Best Overall
Sony SRS-XB13
The Sony SRS-XB13 is the best small Bluetooth speaker. It provides excellent battery life, great sound, and an affordable price point.
Best Controls
Muzen Wild Mini
The Muzen Wild Mini has the best controls for a small Bluetooth speaker. It uses unconventional designs to incorporate versatile controls.
Best Water Resistance
JBL GO 3
The JBL GO 3 has the best weather resistance. It effectively protects against dust, as well as splashes, sprays, and limited submergence.
Budget Friendly
OontZ Angle Solo
The OontZ Angle Solo is the best small Bluetooth speaker available for under $20. While its performance is mediocre, for the price it offers good value.
Portable Bluetooth speakers come in various sizes, ranging from just a few centimeters in diameter to large systems that weigh more than 20 lbs. This article focuses on the best small Bluetooth speakers, with all speakers on this list weighing less than 10 oz. We pitted these five popular small Bluetooth speakers against each other to see which is the best to buy and for which purposes. Speakers in this size range are sometimes called mini Bluetooth speakers due to their compact nature.
Our Category Winners
What We Consider Small
Small, medium, large – these terms are all relative to the topic that one is discussing. When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, there’s no clear definition of what small is. Some may consider the JBL Flip series small, while others may draw the line at speakers they can carry between locations.
For this list, we consider a small Bluetooth speaker a portable option that can easily be carried in one’s hand, placed into a pocket, or in a small handbag. This leaves us with a collection of speakers with portability as the core characteristic. All these speakers are lightweight and extremely portable and are sometimes referred to as mini Bluetooth speakers.
The Best Small Bluetooth Speakers & How They Compare
| Model | IPX Rating | Bluetooth | Weight |
| Sony XB13 | IP67 | 4.2 | 8.9 oz |
| JBL GO 3 | IP67 | 5.1 | 7.4 oz |
| Soundcore Mini | None | 4 | 7 oz |
| Muzen Wild Mini | IPX5 | 5 | 8.7 oz |
| OontZ Angle Solo | IPX5 | 4.2 | 7.4 oz |
1. Sony SRS-XB13
Also available from Walmart
Speaker Output
5W
Battery Life
13 Hours
IPX Rating
IP67
Weight
8.9oz
Sony’s SRS-XB13 is an interesting speaker; despite Sony releasing an upgraded version (SRS-XB100) in recent months, XB13 retains value and remains our top pick. While the XB100 sees minor improvements gained in audio performance, microphone quality, and newer Bluetooth version – the XB13 saw a big price drop when the XB100 hit the shelves, and this drop in price has kept the XB13 on this list.
The Sony SRS-XB13 features a short cylindrical design with an upward-facing driver. Sony’s focus when designing the XB13 was to create a small speaker that’s still able to produce deep and immersive sound. When I tested this speaker, I was impressed by how deep the bass presentation was for a speaker of its size, and the upward-firing driver creates a listening experience that can easily be enjoyed by a group of friends thanks to the audio dispersion. The midrange and treble on this speaker are also impressive and surpass that found in competitor models.
The Sony XB13 is the best-sounding mini Bluetooth speaker that I tested, providing significantly more bass than the others and also sounding the most balanced. One limiting factor of the XB13 is its modest volume levels. You’ll have more than enough volume for casual listening and small groups, but the XB13 won’t be able to fill a medium room like some larger speakers can. Thankfully, the relatively impressive dynamic range means you can crank this speaker up to higher levels than competitors without noticing as much degradation in audio quality.
It is both dust and water-resistant, carrying an IP67 waterproof rating. However, these ratings are slightly contradicted by Sony’s recommendations around pressure sprays and direct contact with sand (more information on this is available in our full review of the Sony XB13). Still, the XB13 is rugged enough to take with you outdoors and enjoy as both an indoors and an outdoors speaker.
Sony estimates a battery life of around 16 hours, which is excellent, and while our tests fell slightly short of this, we were still able to get between 10 and 13 hours of playtime during typical use scenarios. Charging is done via a USB-C cable and takes just four hours to completely charge from an empty state.
Why The Sony SRS-XB13?
Sony’s SRS-XB13 offers excellent sound dispersion and provides a sufficient low-end response, separating it from similar speakers. While the maximum volume level is modest, the XB13 excels in battery performance, depth of audio, and weather-proofing.
