Honorable Mentions
Here are some other good speakers we’ve tested that didn’t quite make the cut for our top picks:
Bose Soundlink Max for $329: The Bose SoundLink Max has quickly become my favorite speaker to drag along to outdoor events. It’s not as big as the boombox that John Cusack held over his head in the ’80s, but this robust, rubberized speaker has bold sound and gets loud enough to woo your sweethearts with a love song. I also like that you can plug in your phone while it plays music, which is nice for those of us who are forgetful on our days off. Bold bass, even when outside, makes this good for dance parties in the middle of nowhere, and the handle is easy to tie up to packs, kayaks, or tents. —Parker Hall
Brane Audio Brane X for $499: The Brane X speaker may be shockingly spendy, but this lunchbox-sized bomber has something no other portable we’ve tested has: A true, fully functional subwoofer. Thanks to Brane’s mystifying RAD (Repel Attract Driver) technology, the Brane X hits all the notes in your music, with unadulterated bass to bring more punch, gravitas, and sheer emotionality to everything you play. You’ll get both Bluetooth streaming and Wi-Fi, with support for AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Alexa with up to 12 hours per charge.
Beats Pill.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Beats Pill for $100: Apple’s latest Beats Pill is surprisingly versatile. Quick one-touch pairing for iOS and Android devices make it great for mixed-phone homes, while old-school callbacks like a built-in speakerphone and the ability to charge other devices can come in handy. Beats didn’t stop there, offering massive playtime, great dust and water resistance, and the ability to play lossless audio over USB-C with supported devices. While the design isn’t as robust as my favorites, new drivers provide the slick treble and hefty bass you expect from Beats, with refined clarity.
JBL Charge 6 for $160: The JBL Charge offers big and beautiful sound from its football-shaped frame, along with extras like a USB-C port to charge your phone from and its 24 hour battery. It can be plugged in for lossless playback on supported devices and uses Auracast to sync up with other newer JBL models, though that leaves out older versions like the Charge 5. The Charge isn’t as easy to pack as our top pick, weighing 3 pounds and stretching 9 inches across, but if you bring it along, you’ll be rewarded with clear jams and plenty of bass.
Tribit Stormbox Mini+ for $30: This little speaker from Tribit is an excellent budget option. It boasts bold low-end and can be easily paired in stereo for a multi-channel listening experience. They’re a nice shape, and I like that they have multi-colored lights on top for when you need a little vibe. I took it camping and had a great time pairing two of these $50 speakers together for a full campsite musical experience. They’re nice for surrounding you with sound at a reasonable (read: not annoying to neighbors) volume. —Parker Hall
UE Megaboom 4.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 for $170: If packability isn’t of top concern, the 9-inch-tall Megaboom 4 is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy. It’s got rich and full 360-degree sound with plenty of low-end punch. Its drop-tested, weatherproof body is ready for any outing, from surf to sand, and it offers over 150 feet of wireless range and up to 20 hours of battery life (more like 15 hours at volume). As with other UE speakers, the app adds features like the ability to connect multiple speakers in a group or two Megaboom 4s in stereo, adjust the EQ, and wake the speaker from sleep. This rugged sound pillar is key to my backyard jams and well worth adding to your semi-mobile arsenal.
Sony Ult Field 1 for $108: The smallest of Sony’s Ult speakers is a solid tubular portable up against tough competition. It offers good sound with the “Ult” bass key engaged, but its midrange is less defined and dynamic than favorites like the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or JBL Flip 7, and it packs less battery life than either.
Marshall Stockwell II for $150: If you’re a music fan or just love the classic Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. This small, relatively pricey speaker serves up smooth, balanced, and refined sound. The durable exterior is splash-resistant, the front and back have a steel grille, and the battery lasts around 20 hours depending on how much you tweak the stylish volume knob.
DemerBox DB2 for $399: The DB2 is a great companion for your boldest outdoor adventures, in large part because it serves two purposes: It’s a loud portable speaker with 40 hours of built-in battery life, and it’s also a crushproof Pelican case. Load it up with any particularly fragile items, plug the bass port with an included rubber stopper, and you’ve got yourself an everything-proof box to keep your stuff safe.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level for $1,900: Bang & Olufsen takes a “buy once, cry once” policy for wireless speakers. The Beosound Level is a crazy expensive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker, but it is modularly designed and aims to be repairable forever. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, as are the wood and cloth elements. The gorgeous and great-sounding speaker could be a lifetime audio addition that can be upgraded as time passes.
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