Fact Checked
How we rate portable speakers
Our ratings compare a range of portable speaker brands based on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about their portable speakers before you shop around. It’s like asking for recommendations from other Aussies, but all in one place!
Canstar Blue surveyed 607 Australians for their feedback on the portable speaker(s) they’ve purchased in the last two years. This refers to speakers that are portable and typically run off a battery.
- The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via Pureprofile’s accredited online research panel.
Survey respondents are asked to rate their satisfaction with their portable speaker brand from zero to 10, with zero meaning extremely dissatisfied and 10 meaning extremely satisfied. Portable speaker brand satisfaction is rated on the following criteria:
- Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a portable speaker brand as an individual score, NOT the combined total of all criteria.
- User friendliness: the portable speaker is easy to set up and operate.
- Battery & charging performance: the portable speaker has a good battery life and is easy and efficient to charge.
- Sound quality: the sound coming from the speaker is clear with good volume and good audio quality.
- Design: the portable speaker looks good, is functional and can be conveniently transported.
- Value for money: the price paid was reasonable compared to the quality of the portable speaker.
- Durability: the portable speaker was built well and able to withstand being moved around and used in different environments as the speaker is intended (including water resistance if applicable), with minimal damage to the product.
The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.
- Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
- When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
- The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.
To qualify in the ratings results, brands must have received a minimum of 30 responses to be included. Therefore, not all portable speaker brands in the market will be compared in this survey. Brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
- Ultimate Ears
- JBL
- Bose
- Sony
- Anko (Kmart & Target)
Find more information on our Most Satisfied Customers ratings.
Top Portable Speaker Brand — Ultimate Ears
For the fifth year, Ultimate Ears has once again taken out the top spot for the best portable speakers. However, there are many other brands on the market offering portable speakers with a range of features and at different price points. Considering how you plan on using your speaker may help you to choose which device will be best for you.
Some speakers may take portability to the next level with compact sizing, water resistance and features like clips and straps so you can easily carry your speaker when you go camping or hiking.
Out of those surveyed, price was the main factor for 37% when deciding which speaker to purchase, while 46% purchased their speaker when on sale. While only 16% of respondents chose their speaker for the features, 41% still researched and compared speaker brands before purchasing. So, for many of us, choosing a great portable speaker isn’t a purchase decision taken lightly and it always helps to compare a range of speakers to find the right device to suit your needs and budget.
Shop Ultimate Ears portable speakers