You don’t have to pay a lot to get surprisingly high-tech features in a Bluetooth speaker.
With Bluetooth speakers, it’s simply a matter of pairing your device of choice with your speaker, and you’re ready to blast that awesome playlist from anywhere. No more being tethered by an aux cable or worrying that your CD will skip. As long as you’re within range (and the connection range is pretty generous), your music will always be at your fingertips.
But there are a ton of different Bluetooth speakers out there. Some can connect to multiple devices at once, and others can even connect to multiple speakers to expand the sound. Most let you take hands-free calls when your smartphone is connected, so you don’t have to lift a finger. There are nice big ones with great sound, and smaller portable (even waterproof) speakers that you can take with you to the beach.
With all the options on Bluetooth speakers, it can be hard to know which ones are worth the money, so we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve sniffed out a few of the best-reviewed Bluetooth speakers from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy and have narrowed down the list to help you decide which is the right fit for you. What better place to get shopping advice than from your fellow shoppers, after all?
Here are some of the best-reviewed (and cheap) Bluetooth speakers, all less than $100:
Not just a speaker, but a voice assistant
If you’re just looking for a speaker, others are better
The Echo dot is both a smart speaker and a voice assistant, making it a versatile choice.
1. Amazon Echo Dot
You can pair it with other Bluetooth speakers, so you can use the Echo Dot as a smart hub to control your music all throughout your home.The Echo Dot, like the Echo, is a must-have if you intend to build a smart home and control everything with your voice, especially if you want to have a multi-room or multi-floor set-up.
It’s small, easy to set up, and the Alexa voice commands are as responsive and intuitive as ever. I can’t recommend it enough if you don’t want to pay extra for the Echo’s built-in speaker.
One of the best features is that you can pair it with other Bluetooth speakers, so you can use the Echo Dot as a smart hub to control your music all throughout the home. Though it regularly clocks in at $39.99 on Amazon, we’ve seen it drop as low as $29.99 for Black Friday.
Offers aux and SD/TF card options • Ability to make hands-free calls • Very highly reviewed
Last just 5 hours on a charge, but for this price that’s not bad
This budget powerhouse has some of the best reviews for a Bluetooth speaker we’ve ever seen.
Had I known how much I would be getting for such a low price, I would have gotten one years sooner. I couldn’t be happier!
Plus, the price is just too good to ignore. Get it for only $14.99.
66-foot range • Excellent reviews • 24-hour battery life
Not a lot of negative things to say!
If you’re looking for an all-purpose Bluetooth speaker that pairs fast and has range and battery life, this could be your best bet.
This Bluetooth speaker is absolutely fantastic! The highs, mids and lows are all very clear even at full volume. The build quality is very good albeit a bit simplistic in its styling (it still looks good so I really can’t complain). Its the Sound Cores function that matters more to me, in that regard the Anker Sound Core delivers on sound quality, battery life and its ability to quickly pair with my phone!
Waterproof • Very durable • Highly rated
Some reviewers say it can have trouble holding a charge
If you want to use your speaker outdoors without worry, this is probably your best bet.
Best speaker I’ve ever purchased. Great sound, loud enough, and waterproof ability. Last week, we ran it over – several times with Ford & then the All Terrain Vehicle. Unbelievable, it still works!
We wouldn’t recommend running it over to test its durability, but just take Junmei’s word for it. Available in green or orange, the speaker will run you $29.99.
Super rugged and durable • Has a port for plugging in a karaoke microphone • Great battery life
Some reviewers complain that it’s not loud enough
If you have big outdoor plans for your speaker, this one can withstand dust, snow, mud, and water.
Not one single regret. If you are looking for a premium speaker at a very non-premium price, these are the speakers for you.
24-hour battery life • Super long range • Great reviews of sound quality • Small and portable
Some reviewers say there’s a slight sound delay
This immensely popular lightweight option has long battery life and a large range, so you can feel free to wander.
Yes, it is tiny but sound is so impressive for the size. Highs and mids are just great and detailed vocals, you never hear harsh trebles like flip 4. Bass is very nicely balanced according to the volume levels.
Water-resistant • Can connect to up to 3 devices at once • App-enabled • Allows hands-free calls
Doesn’t hold a charge for as long as some speakers
This high-quality speaker can connect to up to three devices at once, and features colored lights to improve any party.
The Sony SRS-XB20 wireless portable speaker has been a real treat to use. As someone who usually prefers wired headphones and speakers, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and feel of the speaker. At its price point, it definitely packs a punch in terms of both sound and aesthetics and could easily cost more than it does.
5 color-changing modes • Pairs with an app that allows voice commands • Weather resistant
Goes just 8 hours on a charge
If you’re looking for something different, this speaker’s mood lighting and voice-command app could be for you.
I originally bought this speaker so that I could stream Halloween sound effects outside my house. Halloween has since passed and I’ve been using this speaker everywhere. Great sound with an impressive volume range. Goes fairly long on a full charge.
30-foot range • Allows hands-free calls • Can act as a powerbank for devices • Comes with an aux cable
Some users complain about the incoming call feature
This little speaker gets high marks from reviewers for great sound and versatility.
This rugged Bluetooth speaker is everything it claims to be! It is portable both outside and in the car.
Stylish • Lightweight • Well-reviewed sound quality
Holds a charge for only 6 hours
This affordable, highly-rated speaker also has a different look.
It’s a great little speaker, that packs quite a punch for it’s size. I use mine with an Echo, and it is quite crisp and clear. If you are looking for a thumping bass, then this is not for you, but if you want a good little general purpose speaker, at a great price, then grab it.