Summer is officially here, and that means warmer temperatures and outdoor excursions. Since everything is better with a great playlist, we’ve rounded up our top 5 best portable speakers for the summer. Whether you’re chilling poolside or on a hike, these compact devices bring the tunes wherever you are.
Best Affordable Speaker: Sony SRS-XB100
We’re kicking off our list of the best portable speakers with a budget-friendly option. The Sony SRS-XB100 is under $100 dollars and still manages to deliver solid sound. A unique feature is its off-center diaphragm, which helps provide sound clarity even at high volumes. It’s also waterproof and dustproof and offers 16 hours of playback when fully charged. The included strap is easy to attach to your wrist or your bag so it doesn’t get lost, either. While we love this summery orange hue, it’s also available in other colors like classic black.
Best Pairing Speaker: JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 has great overall sound quality, particularly for its size. Its cylindrical design means it can sit or stand as needed. With 12 hours of play time on a single charge, it can keep up with your longest hikes. This JBL speaker comes in tons of colors, too, so you can pick your favorite shade. But the best feature is the ability to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled JBL speakers. You can connect to even larger devices to fill the area with sound—backyard BBQs and pool parties will never be the same.
Best Bass Speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex
Just like the rest of our best portable speakers of the summer, the Bose SoundLink Flex has a sleek, compact design. But despite its small stature, this device produces rich sound with booming bass. The multipositional design means this speaker can lay flat, be propped upright or hang from its integrated strap; the sound is automatically optimized based on its position. Its IP67 waterproof and dustproof, too, so you can bring it to the pool or beach without worry. Did we mention it floats?
Best: Sonos Roam
Sonos is known for its amazing home audio systems, and the Sonos Roam lets you bring that sound on the go. The long, cylindrical design fits great in most cupholders in your car or camping chair. Plus, with its IP67 water- and dustproof rating and 10 hours of listening time, you can bring it anywhere, even on long excursions. Its incredibly powerful bass makes for impactful sound, too. We love the Sound Swap feature, which lets you swap the sound from Roam to another Sonos speaker—perfect for when you arrive back home.
Best Splurge Speaker: Marshall Middleton
Those looking to splurge should look no further than the Marshall Middleton. It boasts an incredible 20 hours of listening time on a full charge, perfect for afternoons at the beach or camping trips. You won’t have to be scared of dust or water either, thanks to its IP67 rating (making it dustproof and waterproof). The black and brass design is stylish too, meaning it’ll look great sitting on a shelf when you return home. The coolest feature of this speaker is definitely Stack Mode, which lets you pair the device with other Middleton speakers. Pair a couple for a pool party, or, if your friend also owns one, you can team up for amazing portable audio.
Find the Best Portable Speakers at Abt
Your summer is about to get a major upgrade. Each one of these Bluetooth speakers is a great choice for getting outside, whether you’re relaxing or adventuring. If you want to see more, visit abt.com to see more of the best portable speakers. Live in the Chicagoland area? Come visit our store in Glenview to see our selection in person.
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