The range of speakers on the market is more than impressive. They vary in their size, options and, of course, price. The last criterion is especially important for those who know the value of money or is not ready to spend a fortune on the best Bluetooth speakers.
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Last update on 2022-06-27 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $50
This review will prove that there is no point in spending a ton of money to get a top-notch Bluetooth speaker. You can enjoy a balanced sound for less than $50 and that’s not a myth. All you need to know is what features to pay attention to when choosing the best Bluetooth speakers under $50. Here are some basic tips.
Size & Weight
Bluetooth speakers can be of different sizes. But most of the customers expect them to be portable as the main advantage of such wireless speakers is that you can take them wherever you want. Obviously, they may be not as powerful as PC speakers or even bookshelf speakers but the question of quality isn’t always number one especially if you are planning a trip or a beach party.
Still, not all Bluetooth speakers are compact. Some of them are rather bulky while others can boast of a pocket size. The same thing is with weight. Though, small speakers are sometimes heavier than big models.
Battery life
Always pay attention to the battery life of a speaker. It may vary from 5 hours to 24 hours of playtime. Note that the battery life mentioned in the list of speaker’s characteristics often goes together with the percentage of the volume used for performance. Just compare speakers with 8-hour battery life at 50% and 75% volume.
Another thing to consider is the time of charging. It’s always better to have a speaker with quick recharging.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the speaker depends on the power of drivers it is equipped with as well as radiators and processor. The higher quality they have the better performance you will get. Remember that high-grade speakers don’t have distortions at any volume and their sounding is well-balanced including crisp highs and deep bass.
Seems impossible for Bluetooth speaker under $50? But there are models which can impress you with their sounding. Sure, it may be not as good as expensive speakers can offer but the quality of the audio is quite decent.
Water resistance
It’s always great to have a water resistant, or preferably, waterproof speaker. Still, not all models have this feature. Some of them have only weather sealing while others include all types of protection. So, if you want to throw a party by the pool, then it’s better to choose a waterproof model.
Connectivity
Though the name of Bluetooth speakers presupposes only wireless connectivity there are a lot of models which include 3.5 mm audio cable input as well. Such an option is great in case you have to pair your speaker with a non-Bluetooth device.
Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $50
JBL Go 3
Tiny and Powerful
The JBL Go 3 is among the smallest and cutest portable speakers with Bluetooth and a built-in battery. The small size of the JBL Go 3 is arguably its main selling point, as well as its waterproof and dustproof feature.
Despite its tiny size, this JBL gadget delivers surprisingly good audio and even a little bit of bass, and on top of that, you can take it with you anytime, anywhere. Another amazing thing is that this little speaker can sing along for up to 5 hours, which is pretty good all things considered; also, this tiny speaker is easy to grab and go, easy to setup, and ideal for taking it for a ride on your bike, or at a beach party.
The loop is nice and handy, and all you have to do is just get a carabineer and you can snap it on anything and forget about it.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for a high quality product from an established sound company, the JBL Go 3 is a no brainer, as it looks and feels great, not cheap at all, has some weight to it too, sounds way better than your smartphone and it’s virtually indestructible.
- Solid build quality
- Nice sound
- Waterproof / Dustproof
- Amazing value
- Nothing really
Anker Soundcore 3
Solid Wireless Speaker Under $50
The Anker Soundcore 3 is the successor of the Soundcore 2, i.e. a medium sized Bluetooth/Wireless speaker with stereo sound, and pure titanium diaphragm drivers.
Just like its predecessor, the Soundcore 3 features IPX7 water/dust resistance, as well as PartyCast technology, BassUp, custom EQ, a special app that allows you to control the speaker via smartphone, and 24 hours playtime (depending on how the volume is set up).
The sound is pretty good for the price asked, and compared to the second gen, the Soundcore 3 is thicker and heavier, i.e. more chunkier if you like. Anker dropped the 3.5 mm jack, which kind of sucks, but you now have USB C charging and Soundcore app integration.
Build quality is pretty good for a fifty dollar stereo wireless speaker, and if you’re looking for a portable and affordable gadget with fantastic battery life, the Soundcore 3 is hard to pass. Don’t expect miracles in terms of bass and SQ, because that’s impossible at that price point, but as long as you don’t get your hopes too high, this speaker would make for an awesome gift for a friend who’s always on the go and loves music.
