Summer’s here, and that means so are festivals, beach parties, BBQs, and summer night hangouts with friends. If you’re looking to bring the music to your events, we’ve compiled some of the best party speakers on the market right now.

We’ve put together this shortlist so you can skip hours of scrolling and quickly find a party speaker that suits your personal needs. And to ensure everyone is catered for, we’ve covered a range of budgets and even included an option for audiophiles who want stereo separation.

All our speakers feature Bluetooth, and nearly all are rated IPX4 or higher in some capacity. Plus, most of them can also be used for karaoke, complete with built-in light shows that add a professional touch.

Let’s get started and find the best party speaker for you.

2. Devialet Mania Portable Wireless Speaker

Key features

• IPX4-rated
• 10-hour battery life
• 360-degree stereo sound dispersion

Pros

• Wifi and Bluetooth ready
• Smaller than expected means it’ll fit nicely anywhere
• Stereo playback ensures an immersive sound

Cons

• It’s hard to find a fault in a portable speaker of this level, but the price might put some people off

Size isn’t everything if you’re after quality audio, and the Devialet Mania portable speaker proves this. Not only is the build quality second to none, but the sound also stands up to scrutiny, even for the most discerning audiophiles, offering stereo separation that few portable speakers can match.

This performance is partly thanks to Devialet’s research team, who have achieved remarkable results with the larger Phantom model. By incorporating some of that same technology, along with their innovative Audio Stereo Calibration system, the Mania delivers outstanding capability.

Like most of the speakers in this line-up, the Mania is IPX4 certified – something that might come as a surprise given its distinctive design. It’s resistant to light water exposure, so it’s great for using outdoors, and, still, it feels premium, with a carry handle partially inspired by a watch strap.

All the main controls are discreetly placed on either side of the handle. If you’re more technically inclined, Devialet also provide a smart app which, once both the speaker and your device are connected to your home Wi-Fi, allows for simple yet powerful adjustments. These settings are saved, meaning the sound profile remains tailored no matter where you take the speaker.

However, what we really love about this speaker is its 360-degree stereo sound. It’s also able to adapt its sound to your environment, with four room-calibrating microphones that use intelligence programming to map the surroundings. The tech is pretty impressive. Sitting in front of it allows you to experience stereo imaging from a single point, with remarkable clarity and bass depth that defies the speaker’s compact size.

3. JBL Boombox 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Key features

• Wireless Bluetooth streaming
• JBL Pro Sound
• 24-hour playback

Pros

• Includes midrange drivers for a cleaner musical signature
• LED lightshow takes it a step further
• The only product to include IP67 in this list

Cons

• Quite a heavy speaker

Being a true three-way portable speaker, the JBL Boombox 3 includes the mid-range, subwoofer, and tweeters all powered by different amplifiers for the best sound and battery preservation.

An amazing 24 hours of playback from just six hours of charging makes it ideal for a full day out at the beach or park. And if you have another JBL speaker with PartyBoost, you can pair the two to ramp up the party atmosphere.

With Bluetooth 5.3, the Boombox 3 allows connection of up to nine Bluetooth devices, more than you will probably ever need. Its IP67 certification means it’s well protected from both dust and water. Those wanting to connect a peripheral device via the 3.5mm jack will find the input discreetly tucked away at the rear.

Controls are placed conveniently on top of the Boombox 3, including Bluetooth pairing, volume, playback, and PartyBoost pairing – all just a tap away. An LED battery indicator sits at the base, and for more advanced settings, the JBL app has you covered.

If your phone needs a quick top-up to keep the party going, the USB-A charging port – located behind the same flap as the 3.5mm jack and mains input – has you sorted.

In terms of sound, the Boombox 3 is one of JBL’s best portable speakers. It’s packed with energy, and when the dual side ABRs (auxiliary bass radiators) kick in, they deliver a hypnotic rhythm that drives the subwoofers with a sense of pace and airflow that really elevates the listening experience.

4. JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Key features

• Strobe lightshow effects
• Up to 18 hours of playback
• IPX4 splash proof

Pros

• Huge soundstage with low pumping bass
• Crisp, clear high-end detail
• Easy to move around with the handle and wheels

Cons

• Portable in the broadest sense, as this is a big party speaker

If you’re after a larger version of the Boombox 3, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is the one for you. It’s another masterclass in Bluetooth speaker design, offering a more expansive and detailed soundstage that addresses some of its sibling’s limitations, making it another strong all-around choice among the best party speakers.

Like the JBL PartyBox Club 120, the Stage 320 is IPX4 rated. It also includes JBL app integration, wireless connectivity, and customisable DJ buttons on the main panel.

However, the PartyBox Stage 320 goes a step further by offering onboard controls for karaoke use, including echo, bass, treble, and volume, separate from the main audio playback settings. This gives you an unprecedented level of control for a Bluetooth speaker.

The physical DJ buttons can be swapped with options in the app, allowing you to personalise the interface. Thanks to multi-device connectivity, friends can easily switch between devices – ideal for a DJ-off or collaborative playlist during the party.

And with dual power options, you can run the PartyBox Stage 320 from the mains or wirelessly. It offers long playback time, and if you’ve got an additional JBL Battery 400, it’s quick to swap in, keeping the party going without interruption.

5. Hisense Party Rocket 160 Portable Speaker

Key features

• Up to 12 hours of battery life
• Karaoke-ready with voice fader
• 160 watts of power

Pros

• Big speaker at an affordable price point
• Two are better than one when using TWS
• Easy Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Only the top panel is IPX4-rated

This one might surprise you, but there’s a good reason why the Hisense Party Rock 160 portable speaker has earned a spot in our best party speaker line-up.

Thanks to its TWS (True Wireless Stereo) connectivity, you can pair two units together, often for around the same cost as a single JBL PartyBox Club 120, allowing you to create a true DJ-style party environment wherever you like.

With 12 hours of battery life and an IPX4-rated top panel, the Party Rock 160 delivers plenty of fun on its own or as part of a pair. It’s perfect for streaming playlists or hosting karaoke sessions, whether you’re using a single mic via the 6.35mm input or dual wireless mics connected through the USB-A dongle.

Controls are simple and intuitive. Five multicoloured light show modes and Bluetooth connectivity are easily accessed via the top panel. Meanwhile, a rear control panel allows you to adjust mic echo and overall volume levels.

Fittingly, its name comes from its RMS output – 160 watts – delivered via a twin tweeter and dual subwoofer driver array. And when paired using TWS, it offers true stereo sound at a fraction of the price of its JBL competitors.

6. Panasonic SC-BMAX5E-K Bluetooth Party Speaker

Key features

• Designed for karaoke and gigging
• MP3 playback from USB-A
• Mic and guitar inputs

Pros

• Array of connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, and optical inputs
• Clear digital display
• Powerful, rich bass, courtesy of the bass reflex port

Cons

• Larger and heavier than you’d expect

The Panasonic SC-BMAX5E-K is the centrepiece of any party. It includes 12 light show effects controlled via a large dial, plus a strobe effect. A large display panel also sets it apart from most other party speakers.

Another useful feature is the optical input. You’ll also find the usual connectivity options: USB-A, a 3.5mm input at the rear, and both 6.35mm mic and guitar inputs, making it a strong choice for karaoke or even busking.

Bluetooth 5.0 comes as standard, and if you want stereo sound, you can connect two BMAX units using a 3.5mm jack output-to-input cable. From there, simply press the “Speaker Mode” button on the top panel to assign left and right channels.

True to Panasonic form, there are no compromises on sound quality. A 140mm bass driver, twin 57mm tweeters, and three onboard amplifiers deliver a combined 75 watts of power. At full output, you can expect around nine hours of playtime. Follow Panasonic’s usage recommendations, and you’ll get up to 15 hours on a single charge – ideal for longer gatherings.

