15 Loudest Bluetooth Speakers (2023)

Looking for the loudest Bluetooth speaker on the market? Our article on 15 loudest Bluetooth speakers is the best place to start your search.

You don’t have to worry if you don’t know anything about loudness and characteristics that determine the max loudness of a speaker.

We will guide you through the confusing world of loud speakers, tell you what to look for and what to avoid, and pinpoint the specs you should pay attention to when looking for a really loud Bluetooth speaker.

If you are just looking for some great suggestions, you can skip to our selection of 15 loudest Bluetooth speakers. 

Our Top Picks

This post contains affiliate links. See the affiliate disclaimer here.

What Are the Most Important Specs When It Comes to Speaker Loudness?

The idea that a power rating is the main characteristic that determines the loudness of a speaker is a common misconception.

Yes, the power rating is important and it affects loudness but it’s not the only thing you should consider when looking for the loudest speaker.

There are two important specs you should be paying attention to – power rating and sensitivity. Together, these specs can tell you how loud a speaker can be. So, let’s explain the meaning of each term.

Power rating tells you how much power a speaker can handle. It’s expressed in Watts and you can make a difference between two different types of power ratings – RMS and Peak.

RMS power rating (RMS – Root Mean Square) tells you how much power some speaker can handle continuously.

Peak power rating is always higher than the RMS power rating and it can tell you how much power that speaker can handle in bursts (for a millisecond or so).

Many manufacturers don’t publish both values (RMS and Peak). Instead, they only publish max values and if you want to compare two speakers, you will have to compare those peak power ratings.

Sensitivity is usually expressed in dB of SPL (SPL – sound pressure level) at 1W (or at 2.83V) and at 1m distance (usually with only one frequency played).

It basically tells you how loud sound a speaker can make for the given power input (1W) at a given distance (1m away from the center of the speaker cabinet). Sensitivity is usually measured with a calibrated mic (SPL meter) in an anechoic room.

Measuring under different circumstances will give you different results. So, if for example, you place the microphone one inch away from the speaker, you will get much higher results. Also, if you perform your measurements in a regular room with walls, windows, furniture, etc., you’ll get higher SPL levels (because of sound reflections).

It’s important to establish all the standards for measuring. If there’s no standard, then there’s no way to compare two speakers without hearing them and you don’t always have the chance to try the speaker you want to buy.

Most of the reputable manufacturers respect the usual standards for sensitivity measuring. The only real difference is that some manufacturers prefer to publish their speakers’ sensitivities in dB of SPL at 2.83V while most of the manufacturers use dB of SPL at 1W.

There’s a subtle difference between the two units and we will discuss it in one of our blogs. For now, we will be dealing with dB at 1W.

Now that we have established which specs are important for the loudness, let’s discuss their correlation. Sensitivity is the ‘’nominal/initial loudness” and tells you how loud tone a speaker can produce when supplied with 1W of power.

Supplying more than 1W will, naturally, result in louder sound (higher SPL). Surprisingly, doubling the power will not double the loudness. In fact, doubling the power will only cause a subtle increase in SPL.

To be precise, the SPL increases by only 3dBs when you double the power. The chart below shows the correlation between loudness and power.

Our imaginary speaker has the sensitivity of 88dB (at 1W/1m) and it’s rated at 500W. As you can see, this speaker can reach 115dBs (that’s this speaker’s max loudness or max SPL). 

Correlation between SPL and power (500W speaker with 88dB (1W/1m) sensitivity)

So, when looking for the loudest speaker out there, you have to consider both values – power rating and sensitivity.

Below, you can see another example that shows the importance of both values. On the left side, you have some 500W speaker with 92dB sensitivity and, on the right side, you have a 1000W speaker with 84dB sensitivity.

Making a decision based on the power ratings only would be a mistake since you wouldn’t choose the louder speaker. 

If you want to compare two or multiple speakers and find the loudest, you have to calculate the max SPL for each of the speakers and compare those values. If, for example, the speaker on the right side had 89dB sensitivity, both speakers would have the same max SPL (119dB). 

Interesting Things You Should Know About Loudness (SPL) And Human Perception of Sound

We would like to mention two fun facts that you may not know. First, there’s a simple correlation between perceived SPL and distance.

The general rule is – the SPL (loudness) drops by 6dBs when the distance is doubled. So, if your SPL meter shows 115dB at 1m distance, it will show 109dB at 2m distance or 103dB at 4m distance. This simple rule also applies when if the distance is shorter than 1m – if your SPL meter shows 115dB at 1m distance, you will get 121dB at .5m or 127dB at .25m.

Placing the SPL meter right next to the speaker (1cm/.4in) will increase the SPL by almost 40dB (up to 165dB in our case).

Why is this important? Well, it’s simple. You can find many loudness tests on YouTube where you can see YouTube reviewers placing the SPL meter right next to the speaker which is wrong and it results in false SPL ratings.

Some manufacturers also use this trick to make all kinds of false statements and to make you think that their speakers are louder than they actually are.

So, if you see a test or an image with an SPL meter located right next to the speaker, you should know that the measured SPL rating is a lot higher than the actual SPL measured at 1m (3.3ft). In order to get the actual SPL rating, you’ll have to decrease the advertised value by 0-40dB (depending on the distance between the speaker and the SPL meter – 40dB if the SPL meter is right next to the speaker, 20dB if the SPL meter is 10cm/4in away, etc.). 

Another interesting fact is that every 10dB increase is perceived by an average human ear as ‘’twice as loud”. So, if one speaker can reach 120dB and the other goes up to 110dB (which is still pretty loud), the first one will be perceived as much louder. 

The last thing to know is what is actually considered loud. As you can see from the chart below, any sound above 120dB is painful and anything above 150dB is intolerable.

If you have sensitive ears, even 100dB can be painful. Also, long-term exposure to any noise louder than 80dB could cause permanent hearing damage or even hearing loss. So, even 80dB can be considered quite loud. 

Is Loudness the Only Thing That Matters? 

No, it’s most definitely not the only important thing. Loudness is only good when combined with crystal clear and balanced sound.  Buying an extremely loud speaker with boomy bass and muddy mids is not a good idea.

Some people might like that kind of sound, especially for parties, but we are not that people. So, sensitivity and power ratings are definitely not the only things you should consider when buying a loud Bluetooth speaker.

Checking the frequency response curve could give you a good idea about the sound signature and balance (unfortunately, only a small number of manufacturers publishes frequency response curves for their speakers). You should also look for low distortion (low THD).

Anything lower than 1% or .5% THD can be considered good. Some expensive speakers have THD lower than .1%.

Since you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker, you should also consider the Bluetooth connection quality and speaker portability.

Not all the Bluetooth speakers on the market are portable (they are not all battery-operated) and if you want your speaker to be portable, you should also check the battery specs (capacity and average playtime). We will discuss all the important specs in our buyer’s guide. 

Now that you know all the important things about loudness, power ratings, and sensitivity, we can move onto our selection of 15 loudest Bluetooth speakers on the market.

The majority of speakers on our list are portable but you can also find a few home speakers. The list is divided into 4 sections and the only criterion was the price range. So, you have Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $300, Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $500, Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $1000, and Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Over $1,000.

Hopefully, you will find something that suits your needs and your budget. Our top overall picks are SOUDNBOKS 2, Teufel Rockster, and DiamondBoxx XL2. These three speakers are the loudest on the market.

---

Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $300

All the speakers in this category can reach 100dB (at full volume, at 1m distance) and some of them can go beyond 110dB. The loudest Bluetooth speaker in this price range is ION Audio Road Warrior, but our top pick is Aiwa Exos 9 because of the overall sonic performance. 

1. ION Audio Road Warrior

Editor’s Rating: 4.1

Check Price

ION Audio makes all kinds of speakers, PA systems, turntables, and lights. If you’ve been looking for a Bluetooth tailgate speaker in the past, you’ve definitely come across their large speakers.

They are popular because they are quite loud and rugged, but mostly because they are surprisingly affordable.  Road Warrior is a perfect example. This is probably the loudest speaker under $300 but it would not our first choice because of some sound and battery issues. 

Impressions

Road Warrior comes in a large box along with an AC power cable, car adapter, AUX cable, user manual, and a warranty card. The speaker has one mic input but the microphone is not included and you are supposed to buy it separately.

The speaker is huge. It’s probably not the heaviest on the market but it’s still quite chunky and if you want to transport it, you’re going to need some help. The good thing is that you have two strong carrying handles located on the left and right side. T

he exterior is made of hard plastic and the whole speaker looks quite rugged. Unfortunately, it is not waterproof. It’s not even water-resistant. Placing it right next to your pool doesn’t sound like a good idea. 

The control scheme is simple and easy-to-use. There’s a small circular control panel with an LCD screen on the front side.

You have two volume buttons, two mic volume buttons, two tuning buttons (for FM radio), light button (for turning on/off the lights), source button (for shifting between AUX, Bluetooth, and FM), and Bluetooth pairing button. The LCD screen shows the selected mode, battery status, and FM frequency. 

AUX and mic inputs are located on the back panel along with the AC and DC inputs and power button. USB power port, rubberized FM antenna, and NFC tag are located on the top. 

The speaker features 4 drivers – 2 10in woofers and two 1in tweeters. It also has two bass reflex ports on the rear panel. The advertised peak power output is 500W.

Bluetooth connection works flawlessly within 30-50ft range. The advertised Bluetooth range is 100ft but you can’t really get that much.

The speaker supports NFC quick pairing – if your phone features NFC, you can just tap the NFC tag on the top panel and you’ll be paired in a few seconds. You can’t pair two or multiple Road Warriors together and get a louder sound.

Also, you can’t use it to answer calls. If you want to connect a non-Bluetooth audio source, you can use the AUX connection. The speaker features one ¼-inch mic input but it doesn’t come with a mic. You’ll have to buy the microphone separately if you want to throw a karaoke party.

If you get tired of your stored music and you want to be surprised or if you don’t have internet connection, you can use the FM tuner. The reception is not perfect but you will get al least 10 perfectly clear FM stations wherever you are. 

Road Warrior features a large 7Ah battery which is supposed to deliver 12h of playtime at 40-50% volume if the lights are turned off. If you want to set the mood for the party, you can turn on the lighting and, in that case, you’ll get up to 8h at 40-50%.

Increasing the volume will shorten the playtime. You’ll get up to 4h at full volume but we don’t recommend cranking it up to the maximum because of the distortion. Road Warrior also has one USB powerbank port for charging phones and other devices (it cannot be used for music playback). The only problem with the battery is that it’s not Lithium-ion.

