With the popularity of smart devices and wireless technology, portable speakers have become an indispensable part of modern life. From outdoor activities to family gatherings, and even daily commuting, portable speakers play a crucial role in various situations with their compact design and high-quality sound. However, with a wide variety of options available in the market, the price differences between portable speakers can be vast. How do you find the most cost-effective portable speaker under £100?
We will recommend several portable speakers under £100 that offer excellent sound quality and rich features, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a travel lover, or someone who wants to relax at an outdoor party, you will find the perfect speaker.
1. JBL Flip 5
Price: £90 approx.
Recommendation:
As one of the most popular products in the JBL lineup, the JBL Flip 5 offers excellent sound quality and portability. It delivers powerful bass and clear highs, making it suitable for various music genres, whether rock, electronic, or classical. The Flip 5 supports an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it is fully waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor use, especially at the beach or poolside where you can use it worry-free.
In addition, the JBL Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1 technology, ensuring stable connection and quick response. Its battery life is also impressive, providing up to 12 hours of playtime, which is essential for long outdoor activities or trips. Its moderate size makes it easy to carry, and the built-in USB-C charging port allows for more efficient charging.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality, rich bass, and wide sound range
- Waterproof design, suitable for outdoor use
- Long battery life
- Convenient USB-C charging
Cons:
- No built-in microphone, cannot make voice calls
2. Anker Soundcore Flare 2
Price: £80 approx.
Recommendation:
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a stylish portable Bluetooth speaker with outstanding sound quality. Its 360-degree sound design makes it ideal for both outdoor parties and indoor use, ensuring the sound is evenly spread and not affected by placement. The Flare 2 is equipped with two full-range drivers and two bass radiators, delivering rich bass and clear sound, making it perfect for users who enjoy rich and dynamic sound.
It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it is resistant to rain and can be used by the poolside, perfect for various outdoor activities. Compared to many other portable speakers, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is capable of producing high volume, making it suitable for parties and outdoor events. The battery life is also quite impressive, lasting up to 12 hours for uninterrupted music enjoyment.
Additionally, the Flare 2 features RGB lighting effects that change with the rhythm of the music, enhancing the party atmosphere. Through the Soundcore app, users can further adjust the sound and lighting settings to customize their music experience.
Pros:
- 360-degree sound design, evenly clear sound
- Powerful bass and clear highs
- Supports IPX7 waterproof, ideal for outdoor use
- Lighting effects enhance party atmosphere
- App allows for sound adjustments
Cons:
- Battery life can drain quickly with extended use
3. Ultimate Ears (UE) WONDERBOOM 3
Price: £95 approx.
Recommendation:
Ultimate Ears’ WONDERBOOM series has been one of the most popular portable speaker lines on the market, and the WONDERBOOM 3 has gained further recognition due to its excellent sound quality, rugged design, and portability. The WONDERBOOM 3 delivers 360-degree sound with balanced audio, ensuring clear and layered sound from all angles.
This speaker also features an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it fully submersible in water, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping or beach trips. Furthermore, the WONDERBOOM 3 offers up to 14 hours of battery life, which is great for most outdoor adventures.
The design is relatively compact and easy to carry, making it lightweight and perfect for travel. Its Bluetooth connection is also highly reliable, supporting pairing with up to two devices, allowing for a richer music experience.
Pros:
- 360-degree sound, clear and balanced audio
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof, suitable for extreme environments
- 14-hour battery life
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel
- Stable Bluetooth connection, can pair with multiple devices
Cons:
- Lacks voice assistant support, fewer control options
4. Bose SoundLink Micro
Price: £99 approx.
Recommendation:
The Bose SoundLink Micro is a portable Bluetooth speaker known for its excellent sound quality and strong portability. Bose is renowned for its high-quality audio, and the SoundLink Micro is no exception—despite its small size, it delivers impressive sound with rich bass and clear highs. It also features an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it resistant to rain, splashes, and short-term immersion, perfect for outdoor use, especially for those who enjoy hiking or outdoor activities.
The battery life is around 6 hours, which is relatively short but sufficient for short-term use. The speaker weighs just 290 grams, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. Additionally, the Bose SoundLink Micro has a built-in microphone, allowing users to make voice calls or interact with voice assistants.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with rich bass
- IPX7 waterproof, suitable for outdoor activities
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Supports voice calls and voice assistants
Cons:
- Shorter battery life, suitable for short-term use
5. Tribit StormBox Micro
Price: £40 approx.
Recommendation:
If you have a limited budget but still want good sound quality, the Tribit StormBox Micro is an excellent choice. This speaker offers great sound, especially with solid bass performance, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.
The Tribit StormBox Micro comes with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, allowing it to withstand harsh weather and outdoor environments. Its battery life is around 8 hours, which is not the longest but is enough for a day’s outdoor activities. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry, and it can easily fit into a backpack or bottle holder.
Additionally, the Tribit StormBox Micro supports Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring stable connectivity and a longer Bluetooth range.
Pros:
- Great value for the price, high cost-performance ratio
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof, suitable for outdoor use
- 8-hour battery life, sufficient for daily use
- Compact and portable, ideal for travel
Cons:
- Sound may distort at higher volumes
Under a budget of £100, there are many portable speakers that offer great value for money. Considering sound quality, battery life, waterproofing, and other features, here are the top recommended products:
- JBL Flip 5: Excellent sound quality and waterproof performance, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Anker Soundcore Flare 2: 360-degree sound and lighting effects, great for parties and gatherings.
- Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3: Durable and ideal for extreme environments.
- Bose SoundLink Micro: Strong portability and excellent sound quality, suitable for short trips.
- Tribit StormBox Micro: High value for money, perfect for budget-conscious users.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or someone who enjoys listening to music on the go, these speakers will meet your needs. Choose the one that best suits your preferences and enjoy an enriched music experience!