Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 17, 2024
When phone speakers are just not loud enough and you need to hear that last album from your favourite artist there is no better option than a portable Bluetooth speaker. Compact, light, yet with stunning sound capabilities, they will be your best friend on any outdoor party or picnic. With a variety of models available it can be hard to wrap your head around different models, thus, we narrowed your search list to the 5 best models out there. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Mono / Stereo
Interfaces
Audio Power
Operational Time
Size
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

The design provides a modern USB Type-C port, which provides amazingly fast charging of the built-in battery in 2.5 hours. By the way, from one full charge, the speaker is able to play music for 12 hours.

CONS

Connecting two JBL speakers together is time consuming.

OUR VERDICT

Many owners of the JBL Flip 5 note in it not only amazing sound, but also excellent wear resistance: the rubber housing with durable fabric material has IPx7 protection, so the speaker will not let you down even in the most extreme situations.

detailed parameters
Mono / Stereo

Mono

Interfaces

Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C

Audio Power

20 W

Operational Time

Up to 12 hours

Size

18.1 x 6.9 x 7.4 cm

Extras

Durable fabric material, Rubber (IPx7 waterproof), PartyBoost feature (pairs with second PartyBoost-compatible speaker), Control buttons, Compatible with wireless control app

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The speaker can be paired with two devices at once or linked to another Wonderboom speaker to create a stereo sound.

CONS

The loop tends to fray over time.

OUR VERDICT

A high-quality mini model with loud and clear sound that syncs with all devices in a cinch. Can be juiced up via a mobile phone and is 100% waterpoof, which makes it safe to use even in the pouring rain.  A great pick for true music fans who want to get the best for the money. 

detailed parameters
Mono / Stereo

Stereo

Interfaces

Bluetooth, Micro USB  

Audio Power

2 x 18 W

Operational Time

Up to 10 hours

Size

10.2 x 9.35 x 9.35 cm

Extras

IPX7 water & drop-proof, Connects up to two source devices at the same time, Pairing 2 WONDERBOOM from one source, Hanging loop

Warranty

2 years (limited)

PROS

Thanks to the IPX6 certification support, you don't need to be afraid of splashing water or putting dust on the speakers. The Bluetooth 5.0 will allow you to use them at a distance of up to 20 metres. Connectors for the TF card and USB are available.

CONS

The operating time without recharging is slightly less than stated.

OUR VERDICT

A crystal clear 30W HD speaker with deep bass, designed for active use both outdoors and indoors. The adjustable and detachable strap is made for easy carrying and outdoor activities.

detailed parameters
Mono / Stereo

Stereo

Interfaces

Bluetooth, Micro USB, TF card slot, AUX

Audio Power

30 Watts

Operational Time

Up to 24 hours

Size

9.4 x ‎25.4 x 9.5 cm

Extras

IPX6 water spray & splash-proof, Rainproof, Dust-proof, Sand-proof, etc. Hard protective shell.

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A wide range of interfaces provide maximum sound reproduction capabilities. The speakers deliver the rich bass with an advanced 5W driver.

CONS

The build is pretty flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

A portable mini speaker that you can take with you on a trip or outdoors. It picks up a Bluetooth signal up to 20 metres and is easy to operate with convenient buttons.

detailed parameters
Mono / Stereo

Mono

Interfaces

Bluetooth, Micro USB, TF card slot, AUX

Audio Power

5 Watts

Operational Time

Up to 15 hours

Size

6.86 x 6.86 x 6.86 cm

Extras

Built-in noise cancelling microphone, FM Radio

Warranty

18 months

PROS

The microSD support and AUX capability ensure full compatibility with the Bluetooth audio devices such as smartphones, laptops, and computers. A stylish design in different colours for every taste.

CONS

A relatively short battery life.

