I’ve learned that first-hand experience is very important when looking for the best speakers for your needs. There are a lot of things to think about whether you want to set the perfect mood for your next barbeque or get a better stereo system for your home.
During my own journey, I’ve learned that most speakers are made to do certain things. For example, do you need speakers to improve the sound from your TV, your computer, or a specific room in your house? Like me, you may have wished for Bluetooth speakers that are easy to take with you on trips and to use outdoors.
If you plan to use the speaker near water, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, some speakers have waterproof designs. You also need to make sure the speakers fit the room. Most speakers require some space to sound their best, so be sure not to buy speakers that are too large for your listening area. This is also good time to consider whether you want bookshelf or floor standing speakers. Larger speakers mean higher volumes but, again, you need the space. Below, we have mentioned best Best Speakers.
Best Speakers Comparison Table
The top features and specs of the best speakers on the market are shown in the comparison table below. It gives a short summary of different speaker models, including their brand, size, power output, frequency response, ways to connect, and other features. The table makes it easy for users to compare important features like Bluetooth compatibility, water resistance ratings, and battery life. This table will help you find the best option based on your preferences and needs, whether you’re an audiophile looking for high-quality sound or a person looking for portable speakers. Check out the table to find the right speakers for your audio needs and to improve the way you listen.
| Speaker | Battery life | Weight | Wireless connectivity | Features | Latest Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony SRS-XB43 | 24 hours | 2.95 kg | Bluetooth 5 | 360-degree sound, Extra Bass, Party Booster, Wireless Party Chain, USB charging | Check Deal |
| JBL Flip 6 | 12 hours | 540 g | Bluetooth 5 | PartyBoost, IP67, 12 hours of playtime | Check Deal |
| Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 | 20 hours | 925 g | Bluetooth 5 | 360-degree sound, Wireless Charging, Waterproof, Dustproof | Check Deal |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ | 16 hours | 1.28 kg | Bluetooth 4.2 | 360-degree sound, SoundLink Wireless Multi-Speaker | Check Deal |
| Sonos Roam | 10 hours | 430 g | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | Portable, Durable, Sound Swap, Stereo Pairing | Check Deal |
| KEF LS50 Meta | 6 hours | 6.5 kg | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | Uni-Q driver array, Spatial Audio, Music Integrity Engine | Check Deal |
| Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 | 10 hours | 7.3 kg | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | Uni-Q driver array, Natural Sound Engine | Check Deal |
| IKEA Symfonisk Speaker | 12 hours | 1.8 kg | Bluetooth 4.2 | Multi-room audio, AirPlay 2 | Check Deal |
| Denon Home 350 Wireless Speaker | 20 hours | 2.9 kg | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | Multi-room audio, AirPlay 2 | Check Deal |
| Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 | 10 hours | 7.3 kg | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | Uni-Q driver array, Natural Sound Engine | Check Deal |
Sony SRS-XB43
Best for computers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 282 x 96 x 94 mm |
| Weight | 910 g |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours |
| IPX7 water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| NFC | Yes |
| Sound | 2-way speaker system with X-Balanced Speaker Units |
| Extra features | PartyBoost, Live Sound, Multi-color LED lights |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The Sony SRS-XB43 is a portable speaker that is well made and can be used in either a horizontal or vertical position. It has lighting that can be changed, and it has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means that it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. Like other Sony speakers we’ve tested, it has ClearAudio+, which is supposed to make the sound field of your speaker fit the music.
Even with EXTRA BASS and Sony ClearAudio+ turned on, the XB43 has an uneven sound profile that makes it hard to make low-bass sounds that thump. It also has a shaky and narrow soundstage. But the Sony Music Center app that goes with it has a graphic EQ that you can use to change the sound to your liking. Thus, this is one of the best speakers you can buy right now.
Pros
- Powerful and punchy bass with Extra Bass feature
- Long-lasting battery life for all-day use
- Rugged design, dustproof, and waterproof for outdoor adventures
Cons
- May be bulky for some users
- Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming services
JBL Flip 6
The best tower speakers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 178 x 72 x 72 mm |
| Weight | 500 g |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| IPX7 water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Extra features | PartyBoost, JBL Signature Sound |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The JBL Flip 6 is the successor to the JBL Flip 5. This Bluetooth speaker is small and portable, and it comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It has an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water, and its removable carrying strap is very useful if you want to take it with you. It’s also a lot more customizable than its predecessor, since you can use the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app to change the way it sounds. Overall, this is one of the best speakers you can buy right now.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Impressive waterproof rating, suitable for poolside use
- Speakerphone functionality for hands-free calls
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
- Lacks advanced features like voice assistants
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
The best all-around speakers, hands down
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 203 x 82 x 82 mm |
| Weight | 965 g |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours |
| IPX7 water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Extra features | 360 Sound, PartyUp, Floats |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is a Bluetooth speaker that you can take with you. It’s great for use outside because the battery life is so long and it has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, though we don’t test for this right now. Overall, it has a boomy sound, but it has trouble making low bass.
