For versatile audio in 2025, you’ll find exceptional value in these three Bluetooth speakers with aux inputs. The ultra-portable JBL GO2 (6.6oz) delivers clear sound with IPX7 waterproofing despite its 5-hour battery life. The Anker Soundcore 2 offers impressive 24-hour playback, powerful 12W stereo sound, and IPX7 protection. The OontZ Angle 3 balances portability with performance, featuring 100-foot Bluetooth range, IPX5 water resistance, and 24-hour battery life. Each model presents distinct advantages based on your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- All three speakers (JBL GO2, Anker Soundcore 2, OontZ Angle 3) offer both Bluetooth connectivity and 3.5mm aux input options.
- Anker Soundcore 2 provides the best battery life at 24 hours, compared to JBL GO2’s 5-hour playtime.
- JBL GO2 is the most portable option at just 6.6 ounces, making it ideal for travel.
- OontZ Angle 3 offers superior Bluetooth range at 100 feet, ensuring reliable connections even at distance.
- For waterproofing, both JBL GO2 and Anker Soundcore 2 feature IPX7 ratings ideal for poolside or beach use.
JBL GO2 – Waterproof Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Black
- Wireless Bluetooth Streaming.Waterproof : Yes
- 5 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
For music enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing connectivity options, the JBL GO2 offers the perfect blend of wireless freedom and wired versatility. This ultra-compact speaker, measuring just 1.3″ × 3.4″ × 2.8″ and weighing 6.6 ounces, delivers impressive sound quality with clear highs and powerful lows through its dynamic driver.
You’ll appreciate the JBL GO2’s practical features, including wireless Bluetooth streaming with a 10-meter range, a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections, and an IPX7 waterproof rating that protects it at poolside or beach. The rechargeable battery provides up to 5 hours of playtime, while the built-in microphone with noise cancellation guarantees crystal-clear calls whenever needed.
Best For: Music lovers who need a compact, waterproof speaker with versatile connectivity options for indoor and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Extremely portable at just 6.6 ounces with a compact size that fits easily in bags or pockets
- IPX7 waterproof rating makes it ideal for shower, pool, or beach environments
- Offers both Bluetooth connectivity (10-meter range) and wired option via 3.5mm aux input
Cons:
- Limited 5-hour battery life may require frequent recharging for extended use
- Charging time of 2.5-5 hours is relatively long compared to playtime
- Small size means volume and bass performance may not be sufficient for larger spaces or outdoor gatherings
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (IPX7 Waterproof)
- Outdoor-Proof Speaker: Portable design with IPX7 waterproof protection to safeguard against splashes, waves, and water vapor. Get incredible sounds at home, on camping...
- 24H Non-Stop Music: With Anker's world-renowned power management technology and a 5,200mAh Li-ion battery, the soundcore 2 speaker delivers a full day of great sound.
- Powerful Sound: The speaker features 12W power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signal processor ensures pounding bass and zero...
The Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker stands out as the adventure-ready audio companion for those who demand both durability and impressive sound quality without breaking the bank. The IPX7 waterproof rating protects your investment from splashes, waves, and moisture, making it perfect for shower use, hot tubs, or outdoor adventures.
You’ll enjoy powerful 12W stereo sound through dual neodymium drivers, while the patented BassUp technology delivers enhanced low-end response without distortion. With an impressive 24-hour playtime from a single 3-hour charge, this 12.6-ounce compact speaker keeps your music playing throughout extended trips. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity offers a reliable 20-meter range, letting you control your soundtrack from your smartphone, laptop, or other compatible devices.
Best For: Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable, waterproof speaker with exceptional battery life for camping trips, beach days, shower sessions, or backyard gatherings.
Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof protection makes it impervious to splashes and moisture, perfect for poolside use or unexpected rain
- Impressive 24-hour battery life from a single 3-hour charge ensures continuous playback during extended outings
- Enhanced bass performance with BassUp technology and dual neodymium drivers provides rich sound quality in a compact package
Cons:
- At 12.6 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than some ultra-portable competitors
- Limited to 12W output which may not be loud enough for very large outdoor spaces
- Lacks advanced features like voice assistant integration or customizable EQ settings
OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (IPX5 Water-Resistant)
- PORTABLE SPEAKER - At just 5.3 inches long and weighing only 10 ounces, this mini Bluetooth speaker is made to travel, with an extended battery life that lets you play...
