You don't have to buy the newest or most expensive Bluetooth speaker for awesome sound — here are my top picks for any occasion that won't break the bank

Tribit StormBox Mini+ — (Image credit: Future)

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Under $30
Under $50
Under $100

As part of the reviews team here at Tom's Guide, I spend a lot of my time testing the newest Bluetooth speakers. That means a lot of time with music booming in my ears while judging what products are actually worth your money.

One thing I've learned along the way is that spending more money doesn't always get you better sound quality performance, and sometimes you can get exactly what you need by picking some of the cheapest options.

Under $30

The Tribit PocketGo is the ultimate all-rounder speaker. I rely on it for pretty much every situation, and it never fails to bring the volume while maintaining well-balanced sound. The audio quality is great, making my favorite songs sound amazing, and some EQ adjustments in the companion app can make the sound even better. The PocketGo has a durability rating of IP68, so it can even withstand being submerged underwater and has military-grade drop resistance. The 20 hours of battery life are the cherry on top for this reliable and compact speaker.

Under $50

The Tribit StormBox Mini+ is one of the best-performing speakers you can get in this price range. Retailing for just $39 (but it can often be found on sale at Amazon), it boasts a powerful bass response that will blow you away despite its small size, and detailed vocals to hear your favorite music in detail. The StormBox Mini+ also sports reactive LED lighting, which can create a party while listening, and it has an IPX7 waterproofing so it can be used poolside or in the shower. This speaker also supports stereo sound if you purchase two speakers.

Under $100

The Edifier ES20 is a powerful, stylish speaker with remarkably loud output — it seriously shocked me. The speaker has a durability rating of IP67, meaning it has total protection from dust and can even be submerged underwater and come out unscathed. It even comes with a stereo pairing option for creating better sound. It excels with electronic/pop music, but heavier rock music suffers from static, so that's worth keeping in mind. There's no custom EQ option either, so music tech fanatics may feel let down. Even so, the ES20 is under $90 (and can often be found on sale), so I’d recommend it to the more budget-conscious among you who still want great sound performance.

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a small speaker with huge sound. Despite its light build, this speaker has sound that really packs a punch. But that loud volume comes with a downside because it vibrates with high volumes, but mid-volumes give great sound. It also looks good, with a slick style and large volume control buttons that are convenient for quick volume changes, and the funky color options mean there's an option for everyone. The Wonderboom 4 is ready for anything because it's waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof, making it the ideal companion for pool days, outdoor gatherings or just playing music in your room.

The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is a boombox-style speaker that is sure to impress any friends you have over, if not for its flashy built-in lighting, then for the floor-shaking bass. I mean, seriously, if you purchase this speaker, I feel bad for your neighbours. It handles a variety of genres with ease, and vocals stand out. It has a handy carry strap and handle, and is lightweight compared to other large speakers, so it's a great option for outdoors... although it doesn't have any dustproofing, so make sure there's no sand around.

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good novel or out hiking.