Best USB-C Bluetooth Speakers

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The best USB-C Bluetooth speakers to let you enjoy your favorite music anywhere you go.

Bluetooth speakers are fantastic. But getting one with the future-proof USB Type-C port is more than amazing. USB-C is now a standard connectivity port available on many devices, including laptops and smartphones. USB-C enabled Bluetooth speakers are ready for the future and bring more advantages such as quick charging times.

USB-C port in a Bluetooth speaker offers a broader compatibility and easy charging.

There is a lot to like in a Bluetooth speaker than just listening to music. The ability to take the party wherever you go is invaluable, and many brands make sure you can achieve that by including longer battery life and durable build quality. The best BT speakers let you jam to your favorite tracks just about anywhere, whether on the beach or during outdoor camping somewhere in the park.

With a lot of brands and options in the market, choosing the ideal Bluetooth speaker for your needs can be a daunting task. However, you need not worry; the following buying guide will help you find the perfect speaker for the most bang for your buck. Whether looking to party by the poolside or connect multiple speakers for big sound, we got you covered.

Things to Look for When Buying a Bluetooth Speaker

Battery Life and Quick Charging

Battery life is vital when choosing a Bluetooth speaker. You don’t want to take your speaker outdoors only for it to die after a few hours. Most Bluetooth speakers have an average battery life of 6-10 hours on a single charge, with some lasting up to 24 hours. Typically, you should get at least 10 hours of continuous playback.

Some Bluetooth speakers come with large capacity batteries that double up as power banks to recharge your phone.

Along with the battery life is the charging time. Some brands offer quick charging while others don’t. Luckily, all the BT speakers in this roundup come with a Type-C port for charging, which provides rapid charging within a short time.

Sound Quality

Probably one of the essential features in a Bluetooth speaker. You want a speaker that produces accurate sound to hear what the artist had in mind. Budget speakers may not provide the best features, but some produce top-notch audio.

So, how do you measure the quality of sound without testing?

One of the things to look out for is the power output of the speakers, measured in watts. Each speaker has a maximum power output and which determines how loud (decibels) it can get. Speakers with 15-20W power output or more can reach up to 80 dB, which is loud enough to listen even in outdoor environments.

Note that the size of the speaker has a significant impact on the sound quality. Bigger speakers can get pretty loud and still sound good without distortion.

Another parameter to look out for in sound quality is the frequency range supported by the speakers. The range of frequencies is an essential consideration, especially if looking for clear treble and deep bass. The human ear perceives about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz; thus, a speaker capable of emitting frequencies closer to that range produces clear and balanced sound.

The goal is to find a speaker that can reproduce lower frequencies for deep bass and balance it with excellent treble without distortion at max volumes.

Water Resistance

Thinking of outdoor partying? Don’t let your Bluetooth speaker limit you by choosing one with a waterproof design. Water-resistant speakers let you take the party to the pool, beaches, and other outdoor adventures. Such BT speakers can survive splashes, drink spills, or a few meters underwater and keep the playlist playing.

Look for Ingress Protection (IP) ratings when shopping for water-resistant speakers. The best speakers for outdoor are both waterproof and dustproof. For instance, IP67 shows the speaker is dustproof and can survive underwater up to a meter deep for half an hour.

Party Lights

There is no fun at a party without party lights. Some Bluetooth speakers include inbuilt party lights to make your parties more lively. The best partying speakers include multicolored lights that sync to the beats adding some visual flare to your playlist.

Connect Multiple Speakers

Different speakers allow you to pair two speakers for stereo audio or multiple speakers for big sound. It is an excellent setup for multi-room audio at home or connecting different speakers at a party, allowing everyone to dance to the same song. Note that not all speakers support connecting multiple speakers.

The option was much common with Wi-Fi speakers, though some of the latest Bluetooth speakers support multiple speaker pairing.

Voice Assistants

Select the songs or playlists to play using voice rather than browsing through your smartphone. Voice assistants provide a unique way to interact with your speaker in addition to the universal method of connecting via Bluetooth. Connect an Amazon Echo input or Google Home to your speaker to enable voice control.

Use Alexa or Google assistant not only to play music but also to ask for the latest news, weather forecasts, scores, conversions, and more. One requirement of voice assistants, however, is Wi-Fi. Your BT speaker must support Wi-Fi and have a microphone for the best results.

