Best Bluetooth Speaker for Under $100: Top Picks for 2024

1. Jbl Flip 5

We put the JBL Flip 5 through its paces, and for a compact speaker, it delivers a surprisingly robust sound. The bass is present without being overpowering, and the mids and highs are clear, making it enjoyable for casual listening. Its cylindrical shape feels solid in hand, and the rubberized exterior offers a good grip.

The IPX7 waterproofing is a significant plus, meaning you can toss it in a backpack or by the pool without worry. We found its battery life to be quite respectable, easily lasting through a full day of intermittent use. However, the physical buttons, while functional, have a slightly mushy feel that isn’t the most premium.

This speaker is ideal for someone who needs a durable, portable audio companion for outdoor adventures or just moving around the house. It’s not designed for audiophiles seeking intricate soundstages or deep sub-bass, but for its size and price point, it’s a strong contender.

2. Monster 35w

The Monster 35W speaker impressed us with its sheer volume output and the clarity it maintained even at higher levels. The IPX8 rating means it’s practically submersible, making it a perfect fit for steamy bathrooms or poolside parties where splashes are inevitable. Pairing was quick and straightforward with Bluetooth 5.4.

Sonically, it offers a well-balanced profile with a noticeable emphasis on the low end, which can be quite pleasing for pop and electronic music. The build quality feels substantial, with a grippy texture that instills confidence. However, the charging port cover felt a bit flimsy and required careful manipulation to open and close properly.

This speaker is a great choice for anyone who prioritizes loudness and robust waterproofing, especially for use in wet environments. If you’re looking for subtle nuances in classical music or a speaker for quiet contemplative listening, this might be overkill and less refined than you need.

3. Bluetooth Speaker Wireless

We found this wireless speaker to be a fun and functional option, especially considering its position as a potential best bluetooth speaker for under 100 dollars. The inclusion of LED lights adds a visual flair that’s great for evening gatherings or setting a mood. Its IP67 rating provides excellent protection against both water and dust, making it versatile for various environments.

The sound quality is decent for its wattage, offering a clear mid-range and acceptable treble. While the bass isn’t its strongest suit, it’s adequate for casual listening and background music. The speaker’s design is sleek, though the plastic casing, while sturdy, doesn’t feel particularly high-end. The illuminated buttons could be brighter for better visibility in direct sunlight.

This is a good pick for teenagers, casual outdoor use, or anyone who enjoys a bit of visual flair with their audio. If you’re an audio enthusiast demanding rich bass and a wide dynamic range, you’ll likely find its sound profile a bit lacking in depth.

4. Bluetooth Speaker 20w

This 20W Bluetooth speaker offers a noticeable step up in audio power compared to many smaller units. We appreciated the clarity of the HD sound, particularly in the vocal range, which made podcasts and vocal-centric music enjoyable. Its IPX5 rating means it can handle splashes, making it suitable for kitchen use or light outdoor exposure.

The sound profile is generally balanced, with enough volume to fill a small room without significant distortion. The portability is good, though the slightly boxy design means it doesn’t fit as easily into every pocket or cup holder as some competitors. The charging indicator light is quite dim, making it hard to gauge battery status in bright conditions.

This speaker is a solid choice for those who want a bit more oomph than a mini speaker but don’t need a full-sized unit. It’s not the best pick for environments requiring extreme waterproofing or for users who demand the deepest bass frequencies.

5. Anker Soundcore 2

We found the Anker Soundcore 2 to be a reliable performer, offering respectable stereo sound for its compact size. The audio is clear and well-defined, with a good balance across the frequency spectrum, avoiding the overly boomy or tinny sound that plagues some budget speakers. Its durable build feels reassuringly solid in the hand.

Battery life is a standout feature here, easily lasting through extended listening sessions. The IPX7 waterproofing adds peace of mind for poolside or bathroom use. However, the control buttons are quite small and close together, which can lead to accidental presses when trying to adjust volume or skip tracks.

This speaker is an excellent option for everyday listening, travel, or any situation where a dependable and long-lasting portable speaker is needed. It’s not the best choice for those who need the absolute loudest volume or the most vibrant visual aesthetics.

6. Portable Bluetooth Speaker 5.4

We put the Portable Bluetooth Speaker 5.4 through its paces, and for its compact size, it delivers a surprisingly robust sound. The 12-hour battery life is a definite win for extended listening sessions without needing to constantly hunt for a charger. Its lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to toss into a backpack or even a large pocket.

The build quality feels decent, though the plastic housing does have a slightly hollow feel when tapped. It’s not going to win any awards for premium materials, but it seems durable enough for everyday bumps and knocks. Pairing was straightforward, connecting to my phone within seconds without any fuss.

