Top 13 Best Party Speakers in 2023

For those who like throwing parties, there is one piece of equipment that can easily make or break a great one. A quality sound system gets and keeps everyone in the mood, well, as long as the music is good, it does!

With so many options currently available, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which option is the best for you. To help with this, we have a list of reviews breaking down the most popular items on the market. This is followed by a buying guide, which will detail the key features to consider prior to making a purchase. Because if you’re throwing a party, you’ll want the best sound for your tunes.

So, let’s have a look at the best party speakers available and find the perfect ones for your next party…

Top 13 Best Party Speakers of 2023

 

1 Logitech Ultimate Ears – Wonderboom 2 – Best Affordable Party Speaker

The first iteration of the Wonderboom was certainly a hit, and with the new version, they’ve decided not to change the recipe merely to improve on it. The Wonderboom 2 will set you back around $85 bucks. Inside the box, you get the speaker and a Micro USB cable for charging. 

Built like a tank, a floating tank!

The speaker itself is deceptively lightweight, but it feels as strong as a rock. The Wonderboom 2 is rated IP67 dust ad water-resistant. It can be submerged in three feet of water for about half an hour. The speaker will also float if dropped in the pool. It is drop-test certified at a height of around six feet. 

Along with the volume controls on the side of the speaker, you will find a power button, Bluetooth pairing button, and a multifunction button. This can be used for Play/Pause ad track skipping, but there is no control for going backward. 

The Wonderboom has an effective Bluetooth range of 100ft which is a lot more than many of the competitors. The battery takes about two and a half hours to fully charge and will provide around thirteen hours of playback on a full charge. The speaker, unfortunately, charges via Micro USB, but I would have liked to see USB C. 

Add a friend…

Just like the previous Wonderboom, the Wonderboom 2 can be paired up with another one just like it and used as one set of speakers. While the Wonderboom 1 only featured stereo pairing, the Wonderboom 2 allows you to choose between a stereo pair or a left and right channel split.

The sound quality on the WOderboom 2 is superb. Thanks to the new outdoor boost function, it has plenty of oomph to handle loud situations. The sound is boomy, defined, and much more powerful than the first Wonderboom, which could do okay indoors but not outside. 

The 360 range of the speaker really does work if you place it on a level surface. There is a definite boost in the lower mids, but this adds a lovely warmth to anything you play through it. When used as a pair with other speakers, the sound stage is improved dramatically. The sound gets widened, which improves the already impressive sound stage. 

Don’t buy one… buy two!

You would think that some sound shaping options on a companion app would be needed, but the Wonderboom 2 has such a satisfying sound and is so simple that I don’t mind the lack of extra bells and whistles at all. For less than $100, this speaker is a steal, which is why I would buy two right off the bat. 

2 Audio Pro Addon T3 – Best Looking Party Speaker

Audio Pro started out as a rather obscure Swedish company trying it make it in the Audio business. They have made some quite impressive speakers, and while their range is rather small when paired with larger competitors, their products are of exceptional quality. The T3 is their first shot at a wireless speaker, and it comes in at around $150. 

Solid in every sense of the word…

The T3 weighs in at just over two kilograms and is available in White, Yellow, Red, and Black. Its retro design and leather carrying handle make for a great presentation, though I will say that you need a really small hand to get your fingers through the loop. The built quality and assembly on the T3 cannot be faulted. It feels as solid as it looks. 

The Addon T3 is powered via AC or the battery. It boasts an impressive battery life of 30 hours on half volume and 12 hours on full volume. 

Another great thing is that should the battery get worn out after enough cycles, you can order a replacement from Audio Pro. This is not something manufacturers often do with wireless speakers, especially not lower-priced ones like this. This adds great long-term value to the speaker. 

Everything you could ever need…

The T3 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and supports Mp3. Apple Lossless, WMA, and Flac formats. There is also a 3.5mm jack for connecting your device directly. The Bluetooth range is around ten meters. At the back of the speaker, there is a USB port for charging your devices. 

On the front of the speaker are some very stylish buttons for pairing, play/pause, etc., as well as an led indicator of the battery life.

