The smart speaker race is heating up with many on one of two sides: Google or Amazon. But now Clarity, a third party smart speaker, combines the best of both worlds by embracing Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a 7-inch touchscreen system running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, giving it some extra visuals and functionality that you don’t see yet from the Amazon Echo or Google Home.
There’s nothing better than warm summer nights and your favorite soundtrack. The completely portable and totally durable G-BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Boombox is now $85 (Orig. $100) at 9to5Toys Specials, providing seven hours of powerful audio wherever you want to party.
Amazon has the UE ROLL 2 Volcano Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $54.99 shipped, also at Best Buy. That’s $45 off the original list price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon.
This portable Bluetooth speaker is completely waterproof and you can pair up to 8 devices to it for audio playback. You can also get up to 9 hours of battery life. Rated 4.5/5 stars by 292 Amazon shoppers.
Also, Harman has the JBL Charge 2+ Splashproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Recertified) on sale for $64.99 shipped. It’s currently available in five color options and receives 4.3/5 stars by over 100 Amazon shoppers. It typically goes for $90 or more in the same condition elsewhere. The JBL Charge 2+ features a built-in noise and echo cancelling speakerphone, up to 12 hours of playtime and Social Mode that allows 3 devices to take turns playing music.
Pacuwi Tech (100% positive feedback from over 500) via Amazon offers its Bluetooth Speaker w/ 4000mAh Power Bank and Flashlight for $19.99, but if you use the code TOZEUJXV the price drops to just $9.99 Prime shipped. That’s $10 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon.
This all-in-one device can provide at least 8 hours of continuous music play or act as a 4000mAh power bank. It’s also durable, waterproof, portable, and features a compact design that allows you to take it anywhere. Rated 4/5 stars by Amazon shoppers.
Also, you can get a Lightning cable w/ this Poweradd 10,000mAh battery for $17 Prime shipped.
You wouldn’t know it, but summer is only a few weeks away. To help you prepare for the season of sun, 9to5Toys Specials has some great warm-weather deals. For all your outdoor adventures, pick up the Mini Terrain Sound Bluetooth Speaker, which is now $17 (Orig. $30). You can play this tiny boombox anywhere for five hours straight –…
Aukey Direct (100% positive customer feedback from shoppers) via Amazon offers its SoundTank Bluetooth 4.1 Speaker for $44.99, but if you use the coupon code AUKEYM12 the price drops to just $35.09 Prime shipped. That’s nearly $10 off the regular price and within $1 of the lowest we’ve seen for it.
This speaker has dual 5W drivers, a 33-foot wireless range and a built-in microphone for taking calls. Also, it has a built-in standard tripod screw mount for biking or other mount points. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 200 Amazon shoppers.
Amazon offers the Sony SRSXB3/BLK Portable Wireless Speaker with Bluetooth in Black or Blue for $99.99 shipped. That’s a $48 savings off the original MSRP, down $20 from Crutchfield and within $2 of the Amazon all-time low. It’s also the best price that we’ve seen this year. Rated 4.6/5 stars by 208 Amazon customers.
Features:
Harman is offering the factory recertified JBL Charge 2+ in 8 color options for just $64.99 shipped. That’s $85 off the original list price, $15 less than Amazon third-party for a new one and the lowest we can find for it.
This splash-proof speaker has a built-in 6000mAh rechargeable battery that can be used to juice up your USB devices. Also, you can connect up to three music sources to it and it will provide up to 12 hours of playtime on a full charge. Rated 4.6/5 stars by over 1,000 Amazon shoppers and we reviewed it favorably.
Note: All factory recertified (refurbished) products from Harman include the original manufacturer’s warranty, which is 1 year for the JBL Charge 2+.
Patozon (99% positive feedback from shoppers) via Amazon offers the Mpow Buckler Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker for $19.99, but if you use the code RBFNDG5X the price drops to just $15.99 Prime shipped. That’s $4 off the regular price and the lowest we can find for it.
This waterproof shower speaker has a built-in rechargeable 1000mAh battery that lets you play music for up to 8 hours. Also, the built-in microphone allows you to pick up a call when it’s connected to your Smartphone. Rated 4.3/5 stars by over 600 Amazon shoppers.
BuyDig’s official eBay Storefront offers the Klipsch KMC3 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Music System for $149.99 shipped. That’s $50 less than the regular price and a $10 savings from Amazon’s all-time low price. Rated 4.4/5 stars on Amazon by 428 users.
