The argument between wired speakers and their wireless or Bluetooth counterparts is always settled by your needs. For someone who needs a portable speaker for outdoor use, ease of listening to music with friends, and hands-free phone calls, the best bet is to go with a Bluetooth speaker.
If you are working on a budget of between a hundred and 200 bucks, you can get a very decent speaker set that may also give the powerful high-end Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker which costs over 400 bucks a run for its money. On the 100 to 200 price range, our recommended overall best is the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, our Editor’s choice is the Bose SoundLink Flex, while our best, based on affordability, is Tribit StormBox Bluetooth Speaker.
How we made our pick
To arrive at our best Bluetooth speakers, we have outlined some of the most important things you will need to look out for when picking a great performing speaker, as well as the make and performance amongst other things.
In the process, we have gone through hundreds of Bluetooth speakers online with an emphasis on their functionality, durability, and performance, sinking in very long unending hours.
What you should look out for before picking a Bluetooth speaker
When picking the right Bluetooth speaker, there are a number of things that you must consider even on a low-budget piece.
The very first thing you must consider is the battery life. The battery life of a Bluetooth set is almost as good as the set itself. While your need for a speaker will determine the kind of battery life you should aim for, we do not recommend a battery life that is less than 8 hours. If you are an outdoor person, you should consider getting more than 10 hours of battery life on a Bluetooth speaker.
Another thing worth considering is the quality of the build which will decide its durability and then its audio performance, and portability. The range, distortion, and availability of a microphone or the lack of it are all other things worth considering.
The Frequency response accuracy is another thing not to ignore. Audiophiles indicate that a good speaker can produce a range of sound, from 20Hz to 20kHz.
One last thing is the Bluetooth version. While anything from 4.0 is good, the latest Bluetooth versions such as 5.0, 5.1, and even above are better.
In her post, Upbeatgeek’s Melanie Townsend suggested other things such as smartness, waterproofing, and driver size amongst other things.
Types of Bluetooth Speakers
There are different ways that you can classify a Bluetooth speaker. This may be based on the portability and size, the sound that it is produced, or even the Bluetooth codec.
You can go for the AAC Bluetooth codec, SBC, or even the aptX. While AAC is best for Apple users, the aptX is best for Android users and the SBC is similar to the AAC, which is the best of the three.
Best Bluetooth Speakers From 100 to 200 Dollars
1. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3- Over Best
The UE Boom 3 is one speaker that is in its own class. Let’s make it clear that it doesn’t offer everything under the sun (nothing does), but it delivers most of the things you will want in a Bluetooth speaker set.
According to Ultimate Ears, this piece is indestructible. While we don’t know for that, it is true that it is a highly durable piece that is tough enough to last a very long time or even a lifetime. It is kitted with the IP67 water and dustproof rating which means that it can survive being put underwater for up to 30 minutes. And yes, it also floats.
More so, the UE Boom 3 delivers a great audio output which is even made better by its 360° Sound experience. If you are a lover of outdoor parties, this will serve you thanks to its battery that can last for close to 20 hours after a single charge.
Features
- The Maximum Sound Level is 90dBC
- Its Frequency Range is 60Hz – 20kHz.
- Bluetooth connectivity range 150 ft
- Bluetooth version 4.2
- The MEGABOOM features an immersive 360° sound.
- It is kitted with a two-tone fabric that promises durability and adds to its beauty.
- The speaker comes with an IP67 water and dustproof rating
- It has a Magic Button that makes it easy for you to play, pause, and skip tracks on the speaker itself.
- It features a POWER UP charging dock with which you can charge wirelessly, although it is sold separately.
Pros
- The audio production is great
- It is portable, durable, and beautiful
- Wireless charging is available
- The piece can connect to 150 other UE speakers via the app
Cons
- Not the best bass out there
- It doesn’t have the best user interface
Verdict
This piece is a solid speaker if you are looking for something to last long and still deliver good sound. However, if you need a speaker that will deliver very strong bass, this may not be what you are looking for.
