Best Party Speakers Reviewed

Benefits of Using High-Quality Party Speakers

You might be wondering why someone would choose to use a party speaker over another speaker they already use indoors. Acoustically a speaker designed for indoor use is not going to be as effective at producing audio outdoors.

Party speakers are designed to direct their sound forward, so all the audio is able to project into the open space. As mentioned before, some can be used as PA systems, and their focus on set-up ease and portability are also something not found with speakers designed for indoor use. Some party speakers are also weatherproofed to withstand the elements.

Party Speakers Compared

How To Choose The Right Party Speakers

Build Quality & Design

Audio Performance

There are a variety of factors in a speaker’s ability to produce quality audio. A speaker with a larger frequency response will do better with highs and lows. The power handling rating will tell you the ideal wattage to use (RMS continuous use, peak max) with the speaker to keep the speaker producing quality audio longer.

Most importantly, making sure the speaker is positioned toward the area you want your audio to be heard will give the best experience. And noting the best listening area (a cone going out from the speaker) will bring your audio to the next level.

Connectivity & Flexibility

On our list of the best party speakers, some are wired and others that are wireless, and again it comes down to what features are most important to you. Wired speakers can offer more consistent sound quality as the audio source will be physically connected to the speaker, but you do need to make sure that you place them in a location that the wires can reach.

Wireless speakers offer more flexibility in placement and generally more flexibility in how many devices can be connected to it. When using wireless speakers, it is important to make sure they are still close to an outlet if needed, and to make sure the audio source does not move outside the wireless range.

Power Rating – Volume & Wattage

The sensitivity rating of a speaker is a measure of how loud a speaker can be (in decibels) before distortion of the audio can be heard one meter away from the speaker. Another factor in how loud the speaker can be is how efficiently it can convert the wattage provided to it into actual audio.

However, you will also need to pay close attention to the power handling rating to ensure that the wattage being supplied is appropriate for the speaker and will not cause audio distortion or hardware damage.

Cone Size

Speaker Specifications

There are different ways a speaker can be configured that will impact its ability to produce different ranges of audio at different qualities. A 2-way speaker is a speaker consisting of a tweeter to deliver audio at the top of the frequency range and a woofer used to produce the bottom of the frequency range. A 3-way speaker uses the same tweeter and woofer set up but adds a mid-range driver to support the in-between ranges and allows the tweeter and woofer to focus on a narrower range and produce more distinct notes.

Design and Aesthetic Look

Party speakers are designed to blend in with a party setting, and so they typically have more design options than other speakers. Color and finish of the speaker are common choices in party speakers, but there are also options as to backlights and other lighting touches that make the speakers stand out.

When deciding on the right party speaker for you, it is important to look at the look but also the shape of the speaker to ensure that it will fit the area you are looking at. On the best party speaker list we compiled, some are meant to be on stands and others that you can subtly place without much installation.

Additional Features & Portability

As we have mentioned before, there are several features you can find with party speakers. Some speakers can be used as a PA system or even a booming karaoke system. Others offer more visual options like lighting to spice things up for both audio and visual needs.

Some of the speakers on our list also offer the ability to connect multiple speakers either wired or wirelessly, to play audio across a system of speakers. Depending on your needs, you can also find on our list of best party speakers some that will be a quick pick up and set up for when the party moves or others that are a bit more powerful but do not offer an easy method of transporting due to weight and installation.

Price & Warranty

1. Sony GTKXB7BC

Topping our list of the best party speakers is the Sony GTKXB7BC, and that honor comes with good reason as these speakers truly pack the party in with solid all-around audio, build, and device quality.

The GTKXB7BC comes in red, blue, or black in a sleek, small package that packs in extra bass and an LED light capable of several different colors, patterns, and synchronization with the music. These speakers can be used with other GTKXB7BC to create a larger sound system and keep the party going no matter how big it gets.

This speaker does feature a remote control; however, it does not have a battery, so you will need to make sure that it is connected to an outlet. You can connect wirelessly using Bluetooth or NFC and also connect via USB or audio cables.

Since you can connect with audio cables, you can also use this speaker with a TV or any equipment with an audio out capability, expanding its use beyond just music. This speaker is one of the lighter options on our list and comes with handles on both the top and bottom for easy transportation.

2. SOUNDBOKS 2

Billed as "the loudest Bluetooth speaker," the SOUNDBOKS 2 certainly lives up to the name by sporting an impressive 122 dB max volume, which is right around the same levels of being at a rock concert.

With something that powerful you would expect it to be a bit difficult to set or travel, but SOUNDBOKS designed this speaker to bring the party anywhere. Made of lightweight aluminum and birch, this speaker weighs in at a modest 33 pounds and sports a water-resistant and splash-proof finish.

Not content with just making the speaker durable, SOUNDBOKS also packs in a battery which averages 40 hours at max charge. So wherever and whenever the party breaks out, the SOUNDBOKS 2 is ready to go as soon as you connect your device via Bluetooth or the provided AUX cable.

The SOUNDBOKS 2 may just be the best Bluetooth speaker on the market, and it is all thanks to its portability and sound level. All this quality does come with a slightly higher price tag, but the SOUNDBOKS 2 can be found for under $1,000 at most retailers and can be found at festivals, parties, and homes in over 40 countries around the world.

3. Aiwa Exos-9

The Aiwa Exos-9 is a more modern take on the classic boombox and takes to heart the desire to take the party with you. Whether you connect via Bluetooth or the included stereo minijack cable, this lightweight speaker can easily travel with you whenever an impromptu dance session is required, making it our best portable Bluetooth party speaker.

