The Best Portable Speakers Under $100

You may think you have to drop a couple Bennies for portable high-end sound.

And once upon a time, you did.

But over the past few years, the sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker category has become something of a sweet spot for anyone looking for a no-frills on-the-go audio source. Sometimes you just need to fill the void and not worry about filling the room — though a few of these speakers will do both.

For the best in terms of looks and sound quality, a man just needs to know where to look. To help narrow your search, we rounded up a few of our compact favorites below.

For the Beach Bum: Polk Audio Boom Swimmer
Thing looks funny, sure, but remove the detachable tail and it turns into a suction cup speaker. If you’re looking for a variety of placement options, this is your best budget bet. ($40) BUY IT HERE

For the Cyclist: JBL Clip 2
JBL’s newest model, featuring an upgraded carabiner clip that’ll easily hook to a D-ring or similar. Go wireless or plug into the built-in audio cable. Waterproof too. ($60) BUY IT HERE

For the Backyard Chiller: Logitech X300
A bulkier, decidedly less portable speaker (which it makes up for in audio quality) that’ll do well on your back deck while you fling some ‘shoes or hit the hammock. ($80) BUY IT HERE

For the Rugged Nomad: DreamWave Speaker/Walkie Talkie
Because you won’t find another speaker/two-way radio combo out there. ($99 $84) BUY IT HERE

For the 9-to-5er: Soundfreaq Pocket Kick
A clean, streamlined unit that’ll look handsome on your desk, but still portable enough to throw in your bag for Happy Hour listening. ($99) BUY IT HERE

For the Outdoors Buff: UE Roll 2
The second generation of the most universally lauded $100 Bluetooth speaker. Offers 360-degree sound in a handful of colors. ($99) BUY IT HERE

For the Aesthete: LSTN Wood Bluetooth Speakers
Proving budget Bluetooth speakers need not look like play things, a solid desk speaker dressed up in wood. ($99) BUY IT HERE

Meet your guide

Michael Nolledo

Michael Nolledo is the former Deputy Editor of InsideHook and the founding editor of the Chicago edition. He is now the Editorial Director of the Reference desk at Insider.