2. JBL Flip 6 – Best Affordable
When it comes to affordability, our pick will be the JBL Flip 6 which happens to also be very functional. This piece is more than just a single thing in one. One of the first things you will notice about this is that it has a very strong build which delivers a promise to last long. More so, it comes with a dust and waterproof body.
Like most other speakers from JBL, the audio production is very good and it gives more power for bass if that is something you are looking for.
For environment-friendly individuals, the speaker is designed with Eco-friendly material to make it recyclable.
Features
- 63 Hz – 20k Hz Frequency
- SBC Codec
- Using the PartyBoost, you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers
- You get 12 hours of playtime when fully charged
- It has IP67 waterproof and dustproof.
- 5.1 Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- It is affordable and has great sound
- The speaker is designed to last a long time
- Long battery life and quick charge
- With 11 distinct color options, you can get whatever works for you
Cons
- The bass is not strong
- JBL could have made it louder
Verdict
For the price and size, this is a very good piece for anyone who wants to spend very little and still get quality sound, durability, and portability. If you are willing to spend more, we will recommend the JBL 5.
3. Bose SoundLink Flex- Editor’s Choice
First of the two Bose SoundLink speakers you will find on the list, the Flex is an outdoor portable Bluetooth speaker that is many things all in one. That is why it is our editor’s choice and a top pick for many.
It is beautifully designed and made to last a very long time. Designed to resist corrosion and UV light, it has a dust and Waterproof rating of IP67.
Like most other speakers from Bose, the audio quality of this piece is one thing that one cannot question easily. It delivers a very clear, deep, and detailed sound for a piece that is priced below 200 bucks.
Other great things that you get with this include 12 hours of life per charge, an inbuilt microphone, and a Siri or Google assistant.
Features
- Bluetooth range of up to 30 ft (9 m)
- Bluetooth version of 4.2
- The battery can last for up to 12 hours
- It comes with the PositionIQtechnology which automatically detects the position of your portable Bluetooth speaker for optimal sound
- Dust and a waterproof rating of IP67
- Has a Built-in microphone
- Supports the Bose Connect app which opens you up to more features.
Pros
- Value for your bucks
- It comes with great looks and good quality
- The speaker has many features that are very good
- It is easy to use.
Cons
- The bass may be too much for some people.
- Its Bluetooth range is not the best.
Verdict
More than the good sound it delivers and the fact that it will last a long time for you, this is one of the most complete speakers you will find at this price range. It is also for you if you are looking for a hands-free speaker.
4. JBL Charge 5
The JBL Clip Series may not make the top pick for many people, but the JBL Charge 5 is one that is worth making any list in the 100 to 200 price range.
The piece is not the most portable Bluetooth speaker out there, but considering that it comes with its casing and is kitted with IP67 waterproof as well as a power bank and a battery life that it advertised to reach 20 hours, but falls short of this by more than 5 hours.
This big bold speaker produces great sound and allows you to connect two smartphones at the same time.
Features
- It has a dustproof and the IP67 waterproof rating – this means it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of tap water for up to 30 minutes.
- PARTYBOOST FEATURE which allows you to pair two PartyBoost (this is through the JBL Portable app).
- It can be connected via Bluetooth and USB, although the USB connection is only for charging
- The speaker comes with a casing
- There is a 20-hour battery life promise.
- Bluetooth version 5.1.
Pros
- It is a durable piece that can last many years.
- Excellent sounds output
- The JBL has a very good battery life
- It is rather affordable.
Cons
- It is not the most portable piece out there
- The speaker doesn’t have a microphone.
Verdict
If what you are looking for is a performing Bluetooth speaker for an unending outdoor pool party, or something with great sound and durable build, then this may just be the pick. One thing to note is that if you are looking for something for a hands-free call, this will not serve since it doesn’t have a microphone.
5. Anker Soundcore Motion+
The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is one speaker that is worth its salt, even though it is not as expensive as others on the list. This portable Bluetooth speaker set has been praised for its great sound output, its portable build, and other amazing features.
Like most other Anker Bluetooth speakers, this has a resistance rating of IPX7 Waterproof and while it is not the most durable piece on this list, we will still bet on it to last long. The battery life will stretch to over 12 hours, which is rather decent.
