Buyer's Guides

MGS Tested: BLUETOOTH SPEAKER OF 2019

BY Harry Nodwell
Jul 31st 2019
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2019 BLUETOOTH SPEAKER BUYERS GUIDE

Who says you have to choose between a day on the course and jamming to your favorite music? In last year’s speaker test, we learned that there are plenty of you who believe it has to be one or the other. We don’t. So we did some testing in our studio and on the course and what we discovered is that we still can’t dance, but there are some awesome speakers on the market that can provide the soundtrack for your golf game.

With all those options, finding the right Bluetooth speaker to fit your needs can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top speaker devices on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.

Whether you’re looking to buy a Bluetooth speaker today, some buying advice to get started, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right device to fit your needs.

How We Test

We're here to help you find the perfect Golf Speaker to fit your needs.

To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.

Our Metrics

Golf Speakers are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.

The metrics we consider when rating Golf Speakers include Durability, Features, Ease of Use, and Sound Quality.

FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU

Sound

(Omnidirectional vs. Directional) Listening to music should be an immersive experience. Sound quality shouldn’t fade because you’re on the wrong side of your speaker. The sound from directional speakers is limited by the direction the speaker happens to be facing. We found that omnidirectional speakers are better suited for the golf course. Speakers such as UE WonderBoom and Anzer Soundcore Flare are great examples of quality omnidirectional speakers. Directional speakers such as the JBL are not as well-suited for the 360° challenge of the golf course.

Connectivity

No matter how great a speaker sounds, it’s only as good as its connection. The best speakers for golf allow you plenty of room to wander. The JBL Clip 3 and the Zoeetree offer superb Bluetooth connectivity. Connectivity was maintained despite 40+ yards of separation. If you carry your phone while playing, especially if you find yourself wandering far from your cart, maximizing your connectivity distance is essential to keeping the music going.

Battery Life

How long does your golf speaker last when it’s unplugged and paired with your Bluetooth device? Typically, Bluetooth speakers last from 8-12 hours per charge. For a day that starts at the course and ends at the pool, an extra couple of hours can come in handy.

EXPERT TIP - Finding the Right Speaker for How You Travel the Course

Golfers who walk should favor smaller and lighter speaker options. The ideal solution is likely one that clips to your bag. Golfers who prefer to ride, should take advantage of sound-rich speakers which easily fit in the car's cup holders.

2019 Bluetooth Speaker Features

Name	Colors	Waterproof	Shockproof	Linking Multiple speakers	Battery
Anker SoundCore Flare Check Price	1	N	Y	Y	12 Hours
BagBoy Bluetooth Speaker Check Price	1	N	N	N	5 Hours
BagBoy Mini Soundbar Check Price	1	N	y	N	8 Hours
Bose SoundLink Revolve Check Price	1	N	Y	Y	12 Hours
JBL Clip 3 Check Price	12	Y	Y	N	10 Hours
Polk Boom Swimmer Duo Check Price	4	Y	Y	Y	8 Hours
PUMA SoundChuck Mini Check Price	3	N	Y	N	12 Hours
SONY SRS-XB10 Extra Bass Check Price	4	N	Y	Y	16 Hours
UE MegaBlast Check Price	4	Y	Y	Y	16 Hours
UE WonderBoom Check Price	7	Y	Y	Y	10 Hours
Zoeetree S1 Check Price	1	N	Y	N	10 Hours

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - The Versatile Lightshow

The Anker Soundcore Flare is equally adept for use at home and on the course. It offers excellent sound quality, and while it works well outside, its strength is admittedly indoor performance - making it ideal for the home. The Anker has changing lights on the bottom of the speaker to spice up your mood when you're having a bad day. With a 12-hour battery life, it's good for a full 18 with some juice to spare.