2. JBL GO 3
Also available from Walmart
Speaker Output
4.2W
Battery Life
5 Hours
IPX Rating
IP67
Weight
7.4oz
JBL have historically dominated the Bluetooth speaker market, and it’s safe to say that they are the most commonly known household name for these types of speakers. While JBL’s range of speakers is a little hit-and-miss, the JBL GO 3 is one of their smallest portable Bluetooth speakers and also one of their popular sellers.
The GO 3 is around twice the size of the Muzen Wild Mini but weighs a bit lighter. It features a woven fabric exterior, making it durable and protected from tough handling. It also offers IP67 waterproofing, and in our tests, we found that it could still operate correctly even when submerged in water for short periods. This is recommended as a safety feature should you accidentally drop the speaker in water, but we recommend against intentionally submerging it.
The sound performance on the JBL GO 3 is decent, but it noticeably lacks deep bass. The low-end is deeper than the Muzen but falls short of the XB13. The midrange and treble are where the GO 3 does best, and the overall frequency response is reasonably balanced compared to something like the Oontz Angle Solo.
A weak point of the JBL GO is its battery life. You will get around 5 hours of playtime with the GO 3, which is substantially lower than other speakers on this list. What it lacks in overall playtime it compensates with to a degree with its fast charging, which sees the battery capable of going from 0 to 100% in around just 2 hours.
Why The JBL GO 3?
The JBL GO 3 is a well-rounded speaker, and it offers sufficient value across the board, but it doesn’t excel at anything in particular. If you’re looking for a safe bet and don’t mind the somewhat mediocre bass extension, the JBL GO 3 may be what you’re after.
3. Muizen Wild Mini
Also available from Walmart
Speaker Output
5W
Battery Life
8 Hours
IPX Rating
IPX5
Weight
8.7oz
The Wild Mini from Muizen is a unique Bluetooth speaker that takes on the appearance of a piece of military equipment, and in hand, it even feels a little like a grenade. The fully-metal design results in a weighty little speaker that is small enough to carry in almost any pocket.
The controls of the Muizen Wild Mini also set it apart from other mini Bluetooth speakers on the market. The volume is controlled via a textured silver dial on the upper left of the speaker, while the upper right control lets you skip between tracks both forward and backward when turned clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively. The controls of the Muizen feel extremely intuitive after just a few uses. The LED indicator light area can also be toggled into a torch using the main power switch on the speaker.
The Muizen Wild Mini is a bright speaker with a lot of emphasis on higher frequencies. Compared to the JBL GO 3, there is less depth towards the low end, but the Muizen has a bit more separation in the upper frequencies, making it great for vocal music and acoustic elements. However, the Muizen lacks bass and isn’t ideal for electronic music or hip-hop, where the bass forms an integral part of the music. The Muizen sounds best at around 50-80% volume, but limited dynamics mean that you will start to hear artifacts in the sound towards the upper levels of volume.
Moderate water resistance is offered, with the speaker being rated IPX5. This waterproofing will protect the speaker from accidental splashes, spills, and light rain. While sufficient for most users, this level of waterproofing falls behind the JBL GO 3 and Sony XB13.
The Muzen features an 800mAh lithium battery that is capable of providing up to 8 hours of battery life at traditional 60% volume levels, while listening at 80% volume will get you close to 6.5 hours.
Why The Muzen Wild Mini?
The Muizen Wild Mini is a robust and unique speaker that will also serve as a conversation starter. It offers the best on-speaker controls out of the speakers I tested for this list, and its extremely small form factor makes it great for taking with you wherever you plan to go. This isn’t a budget-friendly speaker and is available for a retail price of around $100.
4. Anker Soundcore Mini
Also available from Walmart
Speaker Output
5W
Battery Life
15 Hours
IPX Rating
IP67
Weight
7oz
Soundcore, a division of Anker, has been one of the largest growing Bluetooth speaker and headphone manufacturers over the last five years. The Soundcore Mini is the smallest Bluetooth speaker in the company’s lineup and features a small soda can-style design with an upward-firing driver.
The Soundcore Mini features a primarily metal design and feels good in the hand. At 7.4 oz, this is a lightweight speaker that you won’t have any problems carrying. It doesn’t feature any carry loop, however, so you won’t be able to hang the Soundcore Mini from your belt or the handlebars of your bike like you can with the JBL Go or Sony XB13.
