Bluetooth speakers: What to know and which to buy for your budget and space

This truly compact speaker -- it fits in the palm of your hand -- is a powerhouse for sound compared to its size thanks to classic Marshall sound engineering, plus it has the brand's ultra-cool vintage aesthetic on its side. It's perfect for tossing in your bag for a picnic in the park or beach trip, and more than 15 hours of playtime means you won't run out of tunes before the night's over. It's also dust and water resistant, plus it's made from 60% recycled plastic -- great for the eco-conscious consumer.

For under $30, you can't beat the deal you'll get with this top-selling Anker speaker. It's sold over 100,000 units on Amazon alone with an average 4.6-star rating. It's waterproof for poolside or outdoor use, and two high-sensitivity drivers help it deliver clear, deep bass sounds with no distortion. It also offers 24 hours of battery life, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for anyone who wants quality but doesn't need all the bells and whistles.

Sony is one of the most trusted names in sound, so naturally their budget-friendly, compact speakers are up to snuff amid the countless options you'll find while shopping. This is a favorite because despite its powerful sound capabilities, it's small enough to fit in a cup holder, has a handy carrying strap and it comes in four colorways including two bright options that make it hard to lose if you're listening on the beach or in the grass. Reviewers love that it connects so quickly and has a long battery life of up to 16 hours.

Perfect to gift someone who works, gardens or exercises outdoors, this clip-on speaker from Dewalt lets you play music or take calls without interupting your flow. It's dust and water resistant so sweat, rain and air pollutants pose little threat to its functionality. Reviewers love how lightweight it is -- less than two ounces -- and the ease of use, long battery life and stable connectivity.

For smaller spaces such as an apartment, home office or small backyard gathering, the JBL Pulse 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers you'll find. It has 12 hours of playback time and signature quality, omnidirectional JBL sound that radiates music from every angle for a full, robust listening experience. Sound quality aside, the built-in light show that pulses and dances with the music is dazzling. It warms the space and moves in tandem with the rhythm, offering a truly hypnotic session every time you link up and throw on your favorite tunes.

While many models are water resistant, this speaker is virtually indestructible and can be submerged in meter-deep water for up to 30 minutes. The outer layer is made from extreme performance fabric similar to that found in protective motorcycles or fire gear, which is to say it can take a real beating. In addition to its tough construction, the 360-degree sound is pristine and clear, and an easy-to-use magic button lets you play, pause, skip and control the music right there on the face of the speaker.

Similar to the JBL Pulse 5 we recommend above, this powerful speaker will bring the one-two punch of phenomenal sound and a party-starting light show to life alongside your chosen soundtrack. It has two level of adjustable bass to match the vibe of your favorite tunes, and it's splashproof to avoid damage in case guests get a bit rowdy. There's also a JBL PartyBox app to help you control the machine's functions, allowing you to live out your DJ fantasies right from your phone.

Bose devotees love the company's ability to capture gorgeous sound quality that lets you immerse yourself in the music, podcast, white noise or whatever else you may listen to. In addition to being safe from water damage, this speaker can float and is resistant to scratches, drops, rust and even UV light. This model is closing in on 30,000 ratings on Amazon for an average 4.7-star review, and buyers repeatedly note loving the sturdiness, sound clarity, and ease of transport.

Starting from the outside with this fresh multi-room speaker from JBL, the sleek yet vintage look is a winner. It has a premium aluminum frame with a synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure, and the attractive Quadrex grille shows impeccable attention to detail. These are made for indoor use and integrate Amazon and Google voice commands simultaneously. And while you can tune to your liking using the EQ controls on the JBL app, this one self-calibrates to optimize your listening experience.