A Bluetooth speaker is one of those devices that, once you find one you like, you won't be able to imagine how you lived without it. And since Bluetooth and speakers aren't exactly new technology, you'll find that this is one of the larger product categories in the tech world (admittedly, this feels like the case for almost anything you buy these days).

Enter: the Mashable tech and shopping teams. We stay on top of the latest Bluetooth speaker releases from brands like Sony, JBL, Bose, Sonos, and Marshall, while also applying our audio and product testing expertise to determine when old favorites are the better choice. We spend time testing the speakers in our own homes, evaluating the sound, portability, and, of course, price.

For 2026, our top picks include bass-thumping party speakers from Sony, the near-indestructible JBL Charge 6, and the charmingly retro Marshall Emberton III.

These are the tech, tools, and products — from laptops to e-readers, from earbuds to robovacs, and more — that Mashable ranks best in class.

The JBL Charge 6 is big enough to produce sound that will fill an outdoor party, yet still small enough to live on your bookshelf. Plus, it can charge other devices with a USB-C connection. On balance, we think it's the best Bluetooth speaker for most people right now.

The Charge 6 is one of the latest speakers from JBL, the brand behind the popular Flip Bluetooth speakers . Though the Charge 6 is bigger and $50 more expensive, we prefer it for the versatility and superior sound it offers.

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