ION Audio uses lead-acid batteries which are cheaper but have a shorter lifespan. So, the playtime will become much shorter after a year of use. Luckily, you can buy the spare battery from ION Audio for less than $20 and replace it on your own (it’s a simple procedure and you can contact ION Audio customer support if you need any help).

When it comes to sound, there are some good and some bad things. The first good thing is the loudness. This monster can easily reach 115dB.

It can go even higher than that but it gets really distorted at higher volumes (anything above 80%). The sound signature is very bassy. The bass becomes boomy at high volumes and it tends to put a noticeable shadow on the midrange. The treble is very clear and detailed.

So, to conclude, everything sounds pretty good and balanced at low and moderate volumes but it’s not that great at high volumes. Still, if you need a speaker for outdoor parties, this kind of bassy sound could actually be a good choice. 

Advantages 

• Rugged design
• Strong carrying handles
• Lighted woofers
• Easy-to-use control scheme with a simple LCD screen
• Very good connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX, FM, MIC input
• Reliable Bluetooth connection (50ft range) + NFC pairing
• Powerful 7Ah battery (12h at 40-50% without the lights, up to 8h with the lights)
• USB powerbank port for charging
• Very powerful (500W peak) and very loud (more than 115dB at full volume)
• Bassy sound signature

Disadvantages 

• Not waterproof (lacks IPX rating)
• Lead-acid battery
• Daisy-chaining is not supported (you can’t pair two speakers together wirelessly)
• The distortion becomes noticeable at 80% volume

---

2. Bumpboxx Flare6

Editor’s Rating: 4.4

Check Price

Bumpboxx is a young audio company. It was established in 2016. Their unique retro design and high-quality sound (along with the loudness) is what makes their speakers great.

Bumpoxx speaker line consists of 4 speakers – Flare 6, Flare 8, Freestyle V3S, and UpRock V1S. Flare 6 is the smallest but it’s still one of the loudest speakers under $300 we’ve tested.

Only ION Audio is a bit louder, but Bumpboxx Flare 6 offers much more balanced sound, better listening experience, better control over the music and different aspects of sound reproduction, better connectivity, and more features.

If you want something louder than the Flare6, you should check out the other speakers from the Bumpboxx series. According to the specs, UpRock V1S is one of the loudest speakers on the market (125dB) and it’s basically a cheaper version of DiamondBoxx XL2 (you can buy two UpRock V1S speakers for the price of one DiamondBoxx XL2 and save some money in the process).  

 Impressions

The manufacturer packed a lot of additional equipment along with the speaker. Besides the Flare 6, you will get an AUX cable, shoulder strap, remote, charging cable, user manual, and 1-year warranty. 

Flare 6 features the recognizable Bumpboxx design – all the speakers from the Bumpboxx series look like old-school boomboxes but what makes them special is the variety of available colors. You can choose one of 14 available versions. All the drivers are on the front side.

Above the drivers, there’s a simple Bumpbox logo and an array of LED lights. All the controls, inputs, and outputs are on the right panel. The rear panel features a small bass reflex port. On the top panel, there’s a strong handle and two hooks for attaching the shoulder strap. 

The whole control panel is located on the right side. Bumpboxx Flare 6 has an impressive control panel with lots of different options – you have master volume and mic volume knobs as well as bass and treble knobs.

The speaker also features 6 playback control buttons but they only work in USB, FM, and SD card modes (you can’t use them in Bluetooth mode). Flare 6 features AUX input for connecting non-Bluetooth devices, mic input, one USB input for music playback, USB output for charging, and line output (for connecting another Flare 6).

On the left panel, you will also find the power button and power-save button. You should know that you can’t engage the power-save mode if the speaker is already turned on (you have to press the power-save button before you turn it on). 

The speaker has one 3in tweeter and two 6.5in woofers. They are all powered by the built-in 150W stereo amp. 

One of the best things about Flare 6 is the connectivity. You have so many options – Bluetooth, AUX, FM tuner, USB input, and SD card reader.

Bluetooth connection is perfectly reliable and stable. The advertised Bluetooth range is 300ft but that’s a bit too optimistic. You will get up to 100ft indoors which is more than satisfying. Still, staying within a standard 30ft range is always recommended.

There’s no info about advanced features so it’s only safe to assume that you can’t pair two speakers together wirelessly (but you can use the AUX cable and line-out ports for connecting two speakers). Also, you can’t use this speaker for answering calls. 

The battery performance is more than satisfying. There’s no info on the battery capacity but the playtime is amazing (considering the form factor and loudness). It’s advertised that you can get 12h at 50% volume but you can actually get more. You will probably get 12h at 60-70% volume. 

We have no major complaints regarding the sound. You can’t expect crazy deep bass from two 6.5in woofers and a small bass reflex port but the sound is pleasant, balanced, and loud. In terms of loudness, Flare 6 can’t really compete with its bigger brothers but it can get close to 110dB. The mids are sweet and detailed.

The highs are probably the worst part when it comes to sound reproduction – they lack some clarity and are a bit dull. Luckily, thanks to the bass and treble knobs, you can adjust the sound and boost the treble/bass reproduction.

The built-in stereo amp does a good job but the separation is not great. Adding two small tweeters (one 1in tweeter on each side) would make the sound reproduction so much better.

Advantages 

• Retro design
• Available in many colors
• Simple and easy-to-use control panel
• Versatile connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX, FM, USB, micro SD card, mic input
• Reliable Bluetooth connection 
• Great Bluetooth range (100ft indoors)
• You can pair two speakers together via AUX cable (line-out port)
• Very good battery performance – 12h at 60-70% volume
• Balanced sound with punchy bass and clear mids
• Adjustable bass and treble
• Surprisingly loud sound considering the size

Disadvantages 

• Not water-resistant (no IPX rating)
• Poor treble reproduction

---

3. BRAVEN BRV-XXL

Editor’s Rating: 4.2

Check Price

Braven Audio is another young audio company. It was established in 2011. BRV-XXL is their biggest, loudest, and the most rugged speaker at the moment. It’s a great outdoor speaker with an amazing battery and bassy sound signature.

Impressions

The speaker comes along with 4 power adapters (for different countries), short AUX cable, carrying strap with a nice bottle opener on it, instructions, and a warranty card (1-year limited warranty).

This is another boombox-like speaker but it’s not as boxy as the previous Bumpboxx. BRV-XXL looks more like the JBL Boombox with shaper edges.

We have no major complaints regarding the build quality. The frame is made of hard industrial plastic and then reinforced with rubber. Front, rear, and bottom panels are almost entirely covered with hard aluminum grilles. The speaker is water-resistant (IPX5-certified), dustproof, and shockproof.

The driver arrangement enables 360-sound. You have two woofers on the front panel, two woofers on the rear panel, 1 subwoofer and 2 passive bass radiators at the bottom.

The control scheme is very simple. All the control buttons are on the right side and all the inputs/outputs are on the right side (covered with a rubber flap).

On the left panel, you have the power/mode button, play/pause button, and + and – buttons. You can use the last two buttons to control the volume, bass, and treble. If you want to adjust the bass or treble, you have to press the power/mode button until the corresponding LED indicator lights up. Between the two sets of buttons, there’s a nice and intuitive LED volume/bass/treble level indicator.

On the left panel, there’s a simple LED battery status indicator and a rubber flap. Beneath the rubber flap, you’ll find the AUX input, 3.5mm mic input, USB charging port (powerbank port), DC charging port, and reset button. 

Bluetooth connection is probably the biggest downside of this speaker. BRV-XXL uses Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR which is pretty old Bluetooth version and it doesn’t offer the same kind of performance as Bluetooth 4.0 and later Bluetooth versions.

The connection is stable but only within a short range (usually shorter than 30ft). Placing the phone on the rubberized grip on the top panel will ensure clear and uninterrupted music streaming. If the Bluetooth range is not on your priority list, this speaker is still a perfectly viable option.

The speaker features NFC (the NFC tag is located on the right panel, above the control buttons) and if your phone supports NFC pairing, you can just tap the NFC logo and pair it with the speaker (you don’t have to go through the standard pairing process). Unlike some other similarly priced speakers, BRV-XXL doesn’t support daisy-chaining which means that you can’t pair two or multiple speakers wirelessly if you want louder sound or better stereo separation.

The manufacturer really needs to upgrade the Bluetooth module. That’s a relatively cheap upgrade but it would make this speaker so much better. If you don’t want to use the Bluetooth connection, you can connect your audio source to the speaker via AUX cable. The speaker also features one mic port (mic is not included in the package) so you can throw a karaoke party if you want to.

The biggest upside of this speaker is battery life. BRV-XXL has a huge 15,600mAh battery. You will get up to 14h of playtime at 50% vol (5-6 at full volume), and you’ll need 4h to recharge the battery. The speaker also has one USB powerbank port so you can charge your phone on the go. 15,600mAh battery can fully charge an average phone 6-7 times.

BRV-XXL is not the best-sounding speaker under $300 but it’s still fun to listen to. It’s a perfect speaker for outdoor parties due to a subtle bass emphasis.

The upper mids are nice and clean but the low midrange tones can be overshadowed by the bass (especially if you crank up the bass). The treble reproduction is very good. The highs are not ear-piercing and don’t sound dull. You can play with the bass and treble controls and try to adjust the sound to your taste.

Considering the size, BRV-XXL is very loud. It can reach 105dB. It’s not on par with ION Audio Road Warrior or Bumpoxx Flare 6 but it’s still very loud and it’s much more suitable for outdoor use due to IPX5 water-resistant rating. 

Advantages 

• Boombox-like design
• Rugged exterior – IPX5-certified (water-resistant), dustproof, shockproof
• Strong carrying handle + shoulder strap with a bottle opener
• Simple control scheme
• Good connection versatility – Bluetooth, AUX, mic input
• Reliable Bluetooth connection (within the 10-15ft range)
• Exceptional battery – 15,600mAh, 14h of playtime at 50% volume
• USB powerbank port for charging
• Pleasant sound signature with a subtle bass emphasis
• Adjustable bass and treble
• Very loud for its size (up to 105dB)

Disadvantages 

• No dedicated track buttons
• Short Bluetooth range – old Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 2.1)
• Daisy chaining is not supported (you can’t pair two speakers wirelessly)

---

4. Aiwa Exos-9

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

Check Price

Aiwa is a well-known name in the audio industry but this is not the old Japanese Aiwa company some older readers might remember. Aiwa is now an American brand.

