Bluetooth Speakers In The Test: The Best Portable Boxes In 2020

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:17

The speakers discussed here can be used mobile thanks to the built-in battery, so you can use them for several hours without power. Even if some have a jack socket, the most important source of music and speech is now a wireless connection via Bluetooth (range: approx. 10 meters). Cell phones, tablets, laptops and MP3 players with Bluetooth can be used as source devices.

The price ranges from single-digit euro amounts to the top class, in which 300 euros can be payable for a box. The price depends only partially on the size: Many small Bluetooth speakers can be more expensive than a significantly larger model. Higher costs result from the use of certain housing materials (e.g. aluminum instead of plastic), high-quality components (drivers, amplifiers, batteries), research and development as well as marketing. Basically beats almost any Bluetooth-box from the sound forth the built-in speakers in smartphones or laptops, the purchase is worth so.

placement	product	Street price	offer
Test winner Stiftung Warentest	B&O Beoplay P6	approx. 270 euros	To Amazon
Best large outdoor speaker	JBL Xtreme 2	about 200 euros	To MediaMarkt
Best compact speaker	Teufel Rockster Go	approx. 130 euros	To hell
Price-performance tip for compact loudspeakers	Dockin D Cube	about 80 euros	To Amazon
Best mini bluetooth speaker	Teufel Boomster Go	approx. 100 euros	To Amazon
Value for money mini speakers	JBL Go 2	approx. 25 euros	To Cyberport
Most beautiful bluetooth speaker	Marshall Stockwell 2	approx. 160 euros	To Cyberport
Best Bluetooth speaker with 360 degree sound	Bose Portable Home Speaker	approx. 280 euros	To Saturn

BT speakers: look at the bestseller at MediaMarkt

GIGA audio expert Stefan himself used all of the Bluetooth boxes discussed here. You can find detailed test reports on some of the products here on GIGA, which are linked to the respective model. The test samples were made available to us by the manufacturers. In addition, speakers are presented that have received special praise from customers and the specialist press and are recommended for a purchase. The test procedure of the Stiftung Warentest is explained on the corresponding website.

Test winner and recommendations: The best Bluetooth speakers

The test winner of the Stiftung Warentest: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P6

In the Stiftung-Warentest edition 01/2019, the Beoplay P6 from Bang & Olufsen prevailed against all competitors and has been at the top of the list ever since. There is praise for the excellent sound and the good battery life (approx. 17 hours, normal volume). The final grade is "good" (1.7). Just behind in second place in the test field was the Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus (around 200 euros)

The Danish noble speaker Beoplay P6 des is clearly to be assigned to the upper class, so the manufacturer himself demands a whopping 400 euros (RRP) - luckily, the offers in retail are significantly cheaper and are currently around 270 euros. The customer ratings on Amazon are good 4.3 out of stars. Here, too, users emphasize that the P6 has an above-average sound quality. It is best to get a suitable case for transport to protect the aluminum housing from scratches and dents.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P6

Now from € 246.11 at Amazon Similar offer at Mediamarkt Similar offer at Otto Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-23-07 05:52 p.m.

Advantages:

• Very good sound
• Exemplary workmanship

Disadvantage:

• No jack socket
• somewhat heavy (996 grams)

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P6 at Amazon

The best big outdoor bluetooth speaker: JBL Xtreme 2

Many speakers are waterproof and robust, including the JBL Xtreme 2 for 299 euros (RRP) *. Its peculiarity lies in the unique combination of fat sound and a cool boombox look, which comes into its own when you casually hang the "tube" around with the included shoulder strap. In the GIGA test, we assigned a rating of 84 percent.

JBL Xtreme 2 Bluetooth speakers

Now from € 189.00 at Amazon Similar offer at Cyberport Similar offer at Mediamarkt Price can now be higher. Price from 24.07.2020 10:11 a.m.

Advantages:

• Can play loud and punchy. Ideal for summer vacation at the campsite
• 5 color options are available, including stylish camouflage

Disadvantage:

The sound, trimmed for fun, is not for tonal fine spirits

JBL Xtreme 2 on Amazon

Best compact speaker: Teufel Rockster Go

Teufel is a relatively small brand from Berlin that has earned great respect among home cinema fans many years ago with THX surround sets. With successful Bluetooth speakers like the Teufel Boomster (2017), the manufacturer has already shown that it is easy to take on the big names in the field of portable boxes. The Rockster Go costs a reasonable 149 euros (MSRP) and was able to win an impressive 85% in the GIGA test. The 700 gram loudspeaker is robust and waterproof, its fun-filled sound sounds powerful and for the size (21 × 11 × 6 cm, see data sheet) it is extremely loud, if it has to be. The big brother of the Rockster Go is the Rockster Cross, which costs twice as much at € 299 *.

