Camping Portable Audio: Best Camping Speaker For Your Budget

Whether you are going to your favorite campsite in the wilderness or partying on the beach, you want your favorite tunes to sound awesome. We have tested different sized units and found you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality when selecting the best camping portable audio for hanging out in the great outdoors.

To make it even better, our reviews focused on affordable models to make sure you are getting BIG SOUND on a SMALL BUDGET!

Camping Portable Audio by CampingForFoodies features a JBL Charge bluetooth speaker sitting on a table outside on a sunny afternoon in the Sonoran desert. A mountain range is in the background with text over the image that reads Camping Portable Audio.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Difference Between IP67 vs IPX7 Waterproof Ratings

The difference between the IP67 and IPX7 waterproofing:

  • IP67 and IPX7 are both waterproof
  • IP67 is also dustproof
  • IPX7 does not have dust protection

So, if you’re like us and you go boondocking in remote dusty locations (like the desert), you will want the dual protection from water and dust offered by the best outdoor bluetooth speakers with an IP67 rating.


Our Top Picks For Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers

 Pick #1 – JBL Charge 5 Pick #2 – Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Pick #3 – Bose Soundlink Flex Pick #4 – Tribit StormBox Micro 2 Pick #5 – Anker Soundcore Flare Mini Pick #6 – JBL Go 3

 


Our Reviews

Pick #1: JBL CHARGE 5

JBL Charge 5JBL Charge 5JBL Charge 5

 

When we were shopping for a portable outdoor speaker, we knew we wanted convenient portability, superior audio quality with a powerful bass and full sound at high volumes.

We didn’t only want a good water-resistance rating, we wanted it to be dust-proof as well (we do too much dispersed camping in dusty locations to consider any delicate portable speakers).

We also wanted a power bank that provided longer battery life on a single charge.

We wanted to be able to use it in an outdoor setting to hang out around the campfire as well as bring it into our RV instead of using our manufacturer-installed stereo (that sounds terrible and we don’t want to replace.)

Lastly, we wanted all of this at a reasonable price point that offered excellent value for our investment.

We purchased a JBL Charge because it fit all of those parameters effortlessly.

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Hands down, this speaker has the best sound of any speaker in its class because of its optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter and dual JBL bass radiators.

The speakers put out an amazing 40 Watts and produce clear sound even at maximum volume.

You won’t run out of battery in the middle of a song because the Charge delivers an extraordinary 20 hours of playback with a fully charged battery, it even has enough juice to charge mobile phones too.

The 67 ip rating provides the dust and water protection you want when camped out in the desert or in close proximity to bodies of water (or in the rain or at a pool party).

Operates with Bluetooth version 5.1.

All of this comes in a compact size and weighs just over 2 pounds.

The latest model is the JBL Charge 5, here are the stats.

  • Size: 8.7 x 3.67 x 3.76 inches
  • Weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Speaker Output: 40 Watts
  • Battery Life: 20 hours of playtime
  • Waterproof: IP67 waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $150 – Check Current Price

Pick #2: Anker Soundcore Motion Boom

Soundcore Anker Motion BoomSoundcore Anker Motion BoomSoundcore Anker Motion Boom

 

We like the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom because it has the longest playtime of all the models we tested. In addition to producing powerful sound, it also has a built-in handle and it floats on water.

We don’t like that it is more than double the weight of the JBL Charge. It’s dimensions are quite a bit bigger too so it’s not as convenient to carry. It’s only IPX7 so it’s waterproof, but, not dustproof.

The huge 10,000 mAh battery gives you and amazing playtime of 24 hours worth of long battery life.

It has 100% pure titanium drivers and BassUp technology. The speakers produce 30 Watts providing high-quality sound. Operates with Bluetooth Version 5.0

This is one of the best waterproof speakers, I don’t mean it’s water-resistant and can handle a few splashes, it’s actually designed to float on water. If you take your electronics with you while kayaking, canoeing or fishing, this may be an excellent choice.

The Soundcore companion app allows you to adjust the equalizer settings to get the perfect sound for the types of music you enjoy.