Best USB-C Bluetooth Speakers Compared

ImageProductDetailsCheck Price
Anker Soundcore Motion+ on Amazon
Anker Soundcore Motion+Features: Features: Hi-Res Audio Certification, Qualcomm Apt-X, BassUp Technology, Customizable EQ, Speakerphone, 30W, 50Hz-40kHz, 2.3 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 12 hours, 4 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Aux-in
Water Resistance: IPX7
Voice Assistant: Yes
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EarFun UBOOM on Amazon
EarFun UBOOMFeatures: Features: 360° sound, Speakerphone, 24W, 60Hz-20kHz, 1.2 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 16 hours, 4 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Aux-in
Water Resistance: IPX7
Voice Assistant: Yes
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Tronsmart Element T6 Plus on Amazon
Tronsmart Element T6 PlusFeatures: Tri-Bass effects, Power bank, Speakerphone, 40W, 1.48 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 15 hours, 4 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Aux-in, MicroSD.
Water Resistance: IPX6
Voice Assistant: Yes
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Sony SRS-XB41 on Amazon
Sony SRS-XB41Features: Party lights, Party booster, Extra bass, Live sound mode, Speakerphone, 30W, 20Hz-20kHz, 3.3 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 24 hours, 5 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Aux-in.
Water Resistance: IP67
Voice Assistant: Yes
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Marshall Stockwell II on Amazon
Marshall Stockwell IIFeatures: Multi-directional sound, Multi-host, Analogue knobs, Carry strap, 20W, 60Hz-20kHz, 3.04 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 20 hours, 5 hours.
Stereo Pairing: No
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Aux-in.
Water Resistance: IPX4
Voice Assistant: No
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Sonos Move on Amazon
Sonos MoveFeatures: Built-in Alexa, Multi-room, Charging dock, AirPlay 2, Speakerphone, 6.61 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 10 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Aux-in
Water Resistance: IP56
Voice Assistant: Yes
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Lenovo 700 Bluetooth Speaker on Amazon
Lenovo 700 Bluetooth SpeakerFeatures: 360° sound, Speakerphone, 4W, 220Hz-20kHz, 0.32 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 12 hours, 2 hours
Stereo Pairing: No
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC.
Water Resistance: IPX2
Voice Assistant: Yes
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 on Amazon
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1Features: 360° sound, Speakerphone, 280W, 60Hz-24kHz, 1.3 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 24 hours, 2.5 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Aux-in
Water Resistance: No
Voice Assistant: Yes
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JBL FLIP 5 on Amazon
JBL FLIP 5Features: PartyBoost, 20W, 1.2 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 12 hours, 2.5 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2
Water Resistance: IPX7
Voice Assistant: No
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Bang & Olufsen Beolit 17 on Amazon
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 17Features: Carry strap, 240W, 37Hz-20kHz, 6 lb.
Playtime & Charging Time: 24 hours, 2.5 hours
Stereo Pairing: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Aux-in.
Water Resistance: No
Voice Assistant: Yes
Check on Amazon

1. Anker Soundcore Motion+ – Best USB-C Bluetooth Speaker

The best USB-C speaker that money can buy with a crisp, balanced sound and tons of features at an unbeatable price.

Anker Soundcore has established itself among the top brands producing the best sounding audio products. Anker portable speakers are among the best sellers on Amazon owing to their excellent sound quality. Among their top models, is the Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker.

Motion plus is a great sounding device offering Hi-Res audio quality, support for aptX, stereo pairing, waterproof design, and tons of other excellent features. The speaker is available for a reasonable price tag providing the best bang for your buck.

Design

The design of the Motion+ feature a rubberized body and an aluminum speaker grille. It is available in three colors; red, blue, and black. Overall, the speaker is medium-sized and compact enough for portability. However, at 2.31 pounds, it is slightly heavy and not the best for travel.

The rubberized body feels rugged enough, but it also attracts oily fingerprints.

On top of the speaker are five tactile buttons for controls and two LEDs for equalizer mode and pairing status. There is a Bluetooth pairing button, an exclusive BassUp button for extra bass, volume control buttons, and a multifunctional button at the center. Press the button once to play/pause your music or answer a call, hold it for some seconds to activate the voice assistant on your phone, or hold it for more than three seconds to pair a second Motion+ BT speaker.

The speaker comes with a microphone so you can answer phone calls through the speaker. On the side, you’ll find the power button and a watertight rubber seal enclosing a USB-C charging port and an auxiliary input

Motion+ is fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating. Take your parties outdoors to the pool or beach and never worry about the splashes or rain pours. However, be careful not to submerge the speaker in more than three feet of water.

Sound Quality

Soundcore Motion+ leverages two 40kHz tweeters, neodymium subwoofers with a passive radiator to deliver 30W of rich sound. The sound quality in the Motion+ is impressive, considering its size and price tag. Qualcomm aptX technology ensures no distortion when listening via Bluetooth, allowing to hear what the artist had in mind precisely.

