The 13 Best Bluetooth Speakers Our Testers Tested in 2024
We’ve had the Ultimate Ears Boom speaker at the top of our list for years now, and for good reason. The middle child of the UE portable lineup is fun and convenient, and produces some of the most pleasant and balanced sound for its size on the market. The Boom 4 is our latest pick, with the most noticeable difference from 2018’s Boom 3 (9/10, WIRED recommends) is a USB-C charging port. Why mess with near perfection, right?
We spent a few days listening to the latest version, and even as the world has changed around it, the latest Boom still hits all the right notes for smooth, clear, and vibrant sound. As before, the waterproof cylinder comes in a variety of colors, is durable as a log, and gives you more than 100 feet of Bluetooth range. It comes with a two-year warranty and connects to the UE app to unlock EQs, connect to other Ultimate Ears speakers, and more —Ryan Waniata
15-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance
★ Also great: If you like to rock a room even if that “room” is the Great Outdoors, The Latest Charge from JBL ($180) is an ultra-portable speaker. It’s IP67 rated for dust and moisture resistance and has great battery life. It comes in eight different finishes and can charge your phone when not in use. The speaker’s tube shape is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and just as importantly, it has the power to get the party started on the fly if you want it to. It’s not a clunky instrument, but its incredible low-frequency response and truly incredible low-frequency response never cease to amaze. If you’re looking for portable party time, JBL has you covered. —Simon Lucas
20-hour battery life, USB-C charging, IP67 dust/water resistance
