There’s a time and a place for sensible, considerate listening – but if you’re reading this, chances are you don’t come across that time or place very often. Good music deserves a good airing, and all the better if you can blast it wirelessly and with utmost convenience; what’s the point of having a stacked playlist of chuggers if you can’t recreate that famous Maxell advert, where the guy in the armchair is blasted facewards with pure and righteous noise?
Loudness is a powerful thing to wield, whether you’re in need of some pummelling ‘audio therapy’ or simply need the wattage to fill the room at your next shindig. But not all speakers are great at delivering loudness. Some are too quiet, yes, while others are loud but without sounding any good about it. So how do you separate the wow from the meh?
This is where I come in, bearing this round-up of the loudest Bluetooth speakers as a humble yet useful gift. The following represent the cream of the loud-speaker crop, from small portables with a disproportionate bark to large party speaker systems loud enough to wake Meatloaf. And where better to find out about all this stuff than right here? Louder is in the name, after all, and this time, ‘loudest’ is very much the game.
You'll find plenty of speakers below that truly deliver, but if you want my top pick, I've given that to the SoundBoks 4. The latest in the SoundBok range was released in 2024 and continues to impress with its massive sound, more than adequate 40-hour battery life and robust construction.
Following the product guide, you'll find my FAQ section which aims to give you more information which you should find handy on your hunt for one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers around.
Loudest Bluetooth speakers: Quick list
Quite simply, this fourth generation of SoundBoks speaker delivers thunderous sound and will easily shake the foundations of your home when cranked up. You'll get up to 40 hours of music from a full charge and it's dust and rain-proof. While you can lug it around to a new year party, it's a bit of a beast weighing in 35.5lbs. The grill even pops off so you can paint it in any style you like for a nice customisation option.
For a big sound with maximum portability, the JBL Boombox 3 fits the bill nicely and will continue to rock out for 24 hours without needing a power boost. JBL have upped the Bluetooth to 5.3 from the 2nd gen model and it can also hook up with other JBL PartyBoost devices. Available in a variety of colours, the JBL Boombox 3 is an easy recommend for those looking to take the big sounds with them.
When it comes to iconic branding in the world of amps and speakers, Marshall's classy designs are hard to beat. My pick of the loudest Marshall speaker available right now goes to the Woburn III thanks to its balanced performance, ease of use and ability to deliver earth-shattering sound. Simply and all-round excellent Bluetooth speaker for your home.
At first glance, you might not think an Amazon product could deliver the kind of thunderous noise associated with the loudest Bluetooth speakers in my list, but you'd be wrong. The Amazon Echo Studio can pump out a whopping 90dB of sound. As you'd expect with a smart speaker, it comes with loads of bells and whistles to tinker with including Alexa voice assistant and I think it's a great option.
Anker’s Soundcore Boom 2 is a party speaker on the smaller side, but with no shortage of bass output. Much of its prodigious output is given to its subwoofer, and a dedicated Bass-Up 2.0 mode unlocks an extra 20W of juice for pumping out the riffs. One for the heavy bass fans.
The Sonos Move 2 is every bit an improvement on the Sonos formula. It brings stereo soundscapery to a monolithic box, and some considerable volume too; use this on its own and be surprised by its bark, or pair it with a wider Sonos system for massive volume.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a massive-sounding speaker: With up to 126dB of earth-shaking audio and top battery life, these SoundBoks truly deliver.
❌ Avoid if you're after a more lightweight model: Weighing in at 16.1kg, you might be after something lighter - and it's heavier than the SoundBoks 3.
Sound: ★★★★★
Battery: ★★★★★
Build quality: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
The fourth generation of SoundBoks' huge-sounding speaker range delivers yet another sonic assault on the senses. It delivers a whopping 126dB of sound, which is delivered thanks to two 10-inch 96dB woofers and a 104dB compression driver tweeter. In other words, it’s loud.
The SoundBoks 4 retains the excellent 40 hours of battery from previous versions when played at mid-volume, with a playback time of 6 hours when cranked to the max and it can be connected to your smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth 5.0.
While it’s classed as a portable speaker, it’s still a heavy thing to lug around as it weighs in at a considerable 35.5 pounds - that's even heavier than the Gen 3's 34lbs. But the good news is it features IP65 tech, so it’ll cope with rain and dust with no problems.
Sure, it’s not the most stylish of speakers on the market, but to make it a little easier on the eye, the SoundBox 4 has a removable grill which can be spray painted so you can get creative and give your speaker a unique twist.
It also hooks up to the SoundBoks app where you can tweak EQ settings, add a personal pin number to protect your speaker and update firmware.
