Michael Gowan

Braven XXL's big size is matched by its big sound and impressive durability, though the speaker is not very easy to lug around.

For a portable wireless speaker, the Zipp is packed with technology — including multiroom capabilities — and delivers well-balanced sound.

Who needs a stereo? With great sound and an easy-to-use app, the Sonos Play:5 makes a strong case for being the center of your home audio universe.

The waterproof Swimmer Duo improves on its predecessor, and joining two Duos together improves the sound greatly. But there are better-sounding, lower-cost alternatives.

The Fugoo Style XL delivers big, balanced sound quality along with top-of-the-line ruggedness and battery life.

Google's Chromecast Audio makes it easy to stream high-quality audio from most streaming music services to powered speakers.

With better bass and water resistance, the JBL Flip 3 is one of the best $100 portable Bluetooth speakers available.

The Slingbox M2 can stream whatever you see on your TV, but it doesn’t improve much on the previous generation.

With more ruggedness and a few new features, the UE Boom 2 makes for a good all-around portable Bluetooth speaker.

With excellent fidelity and plenty of power, the portable Marshall Kilburn fills any space with great sound.

Ultimate Ears' latest speaker looks different, sounds good and isn’t afraid of the water — all for an affordable price.

JBL's Clip ultraportable Bluetooth speaker delivers excellent sound in a small package for only $50.

The rugged Braven BRV-PRO is designed to keep up with your active life, with optional accessories that make the speaker even more useful.

JBL's latest version of the Charge adds water resistance and offers better sound, making an affordable portable speaker even better.

Sony's latest Bluetooth speaker impresses with excellent sound quality for the price, but its large size and weak battery life limit its portability.

If you want some musical accompaniment in the bathroom, the iShower2 offers several convenient features, although the sound is average.

The BRV-HD delivers very good sound, but isn’t as portable or rugged as some other outdoor Bluetooth speakers.

The Fugoo Tough combines extreme weatherproofing, a long-lasting battery and good sound in a portable package.

The UE Megaboom delivers loud and clear audio in a tough, waterproof design.

Anker's little Bluetooth speaker lasts all day on a charge and delivers decent sound, but some flaws keep it from excelling.

If you value balanced sound and an affordable price the most in a Bluetooth speaker, strongly consider the Sony SRS-X2.

The affordable UE Mini Boom sounds good, gets loud and keeps the frills to a minimum.

The slim Polk MagniFi soundbar produces a ton of bass, and makes movies and TV shows sound great.

Matching good audio performance and an ultraportable design with a flash of style, Jawbone’s Mini Jambox makes a strong case for a place inside your bag.

Braven's rugged and affordable BRV-1 tackles the elements and delivers good sound.