Best Bluetooth Speaker Under 50, 100 & 200 Dollars

best Bluetooth speaker
best Bluetooth speaker under 50, 100 & 200

Want the best Bluetooth speaker you can get your hands on in 2020? Don’t know what features to look out for? This article is for you! We explore the best Bluetooth speakers in every price category: under $50, under $100 and under $200. No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find a suitable Bluetooth speaker that works for whatever situation you wish to use it. Also, check out the following articles for more options of speakers:

Comparison Chart

ModelBose SoundLink
Revolve Plus
Bose Soundlink Revolve JBL Flip 4Anker SoundCore 2
DesignBest Bluetooth Speaker with MicrophoneBest Bluetooth Speaker Under 200 Bose SoundLink RevolveMid-Range Bluetooth Speaker with Microphoneanker soundcore 2
Battery Life16 hours12 hours12 hours24 hours
Weight0.9 kg0.66 kg0.51 kg0.32 kg
Waterproof
Rating
IPX4IPX4 IPX7IPX5
360 Sound
Bottom LineBest Under $300Best Under $200Best Under $100Best Under $50
AvailabilityCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Best Bluetooth Speaker 2020 - Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus

Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus
Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus

The SoundLink Revolve Plus is the ultimate offering in the Bluetooth speaker currently in the market. Bose is one of the best-known speaker brands in the world and the company has successfully brought their A game to when making their Bluetooth Speakers. With the SoundLink Revolve Plus, you get the most valued features in a Bluetooth speaker met with impeccable standards.

The pristine sound quality relative to the compactness is pretty incredible. There is an impressive hardware setup that is of opposing passive bass radiators which give a clean and full feeling that is not matched in terms of quality. Mid-range frequencies are punchy and the highs are crisp and clear. It also packs a punch with its maximum volume exceeding speakers of the same size by some margin.

In all honesty, there is not much bad to say here, especially when compared to the rest of the market. It also comes equipped with IPX4 water-resistance, AUX input, 16 hours of battery life, effective 360 degrees sound, easy portability through the handle and a classy design. The 360 degree sound is exceptionally good with equal and powerful sound the whole way around.

In an ideal world, the IPX4 water rating would be higher. A Bluetooth speaker with an IPX4 rating means it will withhold some light rain or splashes but is not appropriate for full submersion. In practice, you would have to be careful as too much splashing would in reality cause some damage.

With this excellence does come a higher price tag of $300 and given the cheap nature of many Bluetooth speakers, it will be preferable in many instances to go with a cheap option under $50. Another con would be some distortion at maximum volume, although this is unlikely to be a big problem as this speaker goes pretty darn loud.

Pros

  • Best sound
  • Very good 360 degrees sound
  • Strong battery life
  • Handle
  • Good design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only IPX4
  • Not as portable as some other options

The Revolve Plus is considered by many as the best the Bluetooth speaker around at the moment and if you decide to go with it, rest assured you will not be disappointed. Bose is perhaps the best brand in the game at the moment, especially in the best Bluetooth Speaker under $200 category. When you get up to this price range the quality of speakers begins to become really, really good. Provided you stick to the big brands like Bose, JBL or Ultimate Ears, you will receive a product that will no doubt satisfy you. All of the picks in the best Bluetooth Speaker under $200 are absolutely excellent additions to your audio life.

Related: Best Speaker for the shower

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Portable and Long-Lasting Bluetooth 360 Speaker - Triple Black
  • Delivers Deep, loud, jaw dropping sound with True 360...
  • Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference...
  • Flexible fabric handle makes it easy to grab and go;...


Best Bluetooth Speaker Under 50 Dollars

Want a speaker you can take with you when you’re on the move? The best Bluetooth speakers under $50 are compact, portable and waterproof - perfect for traveling and at use at home. If you’re not sure about the differences between brands and the features of cheap Bluetooth speakers, then this article is for you.

From sound quality, the crispness in the high frequencies and power of the bass all the way through to waterproofing and battery life, every aspect, and feature of these budget Bluetooth speakers are covered. These Bluetooth speakers from Anker, Oontz, and Doss compact a sound quality that is amazing given the price. If your interested in more expensive speakers check out our articles on Bluetooth speakers under $100 or under $200.


1. Anker SoundCore 2

Anker-SoundCore-2
Anker SoundCore 2

The Anker SoundCore 2 is perhaps the most known out of the best budget speakers. Counting all features, especially the design and sound quality, make it the best Bluetooth speaker that you can get for under $50. It is highly portable, fitting into large coat pockets and the low price makes it hard to go wrong with.

