Top 12 Portable Speakers in 2020 (reviews and buying guide)

ByJohn

Even with all of the music on your smartphone, the speakers don’t always do your favorite songs justice. Yet the idea of carrying around huge, bulky speakers is not practical in most situations. Unless you’re going for an ‘80s boombox on the shoulder look, we have the best portable speakers picked for you.

Best Portable Speakers  Source: internet-access-guide.com

Buying Guide

Before you go out and buy the first portable speaker you see, consider the following features:

  • Connectivity Type: If you need Bluetooth, watch out for speakers that require auxiliary connection
  • Speaker arrangement and size: some have subwoofers even on a small scale, but others will not list any info about the sound quality
  • Battery Life: Check out how long it takes to charge and how many hours of playtime you can get
  • Speakerphones: When you connect to your phone, you’ll want the option of answering incoming calls
  • Ruggedness: Pay attention to the durability and water-resistance, as portable speakers can get knocked around a lot

Buying Recommendations

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Clip-On Portable Speakers

Looking for clip-on speakers? Learn more about our top picks.

1. VicTsing C6 Waterproof Speaker – Editor’s Pick

We love this speaker for the HD surround sound quality, Amazon Echo, smartphones, and iPad connectivity, and voice-activated mic for tasks such as answering calls and using the Amazon Echo.

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth 4.2/33 ft range
Voice Control: Yes
Features: shockproof, waterproof, stable wireless connectivity, built-in mic
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This clip-on speaker also has a suction cup for use in places like the shower and is IP45 waterproof splash and sand-proof with a built-in lithium-ion battery and of roughly six hours of playtime. This portable speaker features enhanced bass and a durable alloy clip for hanging, travel, or hooking in your shower.

What we like about it
  • Stable Bluetooth 4.2 connection up to 33 feet
  • You can activate Amazon Echo via voice through the speaker
  • High-quality sound with impressive bass
  • Reasonable price
Drawbacks
  • Rare cases of speaker breakdown after a couple of months
  • The suction cup can detach if pulled off the wall too harshly

No products found.

2. JBL Clip 2 Portable Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth and auxiliary
Voice Control: yes, for calls only
Features: up to 8 hours of play, mic for phone calls, waterproof, daisy chain Clip 2 wireless connectivity
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This quality clip-on speaker has a frequency response of 120Hz to 20kHz and a battery charge time of 2.5 hours. We like that the Clip 2 has an IPX7 Waterproof Rating so you can take it in the shower, on a hike, or to the beach or pool.

What we like about it
  • Can be used with integrated 3.5mm audio cable to connect with phone
  • Completely waterproof and very durable
  • Compatible with other Clip 2 speakers for additional sound
  • Various color choices
  • Long playtime
Drawbacks
  • A bit expensive
  • Sound quality can be inferior with some device connections

No products found.

3. Kunodi F4 Clip-On Portable Speaker

Specs
Connection type: 4.2 Bluetooth
Voice Control: yes, for answering calls
Features: IP45 waterproof, built-in mic and hands-free, compatible with various smartphones, iPads, laptops, and MP3 players
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For a more affordable clip-on wireless speaker, the Kunodi F4 is highly compatible with a variety of devices. This speaker has decent bass and solid sound quality and is both waterproof and dustproof. The metal carabiner makes this speaker ideal for hikes or attaching to a beach bag, while the hands-free allows you to answer calls.

What we like about it
  • Budget-friendly
  • Bike-mount bracket version available
  • Compatible with a wide array of devices
  • Highly waterproof
Drawbacks
  • Slightly shorter playtime than competitors
  • Occasional skipping of music in some devices

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Loudest Portable Speakers

Looking for clip-on speakers? Learn more about our top picks.

For high sound quality, we are a fan of the Bose SoundLink, with its 360 coverage and deep, penetrating sound. You can pair this with another speaker for larger events, and the sleek design is elegant for almost any setting.

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth, TF card, USB, auxiliary
Voice Control: Yes
Features: Compatible with Siri, Google Now, and can take calls hands-free, and keeps track of last eight device pairings
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The Bose SoundLink Revolve is our top pick for loudest portable speakers because of the device quality, intense sound, and reputable brand name. We were impressed with the amount of playtime on this rechargeable battery, and when you turn it up, you can definitely get the party started with the bass on this speaker.

What we like about it
  • IPX4 water-resistant durable aluminum body
  • Up to 12 hours of playtime
  • Pairs with Bose Connect app
  • Stereo and party modes
  • Choice of silver-gray or black
Drawbacks
  • A bit expensive
  • Rare issues with charge holding up

No products found.

2. W-KING Outdoor Portable TWS Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth
Voice Control: yes, for hands-free calling only
Features: shockproof, adjustable strap for carrying, changing bank for other devices built-in, has drivers, subwoofers, and tweeters
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This W-KING speaker is one of our favorites for outdoor use and camping, as it’s shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof with a carrying strap and sturdy design. As W-KING states, this speaker has a “2.2 acoustic drivers design,” along with two passive subwoofers, two full-range speaker drivers, and two tweeters with anti-distortion circuitry for intense sound quality.