The trademark was bought in 2014 by the American businessman Joe Born who tried to revive the brand. Exos-9 is Aiwa’s most popular product and it’s one of the best Bluetooth speakers under $300. Exos-9 is great in so many ways (excellent Bluetooth connection, very good playtime, rich and loud sound).

The only real downside of this speaker is the build quality – it’s not very rugged and it’s not weather/water resistant (no IPX rating).

Impressions

The box contains your Exos-9 speaker, AUX cable, power cable, replaceable Li-ion battery, user manual, and 2-year limited warranty (+ 90-day return policy). You can also buy some additional equipment separately (Aiwa bag, remote, and extended battery). 

Exos-9 looks like an old-school boombox look but it’s not as retro as the Bumpboxx speakers – it’s a bit more futuristic. 

All the drivers are located on the front panel. They are all protected with a removable black grille. Some people prefer the look without the grille but that’s up to you. The front panel is slightly angled to the left and to the right in order to enable better sound dispersion and better stereo separation.

The speaker features one 6.5in woofer (in the middle), two 3in neodymium midrange woofers, and two 1in soft-dome tweeters. There’s a bass reflex port at the back. The combined RMS power output is rated at 200W.

Volume knob and LCD screen (EQ screen) are located on the front panel while the rest of controls are on the top. Exos-9 has a nice touch-sensitive panel. You can use it to play/pause the music, adjust all kinds of EQ settings (4 presets and 5 adjustable EQ bands), or link two speakers together (daisy-chaining feature). Right next to the control panel, there’s the NFC tag for quick pairing.

The rear panel houses all the inputs/output (located at the bottom). The speaker has an AUX input, one USB powerbank port (for charging only), micro USB port (for updates), power input, and power switch. Carrying handle and battery compartment are also located on the rear panel. Placing the handle on the top would be a better idea but it’s not a deal-breaker.

The only thing that could be a real deal-breaker is the build-quality. Exos-9 is made of plastic. The exterior is not rugged at all and the speaker is not IPX certified (it’s not even splash-proof).

Technically speaking, Exos-9 is portable (battery-operated) but it’s not the best choice for outdoor use because of all the sensitive and fragile parts (plastic cabinet, touch-sensitive controls, unprotected inputs/outputs). There have been no complaints regarding the build quality in the past but we still have some concerns when it comes to outdoor use. 

The Bluetooth connection is flawless. If your phone is NFC-enabled, you can use the quick pairing feature (tap the NFC tag on the top panel with your phone and you’ll be paired in a few seconds).

The connection is stable and reliable (no signal loos, no interference). The advertised range is 50ft (in the line of sight).

Depending on the phone, you can get even more (60ft with Samsung Galaxy S10). If you want a better stereo separation or louder sound, you can use the LINK feature (pair two speakers wirelessly).

There are two LINK modes – Stereo Separated and Dual Stereo. The speaker is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices (Android, iOS, Windows). What guarantees great sound quality is the apt-X support. If you don’t want to use the speaker wirelessly, you can connect your audio source to the speaker via AUX cable.

Unlike some other speakers, Exos-9 doesn’t have FM tuner or USB input port for music playback.

The playtime is satisfying but not great. The battery that comes with the speaker delivers 9-10h at 85dB (that’s probably less than 50% volume).

You’ll get less than 4h at full volume and you’ll need 5h to fully recharge the battery. If you are not happy with the playtime, you can buy the extended battery which delivers up to 18h of playtime (at 50% volume). The speaker features auto-off feature – it will turn off after 15min of inactivity. 

The biggest highlight is, without a doubt, the sound quality. Exos-9 delivers impressive sonic performance with deep and punchy bass, clear and articulate mids, and detailed highs (default EQ settings).

The bass never gets overwhelming, even if you boost it by 3-6dB. More radical EQ changes (boosting one or all the EQ bands by 9 or 12dB) will cause some noticeable distortion at high volumes. The speaker is really loud (it can reach 105dB – up to 107db according to some YouTube max SPL tests). If you need louder sound, you can always pair two.

Exos-9 has to be our first pick in this category. It’s not the loudest speaker under $300 but you can’t base your decision on max loudness only. You have to think about the sonic performance, too. If you can’t afford Exos-9, the second-best option is the Bumpboxx Flare 6 (cheaper, louder, bassy sound signature). 

Advantages 

• Futuristic boombox design
• Nice-looking and easy-to-use control panel with an LCD EQ screen
• Good connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX input
• Reliable Bluetooth connection within a 50ft range (unobstructed)
• NFC quick pairing feature
• LINK feature – you can pair two speakers wirelessly if you want louder sound or better stereo separation
• Satisfying playtime – 9h at 85dB (3-4h at full volume)
• Extended battery (sold separately) – 18h at 85dB
• USB powerbank port (for charging only)
• Exceptional sonic performance with deep and punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed highs
• Very loud (105dB+)
• Adjustable EQ settings (4 EQ presets and 5 adjustable EQ bands)

Disadvantages 

• Not the best choice for outdoor use (plastic cabinet, not waterproof)
• It lacks dedicated playback buttons (forward/previous)

---

Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $500

Most of the party speakers on the list are in this price range (GTK XB90, JBL PartyBox, Altec Lansing Xpedition 8). They can all reach at least 100dB and our favorite is Marshall Woburn II (110dB max SPL). The only problem with this speaker is that it’s not portable.

5. Altec Lansing ALP-XP800

Editor’s Rating: 4.4

Check Price

Altec Lansing ALP-XP800 Xpedition 8 is the first party speaker with lighting on this list. In this price category, you’ll find three interesting party speakers (Xpedition 8, GTK-XB90, and JBL PartyBox 300).

Out of those three, Xpedition 8 is the best for outdoor use (outdoor parties, tailgate parties) because it’s the most rugged and completely waterproof. In many aspects (design, driver arrangement, sound signature), all these party speakers are very similar but each has its advantages and disadvantages.

 Impressions

The box contains your Xpedition 8 speaker, two power/charging cables (AC cable and DC cable with a car adapter), user manual, and a warranty card (1-year warranty). 

In terms of design, Xpedition 8 is similar to SONY GTK-XB90 but it’s a little bit boxier and more rugged (thicker plastic and rubber reinforcements). 

The housing is slightly angled upwards in order to direct the sound towards the listener. Unlike all the other party speakers with built-in lights, Xpedition 8 is fully dustproof and waterproof (IP67-certified). Xpedition 8 can also float which is quite amazing when you consider the size of this speaker.

The speaker features two 8in woofers, three 1in tweeters, and two passive bass radiators. The drivers are located on the front panel and protected with transparent aluminum grilles while the bass radiators are located on the rear panel. The max power output is 420W.

The control scheme is super-simple. All the control buttons are on the front side, located between the two woofers. All the inputs/outputs are on the rear panel.

The speaker features a large volume knob surrounded with an octagonal LED volume level indicator. You can also use this knob to check the battery status and to change the lighting color. Above the volume knob, there are the power button and two light buttons (lights and strobe).

Below the volume knob, there are three more buttons (LINK, BEAST, and Bluetooth pairing button). All the inputs are protected with a plastic cap. Xpedition 8 features AC and DC power inputs, AUX input, and a USB powerbank port (for charging only). 

Bluetooth connection is quite reliable and stable but the range is not as great as advertised. The manufacturer claims that you can get 100ft without obstructions.

In reality, the unobstructed range is closer to 50ft. We haven’t experienced any compatibility issues (works with any Bluetooth-enabled device regardless of the operating system).

The speaker supports NFC quick pairing. It also supports daisy-chaining but you can pair only two speakers together (can’t pair multiple speakers together) and you don’t get to choose between two modes. When paired wirelessly, two Xpedition 8 speakers will play the same audio (party mode). You can’t get better stereo separation and make the speakers play in stereo mode. 

The battery capacity is good but not mind-blowing. 5,000mAh battery is supposed to provide you with 24h of playtime. In reality, you will get much less (13-14 at 50%). The recharge takes 5h.

Like the majority of party speakers on the market, Xpedition 8 delivers bass-heavy sound. Without the BEAST mode, the sound signature is bassy but not overwhelming. The bass dominates but the mids are still relatively clear and dynamic, and the highs are detailed.

The BEAST mode boosts the bass response to another level and makes the midrange muddier. This kind of bassy sound is maybe good for parties (especially for outdoor parties) but it’s not that great for casual listening. Xpedition 8 is quite loud – it can easily reach 106dB (at 85-90% volume) and, if you need more, you can always pair two.

You can probably get a few dBs more if you crank the volume up to the maximum, but the distortion is really noticeable at full volume (especially when the BEAST mode is engaged). 

Advantages 

• Interesting design
• Two placement options – horizontal or vertical
• Built-in lighting (lighted woofers and strobe lights)
• Rugged exterior, IP67 certification (fully dustproof and waterproof), it floats
• Simple control scheme
• AC and DC power inputs (good choice for tailgating)
• Good connection versatility – Bluetooth + AUX input
• Stable Bluetooth connection within the 50ft range
• NFC quick pairing
• LINK feature – you can pair two Xpedition 8 speakers wirelessly to get a louder sound
• Satisfying playtime – 5,000mAh battery can deliver up to 14h at 50% volume (when the lighting and BEAST mode are off)
• Bassy sound – perfect for outdoor parties

Disadvantages 

• Lacks mic input
• No dedicated track buttons
• The actual playtime is significantly shorter than advertised (14h compared to 24h)

---

6. Sony GTK-XB90

Editor’s Rating: 4.4

Check Price

Sony’s GTK-XB speaker series is one of the most popular Bluetooth speaker lines on the market. XB90 is the largest speaker from this line and it’s a perfect party speaker.

It’s bassy, it’s portable, it can be paired with multiple speakers (in case you need louder sound), and it has built-in lighting. The only problem – this speaker is not very rugged and it’s not the best choice for outdoor use.

Impressions

The speaker comes in a nice-looking box along with the charging cable, user manual, and a warranty card. Sony decided not to include any additional equipment (no connection cables).

GTK-XB90 is one of the best-looking party speakers on the market. In terms of shape, XB90 is not different from all the other party speakers on the list but still looks more sophisticated than others.

It’s made of plastic and the housing is wrapped in some kind of silicone with the Sony logo on the left and right side. Even the lights look better on Sony than on other party speakers. 

