I’ve tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers here at NewForTech—more than 30 to be exact. And this year I’ve got my hands on a ton of amazing models, from mini audio companions to powerful party speakers.
It seems fitting to celebrate some of the best Bluetooth speakers this year, even if narrowing it down to just five was a real challenge! I decided to stick with one speaker per brand simply for variety and choice. You’ll also find models to suit all budgets, not just ultra-expensive audiophile devices!
When creating this list, I considered several attributes. Of course, sound quality is an important factor, but I also considered the range and quality of smart features, as well as the look and build quality of each speaker. Perhaps most importantly, for me, value for money is at the heart of every choice, so you can be sure that each model offers good value for money.
With that being said, let’s dive into my top 5!
5. LG xboom stage 301
This is one of the most unconventional Bluetooth speakers I’ve tested in 2025, but that’s really not a bad thing! Modeled after a wedge-style stage speaker, the LG xboom Stage 301 is a great choice to get the party started.
It features stunning dual-bar RGB lighting that you can customize via a companion app, nifty equalizer options, and even built-in DJ effects. There is also a karaoke function with reverb and voice changing effects. Combine that with very solid battery life and effective AI-powered sound calibration, and there’s a lot to get excited about.
Although LG doesn’t always deliver when it comes to sound, I was a big fan of this model’s audio performance. The bass isn’t particularly punchy, but this speaker still sounds nice and deep, and I was really impressed with the clean, snappy low-frequency output. The mids and highs are also faithfully reproduced and distortion and compression are limited even at higher volumes.
Yes, this speaker was $299.99 / £299.99 / AU$449, but now I’m seeing it much cheaper in some regions. In the UK, for example, LG regularly sells the xboom Stage 301 for less than £150. This offers excellent value for money and secures this speaker its place in my top 5.
Read my full LG xboom Stage 301 test report.
4. Build ES20
My big surprise of 2025 is the Edifier ES20. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this speaker given its small size and modest list price of $89.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.99. But I was quickly impressed by what I saw and heard.
Let’s start with the appearance. This thing is a real beauty with a retro Marshall style design.
Its frets, faux leather exterior, and attractive color options make it the ideal choice for anyone looking for an aesthetically pleasing portable companion. Its IP67 dust and water resistance rating also means it’s more than just pretty – it’s highly durable and can withstand immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The thing is also very talented in terms of sound. The bass is punchy and the treble is well controlled, but the real star of the show remains the midrange. Vocals, guitars and other instruments played in the midrange sound wonderfully detailed and clear, providing a listening experience full of nuance and movement.
Additionally, the ES20 features a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, customizable lighting for added ambiance, and a convenient carrying strap for use on the go. This is my favorite budget Bluetooth speaker of 2025 and it’s very easy to recommend.
Read my full Edifier ES20 test report.
3. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 third generation
Premium audio brand Bang & Olufsen has absolutely won with this small round Bluetooth speaker that offers the most immersive sound I’ve heard all year.
The third generation Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 delivers seismic bass with low extension, beautifully separated mids and expressive highs. It even uses the aptX Adaptive Audio codec to enable higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming, and the inclusion of USB-C audio pass-through will please more detail-oriented listeners.
Furthermore, it is one of the most luxurious models I have ever seen. The durable polymer and bead blasted textured anodized aluminum construction is a delight to behold. It’s also waterproof and comes in a variety of delicious color options, my favorite being Honey Tone.
The Bang & Olufsen app also includes all sorts of great features, with built-in access to radio stations, multi-speaker pairing, multi-point connectivity and all that good stuff. If you’re looking for a higher-quality, full-featured Bluetooth speaker, this device should be on your radar.
Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation Review.
2.Marshall Kilburn III
Just before the B&O we have the Marshall Kilburn III, which performs surprisingly well across the board.
The most impressive thing about this Bluetooth speaker, besides its exceptional audio quality, is the surprisingly long battery life of 50 hours. The Marshall app also offers a variety of battery saving options, meaning this is a very long lasting speaker – you barely need to charge it! When you also take into account the Kilburn III’s impressive location compensation and Auracast connectivity, it’s a real beast in the features department.
Back to the sound, because I was impressed with the sound quality of this Bluetooth speaker. It uses Marshall’s 360-degree stereo sound to deliver a superior listening experience from every angle, and its powerful bass never drowns out intricately layered mids or vibrant highs. Everything from instrument separation to dynamics is mastered excellently.
You won’t get the high-quality seal of some of the speakers on this list, but the Kilburn III is intended to be both a masterpiece and a portable speaker. And its classic amp-inspired look is truly to die for – the Kilburn III is aesthetically pleasing, to say the least. This is a powerful and powerful option and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Read my full Review of Marshall Kilburn III.
1. JBL Flip 7
Whether you read the title or not, you knew JBL would be on this list, right? And the model I chose for first place is the JBL Flip 7.
When I first unpacked this speaker and turned it on, I was in complete disbelief. How can such a small and compact speaker produce such powerful and powerful sound?
You’ll get remarkable bass that’s as snappy as it is powerful. The complex mids and crisp highs are also impressive, giving you an impressive and well-rounded listening experience.
Additionally, this speaker uses JBL’s AI Sound Boost technology to optimize sound and can deliver higher resolution listening pleasure thanks to USB-C data transfer capabilities. With great battery life, incredible IP68 waterproofing, and a drop-proof design, this model is truly a complete package.
And its low price is the final blow. For just $149 / £129 / AU$179, and often even less, you’ll get a durable, great-sounding cylinder that takes pride of place in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. There really is nothing better.
Read our full JBL Flip7 test report.
