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Best budget Bluetooth speakers

From backyard BBQs to beach days, these are the best cheap Bluetooth speakers worth packing.
By

May 15, 2025

Best all-around
JBL Clip 5
MSRP: $79.95
7.9
Check price
Positives
IP67
Multipoint connection
Companion app w/ EQ options
Auracast with other compatible JBL speakers
Negatives
No custom EQ while using Auracast
"Playtime Boost" drastically decreases sound quality
Best portability
Sony SRS-XB100
MSRP: $60.00
Check price
Positives
IP67 water and dust resistance
Good battery life
Lightweight and portable
Negatives
Not very loud
No features in companion app
Best waterproof
JBL Go 4
MSRP: $49.95
7.9
Check price
Positives
IP67
Companion app w/EQ options
Lightweight
Price
Loop attachment
Negatives
No custom EQ while using Auracast
"Playtime Boost" drastically decreases sound quality
Best for the home
Creative Stage Air
8
Check price
Positives
Compact
Price
Easy setup
Bass response
Negatives
Micro-USB charging
Short aux cable
Auto-off after 15 minutes even if monitor on
Best value
Soundcore Select 4 Go
MSRP: $34.99
Check price
Positives
IP67
Price
EQ options
Loop attachment
Battery Life
Negatives
No backlit controls
Rubber feet can easily be pulled out
The Bottom Line.
If you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore Select 4 Go offers good sound in a compact, grab-and-go design. While it doesn’t quite match the JBL Go 4 in build quality, it makes up for it with longer battery life and more flexible EQ controls, making it a smart pick for value-conscious listeners.

Music brings people together, which is why affordable Bluetooth speakers are more popular than ever. Whether you’re hanging out at the beach, throwing a backyard party, or just chilling with friends, good music is a must. The best part? You don’t need to drop a ton of cash to get the party going. We’ve rounded up the best budget Bluetooth speakers that deliver solid sound without draining your wallet.

  • on May 15th, 2025, for formatting, and to add the Soundcore Select 4 Go as our best value pick.

Always on the move? Bring the JBL Clip 5

A JBL Clip 5 attached to a backpack.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
It wouldn’t be a Clip without its signature built-in carabiner.

The JBL Clip 5 is the ideal choice for those prioritizing portability in a Bluetooth speaker. This compact device features a built-in carabiner for easy attachment to backpacks or branches, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s also built to withstand the elements, with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.

The Clip 5 offers improved audio performance with 7W of output and a 12-hour battery life. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint connection and now comes with a companion app, allowing users to customize their sound experience through various EQ options. While it may not deliver room-filling sound, its rugged design, versatile mounting options, and personalized audio capabilities make it an excellent choice for hikers, campers, or anyone seeking a reliable, portable audio companion on a budget.

JBL Clip 5
JBL Clip 5
SG recommended
JBL Clip 5
IP67 • Multipoint connection • Companion app w/ EQ options
MSRP: $79.95
The JBL Clip 5 is built to go places.
The JBL Clip 5 features some welcome upgrades. Now offering support from the JBL Portable app, which includes both preset and a customizable EQ, not to mention a boost in wattage and better battery life, the JBL Clip series remains a solid choice for an on-the-go outdoor Bluetooth speaker.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is small but mighty

The Sony SRS-XB100 hanging from its strap.
Austin Kwok / SoundGuys
The included strap makes it easy to hang the Sony SRS-XB100 anywhere that is most convenient.

The Sony SRS-XB100 is a solid choice for those seeking an ultra-compact and affordable Bluetooth speaker for personal use. Weighing only 274g, this tiny powerhouse is incredibly portable and features an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or shower use.

Despite its small size, the SRS-XB100 delivers impressive sound quality with a full-range driver and passive radiator for enhanced bass. It boasts a 16-hour battery life and supports Google Fast Pair for easy connection to Android devices. While it may not be the loudest speaker in its class, its portability, durability, and sound quality make it a great option for individual listeners or small groups. The Sony SRS-XB100 is perfect for those who want a simple, reliable speaker that can go anywhere without compromising audio performance.

Sony SRS-XB100
Sony SRS-XB100
Sony SRS-XB100
Sounds great • Holds a charge • Portable design
MSRP: $60.00

Need something small but durable? Go with the JBL GO 4

A JBL Go 4 in the palm of a hand.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
The Go 4 is ready for the beach or the pool, thanks to its I67 protection rating.

