Best for: booming sound.By far the loudest of the bunch we tested, this stylish beat buster also rocked the clearest sound while playing anything from Jay-Z’s 4:44 to the J. Geils Band’s Love Stinks.$100, jbl.com
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Wonderboom
Best for: on the go. Think of it as ultraportable surround sound. The speaker’s stretchy hanging loop lets you secure it just about anywhere, from your wall to your backpack to your car’s rearview mirror.$100, ultimateears.com
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Braven Balance
Best for: nonstop play.The Balance gives you 18 uninterrupted hours per charge and has an extra bass function. The downside: The sound falls flat compared with the JBL and the Wonderboom.$65, braven.com
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Sony SRS-XB10
Best for: extra bass for extra cheap.It’s the smallest, least-expensive speaker we tested, but it also happens to pack the biggest bass boom, thanks to Sony’s patented Extra Bass design. Even cooler, you can pair two speakers for added sound.$58, amazon.com
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Soundcast VG1
Best for: braving the elements.Built with a coating of rubberized plastic, this shock-resistant waterproof speaker was built with supreme durability in mind. So if you’re looking for a sound box that can handle anything you throw at it—including the occasional fumble—the VG1 is your best bet.$150, amazon.com
By far the loudest of the bunch we tested, this stylish beat buster also rocked the clearest sound while playing anything from Jay-Z’s 4:44 to the J. Geils Band’s Love Stinks.
Think of it as ultraportable surround sound. The speaker’s stretchy hanging loop lets you secure it just about anywhere, from your wall to your backpack to your car’s rearview mirror.
The Balance gives you 18 uninterrupted hours per charge and has an extra bass function. The downside: The sound falls flat compared with the JBL and the Wonderboom.
It’s the smallest, least-expensive speaker we tested, but it also happens to pack the biggest bass boom, thanks to Sony’s patented Extra Bass design. Even cooler, you can pair two speakers for added sound.
Built with a coating of rubberized plastic, this shock-resistant waterproof speaker was built with supreme durability in mind. So if you’re looking for a sound box that can handle anything you throw at it—including the occasional fumble—the VG1 is your best bet.
