Music is an essential part of any vacation experience, and Bluetooth speakers can enhance the ambiance of your rental property. A Bluetooth speaker is a portable device that uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect and play audio from a Bluetooth-enabled device like a smartphone or a tablet.
A good Bluetooth speaker can make all the difference, especially if your guests want to enjoy music or podcasts while relaxing in your space. In this article, we'll be looking at the best Bluetooth speakers for vacation rentals, so you can make the right choice for your guests.
The best Airbnb Bluetooth speakers include:
- Bose SoundLink Revolve+: Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall
- Anker Soundcore 2: Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker
- Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3: Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9: Best Premium Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Flip 6: Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen): Best High-Tech Bluetooth Speaker
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How We Selected the Best Airbnb Bluetooth Speakers
Before diving into our top picks for the best Bluetooth speakers for vacation rentals, it's important to understand how we evaluated these products. We looked at a variety of factors to determine the quality and value of each speaker, including recommendations from vetted hosts, online reviews, price, sound quality, battery life, and ease of use.
We evaluated these Airbnb Bluetooth speakers based on:
- Host Recommendations: We reached out to Airbnb and vacation rental hosts to get their recommendations for Bluetooth speakers they've used and would recommend to other hosts.
- Online Reviews: We also looked at online reviews to see which Bluetooth speakers had consistently positive feedback from customers who purchased them. We considered both the number of reviews and the overall rating of each speaker.
- Value for Money: We evaluated each Bluetooth speaker based on its features and price, to determine which ones provided the most value for their cost.
- Sound Quality: Of course, sound quality is a crucial factor for Bluetooth speakers. We evaluated each speaker's sound quality based on factors like clarity, volume, and bass response.
- Battery Life: Since many guests will use these Bluetooth speakers out and about the property, we also evaluated each speaker based on its battery life.
- Ease of Use: Finally, we considered the overall ease of use of each Bluetooth speaker. This included evaluating factors like how easy it is to connect to different devices, how intuitive the controls are, and how user-friendly any accompanying apps are.
According to our criteria the best Bluetooth speaker for Airbnb hosts is the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ because it offers exceptional quality, is sturdy and portable!
The best Airbnb Bluetooth speakers are:
1. Bose SoundLink Revolve+: Best Bluetooth Speaker Overall
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker on the market because of its impressive sound quality, sturdy build, and portability. This is surprising, considering it’s quite old, being released in 2017. Compared to other premium or luxury speakers, it’s also relatively affordable. Get it on Amazon or on the Bose website.
Its cylindrical design allows for 360-degree sound projection, ensuring that the music is heard loud and clear from any angle. It boasts a battery life of up to 16 hours, making it an excellent option for guests who don’t want to deal with the hassles of charging. The speaker's water-resistant design ensures that it can withstand spills or splashes, making it ideal for use both indoors and outdoors.
Though this has a mid-range price tag for a luxe speaker, it may still be too expensive for budget-conscious hosts. However, its premium features and excellent sound quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize high-quality audio performance.
2. Anker Soundcore 2: Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker
The Anker Soundcore 2, which was released in 2021, is a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality and durability. With its compact and lightweight design, it is perfect for guests who want to bring their music with them on the go.
Despite its affordability, the Soundcore 2 delivers rich, full sound with excellent bass response, thanks to its dual high-performance drivers and patented bass port. Purchase this speaker on Amazon, or visit the Anker website.
One of the standout features of the Soundcore 2 is its incredible battery life. It can play for up to 24 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for extended listening sessions or outdoor activities where access to power may be limited. The speaker is waterproof and dustproof, with an IPX7 rating, so your guests don't have to worry about water damage if they lay on the beach or by a pool.
Don’t expect the Anker Soundcore 2 to have all the bells and whistles of more expensive Bluetooth speakers, like surround-sound and connectivity to voice assistance. But it provides excellent value for its price point and it is a solid choice for hosts looking for a reliable and portable speaker that won't break the bank.
3. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3: Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
While the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3—released in 2022—may not be the most affordable option, it still offers an outstanding balance of quality and value. Its compact and durable design makes it perfect for outdoor use, and it is fully waterproof, which means guests can submerge it in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it our top waterproof pick. Get it now on Amazon, or visit the Ultimate Ears website.