The JBL Go 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking an ultra-compact, affordable Bluetooth speaker. This palm-sized device weighs less than a pound, making it incredibly easy to carry in a pocket or attach to a backpack. Despite its small size, the Go 4 doesn’t skimp on features or durability.

It boasts an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Go 4 now comes with companion app support, offering a customizable 5-band EQ for personalized sound. With Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connection, it’s versatile enough for various uses. While it may not deliver powerful bass, its 7-hour battery life and improved durability make it an ideal choice for travelers, hikers, or anyone needing a reliable, pocket-friendly speaker on a budget.

Great question. There are a few key differences between these two affordable JBL models. Check out our comparison video below to learn more:

JBL Go 4
JBL Go 4
JBL Go 4
IP67 • Companion app w/EQ options • Lightweight
MSRP: $49.95
So long, Go 3. If you're on the fence about upgrading, the Go 4 is undoubtedly the way to go.
Now offering support from the JBL Portable app, which includes a 5-band customizable EQ, not to mention leveling up its durability with some added protection, the JBL Go 4 is a worthy successor to the Go 3.

For a simple home solution, check out the Creative Stage Air

Creative Stage Air: The Creative brand name on the speaker grill.
The metal grille covers two dynamic drivers and a passive radiator.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, chances are it will be small and portable, similar to the other options on this list. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Case in point: the Creative Stage Air.

While this speaker isn’t nearly the size of some of the other soundbars we’ve tested, you still get a lot of speakers for not a lot of money. It’s not the best option for building your dream home theater system. Still, it’s a perfectly fine under-monitor speaker that makes listening to music, watching videos, or playing games that much more enjoyable.

Like most speakers of this price, the Creative Stage Air has fairly limited features, so don’t expect to plug in HDMI and optical cables from your gaming console. For that, you should check out our list of best soundbars. The Creative Stage Air keeps it simple, supporting Bluetooth 4.2 with the SBC codec and 3.5mm input. It has a few annoying quirks, like automatically turning off to save power after 15 minutes of non-usage, but overall, it’s a solid option for the price, even if it’s a bit older.

Creative Stage Air
Creative Stage Air
Creative Stage Air
Compact • Price • Easy setup
A surprisingly good desktop soundbar.
If you just need something to relay sound from your desktop on the cheap this soundbar has you covered. It gets fairly loud for its size and doesn't need to be relegated to the monitor station alone; rather this speaker can blend in nearly anywhere and can entertain a small group of friends, too.

You can’t beat the value of the Soundcore Select 4 Go

A Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker hanging from its loop attachment outside a cabin.
Dave Carr / SoundGuys
The Soundcore Select 4 Go is all about value.

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is a solid pick for anyone after an affordable Bluetooth speaker for personal listening or small get-togethers. With an IP67 rating, it’s perfect for the beach, the shower, or wherever your day takes you. What really sets it apart is its customization—thanks to a 9-band EQ in the Soundcore app, it’s one of the most flexible budget speakers out there when it comes to tuning the sound to your liking.

Additionally, the Select 4 Go boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, which is more than enough for a few days of casual listening. It includes a built-in loop for attaching a carabiner and offers flexible placement options, with four rubber feet on the bottom that let you use it as an upward-firing speaker. Just keep in mind: while you don’t need to spend a lot to get solid sound, that value doesn’t always extend to build quality. The Select 4 Go feels durable for the price, but it doesn’t quite match the more rugged construction of the JBL Clip 5.

Soundcore Select 4 Go
Soundcore Select 4 Go
SG recommended
Soundcore Select 4 Go
IP67 • Price • EQ options • Loop attachment • Battery Life
MSRP: $34.99
The Soundcore Select 4 Go is an affordable option for any listener on the go.
If you're on a tight budget, the Soundcore Select 4 Go provides decent sound in a grab-and-go design.

The Amazon Echo Pop is a great, cheap smart speaker

The Amazon Echo Pop next to a phone on a table.
Chase Bernath / SoundGuys
Its small size makes the Echo Pop a great desk companion.

If you are looking for a cheap and easy entry to the smart home world, the Amazon Echo Pop is a good starting point. It also makes for a great addition to an existing Alexa smart home setup, as you could buy a couple of these speakers and place them in various rooms around your house.

With full Alexa integration, a sleek modern design, and decent sound, the Amazon Echo Pop packs a ton of bang for your buck. There’s no display and limited volume, but the Echo Pop is a no-brainer for the price of $39.99 and the fact that you can usually find it on sale for less than half of that.

