The Best Bluetooth Speakers in Canada
How do you listen to audio? Do you like pulling on a pair of sound cancelling headphones and getting lost in the music? Or maybe you prefer shoving in your AirPods and going out for a walk? Or maybe you like connecting to a speaker and blasting your favourite songs for everyone to hear? Even if you prefer one method over another, you will find yourself in other situations to listen to your favourite songs or podcasts. One of the best ways to enjoy music without evoking the wrath of your neighbours is Bluetooth speakers.
Bluetooth speakers provide strong audio quality in a portable package. You can enjoy music in your bedroom, in your backyard, on a mountain, in the shower, or anywhere else you might want.
Below, you will find our analysis on the best Bluetooth speakers in Canada. For more audio reviews and articles, check out our audio section.
Our top picks
What to look for in a Bluetooth speaker
Connectivity – Connectivity of a Bluetooth speaker is reliant on the titular Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth 5 is currently the newest form of Bluetooth and improves the connectivity massively. Bluetooth 5 can transmit several times more data at twice the speed – making it an obvious choice over previous forms of Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth 5 has not been fully implemented by audio companies, but we have indicated where the newest form of the technology is present. Some Bluetooth speakers will also have other methods of connectivity, like physical auxiliary inputs, and we have indicated when these are available as well.
Sound Quality – Sound quality is essential in a Bluetooth speaker. You would hate to connect to your new Bluetooth speaker and queue your favourite song, only to hear muddy bass or tinny high-end. Sound quality is subjective, however there is typically agreement between what sounds good and bad, so we took feedback regarding audio from users and critics alike seriously.
Size – Size influences the overall use of your Bluetooth speaker. Whether you want a portable speaker to take on the go, or a larger Bluetooth speaker to sit in your living room and fill your home with sound, different Bluetooth speakers will be suited differently.
Water resistance – While speakers do not typically need to be waterproof, more and more Bluetooth speakers will advertise the extent that they are water-resistant or water-proofness. This may be surprising, but if you’ve ever wanted to listen to music in the shower, or left your speaker
outside in the rain, you will realize that this feature has useful extensions beyond bringing music to a pool party. Water-resistance is measured in the IPX scale, where the higher the accompanying number, the more water-resistant it is.
Price – Price is a crucial factor for any product. However, it is important to consider price when it comes to Bluetooth speakers in particular, since you can spend as much as $500, and as little as $5, for a simple Bluetooth speaker. Perhaps more than many other products, you get what you pay for with Bluetooth speakers. You will not get the above features with a cheap Bluetooth speaker manufactured in a sweatshop and drop shipped by some sweaty Marketing Major. Even our cheapest model, the $75 Anker Soundcore 2, does not fully meet all the criteria we have established above, yet does well enough for that to be our budget pick. If you want a truly immersive audio experience, expect to pay a little more for it.
Best outdoor Bluetooth speaker
UE Megaboom 3
The UE Megaboom 3 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers for many different purposes. With full sound and long-lasting battery life, the UE Megaboom checks off the main checkmarks.
With a 360-degree speaker, this unit can fill a room with stereophonic sound. Deep thundering bass yet well balanced mids and highs mean the sound quality of this speaker is very strong. You can also control the frequencies using the in-app equalizer. While not as loud as some users would like, almost all users found the sound quality strong across all genres. But, with PartyUp mode, you can connect the Megaboom 3 with other PartyUp compatible UE speakers, pairing up to 1 one speaker, or up to 150 other speakers (if you were to have access to so many).
You can control many of the features of the Megaboom 3 via the “Magic Button” or your phone. UE boasts that the Megaboom 3 an extensively-long rechargeable battery life, with a lifespan up to 20-hour. However, some users have mentioned that UE introduced a patch that allows you to turn off the “always ready” feature, meaning this battery life was sacrificed for some sense of user convenience. The extent that this feature disrupts the battery life is uncertain, but some users mentioned this can half the battery life.
