Gone are the days when people use to carry large stereo speakers for having fun. Bluetooth speakers are small yet capable devices, which give you freedom from those old and chunky wires. All you need to do is charge them, connect them with your smartphone or a smartwatch, and that is it! Keeping that in mind, we have come up with a list of the 10 best Bluetooth speakers under $100.
Now, you might ask – “I already own a home theatre, or a soundbar, or the best earphones out there. Why do I need a Bluetooth speaker?” Well, let us begin with the fact that they are easy to use and carry. Secondly, they can work with a variety of devices such as laptops, desktops, smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, they also offer a range of features. You can take up a call using a Bluetooth speaker, activate a voice assistant, and ask to play a song for you, or even use them as a power bank!
If you are not convinced yet, let me give you another reason to get yourself a nice wireless speaker. Devices such as laptops, tablets, and even smartphones come with poor speakers, which sometimes cause a lot of trouble. To save yourself, get a decent wireless speaker from this list. It wouldn’t cost much, but would surely ease your digital life.
You can tune in to your morning podcasts, can carry them with you to your college, or to a friend’s place for grooving a little. Now, that being said, making the right choice is a tough thing, given there are hundreds of devices available out there. This is where we step in and save the day, compiling the 10 best wireless speaker options for you. All of them are worth every penny you pay. Read the pros and cons carefully, select one that suits your needs, and make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
10 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $100
1. Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation)
Amazon’s Echo series of wireless speakers are one of the best in the price segment. At a mere $50, you get a smart speaker, that is Alexa enabled, and delivers clear sound with ample bass. With the refreshed design, the Amazon Echo dot now comes in a ball like shape.
It has four buttons- volume up, volume down, power button, and a dedicated button to wake Alexa. An LED ring at the bottom, adds to the visual feedback while using a voice assistant. It also has an option to mute the microphone, so you can control when the speaker is listening to you. The wireless speaker comes with great voice assistant support which works well even in a noisy environment. Other than calling anyone hands-free, you can stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and even Sirius XM.
Well, since its not just a Bluetooth speaker, it can do a lot more. For instance, you can set reminders, make lists, control the smart lights in your home. In terms of sound quality, we can say that the speaker is quite improved. The ball like design not only blasts music in all directions, it also has improved bass than before.
Another thing to note here is the battery. While some people use it is a stationary smart home assistant, the Bluetooth speaker can be used for up to 8 hours on battery. To save power, the device enters into a low energy consumption mode when not in use. The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile allows for high quality audio streaming from mobile devices. All these features and the capability to control your smart home makes the Amazon Echo Dot 4rth Gen a perfect start to this list.
Reasons to Buy
- New and improved sound quality
- Low power-consumption mode
- Good quality microphone
- Enhanced bass and better sound quality
- Decent battery life
- Gives you the ability to control other smart gadgets, stream music, and access voice assistant
Reasons to Avoid
- Not a good choice for outdoor usage
- Not loud enough for parties
Specifications
Dimensions: 100mm*100mm*89mm | Weight: 0.77 lbs | Wattage: 15W | Battery type: lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 5 hours | Connectivity: Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | Waterproof: No | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: Yes (Alexa) | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: None
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker with decent sound quality for indoor usage, the Amazon Echo Dot 4rth Gen is the ideal wireless speaker for you. The smart features are an additional perk to it.
2. Sony SRS XB12
The Sony SRS XB12 wireless speaker is small but has an amazing sound quality. It is cylindrical in shape and comes in five different colors with a matching strap. The strap adds to the portability of the speaker as it helps to hold on to objects like your bags, etc.
There are five buttons across its base- power button, volume up, volume down, play/pause, and an add button that allows you to pair with other devices. The play/pause button is multi-purpose. One press can play/pause the music, the double press plays the next song and the triple press brings you back to the previous song. The same button is used to answer calls. Long pressing the play/pause button activates voice assistant.
Surprisingly, the audio quality is pretty good for the size and price of the device. There is adequate bass, with clear and crisp highs. At some point, you might forget that you are listening to a small speaker. It also has a micro-USB port for charging and an AUX port for connecting to mobile devices. It is dust-resistant that makes it perfect for the outdoors and a great choice. It is definitely one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100. You can select from 4 different colors.
Reasons to Buy
- Value for money
- Balanced volume range
- Decent sound quality
- Awesome 16-hour battery life
- Good bass
- Great for travel
- Can be used outdoors
- IP67 dust and waterproof
Reasons to Avoid
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- The mic does not offer consistent clarity
Specifications
Dimensions: 86mm*86mm*108mm | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Wattage: 10W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: up to 12 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IP67 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: Yes (Google assistant) | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a compact speaker that can produce a clear sound that is loud enough for outdoor usage, go with the Sony SRS XB12. You can select from 5 different color options – black, blue, white, red, and even an elegant pink.