In terms of sound, the T3 scores high marks all around…

The sound signature is rather neutral across the highs and mids, but there is a slight boost in the low mid. The speaker is plenty loud, and there is little to no distortion at high volumes. The sound is rich and dynamic. 

Thanks to the two tweeters, the T3 creates brilliant separation between elements in a mix, and this makes it one of the highest-rated speakers in its class when it comes to clarity. 

3 JBL Charge 5 – Best Value for Money Party Speaker

It’s very difficult to get a better unit than this one without paying a bit more. The Charge 5 is the latest iteration in JBL’s proud line of great-sounding wireless speakers. At $125 dollars it’s also one of the most competitively priced speakers on the market. It comes in Black, Blue, Camouflage, Grey, Red, and Teal. 

Built to last…

The Charge 5 feels very premium in your hand, and at just under two pounds, it’s more than light and compact enough to carry with you or slip into a bag. Despite the circular-looking design, there are small feet that are rubberized to allow the speaker to stand firmly on a flat surface. The Charge 5 is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance.

The speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.1, which provides a flawless connection at a distance of up to ten meters. It also offers multipoint pairing, which will allow for seamless switching between simultaneously paired Bluetooth devices.

However…

There is no 3.5mm jack on the Charge 5, something that is offered on the previous models and most other speakers in this price range. There is a USB type C and type A on the back of the speaker, which will allow you to charge your devices. 

The Charge 5 also doesn’t have fast charging, so getting it from empty to fully charged will take around four hours. With one full charge, the speaker will deliver around 20 hours of playtime, depending on your volume. 

On the top of the speaker are simple controls for play-pause, party boost, skip forward, and pairing, but there is no control to skip backward. 

Boost the party!

Like many other JBL products, the Charge 5 is equipped with the PartyBoost function, which allows the user to link up numerous JBL speakers to create a combined sound system. This can be done using JBL’s intuitive and well-designed companion app. One problem there is that despite all the functionality, they couldn’t give us a customizable EQ. Maybe there will be one in a future firmware update.

When it comes to sound, the JBL sounds like it ought to be more expensive than it is. Thanks to the high-quality 20mm 10W tweeter and the 90mm 30W woofer, there is nothing that this speaker can’t handle. Plenty of low-end makes it great for bass-heavy genres, but there is never any mud from the mids spilling over.

The speaker’s high-end response is great as well, with stabby synths and hi-hats that ring out like bells but without ever getting harsh. However, like most speakers, though, when you push it to the limit, you will get a little bit of distortion and artifacts in the sound. 

For the price, you won’t get better…

Overall the sound from this speaker is probably the best in its price range. However, there is no built-in microphone, something that is offered by a lot of there speakers in the same class as the Charge 5, but who needs a mic in a party anyway!

4 Sony XB72 High Power Home Audio System

When it comes to sound, Sony is a well-known brand that provides a wide range of options with crystal clear sound quality. The XB72 is one of their range that does this, and also provides a light show to bump that party up to epic level!

This home audio system has built-in multicolored line lights that flash and change color along with the beat of the tunes you pump through the speakers. There’s also an integrated microphone input for some amazing nights of karaoke with friends and family.

These bad boys can be set vertically or horizontally, making them a great option no matter what space you have. With a USB connection, you can charge your smartphone or other devices. While the sound system can be chained using the onboard NFC and Bluetooth for a wireless connection that allows you to place the speakers just about anywhere.

Not only can you count on the top quality sound that Sony is known for, but this sound system is also purposely built for all the party animals out there. It even has an ‘extra bass’ button for those tunes with some low-end power. This offers a deep, punchy bass that will keep everyone’s hips bouncing throughout the night.

There’s even the ability to pair it up to three smartphones or tablets simultaneously.

5 Soundboks 2 Bluetooth Speaker with Batteryboks

Yes, this option is nearly three times the price of the Sony system, but it’s still half the cost of what will be our next review. However, this system by Soundboks supplies some of the loudest sounds available from a Bluetooth sound system.

Well, it goes up a staggering 122 dB with crips treble and a huge bass, because if you want to party, you probably want the sound pumping out big time! Not only that, but the unit is water and dirt resistant, splash proof, and built to last.

