Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers In 2023 – Unbiased Reviews
A decade ago, Bluetooth speakers were a reserve of a few. Not only were they expensive, but you were also hard-pressed to find a great portable pair. Then things changed suddenly as technology expanded, and now the market is super explosive. Prices are lower. Quality is much better, and the sizes just keep reducing so that the best portable mini Bluetooth speaker is almost unnoticeable.
These strides in the right direction mean one more thing; more and more brands are being launched each year, which then makes shopping a little more complicated now than it was back in the day.
Because of this, we put together a list of some of the best products on the market to help you make your choice without tearing your hair out.
Reviews – Best Portable Mini Speakers
10. Mini Wireless Sanag Bluetooth Speaker
The first thing that catches your eye is the lustrous red that is the aluminum alloy shell of this speaker. It is scratch-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor fun. At the bottom is an anti-slip rubber gasket that prevents it from crashes when it falls, making it even more preferable for partying where people may not be very careful.
The speaker measures 3*1.3 inches and weighs 0.75lb, which is pretty portable, and all this is made better by its built-in microphone that allows you to pick calls without picking up your phone. Don’t mistake the size for incapability because this mini has a subwoofer and HD surround to bring out loud and perfectly tuned music that will bring your part to life.
It connects to a 3.5mm AUX – with a cable included in the package – and will connect to all known operating systems. You can also store music in this device since it has space for mobile storage TF card with up to 32GB capacity. This speaker connects quite fast to the last discoverable device and it automatically shuts down when the source of music is disconnected for over 20 minutes.
Summary
9. AYL Portable Mini Speaker
This mini capsule is pretty simple to set up as it connects to the nearest discoverable device and starts playing immediately. They don’t make them any more portable as this little thing only weighs 3 ounces and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. You would be forgiven for thinking its size limits its sound capability and clarity while in the real sense this little bud with 3 Watt Output lets out loud sounds that are as crisp as those produced by larger speakers. The bass is a tad limited but clarity is at its best.
Its built-in Lithium battery lasts up to 10 hours when music plays at medium volume. Recharge only takes two hours with a charging cable included in the package. It has ports for charging using a portable power bank too to keep the music coming.
This mini BT speaker is compatible with both Android and iOS, and you can also connect to other speakers, laptops, and MP3/4 players. The manufacturer gives it a 3-year warranty.
Summary
8. Momoho Mini Bluetooth Speaker
One of the smallest mini BT speakers on the market is this one from Momoho, but let not the size deceive you because this speaker packs a punch. Fitting perfectly in your hand, this device weighs an ounce and so it does not need elaborate packaging. The sounds are crisp since it is made to filter noise, and the bass is decent.
At top volume, its battery life is one hour and double that at medium volume. After the 2 hours, you can recharge it for an hour using the cable that is part of the package or use a USB cable straight from your power bank.
This Momoho speaker is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and it connects in three seconds to the nearest device. It allows you to make and receive phone calls hands free as well as take selfies, a feature that many lack.
The body is not made for roughing it up, but you can bring it with your outdoors if you can protect it from the elements since there is no mention of it being waterproof. The price is also great for a BT speaker.
Summary
7. Anker Soundcore Mini
This could be the mini BT speaker you are looking for if you want one with Micro SD support and the all-important AUX capability to enable you connect to several types of devices. Weighing 0.45 lb. and measuring 2.7 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches, this speaker is made for portability. You won’t need any elaborate storage since it fits well in a nice small bag too.
All black, the exterior is made of hard plastic that can withstand constant bumps. All of the three buttons for operating it are on the face, and pairing takes seconds with nearby devices. It has a 66ft transmission range that works best when the speaker is unobstructed and set on a flat place. It also helps when you leave it stationery.
The Lithium battery in this speaker goes on for 15 hours on medium volume and a little less when you play at the top volume. It only takes two hours to charge fully with the USB cable that is part of the package, but you can also charge it continuously using a power bank. You can expect state-of-the-art sound quality from the premium 5W driver as well as a passive subwoofer installed in the Bluetooth 4 system to deliver a rich experience.
Summary
6. Kunodi Wireless Travel Speaker
Kunodi’s black mini BT speaker is rated IP45 Waterproof, making it the ideal fun item to bring with you when you hike or head to the pool. Made of hard plastic with an aluminum carbineer for hanging on spots, this speaker is easy to carry and will handle a little roughing up. It handles dust well to, thanks to the IP rating that makes it water resistant.
