Every streamer needs the right audio setup, including speakers. Using headphones when streaming can get cumbersome and limiting after a while, especially if you are hosting guests.
Most professional streamers prefer to simultaneously speak through their mics and listen using speakers. Technological advancement has given dynamic microphones the ability to exclude background noise and focus on only the streamer’s voice, eliminating the need for headsets.
Bluetooth speakers are the current rage because they have good value for their price. Ultimately, you have to be sure that the model you settle for will give you the best value for your money and this is where we come in.
We have compiled a list of the best Bluetooth speakers under 1500, so your options are defined to meet your needs.
Overall Best Bluetooth Speaker
1. Denon Home 250
The Denon Home 250 is the perfect streaming Bluetooth speaker. When it comes to audio connection, the options are limitless. In addition to its Bluetooth 4.2 feature, it also comes with dual-band Wi-Fi that is complemented by Apple Airplay 2.
Denon’s HEOs app allows you to easily integrate the speaker with various audio streaming services. On the back of the cabinet, where the mains power connection and Bluetooth buttons are, you will find a USB input, a 3.5mm analog socket, and an Ethernet socket.
The speaker has a 24bit/192kHz DAC that can handle a wide range of audio formats. However, note the speaker only fully reproduces hi-res audio that is stored on a USB device or on the network.
Although it is quite pricey, it is well worth the money. With its 4 drivers, the speaker is capable of putting out a combined power output of 80watts – one of the loudest currently on the market.
What We Like
- Hi-res sound output
- Compatible with voice controls like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa
- Built-in HEOs
- Multiple audio connection options
- Apple Airplay 2
- Internet radio
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a separate device for voice function
The Denon Home 250 is our overall best Bluetooth speaker because of the wide range of features and powerful sounds that its unassuming design does not prepare you for.
Best Budget-Friendly Bluetooth Speaker
2. Sony Extra Bass SRS-XB43
The Sony Extra Bass SRS-XB43 is a portable speaker built to stand both horizontally and vertically. Despite its portable design, it has a sturdy, durable feel.
Nothing is more annoying than having dust accumulate around the speaker netting and impacting the quality of sound produced. Fortunately, the Sony SRS-XB43 has an IP67 dustproof, anti-rust, waterproof design.
If you prefer a more colorful atmosphere, the speaker comes equipped with 2 speaker lights and several multi-colored line lights that can be customized and controlled via the Fiestable app.
You can also control the audio output with the adjustable EQ feature on the Sony Music Center App and connect to up to 100 speakers using Party Connect. It has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for wired connection.
A covered panel at the speaker houses the 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C port to charge your phone or other devices. It also has a long-lasting battery life of 14-24 hours after a single charge, depending on how you use the speaker.
What We Like
- IP67 dust and waterproof design
- Built-in LED lighting
- Long battery life
- High-quality audio performance with extra bass
- In-app EQ
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky
The Sony SRS-XB43 is our best budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker because it is reasonably priced for the kind of powerful sound it produces.
Best Smart Bluetooth Speaker
3. Bose Home Speaker 500
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is equipped with a built-in Alexa and Google Assistant voice control feature, making it the perfect smart Bluetooth speaker. Additionally, there are control buttons for basic functions on the top of the speaker.
It is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 and has a maximum range of 30 feet. It also has preset buttons that allow you to program your favorite radio stations, playlists, or albums, with one touch.
The small, full-color display in front of the speaker is also a nice addition, as it displays the album artwork while playing music. The screen has an auto-dimming feature that kicks in when placed in low-light conditions.
When it comes to audio, the two custom left and right-pointing drivers place the Bose 500 up there with some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers. It allows true stereo separation without the need to get a second speaker.
Another stand-up feature the Bose 500 has is its proprietary mic tech that picks up voice commands, even in a really noisy environment. It has an eight-mic array designed to pick up near and far-field sounds – it can pick up your voice even from the opposite end of the room.
If you have several of these Alexa-enabled speakers at home, you don’t have to worry about all of them picking up your commands – only the closest speaker to you will respond.
What We Like
- Great audio output
- Built-in Alexa voice control feature
- Impressive mic
- Stylish, modern design
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks low bass level
When compared to the other smart speaker options on our list, the Bose Speaker 500 is the most affordable. Yet, it still measurably compares to their sound capacity.
Best Performance Bluetooth Speaker for Streamers
4. JBL PartyBox 300
Do not make the mistake of underestimating the power of the JBL PartyBox 300. It is like a mini boombox, ready to bring your space alive with rich sounds. You can also visually spice up your space with its colorful strobe LED lights.
When it comes to performance, the speaker comes with two 6.5-inch woofers and two 2.3-inch tweeters that deliver sounds between frequencies of 45Hz-20kHz. It can produce up to an astonishing 100-120 watts output! Definitely a boombox!
