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I've tested hundreds of mini Bluetooth speakers over the last 15 years, and because there are so many good ones, it's hard to declare one model as the best overall. That said, a couple of models do stand out, including the Bose SoundLink Flex and two speakers it inspired: the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 and Tribit StormBox Flow.
If you don't need a small speaker, CNET's also compiled a list of the best overall Bluetooth speakers of 2023, which offers beefier portable wireless speakers and also includes wireless Bluetooth boom boxes that have built-in handles. But this is a list for anyone looking for compact Bluetooth speakers that are not only highly portable but also affordable (many cost less than $100). Note that while mini and micro Bluetooth speakers continue to improve with time, they do have their sound limitations. The smallest Bluetooth speakers are technically mono speakers, and there's only so much bass you can get out of a tiny speaker. That said, for their size, many of these speakers deliver surprisingly decent sound.
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$119 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
3.56 Inches (H) x 7.93 Inches (W) x 2.06 Inches (D)
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
12W
Battery Life
Rated up to 12 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
Full Review
Read full review $119 at AmazonWhen the SoundLink Flex speaker launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. But it mostly lives up to the hype and is arguably the best-sounding wireless speaker for its compact size.
Available in three colors -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- it's equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it's upright, hanging or flat on its back.
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$48 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
3.87 x 3.87 x 1.69 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
10W
Battery Life
Rated up to 12 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
Full Review
Read full review $48 at Amazon
Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose's excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike's handlebars. Like the original, it's an excellent value and easy to recommend if you're looking for a super compact portable wireless speaker.
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$80 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
NA
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
6W
Battery Life
Rated up to 15 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
$80 at Amazon
Bose's excellent SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker sells for around $150 and sometimes goes on sale for less. The Soundcore Motion 300 is Anker's answer to that Bose speaker. Around the same size as the Bose, it doesn't sound quite as good, but it sounds impressive for its compact size and costs only $80.
Like the SoundLink Flex, the Motion 300 can be laid down flat with its speaker firing up toward the ceiling (or sky), or propped up as shown in the photo above. It's IPX7 waterproof and delivers up to 13 hours of audio at moderate volume levels. There's also support for Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless streaming with LDAC.
The speaker has a bass boost button that does amp up the low end a bit. But I actually thought the speaker sounded a bit better without the bass boost engaged, because it seemed slightly overdriven with the boost on. The bass just doesn't sound that tight at higher volumes. That's where the Bose does better.
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$80 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
7.08 x 2.68 x 2.68 inches
Charger Type
Micro USB
Output Power
24W
Battery Life
Rated up to 20 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
$80 at Amazon
Tribit's StormBox Flow is another Bose SoundLink Flex knockoff for less that shares some similarities with the Soundcore Motion 300, including the same list price. The Tribit may actually sound slightly better than the Motion 300, edging it out for bass performance by a tad. But the Anker speaker wins on design.
Like the SoundLink Flex, the Tribit StormBox Flow can be laid down flat with its speaker firing up. You can also wirelessly pair two of the speakers together for stereo sound.
It has an IP67 water-resistance rating, which means it's dust-resistant and fully waterproof. Tribit says it delivers up to 30 hours of audio at moderate volume levels. That's impressive.
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$45 at Amazon$45 at WalmartPros
Cons
Size
NA
Charge Type
USB-C
Output Power
6W
Battery Life
Rated up to 15 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
$45 at Amazon
The very compact Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker may not deliver huge sound but it delivers more sound than you'd think (with just enough bass) from a speaker of its size. Available in multiple color options and weighing around 8 ounces or 223 grams, it has an integrated strap and is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.
The 6-watt Mini 3 sounds fairly similar to the new Sony SRS-XB100, which retails for $60 or around $20 more, and features good battery life -- up to 15 hours at moderate volume levels. You can wirelessly link multiple Mini 3s together to create a wider sound field, but most people will use this speaker for casual listening on the go. It also makes for a good bathroom or shower speaker and does have speakerphone capabilities with a built-in microphone.
