00:00Summer is here, and you know what that means?
00:02Festivals, beach trips, barbecues.
00:04But what do you need to take all of those events
00:06to the next level?
00:07That's right, a portable speaker.
00:09I've picked five of the very best for every budget
00:11to help you soundtrack your summer.
00:13Let's kick off with my ultra-cheap pick,
00:16something that's ideal for anyone looking to spend
00:18around $50 or 50 pounds.
00:20And for me, it has to be the JBL GO 5.
00:22For such a small model,
00:24the GO 5 can produce truly spectacular sound.
00:27The GO 5 is also rammed with features,
00:29including USB-C audio for lossless playback, EQ options,
00:33and AuraCast for seamless pairing with other JBL speakers.
00:37Unlike its predecessor, the GO 5 is also equipped with lights,
00:41which adds another layer of immersion.
00:42On top of this, the GO 5 has a solid 10-hour battery life,
00:46IP68 does some waterproofing for beach days and pool parties,
00:49and it's drop-proof too.
00:50Moving up it's here now to the $50 to $100
00:53or 50 to 100 pounds range, and I'd recommend this.
00:56The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4.
00:58This stubby speaker is all about that bass.
01:01It serves a punchy, driven, and impactful low-end sound
01:04that'll make electronic and dance track sound incredible.
01:08I really love the design of the Wonderboom 4 as well.
01:11It could be bought in a range of funky colors,
01:13and it's super durable.
01:14Moving into mid-range territory now,
01:16and there could only ever be one choice for me,
01:19the JBL Flip 7.
01:20The first time I used it, I found it hard to believe
01:22such a compact speaker could produce such gigantic,
01:25yet refined sound.
01:27It uses a dual-driver layout with a 35-watt maximum power output,
01:31and so you are getting significantly more sophisticated and mighty sound.
01:34And with AI Sound Boost tech, the speaker is also able to analyze playback in real-time,
01:39to minimize distortion, and deliver optimized audio.
01:42Look, it's easily the best sounding speaker in its price range,
01:46and like the GO 5, it has lossless USB-C audio capabilities and EQ settings.
01:51But that's not all. The Flip 7 also delivers up to 16 hours of playback,
01:55with the battery-extending playtime boost feature.
01:58It's IP68 rated, and it comes with a carry strap for when you're on the go.
02:02Time for something a little more premium,
02:05with the $150 to $200, or 150 to £200 range now,
02:10and I've picked out the Sonos Roam 2.
02:12This speaker has a futuristic triangular build that just oozes style,
02:17and it's incredibly easy to control, either with its nifty button controls,
02:20or through the Sonos companion app.
02:23It also sounds pretty great, with a balanced presentation,
02:26well-defined vocals, and controlled bass.
02:29The real draw of the Roam 2, though, is its Wi-Fi streaming capabilities.
02:33Playing music over Wi-Fi opens up higher quality,
02:36and things like phone notifications or social media video
02:39won't interrupt your listening sessions like Bluetooth would.
02:42But let's finish with my ultra premium choice for anyone on a larger budget,
02:47the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation.
02:51It's constructed from hard-wearing polymer and pearl-blasted anandized aluminium.
02:56Its rounded look and classy colour options only help to hammer home that premium feel.
03:00And with the A1 3rd Gen, the pride of ownership you feel is almost as special as the sound it
03:05produces.
03:06But almost is the key word, because this speaker is a sensational performer.
03:11In fact, you will need a relatively stable surface to place this on,
03:13because the bass is almost earth-shaking, and it can even reach as low as 54 Hz,
03:19meaning deep and dark bass will come through with intent and raw energy.
03:23Top that off with vibrant, precise highs and APTX adaptive support for high-res Bluetooth listening,
03:29and you're looking at a real treat for the ears.
03:32A 60-watt power output also means that this thing can get pretty loud,
03:35so it's ideal if you need party-ready audio without the heft of great speakers.
03:40So, which was your favourite speaker? Let us know in the comments below.
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