Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2024

Whether you’re in need of a durable, portable speaker for the beach or a central component for a multiroom sound setup, these are the best Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers available for purchase.

Wireless speakers come in various shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of features, from portability to high-end audio quality. The options can be overwhelming, with choices including big and small, portable and stationary, expensive and budget-friendly, and using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology. However, our curated list of top picks ensures there’s at least one speaker that will suit your preferences. Before making a choice, it’s essential to decide your preference for wireless connectivity.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Why We Picked It

As of the current information available to me, it seems like you’re referring to the fourth-generation Amazon Echo speaker. This device stands out as the best value for users of Alexa who wish to enjoy audio within the Amazon ecosystem. In addition to providing basic weather reports and playing Amazon Prime Music, the Echo offers compatibility with Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM. Notably, it serves as a hub for controlling various smart home devices, including those using the Zigbee standard. Despite its size, the Echo impressively delivers respectable bass thump. Please note that details about specific product models can change, so it’s a good idea to check for the latest reviews and information for the most up-to-date insights.

Who It’s For

If your primary focus is hands-free Alexa control in a speaker, then this device is tailored for you. It not only provides solid audio quality but also enables control over Zigbee smart home devices and seamless integrations with Amazon services. The inclusion of Amazon’s AZ1s Neural Edge chip is noteworthy, as it allows certain features to operate directly on the speaker rather than relying on Amazon’s servers. This design enhances speech recognition, making it more robust and responsive for an improved user experience.

Why We Picked It

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 offers excellent value, providing loud stereo sound in a compact design. Notably, it supports AAC and LDAC codecs and features a decent speakerphone. What sets it apart is its comprehensive companion app, offering an adjustable EQ and various customization options to tailor the audio experience to your preferences. Additionally, the speaker boasts a fully waterproof IPX7 rating, making it resilient around the pool without the need for excessive caution.

Who It’s For

For those looking for an outdoor-ready Bluetooth speaker without breaking the bank, this Anker model performs admirably at an affordable price point. Notably, you have the option to set up two of these speakers to achieve stereo sound, offering a cost-effective alternative compared to many other options on the market.

Why We Picked It

The latest HomePod from Apple maintains the sleek design of the original while delivering an even more impressive audio experience. Its elevated price is justified by premium features such as temperature and humidity sensors, seamless integration with Apple TV 4K, support for both Apple HomeKit and Matter smart home devices, and the capability to adjust its sound profile according to the room it’s placed in.

Who It’s For

The second-generation HomePod is a logical choice, particularly for individuals who already own a multitude of Apple products or utilize HomeKit-compatible smart home devices.

Why We Picked It

Bowers & Wilkins continues its tradition of emphasizing striking design with the latest iteration of the Zeppelin speaker. However, its appeal extends beyond aesthetics, as the Zeppelin provides high-quality 24-bit audio through Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect. Concealed behind the black cloth grille is a robust 240W amplifier that drives a total of five drivers.

Who It’s For

The Zeppelin doesn’t really provide much stereo separation and there’s enough digital signal processing (DSP) in play that audiophiles and purists might want to look elsewhere. But if you want a stylish statement piece that can also output powerful, high-quality audio, the Zeppelin is worth a look. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa voice control officially makes this the smart speaker of choice for the stylish home.

Why We Picked It

The Nest Audio is compatible with Google Cast, enabling you to stream music from your preferred device through any compatible app or Chrome tab. It offers the flexibility to link two Nest Audio speakers to create a stereo pair and even set up one as a speakerphone. With its relatively compact and stylish design, the Nest Audio can seamlessly integrate as a foundational component of your home sound system.

Who It’s For

If you desire a speaker with dedicated, hands-free Google Assistant functionality, the budget-friendly Nest Audio is a strong recommendation. Boasting solid voice recognition, Google Assistant’s natural language processing capabilities shine through. The audio quality is crisp and clear, with the ability to reach high volume levels, even though it may not deliver an abundance of deep bass.

Do You Need a Smart Speaker?

Voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant not only allow you to command your speaker regarding what to play but also provide a range of additional functionalities. These include offering weather forecasts, sports scores, unit conversions, and even language translations. Moreover, they typically support third-party skills or apps that enable diverse tasks, from ordering pizza to playing trivia games. If you have other smart home devices, these voice assistants may also enable you to control them through vocal commands.

Voice assistant speakers universally require a Wi-Fi connection as a fundamental requirement. A consistent internet connection is essential for these speakers to access your music, respond to your queries, and control your smart home devices. While some speakers may still offer portability and Bluetooth connectivity for use away from your network, these features are not guaranteed. Notably, major first-party voice assistant speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Nest typically lack built-in batteries and are primarily designed for in-home use.