Shake the room: The best Bluetooth speakers for bass in 2024

The JBL Flip 6 takes the top spot on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for bass.

Combining excellent sound quality with ingenious design, you're getting a lot at a reasonable price point. Two passive radiators (one at each end), a 16 mm tweeter to handle the high end and a "racetrack-shaped" 45 × 80 mm woofer deliver bass-heavy audio without distortion.

Olivia Sheed tested the Flip 6 and said this: "The sound you get from this speaker – just wow. It can go from soft and intimate to booming and powerful without pushing above 50 per cent volume.

"I've had a good share of good and bad speaker experiences, and this was by far the best one I've ever had. As someone who focuses more on sound, that is where a lot of my praise stems from, as the sound profile is simply superb. The features alongside it, the design, the volume, the ruggedness, just convince me further that this is one of the best mid-tier speakers out there. I will be closely watching JBL in future, as I can't wait to see where it goes next in the Flip series.."

Read her full review here.

The Sony SRS-XB13 Bluetooth speaker is small and portable, yet mighty – perfect for filling your home with a delightfully balanced sound. At less than £40, under half the price of its predecessor (2019's SRS-XB12) the XB-13 brings deep bass, a more robust build quality, and a less rounded design which looks slick and modern.

Where battery life is concerned, the SRS-XB13 can endure even the longest parties, with 16 hours of total battery capacity. Yes, its charging time may be a little longer than expected at four and a half hours, but simply allowing the SRS-XB13 to passively charge will ensure you've got plenty of power for your next social.

Sony's budget build quality is remarkable and despite its smaller size, the speaker's 13-watt audio output is particularly strong, kicking out good volume and plenty of bass.

That being said, we've certainly experienced louder Bluetooth speakers for bass, and while the XB13 is a good option for a simple speaker setup, you're not going to shake the room.

Impressively designed with solid audio, the Sony SRS XB13 offers brilliant bass for its price.

The Marshall Middleton is among the most impressive portable Bluetooth speakers, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality with a hefty bass. With its iconic Marshall styling, this speaker packs two 3-inch 15W woofers, two 3/5-inch 10W tweeters, and dual passive radiators, ensuring a robust audio experience. Priced at £269.99, it positions itself at the premium end of the market but justifies this with its powerful performance and timeless design.

In addition to its impressive sound, the Middleton boasts a 20-plus hour battery life and rapid USB-C charging, making it convenient for extended use. Its rugged build, including an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, ensures it can withstand various environments. However, at 1.8kg, it's not the lightest portable speaker, which may be a consideration for those needing maximum portability.

This speaker was tried and tested by William Austin-Lobley, who has this to say about his experience: "The Marshall Middleton is packing some serious audio heat. It's capable of handling light acoustic tracks delicately and smashing through rambunctious rock-and-roll with style and flair. The bass response is phenomenal, making it one of the best bassy speakers I've heard at this size. Tracks like SNAP!'s "Rhythm Is A Dancer" and Fred Again's "Turn On The Lights Again" showcase its ability to deliver weighty bass without overwhelming the other elements of the music."

You can read his full review here.

We think the Bose Soundlink Max is a standout among portable Bluetooth speakers for its robust build and exceptional sound quality. Known for its deep bass, this speaker features two midrange drivers and a single tweeter that delivers a well-balanced and powerful audio experience. Its IPX7 waterproof rating ensures durability, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The Soundlink Max also boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours on a full charge.

In terms of connectivity, the Bose Soundlink Max uses Bluetooth 5.3 for a strong, stable connection and features a 3.5mm aux input and USB-C charging port. It also integrates seamlessly with the Bose app, offering detailed control over equalisation and other settings.

This was tried and tested by Chris Duffill, who has this to say about his experience: "When I tested the Bose Soundlink Max, I was immediately impressed by its bass performance. The power and depth of the basslines, particularly on tracks like Confidence Man's 'I Can't Lose You', were outstanding. The sound remained clear and detailed even at high volumes, a testament to the quality of the drivers and overall design."

