Student essentials: The best budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers for students

The Wonderboom 3 is a superb little speaker with 360 degrees of crisp, loud, far-reaching sound, perfect for any situation.

Its durable design and impressive water and dustproofing make it a great outdoor companion. With a battery life of up to 14 hours, you don't have to worry about being a music-less maestro while hiking with friends or spending a day at the beach.

The speaker also features a nifty "Outdoor" button, which adjusts its sound quality to compensate for the lack of walls it would usually rely on to better distribute sound.

However, it's important to note that the speaker doesn't have a standard USB-C port. Instead, it only features a Mini USB Port, so you need to remember to bring its separate cable while on the go.

This little guy packs a serious punch. Compact and powerful, this supremely portable, astonishingly affordable speaker delivers a strong, reliable sound and bass that is just too good to pass on for only £20.

Despite its tiny size and pinch-yourself price, the Soundcore Mini can provide up to 15 hours of unbroken listening and has a connection range of up to 66 feet.

So, this speaker is a must-have if you're after a productive afternoon or want to unwind over a pint with friends.

The JBL GO 3 will surprise you. For such a small design, its sound delivery is huge. Offering a variety of vibrant colours, this sleek little speaker is the perfect summer companion. It is also water and dust-proof, making it ideal for those wanting to bring their tunes to the park, beach, or pool. With its durable build and eye-catching design, it's a great choice for anyone needing a reliable and stylish portable speaker.

However, due to its compact design, it has a limited battery life of up to 5 hours. While this may be perfect for a run or workout, it may not be enough for lengthier activities like hikes or study days. If you’re looking for something that balances fun and functionality in a small package, the JBL GO 3 is worth considering.

This was tried and tested by Chris Duffill, who has this to say about his experience: “I’m happy to report that this delivers on all fronts. It’s not going to shake the room (or even the desk), but it might just vibrate the odd jelly bean off the shelf at maximum volume. All in all, I found this to be a sweet-sounding trooper of a speaker. It survived drops, total water immersion, plus vibration and rain while dangling from my bicycle handlebar. It’s a fun-looking yet tough little speaker that sounds great for its size and is perfect for those on the go.”

Read his full review here.

We think the Marshall Willen is an excellent choice for students seeking an affordable yet powerful Bluetooth speaker. Its ultra-lightweight, compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use, whether heading to the park or relaxing at home. Priced competitively, it offers impressive sound quality with warm, precise tones that belie its small size. The durable build, featuring a rubber outer coating, ensures it can withstand the rigours of student life.

With a sleek retro aesthetic and user-friendly features like a brass joystick for easy control, the Marshall Willen combines style and functionality. Its robust battery life, lasting up to 16 hours on a single charge, ensures you can enjoy your favourite music all day without interruption.

This was tried and tested by Ryan Houghton, who has this to say about his experience: "I've had the Marshall Willen for some time, and I must admit, I was initially sceptical about its performance given its budget-friendly price. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its phenomenally warm, bassy, yet precise sound. From bass-heavy electronic tracks to detail-rich acoustic pieces, the Willen consistently delivered impressive audio quality that exceeded my expectations."

"While the design is appealing, I found the white model less attractive due to the random rubber-leather lines and bumps on the back. Nevertheless, its exceptional battery life and unique features, like the brass joystick, make it a standout choice for students looking for a reliable and stylish speaker. Despite minor design quirks, the Willen's performance and affordability make it an excellent addition to any student's tech collection."

You can read his full review here.

The JBL Flip 6 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that combines affordability with premium sound quality. It's perfect for students who need a reliable speaker for parties, outdoor adventures, or just chilling in their dorm rooms. With its rugged, waterproof design and powerful audio, the Flip 6 can handle everything from study sessions to impromptu get-togethers. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, fitting neatly into any backpack.

Despite its small stature, the Flip 6 delivers deep bass and crisp highs, thanks to JBL's innovative design. The speaker's ability to pair with other JBL speakers adds even more value, making it a versatile choice for those who love to share their music with friends.

Here's what Olivia Sheed said when reviewing: "I've used several Bluetooth speakers over the years, but the JBL Flip 6 surprised me with its performance. Setting it up was a breeze, and it quickly connected to my Samsung S21+, allowing me to dive right into my playlist. I compared it side-by-side with my older Bose SoundLink Mini, and the Flip 6 held its own, delivering impressive sound quality that rivalled a speaker twice its size."

"The bass, in particular, was a standout feature. I tested it with various genres, including bass-heavy tracks, and the Flip 6 handled them without distortion. The durable, waterproof build also made it an excellent shower companion, ensuring it could withstand some splashes without issue. For students who need a dependable and portable speaker, the JBL Flip 6 is an excellent choice."

You can check out her full review here.

Resident audiophile Harvey Isitt tested the Sony SRS-XB100 and found it an absolute steal, especially since it's 24 per cent off on Amazon. This portable speaker offers an elegant design, great sound, deep bass, and up to 16 hours of battery life, making it the perfect at-home or on-the-go companion.

