Best Bluetooth Speaker Under $100

Attention, music enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for an exceptional Bluetooth speaker that won’t break the bank? Look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the exciting world of affordable audio devices, specifically focusing on the best Bluetooth speakers available for under $100. Get ready to embark on a journey that will redefine your portable music experience!

What should you expect for $100?

Let’s look closely at what you can get for your money when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker for under $100. Depending on the brand and model, you might be surprised at how much power and quality you can get for such a low cost. I suggest reading our guide at the end of the article to refresh your knowledge of audiophile terminology so you can truly understand your expectations while shopping.

Power: When it comes to Bluetooth speakers under $100, you can expect a commendable level of power that ensures a satisfying audio experience. While these speakers may not deliver audiophile-grade sound, they do offer sufficient volume and clarity for casual listening. Look for speakers with decent wattage and driver size, as they contribute to a fuller and more immersive sound.

Waterproofing: Many Bluetooth speakers in this price range come equipped with some degree of waterproofing or water resistance. While they may not be fully submersible, they can handle splashes, light rain, or accidental spills without suffering damage. Look for speakers with an IPX rating, which indicates their level of water resistance. Higher IPX ratings provide greater protection against water ingress.

Battery Life: One of the essential factors to consider when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker is its battery life. Fortunately, even at the $100 price point, you can find speakers with impressive battery performance. Expect a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of playback time on a single charge, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. Keep in mind that higher volumes and additional features, such as built-in LED lights, may impact battery life.

As you look at more expensive speakers, you can anticipate an overall improvement in build quality, better user interface feedback, more inventive design layouts, higher-quality materials used in the speaker’s construction, and more durable handles, straps, and fasteners. We haven’t included any of those expensive speakers on our list because they are almost certainly made of shoddy materials and feel cheap.

Our Top Pick!

JBL Flip 4

A speaker that is better than its own upgrade. It looks tough yet elegant, sounds great, and is portable and waterproof.

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Design Trends

You will recognize some of the shapes and designs in this list because the design trends in the under $100 price range are quite similar to those found in the under $50 price range. There are some noticeable exceptions, though. For instance, some speakers in this price range not only introduce new design types like boombox-inspired devices but also resemble larger, nicer versions of some budget speakers (the AOMAIS and BUGANI, for example). Overall, there is more variety in the designs the higher the price range.

what can you get for $100

You can anticipate seeing more design types/varieties and better-integrated software features like dynamic EQs, companion apps, and TWS stereo pairing when you increase your budget from $50 to $100. Additionally, you can purchase bigger, louder speakers with better IP ratings, longer battery lives, and higher wattages with an additional $50 in your budget.

Depending on their style or niche, different speaker types change. While the Amazon Echo only improves on the Echo Dot in terms of audio quality, a more expensive outdoor speaker might have a more durable body and a better IP rating like IP67. This is because no one really needs a durable Amazon Echo just yet. Amazon, I’m looking at you.

On a $100 spending limit, the following features only start to become more prevalent:

• Dust Proofing: You start to see products rated IP67, which means they are both waterproof and dustproof, in the sub-$100 price range. An increase in IP rating is also seen for waterproofing.
• Multiple Bluetooth Connections: More affordable Bluetooth speakers that support multiple source devices simultaneously are more prevalent in this price range.
• External Device Charging: The ability to charge your phone or tablet using the internal battery of your Bluetooth speaker is more prevalent in speakers over $100 than under $50.

How did we select these speakers?

In our search for the top speakers money can buy, we listened to a lot of speakers. We created a list that covers a variety of niches after evaluating as many as we could find, resulting in a variety of products that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

The Bluetooth speaker market is highly crowded, so these speakers were chosen based on their brand identity, brand versatility, ease of use, sound quality, visual appeal, durability, and practicality in order to provide a list where each product has its own advantages and potential target market. We have no doubt that you’ll find something interesting in this.

The Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $100

1. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Specs & Features​

Battery:	12 hrs
IPX:	7
Weight:	1.14 lbs
Power:	16 W

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The entire JBL Flip series of Bluetooth speakers have benefited from excellent reviews in numerous online forums for years now. From novices to audiophiles, these speakers cast a wide net and draw in a large audience because of their straightforward design and excellent sound. The Flip 4 is the pinnacle of JBL’s flip series and offers fantastic sound quality for less than $100.