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$58 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$58 at B&H Photo-VideoPros
Cons
Size
3.43 x 4.41 x 3.43 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
2.5W
Battery Life
Rated up to 16 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$58 at Amazon
For 2024, Sony's smallest Bluetooth speaker has once again been modestly upgraded, with a new Bluetooth chipset, slightly improved sound and speakerphone performance. This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and, like its predecessor (the SRS-XB13), it's rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels and it charges via USB-C. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the AAC and SBC audio codecs, the speaker plays bigger than you'd think for its small size, with some punch to its bass. It's pretty impressive for a mini mono speaker.
Though the 9.6-ounce (272-gram) speaker appears to have the same design as the XB13, Sony says its new sound diffusion processor "realizes richer spread sound," which basically means this has a bit wider soundstage, which I can confirm. It can output only so much sound -- yes, it has its limitations -- but if you add a second XB100, you can get stereo sound. Alas, there's no companion app, but that isn't a huge deal.
The XB100 is available in multiple color options and includes a strap so you can attach it to various objects. It also has speakerphone capabilities with an integrated microphone (as I said, the speakerphone's performance has been improved, and callers said they could hear me clearly indoors).
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$89 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
2.8 x 7 x 2.6 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
20W
Battery Life
Rated up to 12 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX67
$89 at Amazon
With each new version of the Flip, JBL makes small improvements, and while the latest model, the Flip 6, doesn't look much different from the Flip 5 on the outside, it does feature improved sound. It has two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter and dual passive radiators that help the Flip 6 deliver much deeper bass than you think it could.
It's fully water- and dust-proof with an IPX67 rating. Like the Flip 5, it's rated for up to 12 hours of audio playback at moderate volume levels and charges via USB-C. Available in multiple color options, it's one of the best-sounding speakers for its compact size.
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$60 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
7.8 x 2.7 x 2.8 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
24W
Battery Life
Rated up to 20 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
Full Review
Read full review $60 at Amazon
The Tribit MaxSound Plus is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best sounding speakers in its size and price class. It has a long-lasting rechargeable battery and superior audio quality for a Bluetooth speaker. And be sure to activate the instant coupon on the product page for $10 off.
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$30 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$30 at Best BuyPros
Cons
Size
3.4 x 1.6 x 2.7 inches
Charger Type
Battery powered
Output Power
4.2W
Battery Life
Rated up to 5 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$30 at Amazon
The JBL Bluetooth speaker that received the biggest improvements over the previous model is among the company's smallest. The JBL Go 3 has a completely new look -- it's now covered in durable fabric instead of having the naked plastic design of its Go predecessors -- and that new design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its small size, makes the Go 3 one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.
Available in multiple color options, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating, meaning it can be dunked in water and is dust-proof. Battery life is rated at up to five hours.
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$79 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy$100 at B&H Photo-VideoPros
Cons
Size
4 inches x 4 inches x 3.75 inches
Charger Type
Micro-USB
Output Power
NA
Battery Life
Rated up to 14 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$79 at Amazon
We liked Ultimate Ears' Wonderboom 2 and the third-generation model, the Wonderboom 3, offers some small improvements, including slightly better battery life (up to 14 hours instead of 13, at moderate volume levels) and a new Bluetooth chip that allows for extended wireless range of over 130 feet (40 meters). The design has not changed, though the speaker now comes in different color options.
Like its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3 carries a list price of $100, but sometimes sells for a little less. Its IP67 rating means that it's not only waterproof but also dust-proof (and able to float).
This model retains the special Outdoor Boost mode that boosts treble and you can link two together (or pair a Wonderboom 3 to a Wonderboom 2) to create a stereo sound pairing by simply pressing a button on each speaker. As far as I can tell, the Wonderboom 3 sounds very similar to the Wonderboom 2 and features very good sound for its small size. That said, while there's some punch to the bass (being short yet squat helps it produce more low end), it can only deliver so much kick.
Alas, Ultimate Ears, which is owned by Logitech, has not upgraded the charging port to USB-C. The speaker still charges with a Micro-USB cable, which is a bit of a bummer.
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$134 at Crutchfield$134 at B&H Photo-Video$134 at Sonos, Inc.Pros
Cons
Size
2.44 inches x 2.32 inches x 6.61 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
NA
Battery Life
Rated up to 10 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$134 at Crutchfield
The Roam is currently Sonos' smallest and most affordable speaker (if you don't count those $99 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk Ikea Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers). This model, like Sonos' earlier Move portable speaker ($400), is equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can tap into an existing Sonos multiroom audio system and link with other Series 2-compatible Sonos speakers. The Sonos Roam makes for a good starter Sonos speaker for those new to the Sonos world. Read our Sonos Roam review.
