Preparation
Whether you’re headed to the beach, the park, or simply lounging in your own backyard by the pool, a portable bluetooth speaker is a must-have accessory. Without it, your leisure time simply isn’t as exciting. But which speakers are duds, delivering canny and muffled sound, and which ones are nearly indecipherable from the ones you rely on indoors, delivering consistently superior sound? Portable speakers equipped with Wi-Fi functionality tend to offer clearer sound because the audio that comes from bluetooth speakers is compressed, but a good bluetooth version built with amplifiers is typically comparable, as they help deliver full-range audio. Plus, there’s the argument that bluetooth options are the most portable, since they don’t require an internet connection to work.
When shopping for portable speakers, it’s also worth looking at the Ingress Protection (IP) rating—an indication of durability and weather protection—since you’ll likely use the speaker in conditions that are typically less than ideal for electronics, like areas of high moisture. IP ratings have two numbers: The first rates protection against solids like dust; the second rates protection against liquids like water. The higher, the number, the more protection. (Nine is the highest.) Other features worth considering are battery life, virtual assistant compatibility, voice control, and the ability to pair with multiple speakers. Size may also be important, especially if you want something that’s easy to stash in a smaller tote, like a beach bag or backpack.
Here, the best portable speakers to get crisp, clear sound on the go.
Best for Portability: Sony SRS-XB12 Mini Bluetooth SpeakerBest for Smart Home Connectivity: Sonos RoamFor Double-Duty: Uncommon Goods Bluetooth Speaker and Water BottleSurround Sound: Bose SoundLink MicroLuxury Speakers: JBL Xtreme 2
