Speakers have evolved vastly since we’ve phased out the 80’s boombox. Not only do speakers come in compact designs, but they can also now be found in pocket sizes and are highly portable.
With today’s portable speakers, you can say goodbye to those frustrating tangled wires and the troublesome setups for good! For that minimalistic and clutter-free workspace or a good music session anytime, here are the best options for every type of music listener out there.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
Top 14 Portable Speakers in Malaysia
Why it's our top pick?
This portable speaker from Ultimate Ears has it all. From a long battery life, beautiful bass and many more, the Boom 3 is sure to impress your guests with its many amazing features that will liven up the party.
Overview
With a remarkable IP67 waterproof and dust-proof rating, The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 can remain submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, as deep as 1 meter! The icing on top of the cake is that this speaker floats, making it a must-have for most beach-goers.
In terms of design, the moisture-friendly speaker preserves a cylindrical build for excellent 360-degree audio that spreads out more freely. 'Loud, punchy, and upbeat' are the words commonly used to describe the audio quality of the UE Boom 3, all of which will last up to 15 hours thanks to its battery’s long life.
This speaker also gives you a whopping range from 30m to 45m, so you can walk around and still be able to hear your audio without there being any chopping or stuttering. Though, some reviewers critiqued the quality of the bass. Even its design is simple and yet eye-catching, with a fabric-like exterior that makes the speaker look premium, and durable.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Specifications
- Maximum Sound Level: 90dBC
- Frequency Range: 90Hz - 20kHz
- Drivers: Two 2" drivers and two 2" x 4" Passive Radiators
- Dimensions: 73mm (diameter) x 184mm (height)
- Weight: 608g
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours, Rechargeable
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 150ft
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
If you’ve got your eyes out for a top-of-the-line portable speaker, look no further than the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. It’s the all-in-one speaker that you’re sure to show off to your friends, relatives, or any guests that visit. It's also a great speaker for parties thanks to the strong bass and the fact that this speaker is waterproof and dustproof. Boom 3 comes in a variety of colours that you can choose from to match your lifestyle and aesthetics.
Overview
Experience excellent audio performance at an affordable price, thanks to Xiaomi’s Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker. It’s capable of giving you high-quality sounds while coming in a compact and easy-to-carry size, so you can enjoy your tunes anywhere you go. In terms of battery life, this speaker gives you 13 hours at 50% volume and takes about 4 hours to fully charge.
But, something to appreciate about this affordable speaker is its 16W speakers, that’s powerful enough for you to immersive yourself and whoever is listening to the songs you play. The Mi Portable Speaker has an IP Rating of IPX7, which means you won’t need to worry about water droplets getting on the speaker as it can handle it.
Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker Specifications
- Dimensions (W X D X H): 213 X 74 X 74 mm
- Frequency Range: 80Hz to 20KHz
- Battery charging time: 4 hours
- Playback time: Approx. 13 hours (at 50% Volume)
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Transmission distance: 15m
- IP Rating: IPX7
Who is it for?
Whether you’re outside or at an indoor location, this Mi Portable Speaker ensures you’re getting immersive audio quality at a more affordable price. It even has a far distance of 15m, so you don’t need to be close to the speaker in order to control it. Another bonus is that it also has a built-in microphone so you can take calls using the speaker itself, and continue listening to music when you hang up. So, for those looking for an inexpensive portable speaker, we highly recommend you consider this one.
Overview
JBL’s Charge 5 gives you that more balanced audio performance, thanks to its high-quality audio which is sure to deliver crisp and clear sounds. With over 20 hours of playtime, this portable speaker would be more than enough to last the whole party. But what makes this a great value option is definitely the fact that it is IP67-rated, making it waterproof and dustproof.
To top it all off, it comes with JBL’s signature Pro Sound that is capable of delivering the audio that lets you immerse and groove to the songs you play on it, even when you’re outside. Speaking of which, it weighs 0.96kg, so it won’t be too heavy to carry around when you go for an outdoor adventure and was designed to lie flat so you won’t have to worry about accidentally knocking it over.
JBL Charge 5 Specifications
- Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20kHz
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm
- Weight: 0.96kg
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours (rechargeable)
- Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400MHz – 2483.5MHz
Who is it for?