What we like about it
  • Clear, high-quality, loud sound
  • Has an 8000mAh built-in power bank to charge devices like a phone
  • One of the best-rated speakers on our list
  • Mid-range price with frequent deals on this Amazon listing
  • Comes with 18-month warranty
Drawbacks
  • Cannot be played while charging
  • Too loud for some users’ preference

No products found.

3. SANAG 5.0 Loud Wireless Mini Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth
Voice Control: no
Features: multi-directional sound, 5.0 generation Bluetooth, small carry strap
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This portable speaker is not only capable of loud, high-quality sound, it is also durable enough to handle drops. We still can’t believe you can wash this speaker (it’s quite waterproof). So, if you taking it hiking and the speaker gets muddy, no biggie.

What we like about it
  • Budget-friendly
  • Up to 12 hours of playtime
  • Waterproof, washable speaker
  • No distortion even at the highest volume
  • Extremely portable
Drawbacks
  • Not enough bass for some users

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Mini Portable Speakers

If you’re looking for a portable speaker that doesn’t take up too much space, check out these speakers.

1. Sony SRS-XB12 Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Editor’s Pick

We like the Sony SRS-XB12 for the reliable brand name, outstanding reviews, and the passive radiator that provides incredible bass for such a small speaker.

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth
Voice Control: no
Features: IP67 waterproof rating, dustproof, detachable strap, extra bass
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Sony’s SRS-XB12 is compact, measuring only 3.39 x 3.39 x 4.25 inches. Yet the sound quality is fantastic, and the sleek design comes in surprisingly vibrant colors.

What we like about it
  • Up to 16 hours of playtime
  • Fantastic bass for a small speaker
  • Warranty available
  • USB cable included
  • Various color options
Drawbacks
  • Not the most affordable option

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2. Rokono BASS+ Mini Speaker

Specs
Connection type: USB
Voice Control: no
Features: 40mm audio driver, super compact size, connects with Apple and Android as well as tablets and laptops
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The Rokono Mini Speaker is not wireless but will connect with anything that has a 3.5mm headphone port. This device measures only 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.03 inches but has excellent sound and is also affordable.

What we like about it
  • Up to 10 hours of play on a single charge
  • Can be connected to duplicate Rokono speakers
  • Integrated 3.5mm audio lead
  • Budget-friendly
Drawbacks
  • More negative reviews on defective quality than the Sony

No products found.

3. XLEADER SoundAngel Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary
Voice Control: Yes
Features: auto shut-down, 3D digital audio processor, Bluetooth 5.0, touchscreen design
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We like this mini speaker for ourselves or to give as a gift because the price is reasonable, the sound quality is excellent, and the metallic finishes are modern. The touchscreen on top is intuitive, and the speakers (around the bottom) offer a surprisingly decent sound quality at the price point.

What we like about it
  • Budget-friendly
  • Roughly 12 to 15 hours of playtime
  • Sleek design with three metallic colors as well as black
  • Comes with zipped carrying case
Drawbacks
  • Slightly less powerful sound than some more expensive competitors

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Waterproof Portable Speakers

Check out some of our waterproof favorites.

1. iFox iF012 Shower Speaker – Editor’s Pick

The iFox Shower Speaker is the real deal when they say “waterproof.” Even if you drop it in water, you can still expect a quality device with a full-year guarantee.

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth
Voice Control: Yes
Features: waterproof, speakerphone, robust suction cup
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The iFox Shower Speaker is not only water-resistant but waterproof and can be submerged up to three feet. So, if you drop it in the bath, it will still work. The sound quality is high, the buttons are easy to see, and

What we like about it
  • Submersible up to three feet
  • Up to 10 hours of playtime
  • Bluetooth connection up to 33 feet
  • 12-month full warranty
Drawbacks
  • Higher price point

No products found.

2. INSMY IPX7 Waterproof Shower Bluetooth Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth, USB
Voice Control: yes, for hands-free calling
Features: IPX7 100 percent waterproof, 5W loud HD sound, supports TF cards
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INSMY makes an excellent waterproof speaker if you want one that is compact and affordable. This little guy is also shockproof, snowproof, and dustproof.

What we like about it
  • Bluetooth range up to 66 feet
  • Submersible up to three feet for 30 minutes
  • Compact and portable
  • Budget-friendly
Drawbacks
  • Sound can often skip with podcasts and audiobooks

No products found.

3. COWIN Swimmer IPX7 Floating Waterproof Portable Speaker

Specs
Connection type: Bluetooth, TF card, USB
Voice Control: no
Features: 10W+ tweeters and three passive radiators, floats in water, enhanced bass
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The COWIN Swimmer speaker has roughly 30 feet of Bluetooth range, intuitive setup, and is a floating pool, hot tub, or bath speaker. This device is submersible up to three feet for 30 minutes, making it among the most waterproof portable speakers you can find.

What we like about it
  • Full-spectrum sound quality
  • IPX7 rated waterproof
  • Colorful light display for pool parties or bath fun
  • Kid-friendly use
  • Rich bass sound
Drawbacks
  • Can disconnect from Bluetooth easily if floats out of range

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Final Thoughts

Portable speakers aren’t just for parties and events. If you normally use your phone to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks in the shower or around the house, a quality portable speaker can help. You hear more clearly or walk away without needing to carry your phone with you every step. Check out your favorite model and get listening today.

Last update on 2026-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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