The 3 Best Small Bluetooth Speakers in 2024

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

By

Updated Apr 11, 2024 7:14 PM
best small bluetooth speakers guide that shows the top best bluetooth speaker model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When you’re seeking the best small Bluetooth speakers, consider portability, sound quality, and battery life. Compact designs should deliver rich sound, with clear highs and deep bass, ensuring an immersive audio experience. Durable, water-resistant materials enhance usability in various environments, from home offices to outdoor activities.

Our guide features three standout models, chosen from over 1,149,605 Bluetooth speakers analyzed. Out of 100+ reviews, we found 92% of experts unreliable. We use True Score and Trust Rating to certify products and filter out fake reviews. The winning speakers excelled in our tests, offering excellent sound and reliability. For those seeking broader audio solutions beyond a small speaker, exploring our list of the best speakers for options that excel regardless of size, ensuring a balanced and high-quality listening experience.

How Did We Rank the Best Small Bluetooth Speakers?

We crafted our best small Bluetooth speakers buying guide by analyzing over 200 websites. We dissected testing methods, customer reviews, and expert feedback to determine which criteria are most important. We identified 2 essential test results, 1 beneficial features, and 1 crucial specification. This thorough analysis ensures you get accurate and reliable recommendations for your next Bluetooth speaker.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must be smaller than 4″ x 4″ x 8″

? Test Criteria

  • Battery Life: 9 hours is the length of time this Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat.
  • Volume Output: Our sound system delivers powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 85 decibels in volume output.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Low-End Roll-Off: A low-end roll-off of <60 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.

Latest Updates

  • 04/11/2024: Completely and thoroughly overhauled the guide to include the best small Bluetooth speakers based on our True Score system.

Top Small Bluetooth Speakers For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

For a small Bluetooth speaker to earn its place on our list, it must adhere to our standards for audio performance and quality. Any model that fails to meet these criteria will not be on the list!

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    JBL Charge 5

    • Best For Golf Cart

    For outdoor enthusiasts and party-goers who value deep bass and volume, the JBL Charge 5 stands out with its exceptional low-end and high-volume capabilities, despite its higher price and less detailed high frequencies.

    JBL Charge 5 Review →

    True Score

    86
    85
    13

    Experts

    94
    36k

    Customers

    $179.95

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    For those seeking audio solutions for specific environments, great boat speakers and quality shower speakers offer durability and waterproof features essential for wet conditions. Meanwhile, desktop speakers can enhance your computer setup, and the best tabletop radio or premier internet radio can bring a wealth of audio content to your home.

    For DIY enthusiasts, options to build your own Bluetooth speakers are available, offering a personalized audio experience. Those looking for value might explore the best portable Bluetooth speaker under 100, such as our Anker Soundcore 3 review, while the best Bose speakers remain a go-to for those prioritizing brand reliability and sound quality.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

    For budget-conscious buyers seeking portable, quality sound, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 has a best-in-class 22-hour battery life and extensive wireless range, ideal for outdoor activities and casual listening.

    Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 Review →

    True Score

    83
    81
    26

    Experts

    91
    5k

    Customers

    SAVE $28
    $99.99
    $71.89

    Category Snapshot

    Speakers

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      33 Brands, 109 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Bose, JBL

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $20-$500

    • Average True Score

      77.25

    • Important Test Criteria

      Frequency Response (Hz)

      Max Volume (dB or dB SPL)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      speakers top testers

    • Top Speaker Experts

      Becca FischerMichelle Powell

    • Typical Warranty

      1-2 years

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Marshall Willen

    The Marshall Willen offers a stylish, budget-friendly option for those seeking clear, high-frequency audio ideal for podcasts and vocal-centric music. Its waterproof and compact design, plus 15-hour battery life, make it versatile for outdoor and indoor use.

    Marshall Willen Review →

    True Score

    81
    78
    8

    Experts

    91
    987

    Customers

    SAVE $40
    $119.99
    $79.99

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Small Bluetooth Speakers?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these Bluetooth speakers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a Bluetooth speaker that will sound great.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Battery Life (Hours)> 9 HrYesThe length of time a Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat.
Volume Output (dB)> 85 dBYesThe maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker is able to output when turned to max.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)< 60 HzNo (nice to have)The point at which bass response starts to fall sharply, causing it to rapidly become inaudible.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 50+ Bluetooth speaker reviewers and only 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for Bluetooth speakers.

  1. Becca Fischer – Rtings, MuckRack
  2. Michelle Powell – TechGearLab, MuckRack
  3. Brent Butterworth – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every Bluetooth speaker review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Bluetooth Speaker Test Data & Results

1. Battery Life Test Results

Your Bluetooth speakers are more than likely going to be battery powered. They might not run solely on battery power, but it is more common than not for Bluetooth speakers to be able to play without being plugged into a wall. That means, you’ll want your speaker to be able to play for as long as possible without having to be plugged in to charge, so even if you forget your charging cable, you’re not shackled to 4 hours of play time.