The Megaboom 3 is durably designed, with a strong IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, this is a speaker you can bring out with you into nature, use while showering, or bring along with you to any sort of gathering. You can even completely submerge this unit and it will work perfectly fine afterwards. Users have called this a “bring-it-everywhere speaker” which we feel describes this speaker perfectly.
Overall, we found users had lots of positives to say about this Bluetooth speaker. While it is not the best sounding Bluetooth speaker, users like the music quality enough to highly recommend this speaker. There are a couple of downsides that we feel are worth mentioning, but none are dealbreakers. The battery life would be great if it actually lasted as long as listed, but it comes up short here. Some users also found using the “Magic Button” controls as unintuitive, able to pause music, but not resume its playing, for example. Overall, the Megaboom is great to listen to music to.
Pros
- 360-degree, stereophonic sound.
- Highly waterproof, dustproof, and durable.
- PartyUp feature allows you to play.
Cons
- Battery life is limited since you cannot turn off the “Always Ready” features.
- “Magic Button” controls are unintuitive.
Best waterproof Bluetooth speaker
JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 is a great speaker beyond its waterproof features. Whether you want music in your home, or to bring with you for your next pool party, the JBL Flip 5 is a strong option that can be had at a solid price.
The JBL Flip 5 is another “pill” style speaker, perfect size to throw in a backpack or other style of bag before leaving for your day. Users are happy with the sound quality of this speaker, with clear audio response, loud volume, and a strong bass performance that is not overwhelming. With Bluetooth 4.2 connection, this speaker packs a slightly outdated, yet still strong, connectivity. The JBL Flip 5 features PartyBoost technology, allowing you to link 2 or more PartyBoost compatible speakers for stereo setups or an extended speaker system for home-filling sound.
Since we named the JBL Flip 5 the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker, you should expect that this quality is a strong selling point for this Speaker. With IPX7-rated waterproofness, this speaker can be submerged safely up to 3 feet deep, making this a strong speaker for settings from pool parties to your morning shower. Constructed from durable materials, this is a perfect musical companion for all types of adventures.
The JBL Flip features a powerful rechargeable battery that is listed to last up to 12 hours, however users have not found the battery life to be as long lasting as JBL lists.
Overall, users are fans of the JBL Flip 5. The sound quality is good, and the price is better. While not everyone needs a supremely waterproof speaker, this speaker adds a list leading IPX rating, in addition to an impressive speaker in every other form. However, we do think the Bluetooth connection is lacking; Bluetooth 4.2 is not just outdated, its 5-years outdated. Overall, the JBL Flip line has a lot of strong speakers, and the Flip 5 is no different.
Pros
- Strong, balanced audio quality.
- Top of the line IPX7-rated water and dust protection.
Cons
- The Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity is lacking.
Best Bluetooth speaker with equalizer
LG XBoom Go PL7
One of the best uses of a Bluetooth speaker is bringing it out into the elements, enjoying your tunes in nature. If you want a strong Bluetooth speaker for bringing into the outdoors, the LG XBoom Go PL7 is a strong choice.
Like many Bluetooth speakers, the LG XBoom Go PL7 belong to the “pill” school of design, where the long, cylindrical shape can dispense music throughout the space you are in. The LG XBoom Go PL7 features subwoofers on either end, nodding to the bass-forwardness of many modern music genres. Overall, users found this Bluetooth speaker has strong sound quality, with crisp treble and deep bass, however some users noted that the mid-frequencies are lacking. The SoundBoost button on the top boosts the vocals of the music. The LG XBoom Go PL7 also features EQ option.
While the XBoom is a pill-style speaker, it breaks certain conventions of this format. Instead of sleek, the XBoom is bulky – still portable, but thick and heavy enough (weighing 1.5kg) to make this a little harder to shove in a bag or backpack and not think about it. One positive is that the XBoom comes equipped with a LED lights on the woofers, which bounce and shake with the woofers to create an interesting visual effect.
