Do you want to listen to music anywhere and from practically any internet connected device you have on hand? Then a Bluetooth speaker is the way to go. They offer seamless wireless connectivity even a decent range from your source device, and you can get a Bluetooth speaker with pretty clear audio quality and decibel power even on a modest budget.
Those are the types of speakers we’re looking at today. Whether you want a Bluetooth speaker for the pool or your entertainment room, all of these speaker models come with a price tag of under 0. And if you have any questions while reading the reviews, just use the handy table of contents. We’ll help you understand the fundamentals of shopping for the best Bluetooth speaker under $100.
- The 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers under $100
- JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Outdoor Speaker
- OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Portable Speaker
- DOSS SoundBox Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony XB10 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
- Soundcore Flare Wireless Speaker
- Klipsch Groove Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
- VTIN R4 Bluetooth Speaker
- Bluetooth Speakers under $100 Buyer’s Guide
- Sound Quality
- Sensitivity
- Battery Life
- Dimensions
- Ruggedness
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Best Cheap BT Speaker?
- What is the Loudest Waterproof BT Speaker?
- Which Portable Speakers Have the Best Bass?
The 10 Best Bluetooth Speakers under $100
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JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Flip 4 already made it onto our list of the best all around Bluetooth speakers in 2022, so it’s a natural fit for our best budget speaker with Bluetooth list too. What stands out about this Bluetooth speaker is just how eminently practical every aspect of the design is. It’s both waterproof and highly rugged, so it can go with you to the pool or on the trail, and JBL has managed to squeeze a pretty impressive battery life out of it.
Up to two devices can be connected to this speaker at the same time – a choice that’s really great for house or pool parties – and you can connect the JBL Flip 4 to any number of JBL wireless speakers if you want to create a more imposing speaker system. The sound quality is also great, but versatility is easily the biggest highlight of the JBL Flip 4.
| Frequency Response | 70 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 2.76 x 6.89 x 2.68 inches |
Pros
- Link speakers with JBL connect+
- Rugged and highly waterproof
- High power bass radiation
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Relatively weak in the mid range
Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Outdoor Speaker
Bose is mostly known for the impressive sound quality on their luxury home and car speaker models, but the SoundLink Mini proves that they’re able to scale in terms of both size and budget and manage to produce some of the best audio engineering you’ll get from a Bluetooth speaker under $100. The pairing can also be used to make calls or make commands to Siri or Alexa.
One of the best qualities with the speaker is how Bose has tried to accommodate everyone’s needs – and mostly succeed. The rugged, highly waterproof design can take quite a few hits, and there’s a strap that can be attached to anything from hiking gear to bikes. The aforementioned virtual assistant point makes a great argument for using this speaker as the hub for your home entertainment system, but it can just as easily be moved for a patio or barbecue.
| Frequency Response | Not disclosed |
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| Sensitivity | 85 dB |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches |
Pros
- Best sound under $100
- Versatile, tear resistant strap
- Can link to multiple speakers
- Above average max volume
Cons
- Battery life well below average
OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Portable Speaker
The Oontz Angle has always been an idiosyncratically shaped speaker, but its triangular cylinder format has been enough of an asset to make it to the third generation. The audio performance here is definitely of high enough quality to compete with the JBL Flip, and the waterproofing means that you can still blast your music in the rain (although this speaker isn’t waterproofed enough to dip it in the pool).
But what should stand out most is the battery life. This is a workhorse of a speaker that can continue to run for over half a day on a single charge.If not that, the price makes a pretty great argument. This Bluetooth speaker is available for $20.
| Frequency Response | Not disclosed |
| Battery Life | 14 hours |
| Sensitivity | Not disclosed |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches |
Pros
- Incredibly low price
- Full speakerphone capabilities
- Seven colors to choose from
- One of the best batteries around
Cons
- Highs can sound a little off
DOSS SoundBox Bluetooth Speaker
The DOSS Soundbox is only a slight step up from the Angle 3 in regards of cost – and while it may not constitute a huge step up in terms of sound performance or battery life, it definitely wins in terms of aesthetics, features, and bass performance. The result is a truly great indoor alternative.