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$120 at Best Buy$120 at Crutchfield$120 at B&H Photo-VideoPros
Cons
Size
4 inches x 1.6 inches x 4 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
20W
Battery Life
Rated up to 15 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX67
$120 at Best Buy
Marshall's little mono Willen speaker is similar to Bose's SoundLink Micro and other micro speakers like the Tribit StormBox Micro 2. Also like those speakers, it has an integrated strap on its base so you can clip it onto a backpack or even to your bike's handlebars. Its 2-inch full range driver and two passive radiators put out more sound than you'd think it would for its tiny size, and it offers decent clarity as well just enough bass to avoid sounding tinny (you can choose from three preset sound modes).
Battery life is good at around 15 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels, and the speaker is IPX67 dust-proof and waterproof. The main strike against it is its $120 price -- ideally it would cost around $80, though right now you can pick it up on sale for $100. But it's nicely designed, feels rugged and fits in a jacket pocket, weighing in it at 0.68-pound (308 grams).
The Willen can stand up vertically or lay down horizontally and has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls. It comes in a couple of color options and can be linked wirelessly with other Willen speakers to augment the sound.
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$63 at AmazonPros
Cons
Size
3.42 x 10.66 x 3.14 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
30W
Battery Life
Rated up to 20 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
$63 at Amazon
Over the last few years, Tribit has made several Bluetooth speakers that deliver a lot of boom for the buck. Add its new XSound Mega to the list.
Tribit is billing the XSound Mega as more of an outdoor speaker -- a lanyard is included for toting it around as a sort of mini boombox -- but it works just fine indoors. It has an LED light show that you can turn on or off and there are three EQ settings for sound: XBass, Music and Audiobook. Additionally, it can be used as a power bank to charge your mobile devices.
In my tests, the speaker compared pretty favorably to more expensive speakers like the JBL Charge 5. There's plenty of bass and the speaker plays loud for its size, with decent clarity. That said, it's a mono speaker with a single driver and two bass radiators -- that's how you get all that bass. So while you can expect big sound, the soundstage doesn't feel all that wide, particularly at lower volumes. It actually sounds better at higher volumes.
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$80 at CrutchfieldPros
Cons
Size
3-5/16"W x 5-5/16"H x 1-13/16"D
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
5W
Battery Life
Rated up to 10 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
Full Review
Read full review $80 at Crutchfield
For its first three generations, JBL's Clip micro Bluetooth speaker had a circular design. But for the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging. This portable Bluetooth speaker does seem more durable, with a sturdier integrated carabiner clip. Also, it sounds a little better, with more volume, clearer sound and more bass. With an IP67 water resistance rating, it can survive being dunked in shallow water and is dust-proof. The Clip 4 is right up there with the best overall micro Bluetooth speakers.
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$199 at Amazon$200 at Walmart$200 at Best BuyPros
Cons
Size
4.2 x 8.5 x 5.2
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
Total 40W
Battery Life
Rated up to 12 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$199 at Amazon
JBL Pulse speaker is now on its fifth generation and both the sound quality and 360-degree light show have been improved. JBL has "expanded the transparent outer body" so the customizable light show (there's a companion app for iOS and Android that allows you to alter the colorful lighting effects) looks more impressive. The speaker is also IP67 dust- and waterproof, and it offers up to 12 hours of battery at moderate volume levels.
The speaker now has a separate tweeter and a passive bass radiator that delivers fairly punchy bass. I'd say the speaker delivers very good but not great sound for its size and price (it distorts a little at higher volumes). For sound, it's sort of in between JBL's Flip 6 and Charge 5, so you'll arguably get slightly better sound from the Charge 5. But you're really buying this speaker for the light show -- that's what makes it unique and special and it does look mesmerizing.
Note that you can pair this with another JBL PartyBoost compatible speaker for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost speakers for augmented sound. Also, you can find this speaker on Amazon as part of a bundle with a protective carrying case thrown in for the same price as the speaker by itself.
