Top Speakers Worth Investing in 2024
This article was updated on 10/25/2024 to incorporate the Sony Ult Field 1, Beats Pill, JBL Go 4, JBL Clip 5, and the JBL Stage 2 speakers.
Following extensive evaluations, we have curated a list of the top-notch speakers available in 2024. The assortment encompasses a wide range of budgets, starting from $50 portable speakers to extravagant, stylish lounge speakers. Additionally, this compilation caters to diverse use cases, such as accompanying you on thrilling expeditions to unwinding in the shower with some soothing tunes.
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Outstanding Portable Speakers — Sony Ult Field 1
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Sony's new Ult Field 1 speaker, priced at $130, is specially designed for outdoor adventures. The speaker boasts a robust appearance with an IP67 rating, making it highly resistant to dust and nearly waterproof. You can confidently use it near swimming pools or in the rain, thanks to the protective flap covering the Type-C charging port. The lanyard and handy hook for attaching it to your backpack add to its portability, while the rubberized shock-absorbing rings around the edges protect the delicate woofer within. The speaker's sleek design with a narrowing middle makes it a breeze to carry.
The Field 1 excels in bass as much as it does in its mobility. It features a dedicated bass button, or the Ult button, capable of boosting bass and sound pressure. Pressing the button once raises the bass and sound pressure, while a double press pushes both to their max. While the bass may lose some detail and clarity at high volumes, it's the perfect choice for road trips, parties, or the gym, as long as crisp bass isn't a priority.
Affordable Speaker Options — JBL Go 4
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The $50 JBL Go 4 has become my go-to speaker for various occasions, thanks to its powerful sound output adequate for entertaining a group without having to compete with high volumes. I've utilized it in parks, along the pier, and even in my room. The volume level proved ideal in all these settings. The only time I wished I had brought along a larger speaker was during the excessively loud and chaotic Coney Island.
Despite its compact size (weighing only 0.6 pounds), the Go 4 offers solid durability with an IP67 waterproof rating. Its seven-hour battery duration is enough to last through an entire social gathering, provided you pack a power bank and a Type-C cable to ensure continuous power. Only one aspect I'd like to see improved in the Go 4 is a rubberized flap covering the charging port to further protect against water damage.
Ideal Speaker for Parties — Beats Pill
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The upgraded Beats Pill, priced at $150, is a fantastic choice for parties due to its ability to support Amplify and Stereo Modes. Amplify Mode can pair two Pills, providing louder, more powerful sound, while Stereo Mode functions as left and right speakers for enhanced sound quality. I easily set up the Amplify and Stereo Modes on two Beats Pills sent for review, simply by bringing them close and pressing the multi-function button on one of the speakers. The Amplify Mode seems ideal for house parties where you can place two speakers in different rooms, offering an amplified sound experience.
In conclusion, the Pill presents far more than you'd expect for its price, without incurring the common "Apple Tax." It provides impressive high-end and midrange sounds, numerous portability features, and various frills, such as lossless audio over USB-C. Bass enthusiasts may want to explore alternative options for the same price, but its extended 24-hour battery life and Android compatibility make it an attractive choice.
Superb Desktop Speakers — Edifier QR65
Edifier’s QR65 boast an appealing design suitable for bass fans. The setup process is straightforward and effortless. I anticipated dealing with a tangle of cables and possibly consulting a user manual, but to my delight, it turned out to be a breeze with no hassle—just plug and play! The controls on the speakers are also simple to manage, as they just have two dials and a button. One dial manages the playback and volume, while the other adjusts the lighting effect.
The QR65 adorns a vibrant lighting show with various colorful themes. The RGB lighting provides visual cues regarding connectivity status: connected, pairing, and more. While its primary purpose is to add an aesthetic touch, the lighting feature serves a practical purpose, too.
You can link these speakers using Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and line-in. The corresponding cables for the latter two are inclusive in the package. I appreciate the availability of multiple connectivity options due to the assortment it offers and my comfort with various device options. I connected my laptop using the Type-A cable, my phone via Bluetooth, and my TV through the in-line connectors.
These speakers showcase a leather finish, adding a luxurious touch and making them appear worthy of their $370 cost. Accompanying them in the box are metal stands, which you can utilize to elevate the speakers slightly above their resting surface. Although the plastic construction is robust and of high quality, they are comparatively lightweight, leading to ease while transferring them around the house.
I am eager to use these speakers for movie nights on my TV, hence finding their portability appealing.
I must emphasize that these speakers undeniably boast a strong bass presence. While the 1.25"" silk diaphragm dome tweeters contribute to the treble, the 2.75"" mid-low drivers, equipped with an aluminum alloy diaphragm and long-throw design, dominate the high-end with powerful bass. I attempted to test the high-end against the low-end with treble-heavy songs but was unable to achieve a balance. The volume reaches an impressive level, but I refrained from pushing it too hard to avoid disturbing my neighbors.
Top-Notch Lounge Smart Speakers — JBL Authentics 300
Given that this is the first speaker to integrate both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it is undoubtedly the smartest speaker you can acquire. Besides featuring both assistants, it does so exceptionally well. It is remarkable how effortlessly the Authentics 300 can multitask between the two, whereas some speakers struggle to even operate a single assistant effectively.