Connections

The Flip 4 has a 3.5mm line-in auxiliary port for wired listening and can wirelessly connect to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at once. With the help of JBL’s Connect+ technology, you can pair this speaker with any other JBL speaker that has built-in Connect+ support to listen in stereo. This speaker charges via a Micro-USB port.

Sound

The high quality and clarity that many of us have come to expect from JBL’s products are advantageous for the JBL Flip 4. Only a few speakers in this price range can match the Flip 4’s semi-strong bass presence, but its real strength lies in the clarity and quality of the signal, particularly when it comes to contemporary pop, hip-hop, and EDM music. It will sound noticeably clearer than other speakers costing less than $100 and sounds much more expensive than it actually is, but it definitely favours certain musical genres and moderate volumes.

Why the Flip 4, and not the Flip 5?

You might be wondering why we chose the fourth-generation Flip speaker for our list. The answer is that the Flip 5 doesn’t significantly improve upon the features of the Flip 4 and, in some ways, regresses from its design.

Because the JBL Flip 4 speaker has an internal microphone, it supports Google Assistant and Siri, whereas the new Flip 5 does not. The Flip 5 does not have a 3.5mm line-in aux port, so wired listening is not possible. There are fewer speaker pairing options with the Flip 5’s updated connect+ speaker chain functionality because it works with significantly fewer speaker models. When you upgrade from generation 4 to generation 5, all of these features are lost, and the Flip 5 only adds a paltry 4 watts of power and an additional $50 to the price.

Conclusion

The Flip 4 has a fantastic design that is very similar to the well-liked earlier JBL Flip generations. It also has a great look and feel. Don’t worry; the speaker will withstand numerous falls into the pool due to its high degree of waterproofness.

The Flip 4 is our top pick because it is a fully-featured device that performs better than its own “upgrade” in every way.

2. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

Specs & Features​

Battery:	13 hrs
IPX:	67
Weight:	0.93 lbs
Power:	Unspecified

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The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is without a doubt the UE BOOM killer, in my opinion. This compact version of the Ultimate Ears BOOM could essentially be viewed as an upgrade in many ways, especially when taking into account the better price and the clearer and more neutral sound signature, in contrast to the smaller size. The WONDERBOOM looks great, and the controls are clear and easy to use. The visual design impression I got from this speaker is very playful and carefree, definitely a portable party speaker.

The WONDERBOOM 2 has the cool feature of having an IP67 rating, which means that, unlike most Bluetooth speakers under $100, this speaker is both waterproof and dustproof. If you spend time outdoors or on dusty construction sites, you should give this speaker some thought.

Connections

The UE WONDERBOOM 2 does not have a 3.5mm line input, unlike other speakers, but it does charge via Micro-USB. To get a more robust simultaneous sound, you can pair two WONDERBOOMs together. However, keep in mind that since this isn’t a true stereo setup, each speaker will play both the right and left signals of the audio source.

Sound

The UE WONDERBOOM 2 has a clear, crisp sound, but I would point out that the dynamics can occasionally be lacking. This speaker may or may not be a great fit for you, depending on the genre of music you enjoy listening to.

With this speaker’s dynamic signal processing, you might not detect any distortion if you typically listen to contemporary pop, dance, hip-hop, or rock. Depending on what volume you have the WONDERBOOM set to, you might notice changes in frequency ranges if you listen to very dynamic music like jazz or orchestral music. EDM, which is often compressed heavily, may not necessarily sound bad, but other genres may experience problems.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the smaller UE BOOM is clearly outclassed by the larger UE WONDERBOOM 2. With an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, it is smaller, less expensive, and still very tough. You’ll have to listen to the music for yourself to truly determine if the sound signature and signal processing appeal to your tastes. The sound quality is completely passable but struggles to accurately represent some music at lower volumes in particular.

3. Anker Soundcore Boost 20W Bluetooth Speaker

Specs & Features​

Battery:	10 hrs
IPX:	5
Weight:	1.29 lbs
Power:	20 W

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The majority of Anker speakers I’ve heard have what I like to call the “impressive factor”—a distinctive effect where the speaker appears to deliver audio that doesn’t seem to be coming from the speaker in front of me. The Anker Soundcore Boost, a minimal black box with impressive power, pretty much nails that effect.