This speaker doesn’t offer any weather protection, so while you can still use it outdoors – be conscious of exposure to rain, splashes, or accidental spills. Suppose you like the looks of the Soundcore Mini but want water resistance. In that case, you can opt for the new upgraded Soundcore Mini 3, which costs a bit more but offers improvements in weather resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and sound performance.
The Soundcore Mini’s audio performance is fairly impressive and could be compared to the JBL GO 3’s overall quality. What the Mini does best is producing big volume without too many artifacts towards the upper volume levels. The Soundcore Mini sounds better than the OontZ Angle Solo, particularly concerning bass performance and the sharpness of the treble. Still, the Soundcore Mini has limitations, and I’ve found that some lower frequencies are missed due to a limited frequency response range.
The upward-firing driver of the Soundcore Mini offers improved sound dispersion but falls a little short of the Sony SRS-XB13 in this regard.
The Soundcore Mini excels in its battery performance, achieving over 15 hours of use. It is also fast charging and can be charged from 0 to 100% within just 3 hours. This robust battery life is a big selling point for the Soundcore Mini.
Why The Anker Soundcore Mini?
Anker Soundcore Mini is a good Bluetooth speaker for those who do not require the rugged features found in waterproof variants. It has enough volume to fill a small room and is available at a very reasonable price point.
5. OontZ Angle Solo
Also available from Walmart
Speaker Output
5W
Battery Life
10 Hours
Weather-Resistance
IP67
Weight
7.4oz
OontZ is a product by Cambridge SoundWorks, a longstanding speaker manufacturer that is a division of Creative Labs, which is perhaps best known for its computer audio equipment. The Angle Solo is the smaller version of their popular OontZ Angle Bluetooth speaker, which has been considered a good budget speaker for many years.
The OontZ Angle Solo is substantially smaller than the Oontz Angle, measuring just 3.9×2.8×2.75″ and weighing 7.6 ounces. One of the reasons for the low weight of this speaker is the predominantly plastic design. While plastic is typically seen as a negative trait, the Angle Solo is designed so that the plastic construction can be seen as a positive. Not only does it reduce the weight, but the plastic used is durable, and the speaker can handle its fair share of bumps.
While this speaker does offer water resistance, like the Muzen, it offers IPX5. The Oontz Angle Solo is protected from splashes, spills, and light to moderate rain. However, unlike the Sony XB13 and JBL GO 3, it doesn’t protect from dust or offer any resistance should the speaker become submerged in water. Still, the Angle Solo has value, especially given its extremely low price point.
The Angle Solo is another speaker that sounds quite bright. The Muzen also has a bright sound to it but performs better than the Angle Solo in almost all aspects of sound. The Solo comes across with a little more bass. The sweet spot lies around 60-70% volume before quality starts to degrade due to low dynamic range and compression artifacts. It finds itself in a similar situation to most speakers in this size range. The small driver size limits the amount of low-end response, and the Angle Solo also struggles with sound dispersion, which while not terrible, is remarkably better on the Sony XB13.
In terms of battery life, the OontZ Angle Solo sits around the middle of the pack with a total playtime of around 10 hours, estimated by the company. During my testing, I also found this number to be reasonable, even with slightly above-normal volume levels. It takes around 4 hours to charge fully.
Why The OontZ Angle Solo?
The OontZ may fall behind the pack in terms of overall audio quality, but its low price point, clean, fun aesthetic, and easy portability make it a great option for those limited by a small budget. Still, it’s hard not to recommend investing a bit more and going with the Sony SRS-XB13.
Speakers That Didn’t Make the Cut
In addition to the speakers on this list, we’ve tested several others that we felt didn’t perform up to our standards. The Skullcandy Barricade Mini and the Doss Genie are two examples of speakers that we would recommend against buying due to their subpar audio performance alone.
A Comprehensive Guide To Buying Small Bluetooth Speakers
Our buyer’s guide is focused on providing essential considerations to keep in mind when looking to buy a small Bluetooth speaker. You can use the dropdowns below to read more about why these features are important and see which speakers excel at each aspect.
Small Bluetooth speakers vary greatly in their performance between brands and models, as with any speaker, but there are certain properties we expect from these speakers.
The audio performance of small Bluetooth speakers tends to differ from that of larger speakers. Audio engineers focus on trying to create the best sound possible but are limited most by budget and form factor.
