Best Portable Speakers for Taking Your Music Anywhere

With this Bluetooth speaker, you are guaranteed crisp and clear sound with long-lasting battery life! Also, you get to use it on most of your devices, even those that may not have Bluetooth functionality. The Liztek PSS-60 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 technology which empowers it to deliver rich and deep sound in its portable size package.

This speaker works for iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Nexus, Blackberry, Samsung, Techno, and all other Mp3 players and Smartphones. The speaker has two very powerful 40mm acoustic drivers built in a tiny size but gives a broad audio spectrum. The in-built lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries can last as much as 6 hours of playtime. Weighing only 8.3 ounces, this speaker is easy to carry and plays all audio devices using its 3.5mm Jack. If you don’t have Bluetooth, the PSS-60 allows you to directly connect your device to the speaker using a standard headphone jack.

The sleek and compact Bose SoundLink Mini offers some of the highest quality sound output that can be had from a speaker of this size. This wireless Bluetooth speaker offers very good build quality and design, although this comes with a premium price tag. It also lacks some features that many users have come to expect, such as the lack of speakerphone capability. The protective case comes separately, and is also expensive. However, if sound quality is the top priority, this is the speaker to get.

The SoundLink Mini is very simple to use, and connects easily to devices using Bluetooth (remembering up to six) or the aux input. A micro-USB is included for firmware updates, as well. Battery life is decent at around seven hours, but the included charging cable can be left plugged in during use. When it comes to overall quality in terms of both sound and design, the Bose SoundLink Mini is a clear leader.

The Boom wireless Bluetooth speaker from Ultimate Ears stands out for its 360 degree sound output and excellent versatility. This speaker is sized and shaped roughly like a tall can, and can be placed horizontally or vertically. Either way, it offers big and full sound for its size. The Boom is designed to be durable and rugged, with stain and water-resistance that allow it to be used outdoors.

The speaker is easy to use, and can be paired via Bluetooth, NFC, or a 3.5mm aux cable. It can remember up to eight devices, pairing automatically with them as they come into range. You can also purchase a second speaker to create a wireless pair (stereo or double) using the UE Boom app for iOS and Android. Battery life is excellent with up to 15 hours of use, and the speaker can also be used as a speakerphone. Sound quality is very good, although bass is somewhat lacking, an issue typical with smaller speakers.

JBL has updated their popular Flip wireless Bluetooth speaker, adding several performance upgrades to what is essentially the same exterior design. The JBL Flip 2 now has better speaker and speakerphone clarity thanks to enhanced noise cancellation, a higher power rating, and the ability to charge using micro-USB.

Unfortunately, nothing has been done to address the Flip's major weakness, it's short battery life. At four to five hours, this speaker lags behind the leaders in this market. However, the Flip 2 remains an excellent overall choice, as well as being a marked improvement over its predecessor.

This portable speaker can be used horizontally or vertically, and can be paired to devices using Bluetooth or NFC. It has solid range and is simple to use, with sound output being good overall. The JBL Flip 2 is quite a bit more affordable than some of the top portable wireless speakers available, making it a good value.

The Jabra Solemate offers solid overall performance and a unique design. This wireless Bluetooth speaker can be paired with devices using Bluetooth, NFC, or a 3.5mm aux cable. It can also be connected to a computer or other device using the USB port, which doubles as a charger. The integrated subwoofer and dual tweeters produce sound with defined highs and relatively strong bass, although some quality is lost at higher volumes.

When connected to a smartphone or computer, the Solemate can also be used as a speakerphone for both standard and Skype calls. This wireless speaker uses a non-slip rubber sole to keep it in place, and features a rugged and splash-resistant design. Battery life is decent, making the Jabra Solemate an overall solid choice.

The SoundDock XT Series is available in two color combinations but can be used with almost any type of iPhone available right now. Plug your iPhone into the unit and not only is it ready for hours of music, but the dock will charge your device while it’s docked. Volume controls are integrated into the dock, but all other functions are accessed from your phone's touchscreen just as they would be if you were listening through a pair of ear buds.

If your iPhone isn't lightning compatible, it's no problem as there's a 3.5mm auxiliary input for plugging in 30-pin Apple or Android phones, DVD players, a tablet, laptop, or any other sound source you prefer. But of course, these are all standard items for a dock like this.

The real selling point with Bose is the sound quality you're going to get through the speakers. The company's proprietary speaker design and signal processor engineering combine to deliver rich, full, highly detailed sound reproduction. Whether you play your music at low levels, or you prefer to really crank the volume, the Bose SoundDock XT delivers the same consistent clarity and layered subtleties to your music.

Best of all, perhaps, is the size of the dock. It's small and compact enough to place in just about every room of the house. The XT takes up little to no space, but delivers a sound profile of docks that measure three times the size.

Bowers & Wilkins have built a pretty powerful dock that offers deep, full sound in a small package. It's equipped with a Lightning connector so it's compatible with the latest iPod and iPhone models. If you want to stream wirelessly from iTunes or any networked Mac or PC, the Z2 has got you covered by way of the AirPlay service.

The minimal, curved cabinet houses two 3.5-inch full-range drivers, fiberglass cones, and the latest class D amps to deliver superior sound. B&W's Flowport port openings at the back of the unit incorporate a dimpled design for enhanced air flow which results in a deeper bass response for a richer overall sound experience.

There's even an app to help you connect, set up, and control the settings on your dock, all of it quite effortless to perform. At a price tag of around $300, its one of the more expensive choices on our list, but you certainly get your money's worth in terms of performance and looks.

Bose has upgraded their SoundDock into an even better unit than the one we featured here previously, optimizing sound output for a more well-rounded audio experience. The Series III still carries the company's proprietary acoustic design which offers a warmer sound that still puts a strong emphasis on the bass instead of keeping to a neutral audio spectrum.

They've carefully calibrated their speaker output to produce a rich, natural sound for more accurate reproduction of your music. It's compatible with any Apple product as the SoundDock III works with 30-pin iPods and iPhones or those that use a Lightning connector as well. The Series III also lets you connect mp3 players and smartphones through the unit's auxiliary input, offering even more content sources for your music.

Securely docked devices can be charged while in use through the unit's AC power connection and this as fully shielded unit is certified by Apple so you won't encounter any interference. Size-wise, it's compact enough to fit in any room without taking up much space and a full-function remote lets you control both the dock and your device at once.

Dock solutions for iPad users who want to watch content in landscape mode have been few and far between. Fewer still are docks that cater to users of older iPads that use Apple's 30 pin connector and its newer Lightning connector used on the iPad 4 and mini. Belkin's created a solution for these users with the Thunderstorm. The Thunderstorm is speaker dock and is as powerful as it is it portable. The docks is designed around its full frequency speakers and unlike other speaker docks, it is designed to be portable, with a cover to protect the screen and provide support to prop up the dock when its in use. However, this dock is not a full featured dock — it isn't designed to connect with a desktop or laptop. But with solutions like wifi syncing and iCould, having an actual physical connection between your iPad and computer is becoming less of a concern.

Logitech is known for their solid, well-built computer speakers with excellent fidelity. It's a no-brainer that they'd bring that same expertise to the exploding tablet market, and specifically the iPad. Integrating their speakers into a stand that docks in landscape and portrait mode allowing it be viewed at practically any angle, it also charges the device. Volume and power are available through the stand. The addition of a 3.5mm audio plug allows the stand even more flexibility, as it can be used with other MP3 players and audio sources. The Logitech Speaker Stand for iPad makes it a perfect choice for those using their iPads with keyboard as a replacement for a conventional PC.