You won’t be impressed by the build quality. Unlike Xpedition 8, XB90 is not rugged at all (it’s not waterproof nor dustproof). Outdoor use is technically possible (XB90 is battery operated) but it’s not recommended. XB90 is more suitable for indoor use. 

All the drivers are on the front side and they are all protected with a transparent flexible grille. The speaker features two 18cm (7.5in) woofers and three 6cm (2.4in) ‘’smart” tweeters. The tweeters are ‘’smart” because only two out of three will work at the same time, depending on the position/placement (horizontal or vertical). 

All the control buttons and LED indicators are on the top and all the inputs/outputs are on the rear panel.

The speaker has a comprehensive control panel with power, volume, function/pairing, play/pause, and extra bass buttons. There are also additional power-save (STAMINA) buttons, and ADD/party chain button (for connecting two/multiple speakers together). 

The rear panel features RCA inputs and RCA outputs for wired daisy-chaining, mic input and mic volume knob, party chain button (for wireless daisy-chaining), and USB input/output port (for music playback and charging). 

Bluetooth 4.2 module delivers reliable wireless connection with a standard 30ft range (unobstructed).  Compatibility is not a problem – XB90 works with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. NFC pairing is also supported – you just have to tap the NFC tag on the top panel and you’ll be paired in a few seconds.

You can pair two or multiple XB90 speakers together if you need louder sound. When two speakers are paired, you can choose between stereo and party mode. In stereo mode, the speakers will act as left and right channels. In theory, XB90 can be paired with any speaker from the GTK-XB series but it’s practically impossible to synchronize them (there will always be some sound delay).

There are two apps that you can use to control this speaker – Fiestable and Sony Music Center (Android and iOS devices).

Fiestable app will allow you to play with the lighting and DJ effects. You can use the Music Center app to control the playback, select the mode (stereo/party), and adjust the EQ settings. Having two separate apps is less convenient solution than having only one app to control everything, but it’s not a deal-breaker. 

Battery is not the most impressive feature. It has the capacity of 2,5000mAh which is kind of poor. According to the specs, this battery is supposed to deliver 16h of music playback. You will get those 16h at volume level 16.

If you turn the volume up, the playtime drops significantly. So, at 100% volume, you’ll get only 3.5h if the lights are off (up to 3 hours with the lights on). If the STAMINA mode is engaged and the lights are off, you’ll get 5 hours at 100% volume (STAMINA mode limits the power consumption and loudness). 

When it comes to sound quality, XB90 is definitely not a disappointment. It’s bass-heavy but that’s the kind of sound you need for parties.

When the bass boost (EXTRA BASS) feature is off, the mids manage to stay clear. Engaging the EXTRA BASS feature will make the bass even heavier but it will also make the lower midrange muddier.

Combined with the mesmerizing lighting, this kind of sound can really help you throw an unforgettable party. Sony GTK-XB90 is not as loud as some other speakers on the list but it can still reach 100dB.

Advantages 

• Stylish look with a built-in lighting
• Simple and responsive controls 
• Very good connection versatility – Bluetooth, RCA inputs and outputs, USB input, MIC input
• Reliable Bluetooth connection with a standard 30ft range and LDAC Bluetooth profile support (Sony’s version of aptX) 
• NFC quick pairing
• Wired and wireless daisy-chaining
• Stereo and party mode (when two speakers are paired wirelessly)
• 2 apps – Fiestable and Sony Music Center app
• Decent battery performance – up to 16h at volume level 16
• Bass-heavy sound – perfect for parties

Disadvantages 

• Not rugged, not waterproof
• Two apps instead of one
• Pairing two different speakers from the XB series is possible but not recommended (because of noticeable audio delay)
• No lighting controls on the speaker itself (you have to install the app if you want to control the lighting)

---

7. JBL Boombox

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

Check Price

Until the introduction of JBL PartyBox speakers, Boombox was the largest, heaviest, and loudest of all the JBL portable, battery-operated speakers. Boombox basically looks like the other JBL portable speakers, it’s just a lot larger and has a handle.

The most impressive features are huge 20Ah battery, rugged exterior, and loudness. 

Impressions

JBL Boombox comes with a charging cable, user manual, and 1-year limited warranty. The manufacturer didn’t include the AUX cable or some other additional equipment. 

In terms of design, the Boombox features that familiar cylindrical shape you’ve already seen on other JBL speakers. On the bottom, there’s a rubberized stand, just like the one on JBL Extreme. The whole speaker is wrapped in a protective fabric which makes it completely waterproof (IPX7 certified). 

On the front side, there are 5 LED battery status indicators and all the control buttons. The control scheme is pretty simple – the control panel looks pretty much the same as the control panel on the JBL Xtreme (power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume, and JBL Connect button).

The carrying handle is, besides the size, the only noticeable difference between JBL Boombox and JBL Xtreme. 

On the rear panel, right at the bottom, there’s one rubberized button (sound mode button) and a rubber flap that protects the inputs/outputs. You can use the sound mode button to switch between indoor and outdoor mode.

Beneath the flap, there’s one AUX input, two USB powerbank ports (for charging only), power input, and a micro USB port (for firmware updates). 

JBL Boombox is one of the most durable speakers on this list. It’s very rugged and it’s fully waterproof. (submersible in water). On top of all that, JBL Boombox can float – it won’t sink if you drop it into the pool.

The speaker features 4 drivers and they are all located on the front panel. So, unlike other JBL portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL Boombox doesn’t deliver 360-sound (different driver arrangement). The speaker has two 4in woofers and two .8in tweeters. The advertised power output is 40W (when battery-operated) or 60W (when plugged in). 

The Boombox features Bluetooth 4.2 with a standard 30ft range (unobstructed). It supports A2DP, AVRCP, and HFP profiles (can be used for answering calls). It’s compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices (iOS, Android, Windows).

The pairing is fast and simple. Unfortunately, the NFC pairing is not supported. If you want louder sound, you can pair two or multiple JBL Boombox speakers together wirelessly (up to 100 speakers). JBL Boombox is also compatible with other JBL Connect + speakers (like the Flip 4 or Xtreme 2). So, you can also pair wirelessly one JBL Boombox and one JBL Xtreme 2. 

Be warned that you might experience some audio delay when pairing two different speakers. When two JBL Boombox speakers are paired together, you can choose between two modes – stereo (left and right channels) and party (both speakers play the same audio).

In order to choose the mode, you have to install the JBL Connect app (available for iOS and Android). The app is pretty basic – it allows you to select the mode (stereo/party) and to update the speaker firmware.

There are no advanced settings – you won’t be able to use it to control the playback or to adjust the EQ settings. 

One of the greatest things about this large speaker is the battery. 20Ah Li-ion battery can deliver up to 24h of music playback at 50% volume (less than 10h at full volume) and it takes less than 7 hours to recharge.

You can also use the speaker to charge two devices simultaneously thanks to two USB powerbank ports. 

Among other features, this speaker also has a built-in mic that you can use to answer calls. It’s not the most important thing when it comes to large and party speakers but it could come in handy. 

In terms of sound quality, JBL Boombox is similar to the previously mentioned party speakers (XB90 and Xpedition 8) – it’s bassy and powerful.

There are two audio modes – indoor and outdoor. The indoor mode offers more balanced sound but the emphasis is still on the low frequencies. The outdoor mode boosts the low and high frequencies.

The outdoor mode is good for serious bass heads but it has some flaws – the midrange becomes muddy, the vocals are not clear, and the highs are too bright. In our opinion, the indoor mode offers more enjoyable sound and better balance.

The distortion kicks in at 90% and it’s really noticeable and distracting at full volume. The speaker is quite loud for its size (it can reach 100dB) and if you need louder sound, you can always pair two or more speakers together and choose the party mode. 

 Advantages 

• Recognizable JBL design
• Rugged exterior
• Fully waterproof (IPX7 certified) and it floats
• Two connection options – Bluetooth and AUX
• Reliable Bluetooth connection (30ft range)
• Wireless daisy-chaining – Connect + feature (pair up to 100 JBL Boombox speakers together)
• Stereo and Party mode
• JBL Connect app
• Built-in microphone
• Powerful battery – up to 24h of playtime at 50% volume
• Two USB powerbank ports
• Bass-heavy sound – perfect for serious bass heads
• Two sound modes – indoor and outdoor

Disadvantages 

• NFC pairing is not supported
• The app offers only basic settings – it has no advanced settings (no EQ settings)
• All the drivers are located on the front (no 360-sound)
• It lacks MIC input

---

8. JBL PartyBox 300

Editor’s Rating: 4.6

Check Price

JBL PartyBox speaker line looks a lot like Sony’s GTK-XB speaker line. JBL PartyBox 300, is a direct rival of the XB90. Although they are very similar in many ways, there are a few things that make the JBL PartyBox 300 so much better.

PartyBox 300 outperforms the XB90 speaker when it comes to sound quality – it’s louder and it offers cleaner and more powerful sound.

It also has a much larger battery and delivers longer playtime. If you are looking for the best party/tailgate speaker with lights, JBL PartyBox 300 definitely deserves your attention. PartyBox 300 is priced the same as JBL Boombox (around $450) and it’s so much better in terms of sonic performance.

On the other hand, JBL Boombox is more rugged, it’s fully waterproof, and it has a larger battery which makes it better for outdoor use but if you are looking for a party speaker, PartyBox 300 is a clear winner.

You should be aware that PartyBox 300 is not the loudest speaker from the PartyBox line. The loudest speaker from this line is PartyBox 1000. 

This huge speaker is priced over $1,000 and has the peak power output of 1,100W. PartyBox 300 has a more modest power output (120W RMS) but it’s still very loud.

Impressions

Inside a large box, you will find your PartyBox speaker, two power cables (AC cable and DC cable with a car charger), user manual, and 1-year warranty. 

Design-wise, the PartyBox 300 is very similar to Sony GTK-XB90. PartyBox 300 is a little bit larger and heavier than the XB90 while the XB90 has slightly softer edges and looks a little bit more refined. Control and input panels are very similar, too.

The same goes for driver placement. Just like the XB90, PartyBox 300 is not rugged and it’s not waterproof at all. 

The controls are located on the top and the control scheme is a little bit simpler than the one on XB90. You have the power button, play/pause button, volume buttons, bass boost button, Bluetooth pairing button, and light button.

On the top, right above the power button, there’s an LED battery status indicator. What makes the PartyBox better when it comes to controls is the light button.