More Tips

Bigger doesn’t always mean better (or louder). Some smaller speakers outperform their large competitors and fit better in a cart’s cup holder.
Nearly all Bluetooth speakers are portable, meaning you can take them anywhere without needing a cord for them to play music.
Some Bluetooth speakers can also be used for phone calls. The added versatility can be helpful, especially if you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality to get it.
While most speakers are water-resistant, some, like the like Polk Boom Swimmer Duo, are fully waterproof. So even if you get rained on during your round or your speaker takes a soggy tumble at the pool, the music will keep playing all day long.

2019 Bluetooth Speakers Results

Name	Durability	Sound Qualty	Ease of Use	Features	Total
UE MegaBlast Check Price	6th	1st	1st	1st	94.5
UE WonderBoom Check Price	3rd	2nd	1st	4th	92.5
Polk Boom Swimmer Duo Check Price	1st	3rd	1st	11th	90.5
JBL Clip 3 Check Price	2nd	4th	1st	11th	90.5
SONY SRS-XB10 Extra Bass Check Price	6th	4th	1st	8th	88
Bose Soundlink Check Price	8th	3rd	1st	3rd	87.5
Anker Soundcore Flare Check Price	8th	4th	1st	8th	87
PUMA SoundChuck Mini Check Price	3rd	8th	1st	4th	86.5
Zoeetree Megabass A2DP Check Price	10th	10th	1st	1st	84.5
BagBoy Mini Soundbar Check Price	11th	11th	1st	4th	81.5
BagBoy Bluetooth Speaker Check Price	11th	11th	11th	4th	74.5

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - Good Things Come In Small Packages

The Polk Boom Swimmer Duo is deceiving small but packs a punch. It's loud but clear, and the sound projects throughout the cart and onto your fairway. Its true strength, however, isn't its powerful sound, it's the innovate Loop It Design that allows it to attach to nearly anything that's round. Being fully waterproof up to 3-feet takes all the concern out of getting caught in a downpour.

What do I need to know about Bluetooth Speakers?

Q: How do I charge my Bluetooth speaker?

A: Most up to date devices have USB ports that charge your speaker. Some older, less advanced speakers still require batteries to keep the music going.

Q: What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

A: Water-resistant speakers allow a few drops of rain or a quick tumble in the pool and still work effectively. Fully waterproof speakers can tackle the harshest of weather conditions and be submerged underwater for an extended period of time and still not falter.

Q: Are speakers allowed on the golf course?

A: While we’d wager some courses have explicit rules against speakers, we’d hope it’s not common. Golf is a game, right? Aren’t games meant to be enjoyed? Yes, there is a rule prohibiting music during competition (something about using the rhythm of the beat in your golf swing), but, if you’re respectful of others on the course, listening to music with your buddies on the weekend shouldn’t be an issue. Keep it at a reasonable volume, and it’s all good. Go ahead and post your scores. We won’t tell.

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Harry Nodwell

Harry is the Senior Director of Product Testing, overseeing the facility and delving into everything Soft Goods related. His job is to cut through all the marketing and inform you, the consumer, what the best products are. Whether it be shoes, bags or gloves Harry has your back. Harry recently turned professional after being a two time All-American in golf and soccer. When he's not on the course, Harry loves to spend time with his lovely wife Miranda and dog Puma. #TruthDigest

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Harry Nodwell

comments

Join The Discussion

Jeff

5 years ago

We live on a course and were shocked how often we had two or three bluetooth speakers audible from our back yard at the same time. Different genres or even a game competing with each other.

Our solution? Outdoor speakers connected on the deck and patio to our game room and living room sound systems. I’ll see your puny coke can sized speaker and raise you….

CK

5 years ago

This is a etiquette issue and etiquette is a part of the game that is deteriorating. If you play music and you think you play it low enough to not bother others, you are just justifying what you want to do. We can hear the music and we can hear you talking (very loudly) over it. This is a societal problem; think of yourself and what you want before considering others.

golfjones

5 years ago

CK nails it. His is the most insightful and accurate analysis of the issue that I’ve read.

