Music is an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re listening to your favourite tunes while working out at the gym, hosting a backyard barbeque, or just enjoying music at home, having a good Bluetooth speaker can enhance your listening experience.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get decent sound quality either. There are plenty of affordable Bluetooth speakers on the market that deliver surprisingly good audio performance without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll review some of the top Bluetooth speakers available for under $50. We’ll cover portable, mini, and shower speakers to suit different needs and budgets. We’ve tested and compared sound quality, battery life, ease of use, and extra features on each model.
Whether you’re looking for a speaker to blast beats at the beach or something more discreet for your office desk, you’ll find great options that won’t cost more than the price of a tank of gas. Let’s dive into the best Bluetooth speakers under $50 and find the right audio companion for you.
Best Bluetooth Speaker under $50
Soundcore Anker Mini 3
The Anker Soundcore Mini 3 Bluetooth speaker packs a punch when it comes to audio performance. This ultra-portable speaker is smaller than a coffee cup but delivers 360° sound that can fill a room. Powered by Anker’s BassUp technology, the Mini 3 enhances bass frequencies in real-time for deep, rich sound you wouldn’t expect from such a compact speaker.
Soundcore Anker Mini 3 Bluetooth Speaker, BassUp and PartyCast Technology, USB-C, Waterproof IPX7, and Customizable EQ
The Anker Soundcore Mini 3 punches above its weight class when it comes to audio performance. If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that can deliver room-filling sound with thumping bass, the Mini 3 is a compact powerhouse. It may lack some audio fidelity at high volumes but for personal listening, the Mini 3 delivers great value in a pint-sized package.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof
- 15hr battery life
- PartyCast linking
- Fast USB-C charging
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Bass heavy sound
- Not very loud
- Sound diminishes at max volume
- Weak mids and highs
JBL Go 3
As an avid music lover and frequent traveller, I’m always on the lookout for compact Bluetooth speakers that can keep up with my active lifestyle. I recently had the chance to test out the new JBL Go 3 and was blown away by its surprisingly powerful audio and rugged build quality given its petite size.
JBL Go 3: Portable Speaker with Bluetooth, Built-in Battery, Waterproof and Dustproof Feature - Black
$29.95 in stock
15 used from $29.65
I was consistently impressed by its ability to fill a room with crisp, vibrant sound across various genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop. The bass has a satisfying punchiness that belies the speaker’s size. The built-in strap is perfect for attaching to bikes, bags, and backpacks for music on the go.
The rugged, rubberized exterior and IP67 rating also make the Go 3 an ideal outdoor companion. Despite dunks in the pool and using it in steamy showers, the Go 3 kept rocking without issues.
For those seeking a tough yet tiny Bluetooth speaker that can kick out surprisingly big, high-quality sound, the JBL Go 3 is a winner. Its portable design and vibrant colour options add flair to any setting.
Pros
- Sleek design
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Rubberized exterior
- 5hr battery life
Cons
- Distorts at max volume
- No speakerphone
- Slow charging time
Sony SRS-XB13
The Sony SRS-XB13 packs impressive audio power into a compact, portable form. The enhanced bass thumps for a speaker this small. With up to 16 hours of battery life and IP67 waterproofing, it’s ideal for travel and outdoor use.
Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS Wireless Bluetooth Portable Lightweight Compact Travel Speaker, IP67 Waterproof & Durable for Outdoor, 16 Hour Battery, USB Type-C, Removable Strap, and Speakerphone, Black
The strap allows easy attachment to backpacks and bikes. Downsides are vibration on some surfaces and limited max volume. But for personal listening, the XB13 delivers great value thanks to Sony’s signature sound.