But you can change the sound profile to your liking with the graphic EQ in the app that goes with it. Its 360-degree design gives it an amazing soundstage that sounds wide and roomy from any angle. It doesn’t work with voice assistants, which is a shame. Still, this is one of the best speakers you can buy right now.
Pros
- 360° sound dispersion for a uniform listening experience
- Robust build, can withstand accidental drops
- Long battery life with wireless charging support
- IP67 rating makes it ideal for outdoor and poolside use
Cons
- Pricey compared to some competitors
- No Wi-Fi or smart assistant integration
Bose SoundLink Revolve+
The best speakers budget pick
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 178 x 133 x 133 mm |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours |
| IPX4 water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Extra features | 360 Sound, SoundLink App |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a small, portable speaker with a woven handle that makes it look a little bit like a lantern when you hold it up. It has an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, which means you can take it outside, but we didn’t test this. It also has a pretty balanced sound profile and mid-range, which makes it good for listening to audiobooks and podcasts with a lot of dialogue.
Unfortunately, it can’t make a deep low-bass sound, and the app that goes with it doesn’t have a graphic EQ that you can use to adjust the sound to your liking. This may disappoint fans of bass-heavy music like EDM or hip-hop. Thus, this is one of the best speakers you can buy right now.
Pros
- True 360° sound for even sound distribution
- Sleek and stylish design
- Voice prompts for convenient operation
- Can be mounted on tripods for outdoor events or parties
Cons
- Moderate water-resistance, not fully waterproof
- Lacks smart features like voice assistants
Sonos Roam
The best premium wireless speakers
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 68 x 68 mm |
| Weight | 430 g |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Extra features | Sonos S2 App, Sound Swap |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The Sonos Roam is one of the more portable speakers made by the company. Compared to the Sonos Move, it is small and compact, which makes it great for taking the party outside. It’s even rated IP67 for resistance to dust and water, which means it can handle some exposure to the weather. With Alexa and Google Assistant built in, you can use your voice to control this device. Overall, this is one of the best speakers you can buy right now.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable, perfect for travel
- Versatile connectivity options (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
- Adaptive sound adjustment with Auto Trueplay
- Convenient voice control integration
Cons
- Relatively shorter battery life compared to some competitors
- High-end price point
KEF LS50 Meta
The best speakers for build quality
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 315 x 200 x 230mm |
| Weight | 7.2kg |
| Battery life | N/A |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Extra features | Metamaterial Absorption Technology, Uni-Q driver array, 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter, 130mm aluminium cone woofer, Crossover frequency of 2.1kHz, Recommended amplifier power of 40-100W |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The original LS50 speakers had very little wrong with them, but after eight years KEF thought they deserved a new look. And with the LS50 Meta, it has achieved a major improvement. The LS50’s Uni-Q loudspeaker array, in which the tweeter is located in the throat of the mid-bass unit, has been completely reworked, taking in all the refinements developed by KEF over the past eight years and adding something new in the form of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).
MAT is KEF’s way of dealing with the sound coming from the back of the tweeter dome; a circular labyrinth of plastic tubes at the back promises greater absorption for cleaner, less distorted treble. Although the basic sonic character is immediately familiar, the Meta speakers have acquired a level of clarity and finesse that the originals had only hinted at, sounding clean while offering muscle and dynamics. Overall, it is one of the best speakers that you can buy.
Pros
- Premium build and finishes for an elegant appearance
- Wide frequency range for detailed audio reproduction
- Compatible with a wide range of amplifiers
Cons
- Heavy and not portable, designed for stationary use
- Expensive, catering to audiophiles
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
The best speakers for reference listening
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 45Hz-20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 88dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohm |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 980 x 180 x 320mm |
| Weight | 19.5kg (each) |
| Battery life | N/A |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
Wharfedale’s Diamond range now includes a truly outstanding (and affordable) floor standing speaker. We are so impressed with the musical performance of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 that it has twice been awarded the What Hi-Fi? Award. At 98 cm tall, the Diamond 12.3s are not a particularly imposing pair of floor standing speakers, so they will fit in most spaces. Sonically, they are smooth, even and wonderfully refined for their price.
