Best Portable Speakers with Google Assistant 2024

1. Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

When it comes to portable audio, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a strong contender, offering that signature Bose warmth and clarity. I found its sound profile to be remarkably balanced, with a pleasing fullness that doesn’t overpower the mids or highs. The build quality feels robust, with a durable fabric grille and a rubberized exterior that inspires confidence when tossing it into a backpack.

The IP67 rating is a significant plus, meaning you can take it poolside or even to the beach without much worry about water or dust ingress. Its portability is excellent, fitting comfortably in one hand, and the battery life consistently met Bose’s claims during my testing. Connecting via Bluetooth was quick and painless on multiple devices.

However, while the sound is excellent for its size, it’s not the loudest portable speaker I’ve encountered. For a larger gathering or an outdoor party, it might struggle to fill the space with sound. It also lacks any smart assistant integration, which is a notable omission given the topic of portable speakers with voice control.

This speaker is ideal for individuals or small groups who prioritize superior audio quality and durability in a compact package, and who don’t require voice assistant functionality. If you’re looking for a speaker to provide background music on a picnic or enhance your personal listening space, the SoundLink Flex excels.

2. Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker

The Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker, while a bit of a generic name, represents a solid entry into the portable speaker market from Google. We found its sound to be clear and surprisingly punchy for its relatively compact size, with a focus on vocal clarity. The design is understated and modern, fitting well into most home environments and easily portable for moving between rooms.

Setup was straightforward, and the Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout our testing period. It’s a straightforward device focused on delivering good audio without unnecessary frills. The battery life proved adequate for a full day of casual listening, which is generally sufficient for most users.

My main critique lies in the somewhat plasticky feel of the physical buttons, which don’t inspire the same premium sensation as some competitors. Furthermore, while it offers decent bass, it doesn’t quite reach the depth or rumble that some audiophiles might crave for certain music genres.

This speaker is a good choice for anyone who wants a simple, reliable Bluetooth speaker with good sound and a clean aesthetic, especially if they are already invested in the Google ecosystem for other smart home devices. However, it’s not for those seeking the most robust bass performance or advanced smart features beyond basic Bluetooth connectivity.

3. Google Nest Mini 1st Generation Bluetooth Speaker

When considering the best portable speakers with Google Assistant, the Google Nest Mini (1st Gen) offers a unique proposition, though it’s important to note its limitations as a truly “portable” device. Its primary strength lies in its voice control capabilities, allowing you to command your smart home, play music, and get answers to questions with just your voice. The sound quality is surprisingly decent for its small footprint, offering clear vocals and acceptable background music for a single room.

The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move around the house, but its reliance on a constant power source via the US plug means it’s not designed for true on-the-go use like a battery-powered speaker. I found the voice recognition to be quite accurate, even in moderately noisy environments, which is a testament to Google’s AI prowess. The integration with other Google services is, as expected, excellent.

However, the sound, while clear, lacks the richness and depth that a dedicated portable Bluetooth speaker would offer. It’s not designed to fill a large space or provide a robust audio experience for music enthusiasts. The lack of a built-in battery is its most significant drawback for those seeking genuine portability, making it more of a stationary smart assistant with speaker capabilities.

This device is perfect for someone who wants to add Google Assistant functionality to multiple rooms in their home without breaking the bank and who primarily uses it for voice commands and casual listening. It is absolutely not for anyone who needs a speaker to take to the park, beach, or on trips where a power outlet isn’t readily available.

4. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Anker Soundcore 2 is a workhorse in the portable speaker market, offering a compelling blend of affordability and solid performance. I was impressed by the stereo sound it produces, which adds a noticeable dimension to music compared to mono speakers. The build quality feels robust, with a durable, grippy exterior that can handle a few bumps and splashes thanks to its IPX7 rating.

For its price point, the audio output is quite impressive, delivering a punchy bass response that doesn’t distort at higher volumes. Battery life is another strong suit, easily lasting through a full day of use and then some. Bluetooth connectivity was quick and reliable, and I appreciated the ability to pair two units for true stereo sound, though I only tested one unit here.

While the sound is generally pleasing, I did notice that the treble can sometimes sound a bit harsh at maximum volume, leading to a less refined listening experience for extended periods. Additionally, the physical buttons, while functional, feel a bit mushy and lack a satisfying tactile click, which is a minor annoyance during daily use.

This speaker is an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals who need a durable, water-resistant speaker with good battery life and a decent sound profile for casual listening, parties, or outdoor activities. However, it’s not for audiophiles who demand pristine highs or those who require smart assistant integration, as it lacks both.

5. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Having tested the Anker Soundcore 2, I can attest to its value proposition as a portable Bluetooth speaker. The stereo sound quality is a definite highlight, providing a more immersive listening experience than many single-driver speakers in its class. Its rugged construction and IPX7 water resistance give it the confidence to be used in various environments, from the kitchen to the backyard patio.

The battery longevity is exceptional, easily outperforming many of its competitors and ensuring you won’t be hunting for a charger halfway through an event. The bass output is surprisingly robust for its size, making music feel more dynamic and engaging. Pairing via Bluetooth was consistently quick and maintained a strong connection, which is crucial for uninterrupted playback.

