In the vibrant world of audio entertainment, party speakers stand out as the life of the party, bringing music to life with booming bass and electrifying sound. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a lively dance party, or a poolside gathering, having the right party speaker can make all the difference in setting the perfect mood. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. What makes a speaker truly stand out for parties? Is it the sound quality, portability, or perhaps the added features like lights and waterproofing?
In this guide, we’ll explore what sets the best party speakers apart, helping you find the perfect model to elevate your next event. We’ve also curated a list of the top party speakers available today, ensuring you have the best options to keep the music pumping and the good times rolling.
Roundup of the Best Party Speakers
| Overall Best | JBL Partybox 310 |
| Best for Outdoor Parties | Anker Soundcore Rave Party 2 Portable Speaker |
| Best Compact Design | JBL PARTYBOX Encore Essential |
| Best for Portability | JBL PartyBox 100 |
| Best for Sound Quality | Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
| Best for Large Spaces | LG XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker |
Things to Consider When Looking for a Good Party Speaker
Before we discuss our top 6 party speakers in detail, let’s quickly look at the factors you should consider when looking for the best party speaker:
1. Number of Party Attendees and Location
The number of people attending your party will determine both its size and location. It will also determine which party speaker you should buy.
For example, if 25 people are attending your party in an indoor space, you can easily manage with a small and portable party speaker, such as the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3. However, if you’re inviting about 100 guests for an outdoor party, you may need a big speaker with powerful sound, such as SOUNDBOKS 2.
2. Power Output
First things first, it is important to understand the difference between power output and loudness. The power output of a sound system is not always directly proportional to its loudness or volume.
Simply put, the higher the power output of your speaker, the more room you will get to play it at high volumes without compromising the sound quality. The same applies to a home audio system.
You can easily find party speakers with low power output and high volume (measured in decibels or dB) on the market; however, after using them for a few days, you’ll realize that the sound starts to get distorted at higher volumes.
3. Sound Performance
The third important factor you need to assess is the overall sound performance of the speaker. This includes:
- The clarity and quality of the lows (low frequencies or low pitches), mids (medium frequencies or medium pitches), and highs (higher frequencies or high pitches).
- Distortion-free sound even at the highest volume.
Along with the clarity and quality of the lows, mids, and highs, the absence of distortion is extremely critical as most party speakers typically play at higher volumes.
You can make the most of the best songs for testing speakers to assess and evaluate the sound performance of party speakers to make an informed purchase.
4. Bass
What is a party without thumping bass? More dance floor room is useless without party speakers with great bass. To put it straight, the bass is the life of every party.
The speaker’s subwoofer paired with the speaker drivers determines its bass quality. Almost all the 10 party speakers listed below have good bass and won’t disappoint you; even smaller speakers on our list.
5. Battery Life
If you don’t want to get into the hassle of connecting your party speaker to a power outlet, you need to get one with a rechargeable battery. Most party speakers on our list come with rechargeable battery life. You’ll even find some with both power outlet and battery options. However, your choice will entirely depend on your requirement.
Different party speakers come with different battery sizes. Therefore, you need to carefully assess and evaluate the battery life of the party speaker you’re planning to buy in three situations:
- When playing at the highest volume
- When playing with LED lights
- When playing with LED lights and inputs, such as guitar and microphone
6. Portability
Whether you’re organizing an indoor or outdoor party, portability becomes extremely important. You’ll notice that even the biggest speakers on our list are lightweight and portable. Some also comprise a built-in or detachable handle for better portability.
7. Method of Streaming Music
This is again extremely important. Most party speakers on the market support music streaming via Bluetooth. However, it’s good to be spoilt for choices when it comes to the method of streaming music. We recommend buying a party speaker with multi-connectivity options, such as:
- Bluetooth
- Optical audio input
- USB input for flash drives
- TF cards
8. Other Good-to-Have Features
If you’re planning a karaoke party or a pool party, you may require a party speaker that has microphone inputs, LED lights, a water-resistant, waterproof or dustproof body, and so on.
These are good-to-have features in a party speaker. However, you’ll find most of them in our top 6 choices.
Top 6 Speakers for the Best Party Experience
Let’s now look at the 6 best party speakers on the market, per our experts:
1. JBL Partybox 310
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Powerful sound with robust bass
- Long-lasting 18-hour battery life
- Dazzling lights add to the party atmosphere
- Portable and easy to transport
- Good sound quality with balanced signature
What Disappointed Us
- No wireless option
- Limited colour options
The JBL Partybox 310 stands out as the overall best party speaker due to its robust sound performance, portability, and versatile features. It is designed to elevate any party atmosphere with its powerful audio output and dynamic light effects.