The sound of this model is driven by the low frequencies, making it a great budget choice for those looking for some pounding bass for punchy dance music. An impressive battery life of 24 hours and the light and compact nature of the speaker mean that it can be taken with you and be operated intermittently for a long period.

The sound quality, like with the other budget speakers, is questionable compared to the more expensive options although it is still at the level where the audio feels good to listen to. The higher frequencies are relatively not as good as the bass and can come across a little harshly, especially at higher volumes.

It has an IPX5 waterproof rating, meaning it can deal with light splashes but not full submersions. The size, sound, and price make the Anker SoundCore 2 the perfect travel buddy and the best speaker under $50!

Pros

Cons

  • Mids and highs a little harsh

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 5, Bassup, IPX7 Waterproof, 24-Hour Playtime, Wireless Stereo Pairing, Speaker for Home, Outdoors, Travel
  • Unbelievable sound: 12W of pure audio power with...
  • Intense bass: exclusive bass up technology and a...
  • Outdoor-proof: IPX7 protection safeguards against rain,...

2. OontZ Angle 3 Plus

OontZ Angle 3 Plus
OontZ Angle 3 Plus

The Oontz Angle 3 Plus is a solid and cheap bluetooth speaker which has received much praise for its sound quality and loud volume. When it comes down to the features and performance, there is very little in it between the Angle 3 Plus and the SoundCore 2. The Oontz Angle 3 Plus is similar to the Anker SoundCore 2 in regards to being a bass-driven Bluetooth speaker but is lacking some brightness in the higher frequencies.

Able to play for 30 hours, the Oontz Angle 3 Plus has the longest battery life for a speaker under $50. Additionally, there is an inbuilt microphone that can be used for calls, just like the other speakers reviewed. The Angle 3 Plus also has an IPX5 rating suitable for light splashes, improving the robustness of the speaker in the outdoors. Oontz has also produced a more compact Bluetooth speaker that is 3 ounces lighter and 1 inch shorter to make its portability that much easier.

Where the Oontz Angle 3 Plus loses out to the Anker SoundCore 2 is the sound quality, the most important consideration. The overall sound quality of the bass, treble, clarity and dynamic range are just not quite up to scratch with the SoundCore2. Given the similarities in these budget speakers, the sound quality was the tipping point.

Pros

  • Punchy bass
  • More portable
  • 30 hours of battery life

Cons

  • Sound quality not as good as Anker SoundCore 2

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 5, Bassup, IPX7 Waterproof, 24-Hour Playtime, Wireless Stereo Pairing, Speaker for Home, Outdoors, Travel
  • Unbelievable sound: 12W of pure audio power with...
  • Intense bass: exclusive bass up technology and a...
  • Outdoor-proof: IPX7 protection safeguards against rain,...


3. Doss Touch

DOSS-SoundBox-Touch
Doss Touch

The Doss Touch is the cheapest Bluetooth speaker, although the $10 isn’t going to make all the difference to your wallet. It isn’t quite on the same level as the other models due to not having any form of IPX waterproofing, a less punchy overall sound, and shorter battery life.

Additionally, the bass isn’t quite there as it is with the Anker or Oontz Angle, making it a better budget choice for music which features more higher frequencies and less of the lower frequencies.

It does, however, share a fairly similar size, a similar version of Bluetooth 4.0 and a microphone with the Anker Soundcore 2. All in all, this is still a solid choice for a cheaper price, but we would certainly recommend paying that little bit more for one of the better speakers.

Pros

  • Cheapest options
  • Good higher frequencies

Cons

  • Lacks bass
  • No waterproof rating

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Stereo Sound, Bluetooth 5, Bassup, IPX7 Waterproof, 24-Hour Playtime, Wireless Stereo Pairing, Speaker for Home, Outdoors, Travel
  • Unbelievable sound: 12W of pure audio power with...
  • Intense bass: exclusive bass up technology and a...
  • Outdoor-proof: IPX7 protection safeguards against rain,...


What is the best Bluetooth Speaker Under 50 Dollars?

Given the marginal price differences, we would highly recommend purchasing the Anker SoundCore 2 for the superior sound quality. The Oontz and the Doss are not bad choices, but the extra $5-$10 is so minimal that we don’t think it is worth deterring from the Anker SoundCore 2 just because of the price. In some cases, the Doss Touch may be the best Bluetooth speaker under $50 if your music is naturally less bassy and you aren’t looking for a party boomer of a speaker. For bass-driven and typically more punchy and dancier music, the other two options are more suitable.


