Some portable speakers feature built-in microphones and virtual assistant compatibility to give you hands-free controls to answer phone calls, skip music tracks, or launch apps. With so many portable speakers on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one best suits your needs. We’ve rounded up our top picks from brands like JBL, Bose, and Anker to help you choose what speaker is right for you. With JBL Connect+, you can link together over 100 JBL speakers to play the same songs and podcasts so you can have multi-room streaming for parties and family gatherings. You can connect the Flip 4 to two devices like smartphones, tablets, TVs, and audio systems. The built-in mic cancels out background noise so you can use it for hands-free calling or use a voice assistant like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. The dual external passive radiators give your speaker a truly boosted bass experience so you can see just how powerful the Flip 4 is. The rechargeable battery gives you up to eight hours of listening time. The built-in microphone lets you take calls or use Siri or Google Assistant virtual assistants to set reminders, alarms, or control other smart home equipment. Voice prompts also walk you through connecting the speaker to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth so you can be sure that it will work properly. You can pair two of these speakers to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or home theater system at once for bigger sound or multi-room casting of your favorite music. The detachable strap allows you to clip it wherever you need to get the best sound out of your mini speaker. The body features an IP67 dust and water resistance rating so it can be used near a pool or in the bathroom while you shower. The battery gives you up to 16 hours of listening time. Alexa voice controls are built into this speaker, and the eight microphone array ensures that the speaker will hear you no matter where you are in the room. The Spotify music app is also integrated into this speaker so all your favorite songs and playlists are at your fingertips. The color LCD screen clearly displays song and album titles as well as album art provided by Spotify or Pandora. With Bose’s SimpleSync app, it’s easy to connect the Home 500 to your Bose home theater system for multi-room casting of your music. The speaker has an IPX5 water resistance rating so you can use it at the beach, by the pool, or in the bathroom while you shower. The rechargeable battery gives you up to 14 hours of listening time. You can connect this speaker to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, macOS or Windows computers, and even Echo dot smart speakers for hands-free voice controls. You can connect two of these speakers together for more power when having outdoor get-togethers with family or friends. The built-in carrying handle makes it easy to take this speaker wherever you need to go. The rechargeable battery gives you up to 40 hours of listening time and reaches a full charge in as little as four hours. It also sports an emergency power supply for charging mobile devices in emergencies. Benjamin Zeman has over 20 years of experience in the tech industry and has been writing for Lifewire since April 2019. With a background in the arts, he has an understanding of how well-designed tech products fit into our lives. He has written for SlateDroid.com, AndroidTablets.net, and AndroidForums.com
What to Look for in a Portable Speaker
Battery Life: When choosing a portable speaker, it’s best to look at battery life as the most important factor to help you make a decision. Some speakers only last a few hours while others can last a full day or longer. The speakers with longer battery lives are great to take on camping trips or to use when hosting gatherings and parties with family or friends.Water Resistance: There are several different levels of water resistance. The lower ratings protect your portable speaker from occasional splashes like spilled drinks or getting caught in a light drizzle. The highest ratings keep your speaker from getting damaged even if it is fully submerged in deeper water for a longer period of time.Connectivity and Compatibility: It’s important to make sure your portable speaker is compatible with every device you might want to connect it to. Some speakers support Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast connectivity, while others require a hardwired 3.5mm auxiliary connection to be used with smartphones, tablets, or home theater systems.