If you’re typically outdoors, there’s nothing like a good speaker to liven up the environment. Thankfully, JBL has brought us their Charge 5. With its high IP Rating, you can take it camping and not worry about it getting damaged by water or dust. So, if you enjoy any outdoor activity but still want to listen to your playlist, consider getting this speaker to have even more fun when outside.
Overview
Coming in half a dozen different colours, from Black to Powder Blue, there is a ton of variety to choose from for the XB13. Yet even with such extravagant names like Coral Pink and Lemon Yellow, their matte finish doesn't make them stand out amongst the crowd.
However, with its IP67 rating, it can pretty much handle anything you throw at it, from heavy rain to a literal dust storm. This makes it the perfect companion for the great outdoors, not to mention how its small size and included strap means you can just clip it onto your backpack. It also comes with Sony Extra Bass, which gives you that powerful bass sound that most of us love. Even with its compact size, it has a battery that lasts around 16 hours. Or, charge the speaker for a mere 3 hours and enjoy about 12 hours of battery life.
SONY XB13 Specifications
- Speaker Size: 46mm
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Dimensions: 95 mm (Height), 76mm (Diameter)
- Weight: 253g
- Battery Life: Approximately 16 hours
- Bluetooth Range: 10m
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
When it comes to portable speakers, you would think that bass isn't one of the things that's going to get right. If so, then prepare to be surprised with the SONY XB13, a tiny but bass-filled piece of kit that will blow your socks off. This little thing packs quite a punch in both sound and bass, more than you would expect. So, if you listen to songs that have heavy bass, get the SONY X13 so you can listen to them even when you go outside.
Overview
Allowing for up to 15 hours of playtime, the JBL Xtreme 3 comes with four drivers and two JBL Bass Radiators. This means you can enjoy great sound quality with superior bass. Additionally, it has a built-in power bank so you can charge your devices while listening to music.
It can also connect up to two smartphones at the same time, so more than one person can control the songs. Plus, it comes with an IP67 rating, so you can take it to the pool or beach and not worry about splash damage or sand damaging the speaker!
JBL Xtreme 3 Specifications
- Frequency Response: 53.5 Hz - 20k Hz
- Dimensions: 29.8 x 13.6 x 13.4
- Bluetooth: version 5.1
- Battery: 15 hours of playtime
- Charging: 2.5 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
A party needs two things: a bomb playlist and a good-quality speaker—and the JBL Xtreme 3 has got you covered on that last one. It ensures your parties aren’t dull in the music department. So, use this speaker next time you have a pool or beach party! Plus, you can connect two JBL Speakers at once with PartyBoost to make sure that everyone enjoys the playlist.
Overview
The Bose SoundLink Revolve II doesn’t fail in any of the qualities of a fantastic portable speaker. It has excellent bass profiles, and the omnidirectional acoustic deflector means that sound comes out evenly around all sides of the speaker, giving you a great 360° listening experience.
Built with a 13-hour battery, this speaker is also water and dust-resistant. Additionally, their Party Mode feature allows you to connect other SoundLink speakers, allowing for a great makeshift sound system for movie nights or parties!
Bose SoundLink Revolve II Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 8.2 x 8.2 (cm)
- Weight: 660g
- Input: Micro-B USB port, 3.5 mm auxiliary
- Transducer: Downward-facing full-range
- Passive bass radiators: 2
- Bluetooth: 4.1 (9m range)
- Battery life: 13 hours
- Charging time: Up to 4 hour
- IP Rating: IP55
Who is it for?
Bose SoundLink Revolve II is perfect for your frequent movie nights, as the multiple-speaker connections feature can create a mini surround-sound system for that thrilling experience. Its size also makes it ideal to bring room-to-room or even when you’re going on a road trip. With its 360-degree sound coverage and powerful bass, you’re sure to enjoy those action-packed movies with this speaker.
Overview
Coming in a round, sleek, and compact design, the Jabra Speak 510 was built to give you crystal-clear call quality while also giving you beautiful audio quality thanks to its 50mm speaker. It is the best companion to enhance your already immersive office playlist, so you can listen to some background music when working. In terms of carrying around, its small and round design makes it fit easily in your bag while only weighing about 200g so that you won’t feel its weight in your bag.
Jabra’s Speak 510 also comes with a built-in microphone, which gives you an omnidirectional range of up to 1.5m, and a battery that can last you up to 15 hours. Something else to appreciate about this speaker is its compatibility with smart assistants, where you can use Siri, Google Assistant, and even Cortana for a more convenient control experience.