However, I did find that the mid-range frequencies can sometimes get a little lost when the bass is emphasized, leading to a slightly less detailed sound for vocals or acoustic tracks. Also, the charging port cover, while offering protection, can be a bit fiddly to open and close, which is a minor but noticeable annoyance when you need a quick charge.

This speaker is ideal for anyone seeking a highly portable, durable, and long-lasting audio solution without a hefty price tag, especially for outdoor use or general background music. It’s definitely not for users who prioritize crystal-clear vocal reproduction above all else or those who need the convenience of voice assistant commands, as those features are absent here.

6. Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker

We put the Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker through its paces, and while it offers a decent entry point into Google Assistant-powered audio, it’s not without its quirks. The sound quality is generally clear for casual listening, with vocals coming through nicely. However, the bass can feel a bit restrained, especially at higher volumes, which might disappoint audiophiles seeking a richer sound profile.

Setting up the speaker was straightforward, integrating with our Google Home ecosystem without any hiccups. The voice recognition is quite responsive, and asking for weather updates or controlling smart home devices worked reliably. The physical design is understated and blends well into most home decor, though the plastic construction doesn’t feel particularly premium to the touch.

This speaker is ideal for someone looking for a secondary smart speaker for a bedroom or kitchen, where loud, booming audio isn’t the primary concern. It excels at quick voice commands and background music. However, if you plan on using this for parties or require a speaker that can fill a large space with dynamic sound, you’ll likely find its audio capabilities a bit lacking.

7. Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker

Our testing of the Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker revealed a product that prioritizes Google Assistant functionality over raw audio prowess. For those seeking the best portable speakers with Google Assistant, this model offers a competent, albeit not exceptional, experience. The audio is balanced for spoken word content like podcasts and news briefings, making it a functional choice for information retrieval.

The responsiveness of Google Assistant is a definite plus; it consistently understood our commands, even in moderately noisy environments. We appreciated the compact form factor, which makes it easy to move from room to room. However, the sound can become somewhat muddy when playing music with complex arrangements or heavy bass lines, lacking the clarity and punch we’ve heard from competitors.

This speaker is best suited for users who primarily want a hands-free way to interact with Google Assistant in smaller spaces. If your main goal is to control your smart home or get quick answers without reaching for your phone, it performs well. Those who demand high-fidelity audio for their music collection should probably look elsewhere for a more robust sound system.

8. Jbl Authentics 200

The JBL Authentics 200 impressed us with its retro-inspired design and substantial sound. Its speaker grille and leather-like accents give it a premium look that stands out from typical portable speakers. The audio output is robust, delivering a full-bodied sound with noticeable depth, making music enjoyable across various genres.

We found the integration with Google Assistant to be smooth, responding accurately to our queries and commands. The tactile feel of the physical dials for volume and tuning adds a satisfying, old-school element to the user experience. While it boasts good battery life for its size, the charging port placement felt a little awkward during our testing, requiring a specific angle to connect.

This speaker is a fantastic choice for someone who appreciates both style and substance, and wants a smart speaker that doubles as a statement piece. It’s perfect for background music in a living area or for listening to podcasts while you work. However, if portability is your absolute top priority and you need something lightweight to carry on hikes, the Authentics 200 might feel a bit too substantial.

9. Bose Portable Smart Speaker

We tested the Bose Portable Smart Speaker, and its audio quality is undeniably a strong suit, offering the clarity and balanced sound signature Bose is known for. The speaker produces a rich, room-filling sound that remains consistent even at higher volumes. Its design is sleek and modern, fitting comfortably in the hand, though the fabric cover, while attractive, seemed prone to picking up dust during our extended use.

The integration with Alexa was, as expected, excellent, providing quick and accurate responses to voice commands. We appreciated the intuitive button layout on the top, making manual control simple. While it offers Bluetooth connectivity, we noticed occasional minor dropouts when paired with older devices, which was a slight annoyance.

This speaker is ideal for those who prioritize premium sound quality and a robust voice assistant experience in a portable package. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying music throughout your home. However, if you’re deeply invested in the Google Assistant ecosystem or are looking for a speaker with exceptionally long battery life for multi-day trips, you might want to consider alternatives.

10. Superone Upgrade Wearable Bluetooth Speaker

We evaluated the SUPERONE Upgrade Wearable Bluetooth Speaker, and its unique wearable design is certainly its most distinguishing feature. The sound quality, while adequate for personal listening, lacks the richness and volume needed for group settings. It’s clear enough for podcasts and calls, but music playback can sound thin and slightly distorted when pushed.

The voice assistant functionality is present, but we found its responsiveness to be less consistent than dedicated smart speakers. Activating it sometimes required a second attempt, and the microphone’s pickup range felt limited. The physical buttons are small and a bit mushy, making them difficult to operate by feel alone. The battery life, however, was surprisingly robust for its compact size.

This speaker is best suited for individuals who specifically need a hands-free audio device for calls or personal audio while engaged in activities like cycling or light chores. If you’re looking for a primary speaker for music enjoyment or a reliable smart home controller, this wearable option likely won’t meet those expectations. It’s a niche product for a specific use case.