Best portable
✅ Buy if you want a big-sounding, waterproof speaker: This is made to be taken to parties and with 24 hours of battery and completely waterproof, it's a top option.
❌ Avoid if you're after something you're planning on using indoors : The design might be a bit old school for some tastes and won't suit all interior spaces.
Sound: ★★★★★
Battery: ★★★★½
Build quality: ★★★★½
Overall: ★★★★½
The JBL Boombox 3 is a step up from the second generation model and really delivers when it comes to blasting out rock music.
So what are the differences between the JBL Boombox 2 and this model? For starters, Bluetooth 5.1 has been replaced with Bluetooth 5.3 and it also now carries a IP67 rating meaning it's protected from water and dust.
The JBL Boombox 3 utilises an 80W RMS-subwoofer alongside 2x40W RMS-midrange and 2x10W RMS-tweeter when plugged in to the mains, while in batter mode, you'll get 60W from the RMS-subwoofer, 2x30W RMS-midrange along with 2x8W RMS-tweeter.
Talking of battery power, the JBL Boombox 3 retains the second generation's 24-hour playtime and although designed for portability, the weight in the 3 has been increased from 13lbs to a hefty 14.7lb
This robust bit of kit is available in black or camo and is well worth a look if you’re in he market for something that’ll shake your foundations.
Best for Marshall fans
✅ Buy if you're a Marshall fan looking for a powerful speaker: All Marshall speakers look the business, but the Woburn II is our pick if you want LOUD!
❌ Avoid if you're after a portable solution: The Woburn III is strictly for indoor use only.
Sound: ★★★★★
Battery: ★★★★½
Build quality: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Historic brand Marshall has been loyal to loud for decades. Fortunately, this old-timer seems quick to adapt to the modern times when you consider the Woburn III’s Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Other additions include a Marshall app which gives you the ability to turn the speaker on and off, as well as manually control the volume, bass and treble.
The third generation of Woburn speaker offers a brilliantly robust sound and has been built to sustain clear, low frequencies thanks to its 90W Class D amplifier for the woofer, alongside a total of four15W Class D amps for the mids and tweeters.
Although the Marshall Woburn III Bluetooth speaker is low fuss, it is high maintenance considering it's not waterproof, dirt-proof, beer-proof… so keep this inside and away from spillage. All that said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reviewing it.
"Marshall’s third generation of Woburn Bluetooth speaker is an excellent piece of kit, combining beautifully sharp, detailed and balanced audio with room-filling sound - even with the volume down a notch or two. A serious speaker that comes with Louder’s seal of approval."
Read more: Marshall Woburn III review
Best audio quality
✅ Buy for voice controlled convenience: All Amazon speakers have Alexa integration - and the Echo Studio has the added bonus of 90 dB of audio delivery.
❌ Avoid if you're after a pro-level speaker: The Echo Studio does a lot of things right, but if you're after a dedicated music speaker, there are other options available.
Sound: ★★★★★
Battery: N/A
Build quality: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
At 65% of the market share, it feels like everyone has an Amazon Echo. But when it comes to smart speakers, “loud” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. If that's what you're thinking, then let the Amazon Echo Studio change your mind, as it delivers up to 90dB of sound – as loud as a revved-up lawn mower.
It’s unlike other conventional Bluetooth speakers due to the positioning of its five speakers: there's a midrange speaker directed upwards, a midrange speaker facing to the right and another to the left, a tweeter directed forward, and a woofer directed downwards towards the hollowed-out space which Amazon calls the bass aperture. These placements are meant to give listeners an immersive experience – as if you are surrounded by sound.
As a smart home device, users get the perks of software updates, plus the ability to connect to a whole host of other smart home devices. It’s worth noting that this speaker is designed for use within a home setting, not for outdoor use.
All in all, the Amazon Echo Studio may not be the choice for someone looking for a pro-level speaker, however it is a great speaker for someone who wants an all-in-one device with great audio.
"Genuinely impressive sound married to a vast collection of HD music is a winning combination. If Amazon were to add a few more colours to the range, the Echo Studio could dominate the mid-range speaker market."
Read more: Amazon Echo Studio review
Best heavy bass
✅ Buy if you're looking for extra bass: This another excellent portable speaker and comes highly recommended if you're after some beefy bass.
❌ Avoid if bass isn't quite your thing: Some people just don't dig heavy bass and if that rings true for you, this isn't the speaker for you.
Sound: ★★★★½
Battery: ★★★★
Build quality: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Soundcore may be better known to you by its parent company, Anker – an Amazon-shopfront fave in the world of charging cables, battery packs and other such consumer-tech object d’art.