This speaker produces impressively balanced sound thanks to the advanced DSP and dedicated power sources for drivers that maintain the accuracy of high, mids, and lows. With an extended frequency range of 50Hz to 40,000Hz, Motion+ produces a crisp and detailed sound for an immersive experience.

Anker’s BassUp technology ensures the song’s low frequencies sound more vibrant and deeper by enhancing the bass in real-time. While it doesn’t achieve the powerful bass range like high-end Bluetooth speakers, it is the best you can get in its budget.

Connectivity

Soundcore Motion uses Bluetooth 5, which offers stable connections and an extended range with no dropouts. The speaker offers the best sound quality when paired to an Android device than iPhones, thanks to the aptX codec. Pair two Motion+ speakers for stereo sound or loud music when in parties. The speaker also multi-device pairing allowing you to play music from two devices.

Motion+ comes with customizable EQ via the Soundcore app. Fine-tune the audio to your preference or select from the six preset modes to find the right balance between your bass, mids, and treble.

Battery and Charging

This BT speaker comes with a 6700 mAh battery that gives up to 12 hours of playback, getting you throughout the day on a single charge. Motion+ uses a USB-C port for quick charging. However, it takes around four hours to charge the speaker fully, which isn’t great compared to competitors. You can customize the Auto Power Off feature on the app to save on battery life.

Our Take

Motion+ is the best Bluetooth speaker with USB-C owing to its excellent sound clarity and reasonable price. The speaker is waterproof, allowing you to take your parties anywhere you want. It’s relatively portable but still not the best for travel. It might not have the best looks, but it offers everything you’d want from a Bluetooth speaker. The balanced sound, high treble, and deep bass ensure every song sound the way the artist meant it to be heard.

PROS
  • Excellent clarity
  • Waterproof design
  • aptX codec support
  • Stable Bluetooth 5 connectivity
  • Supports stereo pairing
  • Power saving function
CONS
  • Bass could be stronger
  • Battery performance to be improved

2. EarFun UBOOM – Cheap USB-C Bluetooth Speaker

The cheapest wireless speaker with intensified bass and superior quality.

The best sounding Bluetooth speakers don’t have to cost a fortune. The UBOOM speaker brings excellent specs such as 360 degrees sound, stereo pairing, waterproof design, and an all-day battery life on a budget. Let’s see how it fairs with the other high-end BT speakers.

Design

The speaker comes in a truncated cone design with an all-black finishing. The speaker stands upright with a rubberized plate at the bottom to prevent it from sliding off surfaces. It is compact and weighs only 1.2 pounds. Stuff the speaker in your bag or even the bottle-holder on your bike, you enjoy your playlists wherever you go.

The top surface provides access to six control buttons. There is a Bluetooth button for pairing, two for volume controls, a power button, one for play/pause functions, and a dedicated button to switch between indoor and outdoor sound modes. The BT, power, and mode switching buttons have LED light to show the status of the speaker.

EarFun UBOOM features an IPX7 waterproof rating, letting you party anywhere you want, whether in a pool, at the beach, or out in the rain during hiking. The speaker can survive up to one meter underwater for up to 30 minutes.

Sound Quality

Two 48mm drivers and dual passive radiators push up to 24W of sound, which is loud for most rooms and outdoor environments. EarFun uses an advanced DPS algorithm to cover 360 degrees sound expansion to fill every direction with remarkably even sound.

The EarFun UBOOM has a small frequency range of 60Hz to 20,000Hz compared to the Soundcore Motion+, but still, it provides excellent clarity. Onboard, there are two sound modes, indoor and outdoor, which delivers accurate and customized sound based on the environment.

Connectivity

The speaker connects via Bluetooth 5, which offers a stable connection up to 100 feet. Alternatively, you can use the AUX-in the slot for connectivity if you’re looking for the best sound quality. A built-in microphone provides hands-free calling via Bluetooth or voice controls with Siri and Google Now.

Pair up to two UBOOM speakers together for stereo audio channels and enjoy the best surround sound experience than ever. This BT speaker might be cheapest in this roundup, but it gives the high-end speakers a run for their money.

Battery and Charging

Thinking of taking your music playlist on your hiking and camping adventures? The EarFun UBOOM speaker can give you up to 16 hours of music playtime. Recharge the battery to full charge in four hours via the USB-C port and keep the music playing.

Our Take

EarFun UBOOM provides excellent value in its price. The 360-degree surround sound comes handy, especially when listening with friends or in a room. It has excellent specs, including stereo pairing and hands-free calling, which are essential in a portable speaker. It is fully waterproof and includes a loop for hanging around and travel. Don’t spend a fortune when you can get a decent sound in this budget Bluetooth speaker.