Features and Specs:
We first featured the Fabriq Wireless Speaker last fall as one of our New Toys of the Day. What particularly struck us about this product was its wide range of connectivity. We aren’t just talking Bluetooth here. It is also has AirPlay, multi-room connectivity, and support for Amazon’s popular Alexa Service. And at $50, it has big-time value.
The question is, can its compact design hang with the big boys like JBL and UE?
AnkerDirect via Amazon is offering the Anker SoundCore nano Bluetooth Speaker for $16.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $49. That’s as much as 20% below the usual listing, the lowest Amazon has offered it for and the best we can find. Rated 4+ stars from nearly 130 Amazon customers.
Along with a 4 hour battery life and Anker’s 18-month warranty, the SoundCore nano ships with a hand-strap, micro USB charging cable and a micro USB to aux cord. Features below.
If this is a little too small for you, we also have a great deal on the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker and even more options in this morning’s Smartphone Accessories roundup.
Groupon offers the Vizio 2.1-Channel Bluetooth Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer (Manufacturer Refurbished) for just $99.99 shipped. That’s $60 off the original list price, $38 less than Amazon for one in new condition and the lowest we can find for it.
This soundbar has powerful speakers that are paired with a wireless subwoofer to deliver up to 100dB of “room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion.”
Rated 4.3/5 stars by over 1,800 Amazon shoppers and it’s also the #1 best selling sound bar there. A 30-day warranty by Vizio applies.
We also still have the Polk Audio MagniFi Wi-Fi Mini Home Theater System w/ Google Cast + Bluetooth for $220 shipped.
Best Buy’s Official eBay Store offers the Harman/kardon Onyx Mini Portable Wireless Speaker in Gray, Black, or Blue for $70 shipped, which is $30 less than our previous mention and the lowest price we could find. Also available direct. Walmart currently offers the speaker for $150, while BREED via Amazon has it listed at $113. You can also save an additional $6 by going with an open-box Gray or Black model for $64 shipped.
AUKEY via Amazon offers its Outdoor shock and water resistant Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker in black or army green for $19.99, but if you use the code SW6VE42T the price drops to only $11.99 Prime shipped. That’s $8 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen for it at Amazon.
This speaker has dual 3 watt speakers that produce “well-rounded sound to enjoy at home, on a hike, or camping in the middle of the jungle.” It also has a 16 hour battery, 33ft wireless range and multifunction button. Rated 4.2/5 stars by 64 Amazon shoppers.
We also have CaseCrown iPhone 7/6/s/Plus and SE cases in a variety of styles/colors for $4 Prime shipped.
Update (12/6 10:55am): The UE Roll has already sold out! We’ll let you know if it comes back in-stock.
Aukey via Amazon offers its SoundTank Bluetooth 4.1 Speaker for $39.99, but if you use the code AUKSKM22 the price drops to only $33.99 Prime shipped. That’s $6 off and the lowest we can currently find for it. This water resistant speaker has dual 5W drivers that produce “deep lows, textured mids, and clear highs.” It also has up to 30-hour playtime and you can easily take calls with the built-in microphone. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 100 Amazon shoppers.
For Prime members only, Amazon is offering the ION Audio Tailgater Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker for $99.99, but when you add it to your cart, the price will drop to only $69.99 shipped. That’s more than half-off the original list price and the lowest we’ve seen for it.
This Bluetooth speaker has a USB power bank to conveniently recharge your smartphone, tablet, and more. It also has a frequency response of 77Hz to 20kHz, microphone, AM/FM Radio, USB, and Bluetooth range up to 100 feet. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 900 Amazon shoppers and its the #1 best selling speaker in its category.
We also have the JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Speaker for $70 (Reg. $100) if you’re looking for a regular sized speaker.
Sunvalleytek (99% positive customer feedback) via Amazon is offering the RAVPower 20,100mAh QC 3.0/USB-C Battery Pack for $69.99, but if you use the code 62JKWMYI the price drops to $55.99 shipped. That’s $14 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen it go since it was introduced at Amazon.
This power bank can charge up to 75% faster than conventional chargers and its “the first ever external battery charger with USB-C”. You can use the USB-C input/output to quickly recharge the 20100mah external battery, or to power the latest MacBook (tested and supported) with USB-C / Type-C ports. Rated 4.6/5 stars by 32 Amazon shoppers.