Behind the speakers themselves, the XBoom features a lot of impressive tech. For starters, the LG XBoom GO PL7 features the latest Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, improving the quality of the wireless connection. The XBoom features a rechargeable lithium-ion 2000 mAh battery, which LG claims to provide power for up to 24-hours of music.
The LG XBoom is rated with a IPX5 rating, certifying this unit as water-resistant. This means rain or condensation should not interfere with this unit’s operation, meaning it is a strong choice for backyard barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings.
Overall, users think there’s a lot to like regarding this LG XBoom speaker. Users enjoy the sound quality, configurations, and price of this Bluetooth speaker. However, users have noted that like many other Bluetooth speakers, the battery claims by the company are exaggerated at best and straight up inaccurate at worst – users stating you can expect 12 hours of battery (which is still impressive, mind you) depending on volume. Overall, this speaker checks off a lot of the boxes we look for in a Bluetooth speaker at a good price, although it does not do one thing better than the other speakers on this list.
Pros
- Solid sound quality with features like SoundBoost and customizable EQ for improved listening.
- Strong featureset and performance at its price.
- Utilizes Bluetooth 5.
Cons
- While the battery life can be long, it is not as long as LG states.
Best large Bluetooth speaker
UE Hyperboom
While Bluetooth speakers are typically known for portability, Bluetooth speakers can also substitute for speaker cabinets and other speaker systems. The UE Hyperboom is one such speaker, with a large, cabinet-like structure that can fill a party with full-body sound.
The UE Hyperboom is a large speaker, designed for filling rooms with loud, immersive sound. You can easily set up the Hyperboom in a room, connect it to Wi-Fi, and have sound as loud and detailed as any speaker system, in way less time than other standard P.A. systems or speakers. Adaptive equalizers allow the Hyperboom to read the environment and change the EQ to match the optimal levels to match the room. Overall, users do find this speaker loud and clear sounding, with strong bass performance. However, users have mentioned the louder the volume, the less pristine the audio.
Utilizing more devices and more speakers is an essential quality of the UE Hyperboom. The Hyperboom can connect to and switch between up to 4 different devices, with 2 Bluetooth inputs, one auxiliary input, and one optical input all available. You can pair the Hyperboom with Boom, Megaboom or other Hyperboom speakers for a further-spanning audio experience, with between 2-4 Hyperboom speakers able to produce nightclub levels of volume.
The large UE Hyperboom is marketed for its prowess at parties, including features with these settings in mind. The Hyperboom is rated with an IPX4 rating, highlighting water resistance against splashes and spills, but protecting from little else.
Depending on the volume, this speaker has a battery life lasts between 5 or 12 hours, depending on the volume – not quite the 24 hours that UE claims, but we are not going to ding every company that exaggerate the length of their battery.
If you are in need for something with little more oomph than you will need for use at home or at small gatherings, the UE Hyperboom is worth checking out. UE designed this unit for parties: large, expansive sound, multiple configurations for multi-speaker or multi-source connections, splash proof, and did we mention bass? However, this is an expensive Bluetooth speaker, and certainly not necessary for a sizable number of users shopping for a Bluetooth speaker.
Pros
- Huge, high-quality sound with strong bass performance.
- Multiple connection settings for setting up a multi-speaker set up or connecting more than 1 devices to the unit at once.
Cons
- Expensive.
best budget Bluetooth speaker
Anker Soundcore 2
You can get Bluetooth speakers for a very cheap cost, especially if you are looking at cost before anything else. However, if you want solid sound and a quality build, you will want to consider options beyond the cheapest. While not the most budget friendly Bluetooth speaker you can find, the Anker Soundcore 2 is a quality speaker at a low price that you can count on.
This Bluetooth speaker is rectangular in structure, and small enough for it to go along with you. However, even with its portable stature, this speaker is great to listen to. The Anker Soundcore 2 has impressive bass sound in part due to Anker’s Bass Up technology, boosting the unit’s low end – although maybe too much for some genres. Some users did notice the hiss of sibilance in radio or a lack of depth in music. If you like what Anker offers but want improved audio, the Anker Soundcore Boost is a worthy upgrade.
