When shopping for the best budget speaker, it can be hard to figure out the best option. They say: “Good sound doesn’t come cheap.” But nowadays, that adage is much less true than it used to be—especially if you know where to look.
Luckily, we’re experts in finding good products at affordable prices, and if you’re looking for the best speakers on a budget, you have come to the right place.
sponsored message
We took our time to find out the best budget speakers for your needs and gathered them into this list.
10+ Best Budget Speakers in 2022
- JBL Charge 5 — The best budget speakers in 2022 overall (Editor’s choice)
- JBL Clip 4 — The best affordable budget speakers
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 — The best value budget speakers
- Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) — The best smart budget speaker
- Creative Pebble Plus — The best budget desktop speakers
- Sony S100F — The best soundbar on a budget
- Logitech Z623 — The best budget home speaker system
- JBL Go 3 — The best budget waterproof speaker
- BIC America F12 — The best budget subwoofer
- Polk Audio T15 — The best budget bookshelf speakers
What are the Best Budget Speakers in 2022?
People love listening to their favorite music or podcasts so having great speakers, especially on a budget is a great deal. While there are many options out there, in our opinion, the best budget speakers in 2022 are the Charge 5 from JBL.
Interested in some of our other top picks? Check out our comparison table below.
How to Choose the Best Budget Speaker
If you’re in the market for a new set of speakers, here are some technical aspects to consider:
Type
There are many different types of speakers that offer different features and sound quality. A Bluetooth speaker might be your best bet if you want something compact and portable. However, other options are also available such as:
sponsored message
Home Theater
In a home theater setup; you’ll need speakers that can handle both music and movies. These speakers can deliver sound from all directions, including surround sound effects. They also have dedicated subwoofers for low-frequency sounds.
Tower/Floor Standing
Tower or floor-standing speakers are amazing for large spaces where you can appreciate the full sound they produce. The downside is that they take up quite a bit of space—and if your room is small, then a set of bookshelf speakers is probably a better option for you.
Soundbar
sponsored message
Many people think of soundbars as primarily for TV audio. They are also an excellent option for stereo music listening if you don’t want to go with floor-standing tower speakers or bookshelf/bookshelf models. Some even come with Bluetooth connectivity to stream music from your smartphone or tablet directly through them.
Bookshelf
These are standard home stereo speakers that provide good sound while taking up minimal space in your room—ideal if yours has limited floor space!
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is a speaker that produces low frequencies (bass). Typical subwoofers have one or more drivers and may be powered by an amplifier or by passive amplification from the receiver if you’re using a home theater system. If you want to enjoy rich bass notes, a subwoofer is essential.
Center-channel
A center channel speaker is a part of every sound setup and rests between the front left and right speakers. It has three main purposes. One is to provide clear dialogue. The second purpose is to balance out other sounds like footsteps if they’re offscreen somewhere in front of us while watching movies. Thirdly and most importantly, it helps define where sounds come from so we can look toward them without even noticing we’re doing so.
Connectivity
While it’s important to consider the type of speaker you want before shopping for one, other factors should be considered. For instance, most speakers will come with at least one set of connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, but some may also offer other options such as HDMI inputs or optical ports. If you want to watch TV or play games with your new speaker system, this could be an important feature.
Price
Another factor worth considering is the price point. There are plenty of great budget-friendly options available today. We recommend steering clear from any product priced over $500 unless they offer something truly unique beyond being cheaper than competitors.
Waterproofing
If your speaker will be used outdoors or in areas that might get wet from rain or snow (or even pets), it’s essential to choose a speaker with proper waterproofing certifications such as IP67 so that it won’t be damaged by moisture exposure. Most outdoor-grade models offer this feature but check before buying!
Battery Life
The battery life on most Bluetooth speakers ranges from eight to 24 hours, depending on use and how loud you play them. Keep this number in mind when deciding so that your speaker doesn’t unexpectedly switch off during a party or movie session.
10+ Best Budget Speakers in 2022
1. JBL Charge 5 (Editor’s Choice)
The best budget speaker in 2022 overall
sponsored message
Power: 30W + 10W tweeter | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, USB-A | Waterproofing: IP67 | Battery life: 20 hours | Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.67 x 3.76 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds
The JBL Charge 5 brings some massive improvements over the previous generations and is a great choice if you are looking for waterproof. Bluetooth speakers come with an affordable price tag. It is quite portable, weighing in at just over two pounds. The casing is made from plastic, and the bottom of the speaker features rubber feet to help prevent damage caused by sliding around while playing music.
