From $50 to $600, there is a Portable Speaker for you

Silly season is in full swing and that means you’ll want to be able to take the party with you. So here’s a roundup of some of the best portable wireless speakers.

There are plenty of good wireless speakers on the market. Here’s a helpful roundup.

With Summer in full swing and a diary full of trips to the beach and barbecues, don’t forget the beats.

There is something inherently special about what music can add to any experience. It can set the mood and make a moment truly memorable. Today, we are so lucky to have a choice of how we listen, where we listen and on what device we listen to music on. From a device point of view our smartphone speakers aren’t amazing, even when we place it into a glass for that free sound boost. Enter the wireless speakers. From $50 to over $500 we’ve been testing a whole range perfect for any budget and any lifestyle.

Sony SRS-XB01 — $49

About the size of a few decks of cards, this colourful speaker punches well above its weight. A bluetooth speaker with the option of a direct connection, easy to use controls on the top and water resistant. We love this for strapping onto your backpack, bike handles or next to the BBQ. It’ll last longer than you’d expect with six hours of battery life squeezed inside.

Small, punchy and value for money.

Bose Soundlink Micro — $129

An ultra-portable gadget, this speaker from the sound engineering giants, Bose, is ready to go anywhere with you. While being a brand that focuses on good quality sound above all else, this speaker is rugged and tough enough to withstand a fall or even a drop in the pool. A multi-function button on the Soundlink Micro activates Siri or Google Voice to allow you to make commands for music control or anything else your voice assistant is used for. The handy microphone built in also means it makes a great speakerphone instead of crowding around your smartphone.

When it comes to sound, you can’t really go wrong with Bose.

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 — $269

A brand which is also so strong when it comes to audio devices but also one that has been around, when it comes to bluetooth speakers, for years. The Megaboom 3 comes in a range of colours, can be hung or screwed into a stand. It’s also rugged and if you get it dirty, it wont mind being hosed down. The volume buttons are easy to find and you’ll be impressed the more you turn it up. Sure, the neighbours will know you’re listening to Journey and they won’t believe that all that sound is coming from just this little speaker. If one isn’t enough, Ultimate Ears say you can pair up to 150 of these to play music all at once. With 20 hours battery life, it’ll be a few BBQs before you need to recharge too.

You can pair up to 150 of these to play music all at once. That would be amazing.

Sony SRS-XB501G — $399

Now we’re in boombox territory. This is the modern day stereo of what we use to carry on our shoulders in the 80s. With a large carry handle, strobe and LED coloured lights, this speaker is undoubtedly for parties. This product uses a subwoofer and two satellite speakers to push your music through the backyard dance floor illuminated with disco lights for over 16 hours. It will take you through New Year’s Eve and won’t rest until you do. It’s also rugged enough to withstand a knock and a spilled drink so the party can go on.

Maybe one for the party people.

B&O Beoplay P6 — $599

When elegant design and industrial prowess is important to you then you’ll love the detail and shine that the Beoplay P6 offers. It is small enough to put in your bag and transport around but beautiful enough that you’ll gladly leave it on your coffee table. The pearl blasted grill with control buttons that are milled from a single piece of aluminium is meant to be seen AND heard. It won’t mind getting wet and the sound is very impressive, whether it is Vivaldi or Vengaboys, you’ll be glad it’s not just ridiculously good looking.

You get elegant design and industrial prowess from Bang and Olufsen’s offshoot brand.

— Geoff Quattromani is a freelance writer with a love of cars and good coffee. Continue the conversation @GQuattromani