Bluetooth speakers make it easy to enjoy music, podcasts, or calls on the go — but with prices ranging from $15 to over $300, it’s easy to overspend or end up with underwhelming sound. Here’s how to pick a quality speaker on a budget. Prioritize Sound Quality (Within Reason) In budget speakers, look for these sound features: Balanced audio: No overpowering bass or tinny treble Decent volume range: Loud enough without distorting 360-degree sound (if possible): Better for shared spaces You probably won’t get audiophile-level sound under $50, but some brands come surprisingly close with smart engineering. Battery Life and Charging Battery performance varies widely. For everyday use, aim for: 8–12 hours of playback per charge USB-C charging, which is faster and more modern Longer battery life is essential if you’ll use it outdoors or while traveling. Size and Portability Consider where and how you’ll use the speaker: Small/ultra-portable: Great for travel, but less volume Mid-size: A good balance for backyard or kitchen use Larger models: Better sound, but less portable Durability and Waterproofing If you’ll use your speaker outside or near water, look for: IPX5 or higher: Splash-proof or waterproof rating Rugged build: Rubberized casing for drops You don’t need military-grade toughness, but a bit of water and impact resistance goes a long way. Connectivity Options Most Bluetooth speakers connect easily, but extras are helpful: 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections Bluetooth 5.0 or newer for faster pairing and better range Built-in mic for taking calls (if needed) Top Budget-Friendly Brands Anker (Soundcore) Tribit OontZ (Cambridge SoundWorks) JBL GO and Clip series These offer surprisingly rich sound at wallet-friendly prices. Conclusion You don’t need to pay premium prices for quality audio. Look for realistic sound expectations, good battery life, and a size that suits your needs. A well-chosen Bluetooth speaker proves that great sound doesn’t have to come at a high cost.