The built-in handle makes it easy to carry, but, also adds some bulk so it doesn’t pack as neatly compared to more streamlined designs.

The latest model of the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom’s stats.

  • Size: 13.62 x 5.83 x 7.87 inches
  • Weight: 4.41 lbs
  • Speaker Output: 30 Watts
  • Battery Life: 24 hours playtime
  • Waterproof: IPX7 Waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $100 – Check Current Price

Upgraded sister product: This speaker plays in mono, you need to upgrade to the Soundcore Anker Motion Boom Plus if you want a single speaker that produces stereo sound. The Motion Boom Plus also has a 3.5mm AUX input which allows you to connect via a cable to non-Bluetooth devices like TVs and computers.


#3 Bose Soundlink Flex

Bose Soundlink FlexBose Soundlink FlexBose Soundlink Flex

 

The Bose Qtechnology is a nice feature of this speaker. It detects the position of the speaker’s orientation and environment then automatically adjusts to provide optimal sound quality.

Its custom-engineered transducer dispenses great sound, as most Bose speakers do, with consistent clarity and richly deep audio.

With an IP67 waterproof rating, this speaker is waterproof and dustproof. It even floats. It’s also resistant to corrosion and UV light.

Use a USB-C cable to charge the lithium-ion battery that provides 12 hours of life per charge.

This soundbar is a really convenient size and weight, perfect for mobility.

You won’t find tons of camping smart speakers, but this one has a built-in microphone that allows you to use it like a speakerphone. You can make and receive calls. You hit one button to access your mobile device’s Siri or Google voice assistants to use voice commands. The speaker’s software is automatically updated through the Bose Connect mobile app.

The latest model of the Bose Soundlink Flex’s stats.

  • Size: 2.06 x 7.93 x 3.56 inches
  • Weight: 1.30 pounds
  • Speaker Output: 20 Watts
  • Battery Life: 12 hours life
  • Waterproof: IP67 waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $130 – Check Current Price

#4 Tribit StormBox Micro 2

Tribit StormBox Micro 2Tribit StormBox Micro 2Tribit StormBox Micro 2

 

This is one of the best outdoor speakers in the smaller pocket-sized and double-digit price categories.

The rechargeable battery give your 12 hours of playtime. The water resistant USB-C charging port can charge your smartphone, tablet and other accessories.

It’s IP67 waterproof rating makes it perfect for dusty campgrounds as well as wet outdoor backyard pool parties.

You’ll be surprised with the excellent sound quality that comes out of such a small package. With 90 decibels and 10 Watts, you’ll hear loud sound with deep bass. The technology behind the incredible sound is the 48mm NdFeB driver, integration of passive radiators and XBASS technology providing an impressive bass range.

The Bluetooth 5.3 technology improves your music’s transmission speed providing a low latency listening experience.

This compact unit can be clipped from backpacks, tree branches, tents, backpacks, belt loop or even a bike’s handlebar. The built-in strap makes it easy to carry.

The latest model is the Tribit StormBox Micro 2, here are the stats.

  • Size: 4.1 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches
  • Weight: 1.01 lbs
  • Speaker Output: 10 Watts
  • Battery Life: 12 hours playtime
  • Waterproof: IP67 Waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $60 – Check Current Price

#5 Anker Soundcore Flare Mini

Soundcore Flare MiniSoundcore Flare MiniSoundcore Flare Mini

 

The Flare Mini is a great option for the camper who is living on a budget, but, wants to live large in an affordable way.

You’ll enjoy the 360-degree sound because the neodymium drivers push out the sound in all directions. The BassUp technology, multi-band DRC and dual IIR passive radiators work together to create impressive sound.

A fully charged battery gives you playtime of 12 hours, better battery life than you might expect at this price.

In addition to playing music, the light options have to be one of the best extra features you could possibly experience. The 8 individual LED lights are almost like little lanterns, they flash, phase, pulse and glow to the rhythm of your music. There are 5 lighting modes available. This ambiance feature takes nighttime outdoor use to a whole new level. Let the good times roll on your next camping trip!