Best Bluetooth Speaker Under 100 Dollars

If your looking for a portable high-quality Bluetooth speaker, look no further than this page. If you commit a bit more cash you can get your hands on a speaker that you can take with you without compromising the quality of playback. From the crispness of the highs to the power of the sub-bass, this article will show you the best Bluetooth speakers under $100.

Sound quality, waterproofing, portability, accessories and more, we know the features you care about and the brands you trust. Brands such as Anker, Ultimate Ears and JBL produce some of the best Bluetooth speakers at very reasonable prices, as we will explore.


1. JBL Flip 4

Best Bluetooth speaker under $100
JBL Flip 4

The JBL Flip 4 is undoubtedly the best Bluetooth speaker in the mid-price range. Performance at every sound frequency ensures a well-rounded performance for a huge variety of music tastes, whether its pumping house music or more laidback classical. At the low end, the bass has decent power but in particular a tight feel, something that cheaper speakers don’t have.

The JBL Flip 4 also works with JBL’s Connect+ function so it is possible to daisy chain over 100 Flip 4s together. Where the JBL Flip falls short is limited battery life, which in practice lasts around 4 hours rather than the claimed 12 hours at a maximum volume.

The bass is also relatively sub-par compared to its higher frequencies, although it is still rather decent for a speaker in its price range. The JBL Flip 4 is highly water resistant carrying an IPX7 rating meaning it can be fully submerged in water. Looking at the design of the speaker you can clearly see how it was intended for use in the pool, with marketing focused on holiday use and a trunk, styled strap. Its RRP is actually $110, although on Amazon it normally sells for $20-$30 less than this.

Pros

  • Clearest sound
  • JBL Connect+ over 100 speakers
  • IPX7 waterproof rating
  • Perfect for Pool

Cons

  • Battery life claims questionable
  • Bass not as good as mids & highs

JBL Flip 4 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Bundle with Protective Travel Case - Black
  • This Bundle Includes: (1) JBL FLIP 4 Portable Bluetooth...
  • A full–featured IPX7 waterproof portable Bluetooth...
  • Up to 12 hours of play time with a wired connection,...


2. Anker SoundCore Pro+

Anker SoundCore Pro+
Anker SoundCore Pro+

The Anker SoundCore Pro+ is a powerful, sturdy and crisp Bluetooth speaker that costs under $100. Where this speaker shines is in the mid and higher frequencies through its four professionally-tuned drivers. Other features worth noting with this speaker are its IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it is splash proof, 18 hours of battery life and the useful micro USB dock for phone charging.

This phone charging option and the battery life of the SoundCore Pro+ is a perk it has over JBL FLIP 4. Excessive Charging of your phone via the SoundCore Pro+ will, however, cut down on your speaker battery life somewhat. It also has an AUX input, another feature that these other speakers are lacking.

Relatively, the SoundCore Pro+ has a somewhat ruffled bass that may make it struggle on bass heavier genres and it is a quite a bit heavier than the Flip 4. The waterproof rating of IPX4 isn’t a complete letdown, but ideally, it would be a little higher to improve the ruggedness of the speaker. Marketed for use in the home and garden, this speak isn’t so well designed for traveling.

Pros

  • Good mids & highs
  • 18 hours battery
  • AUX input

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Ruffled bass
  • only IPX4

Anker SoundCore Pro+ 25W Bluetooth Speaker with Enhanced Bass and High Definition Sound, 18-Hour Playtime, Water-Resistant, BassUp Technology, Portable Design, Speaker for Home or Backyard
  • Heavyweight sound: Premium 25-watt Audio is delivered...
  • Boosted Bass: Exclusive BassUp Technology adds new...
  • Extended playtime: play for up to 18 hours non-stop and...


3. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM

The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM is a very distinctly styled and shaped Bluetooth speaker which is designed for the pool. As with most UE products, the WONDERBOOM can deliver tremendous volume considering its size, making it one of the loudest speakers that cost less than $100.

This product is more similar to the FLIP 4 rather than the SoundCore Pro+ thanks to a high IPX7 rating for the pool. The battery life is 10 hours but a blast at full volume will give you a reasonable 6 hours of beats. The bass is a little too heavy at times and the midrange sometimes sounds marginally off, so accordingly it isn’t the best sounding speaker under $100. We have a new article comparing the Megaboom vs Megaboom.

