If you're looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker to listen to music or watch movies and series on the go, you've come to the right place. The journalists from 01net and our 01Lab have tested all the portable speakers in this buying guide and give you their selection of the best speakers in 2025.
What are the best portable Bluetooth speakers in May 2025?
- Beats Pill
- JBL Flip 7
- Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd generation)
- Marshall Emberton III
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
- Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Sony SRS-XB13
The Best Bluetooth Speakers Under €200
Beats Pill
The Beats Pill makes a remarkable comeback, preserving its iconic design while offering a real upgrade. The device first impresses with its careful design and its still recognizable format. Waterproof (IP67) and easily transportable, it promises nearly 24 hours of battery life, a real plus for those who want to take it everywhere. In terms of sound, the punchy bass gives the whole thing a solid foundation, and the beautifully precise treble brings detail. At this price, we are clearly dealing with an effective and well-designed Bluetooth speaker for portable use.
A few weaknesses remain, particularly in the midrange, which is a little too discreet, which slightly detracts from the sound cohesion. The grille's paint also seems less resistant to everyday damage, and the app that comes with the speaker is very basic. Despite this, the Beats Pill remains a compelling proposition. It plays the nostalgia card with a modern touch and should appeal to those looking for a stylish, durable, and overall high-performance speaker.
JBL Flip 7
The JBL Flip 7 retains the ingredients that made its predecessors successful, while making some welcome improvements. We particularly appreciate its excellent battery life, which easily lasts a day with moderate use, and its sound power, sufficient to liven up a small gathering. The AI Sound Boost processing also helps reduce distortion, even if it remains noticeable at full volume. Its robust design, IP68 waterproofing, and modular mounting system make it an ideal speaker for portable use, whether hiking or at the beach.
We regret the very limited companion app, and despite the progress on the distortion side, we recommend avoiding excessively high volumes to preserve sound clarity. But these small flaws don't weigh heavily against the qualities of this JBL Flip 7. For its price, it remains an excellent choice and offers a better overall balance than some direct competitors like the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 (not to be confused with the Wonderboom 4 which we will discuss below).
Bose SoundLink Flex 2
The Bose SoundLink Flex 2 retains the strengths that made the first generation a success: precise sound, more present bass than expected for this size, and excellent hands-free quality. This new version gains a welcome customizable equalizer, which allows you to adjust the sound balance to your preferences. The speaker remains very robust, with an IP67 certification that guarantees good resistance to water, dust, and shock. Compact, discreet, and capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously, it is also pleasant to use on a daily basis.
But this update remains rather timid. Despite the adoption of Bluetooth 5.3, the range and latency are less good than on the previous model, and it is no longer possible to create a stereo pair with a Flex V1. The lack of a minijack port may also put some off. That said, if you're looking for a versatile and robust Bluetooth speaker without necessarily owning the first version, this Bose SoundLink Flex 2 remains an excellent option.
Marshall Emberton III
The Marshall Emberton III retains the retro style that made the brand famous, while incorporating discreet but relevant developments. This new version gains in modernity with Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio compatibility and retains the strengths of its predecessors: well-balanced sound quality, good battery life, and a consistently high-quality finish. Waterproof and compact, it remains a safe bet for those looking for an elegant portable speaker that's easy to carry and pleasant to listen to, without having to turn up the volume.
That being said, a few flaws remain. At full power, distortion is audible, which somewhat limits its potential for livening up large rooms or outdoor parties. We also regret a small annoying detail: the red battery level LEDs, which remain constantly lit. Nothing prohibitive, however, especially at this price. The Marshall Emberton III slots neatly between entry-level and mid-range models, delivering a more convincing audio performance than some similarly priced competitors.
Best portable speakers under 100€
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
Compact, robust, and ready to face the elements, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 remains true to the spirit of its predecessors. We recommend it without hesitation for those looking for a portable speaker designed for the outdoors. Waterproof, drop-proof, and even capable of floating, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to robustness. Add to that a surprisingly balanced 360° sound distribution considering its size. The simple and well-designed physical controls allow for hassle-free use, even when you're busy.