The battery life is about 9 hours on a full charge, but this speaker can also be plugged in for longer sessions. A unique feature on this speaker is the ability to charge other devices via USB though that does impact how long the battery will last if you are not plugged into an outlet.

A padded handle makes travel comfortable along with only weighing 13 pounds and if you have another Exos-9 or someone else does you can pair the two systems together for either split audio (one producing left and the other right) or synched audio (both produce left and right).

Despite it being lightweight, this speaker also packs an impressive 100 dB max volume, so on its own, it can cover a good area, but paired with another speaker you can really fill the space with music. So, grab your gear and hit the town with this modern boombox.

4. DiamondBoxx Model XL2 Black

For those really looking to really be the envy of the neighborhood or maybe host a music festival in the backyard, the DiamondBoxx Model XL2 tops the budget but for good reason. These high-end speakers use some of the best materials and parts on the market for great sound that will last a lifetime.

Each speaker has sixsubwoofers/midwoofers to make sure the bass is heard and felt while the eight tweeters ensure nothing is lost in the massive frequency range of these speakers. Just barely missing out on the loudest speaker on our list at 121 dB max, the DiamondBoxx Model XL2 can be paired with another XL2 to form a left and right audio pair capable of 127 dB and make the nearest venue jealous.

These speakers can be connected to by nearly any device with Bluetooth functionality or a headphone jack, so there should be no reason a device cannot connect to these speakers.

5. Polk Audio Atrium4

Certainly the smallest speakers on our list, the Polk Audio Atrium4 is made to be used outside in any weather and set up quickly to travel. Once the bracket is mounted, the speaker clicks into place and allows for adjustment to make sure the audio is pointed where it needs to go.

This speaker is ideal for smaller parties in the backyard with a few people and provides great background music. The design of the speaker is also meant to be able to blend into many areas with a sleek curved design perfect for corners. These speakers also surpass all qualifications for weather condition ratings, so there is no fear of weather impacting their performance.

While these speakers are quick to mount and takedown, they do require a wired connection to an audio source via speaker wires. This does mean that when installing these speakers that you must consider where you will be able to run the wires and the location of the source of the audio.

You could use a third-party Bluetooth receiver with these to allow for wireless connections. Once you know that you are capable of connecting the speaker wires, two screws are all that is required to mount the bracket and pop the speaker into place.

6. PRORECK Club 3000

If you are looking to be the host with the most or set up large events, the PRORECK Club 3000 sound system is there to take care of nearly all your needs. This is a true sound system with two dedicated subwoofers and eight speakers set up in an array.

Each speaker set is designed to be set up on a stand with one subwoofer and four speakers and can be moved to provide audio from both the left and right sides. It does require some set up as you will need to wire all the speakers together, but with the ability to pair wirelessly and control playback with a remote, actually using the system is a breeze.

As an added feature, this system is also set up with mic support so it can be used as a PA system or a banging karaoke machine when used with a separate screen for lyrics. This system is ideal for a wide variety of events, including reunions, weddings, or any gathering with lots of people. For those who want to put on a live performance, multiple instruments can even be connected to the device. This is the sound system for anyone looking to really put on a show.

7. JBL PartyBox 300

JBL is well known for producing a wide range of speaker options, and the PartyBox 300 is specifically designed to take the party anywhere and everywhere. Capable of connecting via Bluetooth to both a smart device as an audio source and another PartyBox for additional audio, the PartyBox 300 does not stop there.

With a great party in mind, the speakers come equipped with lights that can be customized to match the audio being played or just to brighten up the party. The battery boasts an impressive 18-hour playtime on a max charge and is capable of playing while charging and charging other devices with its included USB port.

If you are looking to rock out on the guitar or belt out the best songs, the PartyBox 300 is set up with a guitar/mic connection for on the go shows. The portability of the device means it can go with you for any outdoor occasion, and when it's back at home, the auto-power off function can be used to lull you to sleep.

8. ION Audio Tailgater (iPA77)

When you need to make sure the team knows just how much you support them, the ION Audio Tailgater (iPA77) is there to drown out the other team. The Tailgater has an impressive 50-hour battery life at max charge and can be used to charge other devices with its USB power bank.

A variety of audio sources means you can have the pre-game coverage on with the built AM/FM radio, stream your favorite jock jams over Bluetooth, or even use the microphone to make those cheers loud and clear.

The Tailgater is built to take a bump or two without worrying about damage when you are taking the speaker out on the road for a game, camping, or wherever.  The speaker features a bright display so that even night games or late-night camping jam sessions do not need to worry about being able to see the volume or radio station.

The lighter weight design and smaller size also mean that this fits easily in a trunk or truck bed for easy travel, and since it does not require an outlet or wired connection, installation is a breeze.

9. Rockville RPG122K

If you are looking to get a speaker system that can be used as a PA system as well as for other audio on a budget, the Rockville RPG122K fits the bill. Coming with two 12" speakers, stands, cables, and a mic, you can host, dance, and be the life of the party.

Like other speakers on the list, the RPG122K can connect to an audio source using Bluetooth or a USB input but also allows for SD card input, which is unique to this speaker. An FM radio is also built into the device.

Since the speakers are designed to be on the stands, you can have them set up in more ways than others on the list and get a wider audio range. Set up is relatively quickly, just requiring wiring in the speakers and setting them up on the stands.

If the mic is used it must be connected, through the included 19 feet cord allows for a pretty generous range for any announcer or karaoke superstar. A remote is also included for wireless playback control for audio. For any outdoor party needs on a budget, these speakers are an ideal starting place for new party hosts.

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Conclusion