Best portable Bluetooth speakers
Because wires are 20th-century technology.
Editors' note: This post was originally published November 22, 2011. It was updated January 27, 2012, to include the Geneva Sound System Model XS.
The days of blasting music out of a portable boom box are behind us, and while some companies still offer retro stereo wannabes for iPods, the best way to free your music but still keep it in a tight package is with a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Here we've rounded up several wireless Bluetooth speakers for your consideration. They work with all smartphones and tablets meeting the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) spec, including the Apple iPhone, iPad, and most Android devices, but keep in mind that Bluetooth causes limited loss in audio quality. For better sound, these devices can also play music from a non-Bluetooth device using the 3.5mm line-in port and a direct connection.
Any of them are excellent speakers to bring on your next trip, but I'm particularly impressed with the Jawbone Jambox and the Logitech Mini Boombox.
They're tough and portable, but you can also pair them with your phone's calling features to make a travel speakerphone.Meanwhile, the SuperTooth Disco is ideal for use indoors to unclutter desktop space and the newer Geneva Sound System Model XS borrows style from old clock radios with strong aural performance. Whichever speaker you choose, they all feature adequate bass and rechargeable batteries.
If you're shopping on a budget this year, the most affordable of the bunch is the Creative D100. Sure, you can spring for the updated D200, but why spend more when you can pick up the first version that sounds just as great for just under $60?
And finally, check out the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker for the discerning audiophile in your life who simply must have the best-sounding gadgets on the shelf. The SoundLink blew us away with its audio fidelity, and while it costs more than the Soundmatters FoxLv2, Bose steps up the sound design and build quality, and the result sits in a class all its own.
Geneva Sound System Model XS
The Geneva Sound System Model XS is modeled after old travel clock radios from the 1970s, replete with an integrated case that doubles as a stand when you fold it out, which makes sense because the system also integrates an FM radio and telescoping antenna.
For $250, the design and case are ideal for frequent travelers who don't want to fumble with the annoying slipcover that comes on the Jambox. In terms of fidelity, the Geneva XS sounds similar to the Jambox and Soundmatters FoxL with adequate bass with some static eking out at higher volumes. Read the full review of the Geneva Sound System Model XS.
Logitech Mini Boombox
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
Logitech Mini Boombox
The Logitech Mini Boombox keeps the wireless music pumping for 10 hours thanks to an internal rechargeable battery, and the sound is warmer and more open than you get from the Monster iClarityHD, another speaker that didn't make it into this roundup.
The Mini Boombox doesn't sound quite as good as the Jawbone Jambox, but it plays just as loud and has identical features for a fraction of the price. Read the full review of the Logitech Mini Boombox.
Jawbone Jambox (Black Diamond)
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)
Jawbone Jambox
The Jambox is the most stylish portable speaker we've seen, with features like downloadable sound enhancements you won't find in comparable compact designs.
It's available in four colors--black, red, blue, and gray--and you can even change the announcer's voice to six different languages and toggle between male and female voices. Read the full review of the Jawbone Jambox.
SuperTooth Disco
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Supertooth Disco
The SuperTooth Disco's heavyweight stature and simple music controls are ideal for small apartments, offices, and communal rooms like kitchens and dens. The SuperTooth has the added advantage of a bass-boost button on the navigation dial that adds low-end amplification to the 12-watt internal subwoofer. For music that's lacking a punchy response, the extra bass adds a tighter kick without overpowering the melodies. Read the full review of the Supertooth Disco.
Creative D100
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Creative D100
Certainly the best bargain of the bunch, the Creative D100 ultimately got replaced by the D200, but the original still has value and features dual 3-inch drivers and the ability to run completely cord-free on four AAA batteries.
You can pick it up in four color options and use it indoors and out. Read the full review of the Creative D100.
Bose SoundLink
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker
The price tag of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile could be enough to turn anyone away, but the sound fidelity compared with these other Bluetooth speakers is worth the $350.
The SoundLink still suffers from Bluetooth sound compression, but the speaker's four neodymium transducers and dual-opposing passive radiators, not to mention software working in the background, all come together to make music sound as good as possible coming out. Read the full review of the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker.
