With our list of the best cheap speakers, you’ll be able to find high-quality wireless audio for a low price. When looking for the best cheap Bluetooth speaker, 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 vocals. Some speakers even have apps that work with them that have extra controls and features. We’ve tried out a lot of speakers, and here are our top picks for the best cheap Bluetooth speakers.
Best Cheap Speakers
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
Features
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is the best cheap speaker we’ve tried. This portable Bluetooth speaker gives you a lot for your money because it has a lot of cool features and costs less than similar ones. The top and bottom of the speaker have rings of different coloured lights.
Its default sound is good for listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other kinds of audio content. But if you want a different sound or want to turn up the bass, the app’s graphic EQ lets you change the way it sounds, which is helpful.
Pros
- Amazing soundstage.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
Cons
- Not loud enough to fill larger spaces.
Sony SRS-XB13
Features
The Sony SRS-XB13 is a good choice if you want a small speaker that you can take with you. It’s the best speaker for the money, and it’s small and light enough that you can carry it in one hand. Better yet, the speaker comes with a carrying strap that makes it easy to attach it to your bag.
This is great if you want to listen to your favourite music on your next hike to make you feel better. Also, this speaker has an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water, so if it rains on your next trip, it’s not a big deal. This speaker has a pretty even sound profile, so it can be used with most kinds of audio.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Diffused sound
- Balanced sound quality
Cons
- No stereo separation
- Low max volume
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Features
The UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested for under $100. It has a balanced sound and is easy to carry around, and the Outdoor Boost feature does its job. And 14 hours of power is enough for most people. If you think you need louder sound or a longer battery life, the Megaboom 3 might be worth the money.
It can also work with other UE speakers to make stereo sound. The only thing that really makes us sad is that the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 costs money. From being completely dead, it took the speaker more than two hours to reach the full charge chime. This is likely because it charges with Micro-USB, which is an old charging method.
Pros
- IP67 rating.
- Floats in water.
- Over 22 hours of playtime.
- Incredibly portable.
Cons
- No graphic EQ.
- Lacks low-bass.
JBL Clip 2
Features
The JBL Clip 2 had a strong audio performance, with strong treble, midrange, and bass. This great sound comes in a small, sturdy package that was made to be portable. The speaker is easy to carry around because it has a carabiner on top that can be clipped onto anything: a backpack, a bike handle, a carry-on bag, etc.
The Clip 2 is also known for being waterproof (IPX7), which gives you peace of mind when you throw it in the pool or ride your bike through the park with it when it starts to rain. This device can connect and sync sound with two other Clip 2 speakers for a bigger sound, which you may need since the Clip 2 isn’t very loud.
Pros
- Powerful audio performance for the size.
- Waterproof.
- Speakerphone functionality.
- Built-in audio cable for wired listening.
Cons
- Track navigation button can’t skip backward.
- Not for those seeking big bass response.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
Features
The second-gen Stormbox from Tribit is an even better mini speaker than the first-gen Micro. Forget about brand snobbery: the Micro 2 can’t be beat in terms of how it looks and how it works for the price. Even though it’s just a little bit bigger than before, it’s still a small thing that’s just as satisfyingly solid as its predecessor.
It even has the same tough IP67 rating. If the sound from the first Micro defied its size, the sound from the Micro 2 is even bigger than you’d think. With an extra Watt, the tiny Micro 2 sounds much bigger than you’d think, with a crisp and lively sound. Also, the battery life has been increased to 12 hours, and the USB-C port can now be used to charge other devices.
Pros
- Great sound quality for the size
- Can now charge your phone
- Incredible value
Cons
- No 3.5mm line-in for wired listening
- Can’t chain with older models
Urbanears Ralis
Features
This cool noisebox came out in 2019, but you can still find it online. And there’s a good chance you’ll want to: the Ralis is a stylish piece of Swedish minimalism that fits right in with the most stylish homes. The set of features also has a simple, Scandi look: The Bluetooth and 3.5mm connections make things easy, and the battery lasts for 20 hours and can also be used to charge other devices via USB.
The IPX2 rating means it won’t melt in the rain, but you probably shouldn’t leave this speaker outside. A Blumlein pair is made up of two drivers that are exactly the same. The result is a soundstage with a lot of space, which makes listening to music very enjoyable. When you turn up the volume, the rich tone and lively bass really come to life.
Pros
- Powerful audio performance with excellent bass depth for its size.
- Cool, understated design.
- Comprehensive onboard controls are easy to operate.
Cons
- No speakerphone functionality.
- Not a sound signature for purists.
JBL Charge 5
Features
The JBL Charge 5 is even more durable and sounds better than the first four Charges. If you needed more proof, its five-star review should be enough. The Charge 5’s predecessor had an IPX7 rating, which meant it could be submerged in water up to 1.5 metres deep.
The Charge 5, which has an IP67 rating, is even more durable because it is also dustproof. Want a speaker about the size of a bottle of wine that sounds great and can charge your phone? You’ve got it now. This is because it has a new 10W tweeter and a racetrack-shaped driver.
Pros
- Sound quality
- IP67 rating
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Can charge your mobile devices
Cons
- No microphone
- Bulky
- No wired listening
FAQs
Can cheap speakers sound good?
Cheap woofers (for low frequencies), tweeters (for high frequencies), and midrange drivers (for everything in between) often sound good, but they usually don’t play as loud as more expensive drivers.
Are JBL a good brand?
Overall, JBL makes headphones that are full of features and usually sound good because they tend to follow the Harman curve. But their design and fit aren’t always the most comfortable, and even though they’re cheap, they’re made of plastic and can feel a little cheap.
Is it OK to buy used speakers?
Speakers and electronics with solid-state parts are the least risky things to buy used. It’s riskier to buy CD players, turntables, and tube electronics from private sellers. It’s better to stick with professionals who have fully checked out, fixed, and guaranteed the products they sell.
How much does a good speaker cost?
There is no one answer that works for everyone. If you are in an average-sized room that hasn’t been treated and you want to listen to music for fun, your best bet will be to spend between $300 and $1,200. The higher you go in that range, the better the results are likely to be, but a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.
