Imagine this: You’re on vacation, sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand. The sun is setting over the ocean, and the waves are crashing gently on the shore. You’re surrounded by friends and loved ones, and you’re all enjoying the perfect moment.
But something is missing. Something to make the moment even more magical.
Music.
That’s where a travel speaker comes in. With a travel speaker, you can bring your favourite music with you wherever you go. You can listen to it on the beach, at the campsite, or even in your hotel room.
But with so many travel speakers on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best travel speakers on the market, based on sound quality, features, and price.
Best Travel Speakers
Travel speakers are a great way to bring your music with you wherever you go. They are portable, durable, and water resistant, making them perfect for travel, camping, and other outdoor activities.
In this article, we will review the best travel speakers on the market, based on sound quality, features, and price. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right travel speaker for your needs.
New Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
SoundLink Flex portable Bluetooth speaker is a state-of-the-art wireless speaker for travel. This compact wireless Bluetooth speaker delivers deep, clear, and immersive sound for your home or on the go.
The SoundLink Flex outdoor speaker is packed with exclusive technologies and a custom-engineered transducer for the clearest possible audio. It also features a built-in microphone and can be used to make and receive calls through your cell phone or other devices. The SoundLink Flex also pairs with additional Bose speakers within a range of 30 feet so you can create an immersive surround-sound experience in any location.
The SoundLink Flex outdoor speaker is built to resist water, dust, and debris in a design that withstands drops, rust, and UV light. The compact size of the SoundLink speaker makes it easy to hold, store, and transport wherever you want to go.
The durable battery charges through a USB-C cable (included), which allows you to charge the portable Bluetooth speaker while on the go or at home when you’re not using it.
Pros
- Great sound quality despite the compact size
- Waterproof/durable design good for travel
- PositionIQ auto sound adjustment
- Long battery life (12 hrs)
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- No EQ adjustment on the speaker
- The Bose app lacks features
- Monophonic sound
- Expensive compared to some models
- The Bluetooth range could be longer
- Some users wanted more bass
JBL Clip 4 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
We introduce the JBL Clip 4, a small speaker with a big personality. It is the best in terms of sound quality and bass, with JBL original pro sound that will surprise you for its size. The JBL Clip 4 is the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.
It’s small and light, so it’s easy to carry around and clip onto your belt, backpack, or purse. It’s also waterproof so that you can use it by the pool, at the beach, or in the shower! JBL speaker has a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge which runs more than enough to last you all day!
The best part is that even with its small size and lightweight design, the JBL Clip 4 still delivers powerful sound. You’ll never expect such big audio and punchy bass from something so little.
Pros
- Great sound with punchy bass despite the small size
- Ultra-portable and lightweight design with integrated carabiner
- 10 hours battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity is easy
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
Cons
- The sound may lack richness at high volumes
- No wired connection option
- The Carabiner clip seems less sturdy than the previous model
- Buttons could accidentally get pressed during transport
- The price is a bit high for the size
SUPNIU Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Take the party wherever you go with SUPNIU’s 60W (80W Peak) portable Bluetooth speaker. This speaker is perfect for setting the mood at home or bringing an epic party to your next camping trip with a double subwoofer, heavy bass, and LED lights.
The speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology, which allows you to connect your phone or another device up to 100 feet away, meaning you can play music from the tables in the back while you’re relaxing on a blanket in front of the stage.
Thanks to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, never worry about running out of battery, which lasts up to 6 hours on a single charge. Bring your favourite music everywhere with this speaker—from backyard barbeques to backpacking trips!
Pros
- Great for dance classes and programs
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Sound quality is just fair
JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The waterproof JBL Flip 5 Eco edition speaker is made from 90% recycled plastic and has eco-friendly packaging. It’s also built to last with its high output, 3.2-inch driver, and battery life of up to 12 hours!
Hear your music with the most booming bass in a compact package. Say goodbye to small stuff like charging your battery. Because you will never have to worry about your speakers going dead on you again when you carry this speaker everywhere you go!
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and need something waterproof, just don’t worry because the Flip 5 Eco edition gives you more than 12 hours of playtime! The Flip 5 will give you rich clarity and booming bass in a compact package.