When placed on a flat surface, this speaker can transmit up to 33 feet if you don’t move around too much. Its high-capacity lithium battery lasts up to 10 hours when played on the highest volume and slightly less when volume is lower. It displays on the BT mode when charging and the little flickering light on the face lets you know when power is too low and needs recharge.
Thanks to its in-built mic, you can receive calls without actually picking your phone, which makes it ideal when working or driving. The price is friendly too and though there is no warranty mention, this product’s specs give all indications of it being a great investment.
Summary
5. JBL Clip 3
Fact: JBL speakers are usually a little costlier than most products in their category, but it is only because the brand speaks for itself.
This mini BT speaker is no different. With an IPX7 Waterproof rating, this little beast makes excellent company in the house as well as outdoors with all the elements. The outer construction handles falls and harsh weather, and it is also shockproof. The integrated carabiner makes it easy to carry by hooking it on your fingers or your backpack. You can even hook it to your bike for greater portability.
Thanks to a powerful built-in battery, you get up to 10 hours of playtime with medium volume, while recharge with a provided USB cable is only two hours long. It is also power bank-enabled. Weighing only 0.75 lb., this speaker is the ideal travel mate. We mentioned its price is a little higher than most in its category, but so is its quality. Sound is crisp, thanks to the BT 4 technology and noise cancellation. It is covered by a limited warranty.
Summary
See Also: Best Bluetooth Car Kits | Best Rugged and Waterprof Power Banks
4. AVWOO Wireless BT Speaker
This speaker’s body makes it stand out – hard plastic that is made to look like wood, just to separate it from others on the market. A 400mAh build-in battery allows you to play up to 200 songs without needing recharge, and you can have it plugged in to a power bank the entire time to keep the music flowing. Pairing to nearby devices takes all of three seconds while the hook at the top allows you to hang your speaker to a nearby hook or bike. Weighing 2.4 ounces also makes it super portable.
With its 3D Stereo and 5W strong driver, this small device lets out crisp, loud, and rich sounds that can transmit up to 10 meters away from the source of music. It is compatible with any mobile device, but you can only connect it to one at a time. While this speaker is not waterproof, it will do well outdoors if placed in a dry place.
Summary
3. EWA Travel Case BT Speaker
This little speaker measuring 1.89*H1.54 inches and weighing a little over 6OZ is a powerhouse with subwoofer and high-performance driver to deliver crisp, reasonably loud music that with noise cancelation technology. Pandora and Spotify are some of the radio services you can access using this speaker, and you can also connect to any device regardless of operating system.
The exterior is made of hard plastic that is complimented by an IP67 waterproof rating to make this speaker the ideal travel companion. It does not have a hook for backpacks, but its base is flat and ideal for placing on a flat surface.
8 hours of playtime is what you get when you use this speaker at medium-volume settings, and two hours less when it’s at its top. Two hours of charging takes the level back to full charge. A 3.5mm jack makes it possible to play music from a laptop while the buttons on the face make operation pretty easy.
Summary
2. Vtin SoundHot Q1 BT Speaker
This round IP45 waterproof BT speaker from Vtin is priced ideally and just the right size for those seeking a portable device. Since it is not shaped to stand on its own even on flat surfaces, the hook at the top makes it easy to hang in offices or your backpack when travelling.
Even though the waterproof rating gives it credibility, you may not want to fully submerge it in water because it is not made to handle that. The material used; hard plastic and parts of aluminum make it the ideal product to handle some tough loving outdoors. Its 8W high-performance driver ensures crisp sounds devoid of noise and disruption, thanks to the noise cancellation technology used, while the inbuilt Li-Ion battery that takes two hours to charge gives you 8 hours of playtime. The Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to stay connected even from 33 feet away from the source of music.
This speaker is compatible with all smart devices and laptops using a 3.5mm jack that is part of the package.
Summary
1. VicTsing Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
For less than $20, you get a speaker from VicTsing with IP45 waterproof rating and sound quality that rivals others in its specs range. The price is right too while the little alloy hook at the top makes it super easy to hang it to your backpack when moving around.
