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How long do the Charge 6 and Flip 7 last at party volume?

The JBL Charge 6 and the Flip 7 are new for 2025.

Short answer: Not as long as you’d hope.

I tested the battery life of the Charge 6 and Flip 7 using a continuous music loop with the stock EQ at 80dB, measured from 1 metre away. The Charge 6 lasted for only 13 hours and 15 minutes, and the Flip 7 was even less impressive, lasting just 6 hours and 16 minutes.

That’s nearly half of what’s on the spec sheet for these two speakers, and a big deal if you plan to use these speakers at a party or outdoors. While 13 hours with the Charge 6 is still a decent run time for a lengthy beach day or a get-together with your pals, you may be reaching for your charging cable sooner than you think if you’re relying on your Flip 7 for your next camping trip.

Why do our battery results differ so much from JBL’s?

The JBL Charge 6 brings more bass while still being portable.

Whether headphones or speakers, manufacturers will test at quiet volumes to get ideal results. We test at 80dB from one meter because that’s closer to how people actually use portable speakers.

Testing at 80dB gives a much more realistic picture of battery life when you’re actually using the speaker the way it was meant to be used.

If you’re outside, in a group, or just trying to fill a room, 50% volume isn’t going to cut it when it comes to speakers like the Charge 6 or Flip 7. Most of us crank the volume higher to be heard over conversations or background noise.

How to make your speaker last longer

If you’re not getting the battery life you’d hoped for, there are a few simple ways to extend it, although they might not be ideal.

The first one is obvious: lowering the volume. Even turning down your speaker just a few clicks can add hours of playback. You’ll also want to avoid any bass-heavy EQ settings. Bummer, I know, but it can also help extend your speaker’s battery life. An example of this is JBL’s new “PlayTime Boost”, feature on the Charge 6 and Flip 7. It claims it can extend your battery life by several hours, but in reality, it’s just an EQ setting set that cuts your bass response.

The harder your speaker has to work, like pumping out bass-heavy EDM, for example, the faster the battery will drain.

For comparison, the Soundcore Boom 2 advertises 24 hours of playback off a single charge. But that’s at 50% volume without bass boost and without its party lights on. We replicated this test in our labs, and we were able to squeeze a whopping 27 hours and 8 minutes of playback out of the Boom 2. It looks impressive on paper, but listening to a speaker with no bass boost and no party lights at half volume doesn’t exactly sound like a fun party to me. Still, if you absolutely need your battery to last as long as possible, it can be done.

Should you still buy the JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7?

The Flip 7 now offers a 7-band custom EQ.

These are the best-sounding, most refined versions of JBL’s Charge and Flip lines yet. They’re durable, have excellent companion app support, with excellent app support and great sound for compact mono speakers. There is no doubt about that.

But in the end, don’t expect JBL’s battery claims to hold up if you’re blasting music at your next party. Consumers deserve realistic expectations. We test at loud volumes because that’s how most people use these speakers. If you plan to do the same, adjust your expectations and maybe your usage accordingly. Otherwise, be sure to keep a portable battery bank on hand to prevent a serious party foul!

We’ve tested over 100 Bluetooth speakers in the real world, from camping trips to patios to kitchens, and these are our favorites. The quick takes below outline what each top pick does best, and link to its full review. While we don’t use lab gear for frequency sweeps, we do plenty of listening in noisy and quiet spaces alike. That lets us evaluate sound quality, volume limits, and practical usability. We also consider build quality, durability, and useful extras like voice assistants or stereo pairing. The goal is simple: help you find a speaker that actually delivers when it counts.

The Quick Answer

Check out our top picks below for a quick guide to the best Bluetooth speakers that suit your needs and budget. Each has a link to our full review.

The best overall:

The best smart speaker:

The best Apple speaker:

The best sound quality:

The best speaker for bass:

The best party speaker:

The best clip-on speaker:

The best pocket-friendly pick:

The best Bose Bluetooth speaker:

The In-depth Answer

Below you’ll find our in-depth coverage of the best Bluetooth speakers. Each speaker has been rigorously tested, ensuring you can trust our recommendations.

Best Bluetooth speaker overall: JBL Charge 6

The JBL Charge 6 takes what worked with the Charge 5 and makes it better in all the right ways. It’s still built like a tank, but now has beefed-up rubber bumpers around the passive radiators and an IP68 rating—so it’s totally dustproof and waterproof. That makes it even more ready for whatever outdoor adventure you throw at it. In my experience, the Charge 6 delivers stronger bass than the Charge 5, and its upgraded 7-band customizable EQ in the JBL Portable app is a significant improvement, allowing you to really fine-tune the sound of this speaker.

It keeps the same general shape as the Charge 5, meaning it’s still backpack-friendly, but now there’s a detachable handle and a more stable base, which I find helps it stay put when out and about. Battery life jumps to 24 hours (up from 20), and you can still charge your phone via the USB-C port. JBL also added some nice extras like lossless audio over USB and Auracast support, though keep in mind that in our testing, we discovered it won’t connect with older JBL speakers that use Party Boost.

Read our full JBL Charge 6 review

Best smart Bluetooth speaker: Google Nest Audio

The Google Nest Audio stands out as a smart speaker that combines aesthetics, functionality, and affordability. Its pillow-inspired design allows it to blend seamlessly into your home’s decor while delivering decent audio performance and smart features.

We’re impressed with Nest Audio’s sound quality, thanks to its 75mm mid-woofer and 19mm tweeter. Although it lacks deep bass, it reproduces midrange and treble frequencies quite well, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres or listening to your favorite podcast while making dinner. The speaker’s Media EQ and Ambient IQ features can also dynamically adjust the sound based on the content and your environment.

In our testing, Google Assistant really shines on the Nest Audio. It responds quickly, and I found it super handy for controlling smart home devices, making calls, and setting reminders. The built-in machine learning chip is a nice touch, too. It gradually speeds things up as it learns your routines.

Read our full Google Nest Audio review

Best Bluetooth speaker from Apple: Beats Pill

The Beats Pill makes a strong comeback in the portable speaker market with its latest iteration. Along with seamless iOS integration, this compact pill-shaped speaker packs a punch with its bass-heavy sound profile, making it ideal for bass lovers who want a portable audio solution. Its IP67 rating ensures it can withstand dust, water splashes, and even brief submersion, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.

While the Beats Pill offers a hearty bass response, it does have some limitations. In our testing, we found that the sound quality noticeably declines at higher volumes, with compression and distortion becoming apparent above 50% volume. This makes it less suitable for larger parties or outdoor events where you might need to crank up the volume. Still, its angled design tilts the drivers upward, which I found makes a noticeable difference when listening at a desk. Along with outdoor use, it’s also a solid choice for your home office or casual listening around the house.

Read our full Beats Pill review

Best Bluetooth speaker for sound quality: Anker Soundcore Motion X600

The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 stands out as a high-end portable speaker that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. We quickly discovered that its five-driver system, which includes an upward-firing driver, creates an immersive listening experience that’s uncommon in speakers of this size. The spatial audio mode also adds noticeable depth to your music, making it a great choice for audio enthusiasts who want a portable solution.

While it may not be the most rugged or portable option, I find the Motion X600 best suited for home environments. Its aluminum build and unique grille design make it a stylish addition to any living room, and its built-in handle makes it easy to tote to the basement or backyard. The speaker offers a good balance of features, including LDAC codec support for high-quality streaming and a 9-band customizable EQ through the Soundcore app.

Read our full Soundcore X600 review

Best Bluetooth speaker with bass: Brane X Smart Speaker

There’s no way around it—the Brane X is a beast of a portable Bluetooth speaker designed for those who want their music loud and their bass even louder. Seriously, this heavy-duty speaker packs a serious punch with its built-in 6.5″ x 9″ downward-firing subwoofer and offers stereo playback with two 2.5-inch mid-range drivers and two .75″ dome tweeters.

After testing hundreds of speakers, keeping its size in mind, I can confidently say Brane X easily provides the most low-end in a reasonably compact design. While it may be too bulky and heavy for casual outings, naturally, the Brane X shines in smaller to medium-sized party settings. Its IP57 water resistance also makes it suitable for poolside or beach use.

