluetooth Speakers for Creatives has shown you the options you have out there and piqued your interest.
Do you have a great Bluetooth speaker that you think others should know about? Well, let us know in the comments below!!!
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