I've reviewed and listened to dozens of wireless and Bluetooth speakers in my time at What Hi-Fi?, and while there are many, many options available in this massive corner of the market, not all of them are worth your time and money.
With Cyber Monday deals in full swing, there are new and existing discounts on some of the best Bluetooth speakers we've tested, making this a great time to nab one. If you don't need one for yourself, they certainly make ideal Christmas gifts...
I've collated six of our favourite models for all budgets, all offering enjoyable sound and a variety of different features. Some of them are portable Bluetooth models like the JBL Flip 6 and the Sonos Roam, while others are home-bound, mains-powered items which can't be moved around much. Let's see which is right for you.
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- Amazon: 66% off TVs, smart speakers
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- John Lewis: up to £50 off Apple
- Peter Tyson: save £200+ on Denon AVRs
- Richer Sounds: Black Friday & VIP offers
- Sevenoaks: save up to £250 on Naim, Sonos
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JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 remains one of our absolute favourite Bluetooth speakers around (and mine too), continuing the legacy of the Flip 5 with another full-bodied, robust and attractive performer that will go anywhere and do anything (within reason, of course).
If you're looking for something that's got versatility in spades and durability to be taken anywhere (a very decent IP67 dust-and-water-proof rating really helps), this would be our pick of the bunch. It's also made by JBL, so you've got access to the excellent JBL app as well as PartyBoost, which lets you link up multiple models for boosted sound.
It's the most expensive (it's all relative) item here, but certainly worth a look at a discount considering its credentials.
Read our full JBL Flip 6 review
Sonos Roam
While we initially considered the Sonos Roam to be beatable in terms of its musical detail, it remains a speaker for which we have a lot of admiration. Some may prefer the musical credentials of the JBL Flip 6, but there's a lot to be said for the robust, meaty and full-bodied sound the slimline Roam can produce.
Arguably the best thing about the Roam, though, is that it's made by Sonos, meaning that you're granted access to the brand's excellent official app and its also-excellent multiroom ecosystem. Add to that a superb IP67 waterproof rating and a clean, attractive design and you've got a great candidate on your hands, especially with that juicy discount factored in.
Read our full Sonos Roam review
Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen)
The Echo Dot (5th gen) is a bit of an outlier, as while it's technically a Bluetooth speaker (you can listen via wi-fi or a Bluetooth connection), it's not a portable model. The Amazon-made smart speaker plugs directly into the mains and requires Alexa to work, setting it apart from its rivals here, and
For performing its main functions, though, the Dot is superb. It's clever (Alexa is absolutely brilliant right now, and only getting smarter), it's nicely made and, most striking of all, the audio is really excellent. Without question the best-sounding Echo Dot yet, and a real steal at this heavily discounted price. As we said in our review: "you want a versatile, engaging smart speaker that sounds superb on a shoestring, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) can unquestionably hold its own".
Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) review
Sonos Era 300
As its What Hi-Fi? 2023 Award certifies the Sonos Era 300 is one of the best wireless speakers we've recently tested, revealing itself to be an all-in-one performer that boasts superb audio, excellent streaming features and impressive spatial audio capabilities.
As we stated in our Sonos Era 300 review, "[it] performs admirably with any format of music... no matter what source or genre [which] all adds up to an enticing experience that's worth embarking on", especially with regard to its awesome handling of spatial audio.
The features only help to seal the deal. The Sonos app is great, Trueplay room calibration works superbly, and the Era 300 can slot into the wider Sonos multi-room ecosystem easily, while Wi-Fi 6, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming, plus voice control, only strengthen its credentials. It's so good, I'd recommend the Era 300 even at full price.
Read the full Sonos Era 300 review
Naim Mu-so Qb (2nd generation)
While it isn't portable and doesn't feature on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers (we've included it as one of the best wireless speakers instead), the Naim Mu-so QB (2nd gen) does qualify courtesy of the fact that, well, you can connect to it via Bluetooth.
However you connect to it, the Mu-so Qb is a majestic piece of engineering. With five speaker units, 300W of amplification, multiple connectivity options and various streaming platforms supported, the Naim is a blast to listen to as much as it is a delight to behold. It offers up a spirited, vibrant sound that feels as expressive as anything you'll get at this level. Anyone willing to splash a bit of cash (while also saving £100) should seriously consider the Award-winning Qb.
Read our full Naim Mu-so Qb review
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is probably an even closer rival to the Flip 6 in terms of price than the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, officially retailing at £90 but dropping significantly thanks to Cyber Monday. I love it.
It's a fuller-sounding, more likeably designed unit than the Micro 2, and we're certainly keen on that funky design and fun, punchy sound. Again, it's not quite at the Flip 6's level sonically, but if you want a likeable, attractive and well-made performer that can be submerged in water (IP67 rated) and really draws the eye, this is the speaker for you. It's also around £20 cheaper than the Flip 6 right now, so that certainly works in its favour.
Read our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 review
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