Sound Choices: Exploring the Best Speakers for Every Budget and Need
Ever had a song so good you just had to blast it? The right speaker can take your favorite tracks, podcasts, or movie nights to the next level. Speakers come in all kinds of colors, shapes, sizes, and sound styles—it can feel impossible to know where to start! By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of what works for you and maybe even help your friends or family pick the perfect one too. Let’s dive into some awesome options that’ll have you vibing in no time.
What is the purpose?
A great place to start is asking yourself: what’s the main purpose for your speaker? And no, it’s not just “to listen to music”—there’s more to it than that! Is it just for personal use? Are you looking for something to fill an office space or liven up a party? Maybe you need something for a small gym you own. Each of these scenarios calls for a different type of speaker. Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to dive into all the options. Below, we’ll break down some top brands, highlight what they offer, and share our personal recommendations to help you find the perfect match.
Ultimate Ears (Better Known as UE)
Ultimate Ears is all about bold designs and even bolder sound. Their speakers are perfect for everything from pool parties to hiking trips, thanks to their waterproof build and rugged durability. Plus, they’re super portable and come in fun, bright colors that stand out. With long battery life and the option to pair multiple speakers for bigger sound, UE speakers are a go-to for anyone who wants powerful audio on the move. Most UE speakers, like the BOOM and MEGABOOM series, feature PartyUp technology, which lets you link multiple UE speakers wirelessly through the UE app. UE has a wide range of speakers to choose from, covering all kinds of price points. Below, we’ve rounded up our top four picks across different budgets.
Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM - $400
Immersive 360° Sound: Delivers powerful, room-filling audio with deep bass and clear highs.
Rugged Durability: IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design, ensuring resilience in various environments.
Extended Playtime: Up to 17 hours of battery life for all-day listening.
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 - $279
Enhanced Bass: Offers deeper bass compared to previous models, providing a richer audio experience.
Durability: Built to withstand water, dust, and drops, making it suitable for various environments.
Long Battery Life: Provides up to 20 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 - $139 - Wired Insights recommended
Immersive 360° Sound: 360-degree sound with deep bass for immersive listening
Durability: Rugged, waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof design
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of battery life for all-day use
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 - $129
Sound: 360-degree sound with surprisingly deep bass for its size
Durability: Waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof, with IP67 rating
Battery Life: 13 hours of battery life, perfect for on-the-go adventures
As you can see from the points above, the speakers are quite similar, which really speaks to UE's solid technology. The main differences lie in the quality, durability, and battery life, which improve as you go up in price. Ultimately, it comes down to what you're willing to spend. As a Boom 3 owner myself, I can vouch for how great it is, and at just $139, it’s my personal choice.
JBL
JBL is all about bringing big, punchy sound wherever you go. Known for their sleek designs and impressive audio quality, their speakers are a favorite for everything from backyard barbecues to outdoor adventures. With waterproof and dustproof builds, they’re built to handle the elements, and their iconic bass-heavy sound makes your music come alive. JBL also offers impressive battery life and the ability to connect multiple speakers for an even more immersive experience. With a wide range of options across various price points, there’s a JBL speaker for every type of listener. Below, we’ve highlighted our top four picks to help you decide.
JBL Boombox 3 - $700
Sound: Massive sound with deepest bass for an immersive audio experience
Battery: 24-Hour battery life ensures long-lasting playtime without frequent recharges
Durability: IP67 water and dust proof for reliable use in various conditions
JBL Xtreme 4 - $430
Sound: Immersive audio with deep bass and crisp highs, perfect for indoor and outdoor listening
Battery: With up to 24 hours of battery life
Durability: IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for any adventure
JBL Charge 5 - $200
Sound: Balanced audio with punchy bass and clear mids, great for all music styles
Battery: Enjoy up to 20 hours of playtime, keeping your tunes going non-stop
Durability: Built to last with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, perfect for outdoor use
JBL Flip 6 - $170
Sound: The JBL Flip 6 delivers bold audio with deep bass and detailed highs, ideal for any setting
Battery: Provides up to 12 hours of playtime to keep the music flowing all day
Durability: Features an IP67 waterproof and dustproof build, ready for any adventure
As you can see from the points above, the features across these speakers are quite similar, with sound quality, battery life, and durability improving as you move up in price. However, this doesn’t mean you need to go for the most expensive option. Personally, I think the Charge 5 is the best choice for everyday use. The main reason I’d choose it over the Flip is the extra 8 hours of battery life, which can be incredibly useful at events like music festivals where access to power outlets is limited. Obviously if you’re looking for something a lot louder you’ll want to go for the Xtreme or the Boombox but again it all depends on your situation.
Anker Soundcore
Anker Soundcore is all about delivering incredible audio at an affordable price. Known for their impressive sound quality and innovative features, Soundcore speakers are perfect for anyone who wants great performance without breaking the bank. From compact, portable options to powerful, bass-heavy models, there’s something for everyone. Many of their speakers boast long battery life, durable builds, and advanced features like customizable EQ settings via their app. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, relaxing at home, or heading to the beach, Soundcore speakers provide reliable sound in a sleek package. Below, we’ve picked our top four Anker Soundcore speakers to suit different needs and budgets.
Motion Boom Plus - $280
Powerful Sound: Delivers 80W of immersive audio with dual woofers and tweeters, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Extended Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, keeping the music going all day.
Rugged Durability: IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design, ensuring it can handle splashes, dirt, and outdoor adventures.
Motion Boom - $160
Rich Sound Quality: Produces 30W stereo sound with enhanced bass, ideal for any setting.
Long Battery Life: Provides up to 24 hours of playback, perfect for extended use.
Durable and Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof rating ensures it can withstand spills, rain, or full submersion.
Anker Soundcore 3 - $90
Balanced Audio Performance: Features dual drivers and Anker’s BassUp technology for clear, dynamic sound.
Extended Battery Life: Offers up to 24 hours of playtime, ideal for all-day use.
Durable Build: IPX7 waterproof rating ensures it’s ready for outdoor adventures and splashes.
Anker Soundcore Mini - $60
Compact Sound Power: Delivers surprisingly clear audio and enhanced bass in a pocket-sized design.
Long Battery Life: Offers up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Durable and Portable: Lightweight, durable build with Bluetooth connectivity and an AUX port for versatile use.
There is more noticeable differences between these speakers compared to other brands at different price points. So it’s important to pick the correct one here based on what you need. Ideally I would select the Anker Soundcore 3 at only $90 if all you want the speaker for is personal use you really can’t go wrong. Has 24 hours of battery life which is more than enough.
Beats Pill - $250
Beats re-introduced their signature speaker known as “The Pill” in 2024. The Beats Pill is a sleek and portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful sound in a compact package. Known for its signature bass-heavy audio, it's perfect for everything from small gatherings to solo jam sessions. The latest model features up to 24 hours of battery life and an IP67 rating, making it water and dust-resistant—ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Its minimalist design and vibrant color options ensure it looks as good as it sounds. Whether you're streaming music, taking calls, or enjoying a podcast, the Beats Pill combines convenience, durability, and high-quality sound in one stylish package.
Signing off With Superior Sound Choices
Choosing the right speaker all comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Whether you're after portability, exceptional sound, or durability, there's an option out there that’s perfect for you. Don’t be afraid to consider your specific use case—whether it’s for parties, travel, or just everyday listening—because the right speaker can make all the difference. Hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of what's out there and what might work best for you. Now, it’s time to turn up the volume and enjoy the sound!