It delivers high-quality audio output with crisp highs and deep bass tones, which can be adjusted based on personal preference through the JBL connect app. The speaker is waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating so that it won’t get ruined in a pool or bathtub, and it floats so you can tell if it’s missing. Plus, the intuitive design also makes it easy to use.
The speakerphone also works great for hands-free calls on your phone, and its battery life lasts 20 hours. You’ll never have to worry about losing power mid-call once fully charged. To sum things up, this product gets five stars across the board for being stylishly designed yet ruggedly constructed to boot and on a budget.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Exceptional sound quality | ➖Bulky |
| ➕Waterproof and dustproof | ➖No aux jack |
| ➕Easy to use | |
| ➕Doubles up as a power bank | |
| ➕ Long-lasting battery life |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- JBL Pro Sound with an optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter and dual JBL bass radiators
- Long lasting battery delivers up to 20 hours of playtime
- Take the Charge with you anywhere due to its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
- PartyBoost feature allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together in stereo or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for really incredible sound
- Built-in powerbank lets you charge your devices without taking a break
2. JBL Clip 4
The best affordable budget speaker
Power: 5W | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Waterproofing: IP67 | Battery life: 10 hours | Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.4 x 5.25 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds
The JBL Clip 4 is a portable speaker that comes with a built-in carabiner so you can easily attach it to your backpack, purse or belt loop. It’s an excellent choice for listening to music indoors and on any outdoor adventure because of its size and durability. The Clip 4 has two 40mm drivers for full, clear sound that will fill small spaces without overpowering them.
This little speaker delivers on sound quality and battery life. It offers decent bass and some separation between highs and lows. For the price, it’s hard to find another Bluetooth speaker that sounds this good or lasts as long on a single charge.
You can also use the JBL Connect app to pair two Clips together for stereo sound—perfect if you want a little more oomph from your tunes on your travels. Additionally, it also comes with a protective hardshell case. Overall, we think the JBL Clip 4 is worth it if you need something portable and durable enough for spending time at the beach or poolside without spending much.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Smartly-designed carabiner | ➖No mic |
| ➕Loud for its compact size | |
| ➕USB-C charging | |
| ➕IP67 rating | |
| ➕Affordable | |
| ➕Free hardshell case |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- This bundle includes (1) JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker and (1) divvi! Clip 4 Protective Hardshell Case
- JBL Clip 4’s ultra–portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its colorful fabrics and expressive details make it look as great as it sounds
- To the pool. To the park. JBL Clip 4 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere
- Bold style and ultra–portable design - Upgraded integrated carabiner
- Hardshell Case: Soft velvet lining with nylon strap cradle - Storage compartment keeps accessories neatly organized
3. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
The best value budget speaker
Power: N/A | Connectivity: Bluetooth, microUSB | Waterproofing: IP67 | Battery life: 13 hours | Dimensions: 3.68 x 3.68 x 4.02 inches | Weight: 15 ounces
If you want to get a speaker that’s loud, water-resistant, and sounds great for a low price, we recommend the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2. Despite being diminutive in size, this budget speaker punches above its weight in terms of features and sound quality. It’s small, light, and easy to carry around—making it ideal for outdoor use and traveling.
In terms of audio quality, it is better than many expensive Bluetooth speakers at a higher price. It has 360° sound that fills up any room, with omnidirectional speakers on all sides so you can enjoy music. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 also comes with an IP67 rating for protection against dust and water damage so that it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
It also has an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours when fully charged, so you can keep listening throughout the day without recharging it frequently. You can control the volume from your phone or the buttons on top of the speaker: one button increases volume while another decreases it. Plug it into your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you’re good to go!
If you are looking for something that won’t break the bank, this is one of the best budget speakers. We recommend pairing two Wonderboom 2 speakers for a truly wireless stereo experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Powerful bass | ➖No battery life indicator |
| ➕Waterproof and dustproof | ➖No mic |
| ➕Value for money | |
| ➕Stereo pairing mode | |
| ➕Compact and portable | |
| ➕Outdoor mode |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Surprisingly bigger 360 sound: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a wireless Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly bigger 360 degree sound and additional bass. Mobile range - 30 m
- New outdoor boost: push the outdoor boost button on this ultra portable speaker to instantly increase loudness and clarity for outdoor listening.
