The most effective Bluetooth audio system get higher yearly: we get improved batteries to provide much more sonic stamina, wider connectivity, and a dizzying vary of designs. The market is so aggressive that ‘adequate’ simply is not adequate to face out any extra, and which means the audio system launched and launching in 2026 are sometimes distinctive.
The primary six months of 2026 have been nice for audio followers, with a variety of superb moveable audio system to cowl just about each area of interest. There are ridiculously loud occasion audio system that’ll annoy your neighbors, tiny portables which might be excellent for podcasts, small audio system that are perfect for if you’re showering and go-anywhere, play-anything portables for the nice outdoor. And we have examined a ton of them with in-depth critiques.
So I’ve picked out the 5 high Bluetooth audio system we have assessment to this point in 2026, now that we’re half-way by the yr. The merchandise I’ve picked right here aren’t the one Bluetooth audio system launched in 2026 by any means — for instance, there was IKEA’s 10-dollar Kallsup speaker, which is so low-cost you should buy stacks of them to make a musical pyramid, which we additionally tried. I additionally have not featured stationary wi-fi audio system which will embody Bluetooth, however are usually extra centered on Wi-Fi — we’re all in regards to the moveable choices right here.
I’ve picked my high 5 based mostly on our in-depth testing, their worth tags and the way properly I feel they’re going to match into most individuals’s lives.
5. Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Checklist worth of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)
- Launched in April 2026
- Score: 4.5 / 5
The finances Bluetooth sector is completely jam-packed with inexpensive choices, but it surely’s exhausting to beat the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: it is super-cheap even at full worth, and it is steadily discounted from the launch worth of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130).
With 24 hours of battery life, a stable construct and IP68 mud and water resistance it is an amazing go-anywhere speaker, and whereas its single 48mm driver is small, it is surprisingly punchy, with spectacular bass for such a compact design. We actually just like the sound the Micro 3 delivers: it is a good all-rounder for music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Learn our Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 assessment
4. Marshall Bromley 450
- Checklist worth of $799.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,079
- Out there from March 31, 2026
- Score: 4 / 5
The Marshall Bromley 450 is the marginally extra wise member of the Bromley occasion speaker vary: it is significantly cheaper than its very costly sibling, however nonetheless places out a whopping 400W of Class D amplification — and it might probably hold taking part in for over 40 hours, albeit not at full quantity. With a listing worth of $799.99 / £549.00 / AU$1,079 it is nonetheless fairly costly, however you are getting a number of bang to your buck.
Learn our Marshall Bromley 450 assessment
3. JBL Go 5
- Checklist worth of $54.95 / £39.99 (about AU$75)
- Launched in April 2026
- Score: 5 / 5
JBL is without doubt one of the best-known manufacturers within the Bluetooth speaker house, and it persistently delivers very spectacular merchandise with equally spectacular costs. Final yr’s JBL Flip 7 and JBL Cost 6 are agency favorites of ours, and this yr JBL has up to date its cute JBL Go ultraportable.
We gave this new mannequin the complete 5 stars in our JBL Go 5 assessment, calling it “the perfect tiny Bluetooth speaker” — whereas 4.8W output means it is hardly a celebration speaker, it delivers spectacular sound from its tiny case together with enticing edge lighting and a sturdy, waterproof design. It is one of many best-sounding small audio system we have ever examined.
Learn our JBL Go 5 assessment
2. Sonos Play
- Checklist worth of $299 / £299 / AU$499
- Launched on March thirty first, 2026
- Score: 4.5 / 5
Up to now we have been centered on Bluetooth-only audio system, however now let’s flip to a conveyable possibility that can be utilized in multi-room setups over Wi-Fi. Sonos is the massive model in that house, and the Sonos Play is an excellent new addition to the Sonos vary whether or not you need it to fly solo, take it in your travels, or use it as a part of a wider Sonos setup.
It is somewhat dearer than rivals, however the Sonos Play delivers highly effective and well-rounded audio, has excellent streaming assist and connectivity together with Hello-Res Audio over Wi-Fi, and its USB-C port can be utilized as an audio enter: you may get an adapter that lets you join a turntable or different wired audio supply.
It delivers as much as 24 hours of battery life and sits on a handsome charging cradle if you needn’t take it locations, which implies you possibly can seize and go instantly with out unplugging.
Learn our Sonos Play assessment
1. JBL Xtreme 5
- Checklist worth of $399.95 / £329.99 (about AU$560)
- Launched in April 2026
- Score: 5 / 5
This beast makes the JBL Go 5 seem like it was made for a Lego character. The rugged, chunky and really loud JBL Xtreme 5 is a little bit of a beast, delivering mesmerizing bass from its relatively hefty body. It is marginally greater than its predecessor, however the sound is larger too.
As we stated in our assessment, “that is the way you do an improve. This mannequin has extra energy, extra putting sound, lighting for added magnificence factors, and an much more sturdy construct than final trip.” It is also solidly constructed, harking back to the outdated Nokia telephones the place should you dropped them, you have been extra prone to break the bottom than your cellphone.
Dustproof, waterproof and with a long-lasting battery preserving the occasion going for as much as 28 hours, the JBL Xtreme 5 is phenomenal — but when it is just a bit too heavyweight for you, the 2025 JBL Cost 6 is superb too.
Learn our JBL Excessive 5 assessment
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