From the moment the device is powered on, users are greeted with a chime that's as premium in sound as the speaker is in build quality. The speaker features five sleekly labelled, user-friendly buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, mic/calling, and volume control. In terms of performance, it offers everything you need in a speaker the size of a tennis ball.

Its durable IP67 certification allows for safe use during outdoor adventures. The multi-way strap makes it easy to attach to your backpack, ensuring its safety and your peace of mind. The speaker also offers hands-free calling, making it an excellent option for improving video call quality with its built-in mic and echo-cancelling technology.

The USB-C to A charging cable provided is a convenient bonus should you not have a compatible connection. Sony also offers a dedicated Music Centre app for wireless device management, including streaming, device pairing, and multiroom speaker grouping.

The perfect addition to your dorm room or student house, the Echo Dot offers clear, vibrant and reliable sound. With voice assistant Alexa, you don't have to worry about the hassle of opening up Spotify to select or change your playlist.

With smart assistance, start your request with a simple "Alexa" and instantly access your music, audiobooks and other audio content. Whether you're in the mood for a study playlist or need a burning question answered, Alexa has you covered. Alexa's ability to set timers makes the Echo Dot a great kitchen addition to any student household.

Despite its deceptively sleek design, there is, in fact, a touch response pad on the top of the device. You can tap this to pause a song, end a call, or snooze alarms. But ensure the latter temptation doesn't make you late for class!

Look no further than the W-KING Bluetooth speaker for those wanting to elevate their outdoor gatherings. With its exceptional sound quality, robust waterproofing, and a whopping 40-hour battery life, this speaker reigns supreme when it comes to practicality.

It's a must-have for camping trips and those wanting to take their parties to the beach and through the night. Likewise, it's equipped with a built-in power bank, a handy feature for topping up your device's charge on the go.

If you’re more likely to host a house party than spend a quiet night (got to pack as much in before exams come around), this is the best budget speaker for you.

This top-rated speaker from Soundcore is a powerhouse, delivering high-quality sound for up to 24 hours of nonstop listening. Its clear highs and booming bass are seriously impressive, even if the mid-tones can sometimes be overshadowed (expected at this price range).

However, for those looking to fine-tune their tunes, the speaker comes with an official Soundcore App that allows users to switch between EQ modes, including Soundcore Signature (for casual listening) and Voice mode (to highlight vocals).

Its IPX7 floatability and waterproofing also make it a reliable outdoor addition that will survive the bumps and splashes of outdoor adventuring.

Those aware of Sonos may wonder why it's so low on the list. First, it's a top ten, so all ten are expert-approved, but considering this article is for those on a student budget, spending £200 on a speaker may blow it. However, for those able or willing to pay more and want a speaker for their dorm or home listening, the Sonos One is a must.

The Sonos One (Gen 2) smart speaker is a sleek addition to their incredible array of speakers, with Alexa built-in. Its weighty build and premium quality make it a perfect addition to any space. With a quick setup and an excellent companion app, it offers unmatched ease of use.

The sound quality is phenomenal, with a balanced yet vast soundstage. Its TruePlay features allow it to adjust the sound distribution to suit your space's specific acoustics – it really does make a difference.

Other than the bass breaking when taken to the max volumes – something, given its almost deafening volume capabilities, will be a rarity for users – it's difficult to fault this magnificent piece of kit.

At under £50, the Tribit XSound GO offers impressive sound quality, especially bass. The speaker features a robust waterproof design for splashes and submersion. With a full day of playback on a single charge, it's perfect for long listening sessions. Its compact, soundbar-like design and weight of around 370g make it highly portable without sacrificing durability or performance.
The Tribit XSound Go also boasts excellent connectivity and a comfortable Bluetooth range. The raised tactile buttons allow for easy control, though they can be hard to see in low light. Additional features include a 3.5mm aux-in and stereo pairing capabilities, enabling you to enhance your listening experience by pairing two speakers for better stereo separation.

This was tried and tested by Chris Duffill, who has this to say about his experience: "For my money, the Tribit XSound Go is up there with the best speakers a relatively small amount of money can buy. I've taken this on picnics, into the garden in the rain, and in the shower. It's powerful enough to cut through the sound of a power shower with ease. The bass response is way beyond what I expected for the size of the XSound Go and the highs and mids pop."

"Even at the highest volume, the speaker was never unlistenable, just a little rough around the edges. It's survived submersion, drops onto concrete, and even a cup of tea. Battery life is excellent, providing a full day of listening after a 4-hour charge. The rubberized exterior is prone to marks and fingerprints, but that's a small price to pay for such a small yet powerful waterproof speaker. If you want a great balance between power and true portability with an amazing bass response, the Tribit XSound Go is a superstar."

You can read his full review here.

