All posts in “sony”

Sony Is Kicking off Summer With a New Line of Wireless Speakers

When it comes to proper warm weather shindigs, you only need a few things to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves. You need: good food and company, plenty of libations and entertainment and, most importantly,…

The post Sony Is Kicking off Summer With a New Line of Wireless Speakers first appeared on Cool Material.

7 Deals Not to Miss: Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones, the Topo Designs x Gear Patrol Bag & More

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One More Thing…


On any given day there is an endless onslaught of great deals on the internet. We highlight the best of the best, but there are always some that just don’t find their way to our site. Rather than let them slip by, we’ve rounded them up here for you.

More Deals, Served Up Fresh Every Day

Deals, discounts and drops on products you actually care about and want. Curated by the Gear Patrol Editors. Start Saving

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

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Sony’s Noise-Canceling Earbuds Are Cheaper Than Ever

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are the company’s newest wireless earbuds with active noise-cancellation. They normally cost $230, but right now you can get them for $198 on Amazon. It’s the most affordable that they’ve ever been.

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are essentially wireless earbud versions of Sony’s WH-1000XM3 over-ear noise-canceling headphones. They both have the same color palette and utilize the same app, which lets you adjust the EQ of the music as well as toggle with the noise-canceling settings. They also are some of the best-sounding wireless earbuds you can buy.

In my opinion, the Sony WF-1000XM3 sound better and have better noise-canceling abilities than the AirPods Pro. However, they fit differently which some people may or may not like. (For example, I like the fit of both AirPods and AirPods Pro better.)

That said, if you don’t have an iPhone or you don’t like the way the AirPods Pro or regular AirPods fit, are some of the best wireless earbuds out there — are right now they’re at their lowest price ever.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

4 Noise-Canceling Headphones That Are on Sale Now

If you’re looking for a solid pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones, but don’t want to fork over MSRP prices – we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find four great deals on some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones by Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and Jabra.

Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony’s flagship noise-canceling headphones typically cost $348, which is what they’re going on Amazon and Sony’s website, however you can get a pretty sweet deal if you shop on eBay. It’s selling new, black or silver models for $270

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Even though these aren’t Bose’s flagship noise-canceling headphones anymore (that title now belongs to the Headphones 700), the QuietComfort 35 II are excellent and arguably more comfortable and travel-friendly than the above Sony’s. They’re also on sale on eBay.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 2

The price is a little bit of a misnomer, here. That’s because Sennheiser just released a newer version of this headphone, the Momentum Wireless 3, and is likley trying to phase out these new-year-old models. That said, these are great-sounding noise-canceling headphones with a great industrial design.

Jabra Elite 85h

Jabra’s noise-canceling headphones have been getting rave reviews online. In his review, David Carnoy of CNET wrote that “The Jabra Elite 85h is a good alternative Bose and Sony noise-canceling models for slightly less money, particularly if you value call quality.” And now Amazon is selling these headphones for an extra $50 off.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro

Without a doubt, among current-gen game consoles, Sony boldly claims the throne. Boasting sales of over 500 million units of various PlayStation products since 1994, the brand is establishing itself as the undisputed king among its peers. Despite the news that Nintendo is catching up with the Switch, it might have a long road ahead before it could earn the throne. In order to commemorate its achievement, Sony announces an exclusive promotion to celebrate the remarkable milestone.

On August 24, 2018, the company will launch the 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro. Sony is no stranger when it comes to special versions of its consoles. Most of those marketed in the past went on to become collector’s items so we can already feel the hype for its upcoming release. However, this time around, unlike their previous promotions—the commemorative game system will be limited to only 50,000 units, distributed across the globe. Some retailers have already opened up pre-orders and it’s your best chance to secure one—you can be sure resellers will be lining up ahead of everyone else to snatch these up.

We’re pretty sure the majority agrees that its design is absolutely magnificent. Wrapped in a translucent blue shell, the package includes a matching Dualshock 4 controller, Vertical Stand, and a PlayStation Camera as well. We can likewise observe that the logos along with a serial number plate—that identifies its number among the 50,000 units produced are decked in rose gold accents. Even the box sports an elegant blue color that accompanies the theme. The 4K-ready game system holds a 2 TB internal storage and is HDR compatible.

