1. How to Choose a Bluetooth Speaker

Bluetooth speakers are easier to choose if you decide on a size that suits where you'll use it, then compare sound quality, playback time and the features you need. Joshin's buying guide also lists output, supported codecs and water resistance as points to check.

Choose the size and portability for where you'll use it

If you'll use it on your desk at home, check that its width and depth fit the space. If you'll put it on a shelf, it's also important that you can reach the buttons and have room to plug in the charging cable.

If you'll take it traveling or camping, check its weight and whether its shape fits in your bag. A strap or handle makes it easier to carry on the move. The size you can accept also depends on whether you'll carry it every day or usually transport it by car.

For example, the Soundcore Select 4 Go featured in this article weighs about 265g, while the Bose SoundLink Max weighs about 2.22kg. Both are portable, but they feel very different as luggage. Don't just look at the numbers; choose by thinking about where you'll actually put it and how you'll carry it..

Check sound quality and output for your environment

First consider whether you want vocals to be easy to hear or prefer a thick low end. If you like the bass of rock or dance music, a model that lets you adjust the low end is also a candidate. Sound preferences vary from person to person, so if possible, test it with the music you usually listen to.

The "W" of the output is one point of comparison, but a bigger number doesn't necessarily mean you'll like the sound. The impression also changes with the speaker's construction and tuning, the size of the room and where it's placed. In apartments, be mindful of sound leaking to your neighbors, and consider whether you can enjoy it without turning it up more than necessary.

Check battery playback time and charging method

If you'll use it for long periods away from home, check not only the manufacturer's maximum playback time but also the charging time and port. For example, even if it supports USB-C charging, a charger or cable isn't necessarily included.

Playback time varies with measurement conditions such as volume, source and sound settings. Don't treat the maximum time as a guarantee; choose with some margin. Some models can charge your smartphone, but doing so uses the speaker's battery.

Check water and dust resistance for the bathroom or outdoors

Where splashes or dust are a concern, the IP rating is a useful guide. The numbers indicate the dust- and water-resistance levels; for example, IP67 means dust-resistance level 6 and water-resistance level 7. An "X" means no rating is given for that item. How to read IP ratings is also explained in "Various Waterproof Earphones and Recommendations".

However, being waterproof doesn't mean it can unconditionally handle hot water, soap, bath additives, seawater or use underwater. Check the conditions and care instructions for each product, and close the port covers as instructed on products that have them. As a basic rule, don't charge it while it's wet.

Check codec support with your devices and useful features

A codec is the compression method used to send audio over Bluetooth. Which methods are available depends not only on the speaker but also on the playback device, such as your smartphone. Check a common supported method with the devices you usually use, such as SBC or AAC. Codec types are explained in detail in "What Makes High-Quality Earphones Different!? What Is a Codec?".

If you'll use it for more than music, also check whether it has a microphone for calls, a wired input and smartphone-app sound adjustment. Also note that connecting to two playback devices at once is different from linking two speakers together. If stereo playback is your goal, check which combinations are supported.

Balance your budget with the features you need

One way to choose is a compact model if you want to carry it easily, or a larger, pricier model with more features if you want full sound at home and outdoors. Deciding whether you need water resistance, long playback or calls keeps you from increasing your budget for features you won't use.

Product prices vary by retailer, color and sales. In addition to the listed price, check necessary accessories such as a charger and cable, and compare based on your total budget..

2. 6 Recommended Bluetooth Speakers

Here we introduce 6 models suited to different uses. The numbers are not rankings. We summarized each model's features and the points to check before buying based on official information.

1. Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go | Compact and easy to carry

Recommended for: people who value light weight and price and want to carry it casually

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is a compact model measuring about 121×83×49mm and weighing about 265g. It has a 5W full-range speaker and a passive radiator and supports up to 20 hours of playback. With IP67 dust and water resistance, it's easy to use not only indoors but also where splashes are a concern.

Supported codecs are SBC and AAC. You can adjust the equalizer in the dedicated app, so it suits people who want to change the sound balance to match the song or their mood. Pairing two Select 4 Go units lets you play separate left and right channels.

On the other hand, according to the official FAQ, it has no microphone or AUX port. Be careful if you want to use the speaker for calls or use a wired input. The charger is sold separately, and it can't be charged while wet.

