Best portable speakers

It's peak summer, making it the perfect time for family get-togethers, pool parties, and park picnics. But no social gathering really gets going until someone puts on a rocking playlist.

If you're having trouble deciding which is best, we've put together this handy guide to help you find a portable speaker that'll really resonate with you.

What is a portable speaker?

Portable speakers let you listen to music on the go. They're light and compact, with rechargeable batteries that provide hours of playback. They're brilliant for outdoor gatherings and adventures. You can wirelessly stream audio through them from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop using Bluetooth.

Best overall portable speaker -- JBL Xtreme 4

The JBL Xtreme 4 ticks pretty much all the boxes. It's packing two woofers, two drivers, and dual JBL Bass Radiators. AI Sound Boost tech analyses your tunes in real-time and pushes the drivers to the max. It lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge and has a built-in power bank for topping up your phone.

Best mini portable speaker -- Sony SRS-XB100

Small enough to fit in your bag at just 274 grams. Comes with a multiway strap, waterproof design, and Sony's Sound Diffusion Processor for spreading audio evenly.

Best value portable speaker -- JBL Go 4

Palm-sized but with seriously cool features thanks to JBL Pro Sound. Fine-tune with the JBL Portable app's EQ presets. Seven hours of playtime plus Playtime Boost for an extra couple of hours.

Best waterproof portable speaker -- LG XBOOM Go XG7

IP67 rated -- water resistant up to three feet and completely dust-proof. Built-in customisable LED lights for party vibes when it gets dark.

Best smart portable speaker -- JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi

Stream over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth. Supports Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast. Self-tuning feature detects surroundings and optimises sound quality.

Best battery life portable speaker -- Marshall Emberton II

Inspired by legendary rock and roll amps. Battery lasts up to 30 hours. Supports fast charging -- 20 minutes gives 4 hours of playtime.

Best range portable speaker -- Beats Pill

Bluetooth Class 1 tech offers range up to 100 metres. Custom racetrack woofer delivers deep bass, pushing 90% more air than the previous model.