500 Million Limited Edition PS4 Pro

A Look Back at the New Gear We Discovered This Week: June 25-29, 2018

Good morning, and welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Gear — your single-shot serving of an entire week’s worth of the best new gear pulled from our weekday editions of Today in Gear. Bookmark it to peruse over a cup of coffee or before you soak up the last of your weekend freedom, then start your Monday completely up to speed. Here’s to another fantastic week.

Nixon’s Durable New Watch Is the Go-To of Pro Surfers

Nixon’s Durable New Watch Is the Go-To of Pro Surfers

With tide information from over 500 beaches around the world, it’s time to hang ten.

This Is the Only Utility Knife You’ll Ever Need

This Is the Only Utility Knife You’ll Ever Need

If anyone is going to update a classic utility tool, it better be the lauded creator himself.

This Might Be the Most Badass Dog Leash Ever Made

This Might Be the Most Badass Dog Leash Ever Made

The Lifetime Leash from Atlas Pet Company ensures you and your dog go on longer, better and safer walks – whether those walks take place in the neighborhood or climbing a mountain.

Breathe New Life Into Your Watch With These High-End Leather Straps

Breathe New Life Into Your Watch With These High-End Leather Straps

Made from calfskin sourced from the best French and Italian tanneries.

The All-New Ford Ranger Raptor Looks Insanely Good Off-Road

The All-New Ford Ranger Raptor Looks Insanely Good Off-Road

As of now, a US-bound Ranger Raptor is still undecided. But if the excitement over this promo video is anything to go by, Ford would be insane to hold back from the American market.

Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring Online Is Easy (and Cheaper Than Going to a Store)

Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring Online Is Easy (and Cheaper Than Going to a Store)

Buying online is actually 50-percent cheaper than going to a traditional store.

Why Hibiki’s New Blend Is a Bad Omen for Japanese Whisky

Why Hibiki’s New Blend Is a Bad Omen for Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky may have gotten too hot.

The Most Versatile Home Security Camera You Can Buy?

The Most Versatile Home Security Camera You Can Buy?

It comes integrated with Alexa so you can ask it questions and stream music the same way you would with an Amazon Echo.

The Most Iconic Triumph of All Time Is Coming Out of Hiding

The Most Iconic Triumph of All Time Is Coming Out of Hiding

You have the rare chance to see one of the actual 1962 Triumph 650cc TR6Rs from The Great Escape.

This Beautiful Pocket Knife Is Invisibly Innovative

This Beautiful Pocket Knife Is Invisibly Innovative

Grovemade’s new Titanium Minimalist Knife is inspired by traditional Japanese blades. At its core is a unique and innovative feature that will go unseen by the untrained eye, and that’s by design.

This Super Pretty Headphone Amp Is Perfect for Audiophiles

This Super Pretty Headphone Amp Is Perfect for Audiophiles

The 3ES is compatible with high-end electrostatic headphones, by the likes of HiFiMan, Stax and MrSpeakers.

Toyota’s Alternative to Rolls-Royce Has the Best Seats In the Industry. Here’s Why

Toyota’s Alternative to Rolls-Royce Has the Best Seats In the Industry. Here’s Why

Unfortunately, you can’t get in the US, but we’ve got a solution.

This Titanium Chronograph Celebrates 70 Years of an Iconic Carmaker

This Titanium Chronograph Celebrates 70 Years of an Iconic Carmaker

It’ll be super limited, though, with just 70 pieces coming to the US.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Is Hyper-Aggressive, Will Scare Supercars and Take Their Lunch Money

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Is Hyper-Aggressive, Will Scare Supercars and Take Their Lunch Money

The 5.5-liter unit conjures 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, which is capable of sending the DBS Superleggera maxes out at a somewhat nutty 211 mph. It’ll hit 62 mph/100 kmh in 3.4 seconds.

Oris Completely Over-Engineered Its Biggest, Baddest Dive Watch

Oris Completely Over-Engineered Its Biggest, Baddest Dive Watch

This titanium beast can tell time in two different time zones all the way down to 1,000 meters.