Amazon Echo Pop
Amazon Echo Pop
Amazon Echo Pop
Affordable • Sleek design • Alexa Integration
MSRP: $39.99
A cheap and tiny Alexa smart speaker.
A great entry or extension to the Alexa smart home ecosystem. The Echo Pop has a sleek design with a front-firing speaker that sits nicely in an office or on a bedside table.

Best cheap Bluetooth speakers: Notable mentions

The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 hanging from a tree branch.
It’s easy to find a home for the Soundcore Motion 300 in the wild.
  • Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) ($49 at Amazon): The smart home is more relevant than ever, and companies are rapidly expanding with a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) product ideas. Anyone with multiple devices will benefit from the hands-free voice controls of the new Echo Dot (5th Gen).
  • Anker Soundcore Motion 300 ($79.99 at Amazon): The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly audio adventure companion. Featuring an IPX7 protection rating and decent sound in a durable, compact package, you don’t have to think twice before tossing this speaker into your backpack or gear bin for a weekend getaway.
  • Anker Soundcore Flare 2 ($55.99 at Amazon): Gain all the features of the Flare Mini, but with more powerful drivers, Soundcore app control, dual LED halo lighting, and better sound quality at a price tag slightly above $50.
  • JBL Clip 4 ($48 at Amazon): Although the Clip 5 is out and has more features, the Clip 4 is still a solid buy for less money.
  • Sony SRS-XB13 (on the product’s website): The “XB” in the product’s name stands for Extra Bass, delivering a powerful low-end in a compact form factor. An IP67 rating also ensures that the party will go on for 16 hours, no matter where you take this speaker. Occasionally, you can nab it for under $50.
  • Tribit StormBox Micro ($52 at Amazon): This one is set to compete with the JBL Clip series, by sporting the same IP67 rating and a small form factor you can attach to a bike.

What you should know about budget Bluetooth speakers

What is a Bluetooth codec?

The SBC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and LDAC bluetooth codec performance shown on a chart.
Represented is the max transfer rate (kbps) of each respective Bluetooth codec (greater is better). Each waveform depicts a transfer rate of 100 kbps.

Just like wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers use specific Bluetooth codecs to determine how files are transmitted from a source (phone) to a receiver (speaker). Different codecs produce different amounts of latency when streaming, and the most common of those that have the lowest latency and the highest streaming quality are aptX and AAC if you’re an iOS user. With that said, many Bluetooth speakers only use the basic SBC codec, which can mean you might have some latency when using the speaker to watch videos.

What are IP ratings?

UE Wonderboom 2 floating in a pool. The speaker is in red.
The speaker can be placed directly in the pool and float about.

Plenty of these speakers come with some level of water resistance, so it’s worth understanding what those IP (Ingress Protection) ratings actually mean. IP ratings indicate how well a product resists dust and water. You’ll often see something like IPX4, where the X is a placeholder indicating the product hasn’t been tested for dust resistance. If you want a speaker that can handle dust and full water submersion, look for at least an IP67 rating or higher—that’s the standard for rugged, outdoor-ready gear.

Water-resistantWaterproofCan withstand
IPX0
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Not water-resistant
IPX1
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Dripping water (1 mm/min)
Limit: vertical drips only
IPX2
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Dripping water (3 mm/min)
Limit: Device max tilt of 15° from drips
IPX3
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Sprays
Limit: Device max tilt of 60° from sprays
IPX4
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Splashes, omnidirectional
IPX5
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Water jets (12.5 L/min)
Example: Squirt guns
IPX6
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Strong water jets (100 L/min)
Example: Powerful water guns
IPX7
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Complete submersion
Limit: 1 m. for 30 min
IPX8
Water-resistant

Waterproof

Can withstand
Complete submersion
Limit: 3 m. for 30 min

Why you should trust SoundGuys

A man using the JBL Charge 6 speaker at the beach.
Shiun Okada / SoundGuys
The Charge 6 is beach-ready with its IP68 protection rating.

We maintain and update this site every day, and together, we bring decades of hands-on experience in the audio world. We test as many products as possible ourselves to give you clear, direct comparisons that actually matter.

We treat this list as a living document and update it regularly. If your favorite budget speaker didn’t make the cut, let us know—we’re always open to feedback. Our goal is to help you make smarter buying decisions, and none of our writers profit from recommending one product over another.

Frequently asked questions about budget Bluetooth speakers

While budget speakers won’t match the performance of premium models, many still offer solid sound for everyday use. If you want more control over how your music sounds, look for a speaker with a customizable EQ—models like the JBL Clip 5 and Soundcore Select 4 Go let you fine-tune the audio to fit your preferences.

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