The sound is multidirectional as the speakers have a 360 design, and it is possible to pair two WONDERBOOMs together for a wide music radius. It is a relatively loud and bass speaker for its size so combining all these factors provides you a budget pool party.

A shortfall of the WONDERBOOM comes from the lack of a clear indicator of battery life and charging time. Pressing both the increase and decrease volumes button simultaneously results in the speaker projecting three tones to indicate whether the battery is low, medium or high, lacking precision. Charging the WONDERBOOM also uses this vague system, as such may cause general annoyance during its use.

Related article: Best Bluetooth speakers with lights

Pros

  • Loud
  • Robust
  • Good for the pool

Cons

  • Sometimes to bassy
  • Mids can be distorted
  • Poor battery life indication

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker - Phantom Black
  • SURPRISINGLY SERIOUS SOUND Don't let the small...
  • IPX7 WATERPROOF Play your music safely around water...


What is the best Bluetooth Speaker Under 100 Dollars?

For use in the pool stick with either the JBL Flip 4 or the UE WONDERBOOM, and for use in a more tame environment go for the Anker SoundCore Pro+. If you have a favorite brand out of these three go for that as any of these speakers won’t leave you disappointed.


Best Bluetooth Speaker Under 200 Dollars

When you spend that little bit more, you can get your hands on a portable speaker with some serious volume and impressive sound quality. If you are unsure about which brands and their models produce the best sound quality, then this article is for you. Delving into the best Bluetooth speakers under $200, everything from sound quality and volume to waterproofing is considered in this article.


1. Bose Soundlink Revolve

Bose Soundlink Revolve
Bose Soundlink Revolve

The Bose SoundLink Revolve has the best sound quality out of any portable Bluetooth speaker you can get for less than $200. It is the junior product of the Revolve+, a high spec and impeccably performing speaker with crisp 360 degrees sound. Therefore it is no surprise that it is a premium speaker sharing these merits.

With this versions, you get a whole range of features such as 360 degree sound, an IPX4 water resistance rating, Siri and Google Assistant, voice commands, the Bose app, and a party & stereo mode.

It is a bit of a shame that this model doesn’t have a handle as it makes it that little bit less transportable. On the flip site it is very light, just 1.46 lbs making it likely go unnoticed in a backpack.

The sound quality of the Soundlink Revolve is next to none out of the speakers available for less than $200. The audio of the lows, mids, and highs are only positive with none showing any real weakness. The clarity is there in the mids and highs, and the two passive bass radiators give deep and clear low frequencies. In the sub bass is where most speakers tend to not quite deliver on if there are deficits in the quality, so hats off to Bose for delivering on it. The 360 degree sound is even and effective so no real criticism can be offered with that.

When compared to the Revolve+, the main differences appear to the battery life, the handle and the volume. In reality, the Revolves sound quality is practically up to par with the Revolve+ and will likely be loud enough for any circumstance you may wish to use it.

Pros

  • Best Bluetooth speaker under 200
  • Best sound quality
  • Amazing 360 degrees sound

Cons

  • No handle like the Revolve+
  • Only IPX4

Bose SoundLink Revolve, Portable Bluetooth Speaker (with 360 Wireless Surround Sound), Triple Black
  • Deep, loud and immersive sound, with True 360 degree...
  • Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference...
  • Seamless aluminum body is durable and water resistant...


2. JBL Xtreme

jbl xtreme
JBL Xtreme

Admittedly, the JBL Xtreme, has an RRP $300 although you can normally get it for less than $200. As you would expect with a speaker of this price, the Xtreme delivers pretty solidly on all fronts. The design is very similar to the Flip 3 but just a fair bit bigger and much louder.

This speaker is a real boomer on the low end. It carries dual external passive radiators that relentlessly pumps out the bass, although at times it can be a little muddy and uncontrolled sounding. The overall sound quality is to a high standard with a good balance of each frequency range and delivering on its price tag.

The Xtreme does a solid job at delivering on other key features such as a 15-hour battery life which is pretty darn good relative to its size and volume. The Xtreme is also splashproof so it can deal with light rain but not full submersions. Given the battery, splashproof rating and weight of 4.6 lbs, it is quite a portable speaker although not as easy to carry as others.

