
Best value:
Tribit XSound Go
Staff Pick
Here’s a perfectly good speaker that is a great budget buy! It’s not quite as loud as some other speakers on this list, but at this value, it’s an excellent listening device for the average household. It’s also water-resistant and has an outstanding Bluetooth range. You won’t find anything better at this price.

It floats!:
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2
Ultimate Ears makes some of the best speakers in the business, and this little Wonderboom is their most popular product. It’s small and lightweight but can produce loud 360-degree sound. Even better, it’s waterproof and it floats! That means you can take it on any of your outdoor adventures without worrying about water damage, even if it’s submerged.

All-around sound:
JBL Xtreme 2
The JBL Xtreme is an excellent all-around speaker that will fit easily into most households and lifestyles. It’s a bit bigger than some other models, but it does contain dual passive radiators for high-quality sound in every direction. This model also comes with a convenient carry strap.

Loud enough for a crowd:
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
A small, compact speaker is all well and good, but if you like to throw a good party, you might need something a little more substantial. The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom is bigger and more powerful than the average speaker, with multiple radiators and subwoofers that push out an impressive 224 watts of crystal-clear sound.

Cyclist’s best friend:
Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker
This cute little Bluetooth speaker from Tribit is the perfect size and shape to attach to your handlebars during a long bike ride. The built-in strap can also be used to attach the speaker to your bag or clothing for portable tunes. It’s an excellent micro speaker for busy adventurers on the go.

Best for kids:
JBL JR POP
Kids love music, too; that’s why this brightly colored, tough little speaker from JBL is a genius idea. It’s waterproof and shockproof (that is to say, kid-proof), and it comes with a convenient clip-on design. Attach the Bluetooth speaker to a backpack, bicycle, or even a keychain so your kids can listen as they go without losing track of it.

All about that bass:
Treblab HD77
Here’s a compact 360-degree speaker that packs in two subwoofers for surprisingly bumping bass. The Treblab HD77 can be paired with another speaker for a powerful noise that feels like surround sound. This one is also waterproof and portable.
The smart choice:
Amazon Echo Dot
This list would be remiss not to include a smart speaker in the mix. Although the Echo Dot is not as loud and booming as some other Bluetooth speakers, it more than makes up for that with the smart assistant, Alexa. Just say “Alexa,” and the speaker will follow your every command, from playing music and audiobooks to organizing the grocery list.
$299 at Apple