Reviewing a speaker isn’t as simple as plugging it in and cranking it up. Our product experts at PC Labs have an extensive checklist for how we test speakers. Each device we take into the shop is tested with its primary connection protocol (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired connection) in real-world situations. We evaluate bass response using a track with deep tones and kick drums to ensure distortion-free lows. We also test speakers across different genres of music, including classical, rock, and electronic. We use the exact same songs for every review to compare them most accurately. For speakers that work with home entertainment setups (like soundbars), we test a selection of movies and shows with dynamic sound, loud sound effects, and assertive soundtracks. We also test common functionalities for speakers with voice assistants, like connecting to Bluetooth and setting alarms. It’s a ton of work, but it’s worth it.
Best Speaker Deals Right Now
A new set of speakers doesn’t have to break the bank. From weatherproof Bluetooth outdoor models to massive, crystal-clear home theater towers and everything in between, we’re on the hunt for the absolute lowest prices on speakers from all the top retailers. Cue up your favorite playlist, because we’ve got a bunch of unbeatable speaker deals for July.
Bluetooth and Wireless Speaker Deals
JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth Speaker
2x 0.75-inch tweeters, 2x 2.75-inch woofers, stereo, Bluetooth
$249.99
at Best Buy
$379.99
Save $130.00
For an all-purpose Bluetooth speaker that will get the job done in any situation, it’s hard to beat the JBL Xtreme 4. With massive 24-hour battery life, it’s great for day trips, and the Playtime Boost optimizer adjusts the volume to squeeze the maximum amount of playtime. You can also use it as a power bank to charge your phone and other devices. IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means you can take it anywhere, and the included shoulder strap makes for easier carrying. The sound quality is surprisingly punchy for such a small unit, and you can use Auracast and the JBL app to link it to other speakers for even bigger sound.
Do you want even more detail about what makes a Bluetooth or wireless speaker the best? Then take a deeper dive into our top tested picks.
Other Bluetooth and Wireless Speaker Deals
Even More Bluetooth & Wireless Speaker Deals
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Tower Speaker Deals
LG XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Party Speaker
2x 2.5-inch tweeters, 8-inch woofer, Bluetooth
$300.99
at Best Buy
$599.99
Save $299.00
We gave an “Excellent” rating to this fun times tower speaker in our review, saying that it delivered some of the most power we’ve ever seen from a unit this size, with throbbing, deep bass and vibrant, crisp high end. LG’s companion app lets you build a custom EQ profile to suit whatever room you have it in, and the massive LED array on the front can be programmed to display a ton of different animated graphics and customizable text. If you’re looking to rock a pool party, this is your top choice.
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Other Tower Speaker Deals
Bookshelf Speaker Deals
Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers
1-inch tweeter, 4.5-inch woofer, wired, Bluetooth.
$699.99
at Amazon
$969.00
Save $269.01
Bookshelf speakers are designed to hit a midpoint between size and audio quality, able to be positioned at various heights and configurations while still sounding good. Klipsch is one of the most reputable names in the market, and its Fives bookshelf units are solid contenders, featuring excellent sound and connectivity. In our 2020 review, we gave this speaker an Editors’ Choice award, raving about its attractive design featuring removable tweed grilles, robust sound signature and input options including Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, and even a line in for turntables.
Other Bookshelf Speaker Deals
Portable Speaker Deals
Anker Soundcore Motion 300 Portable Speaker
1-inch tweeter, 4.5-inch woofer, wired, Bluetooth.
$67.99
at Amazon
$79.99
Save $12.00
We gave an Editors’ Choice award to the Soundcore Motion 300 speaker in our 2023 review, with special praise going to the budget-minded boom box’s surprisingly potent volume for its size, combined with rugged construction and some welcome audio features like in-app EQ and support for the LDAC Bluetooth codec for high-resolution streaming. A built-in microphone makes it workable for speakerphone use. It’s already a huge bargain at its $80 retail price, but throwing in an additional 15% discount is even better.
Recommended by Our Editors
Other Portable Speaker Deals
Computer Speaker Deals
Logitech Z207 Computer Speakers
10w peak power, wired, Bluetooth.
$55.99
at Best Buy
$59.99
Save $4.00
These are a little bit larger than your standard computer speakers, but the Logitech Z207 earn their footprint with assertive sound, simple Bluetooth pairing and the ability to work with three different sound sources, both wired and wireless. It’s a breeze to shift away from using them for Zoom calls on your PC to streaming music from your phone. The pair is hard-wired together, with a single 3.5-inch cord for wired connections. Setup is a total breeze and they get quite loud.
Other Computer Speaker Deals
Outdoor Speaker Deals
PyleUSA Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
1/2-inch tweeter, 4-inch woofer, wired, Bluetooth.
