10 Best Budget Bluetooth Speakers

The Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM is a strong choice for anyone wanting a portable Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound quality and deep bass. It delivers loud, clear audio with an adaptive equaliser that adjusts to your surroundings, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of continuous play, so it can easily last through a full day of listening without needing a charge. The speaker’s IPX4 rating means it’s splash-resistant, which adds a good level of durability for casual outdoor use, though it’s not fully waterproof.

In terms of connectivity, it stands out by allowing connection from up to four devices simultaneously, plus multiple input options including Bluetooth, auxiliary, and optical, which is rare at this price point. It also has handy features like USB charging to boost your phone and simple one-touch music controls. However, the speaker is on the heavier side at nearly 6 kg and quite large, so it’s less convenient for carrying around compared to smaller budget models. While it’s built tough enough for everyday bumps and splashes, it may not withstand more rugged conditions.

This speaker best suits those who prioritise powerful sound and long battery life over ultra-light portability, making it a great fit for home use, parties, and outdoor gatherings where size and weight are less of a concern.

The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Bluetooth speaker packs a punch in several key areas for budget-conscious users. Its portability is enhanced by a handy loop, making it easy to carry around, and its drop-proof design ensures it can withstand minor bumps and falls. Sound quality is a standout feature, with 360-degree booming bass and Adaptive EQ, providing an immersive listening experience. The dedicated Outdoor Boost mode ensures great sound even in open spaces.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 17 hours of playtime, reducing the need for frequent charging during long outings. Durability is another strong point; the speaker has an IP67 waterproof rating, allowing it to be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and making it dust-resistant. This makes it ideal for poolside, beach, or camping use. Connectivity is robust, with a 55 m range that provides flexibility in device placement.

The speaker also supports easy pairing with other Ultimate Ears models for larger sound setups and features the BOOM app for seamless music control, including customizable EQ and presets for different listening modes. Additionally, the EPICBOOM is made with recycled plastic, which is a plus for environmentally conscious users. However, it's relatively bulky, which might not suit everyone looking for a super compact option. Also, it may not be the cheapest option in the market, given its feature set. Nonetheless, for those looking for a durable, high-quality sound experience with good battery life and connectivity in a budget Bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM is a solid choice.

The Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker is a strong contender in the budget Bluetooth speaker category, particularly for outdoor use. Its most notable feature is the 360-degree big bass sound, providing immersive audio quality that can be enhanced with the customisable EQ mode via the UE BOOM app. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate good sound quality and want to fine-tune their listening experience.

The speaker boasts an impressive 20-hour battery life, ideal for long outdoor activities or parties without needing frequent recharges. Its IP67 rating means it's waterproof, dustproof, and floatable, adding to its durability and making it perfect for adventures by the pool or beach. The 55-meter Bluetooth range allows for significant freedom of movement without losing connection, which is excellent for larger outdoor gatherings.

Additionally, the Party Up feature allows pairing with other UE speaker models for a more robust sound experience. However, at 1.43 kg, the speaker might be slightly heavier compared to other portable options, which could affect its ease of carrying over long distances. Despite this, its sturdy build and outdoor-friendly features may justify the weight for many users. In terms of connectivity, it functions seamlessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices, and the BOOM app enhances usability with features like the Magic Button for easy music control. The speaker's design and additional features make it particularly well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy high-quality sound on the go.