Best 2024 Portable Bluetooth Speakers for On-device controls

#1 Marshall Willen II
4.8

On-device controls were a clear strength, especially the Marshall joystick for playback, volume, and track changes.

Pros: Design and aesthetics, Loudness / maximum volume

Cons: EQ customization, App reliability

#2 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker
4.5

On-device controls were praised as simple, obvious, and satisfying, especially the large volume buttons and straightforward playback controls.

Pros: Battery life (if portable), Loudness / maximum volume

Cons: EQ customization, Distortion at high volume

#3 Tribit StormBox 2 Bluetooth Speaker
4.5

Physical controls were a highlight, with reviewers praising simple, large, visible, and easy-to-use buttons.

Pros: Value for money, Frequency response balance

Cons: Distortion at high volume, Handle or strap quality

#4 JBL Xtreme 4
4.5

On-device controls were praised as simple, big, and easy to use.

Pros: Frequency response balance, Battery life (if portable)

Cons: Price / value for money, Value for money

#5 Sonos Roam 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
4.4

On-device controls were praised for tactile playback, volume and grouping functions, especially because they remain usable around water or without relying on the app.

Pros: Frequency response balance, Setup simplicity

Cons: Battery life (if portable), App reliability

#6 JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
4.3

On-device controls are generally easy and intuitive, though one review criticizes missing previous/next track control.

Pros: Handle or strap quality, EQ customization

Cons: Frequency response balance, Stereo imaging accuracy

#7 Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Portable Speaker
4.3

On-device controls were praised because key functions could be accessed manually without relying on the app.

Pros: Loudness / maximum volume, Value for money

Cons: Weight convenience, Battery life (if portable)

#8 Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
4.2

On-device controls were generally good, with praise for responsiveness and positive feel, though one reviewer missed backlighting.

Pros: Frequency response balance, Loudness / maximum volume

Cons: Price / value for money, Weight convenience

#9 Tribit XSound Plus 2 Portable Wireless Speaker
3.9

On-device controls are mostly useful and tactile, though repeated volume presses and hard-to-see buttons draw some criticism.

Pros: Value for money, Price / value for money

Cons: Dust resistance rating, Bluetooth codec support

#10 JBL Go 4
3.8

The top-mounted play, skip, and volume controls are simple and useful, with separate power and pairing buttons on the side. A few users found the activation area narrower than the...

Pros: Overall satisfaction, Music performance

Cons: Bluetooth connection stability, Control button responsiveness

#11 Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker, 2nd Gen
3.6

On-device controls were mixed, with praise for the programmable shortcut and clearer play/pause layout but criticism of touch navigation.

Pros: Design and aesthetics, Frequency response balance

Cons: Battery life (if portable), Distortion at high volume

#12 Morel Biggie Portable Bluetooth Speaker
2.8

On-device controls were divisive: they were straightforward once understood, but hidden buttons and antiquated controls frustrated some reviewers.

Pros: Battery life (if portable), Design and aesthetics

Cons: On-device controls, Water resistance rating

#13 Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2 Portable Speaker
2.5

On-device controls are functional but limited, with PCMag finding them restricted and less refined.

Pros: Design and aesthetics, Frequency response balance

Cons: EQ customization, Bluetooth codec support