- IPX5 WATER-RESISTANT DESIGN - Enjoy music in the shower, on beach days, or at pool parties with this water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. The splash-proof design makes it...
- ZERO DISTORTION - This small speaker can get surprisingly loud, with a powerful 12 watts of output voltage. It provides high-quality sound even at maximum volume, so you...
Compact yet surprisingly powerful, the OontZ Angle 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker stands out as an ideal choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice sound quality for portability. Weighing just 9.4 ounces and measuring 5.3 inches long, it’s designed for easy transport while delivering impressive 12-watt output through its 5-inch speaker configuration.
You’ll appreciate the IPX5 water-resistant rating that protects against splashes and light rain, making it suitable for poolside or beach use. The speaker’s 2200mAh battery provides up to 24 hours of playback time, while Bluetooth 5.4 technology guarantees stable connections up to 100 feet away from your device.
Best For: Music lovers who need a portable, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker with exceptional battery life for travel, outdoor activities, or everyday home use.
Pros:
- Impressive 24-hour battery life and lightweight design (9.4 ounces) make it ideal for extended outdoor use
- IPX5 water-resistant rating provides protection against splashes and light rain for worry-free poolside or beach use
- Crystal clear sound with zero distortion at normal volumes and excellent Bluetooth range of 100 feet
Cons:
- Limited bass response compared to larger speakers despite manufacturer claims of “robust bass”
- Controls aren’t intuitive, requiring some time to learn proper operation
- Some audio distortion becomes noticeable at very high volume levels (above 80%)
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bluetooth Speaker With Aux Input
When shopping for a Bluetooth speaker with aux input, you’ll need to evaluate five critical factors that affect your overall experience. First, consider sound quality, which varies greatly between models based on driver size, wattage, and frequency response; then examine battery life, which typically ranges from 8-24 hours depending on volume and usage patterns. Finally, pay attention to practical features like IPX waterproof ratings for outdoor use, physical dimensions for portability, and connection range, which determines how far your device can be from the speaker while maintaining a stable signal.
Sound Quality Matters
Because your listening experience depends almost entirely on audio performance, sound quality should be your primary consideration when selecting a Bluetooth speaker with aux input. Look for speakers offering 12W or higher output power, which delivers louder, more dynamic sound without distortion at normal listening volumes.
Advanced digital signal processors make a significant difference, minimizing distortion while ensuring clearer highs, balanced mids, and enhanced low frequencies. Consider models featuring specialized bass enhancement technology, which improves low-frequency response for deeper, more robust bass regardless of your environment. The driver type also impacts audio quality, with 4-5 cm dynamic drivers typically providing better clarity and reduced interference. For a more immersive experience, speakers with 2.0 or 3.0 surround capabilities distribute sound more evenly throughout your listening area, creating a fuller audio landscape.
Battery Life Duration
Battery life represents one of the most essential aspects of portable Bluetooth speakers, determining how long you’ll enjoy your audio before needing to find a power outlet. Most quality speakers offer between 5 to 24 hours of playback per charge, with actual performance varying based on several factors. Your volume settings dramatically impact duration—playing at maximum levels can reduce battery life by up to 50% compared to moderate volumes.
For maximum efficiency, consider using the aux input when possible, as wired connections consume less power than Bluetooth streaming. Pay attention to battery capacity specifications, typically measured in mAh, with higher-capacity models (4,000-5,200 mAh) generally providing longer playtimes. Remember that environmental conditions matter too, as extreme temperatures can decrease actual performance by 10-20% from advertised specifications.
Waterproof Rating Importance
The waterproof rating of a Bluetooth speaker with aux input stands as a critical factor that can make or break your outdoor listening experience. When selecting your device, you’ll need to understand the IPX scale, where higher numbers indicate better protection against water ingress. An IPX7-rated speaker, for instance, can withstand submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it ideal for poolside or beach environments.