The Soundcore Boost is one of the best “bang for your buck” purchases on this list thanks to its sturdy construction and excellent sound. Anker accomplished a feat unusual in the oversaturated Bluetooth speaker market by creating a speaker that delivers exceptional audio without sacrificing other standard features that appear within this price range.

Connections

The Anker Soundcore Boost has a micro-USB port for charging and a USB port as well, so you can use the Boost’s battery to charge other devices! For better latency, you can also play audio through a 3.5mm line-in input.

Sound

No matter the genre or dynamics of the song, the Soundcore Boost’s really clean and neutral sound signature will make it shine. Although it isn’t the loudest or bassist Bluetooth speaker under $100, it is unquestionably a contender for providing the best listening experience. This speaker is a little bit more suitable than some others for watching YouTube videos or movies on a laptop or phone because the sound signal’s latency is faster.

The Boost’s sound signature, which I really liked, reminded me of an improved, deeper Anker Soundcore, which perfectly explains why it’s called a “Soundcore Boost.”

Conclusion

I have noticed a no-frills design philosophy and commitment to great sound quality that the company adheres to, and this ethos is perfected in the Soundcore speaker series. Anker is an affordable and practical brand that offers quite a few speakers that nail the “everyman” speaker.

The speaker’s size, appearance, feature list, connectivity options, and battery life are all fairly average; this creates space for the actual audio quality to shine, which it does thanks to its mid-grade water resistance, deep and clear bass, and Anker’s BassUp technology.

4. Tribit MaxSound Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Specs & Features​

Battery:	20 hrs
IPX:	7
Weight:	1.3 lbs
Power:	24 W

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A powerful speaker that offers an incredible listening experience for a small fraction of the cost of the competition is the Tribit MaxSound Plus. It’s very difficult to beat the value you get with the MaxSound Plus among budget speakers because Tribit’s guiding principle is to make high-quality audio accessible to as many people as possible.

This speaker has a stealthy, understated appearance, but don’t let that fool you. It is a highly optimized piece of technology that is designed to do just one thing: play music at an unbelievably low price with amazing quality. It even has the longest battery life and the most waterproofing you can reasonably expect for the price. The MaxSound Plus wasn’t designed with any compromises.

Connections

At the back of the speaker, there is a DC 5V power port that charges the Tribit MaxSound Plus. Next to it, there is a 3.5mm aux input for wired listening.

Sound

My favourite tracks sounded open and seamless with my environment, as you’d expect from a speaker that costs a hundred dollars more than the MaxSound Plus, even at maximum volume, thanks to this speaker’s exceptionally smooth and clear sound signature. The MaxSound effectively eliminates that “canned” or “metallic” mid-frequency sound you typically hear from budget speakers and offers a fantastic listening experience regardless of the genre you are playing because it lacks the bass-heavy signal processing that many comparable speakers adopt to make up for the small speaker size.

Impressive sounding speaker. The Tribit MaxSound Plus surpasses many speakers I’ve heard in terms of the listening experience and sound quality, especially when listening to music with more dynamics, like jazz or funk. It is always a treat when a speaker surprises you with it’s performance.

Conclusion

When you purchase the Tribit MaxSound Plus, you are purchasing a cheap speaker that sounds expensive because production costs were kept low with the intention of creating a more affordable product. With this MaxSound Plus, you get an impressive, portable sound that will impress your friends, all for a price that is significantly lower than the competition.

This speaker is for you if you value great sound above all else and want to save some money.

5. DOSS SoundBox XL 32W Bluetooth Speakers

Specs & Features​

Battery:	10 hrs
IPX:	4
Weight:	4.37 lbs
Power:	32 W

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The DOSS SoundBox XL has a very sleek and opulent appearance, and after listening to it, I can confirm that it is a classy piece of audio equipment that outperforms its price range.

The SoundBox XL is the most expensive model in DOSS’s SoundBox series of speakers, and the designers did an excellent job of recreating the look and sound of an expensive speaker for a very low price; typically costing around seventy dollars.

Connections

The SoundBox XL Bluetooth speaker from DOSS features a Micro-SD port and a 3.5mm line-in port so you can store all of your music collection on the speaker itself. The DC 12V charging port for this speaker is found near the other hardware connection ports on the device’s back.

Sound

The DOSS SoundBox XL has a large sound. The primary reason this 12-watt speaker manages to achieve such a crisp, open signal profile with such compact and affordable hardware is due to the digital signal processing built into the speaker. The SoundBox’s quality is entirely the result of the processing.

