Music in your pocket: the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100

The JBL brand tries to pamper its fans with new products, therefore it regularly updates the lines of portable acoustics. The third-generation Go model has received a number of improvements, not only noticeable, but also tangible.

The Go 3 has become a little thicker compared to the Go 2, but in general it is more compact due to the rounded body. Dense fabric protects the column from moisture and dust (IP67), and latex inserts on both sides prevent slipping and soften the impact. The speaker is very comfortable in the hand, pleasant to the touch and causes a feeling of reliability and practicality. A thick strap solves the issue of carrying convenience, and 12 colour options leave no chance to refuse to buy a device because of an inappropriate colour.

Technically, Go 3 has gained a lot, but it has also lost something. The advantages definitely include the latest version of Bluetooth 5.1, Type C and a new speaker with an extended lower frequency range of 110 Hz vs. 180 Hz in Go2 and increased power (4.2 W vs. 3). The sound has become really weightier and cleaner, especially in the upper register.

The battery remained unchanged, but in vain. 5 hours of battery life at 60 – 70% is frankly not enough, and 2.5 hours of charging is long. I didn't like the decision to abandon AUX either. Given the lack of support for HD codecs, sound over the wire would be very useful. There is also no hands-free function, which makes it impossible to speak hands free.

Otherwise, JBL Go 3 justifies its cost of $ 40. Compact, reliable, stylish, youth.

Another baby from JBL, Clip 3 for lovers of an active lifestyle. Released in 2018, the model remains relevant and in demand until now. They ask for $ 45 for the column and it works them out with a vengeance.

Clip 3 is presented in a round form factor and is slightly less than 10 cm in diameter. Inside there is a 3-watt speaker, a passive radiator, a Bluetooth 4.1 module. and a 1000 mAh battery, which is enough for about 10 hours of listening. Outside there is a convenient carabiner for carrying, control buttons and microUSB and AUX connectors, protected by a dense rubber plug.

The case is made of soft touch plastic, has IPX7 water protection, and the speaker is covered with a thick cloth. You can buy Clip 3 in 11 colour options, among which there are both classic and very extravagant shades.

Of course, it would be rash to expect a powerful saturated sound from such a baby, but in general, it's not bad enough. The bright woofers characteristic of JBL prevail. The lower limit of the frequency range starts at 120 Hz, so almost all the bass is overboard. Nevertheless, the sound is impressive in detail, and is perfect for listening to audiobooks, radio, light music. Among other advantages, also note the presence of a speakerphone for hands-free communication and the absence of a 3.5 mm non-removable wire, as inClip 2. Still, this decision was not entirely successful, so I am glad that in the next generation they decided to abandon it.

JBL Clip 3 is a great option for those who like to take music on the road. With this column, it will always be at hand.

The Muvo series of compact portable speakers from Creative provides a sound quality and volume that some competitors cannot provide in much larger sizes. Today we will tell you about the Muvo Play model, which costs like a JBL Clip 3 ($ 45), but "beats" it in all respects.

In appearance, the column resembles a barrel no larger than a cup. The case is made of soft-touch plastic, the front and back are covered with dense textiles. On the sides are two passive radiators with Creative inscriptions. The column is available in 4 colours: red, orange, blue and black. Protected from water exposure by IPX7 technology. It has an eyelet for the strap that comes with the kit.

2 active 1.5-inch speakers with a total power of 10 Watts RMS are responsible for the sound, and Bluetooth 5.0 and an AUX cable are responsible for its transmission. The frequency range is very decent for such a baby, 70 – 20000 Hz. As a result, we have a fairly detailed and timbral rich sound with good treble and midrange drawing and even quite clearly traceable bass.

Add here another capacious 2000 mAh battery (about 10 hours of listening), USB-C, speakerphone, Dual Mode mode to create a stereo pair with another speaker of the same type and we get a mega functional audio system in ultra-compact sizes for a very limited price tag. The combination is almost impossible, but Creative definitely breaks stereotypes.

