$79.99
Rankings
The Tribit StormBox 2 offers strong bass, long battery life, and IPX7 protection in a compact, affordable package, with Bluetooth 5.3 and TWS pairing. It lacks high-resolution codecs and has limited color choices, but includes a mic and aux input.
The Marshall Emberton III is a third-generation portable Bluetooth speaker delivering 360° True Stereophonic sound, IP67 durability and over 32 hours of playback. It adds a built-in mic and a long Bluetooth range, though it still misses a wired aux input and extensive EQ options.
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers powerful, balanced audio with deep bass, a rugged IP67 design and 20 h of playback, but its size and weight keep it anchored to stationary use. It adds premium features like USB-C charge-out and multipoint connectivity while still missing a microphone.
The Wonderboom 3 is a compact, rugged Bluetooth speaker offering 360° sound, IP67 protection and 14 h of playtime, ideal for outdoor activities. While its durability and outdoor mode shine, it lacks modern features like USB-C charging, an app, and deep bass at high volumes.
The blue WONDERBOOM 4 offers USB-C fast charging, Bluetooth 5.2, and 8.5 W output in a rugged IP67 package. It excels in durability and portability but lacks advanced codecs, a mic, and an app for sound tuning.
The StormBox Micro 2 is a pocket-sized, rugged speaker that delivers loud, bass-forward audio with IP67 protection and a handy strap, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Its battery lasts roughly 8-12 hours and it lacks an AUX jack or EQ app, limiting wired use and fine-tuning.
The JBL Flip 6 delivers powerful sound and solid durability in a compact package, offering 12 hours of playback and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, though it lacks a wired aux input and its mic is only average.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II provides immersive 360° sound, a solid 17-hour battery and IP55 protection in a cylindrical, handle-equipped design. Its reliance on a micro-USB charger, weight and lack of advanced codecs keep it from being a perfect modern portable speaker.
The MEGABOOM 3 offers long battery life, robust IP67 protection and 360° sound, making it a reliable choice for outdoor parties. Its lack of wired input, microphone and some ergonomic quirks keep it focused on pure Bluetooth playback.
The UE Boom 3 offers immersive 360° sound, 15 h of battery life and a rugged design with IPX4 resistance, making it great for outdoor gatherings. Its lack of full waterproofing, on-speaker controls, and a heavier build are notable drawbacks.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 hours | 14 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 17 hours | 12 hours | 32 hoursbest | 20 hours | 15 hours | 20 hours | |
— | — | 4,800 mAh | 5,200 mAhbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.6 hours | 2.75 hours | 2.5 hours | 4 hours | 4.5 hours | 3.5 hours | 2 hoursbest | — | 3.4 hours | 5 hours |
40 meters | 40 meters | 10 meters | 45 meters | 9 meters | 30 meters | 100 metersbest | 45 meters | 15.24 meters | 9 meters | |
| ↓ lower better | 408 gbest | 420 g | 549 g | 580 g | 907 g | 453.6 g | 670 g | 1,315 g | 816 g | 2,130 g |
— | 8.5 watts | 30 watts | 34 wattsbest | — | 9 watts | 20 watts | — | — | — | |
40 mm | 1.57 mm | 45 mm | 48 mm | — | — | 51 mmbest | — | 38 mm | — | |
— | — | 63 Hz | — | — | 70 Hz | 60 Hz | — | 90 Hzbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audio Performance(3) | ||||||||||
Output Power (watts) | — | 8.5 watts | 30 watts | 34 watts | — | 9 watts | 20 watts | — | — | — |
Driver Size (mm) | 40 mm | 1.57 mm | 45 mm | 48 mm | — | — | 51 mm | — | 38 mm | — |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | — | — | 63 Hz | — | — | 70 Hz | 60 Hz | — | 90 Hz | — |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | — | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1.5 years | 1 years | 2 years | 2 years | — |
Connectivity(6) | ||||||||||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 5.3 | 5.3 | — | — | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range (meters) | 40 meters | 40 meters | 10 meters | 45 meters | 9 meters | 30 meters | 100 meters | 45 meters | 15.24 meters | 9 meters |
Auxiliary Input (3.5 mm) | — | false | false | true | true | false | false | false | true | true |
USB‑C Port | false | true | true | true | false | true | true | false | false | true |
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC | SBC | — | SBC, AAC | SBC | SBC | — | — | — | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
Built‑in Microphone | false | false | true | true | true | true | true | false | — | false |
Battery & Power(3) | ||||||||||
Battery Life (hours) | 14 hours | 14 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 17 hours | 12 hours | 32 hours | 20 hours | 15 hours | 20 hours |
Battery Capacity (mAh) | — | — | 4800 mAh | 5200 mAh | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Charging Time (hours) | 2.6 hours | 2.75 hours | 2.5 hours | 4 hours | 4.5 hours | 3.5 hours | 2 hours | — | 3.4 hours | 5 hours |
Build & Design(2) | ||||||||||
Weight (g) | 408 g | 420 g | 549 g | 580 g | 907 g | 453.6 g | 670 g | 1315 g | 816 g | 2130 g |
IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IPX7 | IP55 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, such as PCMag, praise the Wonderboom 3 for its balanced moderate-volume audio, sleek design, and true stereo output in a rugged, waterproof package. However, they criticize its bass distortion at high volumes, the outdated micro-USB charging port, lack of a companion app, and missing speakerphone functionality, resulting in an average 3.0/5 rating.