Reference price: ¥2,990 (incl. tax, sale price at the Anker official store)

2. JBL CHARGE 6 | A portable model with water and dust resistance

Recommended for: people who'll use it indoors and outdoors and want to charge their smartphone too

According to JBL's official specs, the CHARGE 6 is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. It has a detachable handle strap and is a model you can carry around to enjoy music. It has a woofer and tweeter, and you can adjust the sound with the equalizer in the JBL Portable app.

Playback time is normally up to 24 hours. Playtime Boost can extend it by up to 4 hours, though this varies with volume and content. It can also charge smartphones and other devices, so it's handy when you want to use it for both music and charging on longer outings.

Without the strap, it weighs about 0.96kg; you can carry it in one hand, but it's bulkier than compact models. Also, a USB cable is not included. Check whether you can provide a charger and cable separately.

Reference price: ¥30,800 (incl. tax, JBL official Yahoo! store, official limited purple)

3. Sony ULT FIELD 3 (SRS-ULT30) | For people who want to enjoy deep bass

Recommended for: people who want emphasized bass and want to carry it over the shoulder

The ULT FIELD 3 features an "ULT button" that emphasizes the low end. With a 2-way design that separates the woofer and tweeter, it suits people who want to focus on bass while also enjoying vocals and highs.

Playback time is about 24 hours. This is the manufacturer's measurement with ULT POWER SOUND on and the volume at about 22, and it varies with usage conditions. It also features fast charging that gives about 120 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge and the ability to charge smartphones and other devices.

According to Sony's spec sheet, it measures about 256×113×79mm and weighs about 1.2kg. It is rated IP66/IP67 for water and dust resistance and comes with a detachable shoulder strap. It can stand vertically or horizontally, but choose a flat surface when standing it upright.

Reference price: open price (please check with the retailer)

4. Bose SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker | For indoor use

Recommended for: people who'll put it in the living room or bedroom and want it to blend with their interior

The Bose SoundLink Home is an indoor speaker with a design using aluminum and fabric. It measures about 215.9×110×59.4mm and weighs about 0.93kg. Battery playback lasts up to 9 hours, so you can move it around the house.

In addition to Bluetooth, it has a USB-C audio input, so you can connect sources such as compatible laptops with a cable. It can also be used for calls with its built-in microphone, which is convenient for people who want to use it for everyday tasks as well as music. Connecting two SoundLink Home units also enables stereo playback.

Note that it is not waterproof. Bose advises avoiding humid places such as bathrooms and around water. It's an easy choice for people who mainly want to use it in dry places at home.

Reference price: ¥30,107 (incl. tax, Bose official, Warm Wood)

5. Marshall Emberton III | For people who value design and long playback

Recommended for: people who care about looks and want to charge less often

The Marshall Emberton III is a portable model featuring Marshall's signature design and "True Stereophonic" sound that spreads all around. Official specs list it at about 160×68×76.9mm and about 0.67kg. It has a built-in microphone and can be used for hands-free calls.

It supports up to about 32 hours of continuous playback and charges in about 2 hours. It is also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. It suits people who want to use one speaker in many ways, such as placing it in a room at home and taking it out in a bag.

Also check the accessories when buying. The official page states that the fixed strap is included only with the Brown color. On the official page, LE Audio is described both as "supported" and "support planned," so it's best to confirm with the manufacturer before buying whether the feature you want and your other devices are supported.

Reference price: ¥29,990 (incl. tax, Marshall official, Cream)

6. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker | For people who want big sound and portability

Recommended for: people who want to carry it but value powerful sound over size

The Bose SoundLink Max is a portable model focused on stereo sound and bass. It has a removable rope handle and can be moved around the house or taken out by car. In the Bose app, you can adjust the bass, mids and treble.

It measures about 264.7×120.1×104.9mm and weighs about 2.22kg, making it the heaviest model in this lineup. It supports up to 20 hours of playback and IP67 water and dust resistance, and it can charge a smartphone from its USB-C port. Note that Bose says it does not support playback while wet.

It also supports 3.5mm AUX connection, but it has no microphone for calls. Also, Snapdragon Sound requires a compatible playback device. Check separately that it connects normally as a Bluetooth speaker and that you can use specific high-quality audio features.