The futuristic design with glowing buttons this speaker utilizes is really head and tails above most affordable Bluetooth speakers. Getting it set up to other devices is easy, and there are even controls on the speaker itself. It even includes a port for an SD card.
| Frequency Response | 50 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Water Resistance | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches |
Pros
- Tons of listening options
- Really cool aesthetics
- Great sound quality
- Five different designs
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoors
Ultimate Ears BOOM 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is a Bluetooth speaker that has a great sense of play on the surface but a strong work ethic underneath. You’re presented with a ton of different colors and options to choose from, but the sound quality on the Ultimate Ears Boom 2 is significantly better than the standard Bluetooth speaker under $100.
The Boom 2 is also built for the roughest and messiest circumstances. Ultimate Ears partners strong build quality with a decent waterproof rating and stain resistant design so that this Bluetooth speaker will continue to look great even if you put it through the wringer.
| Frequency Response | 90 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.5 x 7 inches |
Pros
- Wireless speaker linking
- Stain and shock resistant
- 360 degree sound
- Simple touch navigatio
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
Sony XB10 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker
The Sony XB10 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. And while it might not have a lot of bite, it does have a lot of bark. There’s a level of sharpness that goes well beyond expectations and extends across the entire range of human frequency levels. It’s fully water resistant and, since there’s speaker support – you can also use it to make and take calls. Unfortunately, there’s no virtual assistant built in. And since it uses NFC in addition to Bluetooth, all you have to do is tap your phone to this speaker when you want to connect.
| Frequency Response | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours |
| Sensitivity | Not disclosed |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.3 inches |
Pros
- Deep and balanced audio quality
- Speakerphone through tethered device
- Comes in 6 bright colors
- Very reasonable asking price
Cons
- Low bass sometimes distorts
Soundcore Flare Wireless Speaker
The Anker Soundcore Flare is a cool looking speaker through and through, but these Bluetooth speakers under $100 also built to be up to the task no matter how wild your party gets. These speakers can be submerged fully in water, and they’re also dust resistant. The sound quality here has a great sense of balance across the entire frequency range, and there’s even some cool, adjustable LED lighting that can help set the mood for your event. And if you’re looking to share a surround sound experience with your friends, you can link multiple copies of these speakers into a single sound system.
| Frequency Response | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Sensitivity | 83 dB |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 3.6 x 6 inches |
Pros
- Five different lighting modes
- 360 degree sound performance
- Strong bass performance
- Can work as a speakerphone
Cons
- Pretty low max sensitivity
Klipsch Groove Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Klipsch Groove may have “portable” in its name – but compared to the other models on our best Bluetooth speakers on our list, it’s practically an elephant. But if you want a speaker that can provide you with resounding performance for your home, this is one of the best Bluetooth speakers you’ll find on a budget. And while it’s a little on the heavier side (at least comparably speaking), the Groove makes the most of that by packing in two bass radiators in addition to the 3 mm driver to provide some impressive lows and a great range of sound imaging.
| Frequency Response | 65 – 22,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Dimensions | 5.51 x 4.56 x 2.65 inches |
Pros
- Durable and waterproof design
- Two passive bass radiators
- Very loud for its size
- Sounds great at a distance
Cons
- Distortion at higher volume
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
The Anker Soundcore is the height of simplicity. With the lean look of a sound bar and smartly built in controls, it can blend in to your entertainment center or sit by your pool without sticking out. And while it might not have the best sound quality we’ve ever seen, it’s seriously able to withstand just about any disaster. Take the 24 hour battery life and the wireless range of 66 feet, and you’re left with a device that can be flexible to the needs of even the most adventurous lifestyle. It even offers support for Alexa.
| Frequency Response | 70 – 22,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches |
Pros
- Works at a distance of 66 feet
- Very sturdy build quality
- Alexa voice control capabilities
- One of the best batteries available
Cons
- Bass is very thin
VTIN R4 Bluetooth Speaker
You can’t beat the VTIN R4’s price tag of $15, at least not expecting any decent level of quality. But this micro-budget model provides some actually very solid performance. It weighs in at well under a pound and uses the latest version of Bluetooth for some of the best wireless connectivity around. And if you decide you don’t want to run down the battery on your phone (or if you’re worried about having service out in the wild), there’s a 3.5mm cable and an SD card slot, so you can play saved music without needing to stream anything.
| Frequency Response | 75 – 20,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours |
| Sensitivity | Not disclosed |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Dimensions | 7.91 x 2.68 x 2.17 inches |
Pros
- Uses Bluetooth 5.0 protocol
- Multiple connectivity options
- Battery can last a full day
- Built-in mic for making phone calls
Cons
- Microphone quality isn’t that great
Bluetooth Speakers under $100 Buyer’s Guide
Sound Quality
Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that speakers can simulate. 20 Hz represents the lowest bass that humans can hear. 20,000 Hz (20 KHz) represents the highest treble in the human auditory range. Since it can be represented in raw numbers, frequency response is the most readily used measurement for sound quality. And it can be a useful one. A wider frequency response range typically translates into better imaging and a sense of a better sound stage.
