Whether you're lounging on a beach blanket, stoking a campfire, or simply doing the dishes, a Bluetooth speaker is the easiest way to amp up your experience and surround yourself with sound. Sure, sometimes your phone's audio can cut it, but why settle when you can have stereo sound in the palm of your hand—and often for an affordable price?

To determine the best Bluetooth speakers, we spent hours researching popular, top-rated options. We considered criteria such as durability (dustproofing, drop-proofing, and waterproofing), battery life, and—obviously—sound quality. Additionally, for adventurers we scoured the market for the most portable options, and for bass-heads, the best bass-boosting products out there.

Our top pick, the JBL Flip 6, is a solid, no-frills choice that you can fetch at an affordable price point. It delivers bassy, well-rounded sound with no distortion, and performs well both indoors and outdoors.

Find more of our Bluetooth speaker recs below, as well as answers to all of your questions about Bluetooth functionality.

Also available at Best Buy, Target, and Kohl's.

Who it's for: People who want a portable device that performs well indoors and outdoors and comes in a variety of colors.

Who it's not for: People who want an exceptionally powerful speaker or one with longer battery life.

Those who want a speaker that can do a bit of everything (i.e. indoor and outdoor) at an affordable price point will be set with the JBL Flip 6, a small speaker with intuitive controls that delivers big sound. Improvements over the JBL Flip 5 include an upgraded IP rating of IP67. Translation? The unit is now dustproof and waterproof, so you can toss it in your beach bag or take it to your campsite. Its cylindrical shape is easily cupped by backpack pockets, cupholders, and—dare we say—fanny packs. The Flip 6 also features a more stable base to rest the device securely on flat surfaces. It delivers solid battery life—around 12 hours—and features widely compatible USB-C charging.

Sound quality may not match the delivery of a more expensive or bulky device, and audiophiles may be disappointed by its inability to provide top-notch instrument differentiation. However, JBL's Flip 6 is comparable to other devices in its compact class and still delivers impressive sound quality. Its racetrack-shaped woofer provides exceptionally low frequencies and midrange, while its newly optimized dual passive radiators deliver deep bass. For those who want a durable device they can use at home and on the go, the Flip 6 is a fantastic choice. It's also a boon to partygoers who have multiple devices, as the PartyBoost feature allows multiple units to be synced.

Also available at Best Buy and Walmart. 

Who it's for: People who want distortion-free sound and portability at a budget price.

Who it's not for: People who need party-level loud sound.

If you think "budget" translates to "mediocre," think again. The Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth Speaker boasts crisp audio, sophisticated style, generous battery life (24 hours) and ultra-portability. Waterproof (IPX7), compact, and lightweight (only 13 ounces!), this speaker can accompany you whether you're hitting the trails, heading to the beach, or simply singing into your shampoo bottle. The speaker's cylindrical shape and tear-resistant strap make it the perfect travel companion, and with 24 hours of battery life, it won't matter if you're on the go from sunup to sundown. (Oddly, the speaker doesn't include a battery level indicator, but given that it can go for most of the day, it doesn't pose much of a problem.)

While this speaker doesn't get as party-rocking loud as some competitors, it does offer distortion-free sound at every volume setting, and it provides the full sonic spectrum: crystal highs, crisp mids, and deep bass—no harsh treble or brushy bass. If you're more audiophile than beach-goer, this speaker will still perform for you. Other functions we appreciate include the skip/reverse track button being on the speaker itself and a USB-C charging port. 

RELATED: The 12 Best Travel Bluetooth Speakers for Any Budget

Who it's for: People who want customizable sound for different genres.

Who it's not for: People who want to use their speakers outdoors.

If you're an audiophile who can't switch from your favorite acoustic Pinegrove song to the new Kendrick album without toggling all the frequency settings on a customizable EQ, then this speaker is for you. This speaker boasts an ultra-wide frequency range that stretches from 50 Hz (that's sub-bass) to 40kHz with additional BassUpTM tech to boost those low frequencies. Pairing this expansive frequency range with a Qualcomm aptX codec, this speaker faithfully reproduces all the minute details of your favorite songs.

Waterproof (IPX7) and weighing in at two pounds, this speaker may be portable, but it's designed for peak performance indoors. Positioned upwards at a 15-degree angle, the speaker is built to fill a room with music. Helping to maximize sound are two ultra-high frequency tweeters, two neodymium woofers, and two passive radiators, which help to cloak a room in sound, from corner to corner. 

This speaker features USB-C tech, which translates to easy charging and wide compatibility with your other devices. A full charge gets you 12 hours of max battery life, and while that is on the lower end of the spectrum, this speaker is basically built for making the pilgrimage from the living room to the kitchen, so it shouldn't present any real problems. 

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Who it's for: People who want a long-lasting, powerful speaker that's built for parties. 

Who it's not for: Those who want a portable speaker that's lighter in weight.