The companion app offers decent customization options, including a 5-band EQ for fine-tuning the sound to your liking. If you’re keen on using the Brane X around the house, it also offers Wi-Fi connection with voice assistant support for “Hey Alexa.” We’re also happy to let you know that the Brane X still offers a 3.5mm aux input for a wired connection.

Read our full Brane x review

The best clip-on Bluetooth speaker: JBL Clip 5

The JBL Clip 5 continues the legacy of its predecessors as the go-to speaker for outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners on the move. This latest iteration brings some welcome upgrades while maintaining the compact, convenient, and rugged clip-on design that made the series popular.

The Clip 5 boasts a more premium look and feel compared to the Clip 4. It has a wider carabiner for more placement options and thicker silicone padding on the back for added protection. Additionally, we discovered it offers 7W of output compared to the 5W provided by the Clip 4,  which provides a bit more “oomph” for personal or small group listening in outdoor settings.

New features like companion app support from the JBL Portable app allow users to fine-tune their listening experience with preset and custom EQ options. Like the Charge 6, the Clip 5 now uses Auracast to pair with other compatible JBL speakers like the Xtreme 4 and Flip 7. However, our testing discovered that Auracast pairing limits you to mono sound and JBL’s default EQ settings.

Read our full JBL Clip 5 review

Best Bluetooth party speaker: JBL PartyBox Stage 320

The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is the ultimate mobile party machine, designed to turn any gathering into an unforgettable event. This powerhouse speaker combines booming sound, a customizable light show, and improved mobility to bring the party vibes wherever you may be.

The Stage 320 quickly impressed us (and our neighbors) with its 240 watts of stereo power, delivered through dual 6.5″ woofers and 25mm dome tweeters. Not only will this speaker pump out the party jams, but we didn’t notice much distortion in our testing either, even at higher volumes. The redesigned light show adds a visual spectacle to match the audio performance, with customizable options available through the JBL PartyBox app.

Improvements in portability, including a telescoping handle and wider wheels, make it easier to transport this 16.5kg party machine compared to previous models. Its IPX4 water resistance rating means you don’t have to worry about light rain or splashes by the pool. While the ParyBox Stage 320 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, we were also happy to discover that it offers swappable battery packs, ensuring that your party will go all night long, off-grid or not.

Read our full JBL PartyBox Stage 320 review 

Best pocket-friendly Bluetooth speaker: Soundcore Select 4 Go

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is a solid pick for a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker for personal use or small hangouts. It has an IP67 rating, so it’s good to go at the beach, in the shower, or wherever your day takes you. My favorite feature, though, has to be the 9-band EQ in the Soundcore app, which gives you more control over the sound than most speakers in this price range.

Battery life is impressive too, with up to 20 hours of playtime. That’s plenty for a few days of casual listening. There’s also a built-in loop for a carabiner and rubber feet on the bottom, so you can set it up to fire sound upward. It’s a nice bonus if you’re working with limited space.

Just keep in mind that while the sound and features are great for the price, the build is not quite as tough as something like the JBL Clip 5. The Select 4 Go feels decently sturdy, but it is not the most rugged option out there.

Read our full Soundcore Select 4 Go review

Best Bose Bluetooth speaker: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

The SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) maintains the durability that made the original popular, with its IP67 rating ensuring protection against dust and water. While we discovered there weren’t any hardware upgrades from the 1st Gen, the updated Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and support for the aptX codec (on compatible devices) provide a more stable connection and potentially higher audio quality for Android users.

Sound quality remains a strong point. Honestly, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) sounds great right out of the box. While the EQ options in the companion app are somewhat limited—you’re only supplied with Bass, Middle, and Treble sliders—they do allow for some sound customization to suit your preferences. It’s better than nothing!

Read our full Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) review

The best Bluetooth speakers: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 (): With plenty of bass on tap, customizable dual LED lights, and a floatable design, the Boom 2 brings a little something extra to your next outdoor gathering.
• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus (): The Boom 2’s bigger sibling and our runner up for “Best Bluetooth speaker with bass”. If the Brane X is out of your price range, consider this less expensive alternative. It provides stereo playback with a hefty bass response, and of course, its built-in light show.
• Bose SoundLink Micro (): This is the perfect companion for bikers and picnic hosts; you can strap it onto your handlebars and or set it on the blanket and dig in.
• JBL Flip 7 (): While upgraded durability, new connection options, and extra carrying attachments aren’t exactly game-changers, the added sound customization is definitely a welcome upgrade to this popular water-bottle-shaped speaker.
• JBL Flip 6 (): The JBL Flip 6 is still a solid speaker, with an IP67 rating and JBL’s signature sound. It’s also just as easy as ever to sync this Bluetooth speaker with your devices. Snag two on sale and run them in stereo!
• JBL Xtreme 4 (): The larger sibling to the Charge 6, the Xtreme 4 offers stereo performance, a shoulder strap, and swappable battery packs.
• EarFun UBOOM X (): The UBOOM X is an affordable boombox-style speaker that sounds great and brings the vibes. With a variety of EQ options and a customizable light show, it delivers without breaking the bank.
• UE HYPERBOOM (): If you like UE but feel its previous offerings weren’t loud enough to power your parties, then the HYPERBOOM is perfect for you. Sure, it’s expensive, but it fills a niche that UE couldn’t previously fill.
• UE Wonderboom 4 (): The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a great portable Bluetooth speaker for impromptu park hangs and on the go. It’s small, sturdy, well-built, and light enough to easily be thrown in a backpack. Unlike its predecessor, the Wonderboom 3, which relied on a micro-USB port, the Wonderboom 4 also now charges via USB-C.
• Sonos Roam 2 (): The Sonos Roam 2 doesn’t stray far from the original in terms of design, specs, and features. Frustrating app setup issues aside, it’s a great-sounding portable speaker. Existing Sonos users will benefit from their home smart setup reaching a little further. Still, with its new Bluetooth connection option, anyone can use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker for your next adventure without relying on the finicky Sonos app.
• Sony ULT Field 7 (): If you are seeking the full party experience in a package that’s light enough to carry with one hand, the Sony ULT Field 7 is worth considering.

What you should know before you buy the best Bluetooth speaker for your needs

These days, Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen. After testing hundreds of speakers here at SoundGuys, here are a few things you should know before buying. What makes one speaker stand out from the next?

What is a Bluetooth codec?

Represented is the max transfer rate (kbps) of each respective Bluetooth codec (greater is better). Each waveform depicts a transfer rate of 100 kbps.

Just like wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers support specific Bluetooth codecs. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a codec determines how a file is transmitted from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). If you want a lag-free experience, make sure to invest in something that supports aptX or AAC if you’re an iOS user. Not only does this reduce latency, but it also allows for better streaming quality (at least if you use AAC with iOS).

That said, casual listeners don’t worry too much about codec support. Bluetooth speakers are built to fuel the party, not for critical listening. For most people, including myself, the SBC codec sounds just fine. While speakers like the Charge 6 and Beats Pill advertise features like lossless audio, chances are you won’t notice a difference.

What is an IP rating?

The Boom 2 is outdoor-ready with its IPX7 protection rating.

Sometimes, a product’s specifications will plainly read “sweat-resistant” or something similar. However, if you know you’re going to take your speaker on a boat or to the beach, you should invest in something with an official IP rating. IP ratings denote a particular product’s dust and water resistance.

Often, a product is rated something like IPX4, and the X is just a placeholder for a dust-resistant rating. For a product to withstand full submersion, it must be at least IPX7 or higher. For example, the JBL Charge 6 is IP68 rated, meaning it’s fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water, up to 1.5m, for 30 minutes.

How we choose the best Bluetooth speakers

We test them all so you don’t have to.

There are thousands of Bluetooth speakers out there, and while we can’t test every single one, that doesn’t stop us from trying to get our grubby hands on as many as possible. If a speaker made it onto this list, you can be sure we’ve spent time with it and, in most cases, put it through our whole review process.