On the other hand, there's no app for fine-tuning settings or monitoring battery life. Furthermore, the sound power is sufficient, but limited by the device's size. This is therefore a speaker designed for small spaces or occasional use, not for livening up a party in a large room. But at less than 100 euros, it's hard to hold that against it: the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 remains one of the most practical and solid speakers in its price range.
Ultimate Ears Miniroll
The Ultimate Ears Miniroll is making a successful comeback with an ultra-portable and well-designed offering. Compact, lightweight, and equipped with a practical strap, it can be attached anywhere: backpack, handlebars, beach towel, etc. Its waterproof and floating design further enhances its suitability for use outdoors or in the bathroom. Sound-wise, it's no miracle given its size, but the vocals remain clear and the highs precise, which is more than enough for occasional use.
It's a shame that the bass is lacking, which limits musical immersion, and that a USB-C cable isn't included in the box. We also regret the somewhat high introductory price, which has since been adjusted somewhat. The fact remains that in terms of mobility and practicality, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is one of the most convincing speakers.
Sony SRS-XB13
The Sony SRS-XB13 impresses with its excellent compromise between price, battery life, and robustness. Designed for small budgets, this compact speaker is aimed at those who want to take their music everywhere without breaking the bank. Waterproof, shock-resistant, and capable of lasting more than 15 hours on a single charge, it is particularly durable on the go. And if you want to expand the soundstage, you can simply pair two units to switch to stereo, a rather rare option at this level of the range.
On the other hand, fans of neutral sound may be put off: the bass is frankly dominant, which can crush the mids and treble depending on the song. In addition, its mono format limits spatialization when used alone. But for less than 50 euros, it's hard to ask for much more. The Sony SRS-XB13 remains a safe bet for those looking for a simple, sturdy, and autonomous speaker to accompany their outings.
How to choose your portable Bluetooth speaker
What is the difference between a classic Bluetooth speaker and a portable speaker?
A portable Bluetooth speaker is distinguished above all by its compactness, its resistance to outdoor conditions (water, dust, shocks) and its ability to operate far from a power outlet thanks to a built-in battery. It is designed to accompany you on the go, whereas a more traditional Bluetooth speaker can stay plugged in indoors.
How do you know if a speaker has good sound quality?
Several criteria come into play: the balance of frequencies (bass, midrange, treble), the clarity of voices, the spatialization of the sound (mono or stereo), but also the power expressed in watts RMS. A good portable speaker can maintain clean sound even at high volumes, without overdrive or noticeable distortion.
Is a waterproof speaker really water resistant?
It all depends on the IP certification level. An IPX4 speaker is splash-proof, while an IP67 model can be briefly submerged without damage. Some even float on the surface, making them ideal for use at the beach or by the pool.
Can I connect multiple speakers together?
Yes, some models allow you to pair two speakers to create a stereo effect or amplify the sound. This feature often has a specific name depending on the manufacturer and sometimes requires two identical or compatible speakers.
What does Bluetooth multipoint mean?
Multipoint Bluetooth allows you to connect multiple devices to the same speaker at the same time (e.g., a smartphone and a computer). This eliminates the need to disconnect one to use the other, a real plus in everyday life.
What battery life should you aim for for a portable speaker?
It all depends on the use. For occasional or indoor use, 8 to 10 hours is enough. For long outdoor sessions or while traveling, it's best to aim for 12 to 20 hours of battery life. Please note: Actual battery life may vary depending on listening volume or multipoint Bluetooth usage.
Is a speaker with a built-in voice assistant better?
It depends on your needs. Voice assistants can be useful indoors, but quickly become a necessity outdoors, especially if the internet connection is unstable. For a portable or outdoor speaker, this is therefore not a priority.
A speaker without a mini-jack, is it bothersome?
Less and less. The majority of users use Bluetooth, but a mini-jack input can still help, especially for sources without wireless connectivity. Conversely, the lack of a USB-C port for charging can be more bothersome today.
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