Like it or not, he’s correct. Even at low volume the music is still audible, and annoying. And it does require those playing the music to talk louder so they can be heard over the music.

As CK suggests, it is an issue of politeness and good manners. It is an example of the entitlement mentality: “I know it must irritate other golfers, but I don’t care. If they don’t like it, it’s just too bad.”

Don

4 years ago

Your correct but on the flip side some people’s voices are mor annoying and can be heard from 2-3 fairways away when speaking at a normal tone. I prefer to hear light music over an annoying voice. I walk when I play and my volume is low enough that it can’t be heard from 10′ away. I also ask my playing partners if they mind before I turn it on.

Ranger76

5 years ago

Alexis listening in on my private booty call exploits to my golf buddies? I think not!

Golfjones

5 years ago

OMG, give me a break from music. It seems I get it pumped into my ears everywhere–restaurants–shopping centers–the ballpark–offices–even the outdoor speakers are annoying me at the pro shop.

Let it be known that I love music and listen to it on a regular basis, but the golf course should be a refuge from the bombardment. It just doesn’t fit. One of the best aspects of playing golf is the disconnect from ordinary life, the immersion in the goal of playing well and concentrating on a shot.

My unwanted music is like your unwanted musid. Neither of us want to hear it. As the Steely Dan lyric states in their song “FM”–“somebody else’s favorite song.”

Jonathan

5 years ago

If you need to listen to music on the golf course use ear buds. You can listen as loud as you want and then I don’t have to listen to your crappy music.

KP

5 years ago

I use a Bose Revolve+. Great speaker. Awesome sound. Will last at least three rounds. Me and my buddies always play with tunes and love it. If we hook up with some strangers we always ask if they are ok with it. If we happen onto the group in front of us we turn it down. To all you “Sticks in the Mud” out there, loosen up. Life is too short to be a FAAKING grump.

Chris

5 years ago

I enjoy music on the golf course at at the same volume as in my car. Loud enough to hear it but quiet enough to have a conversation. It should only be heard within a few yards of your cart. If playing in a mixed group ask your playing partners opinion on if they enjoy music and what they would like to listen too, if they don’t keep it low enough they can’t hear. Bottom line be respectful to others and everyone is happy.
FWIW….I play a few times a month all over the Phoenix area and can not recall ever hearing music from anyone more that 20-30 yards away.

Pete

5 years ago

LOVE my JBL Clip 4. Directional audio means I can clip it inside my cart, hear my music but the second you get out and walk away to you ball, you can’t hear a thing. Anyone complaining about hearing music from 2 holes away is either lying or some half human/dog species. I have NEVER played a course where someone is just blasting music so loud everyone can hear. Get over yourselves. I may not be a fan of you chain smoking and smelling the smoke but guess what, you’re permitted to smoke on the course.

Mike Milburn

5 years ago

I am also not an old man and I play music every time I’m on the course. Bose Revolve with a Caddybuddy GoPro screw mount clamp. I love it by the way. I subscribe to the idea that my music is for me and I should be the only one listening to it. So, I do not play mine loud enough to hear from more than about 15-20 feet from the cart. If I have the course to myself, my wife and I will turn it up a little. My experience has been that most of the “Old Guys” like my father in law, can’t hear the damn thing once he leaves the cart anyway. But he still doesn’t want it out there even if he just is aware of it and still can’t hear it? To me, that’s just some kind generational rule that is silly. But when he is with me, no music.

Mike B

5 years ago

For all the curmudgeons out there, I’m almost 51 and have been listening to music on course for years. Yes it’s at a respectable level, and if playing partners don’t want to hear it, we don’t turn it off, we just stay well away, and tell them to do the same. We have actually converted some to the “dark side”. Now on to the test… I have the UE with Alexa, never use Alexa but it’s there, and I found it at a major electronics store. They had an online sale, went to the local store, and with their price match policy, bought it for $112! Same blue as in the test. Great speaker, great sound, loud and clear when needed/wanted. Had a BOSE prior to the UE, gave the BOSE away when I purchased the UE. Charge lasts 3+ rounds and even an additional car wash in the drive. Would definitely recommend UE, especially if research online for pricing is done. #ALWAYSWATCHING

Smogmonster

5 years ago

Love music but not on the course. Enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
I can assure you that nobody outside of your grouping wants to hear it. It’s all about being courteous to your fellow players.