Jabra Connect 4s Specifications
- Speaker size: 50mm
- Frequency Range: 250Hz - 14000Hz
- Speaker Bandwidth: (Music mode): 250Hz - 14000Hz
(Speak mode): 250Hz - 7500Hz - Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Charging Time: Up to 2 hours
- Microphone Type: Omnidirectional
- Frequency Range: 150Hz - 6500Hz
- Microphone Pick-Up Range: Up to 1.5m
Who Is It For?
Jabra Speak 510 is a must-have for those who need a portable solution for conferencing on the go. It ensures clear call quality and even a microphone that lets your voice be heard clearly during virtual meetings. It is also perfect for you if you share one laptop or device for mixed meetings at the office, as its omnidirectional microphone lets everyone’s voice be picked up. Otherwise, you can also liven up your office environment with this speaker and blast some music for you and your coworkers to enjoy!
Overview
Featuring a durable build and an IP67 rating, the Sonos Roam was built to accompany all your outdoor fun. Its design also allows you to place it both upright and horizontally so you won’t need to worry about it falling down. But in the event that it does fall over, the Roam is also drop-resistant and made with shock-absorbent materials, so you don’t need to worry too much about it.
Sonos Roam also comes with a battery that gives you a long 10 hours of playback. It even uses automatic Trueplay tuning technology which can adapt and tune itself to the background sounds in your surroundings. Another thing to appreciate about it is that it is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control media without touching your phone or speaker, and even control your smart home devices on it.
Sonos Roam Specifications
- Dimensions: 168 x 62 x 60 mm
- Weight: 0.43 kg
- Audio: 2 Class-H digital amplifiers, One tweeter, One mid-woofer
- Battery: 18W, 10 hours playback
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
There’s nothing more fun than going on outdoor adventures with your friends and/or family. But something that’ll enhance your experience would be music, which is why you should get a speaker like the Sonos Roam so you can listen to music while enjoying the great outdoors. Thanks to its IP67 rating and its being drop resistant, you can take it anywhere without worrying about damage to the speakers.
Overview
Previously, Ultimate Ear had their Wonderboom 2, which already gave us a long enough battery; now its successor, the Wonderboom 3, tops it off by delivering a 14-hour-long surround-sound listening experience featuring exceptionally loud audio for its compact size.
In terms of performance, the Wonderboom 3 has improved the quality of bass delivered. Complementing the speaker's two 40 mm active drivers is the 360-degree designed body, which is made to provide better bass performance and make up for its small size.
Specifications:
- Maximum sound level: 86 dBC (normal) and 87dBC (outdoor)
- Drivers: two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1 mm x 65.2 mm passive radiators.
- Dimensions: 104mm (Height), 95.3mm (Diameter)
- Weight: 420 g
- Battery: 14 hours of battery life, Rechargeable
- Bluetooth Range: 40m
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is an all-rounder portable speaker that was made for the outdoors. It has a long-lasting battery, is waterproof and dustproof, and, most importantly, lets you listen to your favourite playlists with great audio quality. This is why we recommend this for those who want a reliable speaker that they can take anywhere and not worry about damaging, thanks to its rating of IP67 while also being drop-proof.
Overview
There isn't a whole lot to say about the Xiaomi Mini when it comes to its looks. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing, as the solid round design and orange strap are a great minimalistic choice that can blend in just about anywhere. Still, it would have been great if there were a few more other colour options, especially a white one. With that being said, something this size still has an impressive battery that gives you 10 hours of playtime.
The IP67 rating means it's also great for outdoors, though we wouldn't consider it a shock-proof speaker. In terms of UI, there's not a whole lot to say. There's a single LED light, a USB-C charging port, and a power button on the bottom. The power button is also multifunctional, as you can use it to answer phone calls, play/pause your music, and, of course, power down your speaker.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 86 × 86 × 45 mm
- Weight: 185g
- Input Parameters: 5V 1A
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
If you are on a tight budget, that doesn't mean there aren't great portable speakers that suit your price range. So, if you're looking for a speaker under RM 100, you will definitely enjoy using the Xiaomi Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Mini. Small, light, and affordable are the first things that come to mind when thinking about this speaker; other than that, it also comes with a long-lasting battery, punchy bass, and decent separation between instruments.