3. JBL GO3
The JBL GO3 has a new portable, attractive design and is available in five amazing colors. With its edgy look and striking design, this wireless speaker is no less than an elegant piece of technology. For its ultra-compact size, it is surprisingly loud and offers great bass depth. It has a decent mid-range and clarity. It is both waterproof and dustproof, so you can carry it anywhere you want. It has an attached strap that can be used to hang the speaker to your bags while traveling.
The Go series by JBL has been quite successful. The Go and Go 2 have remained are still the Amazon’s choice product. This comes from the unmatchable brand value JBL has, as a audio device manufacturer. In terms of built quality, the JBL Go 3 feels robust in hand. The IP rating makes it safe to use outdoors. However, the sound might not be fulfilling while using in an open environment.
It has three buttons on top-volume up, volume down and a play/pause button, which when pressed twice, skips a song. A rubberized grooves at the bottom that makes it more stable when kept on a table and prevents it from falling. It offers a five-hour battery life, that may vary depending on the volume you are listening to.
Reasons to Buy
- JBL Pro Sound offers good sound quality
- Highly affordable
- The Bluetooth range is good
- Low Android and iOS latency
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average battery life
- Not suitable for outdoor usage
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
Specifications
Dimensions: 86mm*40mm*68mm | Weight: 0.46 lbs | Wattage: 4.2W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 600 mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IP67 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
All-in-all, if you wish to buy a Bluetooth speaker for your laptop, or smartphone, and you occasionally enjoy podcasts in closed quarters, go for the JBL Go 3.
4. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
The 360 degrees sound and additional bass are what make the Wonderboom 2 an excellent wireless speaker in the given price range. Don’t go with the size of these. While just being 104mm long, and 95mm wide, this Bluetooth speaker produces a clear sound that is loud enough. And if you can get two of them, you can pair them together.
It is a cylindrical speaker with a strap that makes it easy to carry. Two buttons right in the center do the basic functions – volume up and volume down. The power button and an outdoor boost button are situated at the top. The outdoor boost is a new feature added to this version, which when enabled, increases the loudness, and enhances the clarity which is great for outdoor listening. However, keep in mind that these Bluetooth speakers do not have a microphone or a voice assistant.
It is both waterproof and dustproof and it floats on water. So, if you are having a pool party or you like listening to music while in the shower, this speaker can be the one for you. 13-hour battery life is simply excellent, so you do not have to worry while carrying it outdoors. It comes in athleisure-inspired two-tone fabric. With pleasing tonality and increased durability, this is definitely one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100.
Fun Fact: The Wonderboom 2 comes with an IP67 rating. However, it is cooler than it sounds. The speaker is submerged for 30 minutes in up to 1 meter. Additionally, it can float on pools, making it the ideal accessory for a poolside party.
Reasons to Buy
- Battery life is better than most other speakers in the price range
- The Bluetooth range is up to a 100 feet
- Decent bass
- Boost mode makes the speaker up to 30% louder for outdoor usage
- Real wireless stereo setup
- IP67 rating
Reasons to Avoid
- No voice assistant
- No microphone – cannot take calls with this one
- No Wi-Fi connectivity either
Specifications
Dimensions: 104mm*95mm*95mm | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Wattage: 1.5W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: up to 10 hours of daily usage | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IP67 | Microphone: No | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
The Wonderboom 2 is an excellent offering in the segment, considering the battery life, water, and dust resistant functioning, and 360 sound quality! Get two of them if you wish to set up a stereo sound system.
5. DOSS Soundbox
By the looks of the DOSS Soundbox, you cannot make the intensity and quality of sound that it can produce. For such a compact design, it offers fuller sound and deeper bass. The size of this Bluetooth speaker is the same as the size of a brick, but much lighter, which means it can easily fit into your bag and be with you anywhere, anytime.
It has a 360 degrees stereo sound with less than 1% harmonic distortions that ensure better clarity and fidelity. It has also got a touch-sensitive control panel that makes it much easier to use. It comes in five different colors, so you have options to choose from. It comes with a 20-hour long playtime as well, which takes away your worries of charging it all the time. Along with an AUX port and a USB port, it has an additional port for micro-SD. The Bluetooth remembers your last connected device which makes it easier to reconnect.