You can also get the 26,800mAh version for $50 shipped when you use code UJNPVP77 at checkout.
We’re officially a week away from Black Friday but the deals are already flowing. A number of Bose price drops have surfaced at Amazon (and other retailers too) this morning. These are the best offers that we’ve seen this year in nearly every instance, so if you’ve been holding out, now is the time to make your move. Free shipping is available across the board.
Be sure to hit up our Black Friday 2016 guide for all of the latest deals, news and more.
Staples is offering the 2nd Gen. Echo Dot in black or white for $49.99, but if you add two to your cart plus this filler item to reach $100 and use code 97080, the price for all three items drops to $80.84 shipped. That’s $40 for each Echo Dot, about $10 less than most other retailers and the lowest we can currently find.
The Echo Dot can control “lights, fans, switches, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more with compatible connected devices”. It connects to speakers or headphones through Bluetooth or 3.5 mm stereo cable to play music. It can even hear you from across the room with 7 far-field microphones for hands-free control, even in noisy environments or while playing music. Rated 4.3/5 stars by 442 Amazon shoppers and we reviewed it here.
Ready to connect your home? We still have an Echo Dot bundle w/ the Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Control Kit for $160 shipped (Reg. $210).
Amazon is offering the brand new Echo Dot (2nd gen, in black or white) along with the Lutron Caseta Wireless Deluxe Smart Lighting Control Kit for $159.89 shipped. That’s nearly $30 off the cost of buying these items separately and the lowest we can find for this bundle.
With this voice-controlled device that uses Alexa you can play music, control smart home devices, and even order a pizza from Domino’s (review). It has 802.11n dual-band wireless, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm audio output. The Lutron Caseta system provides personalized control of your lights (review). Everything in this offer comes highly-rated at Amazon with 4+/5 stars.
If you just want the Echo Dot, Home Depot has it in black or white for only $49.99 shipped. But, if you add two to your cart, add a small filler item to get your total over $100 and use the code OCTOBERHD you’ll save an extra $10 off ($90 for both).
AUKEY Direct via Amazon offers its water resistant SoundTank Bluetooth Speaker for $39.99, but if you use the code AUKEYSK9 the price drops to only $34.99 Prime shipped. That’s $5 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen it go at Amazon.
It has dual 5W drivers that produce “deep lows, textured mids, and clear highs to enjoy at home or outdoor.” With Bluetooth 4.1, this speaker can automatically reconnect to the last device used within a 33ft wireless range. You also get up to 30-hour playtime and talk time from the internal battery. Rated 4.5/5 stars from 104 Amazon shoppers.
Amazon offers its Tap Alexa-Enabled Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $99.99 shipped. Also available at Best Buy, Staples and Toys R Us. That’s good for $30 off the regular price, a match of our previous mention and the best available.
One of Amazon’s most popular Bluetooth options features a built-in microphone with Alexa and dual stereo speakers for music playback. The 360-degree design pumps out music from your favorite services like Prime Music, Spotify, Pandora and more. You can expect up to nine hours of playback on a single charge. Over 3,100 Amazon customers have left a 4.2/5 star rating. Learn more about Alexa and its capabilities in our in-depth review of the Dot and Echo speakers.
Inhere (95% positive feedback from shoppers) via Amazon offers the MARSEE Zero X Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for $27.99, but if you use the code ZSMXW8Q5 the price drops to just $16.99 Prime shipped. That’s $11 off the already low sale price and the lowest we’ve seen for this IPX7 waterproof speaker.
The large area of sealed TPU silicone cover design ensures that it is splashproof, shockproof and dustproof so it can be used outdoors or in the shower. The built-in rechargeable 2000mAh battery supports up to 8 hours of play time on a single charge. Rated 4.9/5 stars by 29 Amazon shoppers.
Focus Camera via eBay Daily Deals offers the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3 Wireless Speaker System in black, blue or white for $123.99 shipped. They still sell for between $150 and $180. Today’s offer is a few dollars under the Amazon all-time low. Rated 4+ stars from over 50 Amazon customers.
It features a 5 hour battery life and is made with “high-end materials”. You can also take calls using the built-in mic and even link two Onyx speakers together for true stereo sound. More details below.
We also still have the waterproof UE Boom 2 portable Bluetooth speaker on sale for just $150 (Reg. $200).