PROS
  • Great value
  • 360-degree sound is amazing
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • Very affordable
  • Supports stereo pairing
  • Decent sound
  • Good battery life
CONS
  • Slow charging time
  • Not the best bass

3. Tronsmart Element T6 Plus – Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker with USB-C

Element T6 Plus features incredibly 40W output, three EQ modes, power bank, amongst other exciting specs on a budget.

Getting the most value of your money is the ultimate goal for shoppers. The Tronsmart Element T6 Plus is at the top of the list when looking for value. It offers excellent sound quality, decent battery life with phone charging, fantastic bass settings, and other impressive specs for a portable Bluetooth speaker.

However, compared to the other speakers, Element T6 Plus has a lower IPX6 waterproof rating. However, it can still withstand heavy splashes and rain.

Design

Element T6 Plus comes features a rugged cylindrical design with a metallic grille. It is super-premium and compact, making it perfect for using it on the go. It has a vertical orientation with three rubber feet at the bottom that raises the speaker from the surface, allowing you to hear most of the bass.

The speaker makes a design statement with its intuitive multifunctional control wheel at the top. Rotate the wheel to adjust volume, press to play/pause music and answer calls, or hold for three seconds to summon Siri or Google Assistant on your phone.

There are six tactile buttons on the side for more controls. Two buttons let you jump to next or previous track, a TWS button for pairing two Element T6 Plus speakers, an EQ button to switch between the three EQ modes, M button for selecting an input source, and a power button. An LED on the back changes color on to show the active EQ mode.

Tronsmart Element T6 Plus does not have an equalizer. Switching between the EQ modes adjust the amount of bass. The Vocal mode has no bass, 3D Deep Bass has a little bass, while the third Extra Bass mode has much bass.

A watertight rubber seal houses the different connectivity slots, including a USB-C for charging, AUX input, a MicroSD slot, and a USB-A with power out. The speaker accepts inputs from four sources; Bluetooth, AUX, TF cards, and USB flash drive.

Sound Quality

Powered by two 20W full-range speakers with two passive radiators, Element T6 Plus delivers crystal clear sound with deep bass. The speaker has outstanding clarity with no distortion, even at max volume, thanks to their exclusive SoundPulse technology. Combine the three bass EQ modes and dance to your favorite genre with the right settings.

There are no many portable speakers that can output 40W of sound and deep bass in the same price range as the Element T6 plus.

Connectivity

Element T6 Plus comes with the latest Bluetooth 5 connectivity offering a more extensive range and stable connections. The speaker supports the stereo pairing of two T6 Plus speakers for incredibly 80W sound, which gets loud enough for outdoor partying.

Battery Life and Charging

Get up to 15 hours of playtime with the 6600mAh battery. That’s enough playtime to get you through the day. However, it’s still not the best as some speakers last up to 24 hours. Like the Motion+ and the EarFun UBOOM, this speaker also has a charging time of around four hours.

The biggest strength of the battery performance in the Element T6 Plus is the power bank function.

Don’t be worried about your phone running out of power when outdoors. The speaker comes with a USB-A port, which allows you to charge your phone. Element T6 Plus is an excellent Bluetooth speaker for outdoor hiking and camping.

Our Take

The Tronsmart Element T6 Plus is a few specs from becoming the best Bluetooth speaker. You can’t submerge the speaker underwater, and while the bass is good, the clarity is to be improved. Nonetheless, the speaker provides excellent value in its price. The multifunctional wheel is impressive, while the battery performance keeps it amongst the top Bluetooth speakers. It’s one of the few portable USB-C enabled speakers that let you recharge your mobile phone.

PROS
  • Power bank for an emergency charge
  • Impressive build quality
  • Stereo pairing
  • Great sounding bass
  • Versatile inputs
CONS
  • MicroSD does not support mp3
  • Lower waterproof rating

4. Sony SRS-XB41 – Best Bluetooth Party Speaker with USB-C

The best partying Bluetooth speaker for indoor and outdoor partying with beautiful party lights and engaging party booster mode.

Sony SRS-XB41 is the best Bluetooth speaker you can buy if ready to shell out more bucks. The specs on paper are unrivaled by any other brand. The only thing keeping people off the XB41 is the price. It is expensive, but worth it.

Ultimate Partying Design

Sony SRS-XB41 is the ultimate Bluetooth speaker for your parties. The speaker has a rugged and robust build quality, but the best highlights is the lighting. There are different lights on the XB41 to light up your parties and never be boring again.

The dominant multicolored line lights surround the speaker creating a beautiful aesthetic. Two speaker lights cover the stereo speakers, while the flashing strobes on the edges completes this elegant lighting spectacle. You can set the lights to sync with the beats for the best partying experience.