One of the Year’s Best New Pocket Knives Is Finally Available

One of the Year’s Best New Pocket Knives Is Finally Available

If you’re looking for a new high-end EDC folding knife, this is the one to get.

Interested in Fly Fishing? This Is the Rod to Get You Started

Interested in Fly Fishing? This Is the Rod to Get You Started

Getting into a new hobby can be daunting – especially one like fly fishing, which requires an exhaustive list of specific gear. A new company, Reyr Gear, is simplifying the process with its super-packable and…

Todd Snyder Teams Up With New Balance to Make a Cocktail-Inspired Summer Sneaker

Todd Snyder Teams Up With New Balance to Make a Cocktail-Inspired Summer Sneaker

Made in the United States from high-end materials like Horween leather.

This Japanese Pocket Knife is Tiny, Tough and Beautiful

This Japanese Pocket Knife is Tiny, Tough and Beautiful

Seiichi Nakamura does away with Japanese minimalism with his newest, lightest pocket folder.

The New Chevy Blazer Is an Embarrassment Compared to This Stunning 1972 Example

The New Chevy Blazer Is an Embarrassment Compared to This Stunning 1972 Example

To put Chevy’s recent announcement into perspective, imagine if GM decided to slap the Camaro name on a high-riding, jelly bean-shaped misguided hatchback.

This App Is Basically the Ultimate Productivity Tool

This App Is Basically the Ultimate Productivity Tool

Gear Patrol readers get an exclusive discount to try it out.

These American-Made Whiskey Glasses Are Molded from Actual Oak

These American-Made Whiskey Glasses Are Molded from Actual Oak

They call back to how whiskey is made.

This $35 Accessory Lets You Turn Your Tablet Into a $160 Smart Speaker

This $35 Accessory Lets You Turn Your Tablet Into a $160 Smart Speaker

The Amazon Echo Show used to cost $230, and now this charging dock can make your tablet function just like it.

Designed with the Military in Mind, This Cooler Can Take on Pretty Much Anything

Designed with the Military in Mind, This Cooler Can Take on Pretty Much Anything

A rotomolded cooler that actually has a feature to accommodate a parachute landing.

Why This New Parka Makes Good Summer Outerwear

Why This New Parka Makes Good Summer Outerwear

Parkas are a cold weather apparel staple, but do they make sense to wear during the summer too? Outlier just released a new one that has us questioning the matter.

Panerai’s Iconic Dive Watch Uses a Cutting-Edge Case Material

Panerai’s Iconic Dive Watch Uses a Cutting-Edge Case Material

Called Carbotech, it’s extremely strong — yet lighter than ceramic or titanium.

This App Helps Photographers Take the Perfect Landscape Photo

This App Helps Photographers Take the Perfect Landscape Photo

The app factors in things like weather, time, elevation, the moon and sun cycle, and then helps the photographer plan for the perfect photo.

MasterCraft’s New Boat Will Let You Surf Anywhere

MasterCraft’s New Boat Will Let You Surf Anywhere

The newest boat from MasterCraft is the perfect way to hone in on your surfing skills, even if the lake is flat.

Adventure E-Bikes Are Here, and This One Looks Awesome

Adventure E-Bikes Are Here, and This One Looks Awesome

E-bikes are gaining in popularity, and Swiss bike maker BMC is capitalizing on the trend and combining it with one other movement: adventure riding. Meet the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross.

Sony’s Super-Telephoto Lens Is the Ultimate Weapon for Wildlife Photographers

Sony’s Super-Telephoto Lens Is the Ultimate Weapon for Wildlife Photographers

It’s also the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 prime lens.

4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50

4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50

Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.

The 12 Best Cigars to Smoke in 2018

The 12 Best Cigars to Smoke in 2018

To novices, smoking a cigar can be more intimidating than fun. We’re here to help.

The 9 Backyard Games You’ll Find Us Playing This Summer

The 9 Backyard Games You’ll Find Us Playing This Summer

Here at Gear Patrol, we take summer seriously — from barbeques to yard games. Here are our top ways to get competitive with anyone who’s down to play.