OUR VERDICT

The Betron wireless speakers feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, MP3 music playback, and a built-in FM radio. A real find for travellers.

detailed parameters
Mono / Stereo

Mono

Interfaces

Bluetooth, MicroUSB, SD card slot, AUX

Audio Power

3 Watts

Operational Time

Up to 5 hours

Size

6 x 6.5 x 6.5 cm

Extras

Built-in Mic, FM Radio

Warranty

1 year

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JBL Flip 5

LASTS ALL DAY

A common complaint that many people often have about Bluetooth speakers is that they tend to not last for very long, in regard to their battery life. Although many models are advertised as lasting for a certain amount of time on a full charge, they most often fall well short of that amount, due to a variety of reasons. Furthermore, many of them tend to take forever to charge up when the battery life is depleted, further adding to the list of complaints that people will have about their Bluetooth speakers. Wouldn't it be nice to have a model that does actually last for a long time, and which doesn't require all day to recharge?

The JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best solution for those who are concerned about the battery life of their Bluetooth speaker. The design provides a modern USB Type-C port, which provides amazingly fast charging of the built-in battery in 2.5 hours, letting you fully charged up the speaker in just a couple of hours so you can take advantage of its portability. By the way, from one full charge, the speaker is able to play music for 12 hours, which is long enough to last most users for a full day, so even the longest parties won't have to go without music.

One of the more unique and useful features of this JBL Bluetooth speaker is the built-in PartyBoost technology, which lets you pair up two identical speakers for true stereo sound. This essentially doubles the output power of your music while giving it the full spectrum of stereo sound that it deserves. It should be noted, however, that the process of pairing up two speakers can be a bit challenging at times, so it is best to do this beforehand so that you don't have to go for a while without music. Having said that, this feature along with the excellent build and sound quality will quickly make this model one of your favourite portable devices.

Review of JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Rechargeable Battery

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £84.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07SVH63PX

 

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom

Roll the Bass

Starting your day off with a nice hot shower and some tunes is a great way to end up cheery even if work is swamping you hard. But you don’t want to accidentally drown your iPhone so it makes sense to choose a waterproof set of mini shower speakers like the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 984-000839.

Though this cross-bearing speaker might not actually walk on water, it does have IPx7 moisture resistance. This means you could practically douse it in shower water and still enjoy the music without any damage to the device. Now, while the speaker is also drop-proof and could withstand a fall off of a slippery shower shelf, we wouldn’t recommend combining the two problems and letting the device fall into a full tub of water, for example. If you want to make sure that doesn’t happen, you can use the special hanging loop. That way the speaker will stay safe even if you don’t have a shelf. Do note that the loop tends to the fray over time so check it before use.

Although these speakers are pretty small at just 10.2 x 9.35 x 9.35 cm, they still provide pretty loud and clear sound with 36 W of power. Most importantly, they are pretty bass-heavy so the sound of running water shouldn’t drown out your tunes and leave them a mess. Good bass also means a broad range of frequencies and that’s exactly what the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 984-000839 offers. With 80Hz to 20kHz range, this set offers good bass and high-quality sound, especially for mini-sized speakers.

Review of Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £113.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B06X6JCBBR

 

W-KING W-KING

Take It Anywhere

Portable speakers can deliver quality sound without being oversized or overweight. The W-KING is a prime example of compact but powerful speakers that can be taken just about anywhere.

To start with, this unit gives you the excellent sound quality both at low and high volume. Get ready to enjoy the punchy bass and clear mids and highs that you will never get from your smartphone speakers. What’s more, the W-KING delivers 30% more volume and better sounding bass than other units with a similar price tag.

Planning a boat trip with some nice music? Absolutely no problem with these speakers. Being IPX6 waterproof, they stand their ground against gentle sprays and splashes (but not submerging). Sand, rain, or dust is also no match for this highly reliable unit.

Weighing less than 1.6 kg, the W-KING is a perfect travel companion that can be carried manually by using a sturdy handle – or packed up with no fuss. Play your favourite music while enjoying the nature’s beauty on a hiking trip or a picnic in the countryside. And don’t worry, the Bluetooth 5.0 support allows you to use the speakers at a distance of up to 20 metres. On the downside, it’s somewhat hard to skip a track when using a SD card and a USB stick.

The battery life for this device is slightly less than stated but quite enough for hours and hours of playback.