Reference price: ¥48,532 (incl. tax, Bose official, Blue Dusk)

*Reference prices as of November 5, 2026

3. Comparison Table of the 6 Recommended Models

We lined up the official specs of the 6 models, focusing on portability and playback time. Sizes are listed as width × height × depth. Weight conditions and battery measurement methods differ by product, so please treat this as a rough comparison.

*The CHARGE 6 weight is without the strap; with the strap it is about 0.99kg. Sizes and weights for Bose products are taken from the "Product details" section of each official page. All playback times are manufacturer figures and vary with volume, source, settings and other factors. Bose product pages also list different weights in the comparison and details sections, so check before buying if you need the exact weight.

Even if the charging port is the same USB-C, the included cables and chargers are not the same. The Select 4 Go comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable, and the charger is sold separately. The CHARGE 6 does not include a USB cable. If you'll use your own charger, also check the specifications recommended by each manufacturer.

Narrowing Down by Use

Rather than judging by playback time in the table alone, we recommend comparing based on where you can charge and the volume you'll use. For example, if you mainly use it indoors for short periods, placement and looks may matter more to your satisfaction than long playback time.

4. Points to Check Before Buying

Let's look at internet connectivity, connecting to a smartphone, use around water and pairing two speakers, which are common concerns before buying.

Using it where there's no Wi-Fi

If you're playing music over a direct Bluetooth connection with your smartphone or other device, you can usually use it without Wi-Fi. If you play music stored on your device, you can enjoy it even where there's no home Wi-Fi.

However, playing songs from a music streaming service is a different matter. Getting the songs may require an internet connection, and without Wi-Fi you may use mobile data. If you want to download songs in advance, check the conditions of the service and plan you use.

Installing the dedicated app or updating the speaker may also require an internet connection. It's easier to understand if you think of "the Bluetooth connection that sends the sound" and "the communication that gets songs and update data" separately.

How to connect to a smartphone

Generally, you put the speaker into pairing mode and select the product name from your smartphone's Bluetooth settings screen. The basic steps for connecting for the first time are as follows.

1. Turn on the speaker and start Bluetooth pairing.
2. Turn on Bluetooth from your smartphone's "Settings."
3. Select the speaker's name from the list of detected devices.
4. After connecting, play music and adjust the volume on both your smartphone and the speaker.

For example, the official FAQ for the Soundcore Select 4 Go says to press the Bluetooth button and, when the LED flashes blue, select the product name from the list on your device. Button operations and indicator lights vary by model, so check the manual if you can't connect.

If it doesn't appear in the list, move the speaker closer to your device and check that it's in pairing mode. If it's already connected to another device, you can also try disconnecting it first. For what to do when it won't connect, also see "Instantly Solve Speaker Connection Problems! A Guide by Type" (in Japanese).

Precautions when using it in the bath

First, check whether the product is designed for use in places where it may get wet. Even if it has a water-resistance rating, that doesn't mean it can handle water pressure beyond the test conditions, or soap, bath additives or hot water. Check the manufacturer's description of the environment you'll actually use it in.

Don't assume it can be submerged; place it somewhere stable and make sure to close the port covers on products that have them. After it gets wet, follow the care instructions for each product, and it's also important not to charge it until the port is dry.

Note that the Bose SoundLink Home introduced here is not waterproof, and the manufacturer advises against using it in bathrooms and around water. Even within Bose, the SoundLink Max is rated IP67, so judge by product rather than by brand.

How to connect two speakers for stereo playback

It's possible with compatible products and combinations, but not every Bluetooth speaker can be connected. Also distinguish between "stereo playback," which splits the sound into left and right, and features that play the same sound from multiple speakers.

Even within the same manufacturer, different models may not work together. Before buying, check the model names you want to use, the connection method, and any required apps or update conditions.

5. Summary | Choose Based on Where You'll Use It and the Features You Value

With Bluetooth speakers, first decide whether you'll use it at home or take it out, and then compare portability, water resistance, sound preferences and budget to make choosing easier.

If you value lightness and affordability, the Select 4 Go; if you'll use it indoors and outdoors and want charging features, the CHARGE 6 or ULT FIELD 3 are candidates. If you value interior design, consider the SoundLink Home; for long playback, the Emberton III; and if you value powerful sound over weight, the SoundLink Max.

Once you've decided on a model, finally check the selling price and stock, accessories such as a charger, and compatibility with the devices you want to use. If you choose a speaker that suits how you'll use it, you can enjoy your favorite music more freely.