In order to control the lighting on XB90, you have to install the Fiestable app while the PartyBox 300 has a dedicated lighting button which allows you select different light patterns and turn on/off the lights.

The rear panel is where all the inputs/outputs are located. Again, there are some advantages compared to XB90. The speaker features DC and AC power inputs, RCA inputs and outputs, AUX input, USB input/output (you can use it for charging or for music playback), ¼-in mic input, ¼-in guitar input, and two dedicated volume knobs (one for the mic and the other for the guitar).

Just like the XB90, PartyBox 300 features 5 drivers – two 6.5in woofers and three 2.25in smart tweeters. It can be placed either horizontally or vertically. 

The built-in Bluetooth 4.2 module offers a very good and stable connection. We haven’t experienced any compatibility issues (works with all Bluetooth-enabled devices). The range is pretty much standard (30ft without obstacles). NFC pairing is not supported.

You can pair two speakers together (wirelessly) if you want louder or stereo sound. You don’t need an app to select the mode – you can simply press the L/R speaker and shift between left channel, right channel, and stereo.

Unlike XB90, PartyBox 300 can’t be paired with multiple speakers and there’s no app that you can use to control the lights, playback, EQ settings, etc.

The battery capacity is rated at 10.4Ah (compared to 2.5Ah on the XB90). The battery can deliver up to 18h of wireless streaming (lights off, 50% volume). You will get less than 8h at full volume and the recharge takes up to 5h. 

Sound quality is probably the best thing about this speaker. We were pleasantly surprised by its capabilities. The emphasis is on the bass but it’s really subtle and it sounds more natural and more controlled than on the XB90. The mids are sweet and dynamic, and the highs are quite detailed. It’s a surprising sound signature for a party speaker.

You can boost the bass but, even then, the bass stays controlled and doesn’t overshadow the midrange. It sounds great, especially at high volumes. In fact, this thing sounds better at high volumes (the music is kind of lifeless at low volumes).

The speaker is also very loud, louder than XB90. You can push it over 105dB. If that’s not enough, you can pair two speakers wirelessly.

Advantages 

• Elegant design
• Party lights
• Simple controls (+ dedicated bass boost and light buttons)
• AC and DC power inputs (great choice for tailgating)
• Versatile connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX, RCA inputs/outputs, AUX, USB, MIC input, guitar input
• Stable Bluetooth connection within the 30ft range
• TWS feature – you can pair two speakers wirelessly if you want louder sound or better separation
• Great battery life – 10.4Ah = up to 18h of playtime (50% volume, lights off)
• Powerful, loud, and balanced sound
• Bass boost feature

Disadvantages 

• Not rugged
• Not water-resistant (no IPX rating)
• Doesn’t come with an app

---

9. Marshall Woburn II

Editor’s Rating: 4.7

Check Price

Marshall is one of the most recognizable brands in the audio industry.

They’ve been famous for their guitar amps but they are now making headphones and speakers, too. Woburn was their flagship speaker and Woburn II is the upgraded version with a few minor changes and one major change.

Woburn II is, in our opinion, the best sounding loud Bluetooth speaker under $500 on the market. The only problem with the Woburn II is that it’s not made for outdoor use (it’s not battery-operated and it looks way too sophisticated for outdoor use).

If you need an outdoor speaker, you should look elsewhere. If you want a loud Bluetooth speaker with a refined design, incredibly loud audio output, and impressive sound clarity, Woburn II is an awesome choice.

Impressions

Unlike its predecessor (Woburn I), Woburn II doesn’t come with a coiled AUX cable. The box contains only your speaker, user manual, and warranty card. You have to buy the cables separately.

Compared to the previous Woburn version, Woburn II has a few cosmetic changes and a few important upgrades. The manufacturer has changed the look of the control panel (slightly modified button arrangement, different on/off switch, backlit volume/bass/treble scales).

They have also decided to remove the optical input and leave only analog inputs (AUX and RCA). The most important modifications are improved power output (130W compared to 90W) and upgraded Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX VS Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX).

In the end, you should know that the price has been changed, too. The upgraded Woburn II is more than $100 pricier (priced around $500).

Like all the Marshall amps and speakers, Woburn II features that recognizable Marshall design with classic details – wooden frame, textured vinyl cover, and iconic Marshall logo on the grille. It’s impressive how something boxy and simple can look so sophisticated and it’s really hard to resist its charm. 

The speaker is well built but it’s not rugged or waterproof and it looks way too sophisticated for outdoor use.

After all, Woburn II is not made for outdoor use and it’s not battery-operated. If you like this kind of design but also want it to be battery-operated, you should check out the largest and loudest Marshall’s portable Bluetooth speaker called Marshall Tufton.

All the controls are located on the gold-plated panel on the top. Like the previous version, Woburn II has analog volume, bass, and treble dials, on/off switch (we like the old switch more, but that’s just the matter of taste).

The source button is located on the left end and the play/pause button is on the right end (next to the on/off switch). The control panel also features three LED source indicators (Bluetooth/AUX/RCA) and one 3.5mm input. RCA input is located on the rear panel.

Like the first Woburn, Woburn II has two 5.25in woofers and two .75in tweeters. However, the manufacturer decided to change the amp configuration.

The first version had only one 50W Class-D amp (for the woofers) and two 20W Class-D amps for the tweeters. The upgraded version has two 50W amps (one for each woofer) and two 15W amps for the tweeters.

You can probably assume what kind of change is achieved with this upgrade (better low-end reproduction).

The new Woburn also has an upgraded Bluetooth module. There was nothing wrong with the old one but new is always better (at least when it comes to technology). The pairing is hassle-free and takes a few seconds. NFC quick pairing is not supported. Compatibility is not an issue – the speaker works fine with Android, iOS, and Windows devices.

The advertised range is 30ft but you can get even more with some newer phones (up to 65ft with Samsung Galaxy S10). The Bluetooth module features support for aptX. Woburn II can be paired wirelessly with another Woburn II and you can select one of two available modes – Ambient (both speakers play the same audio track) and Stereo (one speaker acts as the left and the other acts as the right channel).

In order to pair two speakers, you have to install the Marshall Bluetooth app (available for Android and iOS devices). You can also use this app to perform the firmware updates, adjust EQ settings or select one of EQ presets, control the playback, etc.

Unfortunately, both app versions are poorly rated and people experienced all kinds of issues. The only really useful thing about the app is the EQ tool. 

There’s literally nothing we would like to change when it comes to sonic performance of this speaker. The sound is rich, detailed, balanced, loud, and very enjoyable.

The bass is deep, powerful, and controlled. It doesn’t get distorted, even at full volume. It also doesn’t affect the midrange – the mids are perfectly clear and detailed. The highs are simply sparkling – we haven’t noticed any brightness or harshness.

Woburn II can handle all kinds of music genres. You can use the treble and bass dials or the app to adjust the sound signature to your preferences. The max SPL level is 110dB so it’s pretty loud, too. It doesn’t go to 11 but if you need louder sound, you can always pair two. 

Advantages 

• Iconic Marshall design
• Great build quality
• Simple and attractive control panel
• Versatile connectivity – Bluetooth 5.0, AUX, RCA
• Reliable Bluetooth connection within the 30ft range
• You can pair two (but not multiple) speakers together (Ambient or Stereo mode)
• Marshall Bluetooth app – EQ settings, Daisy chaining, Playback controls
• Impressive sound quality
• Adjustable bass and treble
• Surprisingly loud (considering the size) – 110dB

Disadvantages 

• Not rugged, not waterproof
• The speaker is not portable (not battery-operated)
• Lacks optical input (the first Woburn version had one)
• Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, Airplay, Chromecast, and other advanced features you would expect at this price point

---

Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Under $1,000

If you are prepared to spend up to $1000 and you want the loudest possible speaker for your money, SOUNDBOKS 2 is clearly the best choice.

10. Fluance Fi70

Editor’s Rating: 4.7

Check Price

Fluance is a Canadian company with 20 years of experience in making Hi-Fi audio equipment (portable Bluetooth speakers, home speakers, home theater systems, turntables, etc.).

Fluance Fi70 is one of their largest speakers. It’s also one of the most intriguing and unusual speakers on the market. Sound-wise, this speaker is really great and delivers a powerful, rich and balanced output.

The biggest downsides are its large footprint, lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, and the fact that it’s not portable (because of the size but also because it’s not battery-powered).

Impressions

Fi70 comes in a huge 100lb box. The box also contains the stand (you have to assemble the stand on your own), remote, AUX cable, AM/FM antennas, user manual, and a warranty card (2-year warranty).

Fi70 is one of the most interesting and unusual Bluetooth speakers. This is a hand-made giant with a huge hole right in the middle of it.

It’s definitely recognizable and memorable. The cabinet is made of wood and you can choose between three finishes – black ash, walnut, or bamboo. The quality of construction is quite impressive. 

The front panel is covered with a magnetic fabric grille. The grille doesn’t look bad but most people prefer the look without the grille (especially on bamboo and walnut versions – the grille definitely looks best on the black ash version). 

Fi70 is a three-way speaker with dual subwoofers, dual midrange woofers, and dual tweeters. All the drivers are located on the front panel.

There are two 8in high-excursion subwoofers, two 5in woven glass midrange woofers, and two 1in silk dome tweeters. On the rear panel, you have two bass reflex ports. The drivers are powered by Class AB amps with the RMS power output of at 280W.

The control panel is located on the top and it’s touch-sensitive. There are 8 control buttons – power, source, settings, playback controls (play/pause, forward, backward), and volume controls. 

The remote features four additional buttons for bass and treble adjustments. The front panel also houses a small LCD display (you can see the source, volume level, AM/FM frequency).

All the inputs/outputs are located on the rear panel. This speaker has AUX input, optical TOSLINK input, inputs for AM and FM antennas, and a USB powerbank output (for charging only).

Fi70 features Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). Bluetooth 2.1 is probably the oldest Bluetooth version in use but we haven’t noticed any connection issues during the testing period.

Under ideal conditions, the range can be extended to 40ft, but you should probably stay within 10-15ft range if you want uninterrupted music playback. The connection is stable and reliable without any compatibility issues. Bluetooth streaming is practically flawless.

Unfortunately, you can’t pair two of these speakers together. The manufacturer really needs to upgrade the Bluetooth module in order to enable all the advanced Bluetooth options (multipoint pairing, wireless daisy chaining, etc.). The Bluetooth module also supports aptX profile which allows lossless audio streaming.  

