Sonos One (Gen 2) ($199)
This smart Wi-Fi speaker is ideal for
anyone who loves Apple, but isn’t
fully committed to the Apple eco-
system. Unlike the HomePod, this
smart speaker works with a large
number of audio streaming ser-
vices. The Sonos One comes with
built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
compatibility (Siri can be used to
control the speaker via an iDevice,
but only for Apple Music playback).
Its AirPlay 2 compatibility, ability to
match the acoustics of the room
where it’s located, great sound qual-
ity, and relatively low price make it
our top pick of the year.BUYER’S GUIDE
SPEAKERS
RUGGED, SMART & FUN FAVORITES
BY SARAH KINGSBURY
EcoXGear EcoBoulder+
($249.99)
Although it’s waterproof
and dustproof and can
fl oat, don’t expect to
throw the EcoBoulder+
into a backpack and hit
the trails with it; this
27-pound, 100 watt
Bluetooth speaker is the
size of a large carry-on!
Don’t worry though, the
wheels and telescoping
handle make it easy to
take the party wherever
you go, whether that’s to
a fl oat trip down a river
or an indoor Karaoke
party.JBL PartyBox 300 ($449.95)
This speaker delivers on its
name, with its impressive sound,
light show, and bass boost. The
included car charger makes it
perfect for tailgating, and the
additional mic and guitar ports
on the back—each with indepen-
dent volume controls and auxil-
iary inputs and outputs for other
devices—make the PartyBox 300
great for simple events too. If
you like the party atmosphere a
light show can bring but are look-
ing for a more modest size and
price, check out the SoundCore
Rave Mini ($149.99) from Anker.
Or consider the JBL Pulse 3
($149.95) if you want your light-
up speaker to also be portable
and waterproof.Ultimate Ears MyBOOM 3 ($179.99)
What could make the stylish, waterproof, and rugged BOOM 3, with its excellent
sound quality, even better? How about the ability to personalize it with customized col-
ors and text? Along with the fun of building a unique speaker, the MyBOOM3 comes
with a POWER UP Charging Dock, so you will never again have to remember to plug in
your speaker or worry about whether it’s fully charged before grabbing it on your way
out the door. If you’re looking for the same great performance and ruggedness in a
smaller package, check out the WONDERBOOM 2 (starting at $79.99).
Zagg BRV-360 ($79.99)
If you crave portability but
need quality sound, this
rugged, waterproof speaker
is the perfect choice. Small
enough to fi t in a water bottle
holder, but powerful enough
to put out some serious vol-
ume, the BRV-360 can also
charge your phone and offers
up to 12 hours of play time. If
even water bottle size is too
bulky, the BRV-105 ($49.99)
is equally rugged but half the
size. It comes with a sturdy,
detachable strap for attaching
it to backpacks, handlebars,
and more.
UNIQUELY
YOURS!OUR TOP
PICK!