Smokey

5 years ago

I Do Not Care About the best speaker on the course . They should not be allowed . I go to the course to enjoy the quite and concentrate on the game . I do not need to hear garth brooks or the rolling stones or some rapper from two holes away while I am tee off or putting . Dont get me wrong I enjoy all music but not while I am golfing . Keep The Volume down in your group if you are that desperate to hear that song . I DONT WANT TO HEAR IT . PLEASE . Kinda a Grumpy old guy but whats wrong with hearing the birds – bees and just nature while we golf or having a discussion with your foursome instead of some song blaring out of a speaker while everyone is putting . Rant over just dont believe these are necessary on the course

Marlin

5 years ago

Ecoxgear ecoedge is 49.00 at Costco. 20 watts, waterproof, 20 hour play, carabiner for bag, speaker phone and decent sound. Hard to beat that for the money.

Steve in Lakeside

5 years ago

Yup, add me to the Zero tolerance for music or any other distracting noise on a golf course vote.

And once you accept the basic premise that this is acceptable behavior, then where do you you draw the line?Would you insist on taking your bluetooth speaker into a place of worship during a service? Or how about playing ACDC or perhaps some OFFENSIVE RAP MUSIC in a nice, upscale restaurant during dinner service? Would you play it loud enough in those places that other patrons either enjoy your music or leave?

Inflicting your desire for music onto others in these places would be deemed crass and inappropriate, and frankly obnoxious. The fact is that sound often carries amazingly on a golf course, and it is an enormous distraction to other players, and having just shelled out serious bucks to play 18 holes on a golf course I’d like to think I’m entitled to the opportunity to enjoy it in peace and quiet, with the opportunity to concentrate fully on my play.

So you those of you who think you need music in order to enjoy a golf course, I recommend 2 options: 1) a good quality set of ear buds / headphones, or 2), take up 10 pin bowling.

Fozcycle

5 years ago

My wife gave me the Sony Extra Bass speaker a couple years ago. I have taken it to the course, but my partners did not want the music so I only use it at home……Terrific speaker! Great sound and battery life.

P.J.

5 years ago

I’m a huge music fan, but maybe not your music. If I wanted to hear your music on the course, I’d play it myself. Part of the “me” generation is the erosion of manners and self importance. I liken this to playing your car stereo so loud everyone hears it, whether they want to or not. I’m not old, nor a country clubber, but I am respectful.

Cap’n Z

5 years ago

The last thing I want to hear on a golf course is that someone was struck by lightning. The SECOND to last is music, period. I won’t play with anyone blaring music and my club will remove anyone doing so. If you need music so badly, play video games away from a golf course.

Galynne Davis

5 years ago

I agree completely. If YOU want to listen to music, great, but use headphones/ear buds. This is just plain being respectful of the environment you’re in and others on the course.

Henry

5 years ago

I personally use a Bose sound link color II and have it hanging on handles with some gear ties. I love the crisp clear sound!! which I keep to about a few feet from the cart. I have to admit that the optional music is a great way to enjoy a round of golf with friends. I do appreciate mother nature but sometimes we just need to “Turn it up”, besides I haven’t ran into anyone who has objected to having music playing if anything they want me to share my playlist – LOL

Peter G

5 years ago

I bought the Soundchuck Mini a month ago and it’s very versatile. The clip is big enough where you can clip it on the legs of a beach umbrella and relax in the sand. Fits nicely in a cart cup holder and I’m sure the sound quality could be better, but I love it. Great price too. Nicely done! Keep up the great work!