The Soundcore name is Anker’s sonic footprint in the same consumer-tech space, and a prodigiously-sized one at that. This is the Boom 2, one of Soundcore’s largest and loudest wireless speaker systems – and is it a doozy.
The Soundcore Boom 2 is almost retro-futurist in looks, combining 3D-CAD rounded corners with 80s blockiness and some considerable RGB trigger-happiness for good measure. Its outsized carry handle tells you it’s destined for the party, wherever that may be; wherever you go, it’s bringing its 80W of power with it – split into a 50W sub and two 15W drivers. That bass-heavy imbalance is what makes this worthwhile.
When used normally, the Soundcore Boom 2 is a capable 60W system crammed into a small-ish lunchbox. When the ‘Bass-Up 2.0’ mode is activated, though, an extra 20W of bassy goodness are unlocked for maximum juice. Add in IPX7 waterproofing and floatability, and the Soundcore Boom 2 is a party speaker through and through with all the trappings to suit.
Best Sonos
✅ Buy if you want the best Sonos speaker for cranking out the tunes: With its recognisable design and booming audio delivery, if Sonos speakers are your thing, you won;t be disappointed.
❌ Avoid if you want portable power : The Sonos will take care of all your indoor audio needs - just don't think about taking it outside.
Sound: ★★★★
Battery: ★★★★★
Build quality: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Sonos speakers are sort of the Apple devices of the hi-fi world. They’re closed books with minimal control surfaces, but which connect to one another smooth as anything – and give you a foolproof wireless sound system to show for it. Enough of any speakers can guarantee loudness, but the Sonos Move 2 makes loudness easy.
This Sonos speaker iterates upon its predecessor – the Move, which previously held this very spot – by adding an extra tweeter for more volume and a large, wider, stereo soundstage.
This is a big upgrade from monoaurality to stereoscopic sound, and all the better for the Move 2.
Various improvements have led the Move 2 to last a lot longer than its prior iteration, with up to 24 hours of continuous playback for you to look forward to.
Sadly, Sonos don’t make a habit of publishing information about power output or frequency range, so for now you’ll have to take my word for it that this thing can get loud, and deep, and surprisingly so in both camps.
FAQ
What makes a speaker 'loud'?
If you’re looking for one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers, you’re after something with power – which means looking at its wattage. If you remember back to your science classes, you’ll remember that P=VI, V being voltage and I being current; in short, the more juice a given Bluetooth speaker’s integrated amps are able to provide, the more likely they are to provide blistering audio.
Sound level can be measured in decibels (dB). The decibel is a logarithmic unit of measurement, which means that for every 10dB a sound’s loudness increases, we perceive a doubling of the volume. 70dB is the average volume of a friendly chat, while stationary traffic is measured at over 80dB – and the average gig reaches up to 110dB.
Relating decibels back to watts, you’ll find that you need exponentially more wattage to provide linear increases in perceived volume. In short, 100W speakers are theoretically 3dB louder than 50W speakers, just as 200W speakers are theoretically 3dB louder than 100W speakers. Your volume returns diminish the further up the pecking order you travel – so why buy slightly more power if the results are potentially minimal? Here’s your answer – headroom.
Amplifiers have optimal operating conditions, which typically aren’t “go full-blast”. At the upper end of that power spectrum, you’ll experience saturation and distortion as the natural dynamics of your favourite Om record meet the hard ceiling of your speaker’s max power output.
The higher the wattage of your loud Bluetooth speaker, the more room you have to pump the volume without sacrificing some of the psychoacoustic details that contribute to perceived loudness – which is, incidentally, a whole different topic of its own!
Talking about perception, there is a level of subjectivity to what ‘loud’ means for you as a prospective speaker-buyer. If your house is the pin-drop quiet type, a small portable speaker with a disproportionately large power output could be enough to blow the windows out; if you’re looking to fill your capacious and still over-attended garden with the Best Of Kiss in the summer, then you’ll a need big, heavy-duty Bluetooth speakers capable of cranking out watts in the hundreds (or even thousands).
Does the size and design of a speaker affect volume?
Fundamentally, it is the circuitry of a given Bluetooth speaker that dictates its volume potential. As explored above, power is the key to volume, and the more of it the better!
That said, loudness is a subjective thing, that speaks more to our powers of perception than anything else. As such, there are some fun and funky ways that speaker designs can boost the perceived loudness of their output.
Some speakers, like the Soundboks 4, will make clever use of a ported bass reflex system, a smartly-designed chassis vent that tunes the chassis itself to maximise the oomph provided by air moving in and out of the unit.