Reasons to Buy
- Touch controls
- Good sound quality for its size
- Value for money
- Micro-SD port
- Good battery life
Reason to Avoid
- No voice assistant
- Not good for rough use
- Not much water resistant
Specifications
Dimensions: 168mm*74mm*68mm | Weight: 558 grams | Wattage: 12W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 2200 mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IPX4 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: No | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
If you want a good-looking and simple device for listening to your daily music or podcasts, the DOSS Soundbox is the right device for you.
Also Read – 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500
6. Anker Soundcore Flare 2
This is a great option for a Bluetooth speaker under this price range. It offers 360 degrees of sound along with dual passive bass radiators that increase the sound quality and provide a room-filling sound. The new Bass up technology, allows you to enhance the bass frequency in real-time and reduces distortion. The smooth mid-range along with the added deep bass add to the soundscape.
The speaker has two LED lights – one at the top and one at the bottom, which can be customized to blink according to the song, using the Soundcore app. The top of the speaker has a power button and volume controls buttons. A multifunctional button that allows you to play/pause, activate the voice assistant and answer calls. You can also control the LED lights through a dedicated button. You can even enjoy the all-new light show, which includes pulses, phases, and shines in sync with your music.
At the back, it has a Bass boost button, a Bluetooth button, and a USB port. It also has a whopping 12 -hour battery life, with 3.5 hours of charging. Thanks to USB Type C charging. To lighten your party up, you car pair several Soundcore Flare speakers together, and enjoy the light and show.
The Soundcore app also has an equalizer mode where you can change and customize your music as per your likings. This wireless speaker is good for indoors as well as outdoors and since it is IPX7 waterproof, you do not have to worry if you get caught up in the rain accidentally.
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent sound quality
- Deep bass with passive radiators
- Battery life is good
- Can sync up to 100 speakers
- IPX7 rating
- Omnidirectional audio
Reasons to Avoid
- No Wi-Fi
- No Voice Assistant
- At higher volumes, sound may distort at certain frequencies
Specifications
Dimensions: 89mm*89mm*160mm | Weight: 1.29 lbs | Wattage: 20W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 5200 mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IPX7 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: Soundcore app
Bottom Line
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is quite a show in itself and brings a lot of fun to a party. The decent sound quality and superior battery life make it one of the best Bluetooth speakers out there in the market.
7. Braven BRV X/2
This rugged portable wireless Bluetooth speaker offers a great sound quality. The massive passive resistor allows thumping with loud and booming bass. It comes with a charging cable and a detachable strap. This speaker is not as small as others on the list, but it is not too big either. It can be carried from place to place without much inconvenience using the handles.
It has a bold look with a hard plastic exterior and rounded corners. Rubber finish on both ends and the bottom provides additional protection. The top of the speaker has four buttons – power button, volume up/down, and Bluetooth setup button. It also has a bright light right in the middle of the buttons. At the side, there is an AUX port, USB-C port, and device charging port. It has a battery life of approximately 18-hours. You can also use the power from the speaker to charge your mobile phone.
Apart from being waterproof and dustproof, it floats on pools, making it a cool poolside accessory. Additionally, the rugged design also makes it shockproof. So, if it accidentally falls, you need not worry about it. It is one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100.
Reasons to Buy
- The sound quality is good
- Great battery life
- No distortion even at high volumes
- Can be used to charge other devices
- Hands-free calling
- IPX7 rating
Reasons to Avoid
- Bluetooth range is not very good
- The strap is too small; not very comfortable for carrying
- A little too hefty for those who want a smaller form factor
Specifications
Dimensions: 210mm*80mm*88mm | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Wattage: 20W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: up to 16 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB C | Waterproof: IPX7 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
If you want a Bluetooth speaker that delivers great sound and does not mind the size, then the Braven BRV is the right choice for you. It is available in four colors. Make sure to choose the one that matches your pool accents!
8. JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 wireless speaker is lightweight that makes it highly portable. If you are looking to invest in a good quality Bluetooth speaker, this is a fine choice for you. It is also good for carrying outdoors, if you are hiking or camping or even just going out, it can easily accompany you.
It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that make it more attractive. You can choose from more than 10 colors and designs. The JBL Flip 5 is designed in a compact yet robust manner. It has passive bass radiators on both ends. It has a power button and a Bluetooth button and a USB port in the back and a play/pause button, volume up, volume down, and a party boost button in the front. The party boost button allows you to pair two-party boost enabled speakers and create a stereo or link over 100 party boost compatible speakers in mono. But it cannot be paired with older JBL speakers.