"The waterproof and dustproof design held up under rigorous testing, including exposure to a garden hose and being submerged in a kitchen sink. Despite its minimalist look, the Soundlink Max proved incredibly durable and reliable. With its excellent battery life and strong Bluetooth connection, this speaker is a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy powerful bass on the go."

You can read the full review here.

The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a top-tier portable outdoor speaker with a robust build and exceptional sound quality. With a design that resembles a modern boom box, it's built to withstand the elements while delivering powerful audio performance. Priced at £199.99, this speaker stands out for those seeking high-powered sound without compromising portability. Its enhanced features, including dynamic light shows and the BassUp function, make it a versatile choice for any outdoor setting, from crowded beaches to cosy back gardens.

What sets the Boom 2 Plus apart is its ease of handling a wide range of musical genres. It delivers impactful bass and nuanced sound, making it an excellent choice for heavily produced tracks and more stripped-back music. Including a dedicated light show button and a user-friendly interface further enhances its appeal.

This was tried and tested by Jack Barrell, who has this to say about their experience: "I spent three weeks rigorously testing the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus in various settings, including the outdoors, an enclosed garden, and my living room. The speaker's sound capabilities are impressive, with deep, punchy bass and clear, nuanced audio across different genres. The BassUp feature enhances the bass, is particularly effective, and adds a new dimension to the listening experience."

"What truly stands out is the speaker's design and build quality. It's larger and bulkier than its predecessor, the Boom 2, but still manages to be portable thanks to the included shoulder strap. The dynamic light show feature is a highlight, providing a visually stunning accompaniment to the music. However, one minor drawback is the inability to check the battery percentage via Bluetooth on an iPhone, which can be inconvenient. Overall, the Boom 2 Plus is an outstanding speaker that delivers on both sound quality and design."

You can read his full review here.

If it's bass you're looking for, you won't find more raw power than in the JBL PartyBox110, the ultimate speaker for large gatherings, or for those who adore music.

An enormous speaker weighing over 10 kilos, it isn't always going to be the most convenient, but there's no denying its brilliance. Outdoing most of its competition when it comes to power, the 160W audio output is ideal for users unafraid of disturbing the neighbours with hard-hitting, pulse-racing bass.

Ann RRP of £349.99, might sound like a lot of money to spend, but the PartyBox110 does come with a variety of features to elevate your speaker experience. Karaoke, multi-speaker connectivity, a built-in light show, and more, this is a one-of-a-kind portable party.

One of the best speakers of the year, let alone one of the best for bass, the JBL PartyBox110 is one of our favourites, overshadowing most other options on the market with its crisp audio and fantastic features.

The pinnacle of portable speaker technology, the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Explore has all the aspects we love about a portable speaker, without the limitations. A truly high-end speaker from renowned manufacturers, Bang & Olufsen, the BeoSound Explore packs a mighty punch for its small stature, having a total of 30W of audio output in a design that's no larger than a drink can.

Its aesthetic is gorgeously monochrome and tactical, with horizontal slits made to better disperse sound. It also has a strap with which it can be attached to a backpack for a journey with your favourite tunes. Its outer design is made of aluminium, which is the perfect material for keeping itlightweight, yet incredibly rugged and scratch-resistant.

As for sound, the resonating boom of the BeoSound Explore is stirring, and that's not just due to pure bass. There's a balance and pin-point accuracy here which is mesmerising and ensures that the speaker works well, even outdoors.

That being said, there are certain limitations that come with the small size of the BeoSound Explore. Those looking for the most powerful sound on the market aren't going to get it with a compact design, despite Bang and Olufsen's best efforts.

Regardless, the BeoSound Explore remains one of the best portable speakers on the market, and is worth considering for woodland explorers and backpackers alike.

We think the Tribit StormBox 2 is an excellent choice for those seeking powerful sound on a budget. With 34W output, 24-hour battery life, and the latest Bluetooth 5.3, this speaker stands out in its price range. The StormBox 2 also supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) mode and can be controlled via the Tribit app, offering a range of equaliser presets and customisable settings.