Overview
Take your music on the go with the JBL Clip 5. It has a small design that also lets you clip it onto you. Apart from its extra portability, you’re getting punchy bass and rich audio quality while also getting 12 hours of battery life. Once you’ve emptied the battery, all you have to do is charge it for about 3 hours for it to become fully charged again.
Another surprising thing about the Clip 5 is the fact that it has a rating of IP67, which means you can take it outside with ease. Especially since its design is similar to a carabiner but as a speaker. But the best part is that the Clip 4 comes in multiple colours to match your aesthetics and vibe.
JBL Clip 5 Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 13.5 x 4.6 cm
- Frequency Range: 100Hz to 20KHz
- Battery charging time: 3 hours
- Playback time: 12 hours
- Bluetooth version: 5.1
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
For something so small, it comes packed with a lot of awesome features, which is why we recommend the JBL Clip 5 to those who are constantly on the move and need a small speaker that’s easy to carry. Just clip it onto your belt, bag, or anywhere you can and enjoy the blissful playlist you’ve made. We also recommend this for outdoor activities like hiking since it’s waterproof and dustproof.
Overview
Take the party wherever you go with the JBL Pulse 5. It comes with JBL Original Sound Pro which lets you listen to the speaker’s impressive sounds and enjoy the deep base that accompanies it. It even comes with a rating of IP67, so you can enjoy using it even outdoors, or at the pool. This speaker gives you 12 hours of playtime so your party can go on all night.
But that’s not all, this speaker comes with a 360-degree light show. This means the speaker can light up and show colours, which will not only impress your guests but also liven up the vibes in your party. Something you’ll appreciate about this feature is the fact that the lights sync and match the beat of whatever song you’re playing. Just remember to charge it before the party starts since the Pulse 5 takes about 4 hours to fully charge.
JBL Pulse 5 Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 21.4 x 13.2 cm
- Frequency Range: 58 Hz - 20 kHz
- Battery charging time: 4 hours
- Playback time: Approx. 12 hours
- Bluetooth version: 5.3
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
If you plan on hosting a gathering or party of any kind, you’ll want to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. So, why not get the Pulse 5 which not only gives you boogie-worthy sounds but even comes with a built-in light show? Transform your party’s environment into a visually stunning and vibrant environment., where all you need to worry about is combining the perfect songs into a playlist that will last as long as this speaker (and your party) can.
Overview
Experience Marshall’s signature sounds in a smaller size with Marshall Willen. This portable speaker gives you premium sound quality and powerful bass, all built into a compact and vintage design. Its size lets you keep it in your bag without taking up too much space while only weighing 0.31 kg, so you would barely feel it in there. This Willen speaker also allows for flexible positioning since you can stand it up, have it horizontally, and even hang it on something thanks to a rubber strap that’s mounted at the back.
With a battery life of around 15 hours and a 3-hour charging time, Marshall Willen keeps the music playing throughout your workday or travels. Another great thing about its battery is that, with only 20 minutes of charge, you can enjoy 3 hours of use. But that’s not all; this compact speaker is also waterproof and dustproof with its IP67 rating so that you can take it around with little worry.
Marshal Willen Specifications
- Frequency Range: 100-20,000 Hz
- Amplifiers: One 10 Watt Class D amplifier for the driver
- Dimension: 101.6 x 100.5 x 40.4 mm
- Battery Life: Around 15 hours
- Battery Charging: 3 hours
- Bluetooth: 5.1, 10m range
- IP Rating: IP67
Who is it for?
If you need a smaller speaker for your laptop, then Marshall Willen is all you need. With its long battery life, quick charge and great sound and audio quality, you’re sure to enjoy using this speaker when working or consuming media. Speaking of work, this speaker even comes with a built-in microphone so that you can attend virtual meetings as well. The only tiny drawback is that there is no wired connection like AUX or USB, so you cannot connect it to your laptop and need to rely on Bluetooth connectivity.
Overview
Combining a premium look, sleek design and impressive sound quality, the Edifier MF200 is a soundbar that’s small enough to fit on your table. With its compact design, you can easily set it right next to your laptop, either upright or lying down. In terms of its audio, its 36mm driver and Class D Amplifier give you clear and more detailed sounds with low distortions so that you can enjoy all your favourite media.
Battery-wise, the Edifier MF200 has a 2200mAh battery that lasts you for 10 hours. As for the connectivity, you can choose between Bluetooth, or if you’d rather, you can also connect an AUX cable to this speaker and listen to your songs on your laptop. Otherwise, it even allows for a USB connection, so you can also charge the speaker while listening to music. It is also touch-control, which gives it a premium and more expensive feel, except it’s affordable!
