What is the difference between WiFi and Bluetooth speakers?

Wifi and Bluetooth speakers both connect wirelessly to music-playing devices within a certain range. However, WiFi speakers depend on internet connection whereas Bluetooth speakers can be used in public spaces or remote areas where WiFi isn’t available.

Are large speakers better?

Larger speakers tend to sound better than smaller speakers. This is because they can play louder music and more bass.

How long do speakers last?

Because certain speaker parts can degrade over time, speakers don’t last forever. Still, high quality options can last 10 to 20 years or more.

The 9 Best Speakers for Teens of 2023

Bluetooth speakers are an ideal gift or audio accessory for today’s tech-savvy teenagers. With a portable speaker, teens can listen to their favorite music, podcasts, or anything else, all while remaining wire-free.

When shopping for a speaker for teens, you'll want to consider whether it's waterproof or water-resistant (based on their needs), how good the sound quality is, and overall size for portability. We carefully reviewed design, sound quality, size and shape, value, and water-resistance when reviewing products.

Whether you're in the market for the perfect gift or just want to surprise your kiddo, these are the best speakers for teens.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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Best for Easy Pairing:

JBL Flip 5 at Amazon

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Best iOS and Android Compatible:

Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker at Amazon

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Best Portable:

Soundcore Flare Mini Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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Best Waterproof:

Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Waterproof Speaker at Amazon

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Best Portable Runner-Up:

JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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Best Battery Life:

Marshall Stockwell II Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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Most Stylish:

Crosley Charlotte Vintage Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Best Buy

Pros

Has voice prompts
Water-resistant

Cons

Not waterproof

We named the Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II our top pick because it packs strong sounds into a bold, colorful, small speaker. Devices are easily paired via voice prompts to other Soundlink products, creating a surround sound-like experience. The battery life holds for eight hours and while it’s not waterproof, this speaker is water-resistant, so it should be safe poolside or outdoors.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 2.19 x 5 x 5.16 inches | Product Weight: 1.19 pounds | Waterproof: No | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 8 hours}

Amazon

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Pros

Long battery life
Budget-friendly
Earphone jack

Cons

Bold branding may not be everyone's style
Some reviewers say bass could be improved

An extremely budget-friendly option, this is a perfect teen-friendly Bluetooth speaker. Good sound quality paired with portability and up to 24 hours of battery life make it a smart choice for younger kids (or those who may not be the most responsible). Some reviewers don’t appreciate the bold branding, but for the price tag, most find it can easily be ignored.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches | Product Weight: 0.79 pounds | Waterproof: Yes | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 24 hours}

4.2

Amazon

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Pros

Speaker can stand vertically and horizontally
Waterproof
More than 10 color options

Cons

No microphone (cannot answer phone calls)
Not compatible with older models

A high-quality speaker at a reasonable price, this choice checks the boxes for most teens’ needs. With 12 hours of playtime, teens can pair this waterproof speaker with multiple speakers for a party boost. Even the pickiest teen will appreciate one of the 14 vibrant colors available and that this speaker can stand both vertically or horizontally. Many reviewers praise the loud and high-quality acoustics and long battery life. Unlike some Bluetooth-enabled speakers, the model does not include a microphone and cannot be used to answer a phone.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.7 x 2.9 inches | Product Weight: 1.2 pounds | Waterproof: Yes | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 12 hours}

Amazon

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Pros

USB rechargeable with lightning charging cable
Connects to phones
Easy pairing

Cons

Costly
Not waterproof

Fans of Beats products will likely enjoy this portable speaker just as much, if not more, than any other Beats gear. Able to link with Apple and Android devices seamlessly, the Beats speaker makes it so easy to connect to and use your phone, so teens can make and receive calls with clarity (when they take a minute to pause the music). The speaker comes with a lightning charging cable, so along with the 12-hour battery life, the speaker can charge phones. Reviewers praise both the easy pairing and bumping sound quality.

Price at time of publication: $155

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 22 x 8.2 inches | Product Weight: 1.28 pounds | Waterproof: No | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 12 hours}

Amazon

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Pros

Compact design
Optional LED lights
Waterproof

Cons

Music may sound distorted at higher volume level
Buttons on device may be touchy

Compactly designed at just 6 ½ inches by 2 inches, this little guy is small enough to stash in a bag and take anywhere music is needed. Don’t let the small size fool you; reviewers note that the 360-degree sound works loud and clear, especially for the price point. Along with amazing acoustics, this speaker is designed to work with any device, including iPhones, tablets, Chromebooks, and more. For adventurous types, it’s also waterproof (up to 30 minutes submerged), so it’s a great option for the pool, day on the boat, or trip to the beach. With up to 12 hours of battery and the option for pulsing LED lights, this is a great choice for a teen on the go.

