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When looking for best cheap speakers, you might feel like you have to give up a lot in terms of sound quality. But speakers have been getting better and better while keeping their prices low. Even though they are usually small and have a simple design, many cheap speakers can still make clear sounds. Some speakers even have apps that work with them that have extra settings and features, built-in voice assistants, and Bluetooth connections to make them easier to move around.
If you’re looking for a model to play at a cookout or BBQ in the backyard with family and friends, or if you want a reliable speaker to take to a music festival that you can throw into a travel bag for carefree sounds, we’ve rated each of these cheap Bluetooth speakers for their sound, battery life, performance, and durability. Many of these cheaper models are also water resistant and are as water resistant as more expensive models like the UE Megaboom 3. This means that you can take the speaker outside by the pool, to the beach, or even in the bathroom without worrying about splashes and water proofing.
Why Look for Best Cheap Speakers?
Even though high-end speakers have great sound quality, they often cost a lot of money. The best cheap speakers are a great option for people who want good sound without breaking the bank. Whether you want to improve the sound on your computer, add music to outdoor events, or listen to better audio while traveling, these cheap options offer great performance at a fraction of the price.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Cheap Speakers
Before you jump into the world of cheap speakers, you need to think about a few things to make sure you pick the right one. Pay attention to the size and mobility of the speaker, as well as how it connects, how long the battery lasts, and how good the sound is overall. Also, look into any extra features, like waterproofing or interaction with a voice assistant, that might make the speaker easier to use and more convenient.
Best Cheap Speakers Comparison Table
The comparison table shows some of the best cheap speakers and gives you a quick look at their most important features. Different needs are met by these inexpensive speakers, which range in size, battery life, and ways to join. This table helps you compare and choose the best cheap speaker for your needs, whether you want portability, better bass, or smart features.
Speaker Model | Size | Weight | Battery Life | Connectivity | Waterproof | Latest Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony SRS-XB100 | 3.43 x 4.41 x 3.43 inches | 0.59lb | Up to 16 hours | Bluetooth, AUX, NFC | IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof | Check Deal |
Creative Stage Air | 17.52 x 4.02 x 4.45 inches | 1.32lb | Up to 6 hours | Bluetooth, AUX | No | Check Deal |
DOSS SoundBox Plus | 6.5 x 9 x 0.39 inches | 1.23lb | Up to 20 hours | Bluetooth, AUX | No | Check Deal |
Google Nest Mini | 3.86 x 1.65 x 3.86 | 0.4lb | N/A | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | No | Check Deal |
JBL Clip 4 | 2 x 5 x 3 inches | 0.49lb | Up to 10 hours | Bluetooth | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) | Check Deal |
Anker Soundcore Flare 2 | 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.31 inches | 1.24lb | Up to 12 hours | Bluetooth | IPX7 (Waterproof) | Check Deal |
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 | 4.65 x 4.53 x 4.65 inches | 0.93lb | Up to 13 hours | Bluetooth | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) | Check Deal |
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 | 3.87 x 3.87 x 1.69 inches | 0.65lb | Up to 10 hours | Bluetooth | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) | Check Deal |
Best Cheap Speakers
Choosing the best cheap speaker can make your listening experience much better without breaking the bank. Each of these inexpensive choices has its own features and performance that make it fit different needs. The Sony SRS-XB100 stands out because of its powerful bass, while the Google Nest Mini can be used as a smart speaker. Below we have mentioned the best cheap speakers.
Sony SRS-XB100
Model | Sony SRS-XB100 |
---|---|
Size | 3.43 x 4.41 x 3.43 inches |
Weight | 0.59 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 16 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX, NFC |
Waterproof | Yes |
The Good
- Deep bass and clear sound
- Portable and lightweight
- NFC for easy pairing
- Long battery life
The Bad
- Not waterproof
The Sony SRS-XB100 is a small, strong Bluetooth speaker with clear sound and punchy bass. Its small size makes it a great partner for parties or trips outside. The SRS-XB100 has a battery life of up to 16 hours, so you can listen to songs all day without stopping.
Reasons to buy:
- Portable and sturdy. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker is small and light, so it’s easy to take with you. It can also stand up to water and dust, so you can take it with you anywhere.
- Lasts a long time. The power life of the Sony SRS-XB100 speaker is up to 16 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
- Fun features. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker has fun features like a built-in speakerphone, a party mode, and an LED light show that flashes.
Reasons to skip:
- Not as good of a speaker as some others. If you want the best sound quality possible, you can find better speakers than the Sony SRS-XB100.