That includes cranking up the volume to check for distortion, listening across various genres from EDM to heavy metal, running standardized battery tests in the infamous “Booth of Doom” at SoundGuys HQ, checking out all the features its companion app has to offer, and, of course, testing them in real-world conditions. Whether it’s a Charge 6 strapped to a paddleboard for a day on the lake or a Clip 5 hooked to a backpack for a city bike ride, if a speaker can’t hold up and deliver, you’ll hear about it.

We want you to be happy with your purchase, so we’ve narrowed down what it means to be the best Bluetooth speaker. In short, it needs to sound good, be reasonably priced, and handle wear and tear. If it’s designed for outdoor use, we make sure it has an official IP rating, and we’ll be sure to drop it in a tank of water while we’re at it.

After all our in-house (and outdoor) testing, one thing holds true: if a speaker performs well, there’s no reason to spend more than necessary.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The Soundcore Boom 2 holds its own against the Charge 6.

Every writer follows a strict ethics policy and works to make the research process easier for you. We know spending a ton of money chasing the absolute best gear is possible, but most people aren’t looking to break the bank. Our goal is simple: help you find something you’ll love. We don’t profit from pushing you toward or away from any specific product.

Frequently asked questions about Bluetooth speakers

JBL is back with its seventh generation of the Bluetooth speaker that started it all for the company. In this JBL Flip 7 review, we break down what’s new, whether it’s an improvement over the Flip 6, and if it’s worth the upgrade. Let’s dive in!

What’s it like to use the JBL Flip 7?

At first glance, the Flip 7 looks nearly identical to the Flip 6. It has the same familiar cylindrical shape, size, and roughly the same weight, and it even uses the exact same logo found on the Flip 6, so it takes a closer look to discover what’s new and improved with the Flip 7.

The Flip 7? Or a Flip 6?

It turns out, there are a few differences. While the speaker still rocks the same durable fabric covering, JBL has reinforced the rubber bumpers that protect its passive radiators. There are now four of these protruding rubber pieces, and they’re slightly longer and slightly thicker. This isn’t just for looks; it’s the first part of the Flip 7’s durability upgrade. JBL states it’s now certifiably “drop-proof” from a height of one meter onto concrete.

The second part of its durability upgrade has to do with its IP rating. While the Flip 6 is rated IP67, the Flip 7 moves up to IP68, keeping it fully dustproof while improving its water resistance. It can now be submerged 0.5 meters deeper in water than before, up to 1.5m, for the same duration of 30 minutes. I’m not sure who exactly will benefit from this extra half meter of submersion, but I’m not one to complain about any durability upgrades. It’s great to see JBL pushing forward with industry standards.

The new “PushLock” system offers works like a seatbelt.

We also see some new options regarding portability. Instead of the basic string loop attachment on the Flip 6, the Flip 7 features a new built-in “PushLock” system, complete with a JBL-branded carabiner and a small loop attachment. These little guys make it easier to clip the speaker onto a bag or hang it up while camping — like from a tree branch. Just keep in mind it’s going to dangle, and there’s no guarantee it’ll be positioned perfectly for the best sound.

Flip 7 left, Flip 6 right. Note the difference in carrying attachments and control layout.

Lastly, the controls have been rearranged and separated into two sections. You still get JBL’s usual raised playback controls, but the Party Boost button is now long gone and replaced with an Auracast button, allowing you to link up with other JBL-supported speakers like the Xtreme 4, Go 4 or Clip 5, to name a few. With JBL moving forward with Auracast, it’s worth noting this new generation of JBL speakers are not backwards compatible with Party Boost, so you won’t be able to link up a Flip 7 with a Flip 6.

What are the best features of the JBL Flip 7?

One of my favorite new features of the Flip 7 can be found in the JBL Portable app, so it’s worth downloading and installing. Along with four new EQ presets I know I’ll never touch, JBL now provides listeners with a 7-band customizable EQ. This is a decent upgrade from the Flip 6’s 3-band EQ and gives you the option to personalize the sound of your speaker a little further. That said, keep its size in mind; you can only squeeze so much bass out of a small enclosure, but it’s worth spending some time with.

This is also where you can get some visual control over any linked speakers under the “Party Together” section, pair a second Flip 7 for stereo playback, and activate “PlayTime Boost,” which JBL claims will give you another two hours of playback time.

How does the JBL Flip 7 connect?

The Flip 7 now offers lossless audio over USB-C.

The Flip 7 connects wirelessly using the latest Bluetooth 5.4, an upgrade from the Flip 6’s Bluetooth 5.1. But the real surprise here is its new wired option. No, it’s not an AUX input, but the Flip 7 now supports audio over USB, including lossless playback from compatible services like Apple Music or Tidal.

While lossless playback sounds exciting on paper, the reality is that you’re still listening to a compact, mono Bluetooth speaker. These portable speakers aren’t designed for critical listening, so you may not even notice a difference. However, now’s your chance to hook up that USB-C cable and give it a go!

How long does the JBL Flip 7’s battery last?

The Flip series has always been travel-friendly with its small size.

JBL says the Flip 7 can reach 16 hours of playback on a single charge, but that’s with ‘Playtime Boost’ enabled. This mode cuts bass and shifts the sound toward mids and treble, similar to a podcast preset. It doesn’t sound great. If you’re a basshead, you’ll hate it.

With the standard EQ at moderate volume, it’s rated for 14 hours. However, in our battery testing, the Flip 7 only managed a disappointing 6 hours and 16 minutes at a steady 80dB from one meter away. That’s enough for an afternoon at the park, but you’ll want to make a habit of charging the Flip 7 once you get home.

How does the JBL Flip 7 sound?

The JBL Flip 7 offers good sound with a decent bass response, considering its small size and mono playback. But there’s only so much you can expect out of a Bluetooth speaker.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Bose SoundLink Max was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Flip 7 pulls an Overall score of 2.8, which is about average for a Bluetooth speaker. 

The Flip 7 earns a decent Timbre score of 3.0 and a strong Distortion score of 3.5, but its Overall score of 2.8 takes a hit due to the low Immersiveness rating of 1.9. Keep in mind that MDAQS is primarily designed to evaluate how humans with two ears rate sound, so mono speakers are going to have some very predictable ceilings. Since the Flip 7 is a mono speaker, its rating — especially regarding Immersiveness — naturally reflects that limitation.

These results are pretty typical; almost all Bluetooth speakers suffer the same fate. For reference, the Bose SoundLink Max received a similar Overall score of 2.7, but since it provides stereo performance, it managed to snag a higher Immersiveness score of 2.6.

Can you use the JBL Flip 7 for phone calls?

The Flip 7 does not contain a microphone for taking phone calls. You’ll have the answer your phone the old fashioned way. Or not at all, cause you’re busy rocking out to some tasty tunes!

Should you buy the JBL Flip 7?

The Flip 7’s new carabiner attachment can come in handy around the park.

The JBL Flip 7 is an excellent buy if you want a packable, rugged, portable speaker with a premium build and customizable sound. Its slim design easily fits into a bag or clips onto a backpack, and with its upgraded durability, you don’t have to think twice about bringing it on that weekend getaway, rain or shine. That said, I don’t see the need for current Flip 6 users to rush out and buy one; you’ve still got a durable, perfectly good-sounding speaker on your hands.

What should you get instead of the JBL Flip 7?

The new Charge 6 offers more output but in a bigger package.

If you think the Flip 7 might be a bit too small for your needs and want something with a little more output and bass response, consider the new JBL Charge 6. Like the Flip 7, it received several of the same upgrades, such as a more durable build, longer battery life, and that same 7-band customizable EQ. It also comes with a new detachable handle and offers lossless audio over USB. You can snag a JBL Charge 6 for .

Alternatively, you can save a few bucks and up the party vibes even further with the Anker Soundcore Boom 2. While its exterior is primarily hard plastic compared to the fabric-covered Flip 7, it offers dual built-in LED lights on its passive radiators, a courtesy USB-A port for charging devices, and a customizable sound. You can find one for .

Frequently asked questions

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It’s no secret the JBL Charge 5 has been a go-to Bluetooth speaker for the past four years. With the Charge 6 promising even better sound, longer battery life, and more ways to connect, can JBL pull it off again? Let’s take it outside, crank up the volume, and find out in this JBL Charge 6 review.

What’s it like to use the JBL Charge 6?

