The 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers For Parties in 2023

Specs

• Weight: 37.26 lbs
• Dimensions: 14.44 x 12.32 x 27.28 inches
• Power: 250W
• IP rating: IPX4
• Battery Life: 25 hours
• Physical Inputs: 1/8″ and 1/4″ TRS, USB input

The Sony SRS-XP700 is a somewhat large and bulky Bluetooth speaker, but it has a unique design that supports both vertical and horizontal placement. Luckily, there are a couple of strong handles on either side of the speaker.

The device has an IP rating of IPX4, so you don’t need to worry about somebody spilling their drink atop the speakers. The overall build quality is good but the entire device is primarily built out of plastic. Apart from the matte finish, the entirety of the housing looks cheap and doesn’t feel very sturdy.

This Bluetooth speaker can be connected to a wall outlet so it can operate on AC power. Regardless, this wireless speaker has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 25 hours on a single charge. Thereby making it a great option for the outdoor party as well.

The controls are located on the top of the speakers and it is very simple and easy to use. There are buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume control, and a bass boost button. The play/pause button is also used for skipping tracks.

At the back of the speaker system, there are three other buttons for battery indication, RGB toggling, and “party connect”. (The “party connect” feature supports up to a maximum of 100 compatible speakers.)

The physical inputs are also located at the back. The physical ports include an AC port for power, (a polarized power cable is included) two USB Type-A ports, (one for reverse charging and the other for Flash drives) aux input, (3.5mm stereo or 1/8″ TRS), and two ports for mic input and guitar. (Each with its own volume control knob.)

The overall sound quality is not amazing but it’s accurate and loud enough for a party. The bass is overly emphasized, especially with the bass boost on. The mids and highs are somewhat stable but are not the most accurate.

Specs

• Weight: 12.30 lbs
• Dimensions: 18.11 x 10.07 x 8.46 inches
• Power: Unspecified
• IP rating: IP66
• Battery Life: 30 hours

The Sony XG500 has a somewhat cylindrical shape and it is meant to be placed horizontally. (It has rubber bushes on the base so it doesn’t roll over when lying flat.) The design gives it a very premium look and feels to it with the plastic body wrapped around in a fabric lining.

This party speaker is very portable. It’s not very large like other devices and there’s a handle built-in to the speaker system so it’s very easy to carry around “single-handedly”.

Another great aspect of this device is the waterproof and dustproof IP rating. The device is rated at IP66 and therefore won’t have any problem with anybody spilling drinks or splashing water from the pool.

The controls are quite decent and have a simple and easy-to-use design. There are buttons for power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume control, and bass boost.

You can skip tracks by either double pressing or triple pressing the play/pause button. There are also indicator lights near the power button that flashes when the speaker needs to recharge.

There are several physical input options in the I/O panel of this portable Bluetooth speaker. There are DC connectors for power, (for charging the device using the included DC adapter) Two USB Type-A ports, (one for charging and the other for media) a 1/8″ TRS connector, and microphone input (also guitar) with an adjustable volume knob.

There are also several buttons for party connect, battery level indication (via audio), RGB toggle, and mic/guitar input toggle.

This speaker can generate somewhat accurate quality sound. Even the best speakers in this niche have trouble maintaining the low-end bass and this Sony XG500 is no exception. Nonetheless, the rest of the bass frequency does a decent job.

Like many other affordable Bluetooth headphones, the mids are surprisingly accurate, but the highs tend to be a little shallower than expected. Luckily, it’s not too noticeable, especially for casual listeners.

Specs

• Weight: 20lbs
• Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.19 x 16.42 inches
• Power: 120W
• IP rating: Unspecified
• Battery Life: No battery, requires direct power.

The Sony XB72 is a large party speaker. It doesn’t look quite high-tech like many of the other speakers on this list but the RGB light strip manages to keep things interesting.

The housing of this speaker system is built from hard plastic which makes it lightweight and durable. However, the speaker isn’t particularly sturdy and there is no official IP rating for this device.

Also, the speaker grille is made of metal but it’s not the strongest and most likely won’t protect the drivers from too much damage.

In terms of portability, this party speaker isn’t the most portable because it takes up a significant amount of space. (Despite weighing only 20lbs.) Fortunately, this is a great speaker that can be placed either vertically or horizontally when playing music. Also, there are handles built-in to the sides of the device.

Surprisingly, the control scheme is very good. There are dedicated buttons for changing tracks, increasing/decreasing volume, playing/pausing music, and even activating voice assistants. There are also several other button combinations for switching between input sources, party mode and even switching between audio presets.

This portable sound system doesn’t have the best sound quality but it does a decent job of managing the bass and mids. The treble can come out a little weak, but other than that, this is a great option for your next party. (As long as the power doesn’t run out.)

Also, for better bass, you can combine this with a wireless subwoofer and create an amazing party atmosphere.