Matt

5 years ago

Love my JBL flip and Charge. Flip will fit right in the cup holder, is waterproof and can sync with up to 99 other jbl speakers at the neighborhood pool (currently we have 6 connected at once). Lasts for a couple rounds without needing a charge.

Jason

5 years ago

I am not an old man or a country clubber, but it is the highest form of arrogance and selfishness for your music to get into my golf. Play it all you want, but keep it so that only you can hear it.

ryebread

5 years ago

I agree with this viewpoint. One of the reasons that I play golf is to connect with nature. Nothing beats a nice walk on a sunny day with the birds chirping. I like music and all, but there’s a time and a place, and I don’t think the golf course is it. I don’t want to hear your favorite genre any more than you want to hear mine. If music is needed to enjoy the experience, then get some earphones.

Now, if it is kept at a level that we can’t hear it beyond the cart, then so be it. My experience hasn’t been that, but I’m not closed minded.

Dwayne

5 years ago

I’d be in the old man category but you are absolutely right.

Efforts should be made to contain any and all noise, yelling, music, etc.

Joey5Picks

5 years ago

100% agree. Music should be kept at a level where only your group can hear it. If your speaker is between your green and the next tee, mute it. The group ahead doesn’t want to hear it. Better yet, enjoy the quiet and conversation on the golf course.

Deacon

5 years ago

If you want to listen to music buy a set of ear buds and download the music to your cell phone. I personally prefer to enjoy nature when I golf and do not want to listen to someone else’s noise.

Vince

5 years ago

Totally agree, it’s about enjoying nature and conversations with playing partners. The golfcourse is no place for playing music as no doubt more people than yourself will hear it. I honestly do not understand the desire to ‘share’ your music with other golfers.

MArk M

5 years ago

Preaching to the choir Brother!
Yeah, I’d rather not have music on the course, but the reality is that players do it. I just wish they would have the courtesy to keep the level low. There is no way anyone a fairway or green away should have to hear it.

Vince

5 years ago

By the way, here in The Netherlands – I’ve never seen anyone with music playing on the course. Just saying….

Bob

5 years ago

Yep. Then again, I’m also not a fan of playing golf with guys who are three sheets to the wind on the course, either. People who want to turn my $20/$30/$40 game of golf into a day at the beach should just go to the beach.

John Lorimor

5 years ago

Wonderboom user here… the thing is really great sounding, and can be loud! Great bass! However, I did have the attachment loop break during my last round after 6 months of regular use. They might want to rethink that design.

Bucky CC

5 years ago

Had to laugh at the “ease of use” category. A ten way tie for 1st place and the poor little Bagboy bluetooth speaker alone in 11th.

Bryan

5 years ago

UE Wonderboom user here. Keep an eye out for some of the discontinued colors for a better deal. I saw some of the orangey/red and blue ones on sale at Best Buy for 60$ not long ago. Terrific speaker. Doesn’t completely sink all the way into a cupholder in carts but enough that I never worry about it falling out. It has taken a beating in the truck, drops, and survived lots of rain and beer spills with no issue. Best investment I made was a heavy duty locking carabiner clip for the little loop it has and it will attach to pretty much anything with no fear of being lost. Towel loop, pull cart, etc. Sound quality is phenomenal and suffers zero quality loss at max volume and for its size it bangs louder than speakers easily double it’s size. I cant recommend it enough. The 10 hour battery life is just icing. I feel like I barely ever need to charge it.

Scott

5 years ago

Thanks for the test MGS!
I’m 50+ and play most of my rounds with my friend who’s 60+ and we love to listen to some music while we’re playing. We always ask people that we’re paired up with if they mind some music at reasonable volume and have yet to have anyone say no outright. Some will say as long as you don’t play (insert genre here…rap, country, etc.), we’re fine. I use a Braven Balance (I see Braven is missing from the test) and it’s worked great for the last couple years. 16+ hour battery life, easy to connect and depending on the color you get, can be had for under $60.