The Charge 6 is rocking a bit of a new look when compared to the Charge 5. Most notably, it now comes with a detachable handle. You can configure it in two different ways: use it as a traditional handle or as more of a carrying loop. The bottom of the unit also looks a little different; JBL has ditched the ten thin silicone strips, which some users had issues with peeling off over time, in favor of a slightly wider and flatter base. As someone who’s had their Charge 5 roll off a camp table more than a couple of times, I’m a fan of this new, more stable design.

The Charge 6 ditches the silicone strips for a broader, more stable base.

Speaking of rolling off a table, there have been some notable durability upgrades with this latest model. It’s still wrapped in the same durable fabric, but looking at the side of the unit, JBL has beefed up the rubber bumpers that protect the passive radiators. They’re slightly thicker and longer, and there are now four of them compared to the three found on the Charge 5. This isn’t just for looks; the Charge 6 is now certifiably “drop-proof”, from the height of one meter, even onto concrete. Additionally, we see an improvement in water resistance. The Charge 6 is now IP68 rated, meaning it’s still dust-proof but can be submerged further in water, up to a meter and a half, for 30 minutes.

No complaints against added protection!

Lastly, the control layout has also changed. The Party Boost button is long gone and replaced with an Auracast button. This new button sits alongside the power and Bluetooth buttons on their own dedicated, backlit control strip. It’s not a huge surprise—we saw the same thing happen to the Xtreme 4, Go 4, and Clip 5 last year. The good news? The Charge 6 will easily link with any of those newer speakers. The bad news? Auracast-enabled JBL speakers aren’t backwards compatible with any older models that still use Party Boost. In other words, you won’t be able to pair a Charge 6 with a Charge 5.

What are the best features of the JBL Charge 6?

I absolutely recommend downloading and installing the JBL Portable app for the Charge 6 because it contains one of its best new features: a 7-band customizable EQ. This is a considerable upgrade from the 3-band EQ available with the Charge 5, meaning you can personalize the sound of this speaker much further. You’re also offered an additional four presets to choose from, but I can’t say I share the same excitement for a “Chill” or “Energetic” EQ preset. Given the option, I always prefer to make my own.

Additionally, the app gives you visual control over any Auracast-linked speakers under its “Party Together” section and lets you pair another Charge 6 for stereo performance. This is also where you’ll find access to the new “Playtime Boost” feature and, of course, any future firmware updates.

How does the JBL Charge 6 connect?

Charge 6 left, Charge 5 right.

The Charge 6 connects to your device wirelessly via the latest and greatest Bluetooth 5.4, an upgrade from the Charge 5’s Bluetooth 5.1 connection. In addition, there’s a new wired option. No, it’s not an AUX input, but the Charge 6 now offers audio over USB, and lossless audio at that. Naturally, you’ll need to using a service that provides lossless audio, like Tidal or Apple Music, but for those of you wanting higher bit rate listening options out of your mono portable Bluetooth speaker, there you have it.

To listen over a wired connection, simply hold down the Play/Pause button while connecting your USB-C cable to the device. You will hear a chime when successful. Of course, we can’t forget how the Charge series got its name. That same USB-C port doubles as an in/out, so don’t worry, you can still charge your phone while out in the field!

How long does the JBL Charge 6’s battery last?

The Charge 6 is park-ready, but maybe skip the white finish if you’re an avid outdoors person.

JBL claims the Charge 6 gets 28 hours of playback, but that only applies with its new “Playtime Boost” mode enabled. Under normal use, it advertises 24 hours at moderate volume with the standard EQ. Playtime Boost adds four hours by cutting bass response and shifting the sound toward mids and treble, similar to a “Podcast” setting. It works in a pinch, but it doesn’t sound great.

Unfortunately, in our standardized battery testing, playing a consistent source of music at a volume of 80dB from one metre away, the Charge 6 only lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes. While that’s still enough juice for a full day of listening, it falls quite short of the claimed 24 hours.

How does the JBL Charge 6 sound?

The JBL Charge 6 offers decent sound for its size with a good amount of low-end strength, which you can modify further.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the JBL Charge 6 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The JBL Charge 6 receives fairly average MDAQS results, with a relatively low Immersiveness score.

The Charge 6 earns a solid Timbre score of 3.1 and a decent 3.3 for Distortion, but its Overall score drops to 2.7 due to a low Immersiveness rating of 1.6. This isn’t too surprising; MDAQS is primarily designed to assess stereo performance, so mono speakers like the Charge 6 naturally face some scoring limitations. Take these scores with a grain of salt.

These results are pretty typical for Bluetooth speakers. For comparison, the Bose SoundLink Max scored a similar 2.7 Overall, but thanks to its stereo output, it pulled a higher Immersiveness score of 2.6.

Can you use the JBL Charge 6 for phone calls?

The Charge 6 does not feature a microphone for taking phone calls while connected. You’ll have to answer your phone the old-fashioned way or just ignore it and keep rocking out to your favorite tunes!

Should you buy the JBL Charge 6?

The Charge 6 is a solid update from the Charge 5.

If you already own a Charge 5 and are happy with it, there’s no need to rush out and upgrade. But if you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speaker that can offer a little more than most portable speakers without going overboard in size and weight, the Charge 6 is a great buy. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but you’re getting a rugged, premium build, impressive low-end for its size, and excellent battery life. Plus, with customizable sound and upgraded durability, you’ll be rocking out to your favorite tunes for years to come.

What should you get instead of the JBL Charge 6?

If the Charge 6 is slightly too big for your needs, consider its smaller sibling, the JBL Flip 7, which was also just released with some new slick updates. It shares many of the same features of the Charge 6, like an IP68 protection rating, audio over USB, and a couple of carrying attachment options, but in a slightly smaller package. Snag a new Flip 7 for .

If you’re after booming bass and solid output on a budget, check out the Soundcore Boom 2. This 80W speaker delivers 2.1 stereo sound and even throws in some party lights on the passive radiators. It’s only rated IPX7, so there’s no dust protection, but it does float. You can grab a Boom 2 .

Frequently asked questions

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The JBL Charge 5 is one of the most popular Bluetooth speakers for outdoor use, and it is easy to see why. With a rugged design and quality sound, it’s built for the trail, the beach, and everything in between. In this JBL Charge 5 review, we test the speaker in real-world conditions, including a trip to the mountains, to find out if it’s still the best portable speaker for your next adventure.

What’s it like to use the JBL Charge 5?

The Charge 5’s passive radiators are well protected.

The JBL Charge 5 is about the size and weight of a football, making it easy to toss in a backpack or bag. Its enclosure is wrapped in tough fabric with silicone bumpers on the sides to protect its passive radiators. Rubber strips on the bottom also help keep it steady when placed out in the wild. With an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof, you can count on the Charge 5 to handle beach days, hikes, or weekend camping trips without issue.

The JBL Charge 5 features an IP67 protection rating.

Up top, the JBL Charge 5 has backlit power and Bluetooth buttons, along with raised playback controls that give a satisfying click when pressed. Around the back, there’s a USB-C port for charging the speaker and a handy USB-A outlet to top off your devices while you’re out and about.

All in all, the JBL Charge 5 hits a nice sweet spot between power and portability. It is small enough to toss in a backpack but still packs enough punch to handle bigger gatherings, whether you’re indoors or outside.

Should you download the JBL Portable app?

I recommend downloading and installing the JBL Portable app. Here, you’ll find access to a 3-band customizable EQ and the option to pair a second Charge 5 for stereo performance. If your best pal shows up with a Flip 6 or Xtreme 3, don’t worry; you don’t have to tell them to leave. You can use the PartyTogether feature and pair the speakers for a bigger sound, but they will only play back in mono.

That said, in our testing, we discovered that the newer Charge 6 and Flip 7 now use Auracast to pair with other recent JBL speakers like the Xtreme 4, Clip 5, and Go 4. Unfortunately, this means you cannot link a Charge 5 with these newer models, which is a bit of a bummer.

How does the JBL Charge 5 connect?

You’ll find raised playback controls on the top of the unit in typical JBL fashion.