With an available ⅛” AUX input or connection via Bluetooth, you’ll be able to get the party started with or without a wired connection. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for the best Bluetooth party speaker.

The fully wireless design comes with a swappable battery pack with an average life of 40 hours. Though the wireless design does help with transportation and easy setup, we should note that the loudspeaker weighs a solid 33 lb., making it a bit of a handful.

6 DiamondBoxx Model XL2

This may be the best party sound system available for a number of reasons. Though, as the highest priced option on our list by a rather large amount, the XL2 by DiamondBoxx is a sound system with everything you could ever want built-in.

This system pumps out loud and clear sound with 1000 Watts output peak (660 Watts continuous), and 12 amplifiers and four subwoofers for the clearest sound you can imagine with minimal distortion. In fact, the manufacturer claims that this is the loudest portable wireless Bluetooth speaker, and has the deepest bass available within the category.

We certainly expect it to, especially as the whole unit is designed, engineered, and made by hand in the USA. That’s not something many can claim these days. And we certainly consider this a rather strong selling point on its own. If that isn’t enough, the hi-fi class a/b amplifiers are constructed with high-end neodymium motor speakers. And it features AptX HD TWS.

Yes, this sound system is stupidly expensive when compared to the other options reviewed here. However, for those who really want the best quality of sound for big parties, this is it!

7 Rockville RPG122K Dual 12” Powered Speakers

Here’s a sound system that comes with everything one could want for a party, and it’s all available at a reasonable price. Especially when compared to the DiamondBoxx, we’ve just reviewed. The RPG122K from Rockville is also available in a range of sizes, though for this review, we will focus on the 12” option.

Not only do you get two big speakers, but they also come with rugged tripod speaker stands for setting up anywhere you want. The first speaker is active and contains its own amplifier. This also powers the other speaker through the included ¼” cable.

For those that are, you found the perfect sound system. Included is a wired microphone and a ¼” cable input for keyboards, guitars, and more. There’s even a wireless remote control included, and Bluetooth for connecting any tablet you store your music on, or a USB input for MP3 playback.

We really like the in-built FM radio, a feature most speakers do not include these days. While the built-in equalizer has settings for numerous genres and will give you the best eq curve to match each.

In terms of power output, it is 1000 Watts peak and 250 Watts RMS. Plus, you’ll get clear sound reproduction and awesome bass response form the long-throw woofer with a 2” aluminum voice coil.

8 Aiwa Exos-9 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The next entry on our list of the best portable party speakers comes from Aiwa in their Exos-9 speaker. For those that like to party, a speaker that pumps out some decent noise is obviously important. They also make a great option for setting up in the garage or the back yard for summer barbecues with the indoor/outdoor design.

Included in the five drivers is a 6.5” dual-voice coil subwoofer, which, when combined, give out 200 Watts of power, making this the loudest portable Bluetooth speaker that Aiwa produces. All of this controlled by the 5-band onboard graphic equalizer with four pre-sets and fine-tuning.

We wouldn’t say that this sound system it the best on the market, but it does push out good quality sounds. Plus, you can link two of these units together in dual stereo, or even in a stereo separated configuration to blast out some serious noise for larger parties.

Yes, you will get up to nine hours of playback when unplugged, using the 57.2 WH lithium-ion removable battery. If that’s not enough, you can always plug in and keep the party going all weekend long.

9 Ion Audio Block Rocker Max Wireless Rechargeable Speaker

For those looking for a sound system that is truly portable, this next entry on our list may be just what you’re looking for. Weighing only about 25 lb., this is one of the smaller and lighter options we reviewed.

Equipped with multi-color LEDs that react to sound lighting modes from the front grill, this is a great sound system for smaller parties where a light show will add to the ambiance. While the lightweight does come with some drawbacks, such as it is limited to 50 Watts of power. There are still some decent features to make up for that.

In addition to the fancy lights mentioned, the Block Rocker Max comes with a microphone input plus an output link for paring speakers for an expansive stereo sound. Not only that, but this is also the least expensive party speaker on our list!