The IPX7 rating protects from water and dust, it can even survive complete submersion in water up to 30 minutes.

The Soundcore app allows you to set a personal listening profile to match your music style, then adjust the lights to complete the package.

We think this is one of the best bluetooth speakers without the high price range.

The latest model is the Anker Soundcore Flare Mini, here are the stats.

  • Size: 6.16 x 3.56 x 3.56 inches
  • Weight: 1.00 lbs
  • Speaker Output: 10W
  • Battery Life: 12 Hours Playtime
  • Waterproof: IPX7 Waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $43 – Check Current Price

#6 JBL Go 3

JBL Go 3JBL Go 3JBL Go 3

 

We think this is the best portable speaker on the market today in the small size category. It is pocket-sized and weighs just over a half pound so it’s great for car camping or backpack tent campers who want lightweight gear that is compact and easy to carry.

This speaker produces good sound compared to larger units that are too bulky for minimalist camping.

The waterproof and dustproof IP67 rating is the best option when out in the elements. The loop is great way to hang the speaker from backpacks and tree limbs.

With a full charge it has 5 hours of battery life.

The latest model is the JBL Go 3, here are the stats.

  • Size: 1.61 x 3.46 x 2.95 inches
  • Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Speaker Output: 4.2 Watts
  • Battery Life: 5 hours playtime
  • Waterproof: IP67 Waterproof
  • Price: Approximately $50 – Check Current Price

Upgraded sister product: There is a huge range of sizes, shapes and prices when it comes to JBL speakers. The JBL Clip 4 (the design has an integrated carabiner clip) could be the best choice if you want something about the same size and weight of the Go 3, but, with double the playtime. It’s a bit more expensive but it may be worth it if you don’t have a solar panel/charging device or some other power source to recharge the Go 3 after the estimated 5 hours of playtime.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker Reviews - Big Sound, Small Budget Portable Wireless Speaker Reviews! Find A Speaker That Fits Your Mobility Needs - This speaker is small enough to fit in a drink holder - Camping For Foodies .com

Larger But Still Portable Options

If you’re really serious about partying in the wilderness, this might be the best outdoor speaker you could ever find!

Portable Bluetooth Speaker Reviews - Big Sound, Small Budget Portable Wireless Speaker Reviews! This speaker doubles as a PA system, has a USB charge port and easily fits on a picnic table - Camping For Foodies .com

ION Block Rocker Plus Tailgater

ION Block Rocker PlusION Block Rocker PlusION Block Rocker Plus

 

In addition to being a wireless speaker, it also has a karaoke microphone for those wanna-be rock stars who want to belt out the lyrics of their favorite song. In addition to bluetooth, the unit can also be used with a 3.5 millimeter stereo aux cable or with it’s built-in AM/FM radio.

At almost 21 pounds, it’s on the heavier side so you’ll appreciate the durable case, wheels and telescopic handle.

The rechargeable battery boasts a massive 50 hour run time. Compatible electronic devices can be charged with the USB port, including laptops, keyboards, tablets and smartphones.

Impressive sound is produced by an 8 inch woofer and wide dispersion tweeter. A 100 watt peak power amplifier gives this unit its volume and bass.

The latest model is the ION Block Rocker Plus, here are the stats.

  • Size: 9.85 x 17.33 x 14.57 inches
  • Weight: 20.7 pounds
  • Speaker Output: 100 Watt
  • Battery Life: 50 hours
  • Price: Approximately $160 – Check Current Price

FREE Camping Trip Planner

Make your next trip stress-free with a little pre-planning. Get your copy of our FREE printable camping trip planner template!

Camping Trip Planner Template Free Printable by CampingForFoodies is a whimsical illustration of a cute old orange car towing a blue and white vintage camper trailer down a road in a landscape of green trees, light green grass and brown mountains with fluffy clouds in a blue sky; thumbnail images of multiple pages of a camping trip planner under the text that reads camping free trip planner.

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