The Charge 5 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.1, and pairing is easy enough—press and hold the Bluetooth symbol on the top of the speaker and select it from your device’s Bluetooth menu. The Charge 5 also offers Bluetooth multipoint, so if you and a friend want to take turns playing music through your speaker, you won’t have to switch source devices each time.

How does the JBL Charge 5 sound?

The bass radiators do a great job of amping up the low end of your music.

The Charge 5 delivers a full sound right out of the box that works well across most genres. On rock tracks like “Mother” by Danzig, the kick drum lands with a satisfying punch, vocals come through clearly, and a slightly emphasised midrange gives the distorted guitars enough presence to cut through without dominating the mix or sounding too “in your face”.

Electronic tracks like “Sunset” by synthwave masters The Midnight also shine on the Charge 5. The synth bass delivers solid low-end presence without masking the rest of the mix, and the swirling synths and electric guitar solo remain clear and detailed.

Overall, the Charge 5 sounds great right out of the box and makes a great addition to any gathering, indoors and out. Still, if you want to fine-tune things, the app’s 3-band EQ is worth checking out. You can easily boost the bass or pull back the mids to suit your preferences.

Should you buy the JBL Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 5 is still a great buy in 2025.

The JBL Charge 5 is a solid pick for anyone looking for an outdoor-ready portable Bluetooth speaker. It is tough enough to handle the elements, sounds good out of the box, and now lets you personalize the sound with the JBL Portable app. Battery life is excellent, and the built-in USB-A port can top off your phone or other devices in a pinch. Toss it in your backpack and head out. What more do you need to keep the party going?

Additionally, with the Charge 6 now available, take advantage of impending sales, snag two, and run them in stereo. It’s a great way to listen!

JBL Charge 5 VS JBL Flip 6: Which Bluetooth speaker is better?

The JBL Flip 6 is water- and dust-resistant and loud enough to entertain a small patio party.

If you prioritize audio performance and longer battery life, the JBL Charge 5 is the better speaker choice. The Charge 5’s larger size produces a fuller bass response and louder volume output than the Flip 6. It also has a significantly longer battery life at 20 hours versus 12 hours on the Flip 6. However, the Flip 6 is more portable and travel-friendly due to its smaller size and lighter weight.

It sacrifices some sound quality and battery life for the sake of portability. So, if you need a speaker that can easily be thrown in a bag for trips, the Flip 6 may be preferable. But for pure audio performance at home or outdoor parties, the Charge 5 is the superior JBL portable speaker of the two. You can read our full versus article to see how they compare.

What should you get instead of the JBL Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 6 () is now available. It offers better durability, more customizable sound, and a small boost in wattage. Overall, these are solid upgrades. For a closer look at how it compares to the Charge 5, check out our video above.

The JBL Flip 7 () has also arrived. It offers many of the same upgrades as the Charge 6 in a smaller package. Click the link above to see how it compares and find out which speaker is a better fit for your needs.

Frequently asked questions about the JBL Charge 5

What’s it like to use the JBL Clip 5 compared to the JBL Go 4?

Both the Clip 5 and Go 4 are ultra-portable, but the Go 4 takes the edge when it comes to size and weight. It’s genuinely small enough to slide into your back pocket, and at under half a pound, it disappears in a daypack. That said, the Clip 5 isn’t exactly bulky either. Its built-in carabiner makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or belt loop, and while you’ll feel the extra heft compared to the Go 4, the added versatility makes it a fair trade.

Both speakers keep the IP67 rating, so they’re fully dustproof and can handle a dunk in water without issue. JBL wraps each one in a tough mix of fabric and rubberized silicone that holds up well to rough use. These are built for the road; you won’t need to baby them. Like the last generation, both models fire sound upward when laid flat, and JBL added more grip and padding on the back to keep them steady on a table or rock, which actually works better than you might expect.

How do you control the JBL Clip 5 and JBL Go 4?

Both the Clip 5 and Go 4 have very similar control layouts. Your raised playback controls are along the top in typical JBL fashion. On the left side of both units, you’ll find a recessed mini-control strip containing your power, Bluetooth, and Auracast buttons. Auracast allows you to connect to other Auracast-supported JBL speakers, which you can configure via the JBL Portable app.

Should you use the JBL Portable app with the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Go 4?

Yes, you should absolutely use the JBL Portable app with the new Clip 5 and Go 4. App support is the most significant upgrade to these refreshed speakers since the Clip 4 and Go 3 had no software support. The JBL Portable app gives you access to several EQ options, including a 5-band customizable EQ. You can also pair an identical speaker for stereo performance or, as mentioned, link up other Auracast-supported JBL speakers.

Another huge plus of the companion app is access to future firmware updates.

Is battery life better on the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Go 4?

The Clip 5 wins this round, advertising 12 hours of playback off a single charge, while the Go 4 offers 10 hours. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on a few factors, such as your EQ settings and overall volume usage.

Regarding battery life, just a heads up about the new “PlaytimeBoost” feature in the JBL app. While it’s meant to increase your playback time by a few hours, it’s worth noting that it only accomplishes this by bypassing your current EQ settings and reducing all low-end frequencies to save battery life. This results in a sound that’s very heavy on the treble, similar to a Podcast or Voice Enhancer EQ setting—not ideal.

Does the JBL Clip 5 sound better than the JBL Go 4?

Getting down to the brass tacks, while the Clip 5 and Go 4 share the same 1.75″ driver, the Clip 5 is simply the better-sounding speaker, thanks to its 7W output compared to the 4.2W provided by the Go 4. The difference in bass response is quite noticeable.

The Go 4 has a fairly mid-heavy stock sound. This tends to change the sounds of instruments like a snare drum and pushes the vocals to the front of the mix when listening to rock music. With the new 5-band EQ, you can certainly dial back the mid-range and squeeze a bit more low end out of the Go 4, but if you’re more keen on the steady thump of your favorite EDM track while out and about, the Go 4 can’t compete with the bass response from the Clip 5.

That being said, it’s important to remember that the main priority of the Clip 5 and Go 4 is portability. While the Clip 5 can offer more bass response, your music will start to sound a little crowded if you plan on cranking either of these speakers up to 10. You don’t get any left-right separation, and you might miss out on some of the production details from your favorite instrumental track, but this is just one of the many sonic trade-offs that come with smaller, mono Bluetooth speakers.

Should you get the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Go 4?

If you’re packing for a trip where every pound and square inch counts, or you’re simply looking for a budget-friendly speaker to have around at all times for those impromptu park hangs, go for the Go 4 (). It’s incredibly lightweight and durable, and now offers customizable sound.

Personally, I’m going with the Clip 5 (). For an additional $30, you get a better battery life and bass response from this slightly bigger, higher-wattage speaker. The extra weight is almost negligible, and with its signature carabiner, you can still easily carry it around. For less than $80, either speaker makes a great shower speaker.

What should you get instead of the JBL Clip 5 and JBL Go 4?

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is a worthy alternative to the Go 4 or Clip 5.

If you’re looking to keep things affordable, the Soundcore Select 4 Go () is worth a look. This budget-friendly speaker comes with the same IP67 rating and a built-in carrying loop, but it stands out with better sound customization. The Soundcore companion app includes a 9-band EQ, letting you fine-tune the audio to match your preferences.

If you need something a bit larger with more power than the Go 4 or Clip 5, the JBL Flip 7 () is a solid step up. It delivers even better durability while staying portable enough for everyday use. Check out our video above to see what makes this popular speaker worth the upgrade.

Frequently asked questions

Lossless audio over USB-C is the hot new spec on portable Bluetooth speakers, but let’s be real. If you’re blasting music from a mono speaker next to a campfire or your kitchen sink while making dinner, will you really notice the difference between FLAC and a regular stream? Probably not. I’ve never met a Bluetooth speaker designed for critical listening, so here’s why lossless audio is basically a throwaway feature in this category.

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What is lossless audio, really?

The JBL Charge 6 and the Flip 7 feature lossless audio over USB-C as a selling point.

Lossless audio refers to music files that preserve 100% of the original audio data, without any compression that reduces sound quality. Services like Apple Music and Tidal both support it, offering formats like FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), which are common examples. They provide better fidelity than compressed formats like MP3 or AAC, but the trade-off is larger file sizes and the need for gear that can actually translate that extra detail—hint, hint.

