Portable speakers let you bring your favorite tunes wherever your RV takes you, from campground singalongs to trailside dance parties. But with so many portable speaker reviews out there, how do you find the right one for your needs and budget?
It’s not just about sound quality and volume, you also need to consider practical aspects like battery life, durability, size and weight. We’ve rounded up and compared 4 of the best portable speakers on the market in 2025, with a range of price points and feature sets.
Portable Speaker Comparison Table
Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison of our 4 top portable speaker picks:
| Model | Soundcore 3 | Bose SoundLink Max | JBL Boombox 3 | Sonos Move 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | ||||
| Price | $50.99 | $399.00 | $499.95 | $449 |
| Weight (lbs) | 0.82 | 4.9 | 14.7 | 6.61 |
| Durability | IPX7 waterproof | Water and dustproof | IP67 waterproof and dustproof | IP56 dust and water resistant |
| Dimensions | 2.36″D x 6.85″W x 2.24″H | 4.73″ H x 10.42″ W x 4.13″ D | 19.0″ x 10.1″ x 7.9″ | 9.49″x6.3″x5″ |
| Warranty | 18 months | 1-year limited warrantyExtended warranty available for purchase | Lifetime support | 1 year |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0USB C | Bluetooth and USB C | Bluetooth and USB C | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
1. Soundcore 3: The Best Budget-Friendly Pick
Price
$50.99
Features
The Soundcore 3 delivers impressive bang for your buck with upgraded driver technology. Dual titanium diaphragm drivers extend treble up to 40kHz while minimizing distortion. Dual passive radiators and BassUp technology pump up the low end, even at lower volumes. The result is an immersive 16W stereo sound in a compact package.
Other notable features include an IPX7 waterproof case, allowing the speaker to be exposed to water without any issues. The Soundcore app lets you choose from 4 EQ presets. PartyCast technology allows linking to over 100 Soundcore speakers. A detachable hand strap and USB-C charging add to the convenience factor.
Pros
- Impressive Sound: Detailed audio with extended treble and enhanced bass.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value at just $50.
- PartyCast Feature: Sync music across 100+ Soundcore speakers.
Cons
- Battery Limitations: The battery life is not as impressive as some other more expensive portable speakers.
2. Bose SoundLink Max: Best Premium Pick
Price:
$399.00 (Discounted Price- $299.00)
Features
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers expansive stereo sound with strong midrange clarity and deep, punchy bass from its high-performance drivers and dual passive radiators. The water and dustproof features allow you to use this speaker outdoors without worry.
The built-in handle allows for grab-and-go portability. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4 and USB-C for charging. While not a “smart” speaker, the SoundLink Max is compatible with the Bose app for EQ adjustments and multi-point connections. Battery life clocks in at 20 hours, with a 5-hour recharge time.
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality: Epic stereo sound with a deep bass.
- Water and Dustproof: Water and dust-proof features allow use outside the RV.
- Portable Design: The built-in handle makes this speaker easily portable.
- Long Battery Life: Hear music for up to 20 hours with long-lasting battery life.
- Phone Charging Features: You can charge your phone’s battery while listening to music.
Cons
- High Price Tag: One of the most expensive options at $399.
- No Wi-Fi: Lacks smart speaker functionality.
- Bulky Size: Fairly large size compared to some rivals.
3. JBL Boombox 3: Best for Outdoor Parties
Price:
$499.95
Features
The JBL Boombox’s 3-way speakers’ acoustic design produces a sharp sound with a monstrous bass. A sturdy metal handle with silicone grips makes it easy to tote the 14.7-lb speaker. The IP67 waterproof and dustproof design stands up to rough weather and terrain. Its PartyBoost mode lets you link compatible JBL speakers for an even bigger soundscape. The rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of playtime.
Pros
- Powerful Sound: Thumping bass and clear sound output; great for large gatherings.
- Rugged Design: IP67 rating and metal handle for durability.
- PartyBoost Mode: Expand sound by linking JBL speakers.
- Extra-Long Battery: 24 hours of playtime.
- Power bank: A built-in power bank lets you charge mobile devices on the go.
Cons
- Expensive: Among the priciest portable speakers at $499.
- Heavy: Weighs a hefty 14.7 lbs, and requires some muscle to transport.
- No Wi-Fi: Lacks some features of the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi model.
4. Sonos Move 2: Best Smart Speaker
Price:
$449
Features
The Sonos Move 2’s dual-tweeter architecture expands the soundstage and digs up additional detail. Like the original Move, it features Automatic TruePlay to optimize sound for your surroundings. Far-field mics allow reliable voice control via Sonos Voice Control or Alexa. Wi-Fi streaming at home seamlessly switches to Bluetooth on the go. The IP56-rated design makes it water resistant. An integrated handle allows for one-handed portability. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours and can be topped off via USB-C or the included wireless dock.
Pros
- Excellent Audio: Detailed sound with expanded soundstage.
- Automatic TruePlay: Audio output adapts to the environment.
- Flexible Streaming: Stream on Wi-Fi at home and through Bluetooth on the go. Also supports Apple Airplay 2, Alexa, and Sonos Voice Control.
- Smart Features: Hands-free voice control and Sonos multi-room audio.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 24 hours per charge.
Cons
- Pricey: Not exactly a budget option at $449.
- Heavy: Weigh a substantial 6.61 lbs, which may be difficult to carry for some people.
How We Picked the Best Portable Speakers for RVers
With so many portable speaker options out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your hard-earned cash. Here are the key factors we considered when selecting and comparing portable speakers:
- Sound Quality: We looked for speakers with well-balanced frequency response, punchy bass, clear midrange, and detailed treble. Extra points for wide soundstage and minimal distortion at high volumes. We also checked the portable speaker reviews on various websites to ensure that the sound quality is excellent.
- Battery Life: Because portable speakers are made to be, well, portable, we prioritized models with long-lasting rechargeable batteries. All of our picks offer at least 20 hours of playtime per charge.
- Durability: A portable speaker needs to withstand the rigors of RV life, including outdoor use in variable weather conditions. We sought out speakers with high IP ratings for water and dust resistance.
- Portability: The best portable speakers balance audio performance with grab-and-go convenience. We looked at size, weight, and design elements like carrying handles. Lighter is generally better, but some larger speakers justify their heft with powerful sound.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth is a must for any portable speaker, but we also considered other connectivity options like analog aux inputs and USB charging ports. Some models offer Wi-Fi streaming as well.
- Extra Features: Thoughtful add-ons can take a portable speaker from good to great. We gave bonus points for features like customizable EQ, multi-speaker pairing, device charging, and voice control.
Make Your RV Trips More Fun With Music
Whether lounging at the campsite or exploring a remote trail, the right portable speaker lets you bring your music along for the ride. The 4 top portable speakers on this list offer something for everyone, from budget-minded travelers to discerning audiophiles. Don’t forget to check out our guide on fun and healthy RVing activities to get the most out of your adventures.