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$186 at Amazon$279 at B&H Photo-Video$279 at Bang & OlusfenPros
Cons
Size
5.24 x 1.83 x 5.24 inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
60W
Battery Life
Rated up to 18 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
$186 at Amazon
Bang & Olufsen has upgraded its dome-shaped aluminum-clad A1 speaker with improved battery life, better speakerphone performance (it now has a three-microphone array) and slightly improved sound. It's not only the smallest wireless speaker from the Danish company, but also the most affordable as it often drops to around $200.
While the speaker drivers remain the same, the Qualcomm chipset that powers the speaker has been upgraded (the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1), bumping the sound quality up a tad, particularly at higher volumes, with better digital signal processing. It remains one of the best-sounding mini Bluetooth speaker models, with richer more tonally balanced sound than other Bluetooth speakers its size -- and it should sound good, considering its elevated price point.
It's also worth noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect this to your PC and smartphone at the same time and easily switch back and forth between the two if a call comes in on your phone. Additionally, the speaker is Alexa-enabled, meaning you can activate Amazon's voice assistant by just saying "Alexa."
Battery life is rated at up to 18 hours at 50% volume (the earlier A1 didn't live up to its battery life claims, but this number is more accurate) and if you can afford it, you can link two A1 speakers to create a stereo pair. The speaker is waterproof with an IP67 rating that allows it to be submerged briefly in shallow water.
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$27 at WalmartPros
Cons
Size
7.76 x 4.25 x 2.87 Inches
Charger Type
USB-C
Output Power
16W
Battery Life
Rated up to 24 hours
Resistance Rating
IPX7
$27 at Walmart
At around $30, the Tribit XSound Go is one of the top speakers with Bluetooth connectivity for the money. Besides sounding decent, it's also fully waterproof. It also has excellent battery life -- up to 24 hours at 50% volume levels.
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$119 at Bose$119 at Amazon$120 at Best BuyPros
Cons
Size
3.87" H x 3.87" W x 1.37" D
Charger Type
Micro-B USB
Output Power
5W
Battery Life
Rated up to 6 hours
Resistance Rating
IP67
Full Review
Read full review $168 at Bose
Although a little pricey and due to be upgraded, the Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It's a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find.
While this model is truly pocket-size -- and that's certainly an appealing feature -- the bigger but still compact SoundLink Flex sounds significantly better and is also the better value though it costs more.
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Tribit StormBox: The StormBox speaker looks like a cross between a UE and a JBL speaker. We suspect that's not an accident. Fully waterproof, it costs about $50 less than the JBL Flip 5 and produces bigger sound and has up to 20 hours of battery life. Tribit's XSound speakers are probably a better value, but the Stormbox is more stylish. It also has a rechargeable li-ion battery able to power up to 20 hours of continuous playtime.
Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on a new mini Bluetooth speaker. Value priced wireless speakers continue to improve, so you can find good "cheap" Bluetooth Bluetooth speakers from Chinese brands like Tribit for not too much money (less than $60). But if you're looking for a more premium speaker, you can expect to pay $100 or more, especially for more premium models that deliver better sound.
Bigger speakers tend to sound better, delivering bigger sound with more bass. But going bigger means they weigh more, which can make them a little harder to carry around. So you have to balance size with performance if you're looking for something that's easily portable. If you're interested in a larger portable speaker, one feature worth looking out for is a built-in handle.
Many Bluetooth speakers now are now fully waterproof and some fully dust-proof. If you're planning on taking the speaker with you to the beach or on a hiking trip, having a more durable speaker is a desirable trait.
Some speakers have a built-in microphone that turns them into a speakerphone when making calls on your cell phone. However, many speakers don't offer that feature. So choose accordingly if that's something you're looking for.
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, battery life, extra features (such as additional connectivity options) and overall value. We test speakers in real-life environments both indoors and outdoors and compare it to other speakers in the same price range.
The list includes everything from compact mini models to pocket-size micro versions but not bigger Bluetooth speakers that deliver more powerful sound. For more, check out our lists of the best Bluetooth speakers overall, best Bluetooth boom box speakers, best smart speakers and the best Wi-Fi speakers and music systems.
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