Its waterproof design means you don’t have to worry about it getting wet when you’re out having fun at the pool party or on a quick getaway to the beach.
Pros
- Waterproof design (IPX7)
- Long battery life (12+ hrs)
- Durable build
- Good sound with bass
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Not the loudest maximum volume
- The bass could be deeper
- No wired connection
- Older Bluetooth version
- Expensive
Soundfreaq Sound Kick 2 Splashproof Travel Speakers
The Soundfreaq Sound Kicks 2 splashproof Bluetooth travel speaker is great for travellers who like to listen to music while they’re on the road but don’t want to mess with wires. The Sound Kick 2 connects to any device through Bluetooth, so you can easily connect your phone and start listening to your favourite songs immediately.
Wireless speakers are not new, but the Soundfreaq Sound Kick 2 is one of the best. It’s loud enough to fill a hotel room with sound, and it’s small enough that you can pack it in a suitcase or carry-on.
Travellers who love their music worry about battery life, and the Soundfreaq Sound Kick 2 has them covered. This speaker can play for up to 12 hours on a single charge—enough time for a full day of use. There’s an auxiliary jack and Bluetooth connectivity, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to charge it before leaving home.
Pros
- Splashproof/portable
- 12-hour battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Loud volume for size
Cons
- Lacks sound depth
- Weak bass
- Limited Bluetooth range
- Not fully waterproof
Choosing the Best Portable Speaker for Travel
Travelling can be a great opportunity to catch up on your favourite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Having a lightweight, compact speaker makes it easy to bring your entertainment anywhere.
Here are some key things to consider when shopping for the best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel:
Sound Quality: While travel speakers tend to be small, you’ll still want one that produces decent sound for its size. Look for speakers that offer full bass, crisp treble, and good volume levels without distortion. If sound quality is your top priority, be prepared to spend a little more.
Battery Life: Long battery life is essential for travellers who may not have consistent access to charge points. Look for a speaker that can play continuously for at least 10 hours, or offers 20+ hours of battery life. Quick charging capabilities are also useful.
Durability: Travel can be tough on tech, so you need a speaker built to withstand drops, dust, spills, and dings. Rugged, waterproof speakers can best handle backpacks, airport security, and outdoor adventures. Check the IPX water resistance rating.
Portability: Weight and size are key for portability. The most compact, lightweight speakers will be easiest to pack and transport all day. If you want fuller sound, you may need a slightly bigger (but still travel-friendly) speaker.
Extra Features: Consider extra features that may be useful during your travels like built-in voice assistants, speakerphone for calls, and daisy-chaining multiple speakers. Some speakers also allow device charging.
Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity is essential. Longer Bluetooth ranges give you more flexibility. Speakers that maintain a stable connection without drops are ideal for travel. Some also offer Wi-Fi and app connectivity.
Price: Travel speakers span a wide range of prices. Set a budget and look for the best value at each price point. Cost often aligns with sound quality and features.
With a good understanding of your travel priorities, you can find the perfect portable speaker to become your ideal travel companion. A speaker optimized for travel makes it easy to enjoy music anytime, anywhere.
Final Words
I hope the information in the above article has been useful to you. As I stated before, there are many travel speakers on the market today, and I can’t possibly cover them all.
Hopefully, my personal experience with these products gives you enough information to make an informed decision when shopping for your next set of travel speakers. They are also not as high-quality as some of the home models.
But if you just want to listen to something when you’re at work or on a subway ride, look no further than travel speakers.
Best Overall
Look no further than the Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth portable speaker if you’re looking for a portable speaker. This speaker is perfect for travel, with a compact size that makes it easy to pack and move around.
The speaker also comes with a built-in USB port so that you can charge your phone or other devices on the go.
Best Sound Quality
When it comes to portable speakers, users want one thing above all else: sound quality. The JBL Flip 5 portable waterproof wireless Bluetooth speaker is designed to deliver just that.
With premium sound quality and rich bass, this speaker is sure to keep you jamming out wherever you go.
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Speaker with Microphone, Wireless Water Resistant Travel Speaker with 360 Degree Sound, Long Lasting Battery and Handle, Black