If you don’t want to use the wireless connection, you can connect your audio source (TV, phone, PC, laptop, Xbox, etc.) via AUX input or TOSLINK input. Fi70 also has AM and FM tuners which is a nice little extra feature. 

We don’t have any major complaints regarding the sound. Fi70 is, naturally, very powerful and very loud. It goes lower than all the previous speakers.

The bass is thick and punchy, the midrange frequencies (500Hz-5kHz) are just slightly elevated which makes them extra clear. The highs are nice and pleasant but can be a bit too bright at moments (when treble-heavy songs are played).

Luckily, you can play with bass and treble levels and adjust the EQ settings to your taste. Fi70 is not as loud as you would assume (based on its size), but it’s still very loud. It can be pushed to 110dBs. The distortion is barely noticeable, even at max volume.

Advantages 

• Intriguing design
• Dedicated drivers for bass, midrange, and treble
• Very good build quality (hand-crafted MDF cabinet)
• Onboard touch-sensitive control panel + remote
• Versatile connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX, TOSLINK, AM/FM tuners
• Reliable Bluetooth connection within the 15ft range
• AptX support
• Powerful and detailed audio output
• Adjustable bass and treble (via remote)

Disadvantages 

• Large footprint
• Touch-sensitive controls are not perfectly responsive
• You can’t pair two speakers if you want louder sound (old Bluetooth version)
• Lacks Wi-Fi
• Not battery-operated (not portable)

---

11. SOUNDBOKS 2

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Check Price

SOUNDBOKS 2 is the upgraded version of the first SOUNDBOKS. Compared to the first iteration, the SOUNDBOKS 2 is louder (122dB VS 119dB), more rugged, has an upgraded battery, and slightly modified controls.

This is an impressive and incredibly loud speaker. It’s a perfect choice for all kinds of outdoor parties and other large events (up to 100 people).

If you want something equally loud (or even louder) and similarly priced, you should also check out the Bumpboxx Uprock V1S. We didn’t have the chance to test it but, according to the specs, Bumpboxx Uprock V1S should be able to reach 125dB.

Also, you could preorder the third generation of SOUNDBOKS called the  NEW SOUNDBOKS. This one is supposed to be one of the loudest ever (126dB) and it’s better than the SOUNDOKS 2 in many ways (upgraded construction, multiple connection options, upgraded Bluetooth version, advanced Bluetooth features, etc.).

The NEW SOUNDBOKS is currently priced at around $1000. We will try to obtain it and test it in a few months but, for now, let’s concentrate on the SOUNDBOKS 2. 

Impressions

The SOUNDBOKS 2 comes with a removable battery, charging adapter, AUX cable, user manual, and a warranty card (2-year warranty). If you want, you can buy the spare battery ($150) and the backpack ($130). 

In terms of design, the difference between SOUNDBOKS 1 and SOUNDBOKS 2 is not huge. They are both boxy but SOUNDBOKS 2 is more rugged. The cabinet is made of birch plywood.

All the edges are reinforced with aluminum frame and the corners also have molded aluminum balls for additional protection. Strong aluminum grille covers the front panel and protects the drivers. Handles are located on the left and right sides.

The battery compartment is on the left side and all the controls and inputs are on the right side. SOUNDBOKS 2 has extremely simple controls – you have only 2 dials (volume dial and power/indoor/outdoor dial) and AUX input.

Spinal Tap fans will be happy to know that this one has the volume dial that really goes to 11. The other dial is used to turn on the speaker and to select the mode (indoor or outdoor). The outdoor mode is practically the bass boost mode while the indoor mode delivers flatter (more balanced) sound.

SOUNDBOKS 2 features two 10in woofers and 1in tweeter (located in the top right corner). The speaker also has two bass reflex ports. Combined RMS power output is rated at 216W (3x72W). 

SOUNDBOKS 2 features older Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 3.0) so you can’t expect any of the advanced wireless features (NFC pairing, daisy-chaining, and multipoint pairing). Pairing is simple and the connection is stable within the advertised 30ft range. The speaker is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices (no compatibility issues).

This speaker has one of the largest batteries on the market. This huge 7.8Ah/99.8Wh battery will provide you with 40h of playback time at 50% volume (8h at full volume).

This battery (aka BATTERYBOKS) is easily detachable and replaceable. It’s compatible with the SOUNDBOKS 1 but, unlike the battery that comes with the SOUNDBOKS 1, this one has 5 LED battery status indicators. Recharge takes less than 4 hours. 

The SOUNDBOKS 2 is extremely loud but that’s not the only good thing about it. The bass is well-bodied and thick. If you want bassier sound, you should select the outdoor mode. Indoor mode offers more balanced sound with better midrange reproduction while the outdoor mode delivers bassier sound signature with muddy mids.

The highs are detailed and pleasant in both modes but are a little bit brighter in outdoor mode. 

Advantages 

• Simple but very rugged design
• Easy-to-use controls 
• Stable Bluetooth connection within the 30ft range
• AUX input
• Exceptional battery life – 40h at 50% volume (8h at full volume)
• The battery is easily removable (you can use the spare battery and never stop the party)
• Bass-oriented sound – perfect for all kinds of outdoor events (made to rock)
• Very loud – this one really goes to 11

Disadvantages 

• Lacks control buttons
• Lacks USB powerbank port
• Lacks bass and treble controls
• Old Bluetooth version (doesn’t support daisy-chaining)

---

Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Over $1000

In this category, you will find two really rugged, portable, and extremely loud Bluetooth speakers and two extremely expensive, incredibly sophisticated, and very loud speakers (the last two are not portable). It’s really hard to choose the best one since they are all great in different ways. 

12. Teufel ROCKSTER

Editor’s Rating: 4.9

Check Price

Teufel is a German speaker manufacturer and their speakers are quite popular in Europe. Rockster is their largest and loudest ‘’portable” speaker.

According to the specs, this monster can reach 122dB (the same as SOUNDBOKS 2 but it somehow sounds louder). We didn’t have the chance to test this speaker but we’ve had the chance to hear it and we think that it deserves the place on our list.

This review will be a little bit different from the others (since we didn’t test all the features) but we’ll try to list all the important characteristics and emphasize all the highlights.

One thing you should be aware of is that this speaker is not sold in the US (only in Europe). We’ve tried to find some authorized seller in the US but, unfortunately, there isn’t one.

What makes things even worse is that Teufel doesn’t ship their speakers to the US. You could try to contact the customer service and ask them if they could make an exception or you can ask your friend from Europe (if you have one) to order it for you and then send it to you via DHL or some other service, but it’s all a huge hassle (and it will cost you a lot). 

The speaker is priced slightly under $1,100 but when you take all the additional costs into account, it could cost you $1,500 or even more. So, for now, we just want to inform you about this speaker’s existence. 

Impressions

The speaker comes with a set of wheels, power cable, removable battery, user manual, and a warranty card. You won’t get any connection cables or other accessories and you will have to buy them separately.

The Rockster is a huge hexagonal speaker. It’s technically portable (battery-operated) but it’s way too chunky to be carried around.

Luckily, it comes with the wheels so you don’t really have to carry it. It’s made of MDF and plastic. All the edges are reinforced with aluminum and the drivers are protected with a hard grille. All in all, it’s quite rugged and it looks like a good choice for outdoor use.

The speaker has two drivers – one huge 15in woofer which guarantees mind-blowing bass and one 1in horn tweeter. The advertised RMS power output is 440W. 

Two really special things about this speaker are the controls and inputs/outputs. Compared to SOUNDBOKS 2, Teufel Rockster is a much more advanced speaker. It has a large control panel (DJ mixer) on the top with bass, treble, and midrange level dials and many other controls. 

In terms of connectivity, Rockster can beat any other portable speaker on this list. It has two Bluetooth modules built-in (Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support) for connecting two phones at the same time, 3.5mm and 6.35mm inputs, 3.5mm output (for headphones), XLR mic input, two XLR outputs (for connecting multiple Rocksters together). You can connect all kinds of devices to this speaker and use it in many different ways. 

The battery is huge and it’s replaceable. You’ll find some confusing claims about the playtime. The highlights page says that the playtime is 20h while the official user manual says it’s 30hours (at 50% volume). Anyway, the playtime is more than satisfying.

It’s shorter than what SOUNDBOKS 2 can offer (40h) but it’s pretty good. The speaker also has a USB powerbank port (for charging phones and tablets). 

The sonic performance is definitely the biggest highlight. That 15in woofer packs a serious punch. It’s powerful and thick.

It doesn’t affect the midrange reproduction at moderate volumes (up to 70% volume) but it makes them muddy at high volumes. The treble reproduction is probably the worst part. The horn tweeter makes the highs a bit too bright. Rockster is also extremely loud.

The advertised max SPL is 122dB (just like the SOUNDBOKS 2), but it somehow sounds louder than SOUDNBOKS 2. It’s maybe just our impression. 

All in all, Teufel Rockster is a fantastic speaker and it’s worth the \$1,100 price tag but we can’t say with certainty that it’s worth all the additional hassle. You should probably wait until it hits the US market. 

Advantages 

• Rugged exterior
• DJ mixer (control panel) with bass, midrange, and treble controls
• Impressive connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX-IN + AUX OUT, 6.35 mm input, XLR input, XLR output x2
• Very good battery life (20-30h at 50% volume)
• USB powerbank port
• Exceptional bass reproduction and very good overall sound quality
• 122dB max SPL

Disadvantages 

• Large and heavy (not really portable)
• Highs are a bit too bright

---

13. DiamondBoxx Model XL2

Editor’s Rating: 4.9

Check Price

DiamondBoxx XL Model 2 is the latest speaker from the DiamondBoxx speaker line. It’s the upgraded version of DiamondBoxx XL and the only noticeable upgrade are the aluminum grilles for each driver (the previous version had no grilles at all).

This speaker is not for everyone, partially because of the looks, but mostly because of the price (priced around $2,000). You can choose between the two XL2 models and the only difference between them is the battery (231Wh or 462Wh).

The price difference is not huge ($150) so we recommend buying the version with a larger battery. DiamondBoxx XL2 is one of our top picks when it comes to loudness (along with SOUNDBOKS 2, Teufel Rockster, and Bumpbox UPROCK V1).

This monster speaker can reach 120dBs in SP (or SPL) mode. XL2 is the most expensive of all the portable speakers on this list and the price could be a huge deal-breaker for many people. 