Specs

• Weight: 13lbs
• Dimensions: 12.76 x 9.33 x 21.97 inches
• Power: 160W
• IP rating: IPX7
• Battery Life: 24 Hours

The JBL Boombox 2 which is only under $500 has an easy-to-carry portable design. It’s a cylindrical-shaped outdoor Bluetooth speaker that is meant to be placed horizontally. The device is made of hard plastic with a tight fabric lining protecting the drivers. It is also included in our previous list of the six best party speakers.

There is an in-built handle running the full length of the speakers. It’s very strong and makes it very easy for storage and transportation. The enclosure of the speakers is IPX7 rated and will pose no problems for your outdoor party.

Unfortunately, JBL could have done a better job with the controls on this party speaker. There are buttons for power, play/pause, volume control, Bluetooth and party connect. (for stereo sound with another compatible speaker.) However, the control scheme isn’t very intuitive and the tactile feedback isn’t great.

There is the option to skip ahead to the next track (by double pressing the play/pause button) but no option for going back to replay the previous track.

The battery is quite good though. This portable Bluetooth speaker can keep playing music for around 23 hours on a single charge. Also, there are power output USB ports for charging your phone or iPod.

Although the speakers cannot get very loud, it has a great sound system with very accurate mids and highs. The bass is quite good but like many other devices, it does lack the low-end bass.

Also, you won’t have the chance to change the equalizer or sound presets on this device because of the support software, the JBL portable app. This application only offers the settings for “party connect” mode.

Specs

• Weight: 16.5lbs
• Dimensions: 23.62 x 12.36 x 14.45 inches
• Power: 100W
• IP rating: IPX4
• Battery Life: 6 hours

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go has a rectangular design with a premium-looking matte black finish. The party speaker is meant to be placed horizontally so that the controls can be laid out in the top panel.

The device is very lightweight and composed entirely of plastic with metal grilles to protect the speakers. It isn’t a huge sound system but it can be difficult to carry around if you don’t hook it up to the included shoulder strap.

This device has an IPX4 rating, which isn’t the best, but for most indoor settings, it will do just fine.

The control setup on this sound system is quite decent. There are buttons for power, changing the volume, Bluetooth connectivity, and many more. Fortunately, this JBL portable Bluetooth speaker has the option to skip tracks in both directions. (Using either double or triple taps on the play/pause button.)

A unique feature of this device is the included wireless microphone. It’s a great addition for impromptu karaoke nights at your next party.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the best Bluetooth party speaker for partying till the sun comes down. Primarily because the continuous playback time of this device is limited to 4.5 hours. (With 2 hours of charging time.) Therefore, you are better off using this sound system when it is wired to a wall outlet.

It could have been a great outdoor option if it managed to include solar panels like the ones listed out on our solar-powered Bluetooth speakers list.

Like many speakers on this list, the sound quality is pretty decent. The mids and highs don’t have the best-balanced sound but it’s clear and accurate enough for most situations. The bass is also not perfect, but it’s very good and worth the price.

However, the distortion at higher volumes can be a problem.

Specs

• Weight: 61.29lbs
• Dimensions: 15.7 x 17.2 x 35.6 inches
• Power: 800W
• IP rating: IPX4
• Battery Life: No battery, requires direct power

The JBL Partybox 710 is a very large and expensive party speaker. It’s got a more rectangular shape and usually, the speaker sits up vertically but if required it can also lie horizontally.

The build quality of this speaker system is quite decent. The housing is primarily made out of plastic which keeps things light and the speaker grille is made out of metal.

Regardless, the device is rated at IPX4, so there’s no worry about using it in outdoor conditions as long as it’s not raining cats and dogs outside.

Unfortunately, this device is very big and it is not easy to carry around. There is a small handle but the feature that makes it very easy for transport is the wheels. Apart from that, the device is quite large and I don’t recommend taking it for any outdoor adventures.

Besides, this party speaker doesn’t include a rechargeable battery. So, you’ll always have to connect it to an AC wall outlet for it to work.

The controls are located at the top and the rear. At the top panel, there are buttons for power, Bluetooth, bass boost, and RGB toggle. Also, there are control knobs for bass, treble, and echo as part of the karaoke setup.

At the rear panel, you would find the physical input ports. There’s a USB port, 3.5mm stereo, a microphone input, and guitar input. (each with their own gain controls.)

Despite its size, the audio quality on this party speaker is amazing. Unlike many other devices, the low-bass reproduction is very well done and the mids and highs are also very neutral and accurate. Also, it has very good passive soundstage properties along with (know more about soundstage here) minimal distortion at high volumes.

The portable Bluetooth features on this speaker system are also quite good. There is Bluetooth 5.1 and it has a range of almost 280ft.

The JBL party box app allows you to change the LED lights and set up stereo mode. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an equalizer or audio presets.

Specs

• Weight: 27.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 15 x 6.69 x 21 inches
• Power: 120W
• IP rating: IPX5
• Battery Life: 100 hours

The ION Pathfinder is a cool-looking speaker system with a box-like design. It’s meant to be placed vertically with the controls sitting on the top.

This party speaker is primarily made out of plastic with a metal grille protecting the multiple speakers on the system. The device feels very strong but it is not too heavy. Also, there’s a thin RGB strip on the front running around the front speaker grille.