One of the first portable speakers to support lossless audio over USB-C was the 2024 Beats Pill. Just this year, JBL launched the highly anticipated Flip 7 and Charge 6, both heavily marketing their new lossless playback support. JBL even tossed out lines like “When music goes lossless, it gets that much better,” and positioned it as a feature for “real audio aficionados.”

Really? I didn’t know real audio aficionados preferred their Hi-Res music piped through a tiny mono speaker with a single tweeter and woofer.

Why it doesn’t matter with Bluetooth speakers

Try it for yourself. You most likely won’t even notice a difference.

The reality is that most portable Bluetooth speakers, especially compact models like the Flip 7, Charge 6, and Beats Pill, are simply limited by design. These are mono units with no stereo separation, limited dynamic range, and a bass response that’s constrained by the size of the enclosure. Lossless audio as a feature looks impressive on the spec sheet, but through hardware like this, it doesn’t offer anything meaningful.

If high-quality audio is what you’re after, this is not the way to experience it.

As popular as the Flip 7 is, localisability and width aren’t exactly its strong points when it comes to sound. Again, being a mono speaker, instruments often sound like they’re piled on top of each other. I always try to remind listeners that these speakers are built for convenience and durability, and that comes with trade-offs. They’re not made for critical listening or revealing the subtle details you’d hear on a proper hi-fi setup. They’re great for background music at the park or by the pool, but not the kind of gear that justifies chasing lossless audio formats.

Real-world listening: It’s not just about the files

It’s easy to modify the sound of the Flip 7 thanks to its new 7-band EQ.

So, off to Tidal we go. I cued up some familiar reference tracks like Pink Floyd’s “Time” and Steely Dan’s “Peg,” songs etched into my memory from childhood thanks to my music-loving parents, and streamed them in lossless quality using both the Flip 7 and Charge 6 with a high-quality USB-C cable.

The result? I spent more time trying to spot differences than simply enjoying the music. Was there a touch more treble? Did that ride cymbal really sound clearer? Unplugging the USB-C cable from either JBL speaker automatically switched to Bluetooth, making A/B comparisons quick and easy. I simply could not hear any definitive difference between wired lossless audio and Bluetooth streaming over the SBC codec. Even if the wired connection did offer slightly more treble clarity, it’s something you could easily match wirelessly using the 7-band EQ in the JBL Portable app.

On top of these speakers only providing mono playback, don’t forget about the environment you’re actually listening in.

On a recent camping trip, we found an awesome spot beside a rushing river. I wasn’t streaming lossless audio, but even if I had been, the speaker was up against the sound of the water, friends talking, and all the usual camp stuff—chopping wood, setting up our tents, and just hanging out. There was no way I was going to hear every little detail in the music, but that’s not really the point with speakers like this. We were there to have a good time, and the music added to it. I wasn’t worried about vocal reverb or catching every guitar pinch harmonic—it just needed to sound good and keep the vibes going.

When does lossless audio actually matter?

Home theater with well-considered acoustic treatment.

If you really want to get the most out of lossless audio, you need gear that can actually take advantage of it. That means wired headphones with a proper DAC. It can also make a difference in hi-fi systems or a powered monitor setup that offers a wide dynamic range and actual stereo separation. Home theater setups benefit too, where every nuance of a film score or surround mix adds to the experience. But Bluetooth speakers? Not so much.

Bottom line: Don’t buy a Bluetooth speaker for “lossless”

The Soundcore Boom 2 doesn’t offer lossless audio, and that’s perfectly fine by me.

I expect we’ll see more speakers offering lossless audio over USB in the coming years, so if you’re shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, don’t get distracted by this useless feature. It’s a nice bullet point on the box, but it won’t make your playlist sound better at the beach or around a fire. Lossless audio is great, just not here.

Ultimately, focus on the features that really matter in everyday use: battery life, durability, and EQ options, which are my personal number one features. Don’t get me wrong, the Flip 7 and Charge 6 are both solid speakers, but not because they support FLAC.

What you need to know about the JBL Xtreme 4

The passive radiators now feature additional rubber bumper protection compared to the Xtreme 3.

The JBL Xtreme 4 is a rugged outdoor speaker with an IP67 protection rating. From the rubber bumpers protecting the passive radiators to the shoulder strap with a built-in bottle opener, the Xtreme 4 is ready to party just about anywhere. It’s not an elegant-looking speaker; there are much nicer-looking options if you’re after a Bluetooth speaker purely for home use. This one is designed with weekend camping trips and hot summer beach days in mind.

Cosmetically, the new Xtreme 4 looks similar to its predecessor, the Xtreme 3. You’ll need to look closer to find out what’s new and improved. One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of a rechargeable, swappable battery pack. While the unit still charges via USB-C, you can purchase a second JBL battery pack (currently $99 on the JBL website) to ensure your party goes all night long. Unfortunately, this new feature eliminates a couple of things. Unlike the Xtreme 3, the Xtreme 4 no longer features an AUX input or USB-A courtesy outlet. However, the single USB-C port works both ways; you can still charge your phone from it.

Speaking of power, it’s important to note that the Xtreme 4 speaker only provides 100W of output (2x 30W woofers and 2x 20W tweeters) when connected to the supplied AC to USB-C power source. Running on battery power, typical for an outdoor speaker, the Xtreme 4’s output power unfortunately drops to 70W (2x 20W woofers and 2x 15W tweeters).

What’s good about the JBL Xtreme 4?

The Xtreme 4 still comes with the signature shoulder strap.

As mentioned, the Xtreme 4 is built to handle just about any outdoor adventure, including the trip there. It’s not a speaker you have to baby; you can toss this one into the back of your car, and it’s no stress if it takes a dip in the pool. Your controls have now been split into two mini-control strips compared to the Xtreme 3. One row contains backlit power, Bluetooth, and new Auracast buttons, and one contains raised playback controls. While these raised controls are easy to find, considering you’ll use the playback control more often, it would be nice if they were also backlit.

The Xtreme 4 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.3. While it does offer multipoint, which allows you to switch between two devices seamlessly, it’s still SBC only. There is no option for higher bitrate listening, but considering the Xtreme 4 is designed for rowdy outdoor parties, this should be fine for most potential users.

The JBL Portable app is also worth downloading to get the most out of this football-shaped speaker. While the companion app previously only offered a basic 3-band EQ to use with the Xtreme 3, the JBL Portable app offers four EQ presets. I was also happy that the 3-band EQ has been upgraded to a 5-band customizable EQ; now, you can personalize your sound further. The app will also allow you to connect to Auracast-supported JBL speakers like the new Clip 5 and Go 4.

Another significant upgrade the Xtreme 4 offers is a jump in battery life. JBL states that the Xtreme 4 can achieve 24 hours of playback with its new battery pack design, compared to the 15 hours offered by the Xtreme 3. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on factors like your EQ setting and volume levels, but as mentioned, you can now purchase a second battery pack from JBL if you have concerns.

Speaking of cranking things up, the Xtreme 4 can get pretty loud. The 70W of output this speaker provides on battery power is enough to keep a large-sized indoor or medium-sized outdoor gathering going. It does an excellent job at isolating and pumping up the low-end frequencies of a kick drum, even when listening to hard rock classics like “Twist of Cain” by Danzig, a song off an album that certainly did not win any awards for production. I noticed a steady low-end rumble while using the Xtreme 4 while genre skipping. That said, while the bass certainly sounds big, and you’ll hear the constant pulse of your favorite EDM song from a distance, let’s get into what could be better about the Xtreme 4.

What’s not so good about the JBL Xtreme 4?

The Xtreme 4 is a challenge to carry with one hand.

I can’t say that the Xtreme 4 does a great job with its stereo left and right separation. Listening to “Dynamite Delorean” by Todd Terje and other more heavily produced tracks, the winding, panning of its retro synth-sounding layers doesn’t exactly translate to how I’m used to hearing them. Loudness and quality bass response aside, the rest of the mix for a stereo party speaker sounds confined and narrow, almost mono-sounding, as if the instruments are piled on each other.