Mat Davis

5 years ago

Scott, I also have been using a Braven 405 and love it. You can’t beat that battery life. You hardly ever have to charge the damn thing.

jlukes

5 years ago

I’m just here for the comments

HardcoreLooper

5 years ago

And that’s the best comment of the bunch.

TR1PTIK

5 years ago

How much of a difference is there in volume between the UE MEGABLAST and the UE WONDERBOOM?

What were the differences in features? Just Amazon Alexa?

The MEGABLAST can be purchased for a semi-reasonable amount, but the WONDERBOOM sure seems to offer a lot more value considering it can be had for as low as $70 on Amazon.

Dave Wolfe

5 years ago

Costco ran a deal on a pair of Wonderbooms not too long ago. Ballpark $100 for the pair, and they pair nicely together for play. Got a buddy who clips two of them under his clicgear console.

Bryan

5 years ago

I honestly don’t think anymore volume is needed than what the Wonderboom has. I rarely have it above 50% on the golf course and at times nearing other groups I still need to lower it a bit until i’m clear of them shooting. It’s very loud for it’s size. At that volume I can still hear my music pretty well from the putting green with the cart a ways off on the path.

TR1PTIK

5 years ago

Thanks for the replies. I have a Skullcandy Barricade Mini that I’ve been using for quite a while, but it occasionally has connectivity issues and I’d like to try an omnidirectional speaker. The WONDERBOOM seems like it’d be an exceptional replacement.

Mat Davis

5 years ago

Queue up the old men and country clubbers bitching about speakers on the golf courses…

SV677

5 years ago

That’s me. Nothing worse than listening to someone blast music from 3 holes away. And it does happen. Keep them at home by the pool.

Tom54

5 years ago

Totally agree. I’m fine if you want to play music as long as I can’t hear it when I’m more than 15 feet away from your cart. But when I’m 100 yards away and can clearly hear your playlist, I just don’t appreciate being subjected to your terrible taste in music.

Joey5Picks

5 years ago

I’m neither old, nor a “country clubber”, but don’t care for music on the golf course. Especially when a group thinks every within 2 holes wants to hear it. And more times than not, those playing their music too loud have bad taste in music, don’t fix ball marks (not that they make many), rake bunkers or replace divots.

David M

5 years ago

I love music on the course and so do all my buddies. Definitely a diverse group from a golf standpoint, but we all play well, play fast, and fix ball marks. To infer that people that listen to music on the course are somehow incapable of proper golf decorum is just ignorant and silly. I’ve been playing since I was 8 years old, I’m now 39. Music just makes me happy and loosens up the mood. But I always ask if people mind, keep it at a nice level, and always lower the volume as we approach other groups and holes. It’s just golf and meant to be fun. If you don’t agree, that’s 100% fine and I’ll skip it for the round. But music on the course is definitely a thing, at all ages and skill levels. If a little music and noise prevent you from having a nice time and playing well, you may be overthinking the entire golf experience. Just my two cents. Get out, relax and have some fun.

BAGGS

5 years ago

That is a big assumption there…

Dave

5 years ago

I don’t usually listen to music, but it doesn’t bother me if someone in my group does listen. Interestingly in June the private country club i belong to bought new carts that include bluetooth speakers. Despite the fact that the there are seemingly two volume settings (not loud enough to hear in the cart, and way too loud) there hasn’t been a lot of grumbling about them. The club’s average age is well over 50, and there are plenty of members who have been around for 20+ years, so it isn’t like this is a young crowd either.

BAGGS

5 years ago

Hey I am a country clubber and we sell speakers in the proshop! I view golf as a social activity. If I am playing with buddies and having a couple of adult bevys, music is playing…albeit not loud enough for people to hear it unless the come up next to me. If I am playing in a tournament or a match then yes I don’t play music. But good Lord, stop being curmudgeons and enjoy what golf was supposed to be. A social outing.

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