One of the most recent speakers in the LG XBOOM Go PL2 wireless line was introduced in September 2020, and immediately attracted the attention of many fans of the brand and high-quality portable audio. The column costs $ 50, and for this price offers a rich set of features.

The novelty has the shape of a barrel with a narrowing in the front. It is made of soft-touch plastic, fits easily in the palm of your hand and does not slip. It is offered in several solid colours from classic to bright shades, has IPX5 water protection, intuitive operation.

In the left side there is a passive radiator, and in the right there is a plug, behind which are hidden USB ports With AUX, a TWS button for connecting a stereo pair, that is, another of the same XBOOM as the second channel. Separately, it is worth noting the light indication of the buttons and the charge. It is very convenient to use.

The XBOOM Go PL2 is characterized by high sound detail, good battery life (up to 10 hours at medium volume) and support for Meridian technologies with SoundBoost function to expand the range in the woofer area. The power of the speaker is enough to sound a room with an area of up to 12 m2.

Bluetooth 5.0 with Apple AAC codec support is used to pair with the audio source. The speaker also supports hands-free function, and firmware update via smartphone.

The only drawback, perhaps, can be considered the duration of a full charge of the device. It will take about 4 hours. With such a size and power, it was possible to do with three.

Otherwise, XBOOM Go PL2 is very good, and will appeal to many fans of mobile aesthetics.

Harman Kardon constantly pleases fans of portable audio in the face of the JBL brand, but it also produces models under its own name. Ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker Neo, released at the beginning of last year, is offered at a price of $ 65. It's not cheap for such a baby, but it's worth it.

A speaker in a metal case will look great on the desktop next to a laptop and smartphone, and a leather strap allows you to conveniently take a stylish accessory with you on business trips and on vacation. Neo is offered in three colours: black, blue and bronze, the latter looks especially stylish.

The column claims IPX7 water protection, but the USB and AUX ports are not protected by anything, so if you drop it into the water, consider it gone.

Bluetooth 4.2 is responsible for wireless sound, and the standard SBC codec and one 40 mm speaker with a frequency response of 130 Hz — 20 kHz are responsible for its quality. You can not count on the bass, but in general the sound is pleasant, legible, with a wide stage. Jazz and pop are read very well, and in rap and dance music, the beats of bass drums are well transmitted.

The manufacturer focuses on crystal clear sound in the call mode, thanks to a sensitive microphone with noise reduction, and this is indeed the case. The battery life also pleases. The device can withstand 10 hours at medium volume easily, and it charges for a relatively short time, from 0 to 100% in three hours.

Harman Kardon Neo successfully combines the qualities of a wireless speaker and a premium accessory. If you are a business person leading an active lifestyle, this is your choice.

The Bose logo is the hallmark of premium sound. Why this is so, we will tell you on the example of the portable SoundLink Micro speaker, produced by the company since 2017 and remains consistently popular with users.

The column has a square narrow shape with rounded edges and miniature dimensions of 95x95x35 mm. The case is made of durable and pleasant to the touch silicone, protected from water according to the IPX7 standard and is slightly susceptible to bumps and scratches. The model is available in three colours to choose from: black, dark blue and orange. On the back panel there is a non-removable silicone strap that allows you to attach the column to various objects, for example, a bicycle, backpack, etc.

In SoundLink Micro you will not find an AUX connector, and USB-C, but there is support for a voice assistant, including in Russian, as well as the ability to work with the Bose Connect application, which opens up wide connectivity options, for example, to a stereo pair or a network of Bose home devices in party mode.

Well, the most important thing is the sound. He's just gorgeous here. I can't even believe that such a baby can sound so loud, open, wide and rich. but that's exactly what it sounds like. And this is with only one 5-watt speaker and a passive radiator. The sound can be enjoyed continuously for up to 6 hours, after which the speaker will need to be charged.

SoundLink Misgo, of course, is not perfect. Lack of AUX, outdated and inconvenient microUSB, mono sound, average battery life. All this could be forgiven if the column had a price of $ 60 – 70, not 100. The case when you have to either pay extra for a name, or look for a more adequate alternative.