The 16 Best Running Shorts of 2018 for Every Type of Runner

The 16 Best Running Shorts of 2018 for Every Type of Runner

Whether you’re looking for split shorts, 5″ or longer than 7″, we have you covered.

4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50

4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50

Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.

The Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio, Balcony or Backyard

The Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio, Balcony or Backyard

From Ikea to Herman Miller, this is your survey of the best outdoor and patio furniture at every price point.

The Cars We Love — Even Though Everyone Else Hates Them

The Cars We Love — Even Though Everyone Else Hates Them

When the whole world is hurling hate at the terrible car you love, stand your ground.

These Are the Best Board Shorts Money Can Buy

These Are the Best Board Shorts Money Can Buy

Designed by 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater.

The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Any Budget

The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Any Budget

Looking for a portable speaker to take to the beach, park or backyard barbecue?

The 5 Best Sandals for Men, According to Style Experts

The 5 Best Sandals for Men, According to Style Experts

We asked five of menswear’s best to name their favorite pairs of sandals.

15 of the Worst Used Cars to Buy From 2007-2017

15 of the Worst Used Cars to Buy From 2007-2017

If you’re currently shopping for a used car, this is a good place to find the cars you don’t want.

The 6 Most Stylish Cycling Socks of 2018

The 6 Most Stylish Cycling Socks of 2018

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a die hard road cyclist, these six socks are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

8 White Sneakers to Wear All Summer Long

8 White Sneakers to Wear All Summer Long

Temperatures are rising, leisure levels are increasing. If there was ever a time for some great summer sneakers, it’s now.

Review: You’ve Never Listened to Headphones Like These Before

Review: You’ve Never Listened to Headphones Like These Before

The Audeara A-01 headphones give you a hearing test and then custom-tune the audio so that it sounds perfect for you.

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Offer Ferrari Performance for Audi Money

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Offer Ferrari Performance for Audi Money

In some small ways new for 2019, the high-performance versions of Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio are wicked fun. If you haven’t considered buying one — or even driving one — you should.

Sonos Beam Review: The Perfect Entry-Level Soundbar, for Most People

Sonos Beam Review: The Perfect Entry-Level Soundbar, for Most People

It combines a smart speaker with TV control, plus the terrific multiroom sound that Sonos is revered for.

Dyson Pure Cool Review: Can Dyson’s Newest Fan Solve Your Allergy Problems?

Dyson Pure Cool Review: Can Dyson’s Newest Fan Solve Your Allergy Problems?

Dyson’s Pure Cool fan and filter is like many Dyson products — expensive, badass and possibly superlative.

The Best Portable, Waterproof Speakers You Can Buy This Summer

This definitive guide to the best portable speakers of 2018 explores everything you need to know before buying your next portable speaker, including what features to look out for and the different options available, along with which portable speakers we feel are best for every type of person.

Prefer to skip directly to the picks? Click here.

The Short List

Best Overall Speakers: Ultimate Ears Megablast and Blast



Verdict: The UE Megablast and UE Blast are the next evolution of the best-in-class portable speakers, the UE Megaboom and UE Boom. They’re slightly larger and more powerful, but the UE Megablast and UE Blast are also the company’s first smart speakers. They support Alexa voice commands and essentially work exactly like an Amazon Echo, but they’re portable so you can take them hiking or to the park. When I originally reviewed these speakers in early 2018, my two criticisms were that they were too expensive and didn’t support Alexa voice commands with Spotify — both of the problems have now been rectified; UE has significantly dropped the price of each speaker and updated its software to support Spotify. | |

Runner Up: Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus



Verdict: The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus is the company’s first 360-degree Bluetooth speaker. It’s loud and powerful, and the audio is accurate and spacious; it’s engineered with dual-opposing passive-radiators and an efficient transducer to eliminate distortion. It’s not the most rugged speaker on this list, but it’s still splash-resistant. And it’s simple design and easily-defined buttons make this traditional Bluetooth speaker very intuitive to use. It also has a built-in mic so you can answer calls without having to take out your phone — super convenient. For anybody who loves Bose, the SoundLink Revolve Plus is an easy next buy. (Even if it does look like a lantern.) |

Best Budget Speaker: Anker Soundcore Flare



Verdict: The Soundcore Flare is new and small portable speaker that produces suprisingly great, room-filling sound. Throw in the fact that in only costs $60, and this is an excellent portable speaker for pretty much anybody. It’s extremely waterproof and has a dedicated button on the outside to boost its bass, in case you like more bass-heavy audio. Additionally, through Anker’s Soundcore app you can tweak the EQ setttings and customize the LED lights that flash on the outside of the speaker.