Overall, this compact yet powerful wireless speaker by W-KING is pure gold for garden parties, hiking trips, or your own living room. Sturdy and reliable, it can be used for playing music at any place you choose.

Review of W-KING W-KING 30W Portable Wireless Speakers Waterproof
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B081RQP7B9

 

Anker SoundCore Mini

Extra Portable Speakers

If you feel limited by your smartphone sound, why not try the Anker Bluetooth speakers? This portable device will give you the 15-hour playback with extensive connectivity and high quality sound.

Extremely portable, these speakers will fit easily into your handbag or small backpack. Unpack them in a second – and hit the Play button to enjoy your favourite artists and tracks at any place or time. Perfect for active lifestyle users and avid travellers, the Anker always brings music to where you are.

The high sound quality is supported by the advanced 5W driver plus the passive subwoofer. Feel the energetic bass as well as crispy mids and highs that are so much better than your phone’s mediocre output. As for the loudness, it’s just right for chilling out in a small company.

With the up to 20 metres of Bluetooth coverage, you’re not tied to the speakers – and free to meet the guests, dance, and have fun. The microSD support plus the AUX capability boost your audio options even further. The control buttons are simple and minimalistic, which makes them user-friendly to a ‘T’.

As for the battery life, get ready for a pleasant surprise; the Anker can go on for up to 15 hours on a single charge. This time span is more than enough for any of your audiophile whims, a nice party backdrop, or a source of white noise to fall asleep to.

In short, the Anker portable speakers are simply perfect for active people, travellers, or non-stop parties in the open.

Review of Anker SoundCore Mini Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01HTH3C8S

 

Betron KBS08

A Big Little Speaker

There are less portable – and more portable wireless speakers. The Betron model confidently falls into the second category. Widely compatible and brightly designed, it will bring quality music back into your life.

First things first; this speaker connects to any Bluetooth enabled device – and a 3.5mm jack device, too. Your tablet, laptop, iPhone, or Android smartphone all make the list of what goes along with this unit. If you’re not satisfied with the built-in speakers, get the Betron, start your favourite tracks, and enjoy.

Despite being a single speaker, this model can give you enough volume to cover a small house or apartment. The Bluetooth range is also sufficient to take your phone to another room for a call – and not get disconnected.

The Betron supports microSDs and has the AUX capability, which means that you can listen to the music anyway you want. Use an integrated mic to call hands-free and make the most out of the TF slot for MP3 audio files.

Planning to take this speaker on a trip? The built-in FM radio will brighten up your route. Just press the “Play/Pause” button and hold it for some time to scan for available stations.

Perhaps the only drawback of this model is that it has a rather limited battery life. You’ve got only 5 hours on a charge, which could be an issue when using it on-the-go.

Summing up, the Betron portable speaker is what you need to up the sound quality of your smart device, and do it at any chosen time or place.

Review of Betron KBS08 Bluetooth Speaker, Wireless and Portable Speaker

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00QM8VEJA

 

Infographics

Comparison of Portable Bluetooth Speakers

What Are Portable Bluetooth Speakers?

The current state of technology can offer a lot to your entertainment. There are times when you need to bring your music with you and, perhaps, there is no better way than a portable Bluetooth speaker. This handy device is able to deliver a stunning sound, despite the modest and somewhat small dimensions. Extremely lightweight and easy to carry, they are a real blessing for both audiophiles and simple music enthusiasts.

Thanks to an array of capabilities such as wireless connection and high quality of sound you will be able to spice up any party you will visit. Simple and reliable, just connect your mobile gadget such as a phone, tablet or any other Bluetooth compatible devices to the speakers and you will be ready to blast your favourite tunes.

Additionally, some models come with other convenient interfaces such as microphones, small subwoofers or USB ports that will allow you to connect other data carriers. Moreover, the majority of the brands allow for synchronizing multiple speakers to create the ultimate party mood anywhere you want.

If you are interested in portable music devices you may as well want to improve your existing home acoustic with in-wall and shower speakers.

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Publish Date: 2018-06-18 14:58:49