The top surface provides all the playback controls to play or pause music, power and pairing buttons, and a Live button to simulate a live concert. The Live button is an excellent addition for audiophiles; however, it makes the sound quality terrible. It would have been better if Sony placed an extra bass button instead.

Sony SRS-XB41 has an IP67 rating, making it fully waterproof and dustproof. It can resist dust, heavy splashes, rain, and even underwater. The XB41 can never be your limit to your outdoor partying. The speaker is also rustproof, and elements such as salty air and water won’t limit you.

Sound Quality

Powered by two full-range 58mm drivers, the XB41 produces powerful sound with deep bass. With a frequency range of 20Hz to 20000Hz, the speaker provides vibrant bass with less distortion on max volumes. The Extra Bass feature makes the low frequencies clearer and more detailed.

Sony SRS-XB41 comes with a Live sound mode to simulate a 3D sound experience. The feature works well, especially with electronic music, but it lowers the audio quality to a greater extent.

Connectivity

Sony SRS-XB41 connects with Bluetooth and NFC for quick pairing with compatible devices. NFC offers quick pairing than Bluetooth. Simply activate NFC on your phone and bring it closer to the XB41, a notification to connect will appear on your phone.

The speaker supports the pairing of multiple speakers up to 100 via Bluetooth. Pair multiple speakers to sync the music and party lights for the best partying experience ever. With the exclusive Party Booster feature, tap the XB41 speakers to make different sounds, such as scratch and cowbell, to liven your playlists.

Battery and Charging

The XB41 is a beast in terms of battery performance. Get up to 24 hours playtime when lighting is off or 14 hours on max volume with party lights and extra bass. The speaker charges via USB-C and takes around five hours. Quite a lot of time for charging.

Like the Element T6 Plus, this speaker also supports phone charging. Connect your smartphone to the USB port to recharge when running low on power.

Our Take

XB41 is an excellent option for anyone looking to power a party. The lights are fantastic, while the deep bass provides the best sounding experience. Connect up to 100 XB41 speakers for loud sound and light up your party with vibrant party lights. The overall design is top-notch. It can withstand harsh environments, yet keep the playlist going. Apart from the price, there is none to hate about this partying Bluetooth speaker.

PROS
  • Robust build quality
  • Waterproof, dustproof, and rustproof
  • 24 hours of battery life
  • Phone charging
  • Insane party lights
  • Deep bass
CONS
  • Bluetooth 4.2 has some sync issues
  • Live mode deteriorates sound quality

5. Marshall Stockwell II – Best Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker USB-C

Take your parties outdoor with this portable speaker offering multi-directional sound, 20 hours playtime, water-resistant design, and a carry handle to hit the road.

Design

Stockwell II comes with a robust design suited for the road. The silicone body and steel grille are perfect for outdoor environments, whether hiking or camping in the park. It has an IPX4 water-resistant rating, enabling it to survive splashes and rain droplets. The carry handle is perfect for taking the speaker outdoors to enjoy music just about anywhere.

For a speaker meant for outdoor jamming, the IPX4 water-resistant rating isn’t enough. The speaker cannot survive underwater and is prone to dust.

The top of the Stockwell II includes three knobs, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a battery indicator. Fine-tune the audio to your preference using the treble and bass knobs, and use the third knob to adjust the volume.

Sound Quality

Stockwell II features two 5W tweeters and a single 10W woofer delivering loud and defined audio. The speaker is loud for indoor listening when on max volume. You’ll like the crisp and crystal-clear sound from this speaker even when on high volumes.

The speaker has a frequency range of 60Hz to 20,000Hz, don’t expect the best bass in this one. Stockwell II delivers killer mids and high notes with outstanding clarity. The speaker combines Blumlein Sound construction to deliver surround sound experience perfect for outdoor partying. Get your barbecue parties loud and lively than ever.

Connectivity

Onboard you get Bluetooth 5 connectivity providing an extended range up to 30 feet. Connect two devices to the speaker to play music from two phones. Allow everyone to play their favorite tracks on your outdoor partying with the multi-host functionality. However, if you’re looking for the best sounding experience, connect the Stockwell II via the AUX input.

Battery and Charging

Marshall Stockwell II provides more than 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. With a USB-C port, quick charge the speaker to full capacity in five hours. A 20-minute charge can last up to 6 hours, so you won’t have to wait longer.

Our Take

Stockwell II comes with a robust and durable build quality perfect for the road. Although there is still a lot to improve, especially on the waterproof ratings, the speaker is on par with the best Bluetooth speakers for outdoor partying.