Design-wise, the Xtreme 4 could use a handle like the one on the JBL Boombox 3. The shoulder strap is great for getting the speaker from your car to the waterfront, but if you need to move the speaker from place to place quickly, it can be challenging to pick up with one hand. You end up bunching up the strap awkwardly in a fist to move it across the table.

You’ll need a Torx or “star-bit” screwdriver to access the battery.

When it comes to the new swappable battery pack, they’re $99 each on JBL’s website. For less money, you could buy a quality external power bank to recharge your speaker, not to mention multiple devices around camp simultaneously. On the topic of battery, a quick note about the “PlaytimeBoost”. While JBL advertises an extra 6 hours of playback under this mode, it only achieves this by eliminating all bass frequencies to save some battery. You’re left with a sound similar to a Podcast or Vocal Booster EQ setting; it’s not great.

It’s also a bit disappointing that a speaker built for outdoor use only delivers its full power when plugged into an AC outlet. At $379.95, the JBL Xtreme 4 isn’t exactly budget-friendly, and while it offers solid performance overall, that limitation makes the high price a little harder to justify.

JBL Xtreme 4 specs:

Should you buy the JBL Xtreme 4?

The Xtreme 4 is beach-ready with an IP67 protection rating.

At $379.95, I find it hard to recommend paying full price for the Xtreme 4. If you are okay with spending a lot and want a loud, durable speaker with decent bass and plenty of battery life for camping trips and BBQs, this speaker will absolutely do the job. Otherwise, keep an eye on the JBL website, as they often have sales.

If you want to save around $130, check out the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus (). It’s larger than the Xtreme 4 but still portable thanks to its handle and strap. With 140W of stereo output, IPX7 waterproofing, floating design, and customizable LED lights, the Boom 2 Plus brings a little something extra to your next party.

If you’re looking for something a bit more portable, consider the Xtreme 4’s smaller sibling—the JBL Charge 6 () This recently updated speaker features a 7-band EQ, a more rugged, drop-resistant design, and comparable battery life. Check out our comparison video above to see how it stacks up against the Xtreme 4.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Always on the move? Bring the JBL Clip 5

It wouldn’t be a Clip without its signature built-in carabiner.

The JBL Clip 5 is the ideal choice for those prioritizing portability in a Bluetooth speaker. This compact device features a built-in carabiner for easy attachment to backpacks or branches, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s also built to withstand the elements, with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.

The Clip 5 offers improved audio performance with 7W of output and a 12-hour battery life. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint connection and now comes with a companion app, allowing users to customize their sound experience through various EQ options. While it may not deliver room-filling sound, its rugged design, versatile mounting options, and personalized audio capabilities make it an excellent choice for hikers, campers, or anyone seeking a reliable, portable audio companion on a budget.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is small but mighty

The included strap makes it easy to hang the Sony SRS-XB100 anywhere that is most convenient.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is a solid choice for those seeking an ultra-compact and affordable Bluetooth speaker for personal use. Weighing only 274g, this tiny powerhouse is incredibly portable and features an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or shower use.

Despite its small size, the SRS-XB100 delivers impressive sound quality with a full-range driver and passive radiator for enhanced bass. It boasts a 16-hour battery life and supports Google Fast Pair for easy connection to Android devices. While it may not be the loudest speaker in its class, its portability, durability, and sound quality make it a great option for individual listeners or small groups. The Sony SRS-XB100 is perfect for those who want a simple, reliable speaker that can go anywhere without compromising audio performance.

Need something small but durable? Go with the JBL GO 4

The Go 4 is ready for the beach or the pool, thanks to its I67 protection rating.

The JBL Go 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking an ultra-compact, affordable Bluetooth speaker. This palm-sized device weighs less than a pound, making it incredibly easy to carry in a pocket or attach to a backpack. Despite its small size, the Go 4 doesn’t skimp on features or durability.

It boasts an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Go 4 now comes with companion app support, offering a customizable 5-band EQ for personalized sound. With Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connection, it’s versatile enough for various uses. While it may not deliver powerful bass, its 7-hour battery life and improved durability make it an ideal choice for travelers, hikers, or anyone needing a reliable, pocket-friendly speaker on a budget.

What are the differences between the JBL Clip 5 and Go 4?

Great question. There are a few key differences between these two affordable JBL models. Check out our comparison video below to learn more:

For a simple home solution, check out the Creative Stage Air

The metal grille covers two dynamic drivers and a passive radiator.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, chances are it will be small and portable, similar to the other options on this list. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Case in point: the Creative Stage Air.

While this speaker isn’t nearly the size of some of the other soundbars we’ve tested, you still get a lot of speakers for not a lot of money. It’s not the best option for building your dream home theater system. Still, it’s a perfectly fine under-monitor speaker that makes listening to music, watching videos, or playing games that much more enjoyable.

Like most speakers of this price, the Creative Stage Air has fairly limited features, so don’t expect to plug in HDMI and optical cables from your gaming console. For that, you should check out our list of best soundbars. The Creative Stage Air keeps it simple, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 with the SBC codec and 3.5mm input. It has a few annoying quirks, like automatically turning off to save power after 15 minutes of non-usage, but overall, it’s a solid option for the price, even if it’s a bit older.

You can’t beat the value of the Soundcore Select 4 Go

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is all about value.

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is a solid pick for anyone after an affordable Bluetooth speaker for personal listening or small get-togethers. With an IP67 rating, it’s perfect for the beach, the shower, or wherever your day takes you. What really sets it apart is its customization—thanks to a 9-band EQ in the Soundcore app, it’s one of the most flexible budget speakers out there when it comes to tuning the sound to your liking.

Additionally, the Select 4 Go boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, which is more than enough for a few days of casual listening. It includes a built-in loop for attaching a carabiner and offers flexible placement options, with four rubber feet on the bottom that let you use it as an upward-firing speaker. Just keep in mind: while you don’t need to spend a lot to get solid sound, that value doesn’t always extend to build quality. The Select 4 Go feels durable for the price, but it doesn’t quite match the more rugged construction of the JBL Clip 5.

The Amazon Echo Pop is a great, cheap smart speaker

Its small size makes the Echo Pop a great desk companion.

If you are looking for a cheap and easy entry to the smart home world, the Amazon Echo Pop is a good starting point. It also makes for a great addition to an existing Alexa smart home setup, as you could buy a couple of these speakers and place them in various rooms around your house.

With full Alexa integration, a sleek modern design, and decent sound, the Amazon Echo Pop packs a ton of bang for your buck. There’s no display and limited volume, but the Echo Pop is a no-brainer for the price of $39.99 and the fact that you can usually find it on sale for less than half of that.

Best cheap Bluetooth speakers: Notable mentions

It’s easy to find a home for the Soundcore Motion 300 in the wild.

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) (): The smart home is more relevant than ever, and companies are rapidly expanding with a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) product ideas. Anyone with multiple devices will benefit from the hands-free voice controls of the new Echo Dot (5th Gen).
• Anker Soundcore Motion 300 (): The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly audio adventure companion. Featuring an IPX7 protection rating and decent sound in a durable, compact package, you don’t have to think twice before tossing this speaker into your backpack or gear bin for a weekend getaway.
• Anker Soundcore Flare 2 (): Gain all the features of the Flare Mini, but with more powerful drivers, Soundcore app control, dual LED halo lighting, and better sound quality at a price tag slightly above $50.
• JBL Clip 4 (): Although the Clip 5 is out and has more features, the Clip 4 is still a solid buy for less money.
• Sony SRS-XB13 (): The “XB” in the product’s name stands for Extra Bass, delivering a powerful low-end in a compact form factor. An IP67 rating also ensures that the party will go on for 16 hours, no matter where you take this speaker. Occasionally, you can nab it for under $50.
• Tribit StormBox Micro (): This one is set to compete with the JBL Clip series, by sporting the same IP67 rating and a small form factor you can attach to a bike.

What you should know about budget Bluetooth speakers

What is a Bluetooth codec?

Represented is the max transfer rate (kbps) of each respective Bluetooth codec (greater is better). Each waveform depicts a transfer rate of 100 kbps.