The compact and durable design features houndstooth-like fabric and prominent control buttons. Rated IPX7 for water resistance, it's ideal for on-the-go use. The integrated strap adds convenience, though its rigid nature might not appeal to everyone.

This was tried and tested by David Ker, who has this to say about their experience: "Standing around 18cm tall and weighing 580g, it delivers clear and powerful audio in a compact portable package. The bass, especially with the XBass mode, is deep and resonant, making tracks like Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' come alive."

"I also appreciated the advancements over the original StormBox, such as the increased power and extended battery life. The Tribit app's equaliser presets, and the ability to switch between different modes enhanced my listening experience. However, the strap's stiffness and the lack of colour options were minor drawbacks. Overall, the StormBox 2 offers great value for its price, making it a worthy contender for anyone seeking a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker with solid bass performance."

You can read his full review here.

The Ultimate Ears Boom 4 offers plenty of bass in a small and distinctive package.

It's is designed to endure occasional drops, splashes and more with its IP67 water and dust resistance. Despite these defences, the Boom 4 remains slim and stylish, making it perfect for popping in your bag on your next journey.

The 15-hour battery life is also impressive in such a speaker, while the passive radiators and active drivers dramatically enhance the listening experience.

Steven Shaw reviewed the Boom 4 and had this to say: "Set up was incredibly simple. A QR code on the quick start guide prompts you to download the UE app, and from there, pairing the speaker to your phone is about as painless as it gets.

"Sound was crisp and clear, and it was possible to pick out the detail in a lot of tracks that, in other speakers, might get drowned out by over-exuberant bass, for example. At quieter volumes, subtle parts of the music were still very clear."

Read our full review here.

The Soundcore Boom 2 speaker is an exceptional choice for those who enjoy outdoor audio adventures. This speaker boasts powerful bass, clear sound quality, and impressive battery life, making it perfect for both open-air and indoor environments. With its robust design, beat-sync LED lights, and waterproof capability, the Soundcore Boom 2 is a reliable and fun companion for any outing.

Digital writer and reviewer Jack Barrell reviewed the speaker hands on, here are his thoughts:

"I was impressed by the Soundcore Boom 2 speaker’s performance right out of the box", says Jack Barrell. "The sound quality is remarkable, with crisp highs and deep, satisfying bass. It's easy to connect via Bluetooth, and the range is more than sufficient for most spaces in my home."

"In my time with the Soundcore Boom 2 speaker, I found it to be incredibly reliable. The battery life exceeded my expectations, lasting through long listening sessions without needing a recharge. The design is also a big plus; it looks good in any room and is durable enough to handle daily use. I’d recommend this speaker to anyone looking for quality sound and convenience."

Our deep-dive Soundcore Boom 2 review is bound to give you more insight into this terrific speaker.

We think the Ultimate Ears Everboom is a top contender in the Bluetooth speaker market, especially for bass enthusiasts. This robust, portable speaker delivers immersive 360-degree sound, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s waterproof, dust-proof, and floatable, allowing you to take it anywhere without worry. Weighing just 960g with a 20-hour battery life and a wireless range of 55 meters, the Everboom is designed for convenience and durability.

Its user-friendly features include prominent volume controls, a variety of functional buttons, and an NFC sensing tag. Available in charcoal black and an exclusive aqua color at John Lewis, this speaker also integrates seamlessly with the UE Boom app, offering customizable sound settings and a unique ‘megaphone’ feature.

This was tried and tested by David Ker, who has this to say about his experience: "One of my worries when spending on tech is the risk that I pose to my new gadget. Intrepid, fallible, clumsy – however critically I choose to label myself, the fact remains that once a piece of kit is out of its box, it's at the mercy of me and the elements. The Everboom does a fantastic job at quelling those concerns. Robust and resilient, it can take a tumble and remain unscathed. In this respect, it follows in the footsteps of its Boom forebears, all current versions of which have an IP67 rating (a measure of dust and water resistance). Not only that, but should it fall in the drink, it'll happily bob there for up to four hours or stay a meter deep for 30 minutes. And, in the unlikely event that it does stop working, it's covered by a two-year warranty."

