You want to throw a party for the ages. That means you need to have great beats, fantastic music, and an atmosphere that encourages everyone to let go and have some fun.
Without the best portable party speakers supporting your efforts, the best playlist ever will sound cheesy and lifeless. Your guests don’t want to listen to tinny sounds and a faint bass. They want beats that cause vibrations in their chest, tunes that make the feet tap, and awkward neck movements to begin unconsciously.
Here’s how you’re going to make that happen.
What Are the Best Portable Party Speakers?
Many portable party speakers are wireless, but there are some wired options available. Different sizes, output options, and speaker types can be found in this category as well. Here are the top-rated options that will help you pick the right speakers for your next party.
Picture | Name | Our Rating | Watts | Price |
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Pule Powered Active Loudspeaker Bluetooth System | 4.2 | 700 | $$$ |
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ION Audio Party Power Portable Party Speaker | 4.0 | 30 | $ |
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Big Blue Party Indoor/Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker | 4.6 | 72 | $$$$ |
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Proreck Party 15 Portable 2-Way Powered Speaker System | 4.5 | 2000 | $$$$$+ |
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AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speaker | 4.5 | 15 | $ |
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ION Audio Party Rocker Max Wireless Rechargeable Speaker | 4.4 | 100 | $$$$$+ |
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Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | 4.8 | 200 | $$$$$+ |
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Pyle PSUFM1045A Disco Jam Speaker | 4.1 | 1000 | $$$$ |
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StarQueen 12-Inch Wireless Bluetooth Portable Party Speaker | 4.3 | 60 | $$$ |
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LyxPro SPA-8 Compact Portable Party Speaker | 4.3 | 100 | $$ |
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Picture | Name | Our Rating | Watts | Price |
What to Think About When Purchasing the Best Portable Party Speakers
You might find an excellent portable party speaker, but discover that the sound quality for your party is still questionable at best. How does that work?
The speakers that you purchase should be configured to the audio that you plan on running through them. If you want a stereo sound for your party, then you’ll need party speakers that allow you to route sounds through a left and right speaker at minimum.
If you’re throwing an outdoor movie party, then a surround sound environment will need several portable party speakers to be placed around the seating area.
What you have in the room or your outdoor entertainment area is going to affect the quality of the sound the listener receives as well. If there are hard surfaces in the room, such as a concrete patio, a wood floor, or even a window, then the sounds produced by the speaker are going to reverberate. The sound quality from the speaker will be excellent, but the reverberation will cause distortions to the listener.
Irregular surfaces, like a landscaped rock wall, can cause diffusion instead. Some materials, like carpeting, area rugs, or a lawn, will cause the sound to be absorbed and make the speaker seem quieter than it really is.
That’s why trusting your ears is the best solution when shopping for the best portable party speakers. If you can’t find the speaker locally, then take advantage of the return policy for the speaker if it just doesn’t meet your needs.
What Are the Advantages of Owning Portable Party Speakers?
Portable party speakers offer you flexibility. You can place them just about anywhere, allowing you to throw a party indoors or outdoors with the same speaker. Your guests can enjoy music in any room and you can connect several speakers to the main audio system.
Portable speakers let you take the party with you as well. Whether you go camping or you’re just going to party at a buddy’s house, these speakers can connect to other audio systems easily. Many portable speakers accept Bluetooth pairing or can connect to Wi-Fi so you can stream your own playlists wherever you happen to be.
If you are planning to take your portable party speakers with you frequently, then choosing a model that comes with a rechargeable battery will help you to maximize the fun. Although some speakers may only play for 60-90 minutes on a single charge, there are some models that can play for up to 8 hours at a time.
You’ll still receive the heavy bass, smooth sounds, and bright tones that you demand from a modern listening experience with the best speakers in this category, despite their portable designs.
What Speaker Type is Right for Your Party?
Many portable party speakers are designed to be pocket-sized or slightly larger. It’s a good way to maximize the sounds you can receive while being able to move the speaker from party to party. There are some surprisingly big sounds that can come from some very tiny speakers today.
If you’re looking for something that is a little mightier than a pocket speaker, then here are the options that are available today.
- Bookshelf Speakers. This type of party speaker tends to have less of a bass response. They’re still very compact and can fit almost anywhere, but direct the sound upward so it can sound as full as possible.