Impressions

The box contains your DiamondBoxx XL2, AUX cable, power cable, user manual, and a warranty card (2-year warranty). 

DiamondBoxx speakers look like old-school boomboxes (similar to Bumpboxx speakers). The speakers are available in three colors – blue, red, and black. It’s not the kind of design that all the people like, but we’re pretty sure that the older audience will have some appreciation for it.

The speaker is made in the US and it’s made of high-quality materials. You won’t see any plastic parts here. The front and rear panels are made of aluminum while the rest of the cabinet is made of MDF. There’s a strong leather handle on the top.

All the drivers and bass reflex ports are on the front side. There are six 5.5in aluminum cone woofers, eight 1in titanium dome tweeters, and two 3in bass reflex ports. They are powered by 12 Class-AB amps with a combined RMS power output of 660W (1000W peak). 

The front panel also houses a large volume knob, power button, mode/pairing button, AUX input, battery status diamond, and a USB powerbank port. At the top of the front panel, there are 10 LED indicators (volume meters).

They will show you the battery status (remaining battery) when you turn on the speaker and, after that, they will measure the sound peaks in decibels. The rear panel houses one 4-pin charging port and two 6.35mm ports (input and output).

You can use these ports to pair two or multiple DiamondBoxx speakers together and get stereo output or just louder sound. The number of speakers you can pair together is unlimited. 

The speaker can be placed vertically or horizontally thanks to the 3D gravity sensor which tracks placement changes and adjusts the sound output depending on the speaker position.

It’s recommended to turn off the speaker if you change the speaker position and turn it back on so it can calibrate the position and make adjustments. The speaker will play music in mono mode when placed vertically (stereo mode when placed horizontally).

XL2 is not extremely versatile – you have Bluetooth and AUX connection. The speaker features Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD support.

The pairing is simple and quick, and the range is approx. 50ft. NFC pairing is not supported. Wireless connection works flawlessly and it’s compatible with Android and iOS devices. You can pair two XL2 speakers together wirelessly (in stereo mode). If you want to pair multiple speakers together, you have to use the cables.

When it comes to battery, you can choose between two versions – 462Wh and 231Wh. Since the price difference is not huge, we strongly recommend a larger battery.

This battery can deliver up to 6 hours of music playback at full volume (up to 50h at moderate volumes). It takes 6 hours to fully charge the battery (0-100%). The only complaint we have about the battery is that it’s not easily removable/replaceable (like the SOUNDBOKS 2 and Teufel Rockster batteries). That would give you so much more freedom. 

DiamondBoxx XL2 has much more to offer than just a very loud sound. This is also one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. If you think that SOUNDBOKS 2 sounds great, you should hear the XL2. 

It’s a completely different level of sound fidelity – deep and punchy lows, clear and detailed mids, and sparkling highs without any brightness. XL2 stays controlled and pleasant even at high volumes.

The distortion is barely noticeable (only at very high volumes – 80% and above). You can choose between two sound modes – SQ (sound quality) and SP (sound pressure). Some other manufacturers call them indoor and outdoor modes.

SQ mode offers more balanced sound while the SP mode boosts the low frequencies. SP mode also offers slightly louder sound (120dB max SPL VS 118dB in SQ mode. 

Advantages 

• Old-school boombox design
• Impressive construction quality (MDF cabinet, aluminum, titanium)
• Bluetooth 4.2 + AUX input
• Stable and reliable wireless connection
• TWS feature – pair two speakers wirelessly in stereo mode 
• Pair an unlimited number of speakers via double-sided 6.35mm cable
• Very good battery life – up to 50h at moderate volumes (5-6h at full volume)
• Impressive sound quality
• 120dB max SPL in SP mode

Disadvantages 

• Very expensive
• The battery is not replaceable
• It’s large (32in x 24in x 16in) and heavy (50lb)

---

14. Devialet Gold Phantom

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Check Price

Devialet is a French speaker manufacturer. This is a relatively young company. Their Devialet Phantom speaker line is probably one of the most distinctive, intriguing and attractive speaker series on the market. Gold Phantom is their most powerful and loudest speaker.

It is a mixture of superb design, impressive features, and frustrating glitches (especially when trying to pair two or multiple speakers together). Since it’s very expensive (priced around $3000) we can’t really recommend buying it. We can’t deny that it’s loud or that it sounds great, but those glitches can be really annoying. 

Impressions

The speaker comes in a premium packaging that looks like a cocoon. Besides the speaker, you will get the power cable, user manual, and a warranty card. You’ll have to buy all the additional accessories separately (cables, stand, dialog hub) and, just like the speaker itself, those accessories are not cheap.

For example, you will have to pay $300-$500 for a stand, $225 for the remote, or $500 for the Dialog (it’s used as a hub when you want to pair two/multiple speakers wirelessly). So, if you want to buy two speakers, two speaker stands, and the dialog hub, you will have to pay approx. $7,500. 

Gold Phantom looks truly astonishing. Its design is one of the things that make it so unique. Every single detail was carefully designed and assembled. Gold Phantom will be in the center of attention wherever you put it.

The speaker is made of high-quality materials but it’s definitely not made for any kind of outdoor use (it’s way too delicate). Even placing it under your porch is not a good idea – there are too many electronic parts inside the speaker and we are not sure if the moisture could damage something. 

One of the advantages of Gold Phantom over the other speakers on the list is that it’s not only a Bluetooth speaker. This speaker also features Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet port, and optical TOSLINK port. It has no analog inputs (AUX or RCA) and that’s one of the biggest disadvantages.

Pairing and connecting to your phone requires some time – you will have to install the Spark app (Android or iOS) and use it to pair a speaker to your phone, connect it to your home wi-fi network, pair multiple speakers together, make a multiroom system (up to 24 speakers), or pair 5 speakers into 5.5 home theater system.

Pairing one speaker via wi-fi or via Bluetooth is pretty simple and it’s done in seconds. The problem with this speaker is that it delivers unidirectional sound.

So, if you want stereo sound, you are going to need two of these and one DIALOG (hub). Unfortunately, this setup will cost you almost $6,500. You can find all the explanations and tutorials on how to pair multiple Phantoms on the Devialet’s official webpage or on Devialet’s YouTube Channel.

The procedure seems simple enough but some customers had issues with the app and with the DIALOG. Many of them also complained about the Devialet’s customer service which is quite disappointing considering the price you have to pay.

Gold Phantom has many advanced features. It supports AirPlay, which can be quite useful if you are building an Apple ecosystem. So, if you have an Apple TV, you could use Airplay (instead of cables) to stream audio wirelessly. 

The app also supports some popular streaming services like Tidal, Deezer, Spotify Connect, Pandora, Internet radio, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, etc. You can integrate your accounts with the Spark app and use it to stream music to your Gold Phantom.

The biggest highlight of the Gold Phantom is not design, versatility, or Airplay support. It’s the sound quality. Devialet has managed to build many proprietary hardware and software solutions into one beautiful enclosure and tune them to deliver the perfect sound without any distortion.

Among other hardware parts, it’s important to mention ADH (proprietary amp technology that combines some of the benefits of Class-A and Class-D amps), HBI (proprietary technology that enables this relatively small speaker to deliver surprisingly deep bass), and SAM (Devialet’s version of a DSP chip). 

The sound quality will blow you away. Low-end is deep and powerful. The bass never gets out of control and it never puts any shadow on low mids. Mids and highs are detailed and smooth.

The sound is never too bright. The vocals are very clear and articulate. Even if you crank the volume up to the maximum, you’ll get a perfectly balanced and distortion-free audio output. With 4500W of peak power output and 108dB of max SPL, this thing can get really loud.

It’s actually much louder than you could assume based on its size. The thing that brings the experience to a higher level is the breathing-like subwoofer movement. It’s so fun to watch. The only real complaint regarding the sonic performance is the sound directionality.

As we’ve mentioned, you need two speakers and one DIALOG device to get stereo sound (you can’t get stereo sound from one midrange woofer and one tweeter in a coaxial arrangement). 

Advantages 

• Sophisticated design
• Versatile connectivity – Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth (with aptX support), TOSLINK port, Ethernet port
• Perfectly stable Bluetooth connection
• Multiroom capabilities (connect up to 24 speakers together)
• Home theater
• Comes with the Devialet Spark app 
• State-of-the-art hardware and software components (ADH, HBI, SAM)
• Supports Airplay
• Supports Spotify Connect, Deezer, Tidal, and many other streaming services
• Amazing sonic performance

Disadvantages 

• Very expensive
• No analog connections (no AUX, no RCA)
• Unidirectional sound (you need two if you want stereo experience)
• Unreliable wireless performance (via wi-fi)
• Unstable app

---

15. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Generation

Editor’s Rating: 4.9

Check Price

Looking for a sophisticated and great-sounding speaker for your new home? B&O speakers are always a good choice. Their speakers are built and tuned with such attention to detail. Beoplay A9 is the perfect example of B&O’s perfectionistic approach.

A9 was first introduced back in 2012 and we are presenting to you the 4th generation (aka A9 MKIV) launched in May of 2019.

This is the most advanced speaker from the Beoplay series. Compared to the previous version, this one features smart functionality (Google Assistant built-in), Active Room Compensation feature (auto-calibration), and a few cosmetic changes (fabric-coated power cable, engraved logo on the aluminum ring, different leg finish). 

The speaker features many cool features like multiroom functionality, built-in Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast, discrete touch-sensitive controls, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The most important highlights are sophisticated furniture-like design and impressive sound quality and loudness.

Impressions

The speaker comes in a large box. Along with the speaker, you’ll get a power cable, speaker cover, 3 wooden legs (you have to install them on your own), quick start guide, and 2-year warranty.

A9 4th Gen is available in four versions – black, white, smoked oak, and bronze tone. Each version has different fabric cover and different legs.

If you want, you can buy some accessories separately. There are different speaker covers made in cooperation with a Danish designing company called Kvadrat and a wall bracket in case you want to mount it on your wall and make it less obtrusive.

Just like the previous speaker on our list (Gold Phantom), A9 4th Gen is quite unique and sophisticated but it’s way more subtle. Unlike the Gold Phantom, A9 doesn’t scream ‘’look at me” but it still manages to look breathtaking. 

A9 is definitely not small and if you install the legs, the speaker will be 35.7in high, 16.3in deep, and it will have 27.6in in diameter. It will take up less space if you mount it on a wall (27.6in x 8.4in). 

