These are the best Bluetooth speakers on the market 2025
Need to know... What to look out for when buying Bluetooth speakers
What specifications should you consider?
Check which Bluetooth version a speaker uses, as Bluetooth 5 offers improved sound quality, extended range and better multi-device pairing. Compared to 4.2, it can transfer eight times as much data and has four times the range.
Do I need Wi-Fi connectivity as well?
Unless you have an aptX Bluetooth-compatible speaker and smartphone that streams in CD quality, if you want to enjoy hi-res recordings you will need Wi-Fi compatibility. But for ease of use, Bluetooth remains the simplest way to stream music wirelessly.
What is a good battery life?
Anything shorter than 10 hours feels a bit meagre these days, with some options like the Tribit StormBox Pro lasting 24 hours. But think about what you’re using it for, because if you will rarely need to move it, a mains-powered speaker will have significantly more power.
- Would you spend a million pounds on a hi-fi? What if it sounds like nothing you've ever experienced?
Bluetooth speakers... Best Buy
Morel BIGGIE £299
Morel Audio has been producing high-end, hand-assembled speakers since the 1970s. The BIGGIE is a departure for them, and while they’re late to the streaming speaker party, they have designed something ideal for hosting one.
At 18 x 18 x 11.5cm and weighing only 2.5kg, the BIGGIE is actually quite petite. But with 60W of power combined with a two-way bass reflex, custom 100mm woofer and 25mm soft-dome tweeter, it has enough power and presence to justify its name. It streams over Bluetooth 5.3 and has a 2600mAh battery for up to 20 hours remote playback.
Minimalist design and simple controls
I’m impressed by the minimalist design, grown-up colour options and usability. The simple controls (your smartphone does all the work here) are backlit, and when not needed stay hidden behind the speaker grill, which is a neat touch too. I think the design restraint here is refreshing, and thanks to the big handle, it can easily move – and look good – around the house.
Despite lacking many new tech features, and not streaming in high definition, the sound quality is full of energy and easy to enjoy. The speakers handle layered performances particularly well, separating instruments and giving them plenty of space, even at low volumes. Increase that volume, though, and it manages to defy both its small size and low cost.
Bluetooth speakers... Retro Cool
Marshall Woburn III £419
While I have always appreciated the retro rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic of Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers, I’ve found them to be a bit style over substance. But I’m happy to admit when I am wrong. I have greatly enjoyed my time with the latest-generation design. It’s well made, easy to use and even has physical bass and treble dials – a welcome change. There’s also an app which can tune the speaker based on its position in the room.
Inside, there’s a 15cm woofer in a bass-reflex cabinet, two 2cm tweeters and the addition of two 5cm midrange drivers which produce a smooth but powerful performance whatever genre of music you’re enjoying. Yes, it plays extremely loud, but it can also cope with the subtleties of quiet too.
Buy Marshall Woburn III from Argos
Buy Marshall Woburn III from John Lewis
Buy Marshall Woburn III from Amazon
Bluetooth speakers... Multi-room option
Sonos Roam 2 £179
Sonos’s latest portable speaker is not the best or cheapest available, but if you are wedded to the multi-room ecosystem and rely on the Sonos app, it is a superb choice. Neatly designed and solidly made, it offers a surprisingly immersive performance with real detail, and I found myself carrying it (430g) happily around the house.
Synching to the Sonos app was identical to installing any Sonos speaker and means you don’t have to be within range for the speaker to play, plus it can be integrated with your other speakers. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control is built in, the battery lasts 10 hours and with an IP67 rating, it will happily survive a dunk in the bath.