Best portable Bluetooth speakers for the money

Top pick: JBL Flip 7. It's the sweet spot of value — a well-known, rugged outdoor speaker with a big review base, light enough to toss in a bag, and it costs a fraction of what the premium brands ask. If you want one speaker and no second thoughts, this is it.

Who the others suit:

• JBL Clip 5 — best if you want the smallest, cheapest thing that still sounds good; the built-in clip is great for bikes and backpacks.
• Beats Pill — for a fuller, bassier sound in a slim shape you can carry easily.
• Bose SoundLink Plus — for the best sound and longest battery here, if you'd rather spend more once.
• Sonos Roam — for a small speaker that fits neatly into a Sonos home setup.
• JBL PartyBox Stage 320 — only if you're hosting outdoors and want real volume; it's a wheeled party box, not a pocket speaker.
• Budget picks (Avoben, CASCHO M10, NOTABRICK) — fine for a shower, kitchen or garden at very little money, but expect less polish and shorter life than the JBLs.

Skip the no-name listings with vague specs if sound quality matters.