The speaker provides crystal sound with decent bass. It gets loud even when outdoors, making your parties loud. The battery life is impressive, while the USB-C port provides quick charging when needed. It may have a price tag, but the speaker meets it with excellent value.

PROS
  • Durable build quality
  • Powerful and precise audio
  • Portable design with carry strap
  • Knobs for adjusting treble and bass
  • Decent battery life
CONS
  • Heavy
  • Pricey
  • No speakerphone feature

6. Sonos Move – Smart Bluetooth Speaker with USB-C

Sonos Move is a perfect house shaker with built-in Amazon Alexa and charging dock.

While most of the Bluetooth speakers in this review feature a compact and lightweight build design for portability, the Sonos Move is an exception. The speaker provides the best value at home than on the go. However, it includes a rechargeable battery, should you want to use it outdoors.

Design

Sonos Move comes in a black unibody with a metallic front grille protecting the two drivers. The Move uses capacitive buttons instead of tactile like the other Bluetooth speakers. The buttons are located at the top surface alongside four far-field mics.

The four touch buttons of the Move include two for playback control, one to play/pause music or activate Amazon Alexa, and a dedicated button to turn the microphone on/off. You can disable the touch controls via the Sonos app. The rear side includes three tactile buttons for power, toggle between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and a third one to pair a second Move speaker.

The Sonos Move is heavy at 6.61 pounds, making it unfit for traveling. However, it comes with a handle at the back, which can help you move it around. Rated IP56, the speaker can withstand rain, splashes, dust, UV rays, and extreme environment.

Sound Quality

The Sonos Move features two drivers; a downward-firing tweeter for high frequency and a woofer for mids and bass. The speaker sounds incredibly loud, with high fidelity audio at high volumes. Enjoy a rich bass with no distortion, while the integrated TruePlay technology adapts the sound to the beats and the environment for an immersive experience.

Connectivity

The Move Bluetooth speaker features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Pair two Move speakers on Wi-Fi to enjoy stereo sound and loud volume to fill your house. With Apple AirPlay 2, you can stream audio from your Apple devices such as iPhone and iPad to the two paired Move speakers.

Bluetooth is excellent when using the Move outdoors, such as during hikes. The speaker, however, does not support stereo pairing via Bluetooth.

An excellent feature of the Sonos Move is the integrated Amazon Alexa. Use the voice controls to select the songs to play, set alarms, get the daily news, ask questions, and many functions hands-free. You can still summon Siri and Google Assistant on your phone when paired to the speaker.

Sonos Move is a smart speaker and does not need any dedicated smart device like Amazon Echo to provides voice assistance functionalities, unlike the other Bluetooth speakers.

Battery and Charging

Sonos Move provides up to 10 hours of playtime, getting you through the day with continuous music. The speaker comes with a smart charging base, which only charges the speaker when it is running out power. The charging dock disconnects power automatically when the speaker is full or has sufficient power. Alternatively, you can charge the dock via the USB-C port.

Our Take

Get the best performance of the Sonos Move when indoors. The speaker supports stereo pairing via Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music in different rooms via Apple Airplay 2. It has a superb sound with balanced high and low frequencies, producing top-notch precision.

Sonos Move is, however, massive and not the best for traveling though it includes a handle for carrying it around. If you’re using the speaker to play music on your backward and indoors, the Sonos Move in one of the best available.

PROS
  • Integrated Amazon Alexa
  • Supports multi-room
  • Decent sound
  • Sturdy and durable build quality
CONS
  • Heavy
  • Expensive
  • Limited Bluetooth functions

7. Lenovo 700 Bluetooth Speaker – Professional Bluetooth Speaker with USB-C

An incredibly thin Bluetooth speaker with a USB-C charging port, excellent audio, and NFC pairing.

Design

Looking for a portable speaker? Look no further than the Lenovo 700. The speaker is incredibly portable, with a thin body than a smartphone. Weighing only 0.32 pounds, the Lenovo 700 Bluetooth speaker ensures you enjoy your favorite tracks wherever you go.

There is no thinner and lighter Bluetooth speaker than the Lenovo 700 ultraportable speaker; this speaker is smaller than a smartphone.

In terms of controls, the speaker features five touch buttons. There is a button to mute voice assistant, Bluetooth pairing button, play/pause music and reject call button, and two buttons for music playback and volume controls. On the back, there is a power LED indicator, USB-C charging ports, and power button.

The Lenovo 700 speaker is IPX2 water-resistant. It can withstand splashes and water drops when lifted to 15 degrees or less. Careful not to submerge the speaker underwater or dust prone environments.