In terms of design, A9 4th Gen is simply perfect and there’s literally nothing we would like to change. The front panel is protected with a removable fabric cover.

The frame is made of aluminum and has a subtle Bang & Olufsen branding on the top. On the rear panel, you’ll find a handle that doubles as a bass reflex port and all the physical inputs.

The speaker features line-in/optical combo jack, power input, and Ethernet port. It also has 2 buttons – the standby button and reset/mic button.

Those touch-sensitive controls are very subtle. They are easy-to-use and quite responsive. If you want to play/pause, you have to tap the top of the speaker once.

To increase/decrease the volume, you can slide your hand left or right and if you want to play the next/previous song you can tap the right/left side of the speaker twice. 

In order to connect the speaker to your home network and make some initial adjustments, you can use the Google Home App (Android and iOS) or Wireless Accessory Configuration aka WAC (only iOS users).

The speaker has many smart features. The first thing you’ll notice when you turn it on is the Active Room Compensation feature which is an automatic calibration tool – A9 4th Gen has a mic and when you turn the speaker on, the speaker will use this mic to analyze the room and finetune the sound signature. Another feature you will like is the built-in Google Assistant.

So, just like any other Google Home speaker, A9 4th gen has smart features. The only annoying thing about Google Assistant is that when you turn off the mic (when you disable the Google Assistant), there will be four red LED lights right in the center of the speaker that won’t go off. 

A9 MK4 is very versatile when it comes to connectivity. You have Line-in/optical combo jack and Ethernet port for physical connection and many wireless options including Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi. A9 MK4 also features support for popular streaming services including Chromecast, Airplay 2, DLNA-DNR, and QPlay 2.0.

The driver arrangement is quite interesting. A9 4th Gen features 7 drivers. There’s one 8in subwoofer (paired with a rear-firing bass reflex port), two 3in midrange woofers, two .75in tweeters, and two rear-firing 1.5in full-range woofers.

They are all powered by digital amps with a combined power output of 1500W (400W x1 – subwoofer, 200W x2 – midrange woofers, 200W x2 – full-range woofers, 150W x2 – tweeters). This kind of speaker arrangement is responsible for a magnificent sonic performance. The speaker generates rich and room-filling sound.

Those rear-firing full-range drivers are responsible for improved spaciousness – it’s almost like a 360-sound. The balance and clarity are impressive. This speaker can’t reach those crazy-low frequencies but the audio output is still very enjoyable.

The bass is thick and punchy, the mids are detailed and clear, and the highs are sparkling. It’s only natural for the speaker of this size to be very loud and that’s the main reason why we had to include it on the list. It gets even louder when you pair two or multiple speakers in a multiroom system. 

Advantages 

• Unique and sophisticated design
• Subtle and easy-to-use touch-sensitive controls 
• Active Room Compensation Feature (Auto-calibration tool)
• Built-in Google Assistant (smart speaker functionality)
• Versatile connectivity – line-in/optical combo jack, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2
• Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast support
• Multiroom functionality
• Remarkable sonic performance (rich, detailed, and spacious audio output)
• Very loud (1500W combined power output)

Disadvantages 

• Very expensive (approx. $3000 per unit)
• 4 LED lights stay on all the time when you disable the Google Assistant

---

This is the end of our list of 15 Loudest Bluetooth Speakers. Hopefully, you’ve found something you like. We’ve really tried to present to you the loudest possible options and to avoid all those small speakers you can find on other lists.

I mean, some of those small speakers can be really loud for their size but they can’t compete with the monster speakers you can find on our list. As you have probably heard, if you want big sound, you should be looking for a big speaker. That’s what we’ve tried to do.

Before you go away, we have a little extra for you. We’ve listed all the important specs you should consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker and made a short buyer’s guide.

Buyer’s Guide – Specs to Consider When Buying a Bluetooth Speaker

Loudness – Power Ratings and Sensitivities

We have already said everything you need to know about power ratings and sensitivities. The most important thing to remember is that max loudness (max SPL) depends on both values.

Looking at only one of these values will never give you the whole picture. You have to consider both values and you have to know the correlation between sensitivity and power rating. Knowing a few things about human perception of sound is also important.

So, you should know what kind of loudness can be considered painful or dangerous and you should be aware of the correlation between the loudness and distance (especially when choosing the right place for your speaker). 

 Sound Quality 

Buying a loud but poor-sounding speaker is a waste of money. Different people prefer different sound signatures but we should all know to recognize a bad sound.

Earth-shaking bass is great but boomy and distorted bass is not a good thing and it can destroy the whole listening experience. Also, it’s not enough to have a great punch without any mids and highs. Or a great punch and ear-piercing highs. The key is in balance.

Subtle bass emphasis is acceptable, even desirable, especially when buying a party speaker, but too much bass can be overwhelming. So, what’s the best thing you can do? Well, if you have the chance, you should test the speaker and hear it.

If you really like the sound, there’s no need to check all the specs. If you don’t have the chance to test it, look for reviews or look at the specs and search for THD rating and frequency response curves.

The majority of manufacturers don’t publish frequency response curves which is a bummer. In most cases, you’ll only get a frequency range (something like 15Hz-22kHz or 15Hz-22kHz +/-6dB) which doesn’t tell you much about the sound quality or about the sound signature. So, in those cases, you’ll have to read or watch the reviews and try to decide.

Design

This is not as important as sound quality or loudness, especially if you are looking for a large outdoor speaker. If you, on the other hand, want a nice-looking indoor/standalone speaker, design becomes a bit more important.

Since we all have different tastes, recommending only one kind of design would be stupid. If you prefer the classy, old-school look, Marshall’s speakers (Woburn II is only one of them) should be on your shortlist.

If you prefer something more futuristic or extremely sophisticated, the best options, at least in our opinion, are Devialet Gold Phantom and B&O Beoplay A9. If you want a party speaker with lighting, you should check out Sony GTK-XB90, Altec Lansing Xpedition 8, and JBL Partybox 300 (or Partybox 1000).

Still, none of these speakers are in the top-three when it comes to loudness. The loudest speakers on the market (SOUDBOKS 2, Teufel ROCKSTER, and DiamondBoxx XL2) are a bit simpler and boxier but still look nice.

Build Quality (Ruggedness, Waterproofness)

None of the speakers on our list are poorly constructed but they are not all equally suitable for outdoor use.

As you already know, some of them are not even battery-operated which means that you can’t use them outdoors (unless you have a wall socket nearby). Some speakers are technically portable but look a bit too sophisticated to be used outdoors.

Take, for example, Aiwa Exos 9 or Marshall portable speakers. They are all battery-operated but they don’t look rugged enough and they are not made for all kinds of weather conditions. Placing them next to your pool or exposing them to direct sunlight doesn’t seem like a good idea. We are not saying they can’t withstand a few splashes of water but they look a bit too sophisticated for that kind of use.

If you want to use the speaker outdoors, any kind of reinforcement or waterproof/water resistant rating is definitely desirable. If you need a completely waterproof speaker, your only options are JBL Boombox and Altec Lansing Xpedition 8. Braven BRV-XXL is IPX5-certified (water-resistant).

Other speakers on the list don’t have IPX ratings but many of them are quite rugged and durable (SOUNDBOKS 2, Teufel ROCKSTER, DiamondBoxx XL2, ION Audio Road Warrior, etc.). 

 Connection Quality and Versatility (Bluetooth Version, Range, Reliability, Other Connection Options)

Since you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker and you probably want a wire-free environment, Bluetooth connection reliability is very important. Bluetooth version doesn’t have to mean a lot but, in most cases, higher/newer Bluetooth version offers better performance, more reliable connection, and longer range.

It’s always recommended to test the speaker if you have the chance and see if it meets your requirements and if it offers satisfying performance with your device. If you don’t have the chance to test it, the only thing you can do is to read/watch the reviews and see what other people have to say.

The majority of Bluetooth speakers on the market offer approx. 30ft of range when there are no obstacles. This usually means less than 20ft indoors. Some Bluetooth speakers can deliver much more (100ft+ without obstacles). 

Some Bluetooth speakers also have additional Bluetooth features. If you want to answer a call with your speaker, you should check the specs and look for supported Bluetooth profiles. If the HFP profile is supported, the speaker can be used for answering phone calls.

Some Bluetooth speakers support multipoint pairing which allows you to pair 2 or more devices with a speaker at the same time and some speakers can be paired with another speaker of the same kind (or with multiple speakers of the same kind) and deliver louder sound.

Any additional connection option (besides the Bluetooth) can be considered a plus. Some speakers are very versatile and have a bunch of digital and analog connections, while some have only AUX input. 

Portability (Battery)

If you want a portable speaker, it’s only normal to pay attention to the battery. High capacity and long playtime are always desirable. Some speakers (like SOUNDBOKS 2 and Aiwa Exos 9) have easily replaceable batteries so you don’t have to stop the party.

Just buy an additional battery and charge one while the other is in use. Some of the speakers on our list can deliver more than 10h of playtime at full volume so you don’t even have to buy an additional battery.

Price

For most people, price is the first thing to think about. We have decided to set the limit high but that’s the thing with really loud speakers – they are big and they are pricey.

If you want something smaller and a bit more affordable (under $200), you could go for JBL Extreme or UE Megaboom 3 or UE Megablast but. if you want something louder than that, you will have to pay more.

Our top pick under $300 is Aiwa Exos 9 which is a great-sounding portable speaker but it’s not very rugged and it’s not a perfect choice for outdoor use.

The loudest speaker under $300 is ION Audio Road Warrior but we have some doubts about this speaker (Lead-acid battery, boomy bass) and it would not be our first choice.

Marshall Woburn II is, in our opinion, the best-sounding speaker under $500 but it’s not made for outdoor use.

If you need a portable party speaker under $500, Sony GTK-XB90 or JBL PartyBox 300 are the best options. If you need a waterproof party speaker under $500, Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 is the only option.

The loudest Bluetooth speakers on the market are all priced over $500. SOUNDBOKS 2 offers the best price/loudness ratio (122dB for $900).

If you are prepared to pay more, you should check out Teufel ROCKSTER (made in Germany) or DiamondBoxx XL2 (handmade in the US).

The most sophisticated and the most expensive speakers on our list are Devialet Gold Phantom and B&O Beoplay A9 but they are not regular Bluetooth speakers – they are much more than that (Wi-Fi connectivity, multiroom capability, Chromecast built-in, Apple Airplay, etc.).