Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $500 (2022)

Boxes from JBL, Bose and Sony: In this current overview we present you the best portable speakers with Bluetooth that can be found in stores for less than 500 euros.

The Bluetooth speakers discussed here are thanks built-in battery It can be used on the go, so you can operate it for several hours without a power connection. Although some models have a jack, the main source for music and speech is the wireless connection via Bluetooth (Range: approx. 10 meters). Mobile phones, tablets, laptops and MP3 players with Bluetooth can be used as players. Larger BT speakers are sometimes also called “boombox” or “ghetto blaster”.

devil boomster

GIGA sound tip A cuboid, stable housing. A practical carrying handle at the top. A display at the front, an antenna at the back. Of the Devil’s Boomster (look at the manufacturer) is so simple, so logical and so good. The 3rd generation (2021) of the box shows how a successful concept can be further developed in a meaningful way.

the Amenities are comprehensive and leaves nothing to be desired: external players can be connected via AUX-IN, the speaker (unlike its predecessors) is closed and waterproof, a radio is integrated (DAB+ and FM), thanks to Multipoint Bluetooth, two cell phones can remain connected at the same time , the control is optionally via the enclosed remote control. Only one smartphone app is missing – if anyone is missing it at all. The sound is phenomenal for the size class, especially the deep bass and one overall balanced vote can inspire.

Too bad that the battery (about 18 hours of music per charge) has to be charged with an external power supply. The weight is also a bit high for a spontaneous walk to the park, but no problem indoors. Good to know: For frequent outdoor use, Teufel has an alternative in its range with the lighter and even more robust Rockster Cross (see the manufacturer).

Stefan Bubeck, GIGA editor, expert for consumer electronics, especially audio.

A shoebox full of tones

Okay, admittedly, I’m a Teufel Boomster fan. I was won over by this powerful sound box in the first generation (2014). Maybe that has something to do with the fact that I like to listen to music carefully and actually rarely let it ripple in the background. And the closer you listen, the more important it is to have a complete, accurate, and immersive rendition. With mini speakers in handbag format, compromises have to be made (bass depth, dynamics, stereo effect). In the size class of the Boomster (about a shoe box) and with the well-done sound tuning, it looks different – I mean, it sounds different. Namely more effortless, assertive and expressive: This is where the real enjoyment of music begins.

Advantages:

• Very good and very loud sound
• Exemplary equipment (AUX, DAB+, FM, Multipoint Bluetooth)
• Waterproof according to IPX5

Disadvantages:

• External power supply
• Slightly heavy (3.75 kg)

Bose portable home speakers

All-round sound (“360-degree sound”) has its advantages, for example when the speaker is placed in the middle of a table or when a group of friends have gathered on a picnic blanket. The particularly high-quality processed Bose portable home speakers (see Otto) emits music in all directions and is therefore particularly suitable for these situations. You can find detailed information in our GIGA test of the Bose Portable Home Speaker.

As the name suggests, the Bose Portable Home Speaker is a WiFi speaker (supports e.g. AirPlay 2), which you can also take with you outdoors thanks to the integrated battery (then playback via Bluetooth). A technically very similar competitor would be the Sonos Move. You can find more WiFi speakers in our buying guide.

Advantages:

• Rich all-round sound
• Good workmanship, practical carrying handle
• Supports Bluetooth and WiFi

Disadvantages:

• Difficult positioning in the interior
• Stable, but not an outdoor speaker

Sony SRS-XP700

you wanna party Not a bit, with a singer-songwriter at room volume and a glass of white wine. No, the windows have to shake, the booth should simply be demolished: Rammstein, Pan-Pot, Cardi B and Scooter! Well, then you don’t need a conventional Bluetooth speaker, but a so-called party box. One of the most popular models is the Sony SRS-XP700 (View at MediaMarkt), which, with a height of 70 centimeters and a weight of 16.9 kg, competes with a full-blown stereo system.

As expected, the sound is bass-heavy and absolutely suitable for parties. However, one should consider that the endurance (up to 25 hours) can be significantly shorter with activated “mega bass” and increased volume.

Advantages:

• Powerful sound outdoors and in larger rooms
• Good equipment (LED party lighting, AUX-In)
• Supports Bluetooth 5.0

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for backpacks
• Weighs as much as a bicycle

Bluetooth speaker test: This is how the recommendations were selected

I have used all the Bluetooth boxes discussed here myself. You can find detailed test reports for some of the products here on GIGA, which are linked to the respective model. The test samples were usually made available to us by the manufacturers. In addition, speakers are presented that have received special praise from customers and the trade press and are recommended for purchase.

Also in the Price range up to 200 euros Here are some good Bluetooth speakers:

More tips and General information about Bluetooth speakers can be found in our guide:

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