This speaker does not offer a lot of features, but the sound quality is good. If you want to buy a speaker for the sole purpose of listening to music and you do not mind missing a few features, then you can definitely buy this device. The bass is better than the previous versions of the series and offers a 12-hour long battery life.
Reasons to Buy
- Decent sound quality
- Good battery life
- A clean and enhanced soundstage
- PlayBoost stereo
Reasons to Avoid
- No microphone
- No AUX
- No voice assistant
Specifications
Dimensions: 180mm*68mm*74mm | Weight: 1.2 lbs | Wattage: 20W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 4800 mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB C quick charge | Waterproof: IPX7 | Microphone: No | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: JBL connect app
Bottom Line
With this model, JBL has gone all sober. A good quality wireless speaker is all they are offering, which is good for outdoor usage. You might miss on the fancy features such as LED lights, or hands-free calling, but if you like the JBL Pro Sound Signature, you would love this speaker.
9. Altec Lansing Soundbucket XL
Altec Lansing Soundbucket XL is the perfect speaker for a house party. It is waterproof, dirtproof as well as snowproof so you do not have to worry about anything. If you are looking for a full-fledged outdoor speaker, your search is over.
As the name Soundbucket suggests, this speaker is shaped like a bucket and therefore is easy to carry. It has an LED ring at the top that has five illuminating light modes. It has a mighty 20 – hours long battery life thus you never have to worry about the battery getting drained anytime soon. It also has a built-in QI wireless smartphone charger that allows you to charge your mobile phone just by placing it on top of the speaker.
It can be paired with up to 50 house party-enabled speakers that give a bigger and fuller sound. There are six buttons on the top power button, volume up/down, microphone, power boost, and charging. It is a bit heavy, so you cannot carry it everywhere with you. It can be used for a party, or for a day out at the beach, or such occasional events. But it is one of the best outdoor speakers in this price range.
Reasons to Buy
- Good sound quality
- Good connectivity
- Value for money
- Wireless Charging feature
- Fulfilling sound
Reasons to Avoid
- No microphone – cannot attend calls
Specifications
Dimensions: 463mm*320mm*314mm | Weight: 10.65 lbs | Wattage: 50W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 20 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IP67 | Microphone: No | Voice assistant: Yes (Google Assistant) | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
Well, these speakers are ideal for a house party. Other than that, they might make up a good stationary speaker which can be kept on the center cabinet, or at the dining table. Only one thing, the device really weighs like a bucket full of water. It might need a little biceps to set it up!
10. Treblab HD77
The Treblab HD77 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers that you can get for under $100. It has a lot of amazing features and works well indoors and outdoors. It is easy to set up and use. The exterior is shockproof and waterproof which makes it a perfect fit for an adventure. Its 20-hour long battery life makes it even better outdoors. It is designed in a sleek and beautiful manner but is rugged and tough at the same time.
There are two LED rings on both ends of the speaker, that turn red and start blinking as soon as the speaker has a low battery. It has four buttons right in the front- the power button, volume up (which when pressed for 2 seconds, leads to the next track), volume down (which when pressed for 2 seconds, takes you back to the previous track). A multipurpose play/pause button (it can be used to answer and disconnect a call when pressed for 2 seconds, it can reject the call and when pressed for 3 seconds, you can redial the last caller). There is a charging port at the back.
It also has 360 degrees of HD sound and offers a wide range of frequencies and can connect two wireless speakers for a better sound experience. It comes with a carabiner and a hand strap which makes it much easier to carry around. For this amount of money, this speaker is quite good.
Reasons to Buy
- Good battery life
- Easy to carry around
- Easy to use
- Built-in microphone
Reasons to Avoid
- No voice assistant
Specifications
Dimensions: 185mm*76mm*76mm | Weight: 890 grams | Wattage: 25 W | Battery type: Lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 5200 mAh | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproof: IPX6 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: No
Bottom Line
If you are running short on budget, and you need a Bluetooth speaker that basically has all the fancy features and good sound quality, go with the Treblab HD77.
11. Anker Soundcore Select Pro
The Anker Soundcore Select Pro is for outdoor enthusiasts, who fear to compromise anything on audio performance. It is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100, and we will tell you how it is so through our review.
Anker has nailed the portable Bluetooth speaker formula at this point, and this model delivers a powerful audio experience. Everything from the Bass Boost button to the Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility is meant to deliver a greater music experience in an outdoor location, and those huge drivers provide plenty of clarity whether you’re climbing up a mountain or relaxing by the pool.