7. Klipsch Vegas Bluetooth Party Speaker

Key features

• Horn-loaded tweeter
• Ultra Bass button
• Bluetooth, aux, mic, and instrument inputs

Pros

• Clear and detailed high-frequency response
• Portable with an 8-hour battery life
• IPX4-rated splashproof build

Cons

• Lights reduce battery run time

If you want a fun, portable speaker with room-filling sound, the Klipsch Vegas is ideal. Its horn-loaded tweeter offers a level of clarity that helps vocals, synths, and hi-hats cut through. Even at lower volumes, there’s still plenty of detail. The 5.25-inch woofer adds warmth and punch, and if you’re after more low-end, the Ultra Bass button gives things a fantastic boost.

You can adjust the EQ from your phone using the Klipsch Connect Plus app. There are options for how you actually play the music, too – either pair your phone over Bluetooth 5.2, or plug into the aux input. And for karaoke and small performances, you have mic and instrument inputs.

The Vegas is splashproof (IPX4), has a pole mount for easy elevation, and includes a built-in mic to help get the party going. It’s designed for portability, with an internal battery that lasts up to eight hours if you don’t use the lights. Whatever party you’re throwing, these are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable event! 

8. JBL PartyBox Ultimate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Party Speaker

Key features

• Original JBL Pro Sound
• IPX4 splash-rated
• Karaoke and guitar inputs

Pros

• The light show is the best we’ve seen
• Soundstage is open and immersive
• Dual carry handles and wheels make it easy to move the speakers

Cons

• It’s large and heavy

The JBL PartyBox Ultimate truly lives up to its name – no other JBL PartyBox speaker can compete. Its sheer size makes a commanding presence, and its LED light show is widely regarded as the pièce de résistance of JBL’s visual features, with enough lighting to rival that of a nightclub.

Sound is another area where the Ultimate stands apart. It’s the only mains-powered PartyBox speaker to feature two mid-range drivers, adding an extra layer of depth and clarity that elevates the overall audio experience.

With a total power output of 1100 watts, it has more than enough volume to shake the room. Even at around 65% volume, it delivers all the sound most partygoers will ever need, making it ideal for outdoor use where mains power is available.

Connectivity is in line with the rest of the PartyBox range, including 6.35mm mic and guitar inputs, a USB-A port, and a 3.5mm analogue input. However, the PartyBox Ultimate also adds Wi-Fi support, enabling AirPlay 2 and Chromecast playback.

As the top-tier model in JBL’s PartyBox range, it rightly earns its place in our list of the best party speakers. While it’s the only non-portable option featured here, no other speaker in this line-up delivers the same scale of party atmosphere.

9. JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Portable Speakers

Key features

• Karaoke-ready, with a wireless mic supplied
• LED lightshow
• Up to 15 hours of playback

Pros

• Echo and independent volume control
• Easy access light control dial
• Simple Swap battery for those who own a back JBL Battery 200

Cons

• It’s a shame JBL didn’t supply the speaker with a dual microphone option

As a portable karaoke party speaker, the JBL PartyBox Encore 2 is a sensation. It brings together everything people love about the newer PartyBox 120 and 320 models, but in a more compact form. Simple yet essential controls – like echo and volume – are easily accessible on the top panel, while the lighting effects, just like its larger siblings, can be controlled via the unit itself or through the JBL app.

Unlike its bigger brothers, however, the Encore 2 includes a dedicated microphone with a convenient holder on the back. And yes, additional mics can be purchased – ideal for those duet moments.

If you’ve picked up a spare JBL Battery 200, you’ll find an easy-access compartment that lets you swap it out for up to seven hours of use with all features running. Follow JBL’s recommended settings, and you can expect up to 15 hours of playback.

At the time of writing, this is also the only JBL PartyBox to feature USB-C. While it loses the ability to play music from a USB stick, it gains faster charging for modern devices, ensuring your phone or tablet keeps up with the party.

Overall, for anyone eyeing one of the larger JBL PartyBox speakers but limited by storage space, the Encore 2 is an excellent choice. Compact yet powerful, it’s a real winner in our eyes.