Edifier MF200 Specifications
- Dimensions: 293mm × 45mm × 53mm
- Weight: 0.5kg
- Frequency Range: 100Hz-20kHz
- Speaker Driver: 36mm
- Playback time: 10 hours
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
Who is it for?
Nothing beats watching your favourite movie or series during the weekend. So, if you are looking for a speaker who can provide a more immersive viewing experience, we recommend the Edifier MF200. It’s a versatile speaker that gives you multiple connection options while also providing great audio quality. Plus, its sleek and portable design means you can carry it around with you and watch media anywhere you go.
FAQ
Wifi vs Bluetooth speakers; which is better?
Wifi speakers are a pretty recent addition to the audio market, and although they sound rather similar to Bluetooth speakers, there’s actually a valley of difference between them.
Wifi
- As the name would suggest, wifi speakers operate off wifi, whether that is in your home or elsewhere.
- This means that without a wifi connection, your speaker becomes an overpriced tech decoration.
- It has certain advantages over Bluetooth speakers, namely in how it can seamlessly work with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Bluetooth
- Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, can seem a lot more limited. But their strength lies in the fact that they don’t require a wifi connection to work.
- That means Bluetooth is a lot more versatile in connecting to almost anything at any time, even if its functions are a bit more limited.
- This is why they’re great for any outdoors trip, while wifi speakers are not.
All in all, it really depends on how you’re going to use that speaker. If you’re going to be travelling a lot, a Bluetooth speaker is for you. But if you’re just going to be mostly at home, you’ll probably be happier with a wifi speaker instead.
Choosing a portable speaker
Over the past decade, the market for portable speakers has become saturated with options, which makes them a tricky investment to navigate. To help you find the best portable speaker, Bluetooth or not, keep an eye out for these top three-pointers!
Battery Life
- One of the most important criteria for portable speakers is battery life.
- Depending on what activities you will use it for, pick a speaker that can last as long as you need it to.
- For outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, a speaker that can last up to 15 hours would be preferable. And at a minimum? Best have them go past 7 or 8 hours.
Size
- A key parameter to consider is also the speaker’s size. Portable speakers come in all shapes and sizes these days.
- Generally, larger speakers are said to deliver better quality audio as they are likely to be fitted with bigger drivers.
- Another thing to narrow down a portable speaker from this perspective is where it will be placed or stored.
- For home use, a larger-sized speaker wouldn’t be an issue.
- However, for those frequent flyers, a more travel-friendly option would be smaller-sized speakers.
Sound Profile
- In terms of audio quality, there are many parameters we can assess – namely, the output power, frequency range, sound system, and impedance.
- Getting speakers that output between 15 and 20 watts and are able to emit around 20,000 Hz would be ideal.
Portable Speakers vs Soundbar: Which One?
In the last decade, TVs are visibly thinner. While such a silhouette is designed to fit into your living/entertainment room aesthetically, this means that there's little room for a proper audio system built into the TV. Often, we now have to buy an external audio support system
Aside from your standing speakers, the top two go-to speakers for most consumers are portable active speakers and soundbars.
Portable Speakers
- While it sounds weird to compare portable speakers with soundbars, today, there are many portable speakers that give the latter a run for their money.
- Due to their popularity, many are designed with advanced built-in audio technology in order to produce a balanced music profile.
- There are also many brands that offer interconnectivity for speakers within the same brand, whether it's from different ranges and collections, to amplify the volume mainly.
- You can also easily pair them wirelessly (or with analog wires) to your smart devices. This offers convenience in connectivity.
- A downside for portable speakers is that the louder ones are usually bigger in size, and they aren't cheap.
- Moreover, to truly get a loud volume for your entertainment setup, you'll likely have to invest in a pair of portable speakers.
Soundbars
- Meanwhile, soundbars are simplified audio equipment that is meant to offer enough volume for your listening needs.
- Because of their simplicity, they are often the cheaper option for those who just want a speaker for their simple entertainment needs.
- They are also loud enough that you'd only need a single unit to fill the whole room with enough volume.
- However, their single-body unit means there's little flexibility in arranging where you want your speaker to be placed.
- Since portable speakers can be arranged easily, you'd have the chance to get above-average audio quality, whereas soundbars are made just to play audio in one direction.