One slight annoyance comes with the zip it has covering its USB and AUX ports. It is a tight fit and can be fiddly to plug in via these ports. It is also possible to pair multiple JBL speakers together via the Connect+ app. If you already have a JBL speaker and were looking to purchase a speaker in this price category then this is a strong argument for getting the Xtreme.

Pros

  • Good battery life for volume
  • JBL Connect+ app
  • Booming bass

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof
  • Bass sometimes ruffled

JBL Xtreme Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black)
  • Hear the bass, feel the bass, see the bass. Dual...
  • Splashproof means no more worrying about rain or...
  • Take Crystal clear calls from your speaker with the...


3. Bose SoundLink Color II

Bose SoundLink Color II
Bose SoundLink Color II

The Bose SoundLink Color II is a very compact and lightweight speaker which doesn’t lose out on many other features despite its size. The smallest speaker under $200, this SoundLink Micro is our top choice as a portable speaker and its bigger counterpart, the SoundLink Color II, is a similar beast with some subtle differences.

The key features that come with the Color II include a splashproof IPX4 rating, high portability, and a large sound. One problem with the SoundLink II is that it comes with a charging cable only without any wall adaptor. This can be purchased separately and maybe a slight nuisance to those wanting to use this as a stationary speaker at home. It infers the intent of Bose with this speaker; it is for on the go. An effortless addition that accompanies your speaker.

Another negative is the speakerphone not working coherently with Bluetooth. The impact of this negative comes down to the intention of use with the speaker. Another plus of the SoundLink Color II is integrating Siri and Google assistant. This is activated by holding the multifunction button. The sound of this speaker is especially loud, most likely enough to fit your needs. If you are intent on having a large outdoor party you would probably want something else.

When you go up in budget, Bluetooth speakers reach a point where there are no massive faults but it just doesn’t reach the level of excellence as you do with the best Bluetooth Speaker under $200. The SoundLink Color II is one of those speakers. It is a good speaker and the boxes are ticked in regards to the standard of each frequency. It just doesn’t quite have that excellence that speakers such as the bose Revolve+ have.

Pros

  • Very portable
  • Cheaper option in this category

Cons

  • No wall adapter included
  • Not 360 degree sound

Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II - Soft Black
  • Innovative Bose technology packs bold sound into a...
  • Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference...
  • Rugged, with a soft touch silicone exterior that makes...


What is the best Bluetooth Speaker Under $200?

Bose is perhaps the best brand in the game at the moment, especially in speakers under $200 category. When you get up to this price range the quality of speakers begins to become really, really good. Provided you stick to the big brands like Bose, JBL or Ultimate Ears, you will receive a product that will no doubt satisfy you.


FAQ

Which Bluetooth speaker should I buy?

If you have a high budget, the SounLink Revolve Plus is the best bet.

If you don’t, then pick your budget; $50, $100, $200 or more and follow our advice based on each of these.

What’s the best portable speaker?

The best all rounded portable speaker is the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus. However, you might prefer a smaller option if you need it to be highly portable, such as the mid-range speakers.

Which Bluetooth speaker has the best sound?

The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus has fine-tuned sound quality at ever frequency and has a 360 degree sound making it the best choice.

What is the best budget Bluetooth speaker?

The Anker Soundcore 2.

What is the best speaker brand?

Bose is our favorite speaker brand in the more expensive categories.

What is the loudest Bluetooth speaker?

The DOSS SoundBox XL is a 32 Watt speaker which is definitely one of the loudest, if not the loudest.

Is Alexa a Bluetooth speaker?

Alexa is as a digital assistant found in some Bluetooth speakers, rather than being a speaker itself. The Amazon Echo is the best-known speaker range that has Alexa in it.

Is Echo Dot a Bluetooth speaker?

The Echod Dot is a smart speaker that has Alexa in it. It is technically a Bluetooth speaker, but it is not up to par in terms of sound quality to other options, even the best budget Bluetooth speaker models are better. Its key selling point is its Alexa integration rather than its playback.

How many watts is a good speaker?

Speaker quality is not defined by watts, which is more related to maximum volume. That said, more expensive speakers tend to be louder.

How many watts do you need for outdoor speakers?

This depends on the outdoor environment you plan to use your speaker in. A good benchmark may be 20 watts.

Photo of Rupert Pople

Rupert Pople

Rupert is the founder of this website and a smart home tech enthusiast fascinated by the power of connected devices. Within his Business Management (BSc) degree at the University of Nottingham, he studied the technological impact of the Internet of Things.

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