Amazon offers the Ultimate Ears Boom 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in a range of colors for $149.99 with free shipping. Also available via Walmart and Best Buy. Today’s deal is $50 less than the regular price and a match of the best we’ve seen. This speaker is one of our must-haves thanks to its waterproof design, impressive battery life and huge sound. Its companion mobile app allows you to pair multiple speakers, set music alarms and run updates so you can grab new features as soon as they roll out. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 700 Amazon reviewers.
Missed it? The smaller, yet also waterproof UE Roll 2 is currently being discounted. Get it for $79.99 shipped (Reg. $100) via Amazon.
NeweggFlash is offering the factory-refurbished JBL Charge 2 Bluetooth Speaker in three colors for $59.99 shipped. That’s $59 less than a new one and a match to our previous mention for the lowest we’ve seen for a refurbished model. This speaker has a massive battery and features up to 12 hours of playing time and can charge portable devices. Rated 4.5/5 stars by over 1,600 Amazon shoppers and a 30-day JBL warranty applies.
This speaker has a built-in 6000mAh rechargeable battery to juice up your devices, you can connect up to three music sources and it provides up to 12 hours of playtime on a full charge. It’s rated 4.6/5 stars by over 550 Amazon shoppers and here’s our review.
mywit (98.7% Positive feedback from 50,000+) via eBay is offering the manufacturer refurbished Logitech UE Megaboom Bluetooth Wireless Waterproof Speaker for $129.99 shipped. That’s $170 off the original list price, $60 less than the best price of one in new condition and the lowest we can find for it.
Features include “freakishly amazing 360-degree sound,” waterproof (IPX7), light weight at only 1.93 pounds, 100-foot Bluetooth range, 20-hour rechargeable battery and the UE MegaBoom app for additional features. Rated 4.4/5 stars by 757 Amazon shoppers. A 30-day return policy applies and it’s covered by eBay’s money back gurantee.
IFA 2016 is just around the corner but LG is releasing info on its new line of 360-degree Bluetooth Speakers ahead of time. There will be three new styles coming later this month: the PH2, PH3, and PH4. Different sizes, colors and designs highlight LG’s intentions of finding a spot in this crowded space of consumer electronics.
Harman Audio offers the refurbished JBL Pulse 2 Splashproof Bluetooth Speaker for only $109.99 shipped. That’s $90 off the original list price, $54 less than Amazon’s listing and the lowest we can find for it. This Bluetooth speaker has a built-in mic for taking calls and a “multi-LED light show giving you new ways to enjoy your favorite tunes.” It also has 10 hours of playtime thanks to its built-in 6000mAh rechargeable li-ion battery. Rated 4.5/5 stars by 170 Amazon shoppers. A 1-year warranty also applies.
Dali Speakers, a Denmark-based audio company, has announced a new portable Bluetooth system with big-time style. At first glance, you’d think it was out of Bang & Olufsen’s lab. The Dali Katch loudspeaker promises “incredibly rich sound” from a compact design in its first battery-operated consumer product. More below.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Whyd before, a few years back the service attempted to make a splash as an aggregator of your music, no matter the source. After varying degrees of success, the brand is now moving into the hardware space. Today, it announced a new multi-room speaker system that officially shifts its focus to home audio.
The new Whyd speaker has a unique design backed by “powerful” drivers. Perhaps most interesting is its voice control system. Much like Amazon Echo, users will be able to control it with simple commands. Whyd doesn’t have the same backing as the online giant, so it will compete in a different way…
Harman Audio is offering the recertified JBL Charge 2+ for only $79.99 shipped. That’s $70 off the original list price and $20 less than other retailers for one in the same condition. It has a 6000mAh rechargeable battery that you can use to juice up your devices and it’s splash proof so you can take it in the shower or pool side. The battery gives you 12 hours of playtime and there’s a built-in mic with noise cancelling technology for taking calls. Rated 4.5/5 stars by 486 Amazon shoppers and we reviewed it here.
Walmart offers the Sony SRSX5 Bluetooth/NFC Speaker for $79.99 shipped. That’s $20 less than B&H and $10 off our previous mention for the best we’ve seen. This speaker has a pair of “full-range” 30W stereo speakers with a built-in passive subwoofer. Bluetooth and NFC connectivity offer MP3, AAC, WMA and LDAC playback. You can expect up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. Additionally, a rear USB port can charge your device. Rated 4.5/5 stars by 139 Amazon customers.