Sound Quality

The speaker provides decent sound in its sound. Despite its small design, the speaker delivers crisp and vibrant sound in a 360 degrees coverage. The speaker produces 4W output, which gets loud and clear in closed rooms. Lenovo 700 covers 220Hz to 20000Hz frequency range, which does not account for deep bass.

Connectivity

Powered the latest Bluetooth 5 and NFC technology, the speaker offers an extended range with stable connections. NFC lets you pair your device in a second by bringing your phone closer to the NFC logo on the speaker. The speaker supports the pairing of up to two phones to enjoy music streaming from two sources.

Control the speaker with voice controls via Siri or Google Assistant. Activate voice assistant on your phone to control the speaker with voice controls. The built-in microphone on the Lenovo 700 lets you take hands-free calls and conferences with clear sound and recordings.

Battery and Charging

Lenovo 700 ultraportable speaker lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge and takes only two hours to recharge to full capacity. With portability in mind, quickly recharge the speaker using a laptop or power bank to continue enjoying music on the go.

Our Take

Truly portable. The Lenovo 700 ultraportable speaker is the thinnest Bluetooth speaker available. It is light and ready for outdoor hiking, traveling, and outdoor partying. However, the bass and sound quality in this speaker doesn’t match the premium options but still is impressive in its size. An integrated mic lets you answer hands-free calls while NFC provides the fastest paring to enjoy your music. If your goal is portability, this Bluetooth speaker from Lenovo is a must-have.

PROS
  • Very thin and lightweight
  • Support voice assistants
  • Hands-free calling
  • NFC connectivity for quick pairing
CONS
  • Lower waterproof rating
  • The bass isn’t impressive

8. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 – Portable USB-C Bluetooth Speaker Alternative

The best sounding portable speaker if you can afford it.

Like the Lenovo 700, the Beoplay A1 is another portable Bluetooth speaker with a minimal build design. Beoplay A1 comes with powerful speakers and more features at a premium price.

Let’s see if it is worth to pay more for the Beoplay A1, or you should just stick with the Lenovo 700 ultraportable speaker.

Design

Beoplay A1 dons an aluminum unibody with a splash and dust resistant build quality. It is rounded and small enough to hold on your hands or stuff it in your backpack. With a weight of 1.3 pounds, the Beoplay A1 is among the ultraportable speakers for music and calls.

The A1 creates a beautiful first impression than the Lenovo 700. The leather strap lets you hang the speaker on your wall, off a tree, or tie it to your backpack. Along the edges are six buttons with tiny icons to distinguish them.

The right side gives access to volume controls and a power button, while the opposite side houses the Bluetooth pairing button, a microphone button, and a multifunctional button. Completing the design is the USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm input for the AUX connection.

Sound Quality

Beoplay A1 produces top-notch audio quality unmatched by the Lenovo 700. The speaker offers a crisp and vibrant multi-dimensional sound to cover every direction no matter where you place it. With a peak power of 280W, the Beoplay A1 gets very loud without any noticeable sound distortion.

Despite its minimal design, the A1 produces impressive rich bass and crystal-clear treble. Hear the vocals with excellent clarity while the beats sound precisely how the artist imagined. This portable speaker is a lot far from the Lenovo 700, in terms of sound quality.

Connectivity

Beoplay A1 comes with Bluetooth 4.2 and supports stereo pairing for more power. You can alternatively use the AUX input to connect non-Bluetooth devices. Access more controls via the Bang & Olufsen App to get the best out of the Beoplay A1.

Use the A1 as a speakerphone with the inbuilt microphone to answer calls and conferences with outstanding voice clarity. For more hands-free controls, use the microphone to summon Siri and Google Assistant on your smartphone and access a wide range of voice controls.

Battery and Charging

The speaker has a longer battery life compared to the Lenovo 700. It can last up to 24 hours at moderate volume, taking you through the whole day. With USB-C charging, the speaker gets to full charge within two and a half hours.

Our Take

Beoplay A1 is an excellent portable speaker with its downsides. The design of the buttons is a significant downside, and the battery life reduces when listening on max volume. Nonetheless, A1 remains the best sounding compact speaker you can get. The lows, mids, and highs balance beautifully to create a crisp and defined sound to enjoy your music. It has a modern design with an elegant strap for easy, making it a premium speaker worth the price tag.

PROS
  • Great sound
  • Compact modern design
  • Incredibly portable
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Terrible buttons

9. JBL FLIP 5 – Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with USB-C

Take your parties outdoors by the poolside or at the beach with this great sounding Bluetooth speaker featuring an IPX7 rating.

Pool parties aren’t complete without a powerful Bluetooth speaker to dance to the favorite pool party jams. The JBL Flip 5 produces the JBL’s signature sound while also letting you take the party to the pool or at the beach. Don’t worry about the speaker should it start pouring as the Flip 5 got you covered.

