Ditch your phone's crummy speakers for these 42 bluetooth options

As a friend, not a scold, let's address an audio faux pas plaguing many: blasting tunes from your phone's built-in speakers. I'm here to convince you to upgrade to a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, which dramatically improves sound quality over the tinny, distorted output of your device.

Choosing the right one isn't trivial

With over 40 options spanning $10 to $599, the decision can be overwhelming. That's why I've spent years rigorously testing portable Bluetooth speakers from top brands like JBL, Sony, Bose, and more, to help guide your selection.

My tests cover sound quality, speakerphone functionality, waterproofing, and other key features. I've even delved into cutting-edge tech like advanced audio codecs and spatial audio. My well-worn test playlist spans genres from rock to classical, and I push these devices to their limits in noisy environments and open spaces.