The market for Bluetooth speakers has exploded in the past few years, and with good reason: quality has increased and prices have dropped. Every model can stream music from nearly any smartphone or tablet, many of them double as speakerphones, too. CNET’s editors have been reviewing them at a steady clip, and we’ve rounded up four of our favorite models, focusing on small and lightweight units that are best suited to travel.
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Bose SoundLink Revolve+
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/bose-soundlink-revolve-plus-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The sleek Bose SoundLink Plus Bluetooth speaker sounds excellent for its compact size, has a built-in handle for easy transport and is water-resistant. Battery life is good at 16 hours, there’s a threaded tripod mount on the bottom of the speaker and an integrated microphone for speakerphone calls.
The bad: Expensive, and the cradle that makes charging easier is an optional $30 accessory.
The cost: $299.00 to $299.99
The bottom line: Bose’s expensive SoundLink Plus is arguably the best-sounding Bluetooth speaker for its size.
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JBL Pulse 2
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/jbl-pulse-2/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The JBL Pulse 2 is a compact splashproof wireless Bluetooth speaker that delivers strong sound for its size and distinguishes itself with an integrated light show that’s far improved from the original model. The built-in rechargeable battery offers 10 hours of battery for sound only and 5 hours with the light show in effect.
The bad: There’s no carrying case included.
The cost: $148.99 to $169.00
The bottom line: JBL has improved both LED light show and sound in the Pulse 2, making this flashy Bluetooth speaker a stand-out product in a crowded market.
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Bose SoundLink Micro
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/bose-soundlink-micro-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Bose SoundLink Micro is a pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker that is able to play louder and produce richer and louder sound than competing micro wireless speakers. It’s fully waterproof, has a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls, plus an integrated strap for clipping the speaker onto a bag or other objects.
The bad: Battery life is only average. Bigger portable speakers will deliver similar or better sound for the same money or less.
The cost: $99.00 to $99.99
The bottom line: The well-built and travel-friendly Bose SoundLink Micro is arguably the best sounding speaker in its tiny size class.
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UE Wonderboom
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ue-wonderboom-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Wonderboom is compact, fully waterproof, plays very loud for its size with a good amount of bass for its small size. It also floats in water, is shock resistant and has decent battery life. You can pair two Wonderbooms together to augment the sound.
The bad: No speakerphone capabilities. It’s slightly too bulky for travel use.
The cost: $68.00 to $99.99
The bottom line: For its size, the affordable and durable UE Wonderboom is one of the fullest sounding mini Bluetooth speakers you can buy.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Executive Editor David Carnoy and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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