24 hours of battery life is what you'll get from this powerful, 50w Bluetooth speaker. With sound that reaches up to 98 decibels and exclusive "BassUp" technology, this speaker doesn't disappoint. The bass lends full-bodied support rather than drowning out the mids and highs, which consistently come in crisp at every volume level. This speaker may just become the most popular guest at the party, as it lets you hook up multiple phones to take turns playing music, and it's compatible with PartyCast tech, which lets you link up to 100+ Trance Go Bluetooth speakers via a single device.

Waterproof but not dustproof & drop-proof, this speaker is great for tailgate parties and campfires, but less ideal for more rugged activities or beachy settings. It has a sturdy handle, (just not the kind to which you'd clip a carabiner). Additionally, the big woofer makes this speaker less portable than others in the compact class—you wouldn't want to take it on a hiking expedition, but it's perfectly light enough to carry around a yard, garage, or campsite.

Also available at Best Buy and Target.

Who it's for: Those who want a durable speaker built for adventure 

Who it's not for: Those who want to fill a large room with sound from corner to corner

A small, portable speaker is great for everything from a tailgate party to a camping trip to a long hike. But here's the catch: To produce good sound, speakers need heavy magnets, and—without walls to reverberate from—significant power and batteries. Seemingly oblivious to these limitations is the UE Wonderboom 2. Weighing under one pound, this lightweight and uber-portable speaker delivers 360 degree sound and powerful bass. It also sports an "outdoor boost" button that instantly increases volume and clarity for outdoor listening. If you really want to get the party started, you can pair two Wonderboom 2 speakers for mono or stereo mode.

Not only is this speaker rated dustproof and waterproof (IP67)—it also floats. (Available in 4 possible colors, you're sure to find one to coordinate with your inflatable pool animals.) If you're more on-the-go with your speaker, you'll appreciate the loop that allows for easy carabiner or clip attachment. You'll find track functions (play, pause, skip) right on the speaker, so there's no unnecessary search for your phone while you're swimming in the pool or scaling a mountaintop. At half-volume, you'll get the advertised 13 hours of battery life—a 30 percent improvement over the previous model.

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Who it's for: People who want booming bass. 

Who it's not for: People who want an uber-portable speaker.

Some speakers that advertise great bass deliver loudness by sacrificing clarity and distorting mid and high frequencies, but the Soundcore Motion Boom generates booming stereo sound without distortion. Motion Boom's pure titanium diaphragms allow the speaker to reproduce high frequencies up to 40kHz—translation: unparalleled clarity. What's more, the customizable equalizer accessed via the SoundCore app gives you greater control over different frequencies so that you can tailor and refine the sound for the genres you love. 

You're also more than welcome to take a dip with your Motion Boom, which is fully waterproof (IPX7) and buoyant. (It's not dust-proof though, so think pool—not beach.) You're set for all-day adventures with 24 hours of battery life, and its vintage boombox aesthetic makes it ripe for re-enacting that John Cusack scene from Say Anything.

Also available at Best Buy, Target, and Nordstrom.

Who it's for: People who want a stylish, plug-in speaker with smart home capabilities.

Who it's not for: People who want a portable speaker they can toss in their bag.

Big sound comes with a small footprint in the Uxbridge Voice Speaker from Marshall. This speaker combines the unparalleled cool of classic Marshall speakers with the convenience of voice-activated controls: play your favorite tracks, check the weather, manage everyday tasks, and control the volume with the sound of your voice. Perfect for home, this plug-in speaker requires no re-charging, and it's compatible with Bluetooth, WiFi, and Alexa. However, buyers should note that it is not an Alexa speaker—it merely utilizes Amazon's basic features (weather, time, music, etc.) Users access apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audible through Bluetooth (there's also an alternative version that works with Google Assistant).

Those who want to fill their home with sound and dance from the kitchen, down the hall, and into the living room can also build a multi-room system using other supported Alexa built-in speakers or Airplay 2 enabled speakers. This 30w amplifier can deliver up to 96 decibels of sound, and provides clarity across the sonic spectrum. The classic brass accents and iconic script of Marshall speakers instantly elevate any space, regardless of how elevated (or embarrassing) your music tastes truly are. 

Who it's for: People who want a speaker pair with a small footprint.

Who it's not for: Adventurers who need something they can toss in their bag or clip on their person.

The A2+ Speaker System from Audioengine delivers 60 watts of powerful, high-fidelity sound from compact speakers that won't clutter your desktop. Measuring 6 inches in height, 4 inches in width, and 5.25 inches in depth, these small speakers ensure you don't have to sacrifice any elbow room. You can go wired or wireless, including USB audio from your computer, Bluetooth (100-foot range), or analog, for those out there still spinning records on vintage turntables. These handsome wood cabinets come in black, white, or red. (Side note: These speakers are magnetically shielded, meaning you can also hook them up to your TV without any interference with the monitor.)

Overall, we recommend the JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker, a versatile option that can be used indoors and out. Powerful and durable, this speaker is easily portable and has impressive sound quality, making it a good choice whether you're playing tunes at a backyard party or in your kitchen while you cook.

