10 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025 in the United States

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Generation) is a high-end Bluetooth speaker designed to deliver powerful sound and an iconic aesthetic. With seven effective drivers, it offers rich, room-filling sound which can be optimized for any space through its Active Room Compensation feature. This means it scans the room and adjusts the sound accordingly, ensuring you get the best audio experience wherever you place it.

The design is elegant and visually appealing, making it a stylish addition to any living space. Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and multiroom streaming capabilities, allowing you to connect multiple speakers easily. The Bang & Olufsen app provides further customization with sound profiles and settings adjustments.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The Beosound A9 is a floor-standing speaker and quite heavy, at 32.4 pounds, which affects its portability. It also lacks water resistance, limiting its use to indoor environments. Additionally, it is powered by a cord, so you will always need an electrical outlet nearby. Battery life is not applicable due to its corded nature. It's best suited for those looking for a premium speaker for home audio or small events, with a focus on sound quality and design over portability and ruggedness.

The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker offers impressive sound quality with deep bass and big sound, making it ideal for parties and gatherings. It excels in battery life, providing up to 20 hours of playtime, which is great for all-day use without needing frequent recharges. This speaker's design emphasizes portability with a soft, removable climbing rope handle, making it easy to carry around.

Its IP67 rating implies excellent durability, being both waterproof and dustproof, ensuring it can handle outdoor use, whether it's a day at the beach or a camping trip. Additionally, it is shock and rust-resistant, adding to its robustness. Connectivity options are varied, with Bluetooth for wireless use, a USB-C port for charging devices, and a 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections. The built-in EQ settings via the Bose app allow for sound customization, which is a nice bonus for those who like to tweak audio settings.

On the downside, the speaker is relatively heavy at 4.89 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users. Its charging time is about 5 hours, which may seem lengthy for those in a hurry. However, the strong combination of features and performance makes the Bose SoundLink Max a solid choice for anyone looking for a durable, high-quality portable speaker for various outdoor activities.

The Sonos Move 2 is a versatile wireless portable Bluetooth speaker designed for high-quality sound and convenience. It features an enhanced acoustic architecture with two tweeters, providing a richer stereo sound with clear vocals and detailed instruments. The speaker also includes a precision-tuned woofer for deep, dynamic bass, making it great for music enthusiasts who appreciate high-fidelity audio. Additionally, the automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound based on the surroundings to ensure an optimal listening experience everywhere you go.

With up to 24 hours of battery life, the Sonos Move 2 doubles the playback time of its predecessor, making it suitable for long trips or events. It is built to withstand various outdoor conditions, thanks to its shock-absorbent materials and IP56 rating, which protects against drops, spills, rain, dirt, and dust. Although slightly heavier at 6.61 pounds, the built-in handle and wireless charging base enhance its portability. The speaker supports multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and NFC, and is compatible with smartphones and tablets.

A notable drawback is its somewhat limited Bluetooth range of 10 meters. Additionally, the charging time is quite long at 24 hours. The Sonos Move 2 includes special features like Hi-Res Audio, multi-room audio, a built-in microphone, and dustproof capabilities, making it a comprehensive option for both indoor and outdoor use.