$80.28
at Amazon
$116.99
Save $36.71
For the most rugged outdoor audio option, these Pyle speakers are designed for maritime use, with serious volume and 300 watts of peak power through a dual-channel capacitor crossover network for assertive stereo sound. The casings are made from heavy-duty ABS construction and are marine-grade waterproof to survive all kinds of environmental hazards. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally and come with all the necessary brackets and hardware. See how they compare on our list of the best outdoor speakers.
Other Outdoor Speaker Deals
Do Expensive Speakers Really Sound Better?
This depends on what “better” means and on many of the things mentioned above. Expensive speakers are often designed differently than mass-produced speakers, with a focus on quality rather than factors like keeping the price in check. Some expensive speakers use higher-quality materials, which can lead to better sound, but design plays a big role here. Also, what sounds better to one person may not sound better to you.
What’s a Good, Affordable Speaker?
Speakers can cover a wide range of uses, so there might not be a single answer to this question. Our favorite affordable computer speakers are the Creative Pebble Pros, which typically retail for $59.99 and have solid sound and real stereo separation. For spatial audio and Dolby Atmos compatibility, the Sonos Era 300 is a little pricier but offers professional sound quality and ease of use.
What Is the Best Bang for the Buck Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
In terms of cost-to-performance comparison, the super-cheap Tribit XSound Go is probably the biggest value on the market. At a ludicrously low $28.99 at Amazon, it’s competitive in price with shoddy no-name dropshipped brands but delivers sound quality that punches way above its weight with dual 40mm 8-watt drivers for true stereo audio, a fully waterproof casing, and an included lanyard. Even at top volume, the XSound Go sounds clear and bright, making it a great bang for the buck.
Which Budget Bluetooth Speaker Should I Get?
If you’re looking for a do-it-all smart speaker with decent sound that can also help with home automation and more, the Amazon Echo is a great choice at $99.99 and often goes on sale for less. For budget waterproof Bluetooth speakers, we like the Anker Soundcore Mini 3, which sells for $40.99. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse with adjustable EQ, high-quality microphones, and an IPX7 rating.
What Are the Best Speaker Options Under $200?
While it’s possible to spend thousands of dollars on a speaker system, modern audio technology means you don’t have to. We have tested hundreds of speakers extensively, and one of the best in the sub-$200 price range is the Editors’ Choice-winning Beats Pill. It is a compact and potent portable that plays nice with iOS devices and retails for just $149.95. It doesn’t get discounts often, but it’s a great all-around speaker.
What Is the Best Speaker for Under $100?
We have a complete rundown of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100. One of our favorites is the Anker Soundcore Motion 300, which typically retails for $79.99. We gave it an Editors’ Choice award in our review, praising its customizable EQ through the Soundcore app and LDAC support for higher-quality audio from compatible sources. It’s definitely one of the best choices at that price point, but other good options include the JBL Go 3 and the Amazon Echo.
What Is the Loudest Speaker Watt?
Most of the speakers you might buy from electronics retailers are going to top out around 100 or 125 watts. These are your higher-end Bluetooth, bookshelf, home theater, and soundbar speakers. The majority of such speakers will be rated for 50 watts or less. In order to reach watts in excess of 200, you’ll need to turn to public address (PA) speakers, like those used in conference rooms, classrooms, and event venues. Some PAs reach as high as 2,000W, which is enough to fill event venues with loud sound.
How Loud Is a 1,000W Speaker?
A 1,000W speaker produces more volume than anyone needs in their home. Depending on the speaker’s efficiency and sensitivity, 1,000W is enough power to fill a medium-size event space with more than 100 people. This amount of power can produce in excess of 130dB, which is enough to cause hearing damage in a short amount of time. Unless you’re throwing raves in your backyard or deejaying weddings, no one needs any home speaker or system that delivers more than 100 watts.
Does Higher Wattage Mean Better Sound?
Absolutely not. Many factors determine the sound quality of any given speaker, including the design, components, efficiency, sensitivity, and even the room in which it is used. Other variables include the quality of the source material (vinyl or MP3) and the type of power being supplied (analog or digital). Low-wattage speakers and amplifiers are easily capable of producing outstanding-quality sound.
What Are the Best Times of the Year for Speaker Sales?
We hunt deals all year long, and while price drops can happen any time, they’re more likely to be timed to tech world events like Amazon Prime Day or holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. In general, the absolute lowest prices on most electronics surround Black Friday, the weekend after Thanksgiving in the United States. Another good time to shop is early January when many retailers have open box deals on returned merchandise from the winter holiday season.
Are Bluetooth and Smart Speakers Included in Prime Day and Cyber Week Sales?
Yes! Amazon’s Alexa-powered speakers often receive the deepest discounts during sales periods. But Amazon is also known for knocking down the price for Bluetooth speakers from JBL, LG, Marshall, Soundcore, Sony, and others.
About K. Thor Jensen
Contributing Writer

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About Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