The Soundcore Motion X500 is an impressive addition to Anker's lineup, combining portability with high-quality audio. This Hi-Res certified Bluetooth speaker offers rich spatial audio that enhances any listening experience, available in Black Deluxe, Pink Punch, and Glitzy Blue. Its compact, lightweight design and IPX7 waterproof rating make it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

With three drivers, the Motion X500 delivers powerful, clear sound that fills any space. Its various EQ modes, including bass boost and dynamic mode, allow you to customize your audio experience. This mid-budget speaker is a versatile choice for students seeking reliable, high-quality sound.

This was tried and tested by Kyle Purves, who has this to say about their experience: "Its trio of drivers ensures volume and clarity, making it a great speaker for music. Its impressive sound projection and spatial audio are particularly notable."

"I appreciated the different EQ modes, especially the dynamic mode, which seemed perfectly tuned to my preferences. The X500 isn't just for music – it enhanced my experience watching videos and playing games, too. The 12-hour battery life was sufficient for my needs, and I found it charged faster than advertised. Its sturdy, waterproof build makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use, proving it's a fantastic option for students looking for a dependable speaker."

You can read their full review here.

The Tribit StormBox 2 is a small, powerful Bluetooth speaker perfect for students on a budget. Standing 18cm tall and weighing around 580g, it delivers 34W of power through its two drivers and features passive radiators that enhance bass. The device supports up to 24 hours of playtime and offers a durable design with water resistance rated at IPX7. It's compatible with the Tribit app, providing EQ presets and the ability to pair with another speaker for a stereo experience. At an RRP of £63, it's a great value option for those seeking high-quality sound on the go.

This was tried and tested by David Ker, who has this to say about their experience: "The sound quality is remarkable for its size, producing clear and loud audio with powerful bass. Its 34W output and 24-hour battery life are standout features, making it ideal for long study sessions or weekend trips. Despite its small size, it's robust and portable, fitting easily in a backpack.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The fabric strap, while useful, can be a bit awkward, and the lack of recycled materials is a missed opportunity for sustainability. The speaker performs well for music but isn't the best for audiobooks or podcasts due to the sound profile. Nonetheless, for students looking for an affordable, high-quality Bluetooth speaker, the StormBox 2 is a solid choice."

You can read her full review here.

We think the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a fantastic choice for students looking for an affordable and portable Bluetooth speaker. This compact speaker delivers impressive sound quality, particularly volume and bass, making it ideal for parties or just filling a dorm room with music. Its rugged design includes a sturdy strap for easy attachment to bikes or backpacks, and it also doubles as a power bank, adding to its practicality for students on the go.

The StormBox Micro 2 is also waterproof with an IP67 rating, so it's perfect for outdoor adventures or even in the shower. Its compatibility with the Tribit app allows for customised EQ settings, ensuring you get the best possible sound experience.

This was tried and tested by Olivia Sheed, who has this to say about her experience: "After a month of daily use, I can confidently say that the StormBox Micro 2 won't be fading into obscurity anytime soon. It's surprisingly hefty, which lends a sense of sturdiness rather than feeling bulky. Pairing was a breeze, and I was genuinely amazed by the volume it could reach for such a small device."

"I was particularly impressed with its bass performance, which is enhanced by Tribit's X-Bass technology. However, I did notice some weaknesses in the higher frequencies at higher volumes, which required some adjustment via the Tribit app. Despite this, the speaker's overall sound quality, portability, and extra features like the power bank and waterproof rating make it a standout choice for students who need a reliable, versatile speaker that fits their budget."

You can read her full review here.

The Soundcore Motion 100 is a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for students on the go. We think this budget-friendly speaker delivers impressive sound quality and durability in a small package. With its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Motion 100 is an excellent choice for outdoor activities or as a reliable shower speaker. Its 20W output ensures powerful audio, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere.

Despite its size, the Motion 100 offers 12 hours of battery life, so you won't need to worry about frequent recharging. This versatile speaker also includes a bass boost mode and customizable EQ settings through the Soundcore app, allowing you to tailor the audio experience to your preferences. At under £60, the Motion 100 provides excellent value without compromising performance.

This was tried and tested by Kyle Purves, who has this to say about their experience: "I've tested many Soundcore speakers and really liked the Motion 100. It's small and easy to carry around. It works well for playing music, delivering clear and powerful audio. It's also waterproof for shower use and durable enough for outdoor activities. I was impressed by how well the Bluetooth connection held up, even when I was far away from the speaker. And the battery lasts a long time, which is perfect for everyday use."

"The bass boost feature didn't always work well with every genre of music, but overall, I was happy with how the speaker performed, especially considering its price. I liked that I could adjust the sound to fit my preferences, and it's a great option for students who want a versatile Bluetooth speaker that's affordable and reliable."

You can read their full review here.

The Creative Audio MUVO Play is the go-to speaker for those expecting to be around water. Whether in the shower, bath, by a pool or at the beach, you can rest assured that its impressive IPX7 waterproofing means it can withstand complete submersion. It can last in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes.

While its bass could be better, this speaker packs a punch when it comes to volume. It also offers stereo pairing for those wanting to ramp up their experience with multiple devices; however, actually pairing the devices can be less than easy.