Your speaker’s longevity depends greatly on its ability to resist moisture damage, with ratings like IPX5 protecting against low-pressure water jets while IPX4 handles splashes from any direction. Consider your typical usage scenarios carefully—if you’ll be using your speaker near water frequently, investing in a higher waterproof rating prevents potential malfunctions and guarantees both device reliability and your safety.
Size and Portability
While water protection safeguards your investment, a speaker’s physical dimensions determine where and how you’ll actually use it. For maximum portability, look for models under 6.5 inches in width or height, which will easily fit in pockets, bags, or compact spaces without sacrificing functionality. The most travel-friendly speakers weigh less than 13 ounces, preventing fatigue during extended carrying periods and making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures.
Consider total volume as well, with truly portable options measuring under 50 cubic inches, allowing for versatile placement without dominating your space. The best portable speakers strike an ideal balance between size and features, maintaining essential functions while staying lightweight (under 1 pound) and compact. This size-to-function ratio guarantees you won’t sacrifice sound quality or connectivity for the convenience of portability.
Connectivity Range Options
Beyond basic audio quality, effective connectivity range determines how freely you’ll move with your device while maintaining a stable connection to your speaker. Standard Bluetooth speakers typically offer ranges between 10 to 30 meters, with higher-end models pushing the upper limits of this spectrum.
For ideal flexibility, look for speakers featuring Bluetooth 5.0 or later, which can deliver stable connections up to 20 meters or more, even with minor obstacles present. Environmental factors greatly impact actual performance, with walls and electronic interference reducing the effective range by up to 50%. When selecting your speaker, consider your primary usage scenario—a range of at least 20 meters (approximately 65 feet) proves ideal for outdoor gatherings or larger homes where you’ll likely move between rooms while streaming music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can These Speakers Connect to Multiple Devices Simultaneously?
Most Bluetooth speakers with aux inputs can connect to multiple devices, but not simultaneously in the traditional sense. You’ll typically need to disconnect one device before connecting another. Some premium models offer multi-point pairing, allowing two Bluetooth devices to connect at once, though only one can play audio at any given time. For truly simultaneous audio mixing from multiple sources, you’d need speakers with specialized DJ features or professional audio interfaces.
Do the Speakers Support Voice Assistants Like Siri or Google Assistant?
Have you ever wished your speaker could be your digital assistant too? You’ll be pleased to know that most Bluetooth speakers with aux input support voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. While they don’t have built-in assistant functionality, they work as pass-through devices, capturing your voice through their microphones and relaying commands to your connected phone or tablet. The quality of microphone technology varies between models, affecting how well they detect your voice commands.
What’s the Average Battery Life When Using the Aux Input Only?
When using just the aux input, you’ll typically get longer battery life than with Bluetooth, averaging 12-15 hours across most quality speakers. This extended performance occurs because aux connections require less power processing than wireless streaming. Your actual runtime will vary based on volume levels and specific model capabilities, with premium speakers often offering up to 20 hours, while budget options might deliver 8-10 hours on a single charge when using the wired connection.
Can I Use These Speakers for Conference Calls?
Like a Swiss Army knife in your audio arsenal, these Bluetooth speakers can certainly handle conference calls. You’ll find most models include built-in microphones that capture voices clearly, making them suitable for small to medium-sized meeting rooms. However, their performance varies based on speaker quality, room acoustics, and distance from participants. For ideal results, position your speaker centrally, make sure it’s fully charged, and test the microphone sensitivity before important calls to avoid technical difficulties mid-meeting.
Do These Speakers Have a Microsd Card Slot for Direct Playback?
None of the Bluetooth speakers in our reviewed selection feature microSD card slots for direct playback. While these speakers offer versatile connectivity through Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs, they don’t support direct playback from memory cards. If you’re specifically looking for speakers with microSD functionality, you’ll need to explore other models designed with this feature. The speakers we’ve highlighted focus primarily on wireless streaming and wired connections rather than physical media playback options.
