Best Small Bluetooth and Smart Speakers of 2022

Size does matter, at least in the world of speakers. For reasons that have a lot to do with physics—speakers are basically machines that create vibrations by moving air—bigger speakers tend to sound better than smaller ones.

But there are plenty of good reasons for wanting a more petite speaker. Maybe you’re tight on space. Maybe you want to carry your music with you. Or maybe you just like little things. With that in mind, here’s a selection of small wireless and smart speakers that have performed well in our testing.

The wireless models have rechargeable batteries, which means they can be tucked into a backpack or even attached to a bike and used on the go. The smart speakers, on the other hand, need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in a space with WiFi access.

All of the models below—listed from most to least expensive—endured our rigorous testing program. Each was purchased through normal retail channels and evaluated in our labs by trained technicians for sound quality, ease of use, and versatility. Please note that the testing protocols for wireless speakers and smart speakers are slightly different, so you shouldn’t compare scores across the two categories.

Bose Soundlink Color II
Who should buy it: An active music lover looking for a speaker that can tag along.

What’s to like: While it lacks fancy features, such as LED lighting and sound effects, found on other wireless speakers, the SoundLink Color II performs where it really matters. Not only is it cool and colorful and easy to use but it also provides sound quality that compares favorably with that of larger and pricier speakers.

What’s not to like: The IPX-4 certification makes the SoundLink Color II splashproof rather than fully water-resistant like, say, the similarly priced JBL Flip 4. (Consumer Reports doesn’t test speaker manufacturers’ water-resistance claims.)



Bose SoundLink Micro
Who should buy it: A podcast-loving fan of itsy-bitsy speakers.

What’s to like: The tiny SoundLink Micro is cute, hyper-portable, and comes with a strap that allows you to lash it to a bicycle, backpack, or stroller. Bose claims that it’s water-resistant, too, so it’s a good choice for wet-and-wild action.

What’s not to like: If the Micro’s palm-sized profile isn’t super-important to you, the Bose SoundLink Color II offers much better sound quality for not much more money, albeit in a package that’s less water-resistant. The Micro works best if you’re close to the speaker and listening to spoken word content or background music.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
Who it’s for: A listener looking for music by the handful.

What’s to like: The Wonderboom is short and squat, and fits nicely in your hand. Its sound quality is on a par with most portable models. The bass could be stronger and the midrange, which isn’t particularly rich, has a trace of an echo. Our testers found the model to be easy to use with large buttons and a user-friendly Bluetooth pairing mode. It also has an IPX67 rating, which means it’s water- and dust-resistant, according to UE.

What’s not to like: The Wonderboom 2 is a solid performer, but consider how you’re going to use it before you buy it. Among the truly portable models that you’d listen to on the go, it’s relatively large and has a small mesh loop at the top in lieu of a strap or handle. And if you’re going to mostly place the Wonderboom 2 on a picnic table or a beach blanket, there are slightly larger models, like the Sony SRS XB-23 or the JBL Flip 5, that offer better performance for nearly the same money.