The $40 Bluetooth speaker owners keep raving about (and 4 more worth a look)

The JBL Flip 6 is the speaker we'd recommend first to almost anyone. It's small enough for a backpack bottle pocket, yet reviewers say it sounds bigger and clearer than you'd expect, with solid bass for its size. It's rated IP67 for water and dust, so beach days and pool parties are fine. Battery life is rated at up to 12 hours, and you can link it with other compatible JBL speakers for more volume. The JBL Portable app adds an EQ. JBL has released a newer Flip 7, but the Flip 6 often sells for less and remains an excellent value.

The Bose SoundLink Flex is a favorite for people who want vocals and acoustic music to sound clear and natural. Reviewers praise its clarity and balanced tuning at this size. It's rated IP67, it floats, and the silicone and powder-coated steel build shrugs off drops. A utility loop makes it easy to hang from a backpack or shower rod. Battery life is rated at up to 12 hours. It has less bass than the JBL Flip 6, and the Bose app is fairly basic. For podcasts, singer-songwriters and everyday listening, it's an excellent pick.

The UE Wonderboom 4 is built for abuse. It's waterproof, dustproof and drop resistant, and it floats, so it's a natural fit for pools, lakes and camp sites. The round shape spreads sound in all directions, and an Outdoor Boost mode adds volume and clarity when you're outside. Battery life is rated at up to 14 hours, and the Wonderboom 4 now charges over USB-C. You can pair two for stereo sound. Bass is limited by its small size, and there's no app for EQ. For rough-and-tumble use, few speakers are as worry-free.

The Anker Soundcore 2 has been a go-to cheap speaker for years, and it's still a great buy. Owners praise its long battery life, often stretching through a full day or more of music, and its sound is clear with more bass than most speakers this cheap. It's rated IPX7, so splashes and rain are no problem. The simple rectangular design fits easily on a desk, in a kitchen or in a beach bag. It's not as loud or refined as the JBL or Bose, and it isn't dustproof. For a dorm room, a kid's first speaker or a backup, it's hard to beat.

The JBL Charge 5 steps up to bigger sound and longer battery life. Reviewers like its deep bass and higher volume, which fill a backyard or patio better than smaller speakers. It's rated IP67 and is rated at up to 20 hours of playback. A USB port lets it double as a power bank for your phone in a pinch. You can link it with other compatible JBL speakers for even more volume. It's heavier and pricier than the Flip 6, and JBL has released a newer Charge 6. For cookouts and gatherings, though, it's a dependable crowd pleaser.