Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

• JBL OnBeat Xtreme

  4.5 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  A top performer, the JBL OnBeat Xtreme is a very powerful wireless Bluetooth streaming speaker system with the ability to dock, charge, and sync iPads, iPods, and iPhones.

  • Pros

    • Streams audio wirelessly via Bluetooth.
    • Strong audio performance.
    • Powerful bass response with no distortion at high volumes.
    • Docks iPad in vertical or horizontal mode—also docks iPods and iPhone.
    • Acts as a speakerphone for incoming calls on iPhone.
    • Syncs iOS devices with USB connected computers.

  • Cons

    • Expensive.
    • Visual design isn't for everyone.
    • EQ settings are unnecessary, can't be turned off.
  Learn MoreJBL OnBeat Xtreme Review
• Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  The portable Bluetooth-powered Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker features more powerful audio than you?d expect from its small, well-designed frame, and it integrates a cool cover that doubles as a stand.

  • Pros

    • Strong audio performance.
    • Portable and built with sturdy materials.
    • Clever design uses protective cover as a stand when speaker is in use.
    • Can wirelessly stream music from virtually any compatible Bluetooth device?not just iPhones, iPods, and iPads.

  • Cons

    • Expensive for a portable speaker system.
    • Song beginnings get clipped when skipping or un-pausing.
    • Not for audiophiles.
  Learn MoreBose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker Review
• Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  With Bowers and Wilkins, you definitely pay for the name and visual design as much as the audio quality. But excellent-sounding Zeppelin Air iPod dock with wireless streaming via AirPlay does not disappoint.

  • Pros

    • Top-notch audio performance.
    • Sleek, minimal design.
    • Streams audio via AirPlay from Apple devices.
    • Output for sending video content to television.

  • Cons

    • Expensive.
    • Remote control is awkwardly shaped, missing key features.
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• Logitech Mini Boombox

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  The impressive, affordable, Bluetooth-streaming Logitech Mini Boombox is portable and packs a surprising punch for such a small speaker.

  • Pros

    • Powerful audio output for its compact size.
    • Rechargeable.
    • Simple to set up and easy to use.
    • Acts as a speakerphone for Bluetooth-enabled phones.

  • Cons

    • Lacks deep bass and distorts at high volumes.
    • Charging cable is very short.
  Learn MoreLogitech Mini Boombox Review
• Altec Lansing inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  Altec Lansing's inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker offers powerful, distortion-free audio performance, but AirPlay itself still has some issues to work out.

  • Pros

    • Extremely powerful speaker system.
    • Delivers deep bass without distortion.
    • Simple, app-driven set up.

  • Cons

    • AirPlay drops signal.
    • Uses signal processessing at top volumes to prevent bass distortion—not for audiophiles.
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• Edifier Breathe iF600

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  The Edifier Breathe iF600 iPod dock offers a sleek look and great audio performance—just don't expect extra features.

  • Pros

    • Eye-catching design.
    • High quality audio output.
    • Does not distort at high volumes.
    • Useful, well-designed remote control.

  • Cons

    • No radio.
    • No video output.
    • Bass presence might be too intense for some listeners.
  Learn MoreEdifier Breathe iF600 Review
• Jawbone Big Jambox

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  The Jawbone Big Jambox doesn't offer the best audio quality among portable Bluetooth speakers, but its long battery life, speakerphone features, and generally solid sound make it worth a listen.

  • Pros

    • Doubles as a speakerphone.
    • Good sound quality with powerful low end for its size.
    • Clear voice quality.
    • Long battery life.

  • Cons

    • Bass distorts slightly at high volumes.
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• Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  The Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air is a wonderful-sounding wireless speaker dock, and a recent iOS update irons out some AirPlay streaming issues we experienced during testing.

  • Pros

    • Streams audio wirelessly from Apple iOS devices.
    • Quality audio performance that lacks exaggerated bass response.
    • Sleek, modern design.
    • Wall-mountable.

  • Cons

    • Expensive.
    • Finicky remote.
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• Sony RDP-X500IP Personal Audio Docking System

  4.0 Excellent

  Bottom Line:

  Packed with more power than its modest frame seems capable of, the Sony RDP-X500IP speaker dock delivers excellent overall sonic performance, but some crucial design flaws hold it back.

  • Pros

    • Powerful, deep bass audio performance.
    • Simple, sleek design.
    • Comes with free alarm clock app.

  • Cons

    • Bass is strong—but the system vibrates and moves around on deep bass tracks at high volumes.
    • Flimsy, slow remote control.
  Learn MoreSony RDP-X500IP Personal Audio Docking System Review
• Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable from Monster

  3.5 Good

  Bottom Line:

  The powerful, portable Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable From Monster offers solid audio performance, but suffers from excessive hiss at higher volumes.

  • Pros

    • Powerful audio output with deep bass response.
    • Streams via Bluetooth, but also has dock for iPhones and Pods.
    • Portable, with built in handles for easy carrying.

  • Cons

    • Runs on six D cell batteries.
    • Audible hiss when at maximum, regardless of Bluetooth device volume.
    • Just the slightest hint of distortion at maximum volume on deep bass tracks.
  Learn MoreBeats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable from Monster Review