Introduction

When I was younger, I remember having a dependable portable speaker was everything. It provided the soundtrack to backyard barbecues, pool parties, sports practices and pickup games. Then in my nefarious high school years, it was one of three weekend essentials that we divvied up between our friends — somebody brought the beer, somebody brought the cups and balls, and somebody brought the tunes. It was great.

Today, having a dependable portable speaker is still super important, even if seems like there are so many more types of speakers to choose between, from smart speakers to bookshelf speakers, multi-room speakers to multi-channel hi-fi systems. One of the main reasons is that all those speakers need to be tethered to a wall outlet, which is boring and not conducive to a life on the move. Also, many of our favorite portable speakers have no problem operating in the sun or rain and have long-lasting batteries, which makes them ideal companions for camping, hiking or just picnicking at some park.

The cream of the latest crop of rugged portable speakers — meaning they’re water-resistant and can handle a drop — don’t necessarily look the rugged part, but looks are far from everything. Many of these models are rated IP7, which means they can handle more than just splashes, smashes, snow and sand; instead, they can be submerged in water 3.3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes. That’s not bad for speakers that might look as nice on your bookshelf as they do on the edge of the hot tub.

The Factors to Consider Before Buying

When setting out to buy a portable speaker, there are almost too many to choose from. They come in all different shapes and sizes, with different sound qualities and price points. Also, they also come with many different features. Here’s what you need to look for to make sure a speaker is right for you.

Brand: You’ve probably heard of all the speaker manufacturers on this list, which is a good thing. You want to trust that speaker is not only going to sound good but also last. The other thing with brand, is that many portable speakers on this list work with other like-branded speakers; for instance, you can pair two Bose Soundlink speakers together or two of Kicker’s Bullfrog speakers together for more of a party (or multiroom) setup.

Size and Shape: Portable speakers come in all different shapes and sizes, and generally the bigger the speaker, the louder and better it is going to sound. You also want to consider the shape and design of the speaker. The two most popular shapes these days are 360-degree (cylindrical) or monodirectional speakers. The 360-degree speakers are generally better when placed in the middle of a room while monodirectional are better for stereo audio.

Ruggedness: All rugged speakers aren’t the same. And in order to know how water-resistant or drop-proof a speaker is, you really need to understand IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. The easy way to explain it is that the higher the IP rating of the speaker, the more water-resistant it is — an IP7-rated speaker is more durable than an IP4-rated speaker. You can check out how the IP ratings are explained, here.

Features: Some of today’s portable speakers are more versatile and feature-packed than others. For instance, some speakers like Ultimate Ears’ Megablast and Blast can actually connect to wi-fi and function like an Amazon Echo. Others can pair with other like-minded speakers in a stereo setup. Some have built-in microphones so you can use it as a loudspeaker without having to pick up your phone. And then some have controllable LED lights. Depending on how you want to use the speaker and if you want to deal with a companion app — these are all factors you have to consider.

Voice Assistance: Some of the newer portable speakers have wi-fi connectivity and support a voice assistant, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to use speaker similar to an Amazon Echo or Google Home, using voice commands to request songs, answer general queries and control smart home devices. However, you’ll only be able to access the voice assistant when connected to wi-fi or a mobile hotspot.

Battery Life: Bigger speakers tend to have larger and longer-lasting batteries. That said, it varies from speaker to speaker. If you know you’re going to listen to the speaker a lot and you’re also going to have to go days between charges, these are things you should consider before purchasing a portable speaker.

Charge: Most of today’s portable speakers need a micro-USB cable to charge. However, there are some speakers that require a USB-C or AC cable to charge. Knowing what kind of cable might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually really convenient to be able to use the same cables to charge a few of your devices, like wireless headphones, smartphone and computer.