The electronics of this speaker is solid. Most impressively, the Anker Soundcore 2 features a strong 5200mAh lithium-ion battery, providing up to 24 hours in battery life. Bluetooth 5 provides a strong connection to your audio source, which we were happily surprised to see utilized in such a cheap speaker.
The Anker Soundcore 2 has decent protections from the elements, with an IPX7 water-resistant rating and a dustproof design. One user even managed to run the Anker Soundcore 2 through the wash, and after taking precautions like throwing the washed speaker in rice to let it dry out afterwards, found the speaker working perfectly. This attests a lot to the durability and waterproofness of the speaker.
Overall, the Anker Soundcore 2 is one of the highest-rated Bluetooth speakers at one of the cheapest prices. It sounds good, it has one of the best battery lives, and it is highly durable. While it is not going to be the best sounding speaker available, it should suffice for casual listening environments. Some users did have criticisms of the sound: some found the bass distorted or muddy, some users heard too much sibilance, and some found the sound lacking depth.
Pros
- Strong durability, in part to the IPX7 waterproof rating.
- Impressive battery life and single-device connectivity.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Sound quality is among the lowest on this list.
Best high-fidelity Bluetooth speaker
Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Marshall is a hugely influential name in audio, with the British company making amplifiers and speakers for rockstars for nearly sixty years. With this experience in audio, you can imagine that Marshall’s forays from the stage to the home pack the same attention to audio quality.
Looking like one of their guitar amplifiers, the Marshall Stanmore has an attractive design, with the classic golden coloured panels on the top, and the iconic Marshall script logo on the front. Just like the design, the sound quality is true to the Marshall name. Users found this speaker loud and pleasant sounding, with a strong, clear low end. From genres as broad as classic jazz to bass bumping electronic music, users were impressed with the sound quality. However, the louder this speaker is, the more you might want to turn down the bass to ensure a balanced listening experience.
You can control the equalizer and volume from both the knobs on top and via the Marshall Bluetooth app. This speaker features Bluetooth 5.0 aptX technology, for lossless wireless sound quality at ranges up to 30 feet. You can connect and switch between two different devices with this Bluetooth speaker. You can also use a 3.5mm auxiliary input to play music as well.
Overall, users are a big fan of the sound quality of this speaker primarily, finding this speaker loud, clear, and natural sounding. For listeners who want a top of the line listening experience, our research indicates that this speaker should meet high musical standards. We also really appreciate how this Marshall speaker recalls the classic look of their iconic speakers, making this a strong speaker and a conversational piece. However, there are some downsides that people have noted. Firstly, this speaker is large and has no battery, which means it is not portable at all. Some users have complained that this speaker is quick to go to sleep mode, but we see this as more of as something Users will learn to deal with, and not a deal breaker.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality from a company dedicated to sound design for over 60 years.
- Lossless sound quality due to powerful Bluetooth 5.0 aptX connectivity.
- Classic look that replicates the amps of iconic rockstars.
Cons
- No battery included, so you need to plug this unit into the wall.
- 20-minute non-use delay puts the unit to sleep
- Expensive.
Best mini-Bluetooth speaker
TriBit StormBox Micr
The TriBit StormBox Micro packs a punch for such a compact speaker. If playing tunes while out for walks, bike rides or when you are on the go is your main goal, the TriBit StormBox Micro is an ideal speaker for you.
The TriBit has strong sound quality and impressive volume for such a small unit. Users stated for such a small device, this unit was full sounding, great for genres throughout music, but it does not have the sound to compete with larger Bluetooth speakers found on this list. If hip hop or dance music are more your forte, the TriBit StormBox Micro features “built-in XBass tuning DSP technology,” resulting in a resoundingly deep bass. Additionally, you can even connect this speaker to another StormBox Micro for a stereo listening experience!