- 13 hr battery: powering 13 whopping hours of killer sound, The long lasting battery sees you through day trips, beach detours and biking adventures. Charge time: 2.6 hours (with BC1.2 compliant...
- Waterproof, dustproof & floats: IP67 rating means it’s waterproof, dustproof and it floats! Use it in the pool, the beach or as a shower speaker.
- Double up, Now in stereo: pair two WONDERBOOM 2 speakers to party louder in mono or stereo mode. onnect up to 2 source devices simultaneously, wireless play (stream) music from either one
4. Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation)
The best smart budget speaker
Power: 15W | Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, 3.5mm jack | Waterproofing: IP67 | Battery life: N/A | Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 12.3 oz
Smart speakers are the latest trend in the audio industry, and if you are planning to buy one for the first time, the 4th generation Amazon Echo Dot is a great place to start. Despite being a smart device, it is one of the most affordable and capable speakers on the market and will let you try out all of the capabilities of a smart speaker before without burning a hole in your pocket.
The new fourth-generation Echo Dot is a small, cute little device that you can connect to your existing home Wi-Fi network and control with your voice. It’ll do everything an Alexa-enabled device can do—like playing music, reading audiobooks, controlling other smart devices in your home, and more—but at half the price of its pricier siblings.
This device comes equipped with seven microphones that use second-generation far-field technology and Dolby processing for 360 degrees of omnidirectional audio. With all these features included in this small and affordable package, why wouldn’t anyone want to buy one?
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Good sound quality | ➖Weak bass |
| ➕Alexa enabled | |
| ➕Attractive design | |
| ➕3.5mm output | |
| ➕Pocket-friendly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Meet Echo Dot with clock - Our most popular smart speaker with Alexa. The sleek, compact design delivers crisp vocals and balanced bass for full sound.
- Perfect for your nightstand - See the time, alarms, and timers on the LED display. Tap the top to snooze an alarm.
- Ready to help - Ask Alexa to tell a joke, play music, answer questions, play the news, check the weather, set alarms, and more.
- Control your smart home - Use your voice to turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors with compatible devices.
- Start Routines with your motion - Turn on compatible lights, play your Flash Briefing, or turn on the coffee maker when you walk into the room.
5. Creative Pebble Plus
The best desktop speakers on a budget
Power: 16W | Connectivity: 3.5mm jack, USB, RCA | Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 8 inches | Weight: 5.45 pounds
The Creative Pebble Plus has a price tag that’s on the lower end of this list, but you get more than what you pay for. It’s small and compact, so it’s easy to carry around in your bag. Boasting an impressive 360-degree soundscape, these 2-way bookshelf speakers deliver a balanced output and feature a handy volume control knob that lets you adjust your listening experience with ease.
The Plus version is identical to the standard Pebble, except it has an RCA output which is useful if you want to connect your speaker to something like a receiver. It also has an auxiliary input—and no wall-wart power supply! You don’t have to find an outlet near where you’re going to put the speakers; just plug in any audio source using a 3.5mm jack or USB and enjoy music without hassle.
The price alone will make you want to grab them up, but they also have a great sound that’s well-suited for many types of music. The 2” mid-range drivers are angled at 45°, which means that you get a better soundstage and more accurate placement than most other speakers in this price range.
The Creative Pebble Plus gives you a listening experience that should keep your friends coming back for more—unless they get too jealous over how good these things sound!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Futuristic design | ➖No bass controls |
| ➕Perfectly angled drivers | ➖Cable clutter |
| ➕Includes a subwoofer | |
| ➕Powerful, room-filling sound | |
| ➕Plenty of connectivity options |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- POWERFUL DOWN-FIRING SUBWOOFER | The Creative Pebble Plus features a newly designed standalone 4” down-firing ported subwoofer for remarkable power and depth, providing a significant audio...
- 45° ELEVATED DRIVERS | Featuring 2” mid-range drivers that are elevated at 45°, the Pebble Plus speakers are specifically angled towards you, providing the best soundstage while ensuring that you...
- HIGH GAIN MODE | Bring out the most of the Creative Pebble Plus! With a simple switch of a button, access the High Gain Mode to increase the power output to 8W RMS with a 5V 2A USB adapter (not...
- EASY ACCESS VOLUME CONTROLS | The volume controls are conveniently located at the front of the speakers for easy and hassle-free access
- USB-POWERED FOR ADDED CONVENIENCE | Powered entirely by USB and connected to your devices via a universal 3.5mm AUX-in cable, the Pebble Plus eliminates the need for a wall socket while doubling up on...