That’s a useful trait for headphones to have, but it’s not going to matter as much with outdoor or general use Bluetooth speakers. We’ve included the frequency response in this article because it is numeric, but human reviewers will definitely provide you with better insight into the actual sound of a speaker.
Sensitivity
How loud can your speaker play? That’s measured by sensitivity which is calculated in terms of decibels. With speakers, Bluetooth capabilities are usually a sign that they’ll work great outdoors, and that means that sensitivity will likely be more important that sound quality for most customers. Fortunately, the range for sensitivity is pretty small for the most part, and only specialized users will need to concern themselves with it too much.
Once you start looking at models with Bluetooth that has a sensitivity of about 100 dB, you start to look at decibel levels that could cause long term hearing loss. If you’re looking for the best Bluetooth speaker for throwing parties indoors or outdoors, you may want to look for a sensitivity of around 100 to 115 decibels.
Battery Life
Since many Bluetooth speakers are designed for use as travel sound systems, battery life tends to be high on these models. 12 hours of charge is pretty much the standard in the field, although a rare few models can offer double that. If you want to take one of these speakers with you on long hikes or weekend trips, you should probably aim for at least a half day performance.
Dimensions
While Bluetooth technology can produce some very convenient results in pretty much any speaker (as well as practically any device you can imagine), it’s an especially perfect fit for travel. Since Bluetooth can connect directly to a phone or tablet, it doesn’t need a bulky and complicated source device. And since it doesn’t require an internet connection – like WiFi does – it will work great even far away from civilization.
Obviously, smaller is going to be better in this regard, but you may have to make compromises with sound quality and output too. Fortunately, even a small and affordable Bluetooth speaker can manage to pack in some pretty impressive sound: with the Bose SoundLink Mini especially standing out in that regard. Pay attention to the shape of the speaker as well, as how it’s positioned and shaped can have a lot of influence on its specific value to you.
Ruggedness
If you want to get the best Bluetooth speakers for outdoors, how hardy it is should be high on your list of priorities. One of the easiest indicators of the quality of outdoor speakers with Bluetooth is their water resistance rating. The IPX standards all offer different levels of water resistance. Most Bluetooth speakers under $100 will offer at least some waterproofing: enough to work in rain but not enough to be fully submerged in water. If you want to listen to music at the pool or on the river, you’ll want IPX7 which is for speakers that can be submerged underwater.
Serious hikers and adventurers who want to take Bluetooth speakers with them should pay specially close attention to the materials these Bluetooth speakers under $100 are built from. Bluetooth speakers like the Flip 4 are especially designed to stay safe even in the case of a serious accident. Many Bluetooth speakers even come with carabiners or clips so they can be attached to anything from a bike handle to a backpack to a dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Cheap BT Speaker?
Bluetooth speakers under $100 are pretty great deals all across the board, but if you need to go ultra cheap, we recommend the OontZ Angle 3. It only costs $20,but it offers sound quality that can come close to matching the best Bluetooth speakers under $100. And the battery performance is some of the best around.
What is the Loudest Waterproof BT Speaker?
The Anker Soundcore offers a sensitivity level of 113 decibels, though how much you’ll be using it at that volume is going to best suit your needs. The Boom 2 – with it’s 105 decibel sensitivity level – comes close behind it.
Which Portable Speakers Have the Best Bass?
It’s hard to objectively compare bass head to head, but the fourth gen JBL Flip offers some of the best bass around. JBL makes use of a passive bass radiator that can not just expand your bass performance but also provide you with better all around imaging.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a cheap Bluetooth speaker for use just about anywhere, you won’t find a bad choice on this list. But the market is always changing, and we’re eager to keep up to date. We encourage you to leave your opinion on the above speakers below and get in touch with us if you want to share your opinion.
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