It is clear that the TriBit StormBox Micro is designed to be an adventure companion – designed to provide music for any of your outings, even if they are hand free. This includes Bluetooth 5.0 technology to improve the sound quality and connectivity of the speaker. Another strong aspect is the TriBit StormBox has a decently long-lasting battery, upwards of 8 hours. The TriBit StormBox Micro is IP67 certified, meaning this speaker has one of the highest ratings in terms of water and dust protection, include full waterproofness. This protection from the elements makes this a strong adventure companion, easily going wherever you go via its tear-resistant silicone strap.
Overall, the TriBit StormBox is great for those who want music along with them when they are on the go or engaging in some of their favourite activities. However, while there is lots of strong points that make this speaker great, there are some slight flaws. Some users found that the silicone strap did not do enough to secure this device to their bikes, making this less ideal for high octane activities. One of the biggest things that compelled user to write a negative review was that sometimes the batteries of this unit fails. Overall, for a great music player for when you are on the go, the TriBit StormBox is excellent.
Pros
- Strong audio in a small, sleek, portable box.
- Strong waterproof performance, great for getting out into nature with.
- High quality Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Cons
- Silicone strap is not well-suited for holding place during rigorous, high-octane activities.
- Users have had issues with the battery.
Our methodology
When looking for a Bluetooth speaker, there are a few criteria that we find essential. The Bluetooth speaker should have solid to strong audio quality and feature a dependable Bluetooth connection. These factors will be very important for a strong listening experience. Other features – such as battery life, size, and waterproofness – only seek to extend the range of environments that you can enjoy your favourite songs in. We narrowed down the competition by prioritizing the former two features in speakers and found the best for each use by looking for the latter features in the remaining speakers.
We put over 15 hours researching the best Bluetooth Speakers in Canada. We based our reviews by looking at the listed specs regarding each speaker, reading through countless verified user reviews (and backing these up by running Fakespot analysis) and referring to other expert reviews from our peers at publications like TomsGuide or What HiFi. We only consider products with an average score of 4 stars or higher online, and with this article in specific, we only considered the top-rated products, typically looking at Bluetooth speakers with an average score of 4.5 stars or higher.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Bluetooth speaker do?
A Bluetooth speaker is merely a speaker that amplifies your music, podcasts, or other type of audio, via Bluetooth connectivity.
Can I pair Bluetooth speakers?
Some models can be paired together, allowing you to play music on multiple rooms at once, or perhaps set-up a stereo speaker system. If this interests you, keep in mind that speakers of different makes and models are unlikely to be able to pair together, since the company wants to incentivize more purchases from them, and exclusively them.
What is a good price for a Bluetooth speaker?
The price of a Bluetooth speaker really depends on your preferred genres, listening habits, and size. You can get cheaply made Bluetooth speakers for as cheap as $5! However, cheap construction and a lack of features make these less desirable then the models we covered in this list.
Which Bluetooth speaker has the best bass?
This is subjective and depends on your listening habits. Bass is important in every genre, from thumping EDM to smooth jazz. The issue is that most speakers or headphones that advertise “loud bass” are designed to push the low end of electronic music or hip hop into the next level, while making other genres sound – well, worse. There is nothing wrong with that face melting bass, but if you want something that can be adjusted between genres, we suggest you get a Bluetooth speaker with EQ options so you can adjust the speaker to yourself.
Read more
The Best Wireless Headsets in Canada
These wireless headsets let you talk and listen hands free.
The Best Record Players & Turntables in Canada
Vinyl is back, and here are our favourite LP players.
The Best Wireless Earbuds in Canada
We’ve gone through all those wireless earbud reviews and we’ve compiled a list of the best options for you.
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 Review
Are you looking for a pair of wireless headphones. This pair from Microsoft may be the one for you
generic allergy medication list best allergy medicine for itching 3rd generation antihistamines list