- Some speakers are louder than this one. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker isn’t as loud as some other speakers, so it might not be the best choice for parties or meetings with a lot of people.
Creative Stage Air
Model | Creative Stage Air |
---|---|
Size | 3.43 x 4.41 x 3.43 inches |
Weight | 1.32 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX |
Waterproof | No |
The Good
- Crisp sound with good bass
- Compact and sleek design
- Versatile connectivity options
- Doubles as a soundbar for TVs
The Bad
- Limited battery life for portable use
The Creative Stage Air is a speaker that is easy on the wallet and makes computers and TVs sound better. Even though it’s small, it sounds great, with clear speech and a good amount of bass. With Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connections, as well as other choices, this speaker makes it easy to stream music.
Reasons to buy:
- The music quality is great. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker has a great sound signature with a good mix of lows, mids, and highs. It also has a good amount of clarity, so you can hear all the subtleties in your music.
- Portable and sturdy. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker is small and light, so it’s easy to take with you. It can also stand up to water and dust, so you can take it with you anywhere.
- Lasts a long time. The power life of the Sony SRS-XB100 speaker is up to 16 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
- Fun features. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker has fun features like a built-in speakerphone, a party mode, and an LED light show that flashes.
Reasons to skip:
- Not as good of a speaker as some others. If you want the best sound quality possible, you can find better speakers than the Sony SRS-XB100.
- Some speakers are louder than this one. The Sony SRS-XB100 speaker isn’t as loud as some other speakers, so it might not be the best choice for parties or meetings with a lot of people.
DOSS SoundBox Plus
Model | DOSS SoundBox Plus |
---|---|
Size | 6.5 x 9 x 0.39 inches |
Weight | 1.23 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX |
Waterproof | No |
The Good
- 360-degree sound
- Long battery life
- MicroSD card support
- Built-in microphone for calls
The Bad
- Not fully waterproof
With its 360-degree sound, powerful bass, and easy-to-use touch controls, the DOSS SoundBox Plus is a great deal for the money. It has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and a slot for a microSD card, so you can listen to songs in other ways. The SoundBox Plus is a great, inexpensive choice that can be used both inside and outside.
Reasons to buy:
- Waterproof. The DOSS SoundBox Plus is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the rain or in the pool.
- Lasts a long time. The battery life of the DOSS SoundBox Plus is up to 24 hours, so you can use it all day without worrying about running out of juice.
- Budget-friendly. The DOSS SoundBox Plus is very cheap, so it’s a good choice for people on a tight budget.
Reasons to skip:
- Some speakers are louder than this one. The DOSS SoundBox Plus isn’t as loud as some other speakers, so it might not be the best choice for parties or big groups.
Google Nest Mini
Model | Google Nest Mini |
---|---|
Size | 3.86 x 1.65 x 3.86 inches |
Weight | 0.4 lb |
Battery Life | N/A (Plug-in) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Waterproof | No |
The Good
- Integration with Google Assistant
- Compact and unobtrusive design
- Voice control for smart home devices
The Bad
- Limited audio power compared to larger speakers
The Google Nest Mini is a smart speaker that makes it easy to try out voice helpers on a budget. You can use voice commands to play music, ask questions, set reminders, and handle smart home devices that come with Google Assistant. Even though it’s small, the sound quality is surprisingly good.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable. The Google Nest Mini smart speaker is very cheap, which makes it a great choice for people on a tight budget.
- Small and not very big. The Google Nest Mini is small and tiny, so it’s easy to put on a shelf or table.
- The music quality is great. The Google Nest Mini sounds really good for how small it is.
- Is compatible with Google Assistant. The Google Nest Mini works with Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to handle smart home devices, get information, and more.
- Set up is simple. You can set up the Google Nest Mini quickly and easily from your phone.
Reasons to skip:
- The Nest Audio is better. If you’re ready to spend a little more money, the Nest Audio is a better choice. It sounds better and looks better than the other one.
- The Amazon Echo is more flexible. The Amazon Echo has more functions, like being able to make calls and send texts.
JBL Clip 4
Model | JBL Clip 4 |
---|---|
Size | 2 x 5 x 3 inches |
Weight | 0.49 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Waterproof | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) |
The Good
- Rugged and portable design
- Water and dustproof
- Integrated carabiner for easy attachment
- Decent battery life
The Bad
- Sound quality may lack bass compared to larger speakers
The JBL Clip 4 is a small, tough Bluetooth speaker made for use in the great outdoors. It has a built-in carabiner that makes it easy to attach to bags or backpacks. This makes it very movable. The speaker is also waterproof, so it can handle rain and splashes when you’re outside.