IP stands for "Ingress Protection"—and what does that mean, you ask? The IP rating tells you to what extent your device is dustproof and waterproof. The rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits, say IP67. The first number (6, in this case) measures how well your product is protected from entry by dirt and dust particles. The scale for dirt and dust protection ranges from 0-6, with 6 being the highest. So, the hypothetical product with an IP67 rating has total protection from dust ingress. It could go to Burning Man and come out unscathed.The second number (7, in this case) measures how well the product is protected against water. The water protection scale ranges from 0-8 with 8 being the highest. The higher the number, the more waterproof your product is. A 1 in the place of this second digit would show protection only from condensation or dripping (aka shower singalongs), whereas an 8 would show that the device is safe to submerge in water (up to a certain pressure specified by the manufacturer). Our hypothetical device with an IP67 rating could be safely immersed in water up to one meter in depth.

Anyone who plans to use a Bluetooth speaker outdoors should select a speaker with a high IP rating. Even if you plan to keep your speaker under an awning or in the garage, moisture can corrode the electrical components within your device.

Sometimes your product will offer no testing details, which will be reflected by an X in the place of a particular digit. (So, a rating of IPX7 would mean your product is rated only for water resistance, not dust protection.)

Bluetooth speakers don't have universal size distinctions, but they can effectively be broken down into mini, compact, medium, and large. Mini speakers weigh about half a pound and usually include a loop or clip to easily latch to your belongings or person. Some are even small enough to slide into your pocket. The sound quality of mini speakers will beat that of your phone, but they won't necessarily blow you away. With minis, you'll get an average battery life between 5-10 hours. 

Compact speakers usually weigh about one pound, and they may or may not include an integrated carrying system. They certainly won't fit into your pockets…unless, perhaps, you're sporting cargo shorts. These aren't as effortlessly latched onto your person, but they're still pretty manageable on hikes and biking trips if you're carrying a small bag. These offer significant improvements over your phone's audio quality, and they boast an average battery life between 10-24 hours.

If you're less interested in a speaker for trekking and more interested in a speaker that you can simply move around your house, beach site, or campsite, a medium speaker is probably your best bet; they're typically nominally more expensive than compact speakers, but you can get significant more battery life and bass from a medium speaker. If you need a powerful speaker that can get a party started and keep it going for hours on full blast, you'll want to opt for a large speaker. These start, on average, around 8-10 pounds, so they're not ideal for toting long distances. 

Bluetooth speakers pack an average battery life between 10 to 20 hours, with some that can last up to 30 hours. Because powerful batteries are heavier, mini speakers (weighing about half a pound) have the shortest battery life of Bluetooth speaker types. Still, there are compact speakers (weighing about a pound) that boast significant battery life—some even up to 24 hours. However, when played at full volume (re: power), they'll sometimes cut their battery life in half. If you need a truly powerful speaker with pounding bass that can go for hours, opt for a large speaker that advertises a long battery life.

If you have a newer phone with Bluetooth v5 (iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy X8, Android 10, or newer), then your phone should have dual audio or audio sharing options. Android users can access the 'dual audio' option by going to Bluetooth Settings, then Advanced Settings, then Dual Audio. Android users can simply click on both of their devices in Media. Users of the iPhone 8 (and newer) will use the Airplay icon within the Control Center to select the desired devices for simultaneous streaming. If you really want to amp up the volume, see if your speaker is compatible with tech like PartyCast—or includes tech like PartyBoost (JBL)—which allows many speakers (sometimes 100 or more!) to be synched.

If your speakers are cutting out, there are a few possible culprits. One possibility is a dying battery. Many Bluetooth speakers lack a battery life indicator light; you'll know the charge is depleted when the sound gets choppy and begins to cut out. In this case, charging your speaker is the solution.

Another possibility is that you've exceeded the speaker's signal range. Bluetooth tech works by transmitting data via short-wavelength radio waves across a range specified by your manufacturer. Most guarantee at least five feet of range between your speaker and the source device, but other manufacturers offer a range as generous as 100 feet. Be sure to check the specs on your device and keep it in range for seamless playback. Additionally, try to avoid placing too many walls or other obstructions between the source device and your speaker.

One surprising source of interference is a setting with high WiFi usage. WiFi operates on the same wavelengths as Bluetooth tech, and an overcrowded network can lead to audio stutter.

Though rare, it is possible for a Bluetooth speaker to be hacked. There are a few steps you can take to minimize the likelihood and protect your device and data. Two of the easiest prevention protocols include making your device "undiscoverable" and ensuring that your firmware is regularly updated. There are several Bluetooth security apps that will manage these protocols for you and allow you to set a strong security code. Other security steps that are quite easy to implement include turning off your Bluetooth when your device is not in use and using wired connections (e.g. an aux cord) when in crowded public spaces.

This article was written by Leslie Joblin, a writer with two years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in The Spruce, Brides, and MyDomaine. To compile this list, she scoured the research and reviews on top-rated Bluetooth speakers and chose the best based on durability, quality, and portability.