- Floor Speakers.This speaker type gives you the most realistic listening experience. They can hook up to virtually any entertainment system, often with Bluetooth, so you can stay wireless.
- Surround Speakers. These speakers are typically smaller and designed to be placed up near the ceiling or as high as you can get them outdoors. They work with other speakers to create better ambient sound reception for an immersive party experience.
- Center Channel Speakers. Although most party speakers won’t be this type of speaker, you’ll want this option available if you’re creating a permanent party setup in your home. It provides the best sound in the mid-range frequencies in case you wish to hear dialogue or the lyrics of the song.
- Subwoofer. This speaker delivers the bass. It enriches music and provides realistic depth for movies and shows. For best results, find a corner where you can keep this speaker.
If you’re just getting started with your party setup, you might consider purchasing a packaged set of portable party speakers so you can get everything you need in one checkout. Most portable systems won’t deliver a 5.1 system, but could give you the closest thing to an immersive party experience that is possible today.
If the budget is tight, however, a simple speaker that lets you stream music to it can still get the job done for your get-together.
Portable Speakers and Docking: Do You Need It?
The benefit of having a portable speaker with docking is that you can take the party with you. It can even help you begin an impromptu party at the beach or the park. Just use a compatible smartphone, MP3 player, or Bluetooth device with the speaker and you’ll receive audio that is comparable to a modern podcast.
By having a docking feature, you can often limit battery loss from your smartphone or MP3 player, but it may come at the expense of the speaker battery life. That’s why docking may not always be necessary. Modern technologies can let you stream music without a direct connection.
These speakers are offered in numerous sizes, colors, and styles. That makes it easy to find one that matches your current lifestyle. Then you can listen to anything that can be streamed to the device: audiobooks, TV shows, live radio… the choice is up to you.
If you plan to take the party outside, be sure to find a model that has weather-resistance built into it. Speakers can be rated as being water-resistant or waterproof, so find the option that works best for your needs. If you have a pool or are going to a pool party with your speaker, make sure to choose a model that can be fully submerged in water to protect your investment.
Several portable party speakers come with flashing lights and other features that can help you set the mood for the event at the same time. These may come with a rechargeable battery, but some do require an AC outlet for full functionality.
Connecting to a portable speaker today is incredibly easy. You can even connect some portable speakers to each other for the developed audio that your “refined” guests may expect. You don’t need special hardware or a specific app to stream if both devices are Bluetooth-enabled. Some party speakers do have specific apps that can let you set light patterns or change other party features, however, so the best speaker reviews can help you sort out the features you need and the ones you don’t need.
Additional Features to Consider with the Best Portable Party Speakers
- USB charging is useful for portable speakers that travel with you. Some speakers are designed to charge with your smartphone on a wireless charger.
- Pairing with multiple devices is useful for parties where everyone might be bringing their own party speakers.
- A speakerphone setting can be useful if you want to take phone calls with your portable party speaker. Look for a model that will cut music streaming when the phone rings.
- Weather-resistance is useful for party speakers that will be used outside. Check for an IPX rating of 0-8 with the best portable party speaker reviews to see what kind of exposure your preferred model can handle.
What Are the Prices of the Best Portable Party Speakers?
Party speakers are priced on size, function, and audio quality. Basic speakers can be found for less than $30, but the audio quality can be questionable and the audio range is limited. If you’re looking for a straight-up party in a speaker with lights, karaoke settings, and similar features, expect to pay around $100 for a good entry-level model.
If you want a premium speaker that delivers an outstanding audio experience, expect to pay more than $175 for such a speaker. A premium brand like Bose can have speakers priced above $225 in this category.