Given its average bass and loudness and relatively low IPX4 water resistance rating, the SoundBox XL is more of an indoor speaker. Despite the fact that it is not my top choice for an outdoor Bluetooth speaker, it is still very portable and wouldn’t be difficult to bring along on a trip.

Conclusion

The SoundBox XL is a great option if you want high-quality sound but don’t need a speaker that is extremely waterproof. The internal circuitry of this speaker received a ton of attention, resulting in a surprisingly large and open sound from such a small speaker. In addition to having a clear sound, this speaker, in my opinion, has the best appearance of the SoundBox series from DOSS. Its design aesthetic is simple, refined, and efficient.

For an indoor music listener with multiple devices to choose from that connect via different methods, such as line-in, SD-card, and Bluetooth, the DOSS SoundBox XL provides the ideal listening experience. If that describes you, this might be the product you’ve been looking for!

6. BUGANI M83 Bluetooth Speaker

Specs & Features​

Battery:	40 hrs
IPX:	5
Weight:	4.59 lbs
Power:	40 W

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The BUGANI M83 is a strong contender in every category on this list of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100; it is surprisingly affordable, has great sound quality, is durable, and has a long battery life.

The M83 is a futuristic speaker with a distinctive take on utilitarian design. It has a soft rubber body covering and metal grills over its speakers. The controls are simple to use and have clear labels. Be aware that this speaker only receives an IPX5 rating, which means splashes shouldn’t harm it.

Connections

The BUGANI M83 has a 3.5mm line input for wired music playback, a TF/micro-SD card slot, a standard USB port for charging external devices, and a micro-USB port for charging. You can increase the sound by pairing two M83 speakers together because this speaker supports TWS pairing.

Sound

The M83 Bluetooth speaker from BUGANI had a powerful sound with strong bass that was ideal for outdoor events like pool parties or barbecues. The robust design and long battery life, combined with the bass-heavy sound signature, make for a great outdoor listening experience. Depending on the environment and volume, this speaker’s sound signature shifts from favouring the low end at very high volumes to sounding fairly neutral at low and mid-level volumes.

I listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, so the overall sound of this speaker is very appealing to me. The bass this speaker offers is awesome and really shines at high volumes.

Conclusion

The BUGANI M83 is an impressive speaker that sounds great and has a tough, practical design. You can expect 40 hours of listening at moderate volumes from this speaker’s battery life alone, which is more than most speakers in this price range can offer.

Since it has a long-lasting battery, a phone charging port, a water-resistant design, and a loud, booming bass that will bring the party wherever you want it to go, this speaker is best used outside.

7. W-KING Outdoor Portable Waterproof TWS

Specs & Features​

Battery:	24 hrs
IPX:	5
Weight:	6 lbs
Power:	50 W

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I have no idea what the “W” in W-KING stands for, but I believe it should stand for “WILD,” as this speaker is perfect for exploring the wilds and frightening the local wildlife with its thunderous bass. The hardware for transporting this portable speaker wherever you go is unmatched. It is robust, loud, and has excellent battery life and signal range.

The W-KING D8 is constructed similarly to a brick home and sounds as sturdy as it does. Although this speaker is bigger than many others on this list, I think its handle is one of its most distinctive features. Despite not being able to be submerged due to its IPX5 rating, splashing shouldn’t be a problem, so bring your favourite tunes unless the party is taking place underwater!

Connections

The W-KING D8 can be charged using a USB type C cable, and you can use the D8’s standard USB port to charge the battery of other devices you own. For wired listening, the W-KING also has a 3.5mm line input. Additionally, the D8 supports TWS, allowing you to connect two of these speakers for amplification of four times the output.

Sound

The W-KING D8 is extremely loud, bassy, and clear. It has been reported that oil field workers, machinists, and landscapers have all used this speaker while on the job and have no trouble hearing their music from up to 20 yards away.

I enjoy listening to bass-driven music outside, so this speaker is definitely appealing to me. However, I didn’t notice much of a difference in the sound’s colouring at various volume levels, indicating that this speaker’s sound signature was clearly created with both indoor and outdoor listening in mind. Nearly no other speaker in this price range can match the impact and volume of this one.