One more thing to note about this is that you can connect using both Bluetooth and aux cable and you can pair two Motion+ speakers and control them from a single device.
Features
- It has a frequency range that stretches from 50 Hz to 40 kHz
- Has an IPX7 waterproof rating
- 12-Hour playtime
- It comes with an apTX codec
- Comes with a solid 5.0 Bluetooth version
Pros
- It is very affordable
- The woofer speaker delivers very good bass.
- This Anker piece comes with many features that are amazing.
Cons
- There are speakers on the list that are more durable.
- The dual connection may not be very solid.
Verdict
It is clear that this may not be as great as others on the list, but it is still good if you are looking for something that delivers something that is decent without costing you too much.
6. Tribit StormBox Blast Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Tribit StormBox Blast Portable Bluetooth Speaker is one that is very exciting in both its appearance and function. The very first thing you will realize is that it is on the hefty side of portable speakers. Nonetheless, it more than makes up for that with its good audio output and the other things it brings to the table.
Because of its size and looks, you will expect it to have a strong bass and loud sound; that is exactly what you will get. What makes it even more interesting is that while it can go loud, you will hardly get any distortion.
It is designed to last long, survived being submerged in water, and be beautiful with its colorful LED lighting.
Features
- Bluetooth version 5.3
- It has a frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz
- 30 hours battery life
- The StormBox Blast has a dust and waterproof rating of IPX7, which means it can survive 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for 30 minutes.
- It comes with 32 Led Lights that sync to the Beats
- The speaker has two 30W Midwoofers that enhance the bass and two 15W Tweeter.
Pros
- This is a speaker to use for a very long time
- Beautiful and adds color to your party with its LED light.
- Great sound output and strong bass.
- It delivers more than enough battery life of up to 30 hours
- It can be used as a power bank.
Cons
- It can take up more space than others and it is very heavy
- It only supports the default SBC codec.
Verdict
If you are a lover of heavy music and won’t mind a hefty speaker, this will work just well for you.
7. Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Marshall Emberton is one great Bluetooth speaker that not many people talk about. With a beautiful and simple design, it is, as the name suggests, a portable piece. The durability of the speaker is another thing that one cannot ignore, looking at how it is built and its dust and a waterproof rating of IPX7.
It also has a good audio output but while Marshall indicated that it delivers 360 sound, you will not get it as much as many others that are designed with 360 in mind. It has a good battery life that can last up to 20 hours after just a single charge. More so, it has a quick charge feature such that with just an hour charge you can get close to 15 hours of playtime.
Features
- Bluetooth range of 30 feet
- The frequency range of 60-20,000 Hz
- SBC Codec
- Bluetooth version 5.0
- Offers around 20 hours of playtime
- Comes with an IPX7 water-resistance rating
- Good sound thanks to Marshall’s True Stereophonic
- Delivers 360-degree sound.
Pros
- It has a solid design to last a long time.
- The audio production is very rich Long-nonstop play time of close to 20 hours
- It is very easy to set up and use
- Fast charging
Cons
- It disconnects after 10 to 15 minutes of no activity
- The price may be quite high for the product.
Verdict
It is a good option for someone looking for a durable piece that gives a decent output and lasts long while listening. If you are looking for much more, you may consider others on the list.
8. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore
Bang & Olufsen is one of those brands that many believe can never get it wrong. We don’t know if that is true or not, but what we know is that the statement is almost true for the Beosound Explore.
The speaker is a piece that is designed to be portable and durable thanks to its water, dust, and scratch resistance. It is beautifully made to withstand most weather conditions and deliver 360-degree sounds.
One of the things that work in favor of this speaker is its great sound quality, even though it doesn’t get too loud, neither does it sustain the bass.
Features
- Frequency Range of 56-22.700 Hz
- SBC Codec
- Bluetooth Version 5.2
- It gives true 360 sound
- Battery life of more than 27 hours
- Rugged, outdoor-ready design
Pros
- The sound quality is very good
- Battery hour that beats many others
- It has good and easy control
- It is easy to use
Cons
- It is not very affordable
- The speaker is sold separately from the case
- Not strongest bass
Verdict
This speaker is very versatile and if you want to listen to music on the go for unending hours, this may be the one you should go with. If you are rugged and you need something rugged, this is something you should go with. But if you need something for rap music and hip hop, you may as well find something else because the bass is not promised.
