The times are changing, and so are the standards that we set for high-quality Bluetooth speakers. The essence of having wireless speakers is that we can bring them with us anywhere we go. Hence, it is important that our Bluetooth speakers are portable and convenient to pack, even in a small bag - the smaller and more compact the speaker, the better.
Now that we have already defined the standards, we came up with the five best Bluetooth speakers of 2023 that passed all the quality checks. Of course, we have also taken into consideration the affordability of the products on this list.
5. Marshall Middleton
The 2023 version of Marshall Middleton is on the list, even though some might argue that this Bluetooth speaker is not that compact. The new Middleton is bigger than Marshall's Emberton wireless speaker, but smaller than its Kilburn II speaker. Still, this Bluetooth speaker is very light for its size, weighing 4 lbs, so taking it everywhere you go will be convenient.
In terms of the sound department, the Marshall Middleton 2023 is one of the best, considering how small and light the Bluetooth speaker is. It can deliver huge bass sounds without compromising the treble details. It also got good-quality mids, which is where the vocals are audible. A fully-charged Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker can last up to 20 hours while keeping the volume moderate. Charging this device can take up to 4.5 hours to reach its full capacity.
4. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus
The 2022 version of the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus Bluetooth speaker passes our criteria of compact, particularly the size, weight and affordability. The wireless speaker uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is packed with up to 80 watts of audio output. Additionally, the 2022 Motion Boom Plus has 60W output for the woofers and 20W for the tweeters. No wonder that this Bluetooth speaker is one of the best in the market when it comes to audio quality.
Some people might feel that the Motion Boom Plus is a little heavier than other compact speakers with 5.29 lbs, or 1 pound more than the Motion Boom. Still, it is a portable speaker with great audio, not to mention that its price is not too significant. This Bluetooth speaker has a 20-hour battery life rating and IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, according to CNET.
3. Bose Soundlink Flex
Bose claims that its new Sounlink Flex Bluetooth speaker is the best compact speaker today, and it appears that their claim is true. The wireless speaker is known for its extra bass performance, which is quite surprising when you consider its small size. The Bose Soundlink Flex is available in three colors - black, white smoke and stone blue.
What makes this Bluetooth speaker unique is its PositionIQ technology, allowing the device to detect the speaker's current orientation, whether it's upright or slanting, so that the speaker can deliver optimized sound.
Related Article: Best Smart Speakers for Better Music Experience: 3 Things to Look For When Buying Echo, Sonos, and Bose
2. UE Wonderboom 2
The UE Wonderboom 2 wireless speaker made it to this list for the reason that it's a known pool party essential. Even though this Bluetooth speaker has been around for years, it is still a great choice for 2023. The Wonderboom 2 is a 4-inch ball-shaped Bluetooth device, with 100-foot Bluetooth range and IP67 water and dust resistance.
1. Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam is the best pick of the Bluetooth speaker users, according to TechRadar. This is somehow expected if you look at the features of this wireless device. It has a good-quality and bass-heavy audio performance. In spite of its small size, it is capable of delivering powerful and clear sound that can "cut through the wind noise."
The Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 support. It also boasts the Automatic Switching feature that makes the speaker seamlessly connect to a Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room indoor setup.
This Bluetooth speaker is one of the lightest you can find with a weight of 0.95 lbs. It has a wireless range of 40m to 240m, while its battery life is rated at 10 hours.