Teufel Rockster Go

Now from € 131.04 at Amazon Similar offer at Otto price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 25.07.2020 12:23 p.m.

Advantages:

• Plays very loudly without distorting - a real powerhouse
• Fits into any backpack with its flat shape
• Robustly built and protected against impact

Disadvantage:

• The striking housing design certainly does not meet every taste
• Battery life of up to 12 hours is just average

Buy Teufel Rockster Go directly from the manufacturer

Price-performance tip for compact speakers: Dockin D Cube

Most portable boxes have a rounded housing shape. If you prefer the classic format with clear edges for aesthetic or practical reasons, you should take a look at the Dockin D Cube for 99 euros (RRP) *. The housing is cuboid and literally a box. With a size of 17.5 x 10 x 10.3 cm, the D Cube is quite compact and offers an honest sound (clearly radiating to the front), where the details in the music are not neglected. Two Dockin D Cubes can be coupled to a real stereo pair - not many models can do this, usually only multiple boxes can be operated synchronously (e.g. with the Teufel Rockster Go). The Dockin D Cube was awarded second place among six participants at the Stiftung Warentest (08/2019 edition) (grade 2.4 - "good").

Dockin D Cube Bluetooth speaker

Now from € 69.95 on Ebay Similar offer on Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:34 a.m.

Advantages:

• Classic cuboid design and good sound
• Housing is protected against dust and splash water (IP55)
• 3.5mm jack available

Disadvantage:

If the heights are too present, you have to readjust with an equalizer in the playing app

Dockin D Fine Cube on Amazon

The best mini Bluetooth speaker: Teufel Boomster Go

The Teufel Boomster Go for 99 euros (UVP) has earned the rating 86 percent in the GIGA test. The robust box fits into large trouser pockets (e.g. cargo pants) and runs for up to 10 hours on one battery charge. The sound has a slight emphasis on treble and a strong upper bass for the size. All in all, a loudspeaker tuned for listening pleasure, which feels comfortable on the picnic blanket, in the workshop or on a bike. The GoPro-compatible thread (¼ inch) on the back is ideal for fastening. However, the design is not perfect, because the Boomster Go cannot be placed upright, despite its cuboid format.

Teufel Boomster Go

Now from € 79.99 on Ebay Similar offer on Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 28.04.2020 08:48 a.m.

Advantages:

• Lively sound: The sound of the Teufel Boomster Go wakes you up and ensures listening pleasure
• Surprisingly high maximum volume
• Easy operation with rubberized hardware buttons
• Waterproof and shockproof
• Two Boomster Go can be connected to a wireless stereo pair

Disadvantage:

• The slight emphasis on high can be exhausting for some songs and high volume
• No multipoint bluetooth
• Micro-USB instead of USB-C is out of date these days

Teufel Boomster Go at Amazon

Value for money mini speaker: JBL Go 2

If it is not about the highest music enjoyment, but rather about audio books, podcasts or radio news, then a cheap pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker is enough. The likeable-looking JBL Go 2 (dimensions: 7.1 x 8.6 x 3.2 cm, 184 grams) plays in the league, and can last up to 5 hours at a time. In terms of sound, it can easily beat most speakers built into smartphones and is a useful small purchase in this way. For the previous model, the JBL Go, you will find a detailed test report on GIGA.

JBL GO 2 small music box

Now from € 25.33 at Amazon Similar offer at Cyberport price comparison price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 01:00 a.m.

Advantages:

• Very compact dimensions and good sound for the size. Particularly suitable for talk shows ("talk radio" e.g. podcasts, radio plays)
• Low price

Disadvantage:

The small housing volume sets natural limits for the sound, especially with the bass - if you want to experience music in all its diversity, you have to get a significantly larger model

JBL Go 2 on Amazon

The most beautiful Bluetooth speaker: Marshall Stockwell II

Design is a matter of taste, no question at all. Nevertheless, one can assume: If 10 people see the Marshall Stockwell II, 9 of them will say: "This is a nice Bluetooth speaker!". The design, reminiscent of the 1960s, the successful proportions, the high-quality workmanship - this box for 199 euros (RRP) * is simply a feast for the eyes. The sound is warm and natural, thanks to the rear emitter also for those who sit behind the Stockwell II. The chic knobs for volume, treble and bass top off the experience.

Marshall Stockwell II

Now from € 144.50 at Amazon Similar offer at Cyberport Similar offer at Notebook Cheap price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:54 a.m.

