When it comes to wireless Bluetooth speakers, there’s something for everyone. Wireless Bluetooth speakers are available in all shapes, sizes and colors, and generally range in price from $20 to $500 — with a handful of truly premium models costing even more. Some speakers are better than others — and some are better values, which is an important factor when we consider what products make our list of best Bluetooth speakers. We also evaluate sound quality, battery life and design, with a speaker’s water-resistance and durability key attributes we look at. After all, these are portable speakers that should ideally be able to hold up to the elements.
CNET’s audio experts have tested all the Bluetooth speakers on this list and we update the list regularly as new speakers hit the market and some products become outdated. As I said, some of the premium models can get pretty expensive. But we also have a number of value picks for those on a tighter budget.
Best Bluetooth wireless speaker for 2023
Watch this: JBL Boombox 2 vs. UE Hyperboom: Battle of the Portable Bluetooth Speakers
How we test Bluetooth speakers
In assessing what the best Bluetooth speakers are, we consider the design of the speaker, and particularly how durable it seems, along with sound quality and overall value. The list includes everything from compact mini models and pocket-size micro versions to heftier models with powerful audio. For more, check out our lists of the best smart speakers and the best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems.