Honorable Mentions
Here are some other great speakers we’ve tested that didn’t make the cut for our top picks:
Bose Soundlink Max for $329: The Bose SoundLink Max has quickly become my favorite speaker for outdoor adventures. It’s not as big as the boombox that John Cusack put on his head in the 1980s, but this bold, ball-shaped speaker packs a punch and is loud enough to serenade your lover with a love song. I also like that you can plug in your phone while the music is playing, which is great for those of us who forget about our days off. The heavy bass, even when outdoors, makes this great for dance parties in the middle of nowhere, and the handle is easy to attach to packs, kayaks, or tents. – Parker Hall
Brane Audio Brane X for $499: The Brane X speaker may be shockingly expensive, but this lunchbox-sized speaker has something that no other portable we’ve tested has: a true, fully functional subwoofer. Thanks to Brane’s revolutionary RAD (Repel Attract Driver) technology, the Brane X hits every note in your music, with unadulterated bass to bring more punch, punch and emotion to everything you play. You’ll get Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Alexa for up to 12 hours on a charge.
Beats the pill for $100: Apple’s latest Beats pill is surprisingly versatile. Quick one-touch pairing with iOS and Android devices makes it ideal for mixed-phone households, while old-school phones like the built-in speaker and the ability to charge other devices can be used. The beats didn’t stop there, offering plenty of playtime, great dust and water resistance, and the ability to play lossless audio via USB-C and compatible devices. While the build isn’t as robust as I’d like, the new drivers deliver the smooth, crisp bass you’ve come to expect from Beats, with improved clarity.
JBL Charge 6 for $160: The JBL Charge delivers loud and clear sound from its football-shaped frame, with extras like a USB-C port to charge your phone and its 24-hour battery. It can be plugged in for lossless playback on compatible devices and uses Auracast to sync with other new JBL models, though that leaves older versions like the Charge 5. The Charge isn’t as easy to carry as our top pick, weighing in at 3 pounds and stretching 9 inches, but if you bring it along, you’ll be rewarded with many balls.
Tribit Stormbox Mini+ for $30: This small speaker from Tribit is a great budget option. It boasts low resolution and can be easily paired in stereo for a multi-channel listening experience. They’re a nice shape, and I love having the multi-colored lights on top when you need a little vibe. I went camping and had a great time pairing two of these $50 speakers together for the full campsite music experience. It’s great for surround sound at a reasonable volume (read: not annoying the neighbors). – Parker Hall
Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 for $170: If portability isn’t too much of a concern, the 9-inch Megaboom 4 is one of the best outdoor speakers you can buy. It has a rich and full 360-degree sound with plenty of low-end punch. Its weather-tested body is ready for any adventure, from surf to sand, and offers over 150 feet of wireless range and up to 20 hours of battery life (more like 15 hours for audio). As with other UE speakers, the software adds features such as the ability to connect multiple speakers in a group or two Megaboom 4s in stereo, adjust EQ, and wake the speaker from sleep. This rugged soundbar is key to my backyard queues and is worth adding to your semi-mobile arsenal.
Sony Ult Field 1 for $108: Sony’s smallest Ult speaker is a solid portable speaker against stiff competition. It sounds great with the “Ult” bass button, but the midrange is less defined and louder than the likes of the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or the JBL Flip 7, and packs less battery life than either.
Marshall Stockwell II for $150: If you’re a music fan or just love the Marshall guitar amplifier design, this Bluetooth speaker is ready to rock. This small, inexpensive speaker delivers smooth, balanced and refined sound. The durable exterior is scratch-resistant, the front and back have metal grills, and the battery lasts around 20 hours depending on how much you make the fancy sound knife.
DemerBox DB2 for $399: The DB2 is the perfect companion for your most daring outdoor adventures, in large part because it serves two purposes: It’s a portable speaker with 40 hours of built-in battery life, and it’s also a rugged Pelican case. Load it with any fragile items, plug the bass port with the included rubber stopper, and you have an all-in-one proof box to keep your stuff safe.
Bang & Olufsen soundbar for $1,900: Bang & Olufsen takes a “buy once, ring once” policy for wireless speakers. The Beosound range is a very expensive Wi-Fi and speaker, but it is systematically designed and aims to be forever fixed. The 16-hour battery is replaceable, as are the wooden and textile components. A beautiful and well-sounding speaker can be a lifelong audio accessory that can be improved over time.
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