- Decent sound quality
- Sturdy and reliable
- Impressive battery life
- Good value for money
- Audiophiles need not apply
Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Smart Speaker with Alexa
The 4th generation of Amazon’s Echo Dot is just an upgrade in terms of modern aesthetics, but not much else. If you’re already familiarized with the Echo Dot ecosystem, the 4th gen will deliver exactly what you’d expect from the previous generation in terms of Alexa integration and sound quality.
Basically, this is a repackaged/redesigned 3rd gen, with the exact same components, in a spherical shell. So, you’ll get enough sound performance for less than fifty bucks to fill your room, plus a home for Alexa to live inside your house.
If you’re an audiophile, this is definitely not the speaker for you, but for most people, the Echo Dot is pretty good, even if cannot compete with a dedicated sound system.
This tiny yet powerful wireless gadget is powered by a single 1.6-inch full-range front-firing speaker, and obviously, there’s also a microphone-array (as in more than one) packed inside, for summoning Alexa’s voice assistance to your desk, kitchen, nightstand, or any other part of your home, if one so inclined.
Bottom line, this Echo Dot gadget is the best basic gateway to Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, and on top of that, you’ll also get a little bit of music.
- Cool design
- Bottom ring light
- Cheap
- 3.5 mm output
- Easy setup/integration
- Weak bass
JBL CLIP 3
Top Notch Waterproof Travel Speaker
The JBL Clip 3 is a very compact Bluetooth speaker, designed for people who value portability over anything else. This is basically a clippable sidekick with solid sound, and it would make for the perfect gift for hikers/campers, shower singers and anything in between.
Why? Because this bad boy comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, an integrated carabiner and offers 10 hours of playtime, which makes it the soul of the party so to speak.
For the price, the JBL Clip 3 offers fantastic SQ and overall build quality, it’s pretty small (it can fit in the palm of your hand), and it sounds just as expected from a JBL product, in such it offers very pristine and clear sound, with zero lag and no sudden disconnections from Bluetooth.
On top of that, the Clip 3 is super portable, as in you can hook it to a belt loop and walk with it, bass levels are acceptable for such a tiny device, and, bottom line, for the size, this is one of the best and most reliable summer sidekicks out there.
- Waterproof
- IPX7 rating
- Good SQ
- Portable
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Impressive battery life
- Charges via micro USB
Sony SRS-XB01
Jack of All Trades
Sony is well known for manufacturing consumer goods at unbeatable prices, and the same goes for the SRS-XB01, a compact and versatile Bluetooth speaker, with a built-in microphone for ongoing calls, which makes them the best thing that ever happened to an impromptu party.
The main advantages of this tiny Sony speaker are as it follows: first, it’s very small (doh!) and light (5.4 ounces or 154 grams)) i.e. this will be the ideal companion for music lovers that travel a lot; secondly, despite its tiny size, the SRS-XB01 is surprisingly powerful, and it will deliver groundbreaking bass (okay, we’re exaggerating a bit) on demand.
Moreover, the hands-free calling thing is pretty cool feature to have, especially if you get an unexpected call while partying hard, while the “virtual happy hour” feature boosts bass to ridiculous levels. The speaker comes with a handy carry strap, which makes it perfectly portable, and a splashproof casing for crazy pool/beach parties.
If you’re the audiophile type, you can always hook together two SRS-XB01 units for stereo sound via the Speaker Add function, and you’ll love the 6 hours autonomy. All in all, for less than $50 you’ll get a well built and nicely designed mini Bluetooth speaker, with good sounds for its tiny size and amazing value for money.
- Compact and light
- Booming sound
- Relatively inexpensive
- IPX5 rating
- Speakerphone capable
- 6 hours battery life
- None really at this price
Anker Soundcore Icon Mini
Take Your Music Everywhere
Have you ever wanted to start an impromptu pool party but didn’t have the right audio equipment? Or maybe you’re looking for a speaker that can be carried up a mountain for an end-of-hike celebration.
Regardless, the Anker Soundcore Icon Mini is the ideal product! It is compact, lightweight, it is water and dust resistant (IP67), and delivers 8 hours of playtime. It’s also easy to clip it on the backpack, bike, hang in a tent, or simply carry in in your pocket.
