Summer is right around the block and if you are anything like us you will be spending a considerable amount of time outside. Is there anything better than spending a hot day on the beach or park with your friends, a few good beverages and some sweet summer tunes?
The concept of party speakers is not exactly new. Even though the term wasn’t coined in the glory days of ghetto blasters (or boomboxes like some tryhard cool guys called them), the idea was the same. They would bring music to wherever people gather.
You have probably read guides similar to ours and noted that they’ve included these huge speakers that require proper setuping and such. Where I am from you would never see these gigantic boxes with built-in wheels or even stands at regular get togethers. Some absolute madmen brought these to special occasions like festival camping areas, but they weren’t what we meant with party speakers.
For us a party speaker is something that requires minimal extra effort – something that you can move even on a bicycle. Surely there are regional and even cultural differences regarding party speakers but this is the way we’ll go. You wouldn’t call the sound system of a nightclub “party speakers” (or soundbars for that matter) even though they technically would qualify. That’s why we decided to add the word portable in the mix.
Note: we decided to describe the sizes in a bit more intuitive way rather than just listing the exact measurements. You will find the exact measurements on the individual reviews further down.
| Photo | Product | Details | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B0759GC766" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]JBL Boombox[/easyazon_link] | Size: Big Battery life: 24 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B078Y9FLDZ" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Brookstone Big Blue Party X[/easyazon_link] | Size: Big Battery life: 2.5+ h (9 h at 50% volume) | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B07ZLF38FS" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]BRAVEN BRV-XXL/2[/easyazon_link] | Size: Huge Battery life: 14 h | No products found. |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01BW2TM2G" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Superstar Monster Blaster[/easyazon_link] | Size: Huge Battery life: 16 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B06XCW4VFS" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Bose SoundLink Revolve+[/easyazon_link] | Size: Medium Battery life: 16 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B07CVPZJTV" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]JBL Xtreme 2[/easyazon_link] | Size: Big-Medium Battery life: 15 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B07DD3VXRZ" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Ultimate Ears BOOM 3[/easyazon_link] | Size: Small Battery life: 15 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B00WF78GS4" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Aiwa Exos-9[/easyazon_link] | Size: Huge Battery life: 9 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01KWNWEEO" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Harman Kardon GO+PLAY Mini[/easyazon_link] | Size: Big Battery life: 8 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B07H7CZ6BZ" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Marshall Kilburn II[/easyazon_link] | Size: Medium Battery life: 20 h | See details |
 | [easyazon_link identifier="B01N3CWSQL" locale="US" tag="leisurelegend-20"]Bang & Olufsen Beolit 17[/easyazon_link] | Size: Big Battery life: 24 h | See details |
Best Bluetooth Speaker For Outdoor Party
JBL Boombox
- 10″H x 19.4″W x 7.7″D / 11.5 lbs
- Battery Life: 24h
- Frequency Response: 50 – 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Signal-to-Noise: 80dB
- Output Power: 2 x 30W (AC mode); 2 x 20W (Battery mode)
- Waterproof (IPX7)
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 24 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- JBL Connect plus
- High-capacity battery
JBL Boombox is a beast that comes equipped with a 20,000 mAh Li-on battery. It’s so humongous that they’ve actually included two USB ports so that you can also use the Boombox as a power bank.
The design is as rugged as they come, making the Boombox ideal for even the craziest parties. You won’t have to worry a bit.
Brookstone Big Blue Party X
- 6.3″W x 6.3″D x 15.8″H / 12 lbs
- Battery Life: 2.5+h (9h at 50% volume)
- Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity Range: 33 ft / 10 m (BT)
- Power: 120W
- 360° sound
- Splash resistant
No products found.
Big Blue Party X is an upgraded version of the widely praised Big Blue Party. Even though Brookstone is far from a household name when it comes to speakers, the Big Blue Party was (and still is!) an excellent party speaker. Party X takes it to a whole another level.
Party X is basically the older model on steroids – it’s a staggering 40% louder. However, the added power (from 72W to 120W) has also shortened the battery life as the speaker is exactly the same size as the older model (and actually a bit lighter).
BRAVEN BRV-XXL/2
- 21.3″ W x 8.4″ H x 9.1″ D / 21.2 lbs
- Battery Life: 14h
- Connectivity Range: 33 ft / 10 m (BT)
- Waterproof (IPX5)
- 360° sound
No products found.
We were on the edge with Braven BRV-XXL/2. Weighing a good 21.2 pounds its not certainly the most portable party speaker out there, but since it comes with a carrying strap that has a bottle opener on it we were inclined to include it. This thing has party written all over it.
