Bluetooth speakers: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is our No-Brainer pick

Start with where it will play

A speaker for the shower, a hike or a desk needs to be small and waterproof. A speaker for a backyard needs more volume. Check the water and dust rating and the battery life before anything else.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

The Wonderboom 4 is the small speaker most people should get. It sounds full and balanced for its size, survives dust, drops into the pool and floats, and Ultimate Ears lists up to 14 hours of battery with USB-C charging. It is easy to clip to a bag, and two Wonderbooms can pair for bigger sound.

JBL Flip 7

The JBL Flip 7 is the step up when you want more bass and volume. JBL lists IP68 dust and water protection, drop resistance, up to 14 hours of playtime with an extra boost mode, and Bluetooth 5.4. It is bigger and heavier than the Wonderboom, so it suits backyards and picnics more than pockets.

Tribit StormBox Mini+

The Tribit StormBox Mini+ is the budget pick that still sounds better than its size suggests. Tribit lists up to 12 hours of playtime, IPX7 water resistance, Bluetooth 5.4 and USB-C charging. It is a good speaker for the shower, a desk or a kid's room.

Choose by size and volume

Pick the Wonderboom 4 for the best mix of sound, toughness and size. Pick the JBL Flip 7 for more bass and volume outdoors. Pick the Tribit StormBox Mini+ for a solid small speaker at a low cost.

What stands out

• All three are rated against water; the Wonderboom 4 floats
• JBL lists IP68 and drop resistance for the Flip 7
• Battery life runs about 12 to 14 hours as listed

Watch out for

• Listed battery life is measured at moderate volume
• Small speakers cannot match a home stereo's bass
• Check the generation number; older models look alike

Before you buy

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Choose by where it will play and how loud it needs to be, then confirm the generation number in the listing.

Think about the fit: Choose by where you will use it and how loud it needs to be.

Check before buying: Generation number, water rating, battery life and charging port

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