Attire and design apart, this speaker deserves its $450 price tag. You obtain a premium leather-coated exterior with subtle golden accents on the front. Additionally, it includes a practical handle for easy transportation. Although it weighs around 11 lbs, it is more suited as a lounge speaker intended for a permanent location. It offers approximately 8 hours of battery life, making it convenient for transport to special events for a brief duration without the inconvenience of carrying an unsightly cable.
This speaker delivers on its promise of providing ample music to fill your space. Its sound is potent, consistently enough for my two-bedroom apartment. It avoids producing a muddy sound, even at higher volumes, and retains that power despite the pressure.
I have saved the most intriguing feature for last. These speakers allow for real-time music customization by adjusting treble and bass levels. Thanks to a pair of substantial bass and Treble dials located atop the speaker, you can fine-tune the exact amount of low and high end you prefer and apply it to specific tracks. My friends and I occasionally engage in experimenting with the dials during tracks for an entertaining and interactive listening experience. I can assure you that the dials function and are not mere marketing gimmicks. Maxing out the bass causes your entire floor to tremble.
Premium Wi-Fi Speakers — Edifier D32 Wireless Tabletop
If you seek outstanding audio codecs, such as ALAC, Edifier's D32 Wireless Tabletop Speaker is an excellent choice. By facilitating Wi-Fi connectivity via Apple AirPlay for iOS devices, you can enjoy crisp, lossless audio. The D32 offers an array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V5.3, a 3.5mm AUX port, and a Type-C port.
I was captivated by the sound quality when I listened to a variety of songs and a podcast over Bluetooth. Treble dominates as the star of the show, exhibiting brightness, clarity, and sharpness. Even if you lean towards the low-end, you will not appreciate these speakers. The dual one-inch silk dome tweeters outshine the single four-inch long-throw mid-low driver responsible for bass production.
I disregarded the tabletop characteristic of these tabletop speakers and found pleasure in using them on my bed instead. The bass was insufficient to generate bed vibrations. The D32 lacks dedicated woofers or passive radiators, so it cannot produce the deep pitch you would feel in your chest.
After trying out its Bluetooth capabilities, I switched to Wi-Fi, and the difference in quality truly amazed me. ALAC elevated the music's orchestral space, resulting in increased clarity, richness, and depth. The treble acquired a more distinct personality, and the bass gained additional strength.
As an iOS device owner, I am thrilled about the ability to quickly connect the D32 to my iPhone over Wi-Fi and enjoy exceptional, lossless audio. However, Android owners will not be able to profit from this feature as effectively.
Ideal Speaker for Apple Enthusiasts — Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is an impressive speaker even at its substantial price. But keep this in mind if you are part of an Apple-centric home.
The single driver on the speaker is directed forward through what the manufacturer calls a "custom waveguide" and another is released upward so the sound bounces off the ceiling. There are also two side-firing drivers, one on each side, and two subwoofers positioned below them. I was astounded by the speaker's ability to deliver powerful bass while blasting techno at high volumes.
I evaluated the Sonos Era 300 against the discontinued Google Home Max and the second-generation Apple HomePod. While the Era 300 is louder than the HomePod, both share similar specifications (five tweeters and one woofer versus four tweeters and two woofers for the Era 300). In most cases, I preferred the Era 300's sound quality to the aging Home Max and the second-gen HomePod.
However, the lack of Google Cast integration diminishes its relevance in a household dominated by Google technology. I'd need to completely overhaul my smart ecosystem to integrate the Sonos Era 300, and even then, it could only connect with the few AirPlay-compatible devices, rather than the multitude of Google Cast devices throughout my house. Read More — Florence Ion
Top Shower Speakers — JBL Clip 5
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My roommate and I had been on the hunt for a quality shower speaker for some time, so I tasked the JBL Clip 5 with the job. I knew its high IP67 water resistance rating would cope with the shower's water sprays and our damp hands. The clip-on mechanism is perfect for attachment to the shower head. The company upgraded the clip design from its predecessor to accommodate various shapes and sizes of shower heads or handles. This $80 speaker has served us well so far.
The high treble can get excessively sharp and tinny in the shower, owing to its acoustics and echo. Given that the sound profile is considerably more balanced outside the shower, the 12-hour battery life easily lasts for weeks before we need to recharge it. The speaker's only disadvantage is its buttons. They are stiff to press, and the travel is minimal, making it challenging to determine if you've actually pressed them. However, it's generally not a major issue as I rarely need to navigate its controls in the shower.
Ultimate Loudspeakers — JBL Stage 2
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JBL introduced nine (yes, nine) new loudspeakers in their Stage 2 series, each available at various price points between $300 and $1,200 per pair. These speakers cater to the average consumer with affordable pricing, easy setup, and useful features. I had the opportunity to test three different speaker setups across various price points. Setups ranged from $1,000 for basic bookshelf loudspeakers (250B) to a comprehensive $3,500 5.1.2 surround sound system. The latter consisted of a single center channel loudspeaker (245C), a pair of standing loudspeakers (260F), a pair of bookshelf loudspeakers (250B), two Dolby Atmos-enabled height module loudspeakers (240H), and a subwoofer (220P).
I chose Jab Se Tu Ne by Khamaaj, a song I've been listening to repeatedly. I was amazed by how clearly Arsalan Shah's voice pierced through the bass guitars at the song's beginning. The high notes were brimming with brightness, maintaining a balance between tinny or sharp. The entire orchestra was airy, with good openness and depth. The powerful low-end in the chorus, which I was apprehensive about due to potential muddiness, was delivered flawlessly with precise control and punch.
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