Its sound quality is impressive for its size, with a 360-degree sound output and a maximum volume that is loud enough for the outdoors. The WONDERBOOM 3 has a long battery life of up to 14 hours, making it a reliable option for extended use.
However, the WONDERBOOM 3 has some limitations. While its sound quality is impressive for its size, it may not be enough for those who want a more powerful or bass-heavy sound. Guests may find the controls to be a bit confusing or difficult to use at first, especially if they are not familiar with Bluetooth speakers. Nonetheless, these are an excellent choice for hosts looking for a reliable waterproof Bluetooth speaker.
4. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9: Best Premium Bluetooth Speaker
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 (2022’s 4th Gen) is a statement piece that delivers premium sound quality and a stunning design that will elevate any Airbnb or vacation rental. Unsurprisingly, it has the price tag to match, and is is definitely for hosts with the cash to burn. Get it on Amazon and on the Bang & Olufsen website.
But if you have the money, you won’t regret this purchase: this luxury speaker features a powerful and immersive sound experience that calibrates itself to any room of your property, ensuring that every detail of the music is heard in crystal clear quality. Its sleek and modern design (choose between 4 styles) allows it to blend seamlessly into any decor style, making it a versatile addition to any rental.
It features built-in access to popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, and TuneIn, making it a convenient and effortless way to listen to music. Another advantage of this speaker is its connectivity options, with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing guests to connect and stream their music from any device.
While the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 is undoubtedly a premium speaker, its price point is an extreme drawback. However, for those who are looking to invest in a high-end audio experience for their guests, this luxury speaker is worth the investment. Its sleek design, powerful sound quality, and convenient features make it an excellent choice for hosts who want to provide their guests with a luxe and memorable stay.
5. JBL Flip 6: Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For a portable speaker your guests can take from room to room, we love the JBL Flip 6 (released in 2021). This portable Bluetooth speaker has a compact and rugged design that makes it ideal for the outdoors, and it's made with durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This speaker is also relatively affordable on Amazon. Additionally and on the JBL website.
Besides its portability, the JBL Flip 6 also has impressive sound quality for its size. The speaker features a 2-inch driver and a bass radiator that deliver clear and powerful audio. It also has a PartyBoost feature that allows guests to connect multiple JBL speakers together for a more immersive audio experience. The JBL Flip 6 has a battery life of up to 13 hours, so guests can enjoy music all day without having to recharge it.
The Flip 6 is waterproof and dustproof, and guests can feel confident bringing this around a pool or a beach. While it will only last 30 minutes in 0.5 meter deep water, hosts can relax knowing that this speaker won’t break easily.
Still, it has a few drawbacks. The speaker doesn’t have a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and it’s not the most affordable option out there. But despite these flaws, the JBL Flip 6 is a fantastic option for hosts looking for a Bluetooth speaker that delivers great sound quality and durability.
6. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen): Best High-Tech Bluetooth Speaker
High-tech speakers are a more versatile option to traditional speakers; aside from using them to listen to music, guests can use them to control the house as well. We love the 2022 Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) for that. Get it on Amazon today.
Not only is this a very affordable speaker, but it also does so much more. It has a voice control feature that allows guests to play their favorite music, check the weather, and set alarms without having to physically touch the device. Its compact size also makes it a great option for small spaces.
This is Alexa-compatible, which means guests can use it to control other smart devices in the Airbnb, such as lights, thermostats, and locks. This feature enhances the guest experience and provides a level of convenience that they will appreciate.
While guests can use Bluetooth to play music from it, a drawback of the speaker is its reliance on Wi-Fi for connectivity. If the Airbnb's Wi-Fi connection is spotty or slow, it may affect the device's performance. Hosts should also consider the potential privacy concerns associated with having an always-on device in their rental.
Key Takeaway
Investing in a high-quality Bluetooth speaker for your property can make your guests’ stay better. With our top picks ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury speakers, there's something for every host's budget and needs. And whether your guests want to listen to music by the pool or have a dance party in the living room, these speakers are sure to impress.
Though it’s not the newest kid on the block, we’re still blown away by the Bose SoundLink Revolve+. For the price, its exceptional sound quality, durable design, and long battery life make it the perfect addition to any Airbnb.