This speaker is ideal for casual listening in small spaces, like a dorm room, a kitchen counter, or a small picnic blanket. It’s also a good option for someone who wants a no-frills, reliable audio companion for short trips. However, if you’re looking for booming bass or room-filling sound for a party, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

One minor annoyance we encountered was the slightly limited range; the Bluetooth connection started to falter if we moved more than about 25 feet away from the source device. It’s not a dealbreaker for personal listening, but it limits its use for larger gathering spaces.

7. Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

When considering the best bluetooth speaker for under 100 dollars, this mini offering certainly catches the eye with its integrated LED power display. The HD sound claim is a bit ambitious for a speaker this small, but it does produce clear audio for its size. We found the sound to be quite crisp, especially in the mid and high frequencies, making vocals very intelligible.

The LED display is a nice touch, offering a visual cue for battery status which is always appreciated. The overall construction feels solid, with a grippy texture that prevents it from sliding around on surfaces. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it exceptionally portable.

This speaker is perfect for someone who prioritizes a compact form factor and clear, articulate sound for personal listening. It’s great for background music while working, listening to podcasts in the kitchen, or even as a travel companion for hotel rooms. However, those seeking deep bass or the ability to fill a large room with sound will be disappointed.

Our main critique is that the bass output is quite anemic; it’s almost nonexistent, which can make music feel a bit thin. While the highs are clear, the lack of low-end punch means it won’t satisfy bass-heavy music genres.

8. Oontz Angle 3

The OontZ Angle 3 has been a popular choice for a while, and we can see why – it offers a balanced sound profile for its price point. The audio is surprisingly full for a speaker of this size, with a decent amount of bass that doesn’t distort at moderate volumes. It’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t excel in one specific area but performs competently across the board.

The design is functional, with a slightly angled shape that helps direct sound upwards. The buttons are tactile and easy to find by feel, which is a small but appreciated detail. We did notice that the rubberized coating, while providing grip, can attract dust and lint quite easily, requiring frequent wiping.

This speaker is a great choice for students, or anyone who wants a reliable, everyday speaker for their desk, kitchen, or backyard. It’s also a good option for those who enjoy listening to a variety of music genres and appreciate a bit more warmth in the sound. However, if you need a speaker for outdoor parties or require extreme portability, you might find better options.

The primary drawback we observed is that at maximum volume, the sound can become a little compressed, losing some of its clarity and dynamic range. It’s best enjoyed at around 75% volume to maintain optimal audio quality.

9. Lenrue Small Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The LENRUE speaker immediately stands out with its integrated LED lights, adding a visual flair to your listening experience. The TWS (True Wireless Stereo) feature is a highlight, allowing you to pair two of these speakers for a more immersive stereo sound. We found the sound quality to be quite good, with a satisfying richness that fills a small to medium-sized room effectively.

The build quality feels robust, with a solid, weighty feel that suggests longevity. The lights themselves are vibrant and add a fun atmosphere, though they can be a bit distracting in very dim environments. Pairing was quick and painless, and the TWS connection was stable when we tested it with a second unit.

This speaker is perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of ambiance with their music, or for small gatherings where stereo sound can make a difference. It’s also a great option for teens or young adults who appreciate the visual element. However, if you’re looking for a no-frills, minimalist speaker, the lights might be an unnecessary addition.

Our minor quibble is that the bass, while present, can sometimes overpower the mids, leading to a slightly muddier sound profile in certain tracks. It’s not a major issue, but audiophiles might find it less refined than some competitors.

10. Musibaby M68

The Musibaby M68 aims for a powerful sound experience, and for its size, it largely delivers on that promise. The “deep” bass is certainly noticeable, providing a satisfying thump that many smaller speakers lack. We were impressed with the overall volume capability, which is more than adequate for outdoor use or larger rooms. The sound profile leans towards the bassier side, which will appeal to many listeners.

The design is rugged and appears to be built for outdoor adventures, with a textured grip that feels secure in hand. The buttons are large and easy to operate, even with gloves on, which is a thoughtful touch. However, the sheer weight for its size does make it a bit less convenient for truly pocketable portability.

This speaker is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, or anyone who prioritizes strong bass and loud volume. It’s ideal for beach trips, picnics, or backyard BBQs where you want your music to be heard. If you prefer a more balanced or neutral sound signature, or need something extremely lightweight, you might want to reconsider.

The one aspect we found slightly disappointing was the clarity in the mid-range frequencies; they can get a bit lost when the bass is at its most prominent. This means vocals might not be as crisp as they could be on other models.