These Are the Best Bluetooth Speakers to Buy in 2024

There are objectively good and bad speakers, but the lines get a little blurrier when you enter Bluetooth territory. In my experience, the Bluetooth variety tend to be much more specialized, designed for specific activities, or made with a relatively narrow audience in mind. The good news is that no matter when and where you plan on listening, there's sure to be an option that's near-perfect for you.

The best Bluetooth speaker for most people

It’s not often that Bluetooth speakers dominate their space for multiple years, but that’s what the Bose SoundLink Flex speaker has managed to do since its 2021 release. This portable speaker set the tone for Bluetooth speakers in its size and price point and made most competitors redundant. You can take the SoundLink with you almost anywhere, thanks to its small size and light weight. It’s also water and dustproof, can be used as a speakerphone, and has an impressive sound for its size.

• Bose SoundLink Flex ($149).

The best Bluetooth speaker under $100

Bluetooth speakers can get expensive fairly quickly. If you’re looking for a budget option but still want good sound, consider the Soundcore Motion 300, which is packed with features at a low price. It has a very user-friendly app, great EQ options, and can pair with another Bluetooth speaker for playback in multiple spaces. It’s also fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.

• Soundcore Motion 300 ($79.99).

The best Bluetooth speaker for hosting a big event

I’ve been hosting Street FC soccer games at my local park for three months using the Soundboks 4, and some players tell me they come just for the music. The Soundboks 4 is a one-speaker show with its powerful 126db sound that might make your neighbors call in a noise disturbance. It has a 40-hour battery, customizable EQ for specific events, and can be wirelessly linked with up to five of its kind to terrorize the neighborhood. It's also dust and waterproof.

• Soundboks 4 ($999).

The best clip-on Bluetooth speaker

If you’re looking for a great clip-on Bluetooth speaker to clip to yourself while you're out and about, consider the JBL Clip 4. It has an IP67 water-resistance and dust-proof rating, meaning it can be submerged under shallow water and be taken on a hike or to the beach. It has some of the most impressive sound for the size that I've found.

• JBL Clip 4 ($49)