Everyday users love the Wonderboom 3's durability, floatability, long battery life, and Outdoor Mode, noting it performs well at the beach, pool, and on hikes. Common frustrations focus on the absence of USB-C, lack of an app for EQ or updates, and bass distortion when the volume is turned up.
“Outstanding sound for size - many users are surprised by the volume and bass”
“The microphone quality is acceptable but not ideal for noisy environments”
“App dependency for firmware updates can be frustrating”
Choose JBL Flip 6 if you prioritize app control, USB-C, and stronger bass, and don't need stereo sound.
Flip 6 provides deeper bass, while BOOM 3 is lighter and more portable
Choose StormBox 2 for higher power, longer playtime, and extra features; choose Flip 6 if color variety and brand loyalty matter.
Choose JBL Flip 6 if you need easy stereo pairing and a lower cost, but opt for Emberton III for longer playtime and immersive 360° audio.
BOOM 3 is a solid choice for a rugged, 360° speaker at a mid-range price, but Emberton III offers superior battery life, longer range, and advanced audio tuning.
Professional reviewers praise the solid durability, USB-C charging and 360° sound, but criticize the lack of an app, limited codec support and the absence of a microphone.
Everyday users love the durability, waterproof floatability, long battery life and stereo pairing, while complaining about the missing app, distortion at high volume, and lack of a mic.
Professional reviewers praised the Flip 6 for strong bass and clarity, giving it an 8.3/10 from CNET.
Everyday users love the big sound and ruggedness but note the missing USB-C cable, lack of aux input, and occasional app issues.
Professional reviewers commend the StormBox 2 for delivering powerful, bass-rich sound and impressive battery life at a budget price, noting its stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection and useful app EQ, while acknowledging the lack of premium codecs and fully immersive surround.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the StormBox 2 for its big-sound performance, long battery life, and rugged IPX7 waterproofing, often calling it a 'best-value' speaker, with occasional complaints about strong XBass and app update delays.
Professional reviewers praise the Revolve+ II for its room-filling 360° audio, robust IP55 build and seamless Bose ecosystem integration, while noting the outdated micro-USB port, weight and lack of advanced Bluetooth codecs.
Users love the immersive sound, long battery life and rugged design, but frequently mention the heavy weight, micro-USB charging and occasional voice-prompt annoyance.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the StormBox Micro for delivering a surprisingly powerful, bass-rich sound in a tiny, rugged package, and they highlight its USB-C charging, IP67 rating, and multipoint/stereo pairing as standout features, while criticizing its modest 8-hour battery life and lack of app/EQ controls.
Everyday users love the speaker's big sound, durability and handy strap, often calling it the best value portable speaker they own, but common complaints revolve around the limited battery runtime, distortion at high volumes, and the fact that it doesn't float.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Emberton III for its premium sound, durable IP67 build and impressive battery life, while noting the lack of a wired input and limited EQ customization.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the design, sound quality and marathon battery life, with occasional complaints about missing rubber feet and the absence of a clear stereo-pairing feature.
Professional reviewers commend the MEGABOOM 4 for its robust build, long battery life, and PartyUp ecosystem, while noting the lack of mic and aux input and occasional harsh treble.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the loud, party-ready sound and durability, but often mention the missing wired input, microphone and occasional app glitches.
Professional reviewers praised the UE BOOM for redefining portable Bluetooth audio with its immersive 360° sound, balanced tonal quality, and rugged build. They highlighted the value of the companion app for stereo pairing and PartyUp, while noting the drawbacks of missing on-speaker playback controls, the absence of an auxiliary cable, and the limited IPX4 water resistance compared to later models.
Everyday users love the speaker's ability to fill a space with loud, clear sound without needing to point it, its durability, and long battery life that lasts through full-day outings. Common frustrations revolve around the lack of on-speaker play/pause controls, the missing 3.5 mm cable, occasional app glitches, and the fact that IPX4 protection isn't enough for heavy rain or submersion.
Professional reviewers praise the powerful, clear sound and premium build, but note the lack of a microphone, basic EQ and the speaker's heavyweight.
Users consistently highlight the loud, clear sound, long battery and ruggedness, while complaining about the missing mic, unprotected ports and heavy weight.