Play/Pause and a track skipping button allow you to control the Bluetooth music without having to search for your connected device. We really like this feature, as with the lights running, you’ll find this far quicker than messing around with your connected phone or tablet.

However, the battery doesn’t last too long with the lights running.

10 Samson Expedition XP800 Portable PA System

While it’s not nearly as cheap as the Ion Audio Block we just reviewed, the XP800 from Samson Expedition is still less expensive than many other options on this list of the best party speakers. This option, however, offers a great deal more punch for the dollar.

Catch everyone’s attention with an 800 Watt portable PA system that weighs just over 40 lb. Easy to transport, and plenty loud enough with that many watts behind you. The lightweight Class D amplifier gives out a stereo sound that will last for 8 hours of play.

These speaker enclosures also feature a tilt-back design making them great stage monitors, so you can assume the classic rock and roll pose with guitar in hand for all your friends!

It’s the modern age with Bluetooth availability, and this PA system is considerably easier to set up than those from previous generations. With these, you won’t need any help to get the party started.

No matter what your plans are for the party, you’ll have no issues with connecting. Designed with four mic/line inputs (XLR and ¼”) meant for microphones, instruments and/or line-level devices, a Hi-Z input for direct guitar connections, and two stereo channels with multiple input options (¼”, ⅛”, & RCA) that allow you to connect MP3 players, smartphones, tablets and more.

11 ION Audio Tailgater Sport Portable Bluetooth Speaker

A second option on our list of party speaker reviews from ION is their Tailgater Sport Speaker. This model may not have the fancy dancing lights of the first one we reviewed from the manufacturer. However, it is one of the least expensive options we reviewed.

With this sound system, you do get an IPX4 water-resistant rating, so lights showers won’t end the fun. There is also an AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connection that allows anyone to connect their smartphone or tablet to switch up the tunes when everyone’s not grooving to what’s already playing.

There are only 50 Watts of power flowing through the system. So, while you will get a robust woofer and wide-dispersion tweeter for fairly decent quality sound, it won’t keep any neighbors up at night.

However, the long-lasting rechargeable battery will last for several days of use. This, we really like as sometimes you need a speaker for the beach or elsewhere that doesn’t have an electric hookup within reach.

We like that it’s on the super cheap side of the price scale; however, you do get what you pay for. While this sound system will be adequate for many users, it does not produce anywhere as near as much volume or quality of sound, as some of the other options we’ve reviewed.

12 Pyle PPHP1537UB DJ Party Portable Sound Stereo

Like some of the other options on this list of the best party speakers, the PPHP1537UB from Pyle is available in a few different sizes. This means that no matter how big of a party you are throwing, there’s an option that’ll be perfect for you.

For this review, we focused on the 15” version. And we found that its powerful 1200 Watts generate enough volume that you’ll feel like you’re in another venue much larger than your own back yard. It’s also compatible with just about all other portable PA loudspeakers, and the Bluetooth connection allows anyone to set the tone of the party with their own tunes.

No problem at all, as these babies are chain linkable. You can connect a number of digital active powered speakers using a cable from one monitor port to the next, which means you can produce true stereo sounds without breaking the bank.

While not the cheapest option on our list, this sound system is considerably less expensive than many of the other options reviewed here. We find this rather important, as most of us can’t spend ridiculous amounts on speakers. So, if you love your music, this may be exactly what you’re after.

13 Pyle PSUFM1235BT Loudspeaker

The final item on our list of the best party speaker reviews is yet again from Pyle, but this option is a step above the one we’ve just reviewed. The higher price comes with a few significant changes, some of which the sound enthusiast will highly appreciate.

When it comes right down to it, no party will be remembered if the music is too quiet to keep everyone moving. Not to worry with this sound system from Pyle, which comes with a massive 2400 Watts of power. That should be enough to really enrage your neighbors, and maybe even those on the next block over.

For the price, you get some very nice sounding speakers with this unit. With dual 12” woofers, horn tweeter, and a top panel that includes button controls with an LCD display that allows you to tweak the Treble, Bass, Echo, and Volume. The system also includes a wireless mic, FM radio, and USB/SD readers so you can customize your playlist and set the mood.