Superstar Monster Blaster
- 20.5″W x 10.2″D x 11.3″H / 16.8 lbs
- Battery Life: 16h
- Splash resistant
- 360° sound
- Indoor and outdoor EQ modes
- Powerful sound for large, open spaces
- Rechargeable battery for up to 16 hours of listening
- Splash resistant for outdoor use
Bose SoundLink Revolve+
- 7.25″H x 4.13″W x 4.13″D / 2 lbs
- Battery Life: 16h
- Connectivity Range: 30 ft / 9m
- Water resistant (IPX4)
- 360° sound
- Delivers Deep, loud, jaw dropping sound with True 360 degree coverage
- Built-in mic for speakerphone to take clear conference or personal calls out loud with a wireless range of approximately 30 feet.
- Flexible fabric handle makes it easy to grab and go; seamless aluminum body is durable and water resistant (IPX4)
- Enjoy up to 16 hours of play time from a long-lasting, rechargeable, lithium-ion battery
- Wireless Bluetooth pairing with voice prompts allows you to easily take calls and access your phone’s virtual assistant — hands free
Even though the rather high end look of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ might suggest that it’s an indoor party speaker, it actually is water resistant and does take a bit of roughing without any hiccups.
The sound of the Revolve+ is very clean and balanced but the bass does not go sub-levels – as you would expect from a speaker of this size. Definitely not recommended for those who are looking to enjoy some EDM or hip hop bangers at max volume, but for music with a bit more artistic ambition you can’t go wrong with Bose.
You can connect two of these for more power but the Revolve+ is really at its best on a chill night at a cabin or a bonfire.
JBL Xtreme 2
- 7.9 x 12.1 x 18.1 in / 2.2 lbs
- Battery Life: 15h
- Frequency Response: 55 – 20,000 Hz
- Power: 2x 20W
- Signal-to-Noise: >80dB
- IPX7 waterproof
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 15 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- Durable fabric and rugged material
- Connector type: 3.5 millimeter stereo
JBL Extreme 2 finally lives up to its name unlike the original JBL Extreme, which was only disappointingly splashproof. It also has a wider soundstage but it most certainly still is focused on the party aspect.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3
- 2.9 x 2.9 x 7.25 in / 1.8 lbs
- Battery Life: 15h
- Frequency Response: 90 – 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity Range: 150 ft / 45 m (BT)
- Sound Pressure Level: 90dB
- 360° sound
- Water and dust proof (IP67)
- ULTIMATE SOUND: Super portable wireless Bluetooth speaker with 360° bold, immersive, crystal clear sound and up to 15 hours of battery on a single charge. It brings your music to life wherever you take it.
- POWERED FOR ADVENTURE: Rechargeable battery stays powered and pumping tunes for 15 hours on a single charge. Add the POWER UP charging dock (sold separately) to charge Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 wirelessly so it’s always ready to go on your next musical adventure.
- SUPER PORTABLE, WATERPROOF and VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE: Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is seriously waterproof and floats. BOOM 3 was born to get wet and is completely waterproof with a IP67 water and dustproof rating, which means it and can be totally submerged in water up to 1m for 30 minutes. No matter how wild things get, your music will always be on point.
- ALL-NEW MAGIC BUTTON: Play, Pause, Skip and control any streaming music directly on the Bluetooth speaker with one touch of a button . Or simply set up custom one-touch playlists for Spotify on Android, Music Unlimited, Prime Music, Apple Music and Deezer Premium.
- PARTYUP: Use PARTYUP on the BOOM and MEGABOOM App to pair 2, 3, 4. . . and over 150 speakers and create the ultimate surround sound experience. You can combine multiple BOOM 3 and MEGABOOM 3 speakers or even pair them with previous generation BOOM, BOOM 2 and MEGABOOM.
Best Speakers For Indoor Parties
Aiwa Exos-9
- 7.5″D x 11.7″H x 19.4″W / 13 lbs
- Battery Life: 9h
- Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity Range: 50 ft / 15m
- Power: 200W
- Sound Pressure Level: 100dB
- HOME-STEREO SOUND, INSIDE OR OUT - With 200 watts of continuous power and 5 drivers, including a 6.5" dual-voice coil subwoofer, the Exos-9 delivers amazing stereo sound with deep bass, crisp treble and balanced mids. Distortion-free, even at volumes that will draw the attention of the local authorities.
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE - Your guests will pass out before the Exos-9 does! Keep it plugged in at home or enjoy up to 9 HOURS of incredible unplugged sound with the included quick-swap Lithium-ion battery pack. Perfect for tailgates, camping, backyard fun, the beach, fishing, or any other outdoor activity where nature forgot to install power outlets.
- CONNECT IN SECONDS - Bluetooth 4.2 ensures instant pairing and maintains a strong connection up to 80 feet. The Exos-9 remembers your last device, allowing you to reconnect effortlessly. 3.5mm audio jack for direct connection.
- ULTIMATE CONTROL OVER YOUR MUSIC - Crank the bass, mids, or highs with the 5-band onboard graphic equalizer. Use one of 4 available pre-set options or fine tune the EQ to your liking. The customizable EQ makes the Exos-9 portable speaker perfect for every genre of music, podcasts and audiobooks.