Like most Bluetooth speakers, its volume levels complement the volume of the connected device. However, unlike most Bluetooth speakers, the regular listening volume of the JBL PartyBox 300 is only at 25-40% of its total capacity (and this is if you really push it).
This means that the speaker has the capacity to be as loud as a PA system. It is easy to set up – all you need to do is plug your USB stick or microphone into the speaker or connect your device via Bluetooth – voila!
If you want more balanced sound, you can even wirelessly connect 2 JBL Partybox speakers by the TWS speaker or using a wire to connect the RCA jacks.
The JBL PartyBox 300 is equipped with built-in handles that make moving the speaker around convenient. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery pack with 18-hour battery life, so you can take your sounds with you anywhere and anytime.
What We Like
- 120 watts output and 2 bass input levels for powerful audio
- External mic input
- Colorful, full panel LED lighting
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Great wireless and wired connectivity
What We Don’t Like
- Quite pricey
- Massive and bulky
Ultimately, the JBL PartyBox 300 is one step higher than your regular Bluetooth speaker with its great aesthetics and listening experience. If you are looking for powerful, high-performance Bluetooth speakers, then we recommend this product.
Best Designed Bluetooth Speaker
5. Marshall Stanmore II
The Marshall Stanmore II has a beautiful retro design that makes it look like a miniature guitar amp. However, don’t be fooled by this stylishly handsome speaker, it is an audio powerhouse. It has a frequency range of 50-20,000 Hz and a maximum output of 80 watts.
Performance-wise, the speaker delivers on all fronts. It is perfect for any room and produces rich, precise audio, regardless of the volume. The Marshall Stanmore II comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX technology that gives a stable connection range of 30 feet.
Its multi-host functionality allows you to easily connect and switch between two Bluetooth devices. There is also an option for an analog listening experience with its 3.5mm input jack for wired connection.
It has a 5-band in-app EQ that works together with the bass and treble knobs on the speaker to control your sound output. It also has a voice control feature that is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa.
What We Like
- Stylish design
- In-app EQ
- Bass and treble knobs for sound adjustment
- Rich bass output
- Multi-host functionality
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky
The Marshall Stanmore II is our best designed Bluetooth speaker because it combines both beauty and action. Apart from its beautiful retro design, it delivers powerful audio to give you a complete listening experience.
Buying Guide for the Best Bluetooth Speakers Under 1500
The best Bluetooth speaker is one that meets your needs without breaking your bank account. When faced with several options to choose from, don’t just pick the coolest looking one that catches your eye – there’s no guarantee that the sound quality will match up.
This is where getting help from an expert makes all the difference. Apart from your budget, there are several things to look out for when buying a Bluetooth speaker and we will share them to make your buying decision easier.
1. Audio quality
The audio quality of the speaker is the most important attribute to focus on. A speaker is only as good as the sound it produces.
When buying from physical stores, it is easier to check the audio output. However, that is impossible to do with online stores. Your best bet is to compare the speaker watt output of that product to others or comb through the certified customer reviews of that product.
Any one of these sources should provide enough information about the sound quality to help you make a better choice.
2. Battery life
Another thing to look out for is the battery charge of the speaker. You don’t want to end up with a speaker that keeps dying on you in the middle of something important. A great speaker should also have great battery life in addition to good audio quality.
A good rule of thumb to follow – bigger speakers tend to have longer battery life. However, in cases where the speaker has extra features that quickly drain the battery power, this may not be applicable.
3. Extra connection options
Bluetooth speakers are great – they provide wireless options for easy handling. However, Bluetooth speakers with additional audio connections are even better.
Some speakers come with a headphone jack to connect to your device by wire. Some may connect by Wi-Fi, especially smart speakers. All of these modes of connection have their pros and cons, but with additional options, you get the best of several worlds.
4. Additional features
Consider getting a wireless speaker with extra features that could come in handy. For example, there are some Bluetooth speakers with built-in microphones that could help you communicate, like the Bose Home Speaker 500.
Other nice perks to watch out for include dust or waterproof design to protect the speaker from dust and water spillage, or FM radio. Also, if you move around a lot, you might prefer one with a hanging hook or lanyard.
5. Warranty
Bluetooth speakers are a little pricey. Getting a longer warranty period makes you feel more secure about your investment.
Conclusion
When looking for the best Bluetooth speakers under 1500, there are many things to consider to get your money’s worth.
Buying a Bluetooth speaker can be hectic. Every manufacturer advertises their product as the best thing since sliced bread, so it can be confusing to settle for one.
There are so many to choose from, depending on your needs. Do you want to go for brand name, features, affordability, or portability? It all boils down to your preference.
If we had to choose one Bluetooth speaker, we would go with the Denon Home 250 because it has a wide range of functions that makes streaming easy and fun.
You can browse through our collection of articles for more streaming gear.
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