9. Sonos Roam
Waiting to see Sonos on the list? It is here with the Roam. This wireless speaker connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. It is undoubtedly one of the beauties on the list, and it delivers some features that are simply amazing.
The Roam is a smart piece that mostly works with WiFi, hence you can easily stream music. It works with the Sonos app as well as Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. The portable and lightweight speaker is also durable and waterproof, which means you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
With the above boxes checked, the next question is- How good is the audio production? Unless you are an audiophile, this speaker will surprise you. It delivers sounds in their precision, although it can go a little limp when the bass is heavy. That is something to expect with most Bluetooth speakers in this price range.
Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Connects with the Sonos App, Airplay 2, and Bluetooth
- It is designed with a shock-absorbent material and for dust and water-resistant is a rating of IP67, which means it can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Battery lasts up to 10 minutes.
- Automatic connectivity.
Pros
- It is beautiful, smart, and durable
- For a small speaker, this delivers a pretty rich sound
- After setup, the connectivity becomes very easy.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best battery life.
- Not the easiest to use
Verdict
If you are out in search of a Bluetooth speaker that is smart, beautiful, and with good connectivity options, this may just be what you are looking for. If you are a Sonos fan, you will enjoy this but if this is your first experience, you may have many questions.
10. Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II)
Not forgetting that this was supposed to be a review of the best Bluetooth speakers from $100 to $200, we decided to have one more added if you don’t mind spending a little more for something worthwhile; the Bose SoundLink Revolve.
There are some companies that will hardly ever disappoint. Bose is on the list. With the SoundLink Revolve, this American company comes up with something that is kitted with both brains ad beauty. The speaker is pleasing to the eye with its unique design and it produces an incredible audio output for the price it goes.
While it is portable, it has a strong sound that doesn’t easily distort. More so, it can withstand dust and water even when it is submerged for as much as 55 minutes, thanks to its IP55 rating. It has an inbuilt microphone, works with voice prompts, has strong and multiple connectivity options, and it allows you to pair two SoundLink speakers together.
Features
- 30 Feet connectivity range
- Bluetooth version: 4.1
- It delivers a true 360° sound effect
- Dust and waterproof with an IP55 rating
- It has Voice prompts options for connecting and allows for the pairing of two devices at a time
- Compatible with Siri/Google Assist.
- You get more options using the Bose Connect App.
Pro
- The Bose SoundLink Revolver is the most complete speaker on the list.
- Its battery life of 13 hours is pretty decent
- The speaker is easy to control.
- It has many amazing features.
Cons
- It is slightly pricier than all others on the list
Verdict
This speaker will have you spending more than all others on the list, but it will be worth it because it is pretty much the best on the list outside of the price range. It gives you everything from great audio output to durability, ease of use, and even a microphone for hands-free calls.
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How to Best Maintain Your Bluetooth Speaker
A good Bluetooth speaker is one of those things that can last you a lifetime, but that depends on how you handle it. The good news is that it doesn’t take too much for you to care for your speaker as everything is pretty much straightforward. Here are some of the things you can do to maintain your portable Bluetooth speaker:
Ensure to always keep your speaker clean:
The first thing you may want to do to improve the longevity of your speaker is to ensure it is always kept clean and away from dust.
Keep it away from adverse temperature
You will also want to keep your speaker from overheating by using a small fan that will keep it always cool. This is because the adverse temperature can damage the speaker and affect your battery in a short time.
Avoid dust and too much water
Although most of the Bluetooth speakers out there come dust and waterproof, this is only to some level. Hence, you will want to note the extent to which yours can withstand water. More so, that it is waterproof does not mean it should be dumped in water and forgotten there. In fact, keeping it away from water is one of the great ways to maintain your speaker.
Follow the maintenance guide for the Bluetooth speaker
The user’s manual comes with instructions on how to clean and maintain your specific speaker set. This is one of the best ways that you can take care of the piece and ensure that it remains in a good shape for a very long time.
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