We’ve Got the Best Speaker Deals For November: Big Price Drops on JBL, Marshall, and Sonos

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.