Advantages:

• Vintage design in perfection, beautiful knobs for volume and sound
• Rich sound, goes well with rock music and live recordings

Disadvantage:

Getting used to: Volume can be adjusted separately on the smartphone and the box. Both controls must be turned up for the maximum level

Marshall Stockwell II on Amazon

The best 360 degree Bluetooth speaker: Bose Portable Home Speaker

All- round sound has its advantages, for example when the speaker is in the middle of a table or when a convivial group has gathered on a picnic blanket. The particularly high-quality Bose Portable Home Speaker for 370 euros (RRP) * with the GIGA test rating of 85 percent emits music in all directions and is therefore particularly suitable for these situations. As the name suggests, the Portable Home Speaker from Bose is a WLAN speaker (supports e.g. AirPlay 2), which can also be taken outdoors thanks to the integrated battery (then playback via Bluetooth). A technically very similar competitor would be the Sonos Move.

Bose Portable Home Speaker - with built-in Alexa voice control

Now from 283.36 € at Otto Similar offer at Amazon Similar offer at Saturn Price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 01:10 a.m.

Advantages:

• Rich sound, sounds in all directions around the box
• Good workmanship, practical handle

Disadvantage:

• 360-degree sound speakers are not always easy to set up in rooms, since ideally they need a little distance from the wall
• Stably built, but not as shockproof as a suitably protected outdoor speaker

Bose Portable Home Speaker at Amazon

These Bluetooth speakers are particularly popular in Germany:

Start photo gallery (12 photos)

Buying Bluetooth speakers: what you need to know

Sound and volume

The basic rule is that housing volume cannot be replaced by anything. With digital signal processing, manufacturers can get the maximum sound out of small dimensions - but in the end, a party-ready box with a decent amount of bass does require a certain size. With a fist-sized cube you certainly won't get a living room into a dance mood, with a boom box the size of a shoe box, you will.

Real stereo sound

Dockin D Cubes set of 2 at Amazon

Spacious sound from two sides? If some manufacturers promise an “impressive stereo panorama” with just one box, then one should be skeptical. Spatial stereo sound requires two speakers that are at least an arm's length apart. With a compact box, it doesn't matter if it only outputs mono (left and right channels combined into one) - a broad “stage” with instruments on the left and right side would not be possible anyway. Some Bluetooth speaker models can be connected to a stereo pair (usually two identical boxes are required, e.g. 2 x Dockin D Fine +). For home use, we also recommend WLAN speakers such as Sonos One or Apple's HomePod (stereo pair with Airplay 2), which are specially designed for this.

charge the battery

Newer models have the twist-proof USB-C socket, just like current smartphone models. The older micro USB socket is not yet extinct, but in some households the newly acquired Bluetooth speaker could already be the last gadget to be charged with it. Most models with a USB connection can also be "refueled" on the go with a powerful power bank *. Some of the very large Bluetooth speakers can only be charged with the included power adapter (e.g. JBL Xtreme 2 with 19 V). We recommend to pay attention to the built-in connection before buying a box and to include this in the purchase decision.

Power bank function

Some Bluetooth speakers like the Teufel Rockster Cross for around 300 euros * have a "power bank function". This means that they can deliver energy themselves via a USB connection, for example to a smartphone, which is then recharged (of course at the expense of the loudspeaker battery).

aptX and aptX HD

The higher the data rate for Bluetooth transmission, the better the sound quality - as far as the theory goes. Some manufacturers advertise their BT speakers by saying that thanks to aptX HD (or LDAC or Samsung HD) they offer a sound that cannot be distinguished from an audio CD. In practice, however, the difference in quality compared to conventional transmission (Bluetooth SBC) or the AAC preferred by Apple is barely noticeable for most Bluetooth speakers. The source (e.g. Spotify with 320 kbit / s vs. Internet radio with 48 kbit / s) and the layout have a stronger influence on the sound.

Multipoint Bluetooth

If you use several players alternately (e.g. 2 cell phones or 1 cell phone and 1 tablet), you will be pleased with a function called Multipoint Bluetooth. This means that the speaker can be connected to two sources at the same time. You can then hear the device on which the play button was last pressed. This "flying change" saves the detour via the Bluetooth menu of the playback device.

LG PK7 on Amazon

Speakerphone

There are situations in which a speakerphone function is useful. In order for this to be possible, a microphone must be installed in the Bluetooth speaker. Think of a telephone call with many participants on one side, who all want to listen in and have a say. It is also conceivable to use the hands-free system in the car if you have stowed the box safely beforehand and paired it with your cell phone.

Bose Soundlink Mini II Special Edition at MediaMarkt

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Most Bluetooth speakers do not support WiFi. But there are also exceptions such as the portable Libratone Zipp 2 (street price 200 euros), which also accepts music with Apple's Airplay 2. In addition, some stationary WLAN multi-room speakers can also receive Bluetooth, such as the Bose Home Speaker 500 (street price 330 euros) - on the other hand, it lacks the battery, it is only intended for use in apartments.