01
Sound power
This criterion measures the audio power the speaker delivers, in RMS watts. The higher it is, the further the sound carries and the clearer it stays at high volume. Across the market, recorded figures range from around four watts for the weakest models to around two hundred watts for the most powerful, with a median near thirty watts. The site’s rating places each speaker on this scale: a high score points to a unit able to fill a large space without distorting, a low score suits closer listening.
Market median: 30 W
02
Battery life
This criterion measures how long the speaker can play on a single charge. The longer it lasts, the better it follows you through an outing or a full day without needing power. Recorded figures range from around six hours for the shortest-lasting models to around twenty-four hours for the best, with a median around twelve hours. A high score signals a speaker suited to extended outdoor use, a low score suits occasional use or sessions near an outlet.
Market median: 12 h
03
Battery capacity
This criterion measures the energy stored in the battery, in milliamp hours. The higher it is, the longer the speaker can run before needing a recharge. Market figures range from around eight hundred fifty mAh for the smallest capacities to around nine thousand four hundred forty four mAh for the largest, with a median close to four thousand three hundred mAh. This criterion complements battery life: for comparable power, a higher capacity usually points to better staying power over time.
Market median: 4,338.5 mAh
04
Number of speakers
This criterion measures how many speaker drivers are built into the unit. The higher the count, the more the sound spreads and gains richness, often with better frequency separation. Recorded figures start at a single driver, with a median that stays at one, up to four for the most elaborate setups. A high score here points to a unit built for a wider sound, a low score points to a simpler, often mono, design.
Market median: 1
05
Everyday use and care
A portable speaker is meant to travel, sit on a table or be clipped on depending on the model: check the product sheet for its exact format. Wireless pairing is usually done in a few simple steps from the source device. To preserve the stated battery life, avoid repeatedly letting the battery run completely flat and recharge it in a moderate environment. Outdoor use exposes the speaker to dust and moisture: the product sheet states the protection level where relevant.
Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 1 October 2026.