Others, like the Sonos Move 2, will use a completely enclosed chassis for a tighter, richer, more directional sound. Others still will use careful subwoofer placement to drive sound, for example, downwards through the surface on which the speaker is standing – allowing the whole thing to benefit from more boom through the ground.
Is it safe to listen to loud Bluetooth speakers?
It is perfectly safe to listen to your loud Bluetooth speakers – until it isn’t. Loud is good, loud is great and Loudersound is so named for these obvious and indisputable truths, but this doesn’t mean that loud can’t be a royal pain in the ear.
It doesn’t take much for loud volumes to negatively impact your ears and hearing, with prolonged exposure to sounds as loud as your lawnmower being enough to cause damage. If you do want to tread water in the thick milieu of a cranked QOTSA discography, make sure to give yourself extensive breaks between albums – overnight, if possible!
Of course, there are loads of variables at play as to the relative safety of danger of listening at certain volumes. Blasting a party speaker at a well-attended shindig, and listening with dozens of bodies between you and the sound source, will yield less harmful results than pressing your ear up against a cranked portable speaker on your own.
Either way, though, tinnitus is a risk, and no joke either; just ask Metal Hammer editor Eleanor Goodman, who has her own cautionary tale in her account of what it’s like living with Tinnitus.
What is the loudest Bluetooth speaker?
If you’re ready to find out what the loudest Bluetooth speaker is, maybe you’re ready to head up to the reviews section above! You may be surprised that my list isn’t chock-full of tank-sized speaker systems with four-figure wattages, but this is by design; loudness is a subjective thing, after all.
Despite the measurability of sound volume, it’s a variety of factors that make a set of speakers feel truly loud, from its approach to EQ, to its physical design, to the environment in which you yourself are listening.
How we test the loudest Bluetooth speakers
Bluetooth speakers can be for the living room or portable – either way, we need them to be able to play hellishly loud without complaint.
The biggest challenge when it comes to testing Bluetooth speakers has got to be their low frequency response. Can they do justice to deep growls and thunderous bass? A quick blast of Motorhead's Ace Of Spades will usually tell us what we need to know. Does Lemmy’s bass sound dirty but tight? Do Phil Taylor’s machine gun beats knock you back on your boot heels? What we don’t want to hear is a confused mash of noise.
The Louder team also listen for ‘presence’. Bluetooth speakers can sound monophonic, with all their energy emanating from the same physical space. What we value is a wider soundstage, whether this is achieved through clever digital signal processing or an inventive driver/passive radiator configuration, it doesn’t really matter.
Finally, to assess their treble performance, we inevitably fall back on Do It Again by Steely Dan, which remains a challenging soup of electric piano, cymbals and soaring vocals.
Why you can trust us
⚡ Louder was established in 2017 and founded on long-running brands including Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog (launched in 1986, 1998 and 2009 respectively)
⚡ Over 80,000 products reviewed on site, from music listening tech to albums and box sets
⚡ Our reviewers are all passionate music fans who draw on decades of testing experience
Louder’s reviewing team consists of music fans, musicians and professional product testers, who between them have accumulated decades of product reviewing experience, writing thousands of words on music listening gear across thousands of reviews on Louder. Our tests also inform our buyer's guide - just like this one.
As lifelong music fans, we're serious about the tech we listen to our favourite artists on. We want them to sound incredible, giving us all the detail those bands intended us to hear, and deliver the perfect balance of bass, mids and highs.
We're looking for pure immersion in our chosen sounds, whether it's a classic '70s rock album, or a cutting-edge noise band.
And we tested the loudest Bluetooth speakers with albums we know inside and out, and that we've listened to on a variety of systems already, so we know exactly what we should be hearing and when we're being short-changed by lacklustre audio.
Meet the experts
James Grimshaw is a freelance writer and music obsessive with over a decade in music and audio writing. They’ve lent their audio-tech opinions (amongst others) to the likes of Guitar World, MusicRadar and the London Evening Standard – before which, they covered everything music and Leeds through their section-editorship of national e-magazine The State Of The Arts. When they aren’t blasting esoteric noise-rock around the house, they’re playing out with esoteric noise-rock bands in DIY venues across the country; James will evangelise to you about Tera Melos until the sun comes up.
Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog.
Latest updates
19/06/25: The guide has been updated to include two new products: Soundcore Boom 2 and the Sonos Move 2. Expert verdict panels have been added where applicable in the product guide, alongside the addition of "At a glance" and star rating boxes. The FAQ section has also been updated and expanded. A section detailing why you can trust the Louder team is also now included, along with a "meet our experts" section.
Read more
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
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