"This is all indicative of the pitch which Ultimate Ears is making with its most recent offering: buy this if you want a speaker to take into the great outdoors. In shape, it closely resembles the Epicboom, if on a smaller scale. It stands about the height of an average paperback and is light enough to carry with ease, helped by its rounded sides. The Everboom comes with a carabiner and a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, emphasizing portability and environmental consciousness. Made from a minimum of 58 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, the tactile fabric exterior is 100 percent PCR, aligning with the brand’s sustainability efforts."

Read our Ultimate Ears Everboom review here.

One of the best value speakers on the market, the JBL Clip 4 is perfect for anyone seeking a great balance of portability and sound quality. Its sturdy build, carabiner clip, and IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating make it the ideal companion for hikers, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its small size, the 5W speaker delivers surprisingly punchy audio, setting it apart from others in its class.

Digital writer and reviewer Ryan Gilmore praised the Clip 4: "I love the light and portable design of this rugged speaker, which can clip to any bag with its built-in carabiner. Its thin lock shape makes it an eye-catching accessory, as well as a beat-thumping addition to any outdoor excursion. While the smaller size and lower audio output might leave the bass a little lighter than most speakers, it still packs an unprecedented amount of kick for its size."

With great power, awesome design, and suitability for practically everyone, the JBL Clip 4 is a fantastic option for those on a strict budget.

Read our full JBL Clip 4 review here.

Most smart speakers on the market are typically wired, small and have a tinny sound that comes from cheap manufacturing. The SONOS Move 2, however, is designed for true audiophiles, combining the blood-pumping sound of SONOS engineering with the uncontested intelligence of Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.

This monolithic speaker with its 360-degree sound and staggering 45-watt audio output is perfect for bringing along to parties, especially for those who truly appreciate music. Engineered for exceptional sound precision, bass on the SONOS Move 2, while impressive, isn't excessively inflated to create the illusion of power. Instead, the Move 2 values balance, so each component of the songs you're listening to are true and accurate.

Weighing three kilos and without any method of transportation, the SONOS Move 2 isn't well-suited to being taken outside of the home, despite its IP56 rating. Nevertheless, the SONOS Move 2's 20-hour battery life and two-hour charging time are excellent, so should you wish to take it along for a journey, you'll have plenty of power to do so.

The Sonos Move 2 is a phenomenal choice for music fans and those who enjoy the comfort of a voice-assisted speaker – changing a song at a word is certainly enticing. One of the best smart speakers of the year, the SONOS Move 2 is a mighty choice for bringing impressive sound to your home.

A favourite amongst film enthusiasts, the Majority Everest is one of the best TV speakers of the year, thanks to its almighty 180W audio output, surround sound, and dedicated subwoofer unit that packs a heart-racing punch.

With Bluetooth 5.1 and a multitude of ports (including HDMI and AUX) you're not hampered by connectivity issues. Rock the house with an enveloping surround sound which gives action films a newfound intensity that cannot be achieved on a simple television setup.

With a lot more power comes wires, and plenty of them. This makes the Majority Everest more cumbersome to set up than a standard soundbar or portable Bluetooth speaker.

For film enthusiasts looking for a new level of immersion, these incredible Bluetooth speakers are some of the most bassy on the market.

A fantastic budget speaker from Anker, the soundcore Motion Boom packs quite the punch with a 30-watt audio output, which is produced by two 15-watt full-range drivers. Well-designed, with a strong, waterproof design, is enough to endure even a dunk in a pool and still come up working as new.

Whilst its range of sound is certainly impressive at its price, we particularly adore the bass potential on this speaker - its larger size and grille design allow for plenty of bass production, which gives the music a full, mighty effect.

At a larger size, the soundcore Anker Motion Boom is particularly heavy: its large, slightly obtrusive handle is warning enough of its bulk, and at 2 kg, it's certainly not light. With heavier, bassier sound however, comes additional bulk to support larger drivers - so it's a necessary trade-off for total bass.

The soundcore Anker Motion Boom is one of the finest Bluetooth speakers for under £100, offering strong bass and a robust build quality all-in-one, it's absolutely worth its low price.