Most people shopping for a Bluetooth speaker end up choosing between four names: JBL, Sony, Bose and Soundcore (Anker). All four make well-reviewed speakers, so the real question is how much you want to spend and where you will use it.
We picked the best-reviewed portable models from each brand on Amazon UK. We haven't tested them ourselves. This comparison is based on the Amazon listings and customer ratings, so check the latest price and details before you buy.
| Brand | Budget pick | Step-up pick | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore | soundcore 2 | Boom 2 | Lowest prices, most reviews |
| JBL | Go 4 | Charge 6 | Highest ratings at mid price |
| Sony | SRS-XB100 | ULT Field 3 | Between budget and premium |
| Bose | SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | SoundLink Max | Premium prices |
Soundcore is the one to look at if price matters most. Its small speakers cost far less than the others and the soundcore 2 has well over 100,000 Amazon UK ratings. JBL has the standout rating of the group with the Charge 6, and the little Go 4 is a popular pocket-size option. Sony and Bose cost more per speaker, and Bose is the most expensive brand here.
A higher price does not always mean a higher rating. The soundcore 2 and JBL Go 4 both score 4.7 stars for a fraction of the price of the Bose SoundLink Max, so unless you want a big, loud speaker for outdoors, the cheaper models are hard to beat on reviews alone.
1. Soundcore: best value
The soundcore 2 is one of the most-reviewed Bluetooth speakers on Amazon UK and is priced at about the cost of a takeaway. A safe, cheap speaker for a bedroom, kitchen or desk.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Soundcore Anker Select 4 Go Ultra-Portable Bluetooth — £19 (4.7★, 14,264 reviews)
Compare more in our Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers UK 2026 guide →
2. Soundcore: step up for the garden
The Boom 2 is a larger outdoor speaker with a 4.7 rating, priced well below Bose and the bigger JBL models. The Boom 2 Plus is the louder, pricier version.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Anker soundcore Boom 2 Plus Outdoor Speaker — £130 (4.7★, 5,176 reviews)
3. JBL: pocket-size pick
The Go 4 is a tiny speaker with a 4.7 rating from tens of thousands of buyers. The newer Go 5 costs a little more and has far fewer reviews so far.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: JBL Go 5 — £33 (4.8★, 1,597 reviews)
Compare more in our Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers UK 2026 guide →
4. JBL: mid-range pick
The Charge 6 has the highest rating on this page. It costs more than the small speakers, so it suits buyers who want a bigger, louder speaker for the garden or a trip.
Check Price on Amazon5. Sony: budget pick
A compact Sony speaker priced close to the cheap Soundcore and JBL options. It has a 4.6 rating, so you are paying a little more for the Sony name.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Sony ULT FIELD 1 — £79 (4.6★, 1,865 reviews)
Compare more in our Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers UK 2026 guide →
6. Sony: mid-range pick
The ULT Field 3 is Sony's step-up speaker. It has a 4.7 rating but far fewer reviews than the JBL and Soundcore models, so the rating is less proven.
Check Price on AmazonCompare more in our Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers UK 2026 guide →
7. Bose: the compact premium pick
The SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) has a 4.7 rating from thousands of buyers. It costs several times the price of the budget picks, so it is for buyers who want the Bose name and sound.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Bose SoundLink Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker — £249 (4.6★, 1,310 reviews)
8. Bose: the big one
The SoundLink Max is the most expensive speaker on this page and has the lowest rating of the group at 4.4. Only worth it if you want a large, waterproof speaker and the budget allows.
Check Price on Amazon