Speakers from Soundcore (Anker) and Tribit, especially under $100, provide the best value in the bluetooth speaker market at this time.
The Soundcore Boom 2 is currently $99 in the US. Compact, 80 watts, waterproof. A good alternate for portability is the Boom 3i.
Under $200, Boom 2 plus.
Bar none for durability and extreme conditions, Turtlebox Ranger @ $250. Has a magnet built in, can be frozen solid, and even ran over by a car in some case.
I've used a Boom 2 that a family member has. It's great. Especially for $100. I use a Rave Neo 2 and it's incredible for its size. I got it for $110 2.5 years ago. I don't believe they sell those anymore though.
I've had a single one for about 6 months. I use it as my anywhere speaker. I own a Rave Neo 2 for heavier lifting when I need louder sound.
I am astonished at the battery life, clarity, punchy mids, water resistance, and price. I paid $19 on Amazon but would gladly pay $40, too. It floats in a tub and pool with no permanent damage, ive confirmed. It really is a well rounded speaker in every direction. I use an EQ I found on a thread here. I'll give credit to the poster if I can find it again. This made a massive difference balancing the strengths and weaknesses of this wonderrul mini speaker.
https://preview.redd.it/0yddjuf5j2xg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=289723e88e12a08aee6d54f7a38b9487d1a7e368
I have two of the soundcore speakers for stereo sound and they are awesome. Use them outside and on the beach and the screens have some rust on them but the sound is still great. Only had them 4 years and no problems.
My current shower speaker is on it's last legs and I need to replace it. Problem is that I can't find a single speaker out there with dedicated Next/Back buttons. This is a must-have for me, as I can't stand the double/triple click method. Any recommendations on decent speakers with this feature? Bonus points if it has USB-C charging, but I can overlook that for dedicated buttons.
Nope unfortunately after tons of research I learned this doesn't exist anymore and ended up just getting the Anker Soundcore which requires double clicks and such. Very sad
Ok if you are looking for smaller and portable Bluetooth I have the anker sound core. Which sounds ok and is battery powered and the ikea eneby. Also not bad but not in the same league as the ik multimedia.
It's a tiny Bluetooth speaker, their best selling iirc called the sound core. I got it for $20 and it sounds good for it's size. Not audiophile but it gets the job done
3800seriesII