Price at time of publication: $43

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 2 inches | Product Weight: 1 pound | Waterproof: Yes | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 12 hours}

Amazon

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Pros

Completely waterproof
Rechargeable battery

Cons

Costly

This waterproof speaker is virtually indestructible. It floats, can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, is covered in extreme-performance fabric, and has a bungee loop for easy attachment to virtually anything. With 360-degree sound, the battery lasts up to 15 hours, so your teen will have all day to enjoy the tunes. Reviewers praise its durability and while it’s easy to pair with a Bluetooth device, many also recommend the BOOM app for an even easier interface.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.9 x 7.25 inches | Product Weight: 1.8 pounds | Waterproof: Yes | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 15 hours}

4.2

Amazon

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Pros

Long battery life
Small design
Impressive sound quality

Cons

Cannot stand on its own
Full volume may sound distorted to some

Shower singers rejoice! This small but mighty portable speaker comes with an integrated carabiner clip, so this speaker can hang out in the shower, on a beach bag or backpack, or anywhere your teen goes. Measuring just 4 inches by 4 inches, there’s a big sound in the small package. With 10 hours of battery life, reviewers are impressed by this small speaker’s sound quality and portability. It cannot stand up on its own, but the carabiner makes it a great portable option.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 inches | Product Weight: 0.5 pounds | Waterproof: Yes | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 10 hours}

Amazon

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Pros

Long battery life
Retro-inspired design
Durable

Cons

A little heavier and bigger than most speakers
Costly

With over 20 hours of playtime from a single charge, this speaker makes sure your teen is never without tunes. Outfitted with a pint-sized frame and retro guitar-inspired carrying strap, this is a very stylish speaker. Rugged and durable, there’s a visual battery life indicator on the top of the speaker, making it super easy to check the battery levels. Weighing just over 2 pounds, reviewers appreciate the extremely strong and clear sound, portability, and cool look.

Price at time of publication: $220

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 2.75 inches | Product Weight: 2.2 pounds | Waterproof: No | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 20 hours}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Wireless Bluetooth or aux-in options available
Additional USB plug available
Vintage design

Cons

Sound quality could use some improvement

Stylish teens will love rocking out with a minimalistic and elegant speaker. The intuitive design makes it easy to switch between wireless Bluetooth and an aux-in option, so you can plug in a turntable or other device. There’s also an additional USB plug, so teens can charge their phone while listening to music. A rechargeable battery plus a power adapter gives your teen lots of options. While this speaker may not boast the highest sound quality out of all the options, image-conscious teens will appreciate the cool look and extra features.

^{Key Specs:
Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 9.84 x 4.33 inches | Product Weight: 2.2 pounds | Waterproof: Not listed | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: Not listed}

Final Verdict

For a speaker at a reasonable price, check out our best overall pick, the JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (view on Amazon). With 12 hours of playtime, teens can pair this waterproof speaker with multiple speakers, choose from more than 10 color options, and it can stand up vertically or lay it on its side.

If you don't mind splurging, there's also the Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker (view on Amazon). Able to link with Apple and Android devices seamlessly, the Beats speaker makes it so easy to connect to and use your phone, so teens can make and receive calls with clarity.

What to Look For in Speakers for Teens

Portability

Teenagers keep themselves pretty busy, whether it's hanging out with friends, working, doing homework, or just lounging at home. During these times, many teens love to listen to their favorite music, podcasts, books, and more. Because many teens have a busy schedule, a portable speaker will ensure they can listen to their favorite things anywhere they'd like.

Check out speakers that are small and lightweight for travel, but don't sacrifice on sound quality despite their small design. Additionally, some speakers feature a carrying handle to make on-the-go portability that much easier. This allows your teen to take their speaker over to a friend's house or move it around their room with ease.

Water Resistance

Before you make a decision, it's important to know the differences between waterproof and water-resistant. Many parents and caregivers, and even teens, don't realize the two are not the same, and not knowing the difference may damage the speaker you choose for your teen to enjoy.

If a speaker is waterproof, this means it will not be affected by any water it may come into contact with. Many waterproof speakers can actually be submerged for a certain period of time, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. These types of speakers are perfect for days by the pool or lake, or even for some tunes while taking a shower.

A water-resistant speaker provides some protection against water. Water-resistant speakers are typically designed to prevent water from entering the device, but it's still possible for water to slip through. It's best to keep water-resistant speakers away from water, knowing that it's probably going to be fine if it accidentally gets a bit wet.

Sound Quality

It's no secret all speakers don't sound the same, one aspect you definitely want to consider is sound quality. There are two measurements of sound quality to look for: frequency and total harmonic distortion.

Total harmonic distortion tells you how much voltage or current is distorted due to the signal's harmonics. Aim for a number under 1%; the lower the number, the better the sound quality.
Frequency usually ranges from 20 kHz (the top frequency, which most of us cannot actually hear) to 100 Hz, which has a deeper bass and better sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between WiFi and Bluetooth speakers?

Wifi and Bluetooth speakers both connect wirelessly to music-playing devices within a certain range. However, WiFi speakers depend on internet connection whereas Bluetooth speakers can be used in public spaces or remote areas where WiFi isn’t available.
Are large speakers better?

Larger speakers tend to sound better than smaller speakers. This is because they can play louder music and more bass.
How long do speakers last?

Because certain speaker parts can degrade over time, speakers don’t last forever. Still, high quality options can last 10 to 20 years or more.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. While she doesn’t have any teens yet (eek!), her kids do have some very specific musical tastes (hello Hamilton, “Old Town Road,” and “Bean Bag Boogie”), so maybe it’s a good thing her house isn’t filled with portable Bluetooth speakers.

Best Overall

Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker II

Best Budget

Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker

Best for Easy Pairing

JBL Flip 5

Best iOS and Android Compatible

Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker

Best Portable

Soundcore Flare Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Best Waterproof

Ultimate Ears Portable BOOM 3 Waterproof Speaker

Best Portable Runner-Up

JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker

Best Battery Life

Marshall Stockwell II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Most Stylish

Crosley CR3028A-WS Charlotte Vintage Bluetooth Speaker