The combination of smaller drivers and enclosures limits these speakers’ bass performance and volume, as discussed in our limitations and benefits outlined below. The best small Bluetooth speakers stand out from the rest of the market because they have managed to negate these limiting factors or, at a minimum, reduce their prevalence. Some are capable of producing some fairly impressive bass, even with these challenges.
It’s not just these two properties that are affected by smaller designs, however. The driver configuration can also limit sound dispersion. Speakers like the Sony XB13 circumvent this by introducing an upward-firing driver that provides a more encompassing sound. Larger speakers tend to have multiple drivers, which can increase their sound spread.
Audio Performance Winner
Sony XB13
When it comes to audio performance, we recommend the Sony XB13 for its deep bass extension, as well as its sound spread.
- Deep bass extension
- Good clarity
- Limited volume
- Good spread of audio
Different needs require different speaker designs, which is true for small Bluetooth speakers. Your speaker’s form factor and design will dictate not only its portability but also its sound presentation and durability.
Most speaker designs will suffice for individual listening, regardless of the driver’s direction. If you tend to listen in groups with friends or colleagues, you may benefit from a design that focuses on an improved dispersion, such as that offered by upward-firing drivers or those with what is sometimes called ‘360-degree’ sound.
It extends to more than just the drivers and their sound. The type of exterior of the speaker may play a role in your decision-making as well. Some speakers feature glossy metallic exteriors, while others are made from durable plastics or feature fabric-woven wrap. If you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker outdoors, consider how the environments you plan to use them in will affect the finishes of the speaker.
Best Design Winner
Sony XB13
The Sony XB13 also takes first place for its design approach. While the design may lack the nuanced aesthetic appeal of the Muzen, the design of the XB13 is focused on performance and succeeds in this regard.
- Designed for the best audio performance
- IP67 weather-resistance
- Durable construction
We take waterproofing for granted these days, thanks primarily due to the impressive protection modern mobile phones get. While some phones are now rated IP68, we have yet to see that level of protection being brought forward to Bluetooth speakers. However, IPX7 or IP67 waterproof ratings are common in speakers, and it’s one of the more important features outside of audio performance.
Not everyone needs waterproofing, though. Even if you’re planning on using your speaker outdoors, most times, you’re not going to be sitting in the rain listening to music. Weatherproofing is best served as a safety mechanism should you accidentally get it wet. This is most commonly experienced by hikers who may be carrying their speakers with them in the rain.
Dust protection (IP6*) is another type of weatherproofing that is worth considering if you are planning on frequently using your Bluetooth speaker outdoors, especially in dusty environments. If you plan to use the speaker in the bathroom, it’s also worth opting for a waterproof option.
Best Weather Resistance Winner
JBL GO 3
While both the Sony XB13, Angle Solo, and the JBL GO 3 offer IP67 weather resistance, the JBL GO 3’s protection is more robust and performed the best during testing.
- Protects from dust and water
- Effective protection from limited submergence
- Excellent dust protection
Because these speakers are designed to be extremely compact, they often feature a minimalist control approach. Speakers like the Anker Soundcore Mini have very few controls on the speaker itself and require you to control the majority of actions on your smartphone. If you prefer controlling your listening experience on your speaker, you’ll want to opt for a small Bluetooth speaker that has on-speaker controls. Depending on how you press these buttons will often double with additional functions.
Best Controls
Muzen Wild Mini
Muzen’s unique approach to the controls of the Wild Mini adds to its allure. The dials used to control volume and tracks make for an easy-to-learn experience.
- On-speaker track control
- Unique volume dial
- Easy to pair
Whenever we discuss Bluetooth speakers, we draw attention to the battery performance, as this is a core feature of a portable speaker.
Consider the battery’s performance at various listening volumes, as some speakers perform well at lower volumes but draw a lot of battery at higher volumes. Additionally, the features offered by the speaker will also impact the battery performance.
In addition to how long the battery lasts, you should also consider the amount of time it takes to charge the battery from an empty to a full state. Both the battery life and charging time vary significantly between models. You can expect battery life to typically range between 5 and 20 hours and charging times between 2 and 6 hours.
Modern Bluetooth speakers utilize Lithium-ion batteries, which has allowed us to see significant improvements in battery performance in recent years.
Battery Performance Winner
Soundcore Mini
The Soundcore Mini has excellent battery performance that lasts well at all listening levels. It offers nearly double the listening hours of many competitor speakers.