The Partybox 310 excels with its impressive battery life and wheel-based design, making it easy to move from one venue to another. It features a variety of input options, including Bluetooth, USB, and guitar inputs, allowing for a flexible setup. The built-in light show syncs with the music, creating an immersive audio-visual experience.
In addition to its performance features, the Partybox 310 is durable and designed to withstand the rigors of any party environment, whether indoor or outdoor. Its IPX4 splashproof protection ensures it can handle splashes and spills, making it ideal for pool parties and outdoor events.
In conclusion, the JBL Partybox 310 is the best choice for those seeking a high-quality, portable speaker that can deliver a powerful and engaging party experience.
View on Amazon: JBL Partybox 310
2. Anker Soundcore Rave Party 2 Portable Speaker
Best for Outdoor Parties
What Impressed Us
- Powerful sound with good bass response
- Customizable LED lights for a party atmosphere
- Karaoke mic input for added fun
- Compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable connectivity
- Robust design with rubber feet for stability
What Disappointed Us
- Not as durable as some competitors, with an IPX4 rating
- May not reproduce super-deep bass tones
The Anker Soundcore Rave Party 2 Portable Speaker is our top pick for outdoor parties due to its robust build and impressive sound output. It is designed to provide high-energy sound with deep bass and vibrant treble, perfect for outdoor settings.
The Rave Party 2 features a waterproof and dustproof design, ensuring it can withstand various outdoor conditions. Its battery life is exceptional, providing up to 18 hours of playtime on a single charge. The speaker also supports Anker’s BassUp technology, which enhances low-end frequencies for a richer sound.
In addition to its audio capabilities, the Rave Party 2 includes LED lights that sync with the music, adding to the party atmosphere. Its wireless stereo pairing feature allows you to connect two speakers for a more immersive sound experience.
In summary, the Anker Soundcore Rave Party 2 is the best choice for outdoor parties. Its durable construction, long battery life, and powerful sound make it ideal for any outdoor gathering.
View on Amazon: Anker Soundcore Rave Party 2 Portable Speaker
3. JBL PARTYBOX Encore Essential
Best Compact Design
What Impressed Us
- Portable and splash-proof design for outdoor use
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass
- Built-in light show for a fun atmosphere
- Supports True Wireless Stereo technology for pairing speakers
- Customizable music and lightshow colors through the PartyBox app
What Disappointed Us
- Battery life is relatively short at 6 hours
- May not be suitable for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound
The JBL PARTYBOX Encore Essential is recognized for its compact design, making it an excellent choice for small spaces and easy portability. Despite its smaller size, it delivers powerful sound quality that is synonymous with JBL products.
The PARTYBOX Encore Essential is equipped with a built-in light show that reacts to the music, providing a visual enhancement to the audio experience. It includes a rechargeable battery that offers hours of playtime, allowing for extended use without the need for constant recharging.
In addition to its portability, the Encore Essential features wireless Bluetooth streaming, allowing you to connect smartphones and tablets easily. Its robust sound and bass boost function make it perfect for parties where space is limited but energy is not.
In conclusion, the JBL PARTYBOX Encore Essential is the best choice for those who need a compact yet powerful party speaker. Its size, sound quality, and visual effects make it perfect for indoor gatherings and small outdoor events.
View on Amazon: JBL PARTYBOX Encore Essential
4. JBL PartyBox 100
Best for Portability
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional clarity
- Durable, comfortable build
- 90-degree swivel cups
- Collapsible design
- Detachable cables
- Accurate bass
What Disappointed Us
- No wireless option
- Limited colour options
The JBL PartyBox 100 shines as the best option for portability in the party speaker category. It offers a perfect balance of powerful sound and manageable size, making it easy to transport to any party location.
The PartyBox 100 features a variety of input options and a battery that provides ample playtime, ensuring the music keeps going without interruption. Its integrated handle and lighter weight compared to larger models make it exceptionally easy to move from place to place.
In addition to its portable design, the PartyBox 100 delivers JBL’s signature sound quality with impressive bass response and clear highs. It also includes a light show feature that can be customized to match the mood of the party.