The IP45 makes it splash proof – not ideal for submersion in water, and it also keeps off sand. Thanks to the advanced Bluetooth 4. 2 technology, you stay connected and paired at 33 feet from the source of music.
Battery life is 6 hours on medium settings while compatibility is with all smart devices. It charges using a USB cable included in the package when you buy this speaker.
Summary
What to Look for in Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers
They are not the most complicated item to buy if you know what to look for. Here’s our list.
Battery Life
This feature is one of the most important because no one wants to run out of steam mid-fun. Most batteries in these gadgets are rechargeable, and so you are looking for one that lasts 8-12 hours playback to keep your device on for as long as you need. If you can charge your phone off it without affecting capacity even better. You also want to ensure it is compatible with power banks especially when you step out for long hours over the weekend.
Wireless Range
You want to be able to leave your device at a distance but still get to enjoy your music, which is why the best Bluetooth speaker allows you to listen to music even from 100 feet away.
Since not all of them will have these capabilities, anything that ranges from 30 feet is good enough to start with. With this, you will hold a party with music from your phone and speakers a good distance away.
While at it, you also want to look for ability to connect with multiple devices. That way, you will effortlessly switch from one class of music to the next from device to device since you can connect to your friend’s phone as well as yours. You will never have to worry about running of charge either.
Water Resistance
One of the reasons you would be getting a mini portable Bluetooth speaker is the ability to transport it wherever you go so that you always have your music. That means outdoor activities too, and this environment as we know is not always predictable.
You want a device that can handle water or even join you in the swimming pool for a dip as it will not be limited by water. Manufacturers always include waterproofing ratings on the product, and you are looking for IPX6 or IPX7 for the best experience.
Waterproofing is closely followed by sturdy build, a vital part in selection of the best product on the market. You want your speaker to be made of sturdy material that can stand a fall from high places, when those two are combined; a tough exterior with waterproofness, then you will have a great product that will serve you well for long.
High-quality Sound
Nothing matters more that the quality of sound coming through your speakers, especially when hosting a party.
While we agree portable mini speakers may not have the same quality of sound as their bigger counterparts, we acknowledge digital-to-analog converters that help refine sound to make it so that only the finest comes out. Your speaker should be able to filter noise and fine-tune the bass to bring you great sounds.
Useful Extra
You want a Bluetooth speaker with built-in microphones so you can pick calls without lifting a finger. When a call comes through a connected phone, it is re-routed to the speaker immediately, a feature that’s quite useful when driving.
Since we are talking about portable devices, they should be small enough to fit in small spaces and even have capabilities for attaching them to bikes. They are certainly super light too – weighing not more than 4lbs.
FAQ – Best Portable Mini Bluetooth Speakers
Q: Are BT speakers battery-powered?
A: Most of them are, but the battery is neither replaceable nor removable, but rechargeable. A good battery will keep running even for 48 hours depending on how you use it. When buying a speaker, you want to ensure the battery is great and can last for at least 12 hours when playing at the loudest setting.
Q: How do you connect a BT speaker to a smart device?
A: After you have made your smartphone discoverable and paired it to the speaker, tap the Bluetooth button on your speaker and then do the same to your phone. It will automatically pick and you and now start playing music for your party.
Q: Can I connect my BT speaker to several devices?
A: Yes you can if the manufacturer has labelled it as such. Most BT speakers are only able to connect to one device but you can connect it to more if it is made to handle that. This should be one of the features to look out for when planning to buy one.
Q: Are Bluetooth speakers great for outdoor use?
A: It depends on the type. If it is waterproof with ratings of IPX6 or IPX7, then you can count on it to withstand submersion in water. If it is only labelled water-resistant, then you it will only be able to handle water splashes but nit submersion.
Note that waterproofness does not guarantee sturdiness of the outer material. That is a whole other feature on its own that you will need to look out for in a portable speaker.
Q: What is the expected range of a wireless speaker?
A: It depends on the brand, but most can be between 30 and 60 feet and still play music perfectly. The range of coverage will depend also on placement of the speaker – works best when it is on a flat surface, uncovered, stationary, and basically without any obstruction.
Wrap-up
Did this article make it much easier to select the best portable mini Bluetooth speaker? We hope you got a pair out of the selected products that we reviewed too. Remember, you don’t have to spend all the money in your account to own a great product. Brands don’t matter as much as specs and quality do.
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