- Over 15 hours of battery life
- Charges in just 3 hours
Limitations & Benefits of Small Bluetooth Speakers
Small Bluetooth speakers come with their own benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to understand them and how they may impact your portability and listening experience.
Benefits to Smaller Speakers
- Affordable
- Easy to Carry
- Robust Weatherproofing
Small Bluetooth Speakers Are Affordable
Small Bluetooth speakers have the advantage of being some of the most affordable speakers on the market. A traditional portable Bluetooth speaker such as the JBL Flip will typically set you back between $50 and $200. In contrast, small Bluetooth speakers are budget-friendly and usually range between $20 and $70. Because these smaller speakers are frequently updated with new versions (offering improvements in Bluetooth version and waterproofing), we often see excellent-sounding mini Bluetooth speakers available at under $50.
Easily Portable
The topic of portability can be challenging due to its subjective nature. We could base a speaker’s portability on weight, form factor, or whether it supports battery use. However, all small Bluetooth speakers are highly portable just by their nature. Some can fit into the pocket of your jeans, while others may require a small handbag, but you’ll never have to worry about whether or not you have the space for a small Bluetooth speaker.
This becomes especially useful if you enjoy being outdoors, in situations where our mobile phone’s speakers just aren’t enough to create an enjoyable music experience. Bluetooth speakers in this size range are ideal for picnics, hikes, and other solo or small group activities.
Small Speakers With Big Improvements in Weatherproofing
Small Bluetooth speakers have better weatherproofing overall. This has historically been most accurate for bigger brands like Sony and JBL, but China’s recent tech boom has also seen smaller brands adopting the same modern waterproofing measurements.
While not all speakers on this side offer waterproofing, we see many more speakers this size offering IPX7 or IP67 waterproofing compared to larger Bluetooth speakers that are focused a little more toward home audio. This buff against the elements helps refine these as outdoor-orientated portable speakers.
Drawbacks to Smaller Speakers
- Limited volume
- Lack of bass
- Limited Features
Small Speakers May Lack Volume
There are tradeoffs made when manufacturers create small speakers. Smaller form factors require smaller drivers and small drivers aren’t capable of producing the same kinds of volume and frequencies as larger drivers.
These speakers all have differences in audio properties, with some being louder than others. However, generally, smaller Bluetooth speakers are going to be limited. Most can produce enough volume for small gatherings of 3-10 people, though some can even fill a small room with decent audio quality.
Smaller speakers are also more prone to compression artifacts at higher volumes. We wouldn’t recommend a small speaker like these if you’re looking to throw parties of any kind.
Smaller Drivers & Slim Design Mean Less Bass
Low-end response is usually lacking on even the best small Bluetooth speakers on the market. Similarly to how the volume level is affected by the size of the drivers, so is the capability of having deep low-end bass.
It’s not true to say that some smaller speakers can’t have impressive bass. The Sony XB-13 provided a rich and pleasant low-end response, even with its smaller drivers. But by and large, we see a lot of smaller speakers sounding thinner than their larger portable counterparts.
Bells and Whistles
Speakers this size have a lot going for them. They’re typically quick to charge with good battery life; their waterproofing makes them great for the outdoors, and they are affordable. However, they don’t offer the latest tech features we tend to see in some larger speaker models. Looking for Wi-Fi connectivity? Going to be a problem… Battery life indicators? Rare…
This isn’t likely to be the case forever, though, more recently, we’ve begun to see already some models coming out with smart assistant support. It’s likely only a matter of time before we see mini Bluetooth speakers with additional modern technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in these speakers but have some questions? Our frequently asked questions aim to assist. If you don’t find your question answered below, consider leaving your question in the comments.
Can I pair small Bluetooth speakers together?
While most speakers of this size do not support wireless stereo pairing, the Sony XB13 is a speaker that does offer this ability.
How loud can small Bluetooth speakers get?
Small Bluetooth speakers typically produce between 78 and 85 decibels of volume.
Can I take my speaker into the pool with me?
Even though many Bluetooth speakers of this size offer IP67 water resistance, you should not use these speakers inside any body of water. These water-resistance ratings are intended for protection and not as a feature. Consider a floating pool speaker if you want to use them in such a manner.
How do I control tracks on a Bluetooth speaker?
The way you control your speaker will come down to its design. Speakers like the Muzen Wild Mini focus on providing various control mechanics on the speaker itself, while other speakers may require you to adjust the volume or skip tracks with your phone.
