Finding the perfect Bluetooth speaker that also handles calls can be a challenge. You want powerful, room-filling audio for your music, but you also need clear, reliable microphone performance for hands-free conversations, conference calls, or even online gaming. The right speaker with a built-in mic combines portability, durability, and crystal-clear communication, making it an indispensable gadget for both work and play.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best Bluetooth speakers with microphone capabilities. We’ve considered sound quality, battery life, ruggedness, and special features to help you find the ideal audio companion that ensures you never miss a beat or a call, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on your next adventure.
Our Top Picks for Bluetooth Speakers with Microphone
- Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Renewed)
- JBL Flip 6 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker, powerful sound
- Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen)
- Hermitshell Hard Travel Case for Sony SRS-XB43 Speaker
- Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Wireless Portable Speaker
- Sony XE300 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Renewed)
- JBL Go 3 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
- Soundcore Motion 300 by Anker, Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is built for those who demand powerful, immersive sound. It delivers impressively loud and clear 360-degree audio with deep, thundering bass that you can physically feel, making it perfect for filling any space with music. Its robust, two-tone fabric design is not only beautiful but also engineered for extreme performance.
With a waterproof rating and a massive 20-hour battery life, this speaker is ready for all-day adventures. The convenient Magic Button on the speaker itself gives you direct control to play, pause, and skip tracks without needing your phone, adding a layer of ease to your listening experience.
JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Renewed)
For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on core features, the JBL Flip 4 is a fantastic choice. This renewed model offers the same great JBL sound quality and rugged build at a more accessible price point. It features a rechargeable battery that supports up to 12 hours of continuous playtime, ensuring your music lasts as long as you do.
Its IPX7 waterproof rating means it can withstand immersion in water, making it a reliable companion for pool parties or beach trips. A useful feature is the ability to wirelessly connect two smartphones at once, allowing you and a friend to take turns playing DJ.
JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Flip 6 represents a step up in audio performance with its refined two-way speaker system. It is engineered to deliver louder, more powerful, and crystal-clear sound. A dedicated racetrack-shaped woofer handles the low and mid frequencies, while a separate tweeter ensures the highs are crisp and detailed.
Durability is a key strength, as it boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it is both fully waterproof and dustproof. With JBL’s PartyBoost feature, you can pair multiple compatible speakers together to create an even more expansive stereo sound, perfect for larger gatherings.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen)
Bose is synonymous with premium audio, and the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) lives up to that reputation in a highly portable package. It produces clear, balanced, high-fidelity sound with surprising depth and bass for its compact size. This speaker is designed to be your perfect travel companion, complete with a utility loop for easy attachment to a bag or backpack.
You get up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, and its waterproof and dustproof construction means it’s built to handle outdoor excursions. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes audio clarity for both music and voice calls.
Hermitshell Hard Travel Case for Sony SRS-XB43
While not a speaker itself, this Hermitshell case is an essential accessory for protecting your investment. If you own a Sony SRS-XB43 or a similarly sized speaker, this hard travel case is custom-made to provide a snug and secure fit. It shields your device from the bumps, dents, and scratches that can occur during transport.
Using a dedicated case like this ensures your speaker remains in pristine condition, preserving its sound quality and appearance for years to come. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to enhance the portability and longevity of your favorite Bluetooth speaker.
Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Wireless Portable Speaker
Don’t let the small size of the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 fool you; it packs a serious audio punch. Recognized for its great value, this speaker delivers explosive sound and deep bass thanks to its custom driver, passive radiators, and XBASS technology. It’s the ideal speaker for those who need big sound from a tiny, portable device.
With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and approximately 12 hours of battery life, it’s built to withstand outdoor activities. Its compact form factor makes it easy to clip onto a bike handlebar or backpack, providing high-quality audio wherever you go.
Sony XE300 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Renewed)
The Sony XE300 stands out with its unique Line-Shaped Diffuser technology, which evenly distributes sound across a wide area to better fill your room or outdoor space with audio. This renewed model offers Sony’s renowned engineering and sound quality in a more affordable package.
Its standout feature is an incredible battery life of up to 24 hours, and with USB-C quick charging, you can get hours of playback from just a short charge. Combined with its IP67 rating for full waterproof and dustproof protection, this speaker is built for long-lasting, worry-free use.
JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Go 3 is the ultimate in ultra-portability. This mini speaker delivers the legendary JBL sound in a incredibly compact and stylish design. It produces surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from its small frame, making it a great personal speaker for on-the-go listening.
It features an IP67 rating, so it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, and it provides up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge. Its small size and colorful fabric designs make it as much a fashion accessory as it is a powerful little speaker.
Soundcore Motion 300 by Anker
The Soundcore Motion 300 brings high-resolution wireless audio to a portable form factor. It delivers a powerful 30W stereo sound and enhanced bass, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice audio quality when you’re away from home. Its exclusive SmartTune technology automatically adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s orientation for an optimal listening experience in any scenario.