As with some other options reviewed above, this sound system has multi-colored LED lights that will flash along with the music. It’s not just sound, but a whole show that is delivered to those that you have over for the big event.

However, you will feel the cost savings with this system a touch more than with others, as distortion is an issue at higher volumes. But, this shouldn’t put you off unless you need crystal clear sound quality at levels that vibrate the windows down the street!

Also see: Top 10 Best Portable Outdoor Radios

Best Party Speakers Buying Guide

Having read through all of our product reviews, you should now have a clear picture of the range of options available for producing top level sounds for your next party. But with so many different levels of features and sound quality, how do you know which will be the best sound system for you to purchase?

The first question to ask yourself is, “what are you using the speaker for?” If you are just looking for something to set up in the garage to jam with friends? Or put in the back yard for smaller parties by the barbecue or swimming pool? Then you likely won’t need to worry too much about the wattage output.

But if you are really looking to throw a big party, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, you’ll certainly want a bit more power running through the system. Similarly, it’s wise to purchase an option that can be linked with other speakers when you intend to throw larger parties.

You’ll also want to consider the size of the woofer, because we all know that bass is key to keeping those hips moving at a good party. What you may not know is that the size of the woofer is usually linked to the sound quality, especially in the bass frequencies.

While this is becoming less true with modern advances in both speaker technology and cabinet designed. It is true that you’ll generally get more bass from larger speakers. This is something you’ll have to bear in mind if you’re looking for something that you can easily transport from party to party.

Yes, we do understand that everyone wants the best sound quality that they can get. After all, what’s the point of buying a sound system that produces inferior audio? However, this will have to be balanced with portability and price, both of which will greatly affect the overall experience.

While modern technology is bringing high-quality sounds to smaller and smaller speakers as time progresses, it is still true that, in most cases, bigger is better. This isn’t the case, however, when it comes to lugging the speakers to and fro. Therefore, you should not expect the same level of sound quality from the cheaper, smaller products we reviewed.

For most of us who are not in the music industry and are instead simply looking for something more than the small portable speakers that many keep in their glove boxes. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars when options do exist at a fraction of that. The more you care about the clarity of the sound, the more you’ll have to spend.

Many of the above options come with Bluetooth connection. It is, after all, the twenty-first century and well pretty much all have a smartphone or tablet (or both) these days. We feel that this is a vital feature that should not be overlooked.

It may be vital that you can plug in USBs that are already loaded with a playlist you spent hours creating, and this is an option that is nice to have. However, for days that you don’t need to impress with your DJ skills, it’s nice to be able to allow anyone to sync their device to take over the tunes. It keeps the music fresh, even when you’re regularly using the sound system with the same group of friends.

We would certainly appreciate the sound quality of the top of the line system that looks and sounds like it belongs to the professionals. Music is so much more enjoyable when you can hear every little nuance with the clarity that the producers intended. But, the price point of these options will keep many from even considering making such a purchase.

There’s plenty of options these days that don’t cost a fortune and still deliver audio quality that you’ll appreciate. As will everyone you invite over to your party. It’s unnecessary to spend more than you need to for that tiny bit better sound quality, especially when many won’t even notice the difference.

There are a number of other excellent speaker options for specific tasks available at the moment. So, it’s well worth checking out our in-depth reviews of the Best Powered Speakers, the Best In Ceiling Speakers, the Best Speaker Docks, and the Best Studio Monitor Speakers on the market.

You may also be interested in our review of the Polk Audio RTI A3.

So, which of these Best Party Speakers Should you Buy?

Despite not having an Aux input or a built-in microphone, the…

JBL Charge 5 

…is still the best option for a wireless party speaker. There is nothing that will sound this good for under $200, and there are, in fact, more expensive speakers that do sound as loud or good as the Charge 5 will. And it will charge your phone or tablet for you while you blast tunes.

If you have older JBLs with the Partyboost function, you can increase the capability of your system dramatically, making this the perfect speaker for parties. Hopefully, future updates will add an EQ to the app. And, as for the microphone, Who needs that when you’re partying? At this point, you shouldn’t be asking which speaker to buy, just which color you want your JBL to be.

Enjoy the party!