Newegg is currently discounting the Sony SRSX9 AirPlayand Bluetooth Speaker down to $279.99 shipped (Reg. $350+). You’ll have plenty of power with this speaker’s 154W output plus integrated streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay or NFC. You can even charge your smartphone on the rear USB port, if needed. Although AirPlay has its ups-and-downs, it’s still one of the best ways to enjoy content via an Apple device. Rated 4/5 stars.
It’s summertime and that means the arrival of new outdoor Bluetooth speakers from all your favorite brands. JBL has been at the top of the chain in terms of quality, design and sound for the last couple of years. Today, we’re taking a look at its latest release, the Charge 3. Much like its predecessor, this speaker is made for outdoor fun with an IPX7 splashproof rating and compact footprint. An improved internal battery brings a whopping 20 hours of playback. We loved the Charge 2+ last summer for its top-notch sound and this rendition follows that trend…
Aukey via Amazon offers its Bluetooth water-resistant wireless speaker for $24.99, but if you use the coupon code AUDIOSKM at checkout, the price drops to just $19.99 Prime shipped. That’s $5 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen for this speaker which pairs well with the iPhone 7. This speaker is a compact, palm-sized cube that can be used indoors or outdoors. Rated 4.8/5 stars by 25 Amazon shoppers.
As part of the Gold Box Deals of the Day, Amazon is offering the Bluedio Portable Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker for $27.99 Prime shipped. That’s $52 off the original list price, about $12 off the regular price and the lowest we’ve seen it at Amazon. It has 3-magnet drivers that produce clear audio and the speaker works “flawlessly with your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device.” Rated 4.2/5 stars by over 200 Amazon shoppers.
Check out the RAVPower accessories Gold Box for more accessory deals today.
Harman Audio’s official eBay Store is offering the refurbished JBL Charge 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker in Black for $59.99 shipped. It originally retailed for $150 and today’s deal is $10 less than our previous mention. This was our Bluetooth speaker of the year in 2014 and it’s still a great buy. Features include a 6000mAh built-in battery that’s good for 12 hours of playback. A one-year warranty is included with purchase. Rated 4.5/5 stars from over 1,500 Amazon customers.
This Apple-designed speaker features a USB port to power iPhones and iPads, plus a Lightning port to re-charge its internal battery (super convenient!). With the iOS and Android mobile app you can take advantage of DJ mode and other smart features. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars from 124 Amazon reviewers.
There’s no shortage of Beats deals right now. Best Buy has Solo2 Headphones for $90, Pill 2.0 for $120 and Studio Headphones from $150.
It feels like the Bluetooth speaker market has bottomed out. We’re missing new and exciting designs, as each release feels like a knockoff of the one before it. Finding a way to reinvent this wheel is proving to be difficult for audio manufacturers. Simply put, Bluetooth is everywhere we look.
Today, Bang & Olufsen released its smallest speaker yet in an effort to shake up the competition. The BeoPlay A1 has the familiar styling of its larger siblings but comes in at a smaller size that is comparable to the popular UE ROLL. However, it sets itself apart in one key area: 24-hour battery life. More below.
Towards the end of last year, a company called AC Worldwide launched a promising Kickstarter project. Essentially, these were fully licensed, to scale Star Wars Bluetooth speakers in the shape of C-3Po and Stormtrooper heads. Not long after the speaker project launched, an investor came in and offered the company all the money they needed to get the speakers to market. Now they’re here, and I just had to try them out…
Harman Kardon offers the AKG K618 Professional DJ headphones for $39.99 shipped. That’s $60 off the regular price/ Amazon’s current listing and the lowest we’ve seen since Black Friday. Rated 3.8/5 stars by Amazon shoppers. They feature a frequency response of 16Hz to 24kHz, 3D-Axis folding design, closed-back and a silver-plated jack.
Update: Grab the JBL Flip 2 Portable Speaker in Black from the Microsoft Store for $40 shipped. Note you must be signed in with your Microsoft account as a Bing Rewards club member (free signup).
The speaker can play your tunes while displaying three modes of color for extra enjoyment. It also has a 3.5mm jack for a direct connection from your audio devices and it’s rated 4.6/5 stars from over 150 Amazon shoppers.
Rated 3.6/5 stars from over $300 Amazon shoppers.
