10 Best Wireless Speakers 2025 in the United States

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Gen) is a premium wireless speaker designed primarily for home use rather than on-the-go listening. It delivers powerful, room-filling sound through seven drivers and offers an innovative Active Room Compensation feature that automatically adjusts audio based on where the speaker is placed, ensuring optimized sound quality. With a robust 1500-watt output and support for stereo, surround sound, and custom modes, it’s well-suited for those who value rich and immersive music experiences.

Connectivity options are solid, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and multiroom capabilities via the Bang & Olufsen app, allowing you to link multiple speakers and control sound profiles easily. However, as a corded electric speaker weighing over 30 pounds and measuring quite large, it’s not very portable and best suited for a fixed spot in your home.

Although it does not have a built-in battery and needs to be plugged in, it compensates with smart features such as customizable sound settings, timers, and alarms through its dedicated app. The design is iconic and stylish, making it a standout piece of home audio equipment. Crafted from high-quality materials like aluminum, wood, and fabric, it lacks water resistance and is not ideal for outdoor use. Pricing is on the higher end, reflecting its luxury positioning and advanced features. This model is a strong choice for those prioritizing exceptional sound quality, smart multiroom support, and striking design over portability or outdoor usability.

The JBL Flip 5 is a compact, lightweight Bluetooth speaker known for delivering clear and rich sound with its 20-watt stereo output, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its IPX7 waterproof rating is a strong point, allowing it to withstand being submerged in water, which is great for poolside or beach activities. With up to 12 hours of battery life, it offers a full day of music playback on a single charge, although the charging time of about 12 hours is quite long compared to some competitors.

The Bluetooth connection has a reliable range of around 33 feet, and the ability to pair multiple speakers using JBL’s PartyBoost feature is a fun addition for larger gatherings. The speaker’s size and weight make it very portable and easy to carry around. However, it lacks some of the advanced smart features found in newer models, such as voice assistant integration or customizable sound settings via an app.

Price-wise, it is reasonably affordable given its sound quality and durability, especially for those wanting a rugged, waterproof speaker without breaking the bank. For a straightforward, tough, and good-sounding speaker for casual use, especially outdoors, the Flip 5 represents a solid choice. If you need smart features or faster charging, you might want to explore other options.

The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker is designed for those who prioritize deep bass and big sound, making it an excellent choice for outdoor parties and gatherings. With an IP67 rating, it is waterproof and dustproof, adding to its durability and making it suitable for any environment, including beaches and camping trips. The speaker boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, ensuring your music can play all day without interruptions.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth with a range of 30 feet, a USB-C port for charging other devices, and a built-in 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections. This flexibility allows you to play music from various sources, including MP3 players and turntables. The portability is enhanced by a soft removable climbing rope handle, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, the Bose app allows for personalized EQ settings, adding a smart feature for those who like to customize their listening experience.

However, the speaker is relatively heavy at 4.89 pounds, which might be a drawback for some users looking for ultra-lightweight options. The price point could also be a consideration, as Bose products typically come at a premium. In summary, the Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker is a robust, feature-rich option for anyone looking for high-quality sound and durability in a portable speaker.