Buying Guide

Best Overall Speakers: Ultimate Ears Megablast and Blast



Verdict: The UE Megablast and UE Blast are the next evolution of the best-in-class portable speakers, the UE Megaboom and UE Boom. They’re slightly larger and more powerful, but the UE Megablast and UE Blast are also the company’s first smart speakers. They support Alexa voice commands and essentially work exactly like an Amazon Echo, but they’re portable so you can take them hiking or to the park. When I originally reviewed these speakers in early 2018, my two criticisms were that they were too expensive and didn’t support Alexa voice commands with Spotify — both of the problems have now been rectified; UE has significantly dropped the price of each speaker and updated its software to support Spotify.

Ultimate Ears Alternatives:

• The UE Boom 2 ($100+) is an older, slightly cheaper, and less powerful version of the UE Blast — it also doesn’t have a built-in virtual assistant. It’s a very good sounding 360-degree speaker that comes in a lot of colors and you can find online for pretty cheap.

• The UE Megaboom ($169) is a larger version of the UE Boom 2. While it’s a still a very good speaker, you can find the newer and better-sounding UE Megablast for even cheaper than the UE Megaboom, so it makes sense to pass on this.

• The UE Wonderboom ($63+) is a really small, ball-shaped portable speaker that’s water-resistant and sounds way bigger than its size. A solid budget speaker.

• The UE Roll 2 ($62+) is ideal for bike messengers or anybody with a backpack. It’s a front-facing speaker — not 360-degree — that’s super portable and comes with strap for those who want to fasten the speaker to their backpack.

Key Specs

UE Blast
Max Volume: 90 dBC
Frequency Range: 90Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: two 35mm active drivers, two 81mm x 39mm passive radiators
Battery: 12 hours
Waterproof: IP67

UE Megablast
Max Volume: 93 dBC
Frequency Range: 60Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: two 25mm tweeters, two 55mm active drivers, two 85mm x 50mm passive radiators
Battery: 16 hours
Waterproof: IP67

| |

Runner Up: Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus



Verdict: The Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus is the company’s first 360-degree Bluetooth speaker. It’s loud and powerful, and the audio is accurate and spacious; it’s engineered with dual-opposing passive-radiators and an efficient transducer to eliminate distortion. It’s not the most rugged speaker on this list, but it’s still splash-resistant. And it’s simple design and easily-defined buttons make this traditional Bluetooth speaker very intuitive to use. It also has a built-in mic so you can answer calls without having to take out your phone — super convenient. For anybody who loves Bose, the SoundLink Revolve Plus is an easy next buy. (Even if it does look like a lantern.)

Bose Alternatives:

• The Bose SoundLink Revolve ($179) is virtually identical to the SoundLink Revolve Plus. It’s just a little smaller, cheaper and doesn’t have the handle. It’s a great alternative if you want to save a little dough.

• The Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II ($129) is a smaller portable Bluetooth speaker that comes in several colors. It’s a more portable and more playful alternative. Also has a built-in mic to access voice assistants and answer calls.

• The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is the cheapest rugged Bluetooth speaker in the company’s current lineup. It’s also really water-resistant (IP7, which is more than Bose’s larger speakers above). No built-in mic.

Key Specs

Frequency Range: N/A
Drivers: N/A
Battery: up to 16 hours
Waterproof: IPX4 (splash-proof)

|

Best Speaker for Parties: Sony SRS-XB41



Verdict: The SRS-XB41 is the largest and most feature-packed portable Bluetooth speaker in Sony’s 2018 Extra Bass series. It’s a front-facing speaker, unlike many on this list, so it won’t be able to fill a room as evenly as a 360-degree speaker. However, it can play music really loud with strong bass and surprisingly little distortion. Through its companion app, you can adjust the audio’s EQ, customize its LED lights and pair it with other Extra Bass speakers in a multi-room system. And it has an IP67 rating, so it’s a non-issue if it gets submerged in water or a pitcher of beer. All in all, it’s a good speaker for parties that has a terrific battery life and a bunch of funky features, which you may or may not choose to use.

