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Gone are the days of the HiFi home audio system – it's become a relic of the past. In the contemporary landscape, the go-to choice for many audio enthusiasts is a compact, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker, sidelining the need for intricate and expensive audio setups.
We're currently living in a golden age where top-notch audio devices come at prices that won't break the bank. While audiophiles might have diverse opinions, there's no denying the fact that you can lay your hands on some pretty impressive speakers for less than a hundred bucks. Plus, you get to bypass the headaches associated with dealing with record players, pricey DACs, or amplifiers.
In this article, we're diving into the realm of Bluetooth speakers, showcasing a selection of the best ones available in the $100-$200 price bracket. We know that everyone's idea of "budget" differs, but we've set our sights on this range to accommodate a wide audience, ensuring that quality sound doesn't have to come at a huge cost. So, whether you're a casual listener or a discerning audiophile, there's something in this price range to elevate your audio experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
The JBL Flip series of portable Bluetooth speakers is immensely popular and for a good reason. The JBL Flip6 is no exception - it has it all, it does it all. You get 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, an IP67 rating to keep the party going around pools or in the rain, and there’s also a protective case included.
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The whole thing is pretty lightweight and portable and it’s the go-to speaker for outdoor parties, mountain hiking, beach get-togethers, and everything in between. The JBL Flip6 features big drivers that are positioned far apart for good stereo effect, and last but not least, it charges through USB-C.
The price of this budget Bluetooth speaker is just above our threshold but you can find it discounted pretty much anywhere.
Get your JBL Flip6 here:
JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Flip 6 is a compact Bluetooth speaker that delivers impressive sound, has an official battery rating of up to 12 hours and is water protected.
When music is all about that bass, you can’t go wrong with Sony’s Bluetooth speakers. The Japanese company patented its Extra Bass technology decades ago, and it delivers every time you push that play button.
There’s a lot of choice in the SRS range of speakers but to keep things “budget” we’re focusing our attention on the SRS-XB33. It’s a solid speaker with some neat features - such as the full-range speakers, coupled with dual passive radiators to offer the aforementioned powerful bass.
Just like the other entries on our list, this budget Bluetooth speaker is waterproof but this time the rating is IP67, which means it can be submerged in freshwater (although we don’t recommend it). It charges through USB-C and has a bunch of hardware control buttons on the back. The Party Connect allows you to connect up to 100 speakers and synchronize an amazing party.
The Sony SRS-XB33 also supports three codecs - SBC, AAC, and LDAC, and uses Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. It’s also very stylish, and the price is good.
Get your Sony SRS-XB33 here:
Sony - SRS-XB33
Portable Waterproof & Rustproof Speaker with USB Charging Port - Black
If you want to keep things even more affordable but don’t want to say goodbye to any features, the Anker Soundcore Select Pro is the perfect solution. This Bluetooth speaker is a thing of beauty. It’s pretty stylish and comes with LED lighting that creates a unique atmosphere with 6 lighting patterns.
The Anker Soundcore Select Pro also comes equipped with a custom-designed DSP chip and dual bass radiators. Anker calls this BassUp and as the name suggests, it can deliver powerful bass to keep the party going.
This budget Bluetooth speaker is also IPX7 waterproof, it features a large battery capable of powering it for up to 16 hours, and with PartyCast you can connect dozens of speakers for the ultimate party experience. It also charges through USB-C, and the price is extremely affordable.
Get your Anker Soundcore Select Pro here:
Soundcore - by Anker Select Pro Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker - Black
The Bose Soundlink Flex is a small and lightweight budget Bluetooth speaker that comes with some cool features. There’s a built-in microphone so you can take calls from up to 30 feet away. It also works perfectly with all smart assistants - Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
This Bluetooth speaker is also dustproof and waterproof with an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand water splashes from any direction, just don’t shower with it and don’t submerge it in water (it should survive an accidental drop in fresh water, though).
The battery life is great - 12 full hours! That and the rugged exterior will let you bring your SoundLink Flex everywhere you go.
The Bang&Olufsen Beosound A1 is a stunning Bluetooth speaker. It normally costs around $200, which is far from the “budget” moniker but there are deals and discounts that can allow you to get this little gem for cheap.
The build quality is excellent, which is to be expected from a brand like B&O. It’s an amalgamation of aluminum, leather, and polymer. The Beosound A1 is dust and water-resistant, and also extremely portable. There’s a USB-C port for charging, but you won’t need it as the battery can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
This little thing is also quite powerful with a peak performance of 2x140W. Lots of color options to choose from as well!
Get your Bang&Olufsen Beoplay A1 here:
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1
Truly portable, 2x140W, extremely high-quality, up to 24 hours of battery life.
Things to consider when shopping for the best Bluetooth speaker:
Sound Quality: This tops the list as the paramount factor since, ultimately, you're investing in a speaker for its audio performance. Even in the quest for a budget-friendly speaker, compromising on sound quality is not ideal. Seek out a speaker that delivers crystal-clear, well-balanced sound with robust bass response.
Battery Life: The duration your speaker can run untethered becomes crucial if you intend to use it outdoors or for extended periods. Aim for a speaker with a minimum battery life of 6 hours. However, for all-day festivities, there are options that can pump out music for 12 hours or more.
Size and Portability: If mobility is on your agenda, opt for a compact and easily transportable speaker. It should be effortlessly carried and stowed in your backpack, ensuring convenience on the go.
Connectivity: Assess the connectivity options offered by the speaker. For versatility across different devices, prioritize speakers with support for multiple connection methods like Bluetooth, AUX cables, or SD cards. Additionally, consider speakers capable of simultaneously pairing with multiple devices, especially if shared use with friends is in the plans.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Seek out a speaker designed for longevity, capable of withstanding accidental drops, knocks, and scratches. If outdoor usage is anticipated, look for models equipped with an IP rating, with some boasting maximum IP68 protection, making them ideal for beach parties and other rugged environments.
Price: Budget Bluetooth speakers come in a diverse price range. Determine your budget and search for a speaker that aligns with it while still fulfilling your other requirements.
Conclusion
So there you have it - the best budget Bluetooth speaker you can find in 2024. If you haven't found your favorite brand or model on this list, fret not! It's a work-in-progress. There are so many budget Bluetooth speakers and their prices are as volatile as a cryptocurrency, so there's a good chance things would change pretty soon. Meanwhile, you can also check out our best portable Bluetooth speakers pick for more choices.
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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