Now, the sound is truly big for such a small device. Furthermore, you can go stereo by pairing two devices to play simultaneously.
This tiny device supports Bluetooth connectivity, but it also comes with an AUX input, in case wireless connectivity doesn’t work. Furthermore, it has a built-in mic that lets you make hands-free calls.
- Compact & lightweight design
- Fits in your pocket
- Water and dust resistant
- Powerful sound
- Good battery life
- Great value for the price
- It slides easily from smooth surfaces
- Sound loses some quality at very loud volumes
OontZ Angle 3 Ultra
Long Lasting Bluetooth Speakers
One of budget Bluetooth speakers with the best Bluetooth connectivity is OontZ Angle 3 Ultra. It provides fast Bluetooth connectivity at up to 100 ft range. Pairing is easy as well. You can also connect two OontZ Angle 3 ULTRA speakers together and get a great audio system with one speaker responsible for the left channel and the other one for the right. Such a combination will create excellent stereo separation.
OontZ Angle 3 Ultra has a powerful battery that allows it to play up to 20 hours. What is more, it can boast of a robust body that comes with a weatherproof, splashproof and rainproof design. However, keep in mind that this model can’t work underwater even if submerged partially.
There is also a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connection. This Bluetooth speaker supports Siri when connected to your iPad or iPhone as well.
- clear sound
- 20 hours of playtime
- robust build
- up to 100ft Bluetooth range
- audio cable input
- not waterproof
- a bit bulky
DOSS SoundBox Plus
The Ideal Speaker for Your Party
The SoundBox Plus delivers a fabulous audio experience to anyone, anywhere! It features a compact design with dual full-range drivers with a passive radiator that manage to create 16W stereo sound. But the sound is not just powerful; the notes are rich with crisp highs, accurate mids, and low bass.
The design is also impressive! The speaker is equipped with lights that sync to the rhythm and keep the party going all night long. There are five lighting patterns that can be adjusted according to your mood.
If you want to use it for calls, there is a built-in mic that picks up your voice, supporting a crystal-clear conversation. Also, you can use it to communicate with your favorite voice assistant (Siri, Google Now, or Cortana). Furthermore, the capacitive touch controls are easy to use as they only require a simple touch.
Due to the built-in 3200mAh rechargeable battery, the party can truly last all night, as you get up to 20 hours playtime at 50% volume.
Not to mention that you can get stereo sound by pairing two SoundBox devices together!
- Compact and lightweight
- Supports Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity
- IPX4 rating for water resistance
- Good battery life
- Pulsating light show
- Powerful and impressive sound
- One 3.5mm AUX port
- Volume controls can be a bit slow
- Sound quality is proportional to the price
- LED functionality feels like overcompensating
Tribit StormBox Micro
Super Sound on a Budget
The Tribit StormBox Micro has a lot to offer for a tiny Bluetooth speaker. First, this one is fully waterproof, comes with a built-in tear-resistant strap, and you can use it as a speakerphone as it has an internal mic and all that.
Second, for its size, this little monster sound big. According to some reviewers, this dirt-cheap speaker is better than a Bose Micro in terms of sound quality, and that’ s pretty awesome. The sound is clear and robust, and there are bass ports located at the back, which help the Micro to not distort sound at high volume.
In terms of SQ, the Micro sounds just like an omni directional speaker and retains its clarity even at high volume. For the money, the Micro is an exceptional Bluetooth speaker, being one of the best portables you can get for 40 bucks give or take.
You even get USB C connectivity, and it must be noted that the bass spectrum produces a satisfying thump well beyond its size. Bottom line, this is a solid choice for anyone who wants a portable, mountable, great-sounding speaker that’s far more affordable than the competition, and twice as nice in stereo.
- Impressive SQ
- Amazing value for money
- USB C connectivity
- Smart design
- Dust/waterproof
- 8 hour battery
- Nothing at this price
Summary
Nowadays there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high-grade Bluetooth speaker. There are plenty of options for more than just affordable price. Sure, you can’t expect a 50-dollar speaker to show the best music performance ever. But you can always get a great sound for some outdoor fun.