Our ability to enjoy recorded music has improved greatly over the decades. And thanks to technological wonders like bluetooth, the portability of devices that enable our experience of music, like speakers, has reached unprecedented heights. And we can avail of them without breaking the bank, too. If you’re looking for the best affordable portable speakers on the market right now, read on to see some of your best options. Those listed here are all amazing, if we’re being honest.
Not only are these bluetooth speakers affordable, but they are also durable and sport features that offer value for money. For example, some on this list are waterproof; you can take them outdoors and not worry about having them die on you if they get rained on. And there’s the charge-out feature of some of these speakers, which allows them to double as power banks for your mobile devices.
JBL Go 3
The most affordable portable speaker on this list is the JBL Go 3, which retails for as low as Php 1,790. It is also one of the most convenient to carry around. It is so lightweight and has such a tiny footprint for a bluetooth speaker that it can be attached to your backpack or bag with its built-in hook without posing any risk of falling due to weight.
The JBL Go 3 has an IP67 rating, the highest grade for protection against dust and water, including immersion in up to 1 meter of water for as long as 30 minutes.
However, as is common among smaller speakers, the JBL Go 3 doesn’t have the best bass sound. And, again due to its size, its volume is limited. But that doesn’t mean it has a shabby overall sound quality.
Tests of the device found that its playtime can be as long as 10 hours.
The JBL Go 3 is available in a wide variety of colors, including red, black, blue, teal, white, yellow, squad (camo), green, orange, pink, grey, and blue/pink.
Pros
- Portability
- IP67 rating
Cons
- Limited volume
- Weaker bass
Anker Soundcore 3
The Anker Soundcore 3 is the successor to the Soundcore 2. Like the one that came before it, the Soundcore 3 is rectangular in shape and has an IPX7 rating. This grade means that although the speaker can be submerged in water as deep as 1 meter for as long as 30 minutes without incurring any damage, it does not have the same dust protection as devices with an IP67 rating.
What sets this bluetooth speaker apart from its predecessor is it has a companion app, which has a graphic EQ and presets that let users adjust the sound. Furthermore, the Soundcore 3 has a carrying strap, unlike the Soundcore 2.
Anker claims this speaker has a 24-hour playtime.
A reported disadvantage of this bluetooth speaker is you may experience some distortion if you turn it all the way up. This can easily be remedied by dialing it back a little.
The Anker Soundcore 3 can be had for as low as Php 2,500+ and is available in black only.
Pros
- Companion app with graphic EQ and presets
- Stereo option
Cons
- Some distortion at max volume
- Limited volume
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Tribit released the StormBox Micro in 2020 as a cheaper alternative to Bose’s SoundLink Micro. With the warm reception the portable speaker enjoyed, Tribit released launched the follow-up to it, the StormBox Micro 2.
The successor boasts better audio quality and longer battery life (12 hours), and the capability to act as a power bank for other devices such as mobile phones.
But perhaps the strongest suit of the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is its portability, coming with a built-in strap for easy mounting on belt hooks and bike handlebars.
This very handy bluetooth speaker has an IP67 rating and comes with a Php 2,600+ price tag. It is available in black and blue.
Pros
- Improved battery life
- Portability
Cons
- Mild distortion at higher volumes
- Limited volume
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
Yes, another Anker Soundcore bluetooth speaker makes it to this list. But whereas the Soundcore 2 is rectangular, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is cylindrical.
With the bluetooth speaker’s shape, Anker didn’t waste the opportunity to add light rings around the top and bottom of it. The colors of the lights are customizable, so you can set them according to your mood.
But that’s just the aesthetics of the device. Where the Soundcore Flare 2 really shines is its ability to produce beautiful audio, particularly bass sounds, thanks to the BassUp preset. It’s one of a number of presets along with a graphic EQ that’s found in the speaker’s companion app.
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 has a 12-hour playtime. It retails for Php 2,900 and is available in white, red, blue and black.
Pros
- Customizable audio
- Satisfying bass
Con
- Limited volume
DOSS SoundBox
The main difference between the DOSS SoundBox and the other bluetooth speakers on this list is it has touch control. What’s more, the controls (play, pause, skip, and volume) are rendered with a laser carving finish, which can feel elegant if you’re into that kind of thing.
Apart from bluetooth connectivity, the DOSS SoundBox can also play music via micro SD and aux-in.
Although the speaker lacks low-bass like the rest of the devices on this list, it makes up for it by having only minimal compression at max volume.
The DOSS SoundBox can be had for Php 3,000 and is available in white, red, pink, black and blue.
Pro
- Minimal compression at max volume
Con
- Limited volume
Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS
The Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS, though one of the smallest ones on this list, is a powerful bluetooth speaker. This is thanks in part to its boomy audio profile.
It may not be a loud speaker given its size, but its audio is clear, with very little distortion.
Another selling point of the Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS is its portability. It comes with a carrying strap.
The Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS is available in light blue, coral pink, black and lemon yellow. It has a Php 3,000 price tag.
Conclusion
Whichever you choose among the JBL Go 3, Anker Soundcore 3, Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, Anker Soundcore Flare 2, DOSS SoundBox, and Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS, you’re bound to get an affordable bluetooth speaker that will deliver.
They’re all value for money and have each enjoyed an enthusiastic reception from music lovers and casual listeners alike.
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