Reasons to buy:
- The music quality is great. The JBL Clip 4 sounds really good for how small it is. It has a good amount of bass and a sound that is well-balanced.
- It doesn’t let water or dust in. The JBL Clip 4 is dustproof and waterproof, so you can use it in the pool or the shower.
- Lasts a long time. The battery on the JBL Clip 4 can last up to 10 hours, so you can listen to songs all day.
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise cancellation. If you want a speaker that can block out noise, the JBL Clip 4 doesn’t have that feature.
- There is no Bluetooth 5.0. Only Bluetooth 4.2 is built into the JBL Clip 4, so it can’t use the newest Bluetooth features.
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
Model | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 |
---|---|
Size | 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.31 inches |
Weight | 1.24 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Waterproof | IPX7 (Waterproof) |
The Good
- 360-degree sound
- Customizable LED lights
- Excellent bass performance
- Waterproof for pool and beach use
The Bad
- Bulky compared to some other portable speakers
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a Bluetooth speaker with a lot of features. It has 360-degree sound and LED lights that you can change. It has two passive radiators that give it a deep bass and an IPX7 grade that makes it waterproof, so it can be used at pool parties and other wet places outside.
Reasons to buy:
- Show of LED lights. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 has a built-in LED light show that can be timed to your music. This is a fun thing to have at parties or just to have fun with.
- It doesn’t let water or dust in. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it to the beach or the pool.
- Lasts a long time. The power life of the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is up to 13 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
Reasons to skip:
- Some other Bluetooth speakers are better than this one. If you want a Bluetooth speaker with the best sound quality, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 might not be the best choice.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Model | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 |
---|---|
Size | 4.65 x 4.53 x 4.65 inches |
Weight | 0.93 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 13 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Waterproof | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) |
The Good
- 360-degree sound
- Floats on water
- Rugged and durable design
- Long battery life
The Bad
- No speakerphone function for calls
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a small, tough Bluetooth speaker that puts out sound in all directions and has a good mix of bass. It floats, so it’s great for pool parties, and its design is strong enough to handle drops and bumps. For its size, the Wonderboom 3 has a solid and powerful sound system.
Reasons to buy:
- Portable and sturdy. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is small and light, so it’s easy to bring with you. It’s also dustproof and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking in the rain or snow.
- The music quality is great. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 sounds really good for how small it is. It has a strong bass and clear highs, and it can get pretty loud.
- Lasts a long time. The battery life of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is up to 13 hours, so you can listen to songs all day.
- 360-degree sound. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 puts out sound in all directions, so you can listen to music from any angle.
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise cancellation. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 doesn’t have active noise cancellation, which is something you might want in a pair of headphones.
- There are no fancy features. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 doesn’t have any high-end features, like wireless charging or being able to connect to more than one device at once.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
Model | Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 |
---|---|
Size | 3.87 x 3.87 x 1.69 inches |
Weight | 0.65 lb |
Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Waterproof | IP67 (Waterproof and dustproof) |
The Good
- Powerful sound for its size
- Enhanced bass with XBass technology
- Compact and portable design
- Waterproof and dustproof
The Bad
- Some users may prefer more pronounced mids and highs
The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is a Bluetooth speaker about the size of your palm that puts out surprisingly loud sound. It has XBass technology, which makes the bass sound better, and an IP67 grade, which means it can be used outside in all kinds of weather. The speaker is a great journey companion because it is small and sturdy.
Reasons to buy:
- Small and easy to carry. The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is small and easy to move around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- Lasts a long time. The battery life of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is up to 15 hours, so you can easily use it for a full day.
- It doesn’t let water or dust in. You don’t have to worry about the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 getting wet or dirty because it is waterproof and dustproof.
- Affordable. The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is very cheap, which makes it a great choice for buyers who want to save money.
Reasons to skip:
- Some speakers are louder than this one. The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 isn’t as loud as some other speakers, so if you’re looking for a speaker to use at parties or other big gatherings, it might not be the best choice.
- There’s no multipoint Bluetooth. The Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 doesn’t have Bluetooth multipoint, so you can only connect it to one device at a time.
FAQs
Yes, the Sony SRS-XB100 features NFC connectivity, allowing you to pair it with compatible devices by simply tapping them together.
No, the Creative Stage Air does not include a remote control. However, it can be conveniently controlled using the touch-sensitive buttons on the speaker.
Yes, the Google Nest Mini can be used as a Bluetooth speaker to stream audio from your smartphone or other compatible devices.