- THE AIWA PROMISE - We proudly stand behind our products. We offer a 1-year WARRANTY on the Exos-9.
Aiwa Exos-9 is the second speaker on our list which was almost left out because its portability is quite dubious, but… It’s just way too good to not include.
Harman Kardon GO+PLAY Mini
- 8.3″H x 16.4″W x 7.1″D / 7.6 lbs
- Battery Life: 8h
- Frequency Response: 50 – 20,000 Hz
- Power: 4x 25W
- Signal-to-Noise: 80dB
- Stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth to enjoy room filling sound. Bluetooth transmitter frequency range: 2402 MegaHertz to 2480 MegaHertz
- Built in rechargeable Li ion battery supports up to 8 hours of playtime and charges your smartphones and tablets via USB
- Dual Microphone Conferencing System with Harman noise and echo cancelling technology delivers crystal clear conference calls
- Wirelessly connect two Harman Kardon Wireless Dual Sound enabled speakers together to elevate your music listening experience
- Premium fabric finishing and stainless steel handle
Marshall Kilburn II
- 12.4 x 8.7 x 10.2 in / 5.5 lbs
- Battery Life: 20h
- Frequency Response: 52 – 20,000 Hz
- Sound Pressure Level: 100.4 dB @ 1 m
- Splash resistance (IPX2)
- Included Components: Double-Ended Coil Cord With 3.5mm Stereo Plugs.Waterproof : Yes
- Power Source Type: Battery Powered
- English (Publication Language)
Marshall Kilburn II is a louder, lighter and more durable version of the original Kilburn. Especially the added splash resistance is a big plus for all rockers out there.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 17
- 9 x 7.4 x 5.3 in / 6 lbs
- Battery Life: 24h
- Frequency Response: 37 – 20,000 Hz
- Wireless speaker with True360 Sound Technology featuring Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound
- Premium materials built to last, including anodized aluminum and full grain leather
- Connect button activates intelligent features via Beoplay App
- Portable Bluetooth speaker keeps going with up to 24 hours of battery life and included smart-charging USB-C charger
- In the box: Beolit 17 portable speaker, mains cable, Quick Start guide
If the Exos-9 was lacking in portability then it would be fair to say that Beolit 17 is lacking in partibility. But since we believe in diversity we decided to include a party speaker even for the middle and upper class responsible adults.
What To Look For When Buying?
Here are some factors you should take into account before jumping into buying.
Size & Situation
Portability is not the most objective thing to define. It might mean anything from being able to fit the speaker in the trunk of your car to being able to fit it in a pocket. For us the whole party speaker culture was about warm summer nights at a park with some cold drinks. This is why we’ve set the rather obscure size limit of “it must be portable on a bike”.
Thus we will not include speakers such as the popular [easyazon_link identifier=”B077XFYQ6F” locale=”US” tag=”leisurelegend-20″]SOUNDBOKS 2[/easyazon_link], the thing even weighs 35 pounds! Not very hasslefree to take that with you to a park on a bike, even if the name has the word “portable” on it.
Think about the possible situations you will be using the speaker on. Are you looking to use the speaker indoors, outdoors or both? For most people getting a waterproof speaker is the most sensible choice. But since some people will only use them inside we decided to create two separate lists anyway: outdoor party speakers and house party speakers.
Price
Don’t worry, you won’t find any bank-breakers on our list. Actually an overly expensive party speaker is sort of an oxymoron if you think about it for a second. Who would enjoy partying if they had to constantly worry about a device?
For your convenience we decided to place our picks in three categories: value, premium and budget. Value is the sweet spot that you could recommend to pretty much anybody looking for a great portable party speaker – a bang for one’s buck. Premium is for those who want the absolute best and budget for anyone who just wants maximum sound for minimum price.
Power
Since we are talking about partying you know that things are bound to get rather noisy. That’s why you want to make sure that the speaker is loud enough. A good measurement for this is to look for the maximum sound pressure of the speaker.
Naturally outdoor party speakers will require more power since you are in open space.
Sound Quality
Quality of sound is also a subjective measurement as people have different tastes. Some like more bass-heavy sound, some put more emphasis on the clarity of the highs and mids. Obviously you will have different standards for party speakers than for your home theater. We think obsessing over whether your loudspeaker has a warm or cold sound is quite unnecessary for these devices.
You are much better off by just reading a lot of customer reviews and getting an overall feel of the feedback. Make sure that it has a kicking bass and that the mids and highs don’t get distorted as soon as you turn up the volume.
Battery Life
The importance of battery life will depend on your needs. If you’re only going to use it at house parties you don’t necessarily need a battery at all. For outdoor party speakers the exact opposite obviously applies – the longer the battery life you get the better. A speaker that goes silent when the party is still going on is not a party speaker, it’s a party pooper.
Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API