However, the sound is simply the beginning of what the Soundcore Select Pro is capable of. With IPX7 waterproof and floatation protection, you won’t have to worry about spills or dips in the water with this speaker! It also has LED illumination that can sync to the rhythm as the night becomes darker, which adds a little extra whimsy (the app can control sound profiles and the LED lighting to your preference).
However, the battery is certified for up to 16 hours of playback time, and it may also be used as a charger for your phone or other portable electronic devices (charging occurs via USB-C). Moreover, while the design may not be as small as other competitors, we enjoy the practical carrying handle, which is something that many Bluetooth speakers neglect to include to their detriment.
Anker’s Soundcore Select Pro model is one of our top recommendations for those looking for the finest balance of quality and mobility in a budget-friendly best sounding Bluetooth speaker under 100 dollars.
Reasons to Buy
- The sound is loud, clear, and well-balanced.
- Excellent battery life.
- USB out for charging other devices.
- Built-in microphone for making speakerphone calls.
Reasons to Avoid
- The lack of waterproofing makes the JBL Flip a tempting alternative.
- Generic design.
- Some people have experienced echoing when using the speakerphone.
Specifications
Dimensions: 345mm*199mm*148mm | Weight: 4.16 pounds | Wattage: 30W | Battery type: lithium-ion | Battery Capacity: 6700 mAh | Playtime: 16 Hours | Connectivity: Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | Waterproof: IPX7 | Microphone: Yes | Voice assistant: No | Stereo sound: Yes | Application Support: Yes
Bottom Line
Overall, the Anker Soundcore Select Pro is a reasonably decent bundle in terms of style and functionality, and it is certainly a pleasant way to listen to music while enjoying the outdoors. When searching for something to toss in with your sports gear, go on the boat, or simply hang out in the great outdoors, this is a great option among the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100.
Also, Read – 10 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $50
Buyer’s Guide
A wireless Bluetooth speaker makes for a good accessory if you are into music and podcasts. In a market full of a variety of speakers, you need to know what makes for a good portable speaker. There are certain points that need to be kept in mind while choosing Bluetooth speakers under $100. Here is a small list of features that you should look for before making a purchase.
BATTERY LIFE
You should keep in mind how much you are going to use the speaker and where. If you have indoor usage, you can go with lesser battery life like four hours to five hours as it will be easier for you to charge your speaker at home.
In case you want a speaker for outdoor purposes, you need to look for a device with longer battery life as it might be tough to find a charging spot. Approximately 12 hours and above would be fair for such portable speakers.
CONNECTIVITY
Check what other options are available for pairing, other than the Bluetooth mode. See if a Wi-Fi connection is available; it has a wider range and offers finer sound quality. Some speakers also offer a wired connection or an auxiliary connection which can be a plus point as it can help you save some amount of battery of your mobile phone. It can also lead to a better sound quality sometimes.
WATTAGE
Larger wattage leads to a louder sound. That does not mean that you should buy a speaker that has a very high wattage. Everyone has a different listening capacity, therefore, choose a speaker that suits your needs. The quality of the speaker also affects its volume. Make sure you go for a wireless speaker that has a complementing speaker quality and wattage so that the sound does not distort at a higher volume.
You should know that a speaker with lower wattage will be good for the indoors while the one with higher power would be a good option for the outdoors. Buying one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 would keep you safe from this hassle, as they are versatile.
SOUND QUALITY
The most important feature while buying a Bluetooth speaker is the sound quality. Depending upon the size and other specifications of the speaker, the sound quality should be worthy of it and not a waste of money.
Choose a speaker that offers a clear and crisp sound instead of fizzy and distorted. This will not be available in the specifications directly, so check the frequency that it offers. 100Hz is the lower frequency and 20kHz is the higher. Lower frequency shows what kind of bass the speaker will offer; the lower the better. Speakers that also have Wi-fi connectivity or a wired one, might offer a better sound quality than others.
MICROPHONE
A microphone is an added feature to a wireless Bluetooth speaker. It allows you to answer calls directly through the speaker, even if you don’t have your phone with you at the time. You can even interact with the virtual assistant without having to touch your phone. Having a microphone makes the speaker more versatile and user-friendly.
FAQs
Do higher watts mean louder sounds in Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, it is true that the more the power (in watts), the louder and clearer the sound produced by the Bluetooth speakers. In contrast, little variations in power do not produce a discernible difference in sound. A 3dB increase in power would be required in order to perceive a difference (a 3dB increase). The result is that you would have to increase the power of a 50 watt per channel receiver to 100 watts per channel before you would detect a significant difference.
Hope that the article was informative and useful for you.