6. Sony S100F
The best soundbar on a budget
Power: 120W | Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | Dimensions: 37.8 x 14.7 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 6.00 lbs
The Sony S100F soundbar adds a high-end audio experience to your living room. It boasts a two-speaker setup with a bass reflex speaker and delivers full, rich sound with punchy bass. Combined with the S-Force Pro sound engine, the soundbar produces clear dialogues and sound effects while creating a surround sound experience like watching a movie in a theater.
In terms of features, it offers Bluetooth connectivity to easily stream music from your smartphone or tablet without needing an auxiliary cable. You also get HDMI ARC support for connecting to an HDTV via HDMI cables, allowing you to control both the TV and soundbar using your TV remote instead of needing an extra remote control.
The Sony S100F has an elegant slim profile and will complement any corner of your home. It is also mountable to walls if you want to integrate it with your entertainment center making it an excellent option for any room where you want to listen to music or movies in style.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Great for TV and movies | ➖Insufficient bass |
| ➕Loud enough for most purposes | |
| ➕Plenty of connectivity options | |
| ➕Premium build quality |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
7. Logitech Z623
The best budget home speaker system
Power: 400W | Connectivity: 3.5mm jack, RCA | Dimensions: 17.31 x 11.87 x 12.25 inches | Weight: 18.15 pounds
If you want to spend less than $200 on a complete home speaker system, the Logitech Z623 is your best bet. The Z623 comes with two satellites, each with a 6-inch subwoofer. It has an impressive frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, which can produce deep bass tones. The bass can also be adjusted using the control knob on the speaker itself.
The Logitech Z623’s sound quality is good for its price range: clear highs and mids with enough bass for most people’s taste in movies and music. The satellites aren’t huge, but they can still produce some decent bass if you place them well in relation to your listening position.
Whether you want to connect the system to your desktop, TV, or console, you can do all of them simultaneously. The system has multiple connectivity options, including 3.5 mm and RCA inputs. You can easily connect the speakers up with any device without making any complicated changes in settings on either end of things—just plug them in!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Overall excellent sound quality | ➖Bluetooth adapter costs extra |
| ➕Can connect multiple devices at once | ➖No remote control |
| ➕Powerful output | |
| ➕THX certified | |
| ➕Superb value for money | |
| ➕Deep bass |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- THX-certified 2.1 speaker system brings your music, movies and games to life in immersive studio-quality audio; Satellites: 2 x 35 Watt
- RCA and 3.5 millimeter inputs make it easy to plug in up to 3 audio devices - your computer, iPod, game console, DVD player and more
- 2 satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer deliver sound big enough to fill even large entertainment rooms.Please Note: Kindly refer the User Guide before use.
- Compatible with Television,Computer,Smartphone,Tablet,Music player,DVD player,Blu-ray player,PlayStation,Xbox,Wii. System Requirements: Works with any device with either a headphone jack (3.5...
- 400 Watts Peak/200 Watts RMS power delivers amped audio from this 2.1 speaker system. Subwoofer-130 W. Dimensions( H x W x D)-Subwoofer-11.2 x 12.0 x 10.5 inches. Right Satellite-7.7 x 4.6 x 5.0...
8. JBL Go 3
The best budget waterproof speaker
Power: 4.2W | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C | Waterproofing: IP67 | Battery life: 5 hours | Dimensions: 5.16 x 3.74 x 1.89 inches | Weight: 10.2 ounces
If you’re after a portable speaker that does it all, we highly recommend the JBL Go 3. It’s small enough to pop in your pocket, feature-packed to the point where most people consider it overkill, and has good battery life. This is one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers under $100.
It has an IP67 waterproof rating that makes it splashproof, and its battery life lasts up to five hours per charge. The Go 3 also features a wireless range of up to 30 feet, which means you can move freely around your backyard or apartment without worrying about moving closer to your phone or laptop.
The JBL Go 3 looks as vivid as it sounds with a bold design made out of premium fabric available in eight unique and fun styles. Like every JBL speaker, it is compatible with the JBL Connect app, which lets users customize their listening experience by adjusting bass levels to create an amazing listening experience you have never heard before!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Ultra-portable and premium design | ➖Average battery life |
| ➕Rich sound | ➖Not very loud |
| ➕IP67 rating | |
| ➕Easy to use | |
| ➕Excellent value |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- JBL Pro Sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3’s ultra-compact size.