In summary, the JBL PartyBox 100 is the best choice for those seeking a highly portable party speaker without compromising on sound quality. It’s ideal for bringing high-energy sound to any venue, whether indoors or outdoors.
View on Amazon: JBL PartyBox 100
5. Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best for Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
- Long battery life of up to 24 hours
- Versatile wireless capabilities with Bluetooth and USB charging
- Durable design with IPX4 water resistance
- Supports pairing with multiple speakers for a more immersive experience
What Disappointed Us
- Large size and weight may make it less portable
- Higher price point compared to other portable speakers
The Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM stands out as the best party speaker for sound quality, offering a powerful audio experience with deep bass and rich, detailed highs. It is designed for audiophiles who prioritize superior sound in their party settings.
The HYPERBOOM features adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts the sound to suit the acoustics of the environment, ensuring optimal audio performance wherever you are. Its large size houses multiple drivers that deliver a wide soundstage and immersive listening experience.
In addition to its stellar audio performance, the HYPERBOOM is built to last with a durable design that can withstand the demands of any party. It’s also equipped with a long-lasting battery, providing up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge.
In conclusion, the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM is the best choice for those who demand top-tier sound quality from their party speaker. Its advanced audio technology and robust build make it ideal for enthusiasts who want to enjoy music at its best during any event.
View on Amazon: Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker
6. LG XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker
Best for Large Spaces
What Impressed Us
- Powerful sound
- Customizable lighting
- Karaoke inputs
- Long battery life
- Wireless connectivity
What Disappointed Us
- Heavier than other party speakers on our list
- IPX4 rating
- No speakerphone function
The LG XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker is our top recommendation for large spaces due to its powerful sound output and towering presence. It is specifically designed to fill large areas with high-quality audio, making it ideal for big events and parties.
The XL7 features an array of speakers that project sound effectively across wide spaces, ensuring that every corner of the venue is energized with clear and vibrant audio. Its integrated lighting system adds visual flair to the audio performance, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
In addition to its powerful audio capabilities, the XL7 is designed for ease of use with wheels and a handle for better mobility. It includes various connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, and more, making it versatile for different audio setups.
In conclusion, the LG XBOOM XL7 is the best choice for those needing a party speaker capable of handling large spaces. Its powerful sound, visual effects, and user-friendly features make it a standout option for big parties and gatherings.
View on Amazon: LG XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions About Party Speakers
The loudness of a speaker is measured in decibels or dB. To keep your and your party attendees’ ears safe, we recommend getting a speaker with a maximum 75 dB volume. An ideal volume range for a party speaker is 70 dB to 75 dB. However, the loudness requirement may also depend on the party location – indoor or outdoor.
In the case of indoor parties, sound waves hit solid objects such as furniture, walls, etc., and reflect back. Therefore, the intensity of sound is typically higher than usual. Therefore, 70 dB to 80 dB would be a good dB level for indoor parties.
Similarly, in the case of outdoor parties, sound waves have ample space to travel. Therefore, even the loudest speakers can sound dull depending on how much open space is surrounding the speaker. For an outdoor party, a speaker with a dB level between 90 and 120 would be ideal.
To determine how many watts you need for party speakers, there’s a simple thumb rule. If you’re planning an indoor party, use this formula:
No. of watts required for an indoor party= Number of attendees x 5 watts
For example, if 40 people are attending your indoor party, you need 40 x 5 = 200 watts.
However, if you’re planning an outdoor party, you should use the formula:
No. of watts required for an outdoor party= Number of attendees x 10 watts
For example, if 100 people are attending your outdoor party, you need 100 x 10 = 1000 watts.
Time to Wrap Up the Party
After diving into the details, we highly recommend the JBL Partybox 310 and the Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM as the top choices for party speakers.
The JBL Partybox 310 is the best all-rounder, perfect for any event with its robust sound performance and portability. It easily adapts to both indoor and outdoor settings, making it a reliable choice for party enthusiasts who need a speaker that can keep up with diverse environments.
The Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM stands out for its superior sound quality. It delivers powerful audio that’s rich in detail, making it ideal for audiophiles who want their music not just to be heard, but to be felt. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large party, the HYPERBOOM ensures that every beat and note is delivered with exceptional clarity.
Both speakers are designed to elevate your party experience, ensuring that your gatherings are not only heard but remembered. Whether you prioritize portability or sound quality, these speakers are sure to meet your needs and exceed expectations.
We hope you found our article on the best speakers for parties useful. If you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to post them in the comment section below.