Unlike many other Bluetooth speakers under $200, this device is not particularly compact. However, because of its square-shaped design, it’s very easy to store and transport. Also, there are two handles on its side along with a retractable telescopic handle which can sometimes be a lifesaver.

The device has an IPX5 rating, thereby rendering it practically water-resistant.

The controls are very straightforward, there are buttons for power, Bluetooth, RGB, bass boost, and managing music. Along with that, there is a large volume control knob.

There is also an FM radio built into this party speaker along with numbered buttons to save your favorite stations. For physical connectivity, there is a reverse charging USB Type-A port and a 1/8″ (3.5mm) connector.

The sound quality is not amazing, but it gets the job done. The mids and highs are decent and accurate but the bass can be a little weak, especially those frequencies at the lower end. Regardless, this is a fine device that will work perfectly for any party.

Specs

• Weight: 58.4lbs
• Dimensions: ‎17.9 x 18.2 x 34.8 inches
• Power: 1500W
• IP rating: Unspecified (advertized as splash-resistant)
• Battery Life: No battery, requires direct power

The Samsung Tower MX-T70 is a very imposing portable speaker. It sits upright like a tripod and the towering structure is built from hard plastic with metal speaker grilles covering up the drivers.

Overall, the device looks well-built. The matte-black finishing gives it a premium look and the RGB lighting is very subtle.

Unfortunately, due to their size, these speakers are not very portable. The system is almost three feet tall and weighs around 58lbs. The two handles on the rear panel make things a little easier, but the unusual shape makes it difficult to carry it in the back of a car.

The controls are pretty nice though. On the top of the speakers, there are buttons for managing the basic controls such as power, volume, input devices, bass, and RGB.

On the rear panel, there are several buttons for Bluetooth pairing and linking with other speakers. Also, there are options for stereo input, (via 1/8″ TRS) two microphones, two pairs of RCA ports for connecting external speakers, and two USB Type-A ports.

Unfortunately, this system does not provide a rechargeable battery. Therefore, you will always need to plug this into your wall outlet before it can start playing music. Therefore, it’s more suited for a permanent location, such as a part of a home recording studio or a home karaoke setup.

The sound quality is not amazing as other options on this list, but it manages to keep the mids and highs somewhat neutral. The bass is okay, but considering the price and other premium features, it could have been better.

Specs

• Weight: 15.4lbs
• Dimensions: ‎11.1 x 9.4 x 13.1 inches
• Power: 160W
• IP rating: Unspecified
• Battery Life: 10 hours

The Bose S1 Pro has a familiar box-shaped speaker design. The housing is entirely built out from lightweight plastic with metal grilles covering the drivers.

This is a surprisingly compact and portable device. Even though it has a box-shaped design, there is a handle hidden in the top panel. The system is lightweight and sturdy enough, making it a great option for hosting a party wherever you want.

The battery life is not amazing. Even though 10 hours is good enough for most parties, the 4.5 hours of time spent charging the device is not the most feasible. (Especially when compared to the 10 hours of continuous playback.)

Also, the controls are quite disappointing. There are no buttons to play/pause music or skip through tracks.

The physical input options are also different from many other devices on this list. There are no USB ports. Instead, there are a couple of XLR ports for microphones and a 1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo connector. However, all three inputs have their own reverb, treble, bass, and volume control knobs.

In this device, the audio quality is its main focus. The mids and highs are very accurate and better than most of the other devices within the price range. They give out very accurate and neutral audio.

The lower range of the bass is a little unstable, but other than that, everything else sounds clear and natural.

Specs

• Weight: 13.00 lbs
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 14.33 inches
• Power: 229W
• IP rating: IPX4
• Battery Life: 24 Hours
• Physical Inputs: Optical, 1/8″ TRS, and Reverse Charging USB Type-A.

The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom Bluetooth speaker has a box-shaped design. The plastic housing is wrapped around in a fabric material that gives it a unique texture while also acting as the speaker grille.

This party speaker is meant to be placed vertically and the rigid design makes it feel sturdier than it really is. (Even though the entire thing weighs around 13lbs.)

The device is 14″ tall but because of its rectangular design, it’s very easy to transport. (There is also a carrying strap that makes it even easier.)

To add to the portability, the device includes an in-built rechargeable battery that can power the speaker for up to 24 hours on a single charge.

The controls are located at the top of the speaker system. They’ve covered most of the essentials such as power, volume control, Bluetooth pairing, switching between inputs, and skipping to the next track. However, there is no option to roll over to the previous track, which is quite odd considering the various control options that are provided.

The sound quality of this portable speaker is pretty good. It isn’t amazing by any means but it gets loud and produces decent sound in the mids and highs.

Unfortunately, the bass is a bit tricky, it’s almost nonexistent at the lower end and even during mid-bass, the audio is not as punchy as you would expect.

Nonetheless, you can customize the equalizer and apply various presets. Also, its support software, The Ultimate Ears app, is perfect for pairing up with other compatible speakers as a stereo pair or as mono speakers. (To cover more ground.)