Pros
- Deep bass
- Expands sound
- IP67 waterproof
- 16hr battery
- Portable
- Add speaker for stereo
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Speakerphone
- USB-C
Cons
- Can vibrate off surfaces
- Not very loud
- Bass distorted at max volume
OontZ Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition
The OontZ Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition had me at “Alexa, play my shower playlist.” This Bluetooth speaker isn’t just about adding a soundtrack to your shower—it’s pretty much a game-changer for anyone who wants more from their portable sound system. Synced it up to my phone and bam! Alexa functionality is right there in my shower, available at the push of a button. I could even control my smart home devices while conditioning my hair.
The Bluetooth range is where this little marvel truly shines. I wandered around, leaving my phone on the kitchen counter, and experienced zero interruptions. A solid 100 feet? Absolutely.
OontZ Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition with Alexa Bluetooth Speaker, Waterproof 10 W Portable Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker, IPX7 Waterproof Loud Speaker
$36.99 in stock
Battery-wise, this beauty can go the distance. I had it playing all day on a single charge, and the battery level barely dipped. Plus, it has a built-in mic, so I could take calls without scrambling to find my phone—convenient, to say the least.
Pros
- Alexa-enabled
- 100-foot Bluetooth range, which is practically a small marathon
- Long-lasting 2500 mAh battery
- Built-in mic and hands-free capabilities
Cons
- Bass might leave you wanting more
- Max volume can get a little distorted
So, to sum up, the OontZ Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition brings functionality, sound quality, and durability into one tidy package. If you’re ready for an audio upgrade that promises more than just background music, give this speaker a whirl.
Ortizan Waterproof Wireless Speaker
Took the Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker for a spin, and wow, it packs a punch. Crisp 24W sound? Check. Treble and mids are spot-on, and the bass is killer, thanks to DSP technology.
The RGB lights make this more than a speaker—it’s a party starter. Battery life? Insane at 30 hours. Plus, TWS pairing doubles the fun. IPX7 waterproofing means no more weather worries.
Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker, IPX7 Waterproof Wireless Speaker with 24W Loud Stereo Sound, Outdoor Sport Speakers with Bluetooth 5.0, 30H Playtime,66ft Bluetooth Range,TWS Pairing for Home,Party
$37.99 in stock
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Bluetooth range gets choppy with obstacles, and switching between input sources. Kinda clumsy.
Pros
- Solid 24W sound
- RGB light show
- Long-lasting battery
- TWS pairing
- IPX7 waterproof
- Strong Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Sketchy Bluetooth range
- Clunky input switching
Want a speaker that turns any spot into a party zone? This Ortizan Portable is your ticket.
Tips for choosing the right Bluetooth speaker:
When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Sound quality: This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a Bluetooth speaker. Listen to different speakers to find one that produces a sound that you like.
- Battery life: If you plan on using your Bluetooth speaker outdoors or away from an outlet, battery life is an important consideration. Look for a speaker with a battery life of at least 6 hours.
- Portability: If you want to be able to take your Bluetooth speaker with you on the go, portability is important. Look for a speaker that is lightweight and compact.
- Features: Some Bluetooth speakers come with additional features, such as built-in microphones, speakerphone capabilities, and water resistance. Consider which features are important to you when making your decision.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best Bluetooth speaker under $50 can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With so many great options available, there’s sure to be a speaker that’s perfect for your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a speaker with great sound quality, the Anker Soundcore Mini 3 is a great option. It’s small and portable, but it delivers surprisingly powerful sound. The JBL Go 3 is another good choice for a portable speaker with great sound. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.
If you’re looking for a speaker with a long battery life, the Sony SRS-XB13 is a great option. It can provide up to 16 hours of playback on a single charge. The OontZ Angle 3 Shower Plus Edition is another good choice for a speaker with a long battery life. It’s also waterproof and has a built-in mic, so you can use it to make hands-free calls.
Finally, if you’re looking for a speaker with a lot of features, the Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great option. It has a built-in RGB light show, TWS pairing, and IPX7 waterproofing.
No matter what your needs are, there’s a Bluetooth speaker under $50 that’s perfect for you. Do your research and read reviews to find the best speaker for your budget and lifestyle.