Reviews: 10 Preposterously Good Portable Party Speakers
Pyle
This powered active PA loudspeaker will let you speak to the masses, propose a fantastic toast, or play everyone’s favorite music as you hit the dance floor. It packs a wallop with a 10-inch subwoofer and up to 700 watts. It reproduces the entire audio spectrum and can cut through environmental interference or let someone in the back of a room still hear the music with crisp clarity. You can chain multiple speakers together for a stereo experience as well. It has Bluetooth, plays MP3 files, and is highly portable. It gets the job done.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Ion Audio
This portable Bluetooth speaker is extremely compact, allowing you the chance to take the party anywhere. It can project party lights onto your walls and ceiling if you wish. The LED lightshow synchronizes to the music, so you can all dance to the beat. Although it is smaller than other speakers in this category, the sound is dynamic and rich. You’ve got the option for non-Bluetooth streaming with a 3.5mm AUX input as well. Considering the price, this is one of those must-have items for any party.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Brookstone
With 4 full-range speaker drivers, this is one of the few portable party speakers that will deliver 360 degrees of sound. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 4.5 hours per charge, giving you a rich audio input where you happen to go. You can take the party to the beach, the pool, or outside on the deck while you’re grilling burgers and have a good time. The Bluetooth connectivity is consistent, providing a crisp audio that you’d swear came from a wired speaker. With two color options available, we think you’re going to love what this party speaker can do for you.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Proreck
If you want to throw a professional-quality party, then you need pro-level equipment. That’s where this powered PA speaker system combo set can give you a helping hand. You’ll receive two speakers, tripod stands for them, a microphone, and all the networking equipment needed to let everyone have a good time. It offers Bluetooth, SD Card, and USB connectivity and includes an FM radio and remote control for easy use. For those who take their parties seriously, these are the speakers you’ll want.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Aomais
This portable party speaker proves that great things can come in small packages. Although it is just 15W, the sound is superior to many other speakers in this category. It has an IPX5 rating, comes in 5 different colors, and incorporates DSP technologies so the sound experience stays consistent in a variety of conditions. Stereo pairing is possible with this speaker and it includes a climbing carabinerso it can become a hiking and travel stereo too. If your budget is tight, you’ll find this speaker will still make you feel all right.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Ion Audio Party Rocker
If you’re concerned about the atmosphere at a party, then this is the portable speaker you’ll want to bring along. It delivers 100 watts of power, through an 8-inch woofer and a wide-dispersion tweeter, so the sound output is consistently vibrant. The front panel of the speaker is lighted, with a disco ball top, to give the walls and ceiling some additional pop. Stream music through Bluetooth and control it from the speaker. You can connect a microphone and use the echo effect for fun karaoke. We loved looking at this speaker and think you’ll enjoy it too.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Aiwa
With a 60-day risk-free satisfaction guarantee, there’s nothing to lose when trying out this portable party speaker. Even return shipping is included in the guarantee. Once you experience the incredible sound this Bluetooth speaker produces, however, you’ll be hooked. With 5 drivers, a 6.5-inch dual coil woofer, and networking capabilities, your indoor or outdoor parties are going to be cranked up to 11. It provides up to 9 hours of playback with the rechargeable battery or you can plug it directly into an AC outlet. It connects in seconds and you’ll have hours of fun in return.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
Pyle 2-Way
Although the sound quality is good, there are better speakers out there in terms of output. Where you gain an advantage with this portable party speaker is customization. The front lighting lets you set the atmosphere for your party. You’ve got multiple equalizer options so the sounds can be tailored to the space that you’ll be using. You can have active speakers, passive speakers, or get a set for both if you wish. You receive a full display screen that shows you data about your playlists as well. With this speaker, you’ll get people out on the dance floor.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
StarQueen
This is one of those portable speakers for a party that folks are either going to love or they’re going to hate. It has excellent connectivity, a strong battery, and it’s one of the few speakers that have wheels for easy transport. You can connect to an AC or DC power source with this setup, so you can have music almost anywhere. A wireless microphone and charger are included in the box. The output isn’t full, but it isn’t flat either. There’s a bit of a struggle for a maximum distance Bluetooth connection, though the AUX input is consistently good. It’s an entry-level speaker, but has nice features, and that’s why some folks will love it.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
LyxPro
This is the speaker that gives you options. Want to throw a great party on the cheap? Then grab the compact 8-inch subwoofer with a 100W active PA system so you can speak to your audience. Want massive power? Then go with the 15-inch woofer that delivers a 180W active system instead. You’ve got 10-inch and 12-inch options as well. The music controls are intuitive and the EQ for the MP3s you may wish to play are simple to use. It consistently gets the job done and that’s why it earns our recommendation.
Click here to find the best price on Amazon.
The best portable party speakers will get people out on the dance floor and having a great time all night long. Grab the speaker with the features you need today and then tonight you can let the party begin.