Which affordable speakers are best?
In this day and age, even our phones and tablets play audio, but just because they can doesn’t mean it always sounds good. While most devices now feature some kind of audio capability, it’s worth it to find a cheap speaker to do the job for you — especially when a wide range of wired and wireless speakers exist, even for the budget-conscious listener.
The best cheap speakers for you depend on what you’re looking for and how you plan to use them, but ultimately, most people’s needs are met with a simple, affordable wireless speaker.
Best cheap speakers
Best of the best cheap speaker
Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
Our take: The Anker Soundcore features a dual speaker system in a portable speaker case, with Bluetooth connectivity and 24 hours of playtime per charge.
What we like: Inexpensive. IPX5 waterproof rating. 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. Small, portable design makes it easy to transport and store out of the way. Available in black, blue or red. Includes auxiliary jack for wired audio. 66 feet of Bluetooth range.
What we dislike: Some users reported issues with the charging port after significant use.
Best bang for your buck cheap speaker
OontZ Angle 3 Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
Our take: The OontZ Angle 3 Ultra offers an IPX5 waterproof rating, a portable design and good sound quality, all at a price that won’t break the bank.
What we like: IPX5 waterproof rating. Convenient portable angle design makes it easy to take with you and rest on any surface. Available in seven different colors including purple, orange, blue and black. 100 feet of Bluetooth range. 20 hours of battery per charge.
What we dislike: This speaker isn’t as loud as some wireless speakers.
Best cheap Bluetooth speaker
DOSS SoundBox Touch Portable Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
Our take: This small Bluetooth speaker offers up to 20 hours of playtime per charge, and includes an IPX5 waterproof rating and simple touch control buttons.
What we like: Inexpensive. 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. Bluetooth pairing and auxiliary/3.5-millimeter input. IPX5 waterproof rating. Includes capacitive touch control buttons for controlling playback and volume. Available in eight colors including purple, pink, yellow and red.
What we dislike: Some users said the battery charges more slowly after a lot of use.
Best cheap portable speaker
JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Carabiner: available at Amazon
Our take: This useful Bluetooth speaker is easy to clip onto backpacks with an attached carabiner clip, and it boasts excellent sound quality and a number of available colors, despite a higher price tag than some.
What we like: Lightweight, portable and easy to mount. IPX7 waterproof rating. Offers 10 hours of playtime per charge. Features built-in microphone for phone calls and voice commands. Available in 14 unique colors, including teal, sand and two different camo designs.
What we dislike: This speaker is more expensive than many models, though it’s worth the extra few bucks.
Best cheap in-ceiling speaker
Pyle 2-Way 6.5-inch Speaker System (Pair): available at Amazon
Our take: For those wanting wall or ceiling-mounted speakers, this affordable pair of speakers is a great budget option with a simple design, offering excellent sound quality for the price.
What we like: Inexpensive for ceiling-mounted speakers. Designed to sit flush with the ceiling. User-friendly installation process. The plastic outer grille is white and blends well with most white ceiling or wall shades. Excellent sound quality given the price for the pair.
What we dislike: This unit doesn’t have as strong of a low end as other wall or ceiling speakers.
Best cheap soundbar speaker
Sakobs Television Soundbar with Bluetooth: available at Amazon
Our take: As far as soundbars go, this unit is very affordable and features Bluetooth pairing, a remote control and a few alternative audio input options.
What we like: Reasonable price compared to other television soundbars. 37 inches long. Features four internal speakers. Comes with remote control. Connects to audio via Bluetooth, component, RCA or optical cables. Offers three equalizer modes.
What we dislike: Some users had trouble connecting this soundbar to their TV wirelessly.
Best cheap computer speakers
Creative Pebble 2.0 USB Wired Computer Speakers: available at Amazon
Our take: These affordable and simple computer speakers are perfect for anyone who needs wired PC speakers or those for a desk setup.
What we like: PC speakers are great for a desk or permanent computer setup. Connects via a USB cable and includes a 3.5-millimeter jack for subwoofers. Available as a bundle with a subwoofer or as the desk speakers themselves. Great for the individual listener.
What we dislike: Does not include Bluetooth pairing capabilities.
Best cheap waterproof speaker
Tribit XSound GO Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
Our take: On top of featuring an IPX7 waterproof rating, the Tribit XSound GO offers 100 feet of Bluetooth range, a slim, portable design and an impressive 24 hours of battery life.
What we like: Decent price tag. IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be submerged in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. 100 feet of Bluetooth range. Includes a microphone for voice commands and talking on the phone. 24 hours of battery life. Available in black or blue.
What we dislike: Sound quality isn’t as strong as some other cheap speakers.
Best upgrade pick cheap Bluetooth speaker
JBL Flip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon
Our take: Despite being more expensive than some of the cheapest speakers on the market, this Bluetooth speaker offers superior sound quality and a slim, portable design that makes it worth the cost.
What we like: Excellent sound quality. IPX7 waterproof rating. Offers 12 hours of playtime per charge. Can connect with two devices simultaneously. Includes microphone. Super slim, portable design. Available in 12 colors and designs including teal, red, blue and camouflage.
What we dislike: More expensive than some low-end Bluetooth speaker models.
Zachary Visconti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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