Design

Flip 5 features a durable fabric material and rubberized body to keep the speaker safe at all times, especially when outdoors. It is rugged and lightweight at 1.2 pounds, making it perfect for portability and travel. The speaker fits in most travel bags and with a rechargeable battery, enjoy music anywhere you go.

With an IPX7 waterproof design, the speaker can withstand splashes, rain, and up to three feet underwater. So, you can keep your playlists playing even when submerged in water.

The buttons on the Flip are straightforward. There is a play/pause button, two music playback controls, and a PartyBoost button for connecting a second speaker for stereo audio. On the top are extra buttons with LED lighting, including the Bluetooth pairing button, power button, and a LED indicator for the battery capacity.

A USB-C charging completes the design of the Flip 5. There is no AUX input nor a built-in microphone.

Sound Quality

The Flip 5 brings the JBL’s signature sound to life with a 44mm driver offering up to 20W sound. The speaker produces rich bass despite its compact size. Pair another Flip 5 speaker or any JBL PartyBoost-enabled speaker to enjoy loud stereo sound with high fidelity, to take your parties to the next level.

Connectivity

JBL Flip 5 comes with only Bluetooth connectivity. Connect a single Flip 5 speaker or pair two with PartyBoost for stereo sound. The speaker doesn’t support voice assistants.

Battery and Charging

The 4800mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime. Keep your outdoor parties going and forget about charging the speaker for the whole day on moderate volume. The speaker takes two and a half hours to charge via the USB-C port fully.

Our Take

Flip 5 is true to its word. It allows you to enjoy parties on the pool, at the beach, or even during rain splashes. It has a robust build to withstand outdoor usage and intense environments. Like most JBL speakers, Flip 5 produces excellent sound, loud enough for outdoor partying. However, the speaker lacks essential features like support for voice assistants and hands-free calling. Still, Flip 5 is among the top sounding Bluetooth speakers with rugged design ready for outdoor activities.

PROS
  • Decent sound
  • Rigid waterproof design
  • Supports stereo pairing
  • Portable
CONS
  • No AUX connection
  • Does not support voice assistant and speakerphone

10. Bang & Olufsen Beolit 17 – Best Sounding USB-C Bluetooth Speaker

Enjoy pristine and high-fidelity sound with the Beolit 17, providing up to 240W multi-directional sound.

Bang & Olufsen offers the best sounding portable speakers in the market. The Beolit 17 is another of their high-end speakers leveraging their signature sound to provide one solution for your speaker needs at home. The speaker comes with a beautiful leather handle for outdoor partying and traveling.

Design

Beolit 17 comes with a premium and durable design featuring an aluminum grille and a leather handle for carrying the speaker around. Anodized aluminum and the durable polymer allow the Beolit 17 to withstand daily usage and intense environments. The speaker measures six pounds, which is massive for a portable speaker, but thanks to the handle, you can still carry it along with ease.

The top surface provides access to the control buttons. There are five buttons, one for power, Bluetooth pairing, two for playback controls, and a play/pause music button. The inputs on the Beolit 17 include a 3.5mm audio for line in and a USB-C port.

Sound Quality

The true worth of the Beolit 17 is the sound quality. The speaker features one full-range woofer, three tweeters, and two passive bass radiators, which combine to provide up to 240W of power. The placement of drivers allows the speaker to disperse the sound at full 360 degrees, filling a large and perfect for outdoor partying.

When using the Beolit 17 indoors, you don’t need an extra speaker, as it can fill the entire room on moderate volume. However, you can still pair it with another Beolit 17 speaker for stereo sound or loud music.

Connectivity

Beolit 17 comes with Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting audio sources. It supports stereo pairing and additional connections via the AUX audio-in. The Bang & Olufsen app provides extra controls and smart features such as favorite morning playlist and customized music tracks based on moods with ToneTouch.

Battery and Charging

The speaker offers up to 24 hours playtime with quick charging within two and a half hours. You can take the speaker outdoors and jam to your favorite track the whole day with only a single charge. The speaker achieves quick charging time with a 15V-3A charging adapter.

Our Take

Beolit 17 is an exceptional portable speaker with a crisp, balanced sound and a decent battery life. The speaker is perfect from the design to performance. While it is pricey, Beolit 17 is a great speaker to have for both indoor and outdoor. The sound quality is unrivaled, while the overall build quality is premium and durable.

PROS
  • High fidelity balanced sound
  • 360 degrees sound dispersion
  • Premium look and feel
  • Decent battery life
CONS
  • Very expensive
  • No built-in microphone
  • Heavy
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