Best Portable Speakers

A relative value for its power, the Airwave delivers strong bass beats and full, detailed tones. Plus, it’s equipped with NFC (near-field communication), which lets you bump any compatible smartphone against the speaker to activate an instant Bluetooth connection. us.creative.com; $99.

Don’t be fooled by this 2 1/2-inch cube’s diminutive proportions—it’s capable of delivering bigger, clearer audio than competitors twice its size (and price). Use the touch-sensitive buttons on the front or control the volume via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. bemwireless.com; $70.

Best for audiophiles, this capsule-shaped speaker has broad, resonant sound, and can be connected to a wide range of smartphones for an enhanced, surround-sound effect. The padded neoprene carrying case adds barely a millimeter of bulk, but offers great protection. beatsbydre.com; $200.

This ultra-rugged but lightweight model is shock-absorbent and waterproof—equally suited for the slopes or the sand. A built-in microphone facilitates hands-free calls, while a power bank juices up your phone via USB. As for the sound quality? It earns top marks, with sparkling clarity and a remarkably groovy bass. braven.com; $180.

The chameleon of portable speakers, the impressively loud, shock-resistant Urchin features interchangeable silicone skins in 10 bright colors. It comes with a suction cup, screw mounts, and a carabiner clip, making it just as easy to use on a hike as in your hotel room. store.apple.com; $150.

Its striking design isn’t just for looks: the angled, rubber-coated surface yields a multidimensional sound. The woofer is on the bottom, so place it on a flat surface for a boost of bass, or use the bike mount for an outdoor adventure (yes, it’s weatherproof). Ten hours of battery life are icing on the cake. outdoortechnology.com; $130.

Its top-of-the-line hardware adds some heft, but there’s no denying the allure of the SoundLink Mini’s supercharged acoustics and club-worthy bass. Better yet, it syncs with up to six devices at once—meaning you won’t have to settle for just one playlist. bose.com; $200.