With an IPX7 waterproof rating and up to 13 hours of playtime, it’s a robust and reliable speaker for various environments. For audiophiles seeking a rich, detailed sound from a portable device, the Motion 300 is a compelling option.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is a celebrated speaker known for its 360-degree sound and rugged, portable design. It delivers balanced and immersive audio that’s perfect for sharing with a group. Like its larger sibling, it’s built to be waterproof and can handle outdoor adventures with ease.
It features a long-lasting battery and the convenient Magic Button for on-speaker music control. With a distinctive cylindrical shape and a range of vibrant colors, the BOOM 3 combines great sound with a fun, durable design that’s ready for any party.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Speakers With Microphone
When I’m looking for a new Bluetooth speaker, I usually just think about sound quality and battery life. But when you need one with a built-in microphone, the checklist gets a bit longer. Whether you’re taking work calls from your patio, having a family video chat, or using voice commands with your phone’s assistant, the right speaker can make a big difference. I’ve found that focusing on a few key features helps me narrow down the options and find a model that actually works well for my needs.
First, let’s talk about the microphone itself. Not all microphones are created equal. For clear calls, you want a speaker that features noise-canceling technology. This is a game-changer. It uses extra microphones to pick up your voice while filtering out background noise like wind, typing, or other people talking. This means the person on the other end of the line hears you clearly, not the lawnmower next door. If you plan on using the speaker for conference calls with multiple people in the room, look for models that advertise a 360-degree voice pick-up or a dedicated conference mode.
Next, consider the speaker’s connectivity. Most connect via Bluetooth, but think about how you’ll use it. If it’s just for your phone, standard Bluetooth is fine. But if you want to connect it to a computer for video meetings, a USB-C or even a USB-A connection can be more reliable and offer zero audio lag. Some speakers even function as a USB audio interface, which makes them plug-and-play with laptops. Also, check if it can pair with a second identical speaker for stereo sound. This is great for music, but also helps fill a larger room with sound during a group call.
Battery life is always important, but it’s measured in two ways: music playback and talk time. A speaker might get 20 hours of music, but only 15 hours of talk time because the microphone and processing circuitry use extra power. Always check the manufacturer’s specs for both numbers. Portability is another factor. A smaller, lighter speaker is easy to move around the house or take outside, but a larger unit might have more powerful speakers and better microphone arrays. Finally, don’t forget about water and dust resistance. An IP67 rating, for example, means you can confidently use it by the pool or at the beach without worry.
FAQ
Can I use any Bluetooth speaker as a microphone for singing?
Generally, no. While a Bluetooth speaker with a microphone is designed to capture your voice for calls, it’s not set up to be an input for singing or recording in a musical context. The audio processing is optimized for speech, not for the dynamic range and fidelity needed for music. There’s also often a slight delay (latency) with Bluetooth, which would make it impossible to sing along with the music coming from the same speaker. You’d be better off with a dedicated karaoke machine or a portable PA system.
Why does my voice sound echoey or hollow on calls through my Bluetooth speaker?
This is a common issue, often caused by the speaker’s volume being set too high. When the volume is high, the microphone on the speaker picks up the output audio from the call, creating a feedback loop. Try lowering the speaker’s volume and increasing the volume on your phone or computer instead. Also, make sure you’re not in a very empty, echo-prone room, as hard surfaces can bounce sound around. Placing the speaker on a soft surface like a rug can sometimes help reduce this effect.
How many people can effectively use the microphone on a single Bluetooth speaker for a conference call?
This really depends on the specific model. A standard portable Bluetooth speaker is usually best for one or two people sitting close to it. However, many of the best Bluetooth speakers with microphone are now designed for conference calls and can effectively pick up voices from all directions in a small to medium-sized room, often accommodating four to six people. These models have multiple microphones arranged in an array to isolate voices and cancel out noise. Always check the product description for its intended use case.
Do these speakers work with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?
Many of them do. Most Bluetooth speakers that have a microphone include a dedicated button to activate your phone’s default voice assistant. When you press it, the speaker uses its built-in mic to listen for your command and then the assistant’s response plays through the speaker. This is super handy for setting timers, asking questions, or controlling smart home devices without having to reach for your phone. Just make sure your phone is connected and that the voice assistant feature is enabled in the speaker’s companion app, if it has one.
What is the typical wireless range for a Bluetooth speaker during a call?
The standard range for a Bluetooth connection is about 30 feet (10 meters) without obstructions. This means you can leave your phone in one room and walk around with the speaker in another, as long as you stay within that general range. However, walls, furniture, and other electronic devices can reduce this effective distance. If you notice the call starting to cut out or become choppy, it’s a sign you’re getting too far from the source device. For more reliable long-range use, some speakers offer a “party” or “stereo pair” mode that can extend the range by using one speaker as a hub.