If you feed them a poor signal, they will be able to smooth out the roughness and dampen unwanted aggression without giving the impression of smothering the life out of the music. In terms of build quality, the cabinets are carefully crafted, with a traditional straight-edge design and neat footing arrangement. The 12.3s are available in four finishes-black, walnut, white, and an elegant light oak-that belie their relatively modest price. Still, it is one of the best speakers that you can consider.
Pros
- Superbly balanced presentation
- Expressive and revealing midrange
- Pleasing build and finish
Cons
- Nothing at this price
IKEA Symfonisk Speaker
The best speaker alternative on a budget
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 210 x 140 x 70mm |
| Weight | 2.8kg |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Extra features | Can be used as a standalone speaker or mounted on a wall. Also works as a bookshelf speaker or table lamp. |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
If you are not interested in voice assistants and prefer something more designed to integrate with your home decor than the Amazon Echo Gen 4, check out the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf Speaker. While it doesn’t support voice assistants like the Echo Gen 4, this speaker, along with the IKEA SYMFONISK Speaker, is a collaboration between IKEA and Sonos and is designed to integrate seamlessly with furniture and home decor. You can place it horizontally, vertically or mount it on the wall to use it as a bookshelf. You can still use Alexa and Google Assistant to control the speaker when connected to a compatible Amazon or Google Home device.
Like the Sonos Move, it comes with a room correction feature called “Trueplay,” currently available only with iOS devices. This feature optimizes the speaker’s sound based on the acoustics of the room in which it is placed. However, it is not as portable due to its wired design. Easily one of the best speakers available on the market.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Excellent Sonos’ audio
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Requires separate device to work with Alexa and Google Assistant
Denon Home 350 Wireless Speaker
The best bookshelf speakers for an even sound
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 182 x 120 x 120mm |
| Weight | 3.5kg |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 |
| Extra features | HEOS built-in, Alexa built-in, Spotify Connect, voice control |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
The best home speaker we tested is the Denon Home 350. This wired home speaker has a slightly boomy default sound profile, capable of producing deep, boomy bass that will appeal to bass-heavy music fans. The midrange is balanced, so vocals and main instruments are reproduced clearly and with detail in the mix. You can also adjust the sound profile to your liking with bass and treble adjustments in the companion app.
It offers excellent voice assistant support with built-in Alexa and can easily hear you when you are away from the speaker or are in a noisy room. You can activate Alexa with your voice and mute the microphone when you do not want to be heard. You can also connect the speaker to compatible Denon soundbars to create a home theater setup. Thus, this product is one of the best speakers available right now.
Pros
- Bass and treble sliders available
- Can get very loud
Cons
- Narrow directivity
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
The best floorstanding speakers on a budget
| Features | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 45Hz-20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohm |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 290 x 190 x 270mm |
| Weight | 5.8kg |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| IP67 dust and water resistance | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Reasons to Buy:
Reasons Not to Buy:
Wharfedale started from scratch, and it shows. Virtually everything is new, from the drive units to the cabinet construction. The result is a pair of compact, 31-cm-tall speakers that make the most of price-compatible hi-fi components. Their sound is organized, cohesive and musical. For the price they cost, they offer a very wide soundstage that remains stable even when recordings become layered and demanding.
We also like the reassuring way the Diamonds handle large-scale dynamics, offering more authority and scale than might be expected from speakers of modest size and price. However, this is a difficult market area, and Wharfedale’s excellent speakers are not without talented rivals (such as the brilliant Elac Debut B5.2). Nevertheless, the impressive Diamond 12.1s deserve a place on the list of products to buy.
Pros
- Apple doubled the base storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Tough competition
FAQs
Both WAV and AIFF files have the highest quality possible in the audio world. Any mixing or mastering engineer who wants to keep the highest quality possible will use these files.
HiFi audio sounds better, but it only has a resolution of 44.1 kHz/16 bits, which is not very high. TIDAL has teamed up with MQA to offer something much better: an authenticated and unbroken version (usually 96 kHz/24 bit) with the highest possible resolution that sounds as good as it did in the mastering suite.