Sony Alternatives:

• The Sony SRS-XB31 ($118) is the medium-sized speaker in Sony’s 2018 Extra Bass line-up. It’s not as loud and is slightly smaller, but it comes with many of the same features as the SRS-XB41.

• The Sony SRS-XB21 ($70) is the smallest speaker in Sony’s 2018 Extra Bass line-up. It doesn’t have quite the same features as its larger siblings, nor the sound quality, but it’s a solid budget alternative.

Key Specs

Frequency Range: 20hz – 20kHz
Drivers: dual 2.28 drivers
Battery: 24 hours
Waterproof: IP67

|

Most Durable Speaker: Kicker Bullfrog BF200



Verdict: Kicker’s Bullfrog BF200 is hefty, weighing in at eight pounds, but it’s one of the toughest and most weatherproof Bluetooth speakers you’ll come across. It comes with a companion app that allows you to adjust the EQ settings and pair it with other Bullfrog speakers. In addtion to a USB port to charge your phone and an aux port, the Bullfrog BF200 is really unique because it has a built-in FM radio tuner. Unlike other Bluetooth speakers, there’s no built-in mic to talk on your phone’s speakerphone.

Kicker Alternatives:

• The Bullfrog BF400 ($350) is virtually the same as the Bullfrog BF200 in look, features and sound quality. It’s just a larger and more powerful speaker.

• The Bullfrog BF100 ($175) is the smallest speaker in Kicker’s Bullfrog lineup. It isn’t as powerful, nor does it have the same battery life, but it’s slightly more waterproof and has a built-in mic so you can talk on the phone.

Key Specs

Frequency Range: N/A
Drivers: two 2-3/4-inch drivers
Battery: up to 20 hours
Waterproof: IP66

Best Budget Speaker: Anker Soundcore Flare



Verdict: The Soundcore Flare is new and small portable speaker that produces suprisingly great, room-filling sound. Throw in the fact that in only costs $60, and this is an excellent portable speaker for pretty much anybody. It’s extremely waterproof and has a dedicated button on the outside to boost its bass, in case you like more bass-heavy audio. Additionally, through Anker’s Soundcore app you can tweak the EQ setttings and customize the LED lights that flash on the outside of the speaker.

Anker Alternatives:

• The Anker Soundcore Flare+ ($100) is a better version of the Flare and will be released later this summer. It’ll have better drivers and a longer battery life, plus a USB port to charge your other devices.

• The Anker Soundcore Motion Q ($40) is a really smaller 360-degree speaker that’s also waterproof. It can be synced with another Motion Q speaker in a stereo pair.

Key Specs

Frequency Range: N/A
Drivers: dual drivers, 360-degree sound
Battery: up to 12 hours
Waterproof: IPX7

Honorable Mention: JBL Xtreme



Verdict: JBL has made some of our favorite Bluetooth speakers for years and its Xtreme speaker is probably the best sounding and most rugged of the bunch. It’s powerful and bass-heavy, yet still sounds accurate, comfortabling handling mid- and high-range frequencies. Through its companion app, you can pair multiple JBL speakers together. It has a built-in mic to answer phone calls. It’s very waterproof. And, because it’s about to be phased out when the JBL Xtreme 2 launches this summer, you can get the JBL Xtreme for relatively cheap.

JBL Alternatives:

• The JBL Xtreme 2 ($300) is the next-gen model of the JBL Xtreme. It’s more waterproof and has bigger drivers, so it’s supposed to sound better with even more bass. You can order the Xtreme 2 now, but it won’t ship until June 23.

• The JBL Charge 3 ($120) is a speaker that’s been around for a few years. It’s significantly smaller and cheaper than the JBL Xtreme, but comes with many of the same features.

• The JBL Flip 4 ($80) is a small waterproof speaker that’s been around for a few years and comes in several colors.

• The JBL Clip 2 ($44) is a small waterproof speaker that comes with carabiner clip, making it easy to attach to a backpack.

Key Specs

Frequency Range: 70Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: four drivers, two bass radiators
Battery: up to 15 hours
Waterproof: IPX7

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