It’s for this reason that we recommend that Bluetooth speakers have at least 9 hours of playtime – enough to get you through a full day of playing your speakers. That said, there’s no upper limit to battery life – the more you can get “under your belt”, the better. If your speaker can deliver more than 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ve got more than enough for two days and change, which is plenty of time to remember you need to plug the speaker in. When considering the purchase of the best wireless speakers, prioritize models with extended battery life to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment without the need for frequent charging.

Battery Life (in hours; higher is better)

2. Volume Output Test Results

Maximum volume is the most straightforward test to grasp when it comes to Bluetooth speakers: it simply refers to the loudest level at which the speaker can play. However, the importance of having a high maximum volume might not be immediately obvious. Beyond the ability to fill rooms with sound or serve as party speakers, higher maximum volumes play a crucial role in ensuring audio clarity at typical listening volumes.

This concept is known as “headroom.” Adequate headroom in a Bluetooth speaker means it can reproduce sounds at a level that is both loud enough and clear enough, ensuring that your usual listening levels for music or podcasts are crisp and free from distortion. Your Bluetooth speaker should have a minimum of 85 dB of maximum volume. The higher the maximum volume, the better the speaker is at delivering sound that can fill increasingly large spaces without sacrificing sound quality. When seeking the best speakers, prioritize models with high maximum volumes to ensure optimal audio clarity and performance across various listening environments.

Volume Output (in dB; higher is better)

3. Low End Roll Off Test Results

The low-end roll off is key in determining how deep the bass on your Bluetooth speaker will sound. A Bluetooth speaker with a roll off that doesn’t start at a sufficiently low frequency leads to bass that sounds weak or is missing entirely, which makes music sound weak. Essentially, the deeper the bass can extend before rolling off, the more robust the sound.

For the majority of Bluetooth speakers and typical usage scenarios, aiming for a roll off that begins no higher than 60 Hz is advisable. However, the lower the frequency where roll off begins, the better the bass experience. It’s important to understand that there’s a limit to how low the roll off can go, so expecting Bluetooth speakers to achieve roll off points in the teens might be unrealistic. It’s also important to remember that Bluetooth speakers don’t have subwoofers and are also generally small, which limits how deep their bass can get. The best bass Bluetooth speakers prioritize a low-end roll off that ensures deep and impactful bass reproduction, enhancing your listening experience.

Low End Roll Off (in Hz; lower is better)

Best Small Bluetooth Speakers: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Sound Quality: Don’t sacrifice sound quality for portability. Some small Bluetooth speakers compromise on sound quality due to their small size. Look for speakers with good reviews regarding sound quality within their size range. A top smart speaker is also typically small and offers convenience and quality, blending voice control and smart home integration without compromising audio performance.

  2. Overlooking Battery Life: Battery life is crucial, especially for portable speakers. Make sure the speaker you choose offers sufficient battery life for your needs. Some may sacrifice battery life for a smaller size, so find a balance that works for you. Additionally, quick and easy charging of a Bluetooth speaker is essential to ensure your speaker remains powered up and ready for use whenever you need it.

  3. Not Considering Waterproofing: If you plan to use the speaker outdoors or near water, waterproofing is essential. Even if you don’t plan to use it in such environments, accidental spills or exposure to moisture can damage non-waterproof speakers. The best outdoor Bluetooth speakers prioritize robust waterproofing for durability and protection against moisture-related damage. Additionally, consider checking out our Anker Soundcore Motion+ review to gain insights into a popular Bluetooth speaker option for outdoor use.

  4. Ignoring Connectivity Options: While Bluetooth connectivity is standard, some speakers offer additional connectivity options like NFC or auxiliary ports. Consider your needs and the devices you’ll be connecting to ensure compatibility. When comparing Bluetooth vs WiFi speakers, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each technology to determine which best suits your requirements. Additionally, ensure you can connect a Mac to a Bluetooth speaker to integrate your devices seamlessly. If you’re a gamer, you can learn how to pair a Bluetooth speaker to an Xbox One console for an enhanced gaming experience.

The Best Small Bluetooth Speakers Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Max Volume Test
Battery Life
Low-End Roll Off
High-End Roll Off

JBL Charge 5

  • Best for Golf Cart

86
  • 91.45 dB

  • 17.38 Hrs

  • 63.5 Hz

  • 6,639.82 Hz

$179.95

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

  • Best for Best Overall

83
  • 86.9 dB

  • 22.3 Hrs

  • 179.59 Hz

  • 13,472.79 Hz

$71.89
$100
$28

Marshall Willen

  • Best for Boat

81
  • 87.9 dB

  • 14.5 Hrs

  • 179.59 Hz

  • 16,974.66 Hz

$79.99
$120
$40

Small Bluetooth Speaker Questions (FAQ)

What features should I prioritize when selecting the best small Bluetooth speaker?

When choosing the best small Bluetooth speaker, prioritize factors such as sound quality, battery life, portability, and durability to ensure a satisfying listening experience.

Share this Article

About Gadget Review’s Editorial Process

Our guides, reviews, and news are driven by thorough human research and use our Trust Rating system and the True Score. AI assists in refining our content, ensuring that every article is engaging, clear and succinct. See how we write our content here →