- JBL Go 3’s ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its design make it look as great as it sounds.
- JBL Go 3 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
- Wirelessly stream music from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device.
- JBL Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge.
9. BIC America F12
The best budget subwoofer
Power: 475W | Dimensions: 17 x 14.8 x 17 inches | Weight: 40.33 lbs
The F12 is another speaker that offers a lot for the money. It offers you the basics: good sound quality, compact size, and an affordable price tag. It’s also easy to set up and use, so if you want something basic that can deliver good sound without being complicated, this might be the best choice for you.
BIC also claims that this speaker is “virtually indestructible.” While you may not want to test that out yet, it’s hard to find any real fault with this speaker’s design or durability. A comprehensive 5-year warranty backs it.
The F12 features a 12-inch front-firing subwoofer capable of generating 475 watts of peak power. It has consistent volume, great frequency separation, and an impactful bass response that seems louder than it is.
The subwoofer also features an adjustable crossover, adjustable volume control, automatic signal sensing, high-level inputs, and both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS inputs. Due to all of these features, it is a real favorite among home enthusiasts. If you need a subwoofer for your home theater setup or simply a powerful speaker, the BIC America F12 should be your go-to choice!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Outstanding bass | ➖Bulky |
| ➕Adjustable crossover and volume control | |
| ➕Cheap for a subwoofer | |
| ➕Clear output at higher volumes |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Powered subwoofer with 12-inch injection molded long throw woofer; BASH designed amp
- Patented BIC "Venturi" vent eliminates port noise
- Adjustable crossover, adjustable volume control, automatic signal sensing
- Inputs for both Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital/DTS
- Backed by 5-year warranty
10. Polk Audio T15
The best on a budget bookshelf speakers
Power: 100W | Connectivity: AC 220-240 V | Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.5 x 10.7 inches | Weight: 8.25 lbs
The Polk Audio T15 is a bookshelf speaker that’s ideal for people who want to get more out of their music, but don’t have the space or money to invest in a full-blown surround sound system. With its 5-inch woofer, it produces bass comparable to much larger speakers. It also has a 1-inch tweeter for crisp high notes and balanced mid-tones.
Built like a tank, this speaker will stand up to years of use without showing signs of wear or tear. If anything does go wrong during your time together, you’re covered by Polk’s five-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. What’s more, it’s easy to set up and supports Dolby and DTS surround sound for an immersive listening experience.
The Polk Audio T15 is affordable, and it’ll give you considerably better sound quality than your TV speakers or computer speakers can provide. If you’re looking for something affordable and easy to use—and if you’re not committed to having an immersive audio experience—the versatile T15 is worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Sturdy build | ➖Lack of connectivity options |
| ➕Backed by a 5-year warranty | ➖Slightly outdated |
| ➕Decent sound quality overall | |
| ➕Supports Dolby and DTS | |
| ➕Cheap |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- GET SUPERIOR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE WITH IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Featuring (1) 0.75" tweeter & (1) 5.25" Dynamic Balance Driver, these speakers are designed to produce a natural, well-balanced...
- Use these wall-mountable bookshelf speakers as FRONT, LEFT-RIGHT SETUP, SURROUNDS OR AS REAR SPEAKERS and get mesmerized by detailed audio with crystal clear vocals, enough to fill any small to medium...
- CREATE A FULL-FLEDGED 5.1 HOME THEATER SETUP with the complete range of T-series speakers from Polk with two T50 Tower Speakers, one T30 Center Channel, two T15 Bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer
- Polk speakers are COMPATIBLE WITH MOST HOME THEATER AV RECEIVERS giving you many setup arrangement options - in single or multi-room with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1 systems or an immersive 5.1, 7.1 or 9.1 setup
- POLK'S UNMATCHED QUALITY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. With these value-priced speakers, you can now enjoy premium acoustics, high quality construction, easy setup and a spectacular theater experience right...
Related posts
Best Electronics
- Best Bluetooth speakers
- Best home stereo speakers
- Best computer speakers
- Best computers
- Best tablets
- Best Windows tablets
10+ Best Budget Speakers in 2022
We hope that this blog has been helpful to you in narrowing down your search for the best budget speakers. These products offer great value for their price point, so you can get your hands on some quality sound without breaking the bank. When deciding which one is right for you, think about your needs first. Once that’s out of the way, have fun browsing through our list of top picks!
Which speakers impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments below!