The best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2025, tested and reviewed

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Let's face it: Your phone's built-in sound sucks, so you need a portable Bluetooth speaker. Sure, everything is relative, and those phone speakers are amazing compared to what, say, a 2005 flip phone sounded like. But do we really want to justify our tech based on when people published think-pieces on how texting was the new hotness? So while we can admit you can hear musical cues right out of your pocket, if you want to feel the actual emotional resonance that makes the music special, the speakers on even the best smartphone, the best tablet, the best laptop … ultimately suck. But the best portable Bluetooth speakers--from the compact Bose SoundLink Plus to the more substantial Brane X, for example--do not suck, so we're ready to help you select the right speaker for any situation. We test a lot of Bluetooth speakers throughout the year, giving us deep insight into what's on the marketplace and what's worth your money. Whether you're looking for something budget or audiophile, chances are we've heard at least one model from whatever brand you're considering. We combine these experiences with other users' impressions, then top it all off with extensive research on what you should be looking for: IP rating, frequency range, battery life, Bluetooth range … we've got you! This lets us find the perfect balance of specs and special features from a fairly dense pool of possibilities. From extreme durability to supreme connectivity, we've got you covered when it comes to the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Whether you're always on the go or simply need something to take to the front porch, these speakers will deliver quality sound without any cables or wires weighing you down. Why it made the cut: The Bose SoundLink Plus portable Bluetooth speaker is styled for motion, tuned for emotion, with high cost being the primary shortcoming. New for 2025, the 269 SoundLink Plus is built with a powder-coated steel grille and a shock-resistant chassis wrapped in color-matched silicone.