Conclusion

The W-KING D8 is a robust powerhouse speaker that won’t break down and will cut right through all the background noise to provide you with your favourite music for up to 12 hours at maximum volumes on a single charge. It can be used in ATV trails, workshops, manufacturing floors, oil fields, you name it. One speaker should be more than enough for the majority of people, though you can pair two together for an extremely loud and clear listening experience.

Anyone who needs a loud, portable, and durable speaker, including tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts, may find this one to be ideal.

8. Echo (3rd Gen) – Smart speaker with Alexa

Specs & Features​

Battery:	N/A
IPX:	None
Weight:	1.72 lbs
Power:	15 W

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In keeping with our article on the best Bluetooth speakers under $50, we’ve chosen to include a smart speaker in our list of the top Bluetooth speakers under $100.

Choosing a smart speaker over a standard Bluetooth speaker means forgoing sound quality, portability, and durability in favour of smart functionality because smart speakers are in a league of their own and serve as personal assistants in addition to being Bluetooth speakers.

The third-generation Amazon Echo is our choice for the best smart speaker under $100 because Amazon is the undisputed king of the smart speaker world.

Connections

To use the Amazon Echo, you must plug it into an outlet; if you want your device to be portable, you must purchase an aftermarket battery base.

There is a 3.5mm line in/out port on the Amazon Echo, allowing you to play music through a wired connection and connect the Echo’s output to an additional speaker.

One interesting fact is that the Echo is Bluetooth-compatible with other speakers, so if you choose, you can purchase one of the speakers on this list and use your Echo personal assistant to play music on it!

Sound

In comparison to the other speakers on this list, the experience falls short in terms of sound quality. The smart functionality of the Echo was given much more consideration by its designers than its volume or clarity of sound. Use a different speaker if you only want to listen to music and not use Alexa, Amazon’s personal assistant.

Conclusion

The Echo is a no-brainer if you have $100 or less to spend on a smart speaker, but if all you want to do is listen to music from a speaker, this is not my recommendation.

While significantly more expensive than $100, purchasing a W-KING or Flip 4 along with an Echo will give you access to an integrated experience with Amazon Alexa and a fantastic portable Bluetooth speaker on top of that.

The Echo is a fantastic smart speaker that gives you access to Alexa, a very sophisticated AI personal assistant that can help you plan your day, shop and voice-control your music listening, but the speaker’s sound quality is nothing special in and of itself.

What to look for when buying a Bluetooth speaker

Power Output

When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker, pay attention to the power output or wattage. Higher wattage generally translates to louder and more robust sound. However, keep in mind that a speaker’s power output alone does not determine its overall audio quality. Consider factors like driver size, speaker configuration, and frequency response to ensure a balanced and immersive listening experience.

Waterproofing

If you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker outdoors or in wet environments, consider its waterproofing capabilities. Look for speakers with an IPX rating, which indicates their resistance to water and dust. The higher the IPX rating, the more durable and water-resistant the speaker will be. This feature ensures that your speaker can withstand splashes, rain, or accidental water exposure without compromising its functionality.

Design

The design of a Bluetooth speaker plays a crucial role in its usability and portability. Consider the size, weight, and form factor that align with your preferences and intended usage. Compact and lightweight speakers are ideal for travel, while larger speakers may offer enhanced audio performance. Additionally, check for features like built-in handles, carabiner hooks, or attachable straps for added convenience on the go.

Price

Bluetooth speakers under $100 offer a great balance between affordability and performance. Set a budget and explore options within that range. Keep in mind that higher-priced speakers may offer additional features, improved sound quality, or enhanced durability. However, with careful research and consideration, you can find excellent Bluetooth speakers that provide outstanding value for money.

Battery Life

Evaluate the battery life of a Bluetooth speaker to ensure it meets your needs. Consider how long you typically use the speaker on a single charge and choose a model that offers sufficient playback time. Look for speakers with a long-lasting battery that can keep the music playing for extended periods without requiring frequent recharging. Additionally, check if the speaker supports fast charging for added convenience.

Sound Signature

Every speaker has its unique sound signature, which refers to the way it reproduces audio. Some speakers emphasize bass, while others prioritize a balanced sound or focus on clarity. Consider your music preferences and intended usage to choose a speaker with a sound signature that suits your taste. Reading customer reviews and listening to audio samples can help you gauge the speaker’s sound profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our Top Pick!

JBL Flip 4

A speaker that is better than its own upgrade. It looks tough yet elegant, sounds great, and is portable and waterproof.

Check Price