Just like wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers use specific Bluetooth codecs to determine how files are transmitted from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). Different codecs produce different amounts of latency when streaming, and the most common of those that have the lowest latency and the highest streaming quality are aptX and AAC if you’re an iOS user. With that said, many Bluetooth speakers only use the basic SBC codec, which can mean you might have some latency when using the speaker to watch videos.

What are IP ratings?

The speaker can be placed directly in the pool and float about.

Plenty of these speakers come with some level of water resistance, so it’s worth understanding what those IP (Ingress Protection) ratings actually mean. IP ratings indicate how well a product resists dust and water. You’ll often see something like IPX4, where the X is a placeholder indicating the product hasn’t been tested for dust resistance. If you want a speaker that can handle dust and full water submersion, look for at least an IP67 rating or higher—that’s the standard for rugged, outdoor-ready gear.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The Charge 6 is beach-ready with its IP68 protection rating.

We maintain and update this site every day, and together, we bring decades of hands-on experience in the audio world. We test as many products as possible ourselves to give you clear, direct comparisons that actually matter.

We treat this list as a living document and update it regularly. If your favorite budget speaker didn’t make the cut, let us know—we’re always open to feedback. Our goal is to help you make smarter buying decisions, and none of our writers profit from recommending one product over another.

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The world has moved to USB-C as a common connector

The world of 2025 is not the same as it was in 2018 when we were first introduced to the idea of listening to audio over a USB connection. At the time, there were all sorts of issues surrounding the fragmentation of a connector meant to be “universal,” and larger companies decided to pour most of their efforts into wireless headphones instead. For whatever reason, probably cost, most manufacturers that gave USB-C the time of day made earbuds instead of headphones that could double up as wireless and wired. As many people didn’t have phones with the connector, many of these models hit the market and disappeared quickly.

The USB-C port is there, just equip it to handle data, dummies.

Apple’s devices all used the now-defunct Lightning connector, and Android devices took a couple years to migrate from microUSB to USB-C. Even when you did get a device with USB-C, some phones wouldn’t cooperate with headphones that weren’t from the same manufacturer, and the vast majority of USB-C personal audio products were cheap earbuds. Only JBL, and a handful of established brands even attempted to make mass-market USB-C gear, and those ended up not sticking around for long.

But everything’s changed now.

Over the years, several companies quietly added USB audio capability to popular headphones, and you may actually already own a pair. Through little fanfare, many headsets added the capability as the headphone jack disappeared first from smartphones, and then wireless headphones. If you don’t have to include a TRRS jack in your headphones, then why bother? It’s free savings! Most dongles are plugged into a USB-C port anyway, so why not skip the part where you need to plug in a second floppy cable?

When the EU forced its landmark decision to force portable electronics manufacturers to adopt USB-C as a common connector, Android had long since fully moved over to it, and wireless headphones had already started adopting USB-C as more than a charging port. After the grace period expired, portable device manufacturers had to make a choice: switch to USB-C, or risk losing access to the EU market. Apple, the last major holdout, made the change; USB-C was everywhere. Eventually, Apple also added USB-C wired listening to its AirPods Max headphones.

Apple’s AirPods Max even offers USB-C audio.

As of publish, Sennheiser, JLab, JBL, Apple, Shure, Google, and more have headphones that offer USB-C lossless audio. And it was made easier by the fact that wireless headphones have pretty much all the necessary guts to handle this task. None of these companies sit shoulder to shoulder with the anonymous brands of Amazon dreck; they’re household names.

The infrastructure is largely there already

Music remains in digital form across the cable with a USB Type-C headphones. But it requires more components than a 3.5mm cable — components wireless headphones mostly already have.

Believe it or not, wireless headphones come packed with most of the hardware necessary to make USB-C audio work. Unlike analog headphones like the Sennheiser HD 600, wireless headphones need to receive a digital signal, decode it, convert it to an analog one, and send it along to the bits of your headphones that make sound. While there’s some variation on what companies decide to stuff into their products, the main thing standing in the way of wireless headphones being able to take in a wired digital signal is adding a signal path to the DAC/amp assembly from the USB assembly. From there, the rest of the components are in place.

Even inexpensive headphones offer USB audio nowadays.

This sounds a bit oversimplified, and it is; there are lots of costs and problems to solve associated with even making minor changes to a manufacturing process. However, when so many companies have figured out how to do this — and cheaply, I might add — it stops being okay to be the laggard peddler of incomplete products. The world has moved onto a connector that enables listeners’ headphones to act as their own sound card, and without the performance compromises of wireless. If a company spurns that advantage for some savings, it’s limiting the pool of potential buyers for little upside.

USB wired audio offers true lossless, where wireless doesn’t (yet)

What is the point of the entire signal chain between the source device and headphones? To get your music to your headphones in a state that’s as unaltered as possible — at least, not altered unintentionally. USB audio can, and it brings a bit-perfect stream of data to the headphones to decode and play back.

You may not want to use wired audio on the bus, but it's nice to have when you're at the computer or chilling on the couch, right?

By allowing your headphones to handle this, you can avoid all the issues introduced by the mishmash of analog gear you’ve acquired over the years. Over USB, the signal is digital until the headphones themselves convert it to analog in the way they want to, so there’s little opportunity for interference, impedance mismatches, or other garbage making your sound worse than it should be. Unlike your traditional headphone jack, headphones using USB don’t fall victim to crappy gear because they handle all of the responsibilities once shouldered by your phone, computer, or other source.

Even the wireless headphones with a TRS plug can sometimes sound worse than they should. Because the analog signal path often bypasses the DSP on your headphones when used in passive mode, it can’t take advantage of what the headphones’ electronics have to offer. If you’ve ever wondered why your ANC headphones sound worse when you use them wired, this is probably the reason why.

Streaming services can give you access to lossless music, so why not get what you’re paying for?

But not everyone cares about this. In fact, the war between wired and wireless was won long ago by people who preferred the convenience of not having a cable dangling from their ears to the performance of having higher-quality audio. It doesn’t matter that wireless can’t do true lossless transmission just yet, even if it’s just over the horizon. However, few phones on the market currently offer much in the way of competing with wired lossless audio for the people that care about such things. For example, many Samsung phones with the requisite hardware for Snapdragon Sound simply don’t support the best capabilities it offers, and the Samsung Codecs that replace it only work with Samsung products.

For at least the next few years, there’s a real benefit to having headphones that can work while wired. It’s better than just having a backup connection method. You may not want to use wired audio on the bus, but it’s nice to have when you’re at the computer or chilling on the couch, right?

Dollars are getting harder to come by

And now, let’s face the fact that the future doesn’t look all that great, economically speaking, anyway. Prices are going to skyrocket on a lot of goods, including headphones. Headphones will assuredly see collapsing sales figures as consumers attempt to figure out what will last them several years, and plan for maintaining a product for many times longer than they do now. I say that because wired audio allows you to skip the nonsense associated with wireless for a while, and even the analog passthrough will also allow you to limp along for a greater period of time when your battery life starts to go to crap after a couple years.

When costs go up, fewer people are willing to compromise.

It won’t be today, or even tomorrow, but soon, people are going to have to start changing how they look at buying items like headphones. Product longevity — both in feature relevance and durability — is more critical in times of scarcity. Gone are the days when you can simply grab something on the cheap from AliExpress or Amazon when your cans break (if you’re in the US). With price hikes and tariffs the way they are, even casual consumers are going to have to be more careful with how they spend their money when it comes to wireless headphones in particular.

With the risks of buying “wrong” becoming so great, not offering an alternate connection method like USB audio is going to be one of those features that can convince someone to look elsewhere, even if they don’t use that feature all that often. If you have to spend a significantly higher price for the same headphones, are you going to accept that they’ll die in two years, or are you going to consider buying a set that could last you longer for a similar amount of money?

When so many companies have figured out how to do this, it stops being okay to be the laggard peddler of incomplete products.

If you buy a brand-new JLab JBuds Lux ANC, Apple AirPods Max, or JBL Tour One M3, you could extend the life of your headphones quite a bit. But the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra? Not so much. And the latter two headphones cost more than the JBL or JLab options, too. So, the frugal shopper will have an easier time deciding between these headsets when protecting their money is on the line. If you’re a headphone company and you want your wireless headphones to compete, omit USB-C wired audio at your own risk.